Researchers dive in for marine insights

Unexpected visions of South West marine life have been captured out from Contos beach via baited remote underwater video systems as part of a research trip by The University of Western Australia.

UWA Marine Biodiversity Hub lead researcher Dr Tim Langlois said the visions were captured as part of a benchmarking project for the new marine parks of the South West.

“It is very interesting for us to track and see what is actually happening in these marine park zones where fish are protected from fishing and disturbance,” Dr Langlois said. “It’s important to discover the biodiversity and benchmark it, so we can see what happens in the future, and use that information to inform the management of the marine park, but also show people so they can appreciate it.”

Busselton Jetty marine biologist Sophie Teede said information from the projects provided a reference point for the future.

“The project discoveries of very deep seagrass meadows and plentiful demersal fishes in these offshore areas show the importance of these species in the functioning of the whole ecosystem,” she said.

The UWA research team worked with traditional owners and national collaborators from the Marine Biodiversity Hub as well as Parks Australia to collect the vision.