The coral and communities at the AIMS Long Term Monitoring (LTM) sites at Scott Reef, Seringapatam and Rowley Shoals were re-surveyed, following periodic surveys since 1994. In addition to the Proposed Field Program, the following work was completed: Benthic LTM surveys at three additional sites at Scott Reef. Coral species diversity surveys at four additional sites at Scott Reef. Benthic LTM surveys of coral communities at 13 sites in the deep lagoon (20-60m) at South Reef using ROV. Colony size-frequency surveys at six sites at Scott Reef. Genetic samples of surviving Seriatopora hystrix from 7 sites at Scott Reef. Additional temperature loggers and current metres deployed at Rowley Shoals. Video and photographic documentation of the Rowley Shoals, in water and from air using drones This project is a co-investment between Woodside Energy Ltd (WEL) and AIMS, in order to build scientific knowledge at Scott Reef, Seringapatam and Rowley Shoals and was undertaken between 4th – 25th November 2017.

In August/September 1993, surveys of coral community composition and structure were carried out at Scott Reefs (North Scott Reef and South Scott Reef) and two reefs in the Rowley Shoals group (Mermaid Reef and Clerke Reef).Coral communities were surveyed at a total of 94 sites, using a semi-quantitative visual survey method and a subset of these sites were surveyed using a video belt transect technique. Sites were areas of around 100-300 m², arranged along cross-reef profiles on the reef flats in a depth range of 0.5-2 m and on the slopes or adjacent reef floor at 4-6 m and 8-12 m. Aerial photography was used to assist in selection of study areas.During each visual survey a detailed list of coral species was made and the relative abundance of each taxa, as a percentage of total macro-benthos, was estimated. The site descriptors recorded were maximum and minimum depth (measured); and subjective estimates of the following: slope; percentage cover of hard substrate; percentage cover of major benthic groups (hard coral, soft coral, macro algae and sponge); percentage cover of substratum categories (platform; large blocks; small blocks; rubble; gravel; sand). An additional 4 sites were surveyed, without recording detailed species lists.A Sony Hi 8 video camera was used to film five replicate 20 m long belt transects about 40 cm wide, within each of the 3 depth ranges, in a sub-set of the sites used for visual surveys. Estimates of percent cover of hard coral, soft coral, algae and bare substratum were made using point sampling of the video tape. At 25 regularly spaced pauses along each video tape, the identity of each item under five points marked on the screen of the TV monitor (one near each corner and one in the centre) was recorded. Percent cover estimates were used to estimate the heterogeneity of the bottom cover as a basis for designing an appropriate sample protocol for a future monitoring program. The visual surveys were carried out to determine whether recognisable, taxonomically consistent assemblages of coral species occurred at the shallow water study sites and to determine the approximate spatial extent of these corals. The surveys were also used to provide detailed taxonomic descriptions of the coral communities at the sites where the video transects were recorded. These surveys were the first quantitative assessments of coral community structure on northwest Australian offshore reefs, previous coral surveys being largely concerned with taxonomic and biogeographic problems.The information collected during this survey formed the basis of of site selection for the subsequent long-term monitoring project.

Water Quality Data from the AIMS Long Term Monitoring Program. Water and sediments (another dataset) were sampled at the same sites adjacent to all 52 reefs where fish and benthic transects are conducted. Sampling occurs in open water within 500 metres of the reef, on both sides (north and south flanks) of the reef. Sampled reefs occur throughout the Great Barrier Reef, and the reefs of the North West coast of Australia. To track change. Data recorded includes temperature, salinity, Secchi depth, suspended solids, silicates, ammonium, nitrite, dissolved nitrogen (organic, inorganic and total), dissolved phosphorus (organic, inorganic and total), chlorophyll-a and phaetophytin pigments. Observations commenced in August 1990 and ceased in 1996.

Ten current meter moorings, a weather station, two tide gauges and 45 temperature loggers were deployed at Scott Reef, prior to the coral spawning event in March, 2003 and recovered in June, 2003. In addition to moored instruments, surface drifters were deployed to map surface circulation. CTD casts were also made. Arrays of instruments were deployed to quantify patterns of water circulation and stratification in the vicinity of Scott Reef. Surface drifters were deployed to observe both the local fine scale circulation in the immediate vicinity of Scott Reef, and to better understand the potential connectivity between reef systems along this region of the West Australian North West Shelf and possible transport of spawned material. The goal was to elucidate key physical oceanographic mechanisms influencing observed temporal and spatial variability of coral recruitment and coral bleaching at Scott Reef.As part of this study a preliminary depth-averaged hydrodynamic model was developed and applied to describe in broad detail the major features of depth averaged tidal circulation. This research is the "Physical Environment" sub-project of the project "Biological and Physical Environment at Scott Reef 2003"

Towed Video transects + Digital Stills SloVid Digital Stills Shallow and Deepwater BRUVs CTD casts Multibeam sonar ARP7 Reefs Trip 6903 To characterise the status of and natural temporal variability in sessile benthic biota and associated fish communities, across the plateau areas around Browse Island and its deeper waters. The project will provide a reference dataset, updated seasonally for two years, for the status of key biodiversity indicator habitats around Browse Island.

Improved understanding of the physical and biological characteristics of the Rowley Shoals. Contribute to the modelling of oceanography and/or water quality of the region. Access to reliable time-series data on temperature trends is important in understanding reef ecology, vulnerability of coral communities, bleaching thresholds and community structure. Part of a wider national project: "Seatemps". Financial contributors are; AIMS, GBRMPA, CRC Reef Research Centre, Ports Corporation of QLD, Department of Environment and Heritage, NSW Marine Park Authority. DEC's involvement: DEC will provide technical advice regarding the positioning of the loggers at Clerke and Imperieuse reefs. Through the MOU between DEC and DEH, DEC staff may be involved with the deployment and maintenance of the loggers.

Towed Video transects + Digital StillsSloVid Digital StillsCTDBRUVSSBRUVSEcho SounderDrone ImagerySediment Samples (CSIRO) ARP7 Reefs Trip 6684To characterise the status of and natural temporal variability in sessile benthic biota and associated fish communities, across the plateau areas around Browse Island and its deeper waters. The project will provide a reference dataset, updated seasonally for two years, for the status of key biodiversity indicator habitats around Browse Island.

Towed Video transects + Digital StillsSloVid Digital StillsCTDBRUVSSBRUVSEcho SounderSediment Samples (CSIRO) ARP7 Reefs Trip 6578To characterise the status of and natural temporal variability in sessile benthic biota and associated fish communities, across the plateau areas around Browse Island and its deeper waters. The project will provide a reference dataset, updated seasonally for two years, for the status of key biodiversity indicator habitats around Browse Island.

Coral communities were surveyed at 15 sites across northern Arnhem Land in 2003.Assessments were made using the following methods:1. making collections and records using SCUBA2. underwater still photography3. video photographyOnly corals requiring taxonomic study were collected. Corals were labelled, cleaned in chlorine bleach, and studied aboard ship. Specimens of continuing interest were sent to the Australian Institute of Marine Science. These specimens were intended to indicate what further study is required; they were not adequate for comprehensive species descriptions.Where opportunity permitted, a list of species for each site was compiled by scuba diving. This work was restricted as follows:1. coral collecting was not undertaken at some sites in accordance with the wishes of local aboriginal communities2. scuba diving was not undertaken at some sites due to the proximity of crocodilesSite descriptions included observations relating to substrate type, turbidity, exposure to wave action, coral cover (%), bleaching, crown-of-thorns starfish, coral disease and general condition of the site. The objectives of this survey were:1. to prepare site descriptions including estimates of coral cover and indications of general benthos diversity2. to prepare a table of species by site for corals for all sites studied3. to provide a description of site conditions, including indication of damage by human or natural events, disease and/or predation4. to provide a general interpretation of data collected and to place Arnhem Land corals into context with coral distributions elsewhere in Australia This research was supported by the National Oceans Office.

Towed Video transects + Digital Stills SloVid Digital Stills CTD BRUVS SBRUVS Echo Sounder Wave Glider Sediment Samples (CSIRO) ARP7 Reefs Trip 6823 To characterise the status of and natural temporal variability in sessile benthic biota and associated fish communities, across the plateau areas around Browse Island and its deeper waters. The project will provide a reference dataset, updated seasonally for two years, for the status of key biodiversity indicator habitats around Browse Island.