AndreaBozzo/ceres-open-data-index huggingface dataset:
NESP MB Project D5 - A standardised national assessment of the state of coral and rocky reef biodiversity

This record provides an overview of the scope and research output of NESP Marine Biodiversity Hub Project D5 - "A standardised national assessment of the state of coral and rocky reef biodiversity". For specific data outputs from this project, please see child records associated with this metadata.

This project will involve integration of a national suite of reef biota Underwater Visual Census (UVC) monitoring datasets (Reef Life Survey (RLS), University of Tasmania (UTAS), Australian Institute for Marine Science (AIMS), Parks Victoria (PV), SA Department of environment, water and natural resources (DEWNR)) to provide a comprehensive update to the state of Australian Reefs report for the next national State of the Environment Report. Maps and indicator trends will show changes in the health of rocky and coral reefs nationally from 2005 to 2020. The update will include addition of a new index which summarises the population trajectories for 600-1000 reef species nationally. Individual species trajectories will provide the only threat status information for the majority of these species, assisting future listing of previously unassessed species if significant declines are detected.
Planned Outputs
• Maps and trends in SoE indicators
• Raw data underlying SoE analyses (data use agreement must be signed with AIMS for access to that data)
• Various scientific papers

Tags: Environmental Science and Management not elsewhere classified, National Environmental Science Program (NESP) Marine Biodiversity Hub, State of the Environment, biodiversity trends, citizen science, national monitoring, state indicators
Organization: Australian Ocean Data Network
Resuspension and clearing of dredge spoils after dredging, Cleveland Bay, Townsville, north Queensland

Field studies of the effects of dredging the 8km long Townsville navigation channel (Platypus Channel) were carried out in May 1989. The suction dredge was followed by a research vessel and the spoil plume, which formed in the lee of the dredge, was marked using a near-bottom sail drogue. Vertical profiles of temperature, salinity and suspended sediment concentration (SSC) were obtained next to the drogue. Cross sections of the suspended sediment density stratification in the water column next to the drogue and along transects perpendicular to the track of the dredge during dredging, were recorded using an acoustic sounder.In the laboratory, the settling characteristics of a composite sample of muddy silt from four areas of the harbour, that are dredged were investigated. Sediment was added to a column and subjected to turbulence. Floc sizes were measured and vertical profiles of SSC were obtained.
 The purpose of this research was to identify optimum conditions for dredging, that would result in the least damage to environmentally sensitive areas. Research focused on the fate of sediments, which were resuspended due to mechanical disturbance of the bottom during the process of dredging, the dredge's turbulence and the sediment released from the dredge's surface overflow.
 This research was undertaken to address concerns relating to the impacts of dredging and the dumping of dredge spoil in Cleveland Bay. Issues of concern included the possible effects of siltation on nearby coral reefs, seagrass beds and beaches and the potential effect of toxic metals carried in mud from Townsville Harbour.

Organization: Australian Ocean Data Network
Enzyme analysis of long spined sea urchin (Centrostephanus rodgersii) on the south eastern seaboard of Australia

Sixty animals were collected from each of Bass Pt, New South Wales (lat 34°35' S, long 150°54' E; August 2000); south side of East Cove, Deal Is, Bass St. (lat 39°28.4' S, long 147°18.4' E; June 2000) and Fortescue Bay, Tasmania (lat 43°8.5' S, long 148°0.0' E; October 2000 and April 2001).  To examine the genetic relationship between the three site populations of Centrostephanus rodgersii, allelic diversity and heterozygosity among the three sites was compared using BIOSYS.

Tags: 25 211001, Centrostephanus rodgersii, Temperate Reef, genetics, isozymes
Organization: Australian Ocean Data Network
Surveys of four coral reefs in Mauritius

Surveys of 4 coral reefs (Balaclava, Blue Bay, Point du Diable, Trou aux Biches) were carried out as part of a UNESCO/COMARAF training workshop on coral taxonomy and management of coral reefs, held 18-28 October 1988.Specimens were collected from Trou aux Biches for taxonomy determinations.Surveys to define coral associations were carried out at Balaclava, Point du Diable and Trou aux Biches. Each species seen during a 20 min swim was recorded and given a score based on its relative contribution to total (hard and soft) coral cover (1 = 1-5%; 2 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-30%; 4 = 31-80%; 5 = &gt;80%). In addition, the following site characteristics were recorded: maximum and minimum depth; slope; % hard substrate; % hard coral; % dead standing hard coral; % soft coral; % macroalgae; % sponge; % cover substate (continuous limestone platform; large blocks &gt; 1 m; small blocks 0.1-1 m; mud; rubble; sand).Line transect (30 m) surveys to estimate percent coral cover and size frequency distribution were conducted at Blue Bay (8) and Trou aux Biches (3). Coral (identified to species where possible), substrate or other benthic organims were recorded (l = live; d = dead; a = algae; n = non-colonisable substrate; c = colonisable substrate; s =sponge).Quadrat stereophotographs were taken at Trou aux Biches to demonstrate this monitoring technique.
 To train participants in basic survey methods and analyses on local reefs.
 Coral species: Acropora; Acropora 'bottlebrush'; Acropora 'nobilis'; Acropora aculeus; Acropora clathrata; Acropora elseyi; Acropora florida; Acropora gemmifera; Acropora hemprichi; Acropora hyacinthus; Acropora hyacinthus; Acropora pharonis; Acropora robusta; Acropora tenuis; Acropora variabilis; Alveopora sp.; Echinopora gemmacea; Echinopora lamellosa; Favia stelligera; Favites sp.; Fungia sp.; Galaxea fascicularis; Goniastrea retiformis; Goniopora sp.; Hydnophora exesa; Leptroia phrygia; Millepora platyphylla; Millepora tenera; Montipora circumvallata; Montipora sp.; Pavona cactus; Pavona varians; Pocillopora; Porites massive.Algae identified: Turbinaria ornata.

