Bathymetry data collected from uMdloti Steep, July 2021

This dataset forms part of the South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity (SAIAB)'s collection of Bathymetry data for the African Coelacanth Ecosystem Programme (ACEP) Smart Zones MPA. This multi-disciplinary study will begin at the start of implementation of two new MPAs (uThukela MPA and Protea Banks MPA, both proclaimed in 2019), and will generate the relevant data needed to underpin an evidence-based approach to adaptive management of the MPAs, within a “SMART” framework. This framework defines specific objectives for the different MPA zones; develops measurable indicators of success for each zone; sets achievable goals given the limited resources available for planning and management; ensures that the research findings are relevant (to both biodiversity and human stakeholders). This is a rare time-sensitive opportunity to conduct baseline surveys of the geology, benthic biodiversity (sessile and mobile species), reef-associated ichthyoplankton and mero-zooplankton and fish communities of mesophotic (40-150m) soft-coral and sponge-dominated reefs and submarine habitats located in three different management zones at the initiation of management of two brand new MPAs, against which long-term monitoring data can be compared to assess the effectiveness of the MPAs in achieving their objectives. The balanced sampling design is such that it will also initiate a “natural experiment” that over time will investigate the effect of no-take zones on fish diversity and abundance, benthic community structure, and trophic complexity. This will also enable the determination of the value of the MPA for fisheries sustainability support and resilience to disturbances caused by extrinsic factors such as pollution or climate change. Additionally, this study will assess whether the zonation plan provides for representation of all reef and canyon types within each zone or if there is unbalanced coverage for certain reefs and in certain zones. This is important to assess at the initiation of the MPA, especially to ensure that the interpretation of monitoring results in future, which compare ecosystems and fish on reefs and canyons in the mesophotic zone, are not flawed by natural differences from the outset due to the selection of zone boundaries.