A novel use of Stereo Baited Remote Underwater Video and Drop-Down Video for biodiversity and marine landscape mapping and prediction

PLOS ONE | https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0319355 April 3, 2025 14 / 23 PLOS ONE Marine landscape and biodiversity mapping using SBRUVs and DDV The four areas with the highest predicted biodiversity are in areas where there is a high mix of substratum types, with lower diversity found in areas of extended mud (Fig 13). All patches of substratum are shown to be more fragmented than originally predicted in 2013 apart from burrowed mud which is comparable. Discussion In order to identify and monitor the factors which contribute to improving the quality of the seabed and its diversity, high resolution benthic substratum layers are needed. This study shows that comprehensive fine-scale mapping of demersal and epibenthic composition rele- vant to landscape scale monitoring is possible using a combination of video techniques. These subsequent maps can then be used to extract valuable landscape metrics, examine and map biodiversity, and compare biodiversity between different fishing management areas. [48,75]. Resolving the extent, and fragmentation of features also provides a means to assess whether Marine Protected Areas conserve or restoration objectives have been achieved. With increas- ing interest in the marine biodiversity credit sector offering a possible source of conservation funding [76], accurate mapping of benthic areas with benthic and epibenthic biodiversity is of importance. The success or failure of the any such undertaking will hinge on the design being supported by rigorous scientific data for the size and location of conservation credit area

placement, the enforcement of management, and adequate resources [77,78]. The method Fig 10. Inverse Simpson’s diversity index for each substratum and pairwise comparison. Inverse Simpson’s diversity index of each substratum. Pair wise comparisons made between substrata regarding biodiversity indicate statistical signif- icance difference between algae to mud and sand to mud. Each datapoint is one SBRUV station, categorised by the most common substratum type observed. Blue crosses denote the median and bars indicated the mean, boxplot width denotes number of data points. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0319355.g010