Geomorphology, benthos, and habitats in the Primeiras and Segundas Environmental Protected Area, Mozambique

Luisa Teixeira, Martin Nilsson, Aurélie Shapiro, Lara Cristina Muaves

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingBook chapterResearchpeer-review

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 languageEnglish
Title of host publicationSeafloor Geomorphology as Benthic Habitat
Subtitle of host publicationGeoHab Atlas of Seafloor Geomorphic Features and Benthic Habitats
PublisherElsevier
Pages373-383
Number of pages11
ISBN (Electronic)9780128149607
ISBN (Print)9780128149614
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2019 Jan 1
Externally publishedYes

Subject classification (UKÄ)

  • Ecology

Free keywords

  • bathymetry
  • benthic habitats
  • coral reef
  • Earth observation
  • geomorphology
  • object-oriented classification
  • very high-resolution imagery

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