Organization: Australian Ocean Data Network
Survey of seabed biodiversity in intermediate and deeper waters of Ningaloo Marine Park, Western Australia

This study was carried out in Ningaloo Marine Park and included both Commonwealth and Western Australian State Waters. Surveys were conducted at three sites adjacent to existing State marine sanctuary zones, Mandu Mandu, Point Cloates, and Point Maud. These areas were selected to test the spatial variation of benthic communities along a north-south gradient at the 10-100 km scales, (ie. 10km scale within sites and 100km scale between sites). At each survey site, fifteen transects at five depth zones from the seaward edge of Ningaloo Reef were surveyed using a towed video camera system (Towvid). Simultaneously, BRUVS (TM) (Baited Remote Underwater Video Stations) were deployed at various point locations in the study area. BRUVS (TM) deployments were opportunistic, weather dependent and varied among sites, three deployments at Mandu Mandu, six at Point Cloates and nine at Point Maud.
 The study was undertaken for the Commonwealth Government Department of the Environment and Heritage, to begin a process of describing deepwater biodiversity in the Ningaloo Marine Park and to address a lack of such information seaward of Ningaloo Reef crest. Another aim of the project was to identify any areas of high biodiversity in both Commonwealth and State waters of the park. This information would be used to assist in identifying potential sanctuary zones to preserve the areas of high biodiversity that are considered to be relatively important within the reserve. The study sites chosen were adjacent to existing State marine sanctuary zones.

Organization: Australian Ocean Data Network
PANGAEA: Publishing Network for Geoscientific & Environmental Data

The information system PANGAEA is operated as an Open Access library aimed at archiving, publishing and distributing georeferenced data from earth system research. The system guarantees long-term availability of its content through a commitment of the operating institutions. The data and any associated material in PANGAEA is made available under the Creative Commons Attribution license if not otherwise specified in the description of the dataset.

Tags: 40 001001, Aptenodytes forsteri, Atmosphere | Aerosols | Nitrate Particles, Atmosphere | Aerosols | Sulfate Particles, Atmosphere | Atmospheric Chemistry | Chlorine Nitrate, Atmosphere | Atmospheric Chemistry | Methane, Atmosphere | Atmospheric Chemistry | Ozone, Atmosphere | Atmospheric Electricity | Electric Field, Atmosphere | Precipitation | Precipitation Amount, Biosphere | Microbiota | Plankton, Cryosphere | Snow/ice | Ice Depth/thickness, Cryosphere | Snow/ice | Snow Density, Cryosphere | Snow/ice | Snow Water Equivalent, El Niño Southern Oscillation, Emperor Penguin, Foraminifera, Marine Mammal Tracking, Oceans | Ocean Chemistry | Carbonate, Oceans | Ocean Chemistry | Chlorophyll, Oceans | Ocean Chemistry | Nitrous Oxide, Oceans | Ocean Chemistry | Nutrients, Oceans | Ocean Chemistry | Oxygen, Oceans | Ocean Chemistry | Ph, Oceans | Ocean Chemistry | Stable Isotopes, Oceans | Ocean Temperature | Sea Surface Temperature, Oceans | Ocean Temperature | Thermocline, Oceans | Ocean Temperature | Water Temperature, Oceans | Salinity/density | Salinity, Paleoclimate | Ice Core Records | Methane, WORLD OCEAN, World Ocean Circulation Experiement, climate variability, dive depth, dive duration, dive frequency, dive_depth, dive_duration, dive_frequency, glacial, light_intensity, plankton, sea_water_temperature, temperature
Organization: Australian Ocean Data Network
Artificial light on water attracts turtle hatchlings during their nearshore transit, Western Australia

