Dominique Pelletier , Abigail Powell, Pierre Laboute, Thomas Bockel, Liliane Carpentier, David Roos, Thierry Laugier, William Roman

The Chesterfield-Bellona atolls and reefs are a vast reef complex located in the Coral Sea Marine Park, estab-lished in 2014 in the New Caledonian Economic Exclusive Zone. In 2013, the New Caledonia government supported the first assessment of fish and benthic habitats conducted in all habitats and over the entire area. The assessment provided a primary knowledge base for establishing the importance of these atolls in terms of biodiversity and fished resources. This comprehensive survey relied on the STAVIRO unbaited underwater video technique and collected 185 successful camera drops distributed over all shallow habitats in the atolls. The analysis of video foot-ages revealed 18 fish species and one snake species that had not been previously reported in this area. Sharks were frequently observed (43% of stations) and to a lesser extent sea snakes (9% of stations). The overall list of observed species included the globally threatened sicklefin lemon shark and commercially important species. The findings of the survey supported the establishment of strongly protected areas at these atolls in 2018. These outcomes highlight the interest of unbaited underwater video for effective surveying of large areas, and for observing infrequent and shy species. Additionally, video provides actionable and shareable scientific evidence that can support further re-search, management and educational purposes.