Two 16S rDNA clone libraries, one from a Brown Bay sample and one from an O'Brien Bay sample were generated. These samples were originally collected as part of ASAC project 868 and the microbiology of the samples is now being investigated as part of ASAC 1228. Two data files are included in the download. Both are in "fasta" format, a text-based format for representing either nucleotide sequences or peptide sequences, in which base pairs or amino acids are represented using single-letter codes. Further information about the dataset can also be found in the referenced paper.

Gross body measurements of fish length (cm), weight (g), and sex (M/F). Fish were collected on line and in box traps at Brown Bay, Shannon Bay, near Wilkes Station, O'Brien Bay and Sparkes Bay. Sex was determined after dissection for other analyses.

Data show results of carbon and nitrogen stable isotopes in muscle tissue of Trematomus bernacchii collected at 5 sites adjacent to Casey Station. Sites are contaminated Brown Bay, near Wilkes Station, Shannon Bay and reference O'Brien Bay and Sparkes Bay. Approximately 1cm3 of muscle tissue from the left side of each fish was taken for stable isotopes analysis.

Sediment samples which were originally collected as part of ASAC 868 (ASAC_868) are now being investigated using molecular microbial techniques as part of ASAC 1228 (ASAC_1228). Samples were collected in a nested survey design in two hydrocarbon impacted areas and two unimpacted areas. Denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) of a region of the 16S RNA gene was used to investigate the microbial community structure. Banding patterns obtained from the DGGE were transformed into a presence / absence matrix and analysed with a multivariate statistical approach. The download file contains an excel spreadsheet, a csv version of the data, plus a readme file.

Increased ultraviolet radiation (UV-A and/or UV-B) may impact on the establishment and structure of a shallow water benthic invertebrate assemblages. A global experiment in more than 8 countries, using an identical methodology (transparent UV filters) will add significantly to our understanding of the impacts of anthropogenically induced global change on natural systems. To appraise the effects of increased UVR on shallow marine benthic assemblages, five experimental rafts were deployed in protected bays west of Shirley Island near Casey Station, Antarctica (66.16oS 110.30oE). Each raft consisted of eight experimental units, each of which contained a colonization panel (ceramic tile) positioned horizontally and submerged 4-6 cm underwater. Irradiation treatments were randomly assigned to each unit with the use of UV cut-off filters. The treatments were as follows: No UVR (transmits photosynthetically active radiation or PAR, 400-700nm), No UVB (transmits PAR + UVA, 320-700nm), Perspex (full spectrum, 280-700nm, procedural control), or No filter (full spectrum, treatment control). In addition there were three levels of consumer treatments: With consumption (container sides removed), without consumption (container sides perforated with 4 mm holes), and a control (3 sides perforated, 1 side removed). After seven weeks tiles were removed to the laboratory for examination. All tiles were dominated by diatoms and no sessile invertebrates were apparent. The first trial has been completed, but several other panels are still in place. A conference will be held in early 2002 between participating countries to discuss results and findings. The 2001\2002 summer season consisted of experimental designs divided up into three separate projects. The aims were all to provide a corrollary to the previous seasons data. Project 1 consisted of the extraction and redeployment of settlement depth arrays situated in Geoffrey's Bay and Hollin Island Channel. Due to prevailing weather conditions resulting in limited boating hours and diving program, only one array was retrieved. On inspection of the array it was decided to deploy further replicates to gain a better temporal understanding of the communities. Projects 2 and 3 consisted of a similar experimental design, however monitoring the shallower depths of settlement (depths of 1m and 2m below sea level) for a period of one month. Project 2 consisted of arrays with two depths and 2 panels per depth, triple replicated, under the icesheet in O'Brien Bay and Shirley Channel, with a substrate depth of 20m. Diatom samples are to be analyzed in Australia. Project 3 was of a similar design to project 2 though it was measuring recruitment in shallow open water. The two sites consisted of Noonan Cove and Geoffrey's Bay at substrate depths of 5m. These tiles are also to be analyzed on return to Australia. There were 5 rafts used in this study - they are listed as R1 to R5 there were two factors in the design -(i) predator access: Caged (C) Half caged (H) and Open (O) and ii) UV exposure: Perspex (P), Macrolon (M), No filter (N) and Film + perspex (F). A list of the diatoms found on the settlement panels is provided at the URL below. The fields in this dataset are: Species Sample

