Life on the seabed

Introduction

An investigation into how well demersal fish richness can act as a surrogate for epibenthic richness. Published 2015.

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Summary

This study investigated whether existing fisheries survey data and environmental data could accurately predict seabed diversity.

Seabed diversity surveys were carried out at two large sites (Challenger Plateau and Chatham Rise) and two small sites (Spirit’s Bay and Bay of Islands). The results of these surveys were compared to predictions based on mathematical models using combinations of environmental and fisheries survey data.

It was found that the modelled results did not accurately represent seabed diversity.  

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