Abstract
The Primeiras and Segundas archipelagos are a string of coralline islands in northern Mozambique. The presence of upwelling, clockwise and anticlockwise eddies, and the influence of Zambezi river’s discharge result in nutrient and biodiversity dispersion along the coastline and a connection between Mozambique’s southern and northern reef systems. The fringing spur and groove reef structure and relative substrate distribution are consistent throughout the two archipelagos. However, due to differing anthropogenic pressures, the state of the archipelagos varies. The southern islands are considered to be in good condition, while the northern islands are in poor condition. According to observations gathered in the past decades, the condition in both archipelagos is considered stable. A total of 9 algae species, 8 seagrass species, 103 coral species, and more than 160 fish species have been observed in the region since 1999 and preliminary results indicate that complex, heterogeneous zones could be used as surrogates for species diversity.
Original language | English |
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Title of host publication | Seafloor Geomorphology as Benthic Habitat |
Subtitle of host publication | GeoHab Atlas of Seafloor Geomorphic Features and Benthic Habitats |
Publisher | Elsevier |
Pages | 373-383 |
Number of pages | 11 |
ISBN (Electronic) | 9780128149607 |
ISBN (Print) | 9780128149614 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 2019 Jan 1 |
Externally published | Yes |
Subject classification (UKÄ)
- Ecology
Free keywords
- bathymetry
- benthic habitats
- coral reef
- Earth observation
- geomorphology
- object-oriented classification
- very high-resolution imagery