Ray Diversity at St Francis Island, using BRUVs

BRUVs (Baited Remote Underwater Video Systems) provide valuable information on the distribution and behaviour of marine animals, as well as monitoring any change over time and helps scientists to better understand the health and function of marine ecosystems.
Marine scientists from the Department from Environment and Water implement a BRUVs monitoring program that collects biodiversity data from across Sanctuary Zones across the state.
BRUVs are particularly useful for studying species that are difficult to observe in their natural habitats, such as those living at deeper depths, in remote locations, or with shy behaviours. They are also a cost-effective alternative to more expensive and time-consuming methods, such as diving surveys.
In this footage, several large rays circle the bait capsule at St. Francis Island, located in the Nuyts Archipelago Marine Park. Note also a number of Footballer Sweep, Neatypus obliquus - right at the eastern edge of their geographical range.
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