Marine Landscape Research Articles

Adaptation in the Anthropocene: How behavioural choice and colour change enables chameleon prawns to camouflage on non-native seaweeds.

Animals combine colour change and behavioural choices to enhance concealment and adapt to changes in habitat in time and space. However, non-native and invasive habitat-forming plants and seaweeds can change the landscape, challenging animals to remain camouflaged, especially when the colour of the new habitat differs from the native backgrounds.The chameleon prawn (Hippolyte varians) exhibits remarkable colour variation and effective camouflage against different native seaweeds in shallow tidepools. Individuals optimize crypsis by choosing colour-matching seaweeds and changing colour over time. In some locations, the prawn's native habitats are now replaced by non-native seaweeds of different coloration and structure, making it important to understand whether substrate choice and colour change facilitates the occupation of these seaweeds and enables prawns to camouflage against new backgrounds.Using image analysis and visual modelling of a fish predator, we assessed the colour variation and camouflage of chameleon prawns occupying the non-native seaweeds brown wireweed (Sargassum muticum) and pink harpoon weed (Asparagopsis armata) in southwest UK. We performed laboratory trials to examine whether prawns maintain their preference for colour-matching native substrates when given a choice between them and non-native seaweeds, and if they can change their coloration to improve camouflage against non-native substrates.Prawns exhibit phenotypic diversity and camouflage that varied with the non-native seaweed species, with low colour variation and effective camouflage on pink harpoon weed, but high colour diversity and reduced concealment against brown wireweed. Prawns choose non-native seaweeds when the alternative native substrate provides mismatching coloration, but they did not exhibit any preference between colour-matching native and non-native seaweeds. Once in non-native habitats, prawns change their appearance over a few days to match the background, sometimes faster than when changing on native seaweeds of contrasting coloration.Although human activities considerably modify the coloration of marine landscapes by increasing the establishment of non-native seaweeds, the impacts of those changes appear less severe for colour-changing species, such as chameleon prawns, and will depend on the similarity between the colour of the new substrates and the original native backgrounds, and how animals use behaviour and physiology to match new habitats.

PROGRESSO DO BRASIL NA IMPLEMENTAÇÃO DE ÁREAS COSTEIRAS E MARINHAS PROTEGIDAS COM FOCO NA META 11 DE AICHI

he rapid global loss of biodiversity has promoted initiatives to develop a global network of Protected Areas (PAs), with the Aichi targets suggesting that countries protect at least 17% of continental areas and 10% of marine and coastal areas. For Brazil, there is a knowledge gap regarding the evaluation of qualitative and quantitative objectives through practical indicators of goal achievement and effective management. This study holistically addresses the conservation status of Brazil concerning Aichi Target 11 for marine and coastal ecosystems, using systematic literature review and marine spatial coverage analysis. The results show an increase to 26% of marine spatial coverage, with greater coverage by Environmental Protection Areas. There is a predominance of studies on "Management Effectiveness," with less focus on equitable management and integration between terrestrial and marine landscapes. Indicators primarily focus on "Ecological" and "Governance" dimensions, neglecting "Social" and "Economic" dimensions. Key challenges include the need for increased financial investment, connectivity between protected areas with different social and ecological contexts, and local community involvement in equitable management. Additionally, there is a need for increased coverage of integral protection areas and standardization of qualitative assessments. Keywords: Protected areas; Management effectiveness; Aichi Target 11; Conservation policy; Coastal and marine systems.

Gathering and Cooking Seaweeds in Contemporary Ireland: Beyond Plant Foraging and Trendy Gastronomies

Seaweed has historically been essential for coastal communities worldwide. Following a period of decline in the last century, Ireland has seen a recent resurgence in the appreciation and use of seaweed. This research explores the evolution in seaweed foraging practices, with a specific focus on gastronomical uses in two Irish regions: the southwest and the west and midwest. It examines the diversity of seaweed and its present and past uses, comparing abandonment, continuation and revitalisation trajectories. Qualitative data were gathered through semi-structured interviews with 27 individuals who forage seaweed for commercial or personal use. We identified 22 seaweed species across the study areas, predominantly from the Fucaceae, Laminariaceae and Ulvaceae families. There was a fair divergence between the seaweed species used in the two study areas (16 seaweed species in the southwest region and 17 seaweed species in the west and midwest region), with 11 species mentioned in both areas. Different trajectories of resurgence were identified. In the west and midwest region, the revitalisation of local ecological and gastronomic knowledge related to seaweeds seems to be deeply entrenched in the territory’s historical legacy, showing a sort of continuation with the past and having followed a more commercially oriented path. Conversely, in the southwest region, the revival seems to be fostered by new knowledge holders with a contemporary interest in reconnecting with the marine landscape and promoting educational activities centred around seaweed. This research contributes to discussions on sustainable food systems and food heritage promotion, emphasising seaweed’s potential role in Irish coastal communities’ foodscapes.

