Benthic Biotopes Remote Sensing Using Single Beam Acoustics on the South Coast of the Qeshm Island, the Persian Gulf

The study presents the result of a new attempt for benthic biotopes remote sensing in the southern coast of the Qeshm Island in the Persian Gulf. This survey site covers approximately 233 km2 in water depth between five and 25 m. Bathymetric data was derived from the single beam survey and grab stations, underwater video and photos were undertaken as ground-trusthing. The acoustic results showed the survey occurred in shallow waters. Sediments were classified as muddy and into six types following Went-Worth scale. In total, 214 species belonging to 91 families, 48 orders and 20 classes were identified. Majority of species were Polychaete with Cirratulidae, Amphinomidae, Paraonidae and Capitellidae being dominant, respectively. Porifera, Nematoda, Malacostraca, Enopla, Bivalve, Osracoda, Ophiuroidea and other macrofauna comprised the remaining species, respectively. The results showed sediment type did not affect species distribution and richness. The acoustic mapping of southern coast of the Qeshm Island provided preliminary data and initial overview of the sediment biotopes and faunal communities. This was the first attempt to integrate geological, biological and dynamic data of the region.