First assessment of anthropogenic impacts in submarine canyon systems off southwestern Australia

• Published in: The Science of the total environment Vol. 857; p. 159243
• Main Authors: Taviani, Marco, Foglini, Federica, Castellan, Giorgio, Montagna, Paolo, McCulloch, Malcom T., Trotter, Julie A.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier B.V 20.01.2023
• Subjects: Anthropogenic impacts; Bremer Marine Park; Macro-litter; Perth Canyon; Remotely operated vehicle; Macro-litter; Anthropogenic impacts; Perth Canyon; Remotely operated vehicle; Bremer Marine Park
• ISSN: 0048-9697; 1879-1026
• DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.159243

We assessed the anthropogenic impacts on southwestern Australian submarine canyons by quantifying macro-litter discovered during Remotely Operated Vehicle surveys. The study area encompasses the Bremer canyon systems and Perth Canyon. The categories of macro-litter identified by our study are plastic, metal, aluminium, glass, fabric, mixed, derelict fishing gear, and unclassified. The anthropogenic impacts in the canyons explored is minimal, especially in the Bremer canyon systems, whereas Perth Canyon has comparatively more macro-litter, presumably due to intense maritime traffic and nearby urban development. On a global scale, however, the environmental status of southwestern Australian canyons is relatively pristine. This analysis provides a baseline for the monitoring and enduring stewardship of these habitats where lush and diverse biota, including deep-sea corals, thrive. [Display omitted] •First ROV exploration of macro-litter in submarine canyons of southwest Australia•These canyons are much less impacted compared to most of those studied worldwide.•Canyon megabenthos (including deep water corals) is not yet affected by macro-litter.•We set a baseline for monitoring the status of habitats and littering.