Seventeen reefs between 26 and 72 m depth were explored using a remotely operated vehicle at three sites on the Wellington South Coast and 14 sites on the Kāpiti Coast. At all sites, sponges and bryozoans were by far the most abundant organisms covering around 30% of the substrate, with all other groups representing <5% cover and very little bare space observed. The sponges and bryozoans created complex three-dimensional structure to the seafloor, which is likely to serve an important role in providing habitat, refuge and food for other species.

Author: Bell JJ, Harris B, Rogers A, Broadribb M, Micaroni V. Victoria University of Wellington.

Reference: Bell JJ, Harris B, Rogers A, Broadribb M, Micaroni V. 2023. A preliminary exploration of the rocky mesophotic communities of the Wellington Region (Combined report for Phases 1 and 2). Prepared for Greater Wellington Regional Council by Victoria University of Wellington, June 2023. 49p.