A survey of macrobenthic assemblages in soft-sediments was done at Casey Station, East Antarctica. Samples were taken by divers using hand-held corers (core size - 10 cm diameter by 10 cm deep). This was the final component of a large nested sampling survey extending over a three year periods with samples taken in three summers and one winter period. The aims were: 1) To examine spatial variation at several scales in these assemblages; 2) To determine if there were differences between potentially impacted areas and control areas; 3) To determine the level of replication, taxonomic resolution and data transformation that are appropriate to studies of human impacts in Antarctic soft-sediment assemblages. Cores were collected by divers in a hierarchical, spatially nested design incorporating 4 scales: Locations (1000s of metres apart), Sites (100s of metres), Plots (10s of metres) and among replicates within plots (~1 metre). This data set consists of 48 core samples from three locations, O'Brien Bay, Sparkes Bay and Wilkes. Samples are sorted mainly to species. Links to ASAC 1100. The fields in this dataset are: Location Site/Rep Species

A survey of the epibenthic fauna of hard-substrata was made around Casey Station, using a camera mounted on a frame to take photoquadrats. A nested sampling design was used with several spatial scales. At each location there were two sites, approximately 50-100 m apart. At each site there were three by 15 m long transects, approximately 5 m apart. On each transect there were 2 plots, 5 m long by 2 m wide. Six photoquadrats were taken in each plot. This metadata record describes one component of this survey, photoquadrats taken in and around boulders and boulder fields. One of the aims of this survey was to determine if there is any evidence of human impacts in these assemblages. There were several control and several potentially impacted locations. The data have yet to be analysed. Also links to ASAC 1100.

A survey of the epibenthic fauna of hard-substrata was made around Casey Station, using a camera mounted on a frame to take photoquadrats. A nested sampling design was used with several spatial scales. At each location there were two sites, approximately 50-100 m apart. At each site there were three by 15 m long transects, approximately 5 m apart. On each transect there were 2 plots, 5 m long by 2 m wide. Six photoquadrats were taken in each plot. This metadata record describes one component of this survey, photoquadrats taken in flat or gently sloping rocky areas, where the bottom consisted of flat bedrock, gravel or cobbles. A separate survey was done in and around boulders and boulder fields. One of the aims of this survey was to determine if there is any evidence of human impacts in these assemblages. There were several control and several potentially impacted locations. The data have yet to be analysed. Also links to ASAC 1100.

Marine soft-sediment assemblages were sampled from shallow (5 - 35m) nearshore regions around Casey Station, Windmill Islands, East Antarctica in late summer (Feb-March) 1997, using a van-Veen grab (surface area 20 x 25 cm). Samples were sieved through a 1 mm mesh and sorted to species where possible. A hierarchical, spatially nested sampling design was used with locations (km's apart), sites (100s of metres apart), and plots (10s of m). Two potentially impacted, polluted locations (adjacent to a sewage outfall and an old garbage tip) were compared with two control locations. Data was analysed using both multivariate and univariate statistical methods. Significant differences in assemblages were found between locations and between sites within locations. Significant differences in the abundances of taxa at several taxonomic levels (species, family, order, phylum) were found at all three spatial scales. Significant differences were also detected between the polluted and control locations. Compared with other Antarctic locations, the assemblages were dominated by crustaceans (90 to 97 % of individuals) and there was a paucity of polychaete fauna at the locations sampled. This study represents the first description of benthic assemblages from this region. A total of 70 samples are included in this data set. Also links to ASAC 1100. The fields in this dataset are: Location Site Plot/replicate Weight Volume Species

Marine soft-sediment assemblages were sampled from shallow (5 - 35m) nearshore regions around Casey Station, Windmill Islands, East Antarctica in winter 1998, using a van-Veen grab (surface area 20 x 25 cm). Samples were sieved through a 1 mm mesh and sorted to species where possible. A hierarchical, spatially nested sampling design was used with locations (km's apart), sites (100s of metres apart). Two potentially impacted, polluted locations (Shannon Bay - adjacent to a sewage outfall; and Brown Bay - adjacent to an old garbage tip) were compared with a control location in O'Brien Bay. Data were analysed using both multivariate and univariate statistical methods. Significant differences in assemblages were found between locations and between sites within locations. Significant differences in the abundances of taxa at several taxonomic levels (species, family, order, phylum) were also found at both spatial scales. Significant differences were also detected between the polluted and control locations. These samples were collected as part of a larger program examining human impacts in marine benthic assemblages at Casey Station. These samples were used in an analysis of temporal changes in soft-sediment assemblages at Casey. A total of 30 grab samples were collected in this survey. The fields in this dataset are: Location Site Date Site/Replicate Species