Multi-element integrated design of marine landscape in sustainable smart ports

In the era of economic globalization and heightened international competition, the emergence of free trade zones has significantly increased regional openness, introducing both new opportunities and challenges for ports. This paper proposes the enhancement of intelligent design in the maritime landscapes of smart ports, with a focus on optimizing internal pathways and developing a predictive model to gauge the impact of smart port landscapes. Furthermore, the study delves into the assessment of risks in smart port supply chains, employing an innovative approach that integrates rough set theory and neural networks. This novel model significantly improves the accuracy of risk evaluation in port supply chains, thereby providing crucial decision support for port management. Additionally, the economic efficiency of smart ports is scrutinized using the Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) Malmquist index method. Through meticulous selection of research subjects, port efficiency indicators, and the DEA Malmquist index, this analysis offers a comprehensive insight into the economic operations of smart ports. This research not only offers guidance for port economic management but also establishes a framework for the sustainable development of smart ports, thereby ensuring their long-term viability.

The linkage of geological parameters to cultural diversity at Karangsambung-Karangbolong Geopark and surrounding area, Kebumen, Indonesia

Geopark has three main components: geological, biological, and cultural diversity. Cultural and biological diversity in geoparks does not stand alone but must be related to geological diversity. This study aims to determine the relationship between seven geological criteria (lithology, mining materials, elevation, slope, landscape, river distance, and groundwater/geohydrology) on the formation of culture in the Megalithic, Hindu-Buddhist, Islamic, and Colonial eras in the Karangsambung-Karangbolong Geopark and surrounding area. The analytical method used is a scoring and weighting process using Analytical Hierarchy Processes (AHP). Based on AHP analysis, many relationships exist between culture formation and geological conditions. In the early stages of cultural formation during the Megalithic and Hindu-Buddhist eras, the influence of geological criteria was more dominant than that in the Islamic and Colonial eras. In the Megalithic era, groundwater had an effect of 32.38%, with the main sub-criteria being wide productive aquifers, while river distance had an impact of 28.31%, especially at river distances less than 50 m. The very well-suited area correlated with the geological condition and had the highest percentage (29.03%). In the Hindu-Buddhist era, groundwater conditions were influenced by 36.05%, mainly due to the wide productive aquifer as a sub-criterion, while the distance of the river had an effect of 25.78%, especially when the river's length was less than 50 m. The percentage of the very well-suited area was 27.47%. The elevation criteria had a 34.68% influence in the Islamic era, especially at elevations <5 m. Mining material criteria influenced 24.34%. The level of very well-suited areas was 14.45%. The geomorphology had the most significant influence (37.17%) in the Colonial era, especially in the fluvial and marine landscapes. Mining materials had the second influence (24.18%). The very good suitability area accounted for 25.54%.

Analysis of multiyear seasonal spatial-temporal chlorophyll-a concentration dynamics in the coastal zone of north-western of the Sea of Japan

The coastal zone and shelf of the north-western of the Sea of Japan have high biological productivity. The vegetation of microalgae is realized due to insolation, nutrient input with river runoff and as a result of seasonal vertical mixing of water masses. Also, the productivity activity relates to the type of marine landscape. Phytoplankton assemblages are first-order food resources for zooplankton and the second for nekton (fish, mammals), and they also serve as a source of biological minerals from the decayed of their dead cell products, which as suspended particles (detritus) provide food for pelagic bacteria and bottom biocenoses. The vertical subdivision of the landscape - neritho-pelagial (coastal zone) of the studied part of the sea reflects a wide biological diversity represented by bottom communities of living organisms. The research objective of this article studied to analyze the spatial and temporal dynamics of chlorophyll-a concentration in phytoplankton in different landscape-bionomic areas in the north- western of the Sea of Japan for each season from 2003 to 2022’s. The article is used the landscape-bionomic and space monitoring data approaches. The known system of units of global zoning of ecoregions (sea basins) describes the natural features of the sea. The fundamental unit of regional zoning is coastal morphostructures or marine landscape which builds ecological conditions for hydrobionts. Space monitoring from the Aqua satellite, NASA, covers the upper layers of water at a wide resolution. Water surface temperature and chlorophyll-a concentration for 20 years (2003-2022's) are compared on the basis of satellite data. Practical significance: the paper discloses the links between landscape-bionomic areas and seasonal multiyear dynamics of temperature and phytoplankton productivity in the north- western of the Sea of Japan. The comprehensive approach will serve as a necessity for the rational use of aquatic biological resources. Moreover, satellite data can be applied to the construction of long-term forecasts of climate variability in the region.

