Hermatypic corals of Ashmore Reef and Cartier Island, north-western Australia

Updated: 2017-11-20

In September 1986, the hermatypic corals at 20 sites at Ashmore Reef and 4 sites at Cartier Island were surveyed. Sites were selected to encompass the range of habitats available, which included reef flat, sand flat, lagoon, outer reef slope and deep reef areas.Surveys were primarily undertaken using SCUBA, which was supplemented by snorkelling and reef walking. The purpose of this research was to compile an accumulative species inventory, with the aim of reaching a complete list for Ashmore Reef and Cartier Island. The hermatypic coral surveys were a component of marine fauna surveys conducted by the Western Australian Museum.