2012 saw the establishment of a collaborative project between the Shallow Marine Surveys Group (SMSG), the South Atlantic Environmental Research Institute (SAERI) and the AIG Conservation Department. The aim was to carry out a baseline survey of the shallow marine biodiversity of Ascension.  Inventories for marine invertebrates, ichthyofauna and algae were lacking data. Information is needed also on the status of endemic marine species. Habitat inventories and mapping are also required for the management of coastal areas.  The purpose of the project was therefore to fill the knowledge gaps and gather baseline data which could be used a later date to inform biodiversity conservation and management projects.