Sink, K. J., Boshoff, W., Samaai, T., Timm, P. G. and Kerwath, S. E. (2006) Observations of the habitats and biodiversity oft he submarine canyons at Sodwana Bay. South African Journal of Science, 102 (9-10). pp. 466-474.

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Abstract

The discovery of coelacanths, Latimeria chalumnae, in Jesser Canyon off Sodwana Bay in northern KwaZulu-Natal in 2000 triggered renewed interest in the deep subtidal habitats associated with submarine canyons. Information stemming from three recreational Trimix diving expeditions in Wright and Jesser canyons between April 1998 and June 2001 revealed distinct and diverse invertebrate and fish communities in the canyons of the Greater St Lucia Wetland Park (GSLWP). In total, 69 invertebrate taxa were collected from Wright Canyon, including at least 15 new records for South Africa plus 11 potential new species and 16 range or depth extensions. Divers documented the first five coelacanth specimens and obtained information on fish distribution and abundance. Five different habitat types were recognized supporting distinct biological communities; the sandy plains outside of the canyons, scattered rock outcrops within the sandy plains, the canyon margin, canyon walls and caves and overhangs. The canyon margin is the richest habitat and supports dense communities of invertebrate suspension feeders, as well as a diverse and abundant fish fauna. Dominant canyon invertebrates included sponges, black corals, gorgonians, alcyonarian soft corals and stylasterine lace corals. These invertebrates support a diverse epifauna including basket- and brittlestars, winged oysters and other molluscs. The canyons within the GSLWP protect large populations of commercially important

Document Type:	Article
Keywords:	habitat, biodiversity, submarine canyons, Sodwana Bay, JAGO
Refereed:	Yes
Open Access Journal?:	Yes
Publisher:	NOAA
Expeditions/Models/Experiments:	Network JAGO
Date Deposited:	11 Sep 2017 09:12
Last Modified:	27 Feb 2019 12:32
URI:	https://oceanrep.geomar.de/id/eprint/39247

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