Typical ledge feature in Flinders Marine Park

A typical AUV image showing mid-shelf reef ledges within the Flinders Marine Park (depth 60 metres). This image indicates the sedimentary rock type that appears to form the majority of the reef habitat in the cross shelf region of this part of the coastal zone. Of particular note is the clear iron-rich nature of this particular outcrop. Also of note is that such overhanging reef-ledges are a typical characteristic of the shallow dipping sedimentary rock type in this area, reflecting bedding planes between the sedimentary layers. While they are a characteristic feature, such "ledges" only represent a very small fraction of the overall mapped "reef" habitat yet are likely to be most important for many of the fish species and lobsters that need the ledges as habitat. The remaining reef area appears to be very flat low-profile reef with little refuge space available.