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A survey of the subtidal physical and biological features of the VEHEAP Harbours area (Victoria and Esquimalt Harbour, Gorge and Portage Inlet and Esquimalt Lagoon) with the intent of mapping the general distribution and position of physical and biological features for both inventory and harbour management purposes. The distribution of the bacterial mats on the seabed based on visual classification of each second of the video imagery as well as subsequent dive survey verification. The colorless sulphur-reducing bacteria, Beggiatoa spp., is present as a biofilm on sediment and wood debris (logs, bark). The formation of Beggiatoa mats indicates anoxic seabed conditions and poor flushing. |