This paper contributes to a better understanding of geophysical characteristics and benthic communities in the Hopkins site in Victoria, Australia. An automated decision tree classification system was used to classify substrata and dominant biotic communities. Geophysical sampling and underwater video data collected in this study reveals a complex bathymetry and biological structure which complements the limited information of benthic marine ecosystems in coastal waters of Victoria. The technique of combining derivative products from backscatter and bathymetry datasets was found to improve separability for broad biota and substrate categories over the use of either of these datasets alone.

Depth range
11- 48 m

Mesophotic “mentions”
1 x (total of 4669 words)

Classification
* Presents original data
* Focused on 'mesophotic' depth range
* Focused on 'temperate mesophotic ecosystem'

Fields
Biodiversity
Methods and Technology

Focusgroups
Overall benthic (groups)

Locations
Australia - Southeastern Australia

Platforms
Drop / Towed Video
Sonar / Multibeam