Western Port Bryozoan Reefs Research Project – Report 3: macrofauna biodiversity
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Summary
A unique bryozoan reef biotope has been formally described in Western Port, Victoria, Australia for the first time. The Western Port Bryozoan Reefs Research Project is a multidisciplinary project funded by AGL, The Port Phillip and Westernport Catchment Management Authority, La Trobe University and Fathom Pacific Pty Ltd. The project is investigating various abiotic and biological aspects of the reefs.
The present report focuses on the study of macrofauna biodiversity. This study aimed to document the diversity of bryozoans and co-occurring species. It also contributed to the following objectives: investigating and quantifying threatening processes and vulnerability, and establishing conservation values. In this study, the reefs demonstrated significantly high species richness and abundance compared to immediately neighbouring habitats.