Scleractinian corals, primarily plate corals in families Agaricidae and Acroporidae, were monitored in situ before, during and after a 3D marine seismic survey. An initial four day seismic run, resulting in a maximum 24 h received sound exposure level (SEL24) of 204 dB re 1 μPa2·s and received 0-to-peak pressure (PK Pressure) of 226 dB re 1 μPa, had no detectable effect on soft tissues or skeletal integrity. Subsequently, a full marine seismic survey (Maxima 3D MSS), proceeded over two months and included seismic acquisition lines at 240 m spacing over the broader reef lagoon (South Scott Reef), generating maximum received SEL24 of 197 dB re 1 μPa2·s and received PK Pressure of 220 dB re 1 μPa at the coral monitoring sites. The analysis detected no effect of seismic activity measured as coral mortality, skeletal damage or visible signs of stress immediately after and up to four months following the 3D marine seismic survey.

Depth range
30- 50 m

Mesophotic “mentions”
5 x (total of 4158 words)

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

Fields
Disturbances

Focusgroups
Scleractinia (Hard Corals)

Locations
Australia - Western Australia

Platforms
Surface-deployed sensors and samplers
Drop / Towed Video