해양 친수공간 활성화를 위한 테트라포드 부착형 태양광 LED 경관조명 디자인 연구

By applying solar LED landscape lighting to tetrapods, a type of sofa block installed to protect coastal facilities and block waves in marine waterfronts, it was proposed as an element that can increase the value of existing marine waterfronts, creating regional differentiation and urbanization. With the goal of researching a marine landscape lighting design that can express the identity of the company, we proposed three modular types of tetrapod-attached solar LED night landscape lighting designs using barnacles, an eco-friendly form, as a design motif, to create a tetrapod-attached solar LED design. presented the possibility of a differentiated waterfronts rather than physical control of problems arising from tetrapods.

From Dalmatia to the North Sea, and from Stonehenge to Artificial Intelligence

Vincent Gaffney (born in 1958) is a British archaeologist. In his 40-year career he has worked as a contract field archaeologist, museum curator, researcher and university professor at both Birmingham and Bradford. His expertise includes landscape archaeology, marine landscapes, remote sensing, GIS, computer visualization and communication. He has been awarded several prizes for his outstanding research achievements, among them the British Archaeological Award for the Best Book (2010) and European Archaeological Heritage Prize of the European Association of Archaeologists (2013), as well as an MBE in 2018, making him a Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire. His close collaboration with Slovene and Croatian archaeology dates from the mid-1980s and is still continuing.&#x0D;

CRIMEAN TRAVELOGUES BY LESYA UKRAINKA AND IVAN TRUSH: INTERMEDIAL PARALLELS

The Purpose of the Study is to present the results of the research on the artistic approaches undertaken by painter Ivan Trush and writer Lesya Ukrainka in capturing the multidimensional essence of Crimea. Both artists are prominent representatives of the Ukrainian modernistic culture of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. They paid great attention to the representation of natural and cultural landscapes that inspired European artists. For the first time, the subject of analysis in the article is a comparison of the Crimean discourse by representatives of different art forms, which is the Novelty of the Study. The Мethodology. The topic is comprehended through intermedial interpretation, which involves examining how various artistic forms interact and influence one another. Additionally, the study employs elements of imagological analysis as a branch of comparative studies, delving into cultural images and stereotypes presented in the artists’ works. The Conclusions. The paper proves that Lesya Ukrainka and Ivan Trush expanded the palette of national art with traveling motifs. The Crimean trips played an important role in shaping the creative personality of both authors. In several of their works, mirror impressions are captured through different art forms. Both Trush and Lesya Ukrainka proved to be masters of marine landscapes and mountain views. Both poeticized the exotic vegetation of the Crimea in their travelogues. The poet and painter discovered Crimean Tatar culture, which is represented by images of religious buildings and ethnic peculiarities of local people’s clothing. With their Crimean texts, Lesya Ukrainka and Ivan Trush significantly enriched the traditional picture of the Ukrainian world. The results acquired can serve as a foundational platform for subsequent scholarly inquiries into the intricate cultural interplay between Ukrainian and Crimean Tatar heritages, grounded in the analysis of visual and literary artistic expressions

International Legal Responses for Protecting Fishers’ Fundamental Rights Impacted by a Changing Ocean

Abstract Climate change directly impacts the marine landscape where fishers operate. Most fishers rely on fishing for food, income and/or employment. A changing ocean can therefore significantly impact fishers’ lives and hinder the full exercise of their rights of access to fisheries resources, rights to fish, to food, to work, to culture, and to a healthy, clean and sustainable environment. This article questions whether international law supports the protection of fishers’ fundamental rights in the changing ocean context. The authors begin by elucidating what such context means to fishers and their rights, taking special account of small-scale fishers and vulnerable groups. The obligations of States Parties to key instruments under the law of the sea and international climate change law, vis-à-vis States’ obligations under human rights treaties and other relevant international guidance, are explored with a view to furthering the protection of fishers impacted by a changing ocean.

