Birds

Outputs from the SfM process include: an ‘orthomosaic’ showing the entire 20m*5m plot in 2D; a ‘digital elevation model’ which shows the relative heights of the reef (red represents high points and blue are cracks and crevices - low points); and a 3D visual representation of the reef. As the analytical tools that work with SfM develop, it will become possible to track the fate of individual colonies over time. Use of SFM is very computer intensive, and TRSDC is installing high powered computer servers to support this need.

As SfM technology improves, we will use it to:

• Track and measure individual coral colonies over time to determine change

• Track coral recruitment (coral larvae growing into adult coral) to determine success and growth rates

• Measure the complexity (or roughness) of the reef to assess changes in structure from growth, erosion, or damage

• Evaluate the condition of corals to track disease, predation, bleaching or other changes to health

• Monitor invertebrates to gain understanding about grazing and predation in the coral community.

Location of SfM surveys conducted in 2021. At each dot, at least one 20m * 5m SfM permanent plot has been established and surveyed.