Despite the importance of seafloor topography of rocky reef systems, there is no consensus in the literature about how to define and measure the complexity of seafloor structure. Often a simple 'rough versus smooth' or 'structure versus no structure' characterisation is made. By applying surface analysis theory, developed by terrestrial ecologists, features within a seabed digital terrain model (DTM) can be identified and levels of uncertainty placed on the classification of individual features. Classification models developed using these techniques have specific advantages over traditional techniques of generating habitat maps in they are non-subjective, scale-independent, are quantifiable and are repeatable. Using habitat classification models, generated at biologically relevant scales, we present examples between movement and habitat utilisation of the southern rock lobster (Jasus edwardsii) and prominent features in rocky reef habitats. Incorporating habitat complexity models with fine-scale movement, at an appropriate spatial scale, has specific applications in future marine protected area design and represents the next step in managing the Tasmanian rock lobster fishery with an estimated wealth in excess of AU$ 70 MPa. © 2008 International Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing, Inc. (ISPRS).

Item Type:	Refereed Article
Research Division:	Environmental Sciences
Research Group:	Environmental management
Research Field:	Environmental management not elsewhere classified
Objective Division:	Environmental Management
Objective Group:	Terrestrial systems and management
Objective Field:	Assessment and management of terrestrial ecosystems
UTAS Author:	Lucieer, VL (Associate Professor Vanessa Lucieer)
UTAS Author:	Pederson, HG (Dr Hugh Pederson)
ID Code:	54006
Year Published:	2008
Web of Science® Times Cited:	15
Deposited By:	TAFI - Marine Research Laboratory
Deposited On:	2009-02-06
Last Modified:	2009-04-22
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