Teams visited 17 monitoring sites in 2017. Transects are co-located with UQ Remote Sensing Research Centre survey sites. At these survey sites geo-referenced benthic photo-transects are conducted. The collected field data is used in combination with high spatial resolution satellite imagery to provide additional condition data to complement benthic community maps of Heron Reef developed by RSRC.
CoralWatch Coral Health Chart surveys are also collected to specifically assess coral colour as an indicator of coral stress.
Since 2016, our dataset has been used as annual supplementary marine condition information for the Fitzroy Basin Report Card by Fitzroy Partnership for River Health. Environmental report cards are designed to distil complex scientific knowledge along with multiple datasets to determine status and trend of catchment and marine health. This initiative provides regionally relevant reef health information for the Reef Plan Marine Monitoring Program. See the results from 2017.
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