Abstract

Underwater Autonomous Vehicles (AUVs) were only recently developed into functional instruments for examining and biomonitoring seabed features because they provide image acquisition and geophysical sensing. In this research, we aimed to assess the potential of an AUV in mapping benthic habitats and biodiversity in coastal and offshore regions of southeast Tasmania by AUV imagery and high-resolution multibeam bathymetric imaging from the vessel. The AUV monitored different marine habitats and life forms, including highly productive kelp rocky reefs, mid-shelf deep rocky reefs, and some sedimentary environments that are otherwise difficult to reach. To evaluate the broaderscale spatial distribution of these habitats, the AUV survey data were fused with more extensive multibeam surveys. Data collected by the AUV markedly improved the understanding of the spatial distribution of benthic habitats and marine life in the study, which subsequently aids in wiser management and protection decisions. In the document’s example, initial data showed the distribution of an introduced freshwater species Maoricolpeus roseus New Zealand screw shell, previously documented in the vicinity of the rocky reefs. Still, they now found in higher densities throughout the southeast shelf. Combining AUV data with broad-scale mapping allowed us to measure the relationships between biological and physical variables, which could be used to construct predictive models for regional biodiversity. The study shows how effective the AUV is as an innovative tool for spatially repeatable surveys. It demonstrates the effectiveness of these techniques for monitoring remote regions, particularly for surveying and managing biodiversity within newly established Commonwealth Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). Additionally, this method could be useful for climate change studies, tracking invasive species, monitoring the impact of fishing, and assessing marine ecosystems' uniqueness and representativeness.

Keywords: Autonomous underwater vehicles, Biological, Physical characteristics, Geophysical, Marine protected areas, And Marine ecosystems