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Analysis of the community structure of subtidal reefs at Cape Armitage (species composition of invertebrates and fish, sediment spicule mat depth, sediment type, sedimentation rates and tissue sampling for analysis)

Entry ID: K054_1987_1989_NZ_1

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Summary

Abstract: A dive site was selected at Cape Armitage to conduct a marine benthos survey. The water was approximately 25m deep and the bottom was found to be rocky and inhabited by sponges. Other sites were dived to carry out a survey and assess the area for further work. These sites included Pram Point, Turtle Rocks, the reef drop off adjacent to McMurdo Station and the reverse osmosis hole at Scott Base. ... To survey the marine benthos, two 10m x 10m squares were marked on the sea floor. Within each site, 6 random 1square meter quadrats were surveyed. All organisms within each quadrat were counted and measured. To survey larger, less abundant species, five strip transects were monitored within each site. Each transect was 1m x 10m in area and all large invertebrate species were counted and measured. Their positions on the transect was plotted to allow a future survey aimed at assessing the longevity of large sponges. Sediment spicule mat depth and consistency was also recorded. Sediment type and depth was measured. Three replicate sediment samples were taken to characterize the substrate and rates of sedimentation were determined by installing sediment traps. The site was resurveyed and photographed a year later, with the identity and number of all the species found within each quadrat recorded. Each species sizes were re-measured. Fish counts were also made within both sites. Three 10m x 2m corridors were surveyed within each site and all fish were counted and identified. During both seasons, samples of each species were collected for biochemical investigations. In the first season, 35 benthic species were collected for bioassay of antiviral/antitumour activity. Most of these were benthic encrusting invertebrates. In the second season, 150g of each species found on the reef was collected to test for heterogeneity in each species biochemistry. A 50g sample of all but the rarest species was taken. A small portion was used as a voucher specimen and the remainder frozen. Using this method, little mortality was induced as the basal portion together with at least two thirds of erect portions of each individual was left intact. (Most benthic invertebrates heal quickly and the excised tissue is rapidly replaced). Each species was photographed in situ and again in the laboratory. Colour, texture, consistency, etc was recorded immediately and notes were taken relating to the specimen's ecology and physiology.

Geographic Coverage

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Spatial coordinates

N: -77.85

S: -77.85

E: 166.67

W: 166.67

Temporal Coverage

Start Date: 1987-11-05

Stop Date: 1987-11-18

Start Date: 1988-10-14

Stop Date: 1988-11-24

Location Keywords

CONTINENT > ANTARCTICA

CONTINENT > ANTARCTICA > ROSS ISLAND

CONTINENT > ANTARCTICA > CAPE ARMITAGE

GEOGRAPHIC REGION > POLAR

Science Keywords

BIOLOGICAL CLASSIFICATION > ANIMALS/VERTEBRATES > FISH > RAY-FINNED FISHES
BIOLOGICAL CLASSIFICATION > ANIMALS/INVERTEBRATES

ISO Topic Category

BIOTA

Platform

FIELD SURVEYS

FIELD INVESTIGATION

Data Set Progress

COMPLETE

Data Center

Antarctica New Zealand, New Zealand Antarctic Institute, New Zealand

Data Center URL: http://www.antarcticanz.govt.nz/

Data Center Personnel
Name: SHULAMIT GORDON Phone: +64 3 358 0200 Fax: +64 3 358 0211 Email: s.gordon at antarcticanz.govt.nz Contact Address: Antarctica New Zealand Private Bag 4745 City: Christchurch Country: New Zealand

Personnel

CHRIS BATTERSHILL

Role: INVESTIGATOR

Phone: +61 (07) 4753 4431

Fax: +61 (07) 4772 5852

Email: c.battershill at aims.gov.au

Contact Address:

Australian Institute of Marine Science

PMB 3, Townsville MC

City: Townsville

Province or State: Queensland

Postal Code: 4819

Country: Australia

CEISHA POIROT

Role: DIF AUTHOR

Phone: +64 3 358 0200

Fax: +64 3 358 0211

Email: c.poirot at antarcticanz.govt.nz

Contact Address:

Antarctica New Zealand

Private Bag 4745

City: Christchurch

Country: New Zealand

SHULAMIT GORDON

Role: DIF AUTHOR

Phone: +64 3 358 0200

Fax: +64 3 358 0211

Email: s.gordon at antarcticanz.govt.nz

Contact Address:

Antarctica New Zealand

Private Bag 4745

City: Christchurch

Country: New Zealand

Publications/References

Battershill, C. 1992 Icy sponges. New Zealand science monthly 3(10): 8-9

Creation and Review Dates

DIF Creation Date: 2009-05-21

Last DIF Revision Date: 2009-06-06

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