The Marine Landscape of an Island Settlement 8.000 Years Old in the Aegean: A Comment on Global Warming-Looking Back

The Marine Landscape of an Island Settlement 8.000 Years Old in the Aegean: A Comment on Global Warming-Looking Back

Retracted] Marine Underwater Landscape Image Design Based on Bright Color Compensation and GAN Model Generation

Traditional denoising algorithms cannot effectively deal with these images with different blurriness and color deviation. Especially for underwater operations, the images are not clear, which makes it difficult for operators to act as agents. To solve this problem, this paper proposes a bright color compensation and fusion method. Underwater image enhancement algorithm uses generated countermeasure network (GAN). First, the original image is color compensated using the bright channel to obtain a color‐compensated image; then, adaptive contrast stretching is performed on the color‐compensated image to obtain a clear image with high contrast. It can be seen from the experiment that the PSNR of the marine landscape map can reach 21.9329, and the SSIM can reach 0.7329, which can provide useful help for the field of underwater image enhancement.

Status and future recommendations for recording and monitoring litter on the Arctic seafloor

Marine litter in the Arctic Basin is influenced by transport from Atlantic and Pacific waters. This highlights the need for harmonization of guidelines across regions. Monitoring can be used to assess temporal and spatial trends but can also be used to assess if environmental objectives are reached, for example, to evaluate the effectiveness of mitigation measures. Seafloor monitoring by trawling needs substantial resources and specific sampling strategies to be sufficiently robust to demonstrate changes over time. Observation and visual evaluation in shallow and deep waters using towed camera systems, remotely operated underwater vehicles, and submersibles are well suited for the Arctic environment. The use of imagery still needs to be adjusted through automation and image analyses, including deep learning approaches and data management, but will also serve to monitor areas with a rocky seafloor. We recommend developing a monitoring plan for seafloor litter by selecting representative sites for visual inspection that cover different depths and substrata in marine landscapes, and recording the litter collected or observed across all forms of seafloor sampling or imaging. We need better coverage and knowledge of status of seafloor litter for the whole Arctic and recommend initiatives to be taken for regions where such knowledge is lacking.

Walleye Pollock breach the Bering Strait: A change of the cods in the arctic

We used genetic techniques to identify gadids (cods) to species in the Pacific Arctic during a time of substantial physical change in the marine ecosystem between 2012 and 2019. The dominant fish species in the Chukchi Sea is Arctic Cod (Boreogadus saida); however, other gadids such as Saffron Cod (Eleginus gracilis), Pacific Cod (Gadus macrocephalus) and Walleye Pollock (Gadus chalcogrammus) have been observed. Two aims in this study were to evaluate the accuracy of at sea morphological identification (which can be difficult for juveniles) with genetic species identification and to document potential variation in species composition and distribution of gadids in the Pacific Arctic in response to changing environmental conditions. Microsatellite and mtDNA genetic results revealed that most B. saida collected in the Chukchi Sea in 2012 and 2013 were correctly identified at sea. Conversely, genetic results from samples collected in 2017 and 2019 revealed a large number of G. chalcogrammus and some G. macrocephalus and E. gracilis that were initially identified at sea as B. saida. The majority of misidentification occurred between B. saida and G. chalcogrammus. This study indicates a northward shift of G. chalcogrammus and B. saida during warmer conditions. In addition, juvenile Polar Cod (A. glacialis), which is not typically found in the Chukchi Sea and was not identified at sea, was genetically detected on 3 hauls on the northern Chukchi Shelf, outside of its documented distribution. Accurate species identification, especially during a time of changing marine landscapes, is not only important for survey abundance estimates but for downstream analyses as well. This emphasizes the value of implementing strategies for correct identification of the gadid species to better capture and monitor responses to varying and likely changing conditions. Our results provide strong evidence of distributional shifts and range expansions of gadid species in the Arctic, which may be the result of changing climactic conditions.

The Atlantic Ocean landscape: A basin-wide cluster analysis of the Atlantic near seafloor environment

Landscape maps based on multivariate cluster analyses provide an objective and comprehensive view on the (marine) environment. They can hence support decision making regarding sustainable ocean resource handling and protection schemes. Across a large number of scales, input parameters and classification methods, numerous studies categorize the ocean into seascapes, hydro-morphological provinces or clusters. Many of them are regional, however, while only a few are on a basin scale. This study presents an automated cluster analysis of the entire Atlantic seafloor environment, based on eight global datasets and their derivatives: Bathymetry, slope, terrain ruggedness index, topographic position index, sediment thickness, POC flux, salinity, dissolved oxygen, temperature, current velocity, and phytoplankton abundance in surface waters along with seasonal variabilities. As a result, we obtained nine seabed areas (SBAs) that portray the Atlantic seafloor. Some SBAs have a clear geological and geomorphological nature, while others are defined by a mixture of terrain and water body characteristics. The majority of the SBAs, especially those covering the deep ocean areas, are coherent and show little seasonal and hydrographic variation, whereas other, nearshore SBAs, are smaller sized and dominated by high seasonal changes. To demonstrate the potential use of the marine landscape map for marine spatial planning purposes, we mapped out local SBA diversity using the patch richness index developed in landscape ecology. It identifies areas of high landscape diversity, and is a practical way of defining potential areas of interest, e.g. for designation as protected areas, or for further research. Clustering probabilities are highest (100%) in the center of SBA patches and decrease towards the edges (&amp;lt; 98%). On the SBA point cloud which was reduced for probabilities &amp;lt;98%, we ran a diversity analysis to identify and highlight regions that have a high number of different SBAs per area, indicating the use of such analyses to automatically find potentially delicate areas. We found that some of the highlights are already within existing EBSAs, but the majority is yet unexplored.

Classification and mapping of marine-island landscape in Nam Yet Island, Truong Sa Islands, Vietnam

Classification and mapping of marine-island landscapes according to an integrated approach not only clarifies the structure and division of natural units of the sea areas but also creates a basis for the orientation of natural resource management resources, environmental protection, and conservation of marine-island biodiversity. The principles of marine-island landscape mapping are to define terminology and establish a classification system based on taxonomy and criteria. This article represents the establishment of marine-island landscape mapping of Nam Yet Island and adjacent water (scaled at 1:10000) through comprehensive work, including marine-island landscape classification, applied GIS - remote sensing, and field investigation in the two years of 2020-2021. Accordingly, the landscape classification system of the Nam Yet Island area includes 1 system, 1 subsystem, 4 classes, 6 subclasses, 10 types, 29 kinds, and 34 forms of landscape (of which 4 island forms and 30 marine forms). The units of the marine-island landscape fully express the natural components, anthropogenic factors, and biotic and abiotic factors in their relationship and interaction with each other. Depending on each corresponding level, the detailed level of components and landscape elements is shown, in which components and biological factors are studied and analyzed most fully. The research results have clarified the characteristics and the law of differentiation of the marine-island landscape in Nam Yet Island, contributing to supplementing knowledge about Truong Sa Islands of Vietnam, which is a scientific basis for resource management and biodiversity conservation, protecting the marine environment, and at the same time supplementing the theoretical basis for the study of the tropical monsoon tropical island and marine landscape, which has not yet been studied in Vietnam.

Broadscale Landscape Mapping Provides Insight into the Commonwealth of Dominica and Surrounding Islands Offshore Environment

A lack of data hinders effective marine management strategies for developing island states. This is a particularly acute problem for the Commonwealth of Dominica. Here we use publicly available remote sensing and model data to map their relatively unstudied waters. Two study areas were selected; a smaller area focussing on the nearshore marine environment, and a larger area to capture broader spatial patterns and context. Three broadscale landscape maps were created, using geophysical and oceanographic data to classify the marine environment based on its abiotic characteristics. Principal component analysis (PCA) was performed on each area, followed by K-means clustering. The larger area PCA revealed three eigenvalues &gt; 1, and one eigenvalue of 0.980. Therefore, two maps were created for this area, to assess the significance of including the fourth principal component (PC). We demonstrate that including too many PCs could lead to an increase in the confusion index of final output maps. Overall, the marine landscape maps were used to assess the spatial characteristics of the benthic environment and to identify priority areas for future high-resolution study. Through defining and analysing existing conditions and highlighting important natural areas in the Dominican waters, these study results can be incorporated into the Marine Spatial Planning process.

Rehabilitation of Marine Turtles and Welfare Improvement by Application of Environmental Enrichment Strategies.

Simple SummarySea turtles are vital members of the marine ecosystem since they contribute to keeping balance in such environments. Unfortunately, they are endangered species whose absence may be detrimental. Conservation efforts aim to preserve sea turtles both at the population and individual levels. Rescue and rehabilitation aim to reduce individual morbidity and mortality as a result of injuries mainly caused by interactions with humans, in order to preserve their genetic diversity and help maintain and/or increase their population size. Environmental enrichment (EE) is a set of methodologies aimed to improve animal welfare during captivity/rehabilitation. This review presents successful cases of sea turtle environmental enrichment and its applications to improve their welfare in captivity and to increase their fitness prior to release into the wild. EE is a valuable tool that enhances welfare during the captivity and/or rehabilitation of sea turtles and improves their chances of survival and reintegration back into wild populations upon release. EE may be adopted in rescue and rehabilitation facilities around the world to improve individual survival and help boost conservation efforts.Sea turtles perform various ecological services in several marine environments and are considered architects of the marine landscape. At present, they are endangered species due to anthropogenic threats, pollution and degradation of marine habitats. These impacts make it urgent to increase protection and conservation efforts. Protective actions include the rescue and rehabilitation of injured individuals as a result of their interactions with humans and other threats. Environmental enrichment (EE) is a series of techniques and methods aimed to improve the welfare of animals in captivity and/or under rehabilitation. It uses external stimuli to enhance their psychological and physiological wellbeing to promote natural abilities and behaviors. These may increase the survival chances of rehabilitated animals upon release in the wild. This review presents data of studies where EE has been applied during the rehabilitation processes of different species of sea turtles, and its effect on welfare improvement during captivity/rehabilitation and on survival after release into nature. Technologies such as satellite tags are an important means to determine rehabilitation success and survival of injured individuals from endangered species after release into the wild, as they allow tracking and monitoring of such individuals, and determine their location in areas used by their natural populations for feeding or breeding.

Estimating Socio-Cultural Services of Coastal Wetlands: A Case of Negombo Lagoon in Sri Lanka

Knowledge on social and cultural systems is essential for comprehensive understanding of ecosystem changes, monitoring biodiversity, development and implementation of resource management strategies. Social values of coastal landscapes reveal the attributes of locations and their relative importance for people. Aim of the study was to evaluate the cultural services and derive the monetary value of social landscape through valuing socio-cultural services of Negombo lagoon. A discrete choice experiment approach was used to estimate the individual’s preference towards social landscape by incorporating featured attributes. The individual preference was expressed through the marginal willingness to pay (MWTP) by integrating a monetary attribute into choice sets. Thus, the MWTP or the implicit price of social landscape attributes included in the choice task was estimated and then the total social landscape value was derived as 13,055 LKR per monthly per household. The social landscape values of Negombo lagoon demonstrated the important ecological, and socio-cultural knowledge, which should be integrated as guiding policies in ecosystem conservation and management strategies. Further, the challenging management paradigm for coastal and marine landscape of Negombo lagoon, and associated services should contain not only the biological and physical benefits but also socio- cultural values too.

ROV assessment of mesophotic fish and associated habitats across the continental shelf of the Amathole region

Understanding how fish associate with habitats across marine landscapes is crucial to developing effective marine spatial planning (MSP) in an expanding and diversifying ocean economy. Globally, anthropogenic pressures impact the barely understood temperate mesophotic ecosystems and South Africa’s remote Amathole shelf is no exception. The Kei and East London region encompass three coastal marine protected areas (MPAs), two of which were recently extended to the shelf-edge. The strong Agulhas current (exceeding 3 m/s), which runs along the narrow shelf exacerbates sampling challenges. For the first time, a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) surveyed fish and their associated habitats across the shelf. Results indicated fish assemblages differed between the two principle sampling areas, and across the shelf. The number of distinct fish assemblages was higher inshore and on the shelf-edge, relative to the mid-shelf. However, the mid-shelf had the highest species richness. Unique visuals of rare Rhinobatos ocellatus (Speckled guitarfish) and shoaling Polyprion americanus (wreckfish) were collected. Visual evidence of rhodolith beds, deep-water lace corals and critically endangered endemic seabreams were ecologically important observations. The ROV enabled in situ sampling without damaging sensitive habitats or extracting fish. This study provided information that supported the Amathole MPA expansions, which extended protection from the coast to beyond the shelf-edge and will guide their management. The data gathered provides baseline information for future benthopelagic fish and habitat monitoring in these new MPAs.