Abstract We analyzed 75,349 video frames to compare megabenthos assemblages between four types of geomorphic features on Australia’s western continental margin (2,000 km, ~100–1,000 m depths): undifferentiated shelf and slope, canyons, and one peak. These features were evaluated for their surrogacy potential in the context of an ecologically based, hierarchical habitat classification scheme. On this margin, characterized by few geomorphic feature types, megabenthos assemblages differed markedly between pro­ vinces—subdivisions of the marine environment determined by regional scale oceano­ graphy and differences in fauna—and between bathomes (depth zones); however, they showed weak relationships with geomorphic features. We conclude that, while some geomorphic features have high potential to act as surrogates for biodiversity at inter­ mediate spatial scales, a hierarchical context is necessary to define and validate them within a larger, biogeographical context.

Depth range
80- 1100 m

Mesophotic “mentions”
1 x (total of 5023 words)

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

Fields
Biodiversity
Ecology
Geomorphology

Focusgroups
Overall benthic (groups)

Locations
Australia - Western Australia

Platforms
Acoustic Telemetry
Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV)