Marine benthos of caves, archways, and vertical reef walls of the Poor Knights Islands : A Poor Knights Islands Marine Reserve study

Abstract

A detailed survey of vertical reef walls around the Poor Knights Islands was carried out. In particular, the unusual habitats of caves and archways were investigated. The survey assessed the resource of benthic encrusting communities and associated fish and mobile invertebrate life. These habitats are popular diving locations and many of the inhabitant species are rare or sensitive to disturbance.