The Qawra/Dwejra area, on the NorthWestern coast of Gozo

Habitat characterisation; Habitat extent; Coastal geomorphology; Bathymetry and Elevation

Underwater cameras; cameras; observers

The data set includes the data collected from a research involving a marine benthic survey of the infralittoral (down to 40m depth) in the Qawra/Dwejra area.

            
            The study involved mapping of the occurrence, type and area of bottom covered by the different benthic assemblages, position and occurrence of special habitats and underwater geomorphological features and habitats. Nomenclature of benthic assemblages and quantitative estimates of bioparameters were also carried out. Physical characteristics, including bathymetry, were also studied.
            
            The data includes a list and description of the position and occurrence of geomorphological features. These include a series of drop-offs, two shoals, extensive boulder fields, three arches, five submerging caves and six emergent caves, and two tunnels. The approximate depth, measured at the entrance, of the roof and floor of the emergent and submerged caves are included in the data set. A number of photographs showing various geomorphological features are also present.
            
            The data contains the details of two archaeological remains and anthropogenic material encountered during the study.
            
            Furthermore, the data includes biological information such as the occurrence, type and area of bottom covered by the different benthic assemblages. A list of the main types of benthic biotic communities is given. A detailed description (including species list) of the community of photophilic algae is also given. The community of semi-obscure caves and tunnels is described (photographs included) and the species making up the assemblages are listed. The data set also includes two maps showing the main benthic habitat types and biotic assemblages in the northern and southern parts of the survey area respectively.
            
            The assemblage of Posidonia oceanica meadows is described with emphasis on their distribution, type, state and fauna associated (photographs included). The community of bare sand and that of accumulations of small boulders, cobbles and pebbles is also described (photographs included for bare sand).
            
            The fish fauna are described in association with their habitat. A species list of the demersal and pelagic fish within the area is included and the photographs of some species are available.
            
            Nomenclature of benthic assemblages and quantitative estimates of bioparameters are also included.

Department of Biology, University of Malta
Department of Biology, University of Malta
Msida

MSD 2080
Malta