Examined the effect of artificial light on the nearshore trajectories of turtle hatchlings dispersing from natal beaches. Green turtle (Chelonia mydas) hatchlings were tagged with miniature acoustic transmitters and their movements tracked within an underwater array of 36 acoustic receivers placed in the nearshore zone. A total of 40 hatchlings were tracked, 20 of which were subjected to artificial light during their transit of the array. At the same time, we measured current speed and direction which were highly variable within and between experimental nights and treatments. Artificial lighting affected hatchling behaviour, with 88% of individual trajectories oriented towards the light and spending, on average, 23% more time in the 2.25ha tracking array (19.5 ± 5 mins) than under ambient light conditions (15.8 ± 5 mins). Current speed had little to no effect on the bearing (angular direction) of the hatchling tracks when artificial light was present, but under ambient conditions, it influenced the bearing of the tracks when current direction was offshore and above speeds of ~32.5 cm s-1.
 This is the first experimental evidence that wild turtle hatchlings are attracted to artificial light after entering the ocean, a behaviour that is likely to subject them to greater risk of predation. The experimental protocol described in this study can be used to assess the effect of anthropogenic (light pollution, noise etc.) and natural (wave action, current, wind, moonlight) influences on the in-water movements of sea turtle hatchlings during the early phase of dispersal.

Organization: Australian Ocean Data Network
Aggregations of common holothurians on reef flats of Coral Bay, Ningaloo Reef, North Western Australia

The distribution of three sea cucumbers (H. whitmaei (Bell 1887), H. atra (Jaeger 1933) and S. chloronotus (Brandt 1835) in the vincinity of Coral Bay, Ningaloo Reef, Western Australia was measured.  There was an emphasis on factors that may contribute to the heterogeneous distribution of H. whitmaei within broadly defined habitats and reasons for variable density estimates reported in the literature.

Tags: 25 416003, 25 416033, 25 417001, Biosphere | Aquatic Habitat | Reef Habitat, Biosphere | Ecological Dynamics | Population Dynamics, Biosphere | Ecological Dynamics | Range Changes, Habitat selection, Holothuria (Halodeima) atra, Holothuria whitmaei, Oceans | Marine Biology | Marine Invertebrates, Population density survey, Spatial distribution, Stichopus chloronotus, black teatfish, green fish, lolly fish
Organization: Australian Ocean Data Network
Ningaloo Turtle Program

The Ningaloo Turtle Program (NTP) was formally established in 2002 and is currently an ongoing project run in collaboration between the Cape Conservation Group, DEC and WWF-Australia. 
The NTP is a community-based volunteer program involving both local and international volunteers. The aim of the program is to promote the long-term survival of turtle populations through the identification of key nesting beaches; monitoring of populations and assessment of trends at key index sites; identification of the level of threat of feral predators on nests; implementation of effective protection of important nesting beaches in cooperation with DEC; the generation and maintenance of community support for the program and for the conservation of marine turtles and their habitats; and the education of visitors and the community about marine turtles. 
The primary objectives of monitoring activities are to: 
1.  Determine the abundance of nests on specific sections of beach over specified time intervals for each species;
2.  Identify the relative significance of specific nesting beaches to each species;
3.  Establish the level of predation on nests; and
4.  Determine the impact of human interaction on nesting success of each species.
The Ningaloo region was identified as a significant area for turtle nesting. Beach surveys were conducted to identify the nesting turtle species, quantify the nesting effort and success, and to verify significant turtle rookeries.

Tags: Community Monitoring, Conservation, Field Surveys | Biological Surveys, Long-term Monitoring, Marine Features (Australia) | Ningaloo Marine Park, WA, Nesting, Turtle
Organization: Australian Ocean Data Network
Orpheus Island Sensor Float 2

A round 1.4m yellow buoy has been deployed in Little Pioneer Bay, Orpheus Island, just off the research station in the central part of the Great Barrier Reef.The buoy is configured as a sensor-float with a Campbell Scientific logger, a spread-spectrum radio for communicating with the base station (located near the Research Station) a surface mounted (60cm under the water surface) thermistor and an inductive modem to support a range of inductive sensors, initialy this will be a SeaBird SBE39 measuring temperature and pressure (depth).The float is moored at the entrance to Little Pioneer Bay, just deep of the reef front and will be used to measure the water entering the bay with particular interest in warm water pushing up into the bay. The data will support work being done in the bay by James Cook University researchers.The unit will be serviced every six months and will be used in the future for attaching new sets of sensors.
 The buoy is one of two buoys and three relay-poles being deployed on Orpheus Island as part of the GBROOS Project. The design looks to measure the impact of warm water pushing in from the Coral Sea onto the reef flat at the northern end of the island, through the channel to Pelorus Island and around onto the land side of the island. These events are linked to coral bleaching and other climate impacts.The buoys initially have a Campbell Scientific loggers powered off two 5W solar panels, a Garmin GPS unit and one thermistor located at the base of the buoy around 60cm below the water line. The buoys use a Campbell Scientific spread-spectrum radio to talk back to the base station located on Orpheus Island.
 Power SupplyBattery Backed (1 x 33Ahr AGM with Solar Regulator), 2 x 5W Solar Panel Supply.Logger Settings - Pakbus Address - 171Logger Setup as node (isRouter = False)CSDC7 comms board rate set at 34KCSD7 Beacon = 21600CSDC7 Neighbours range 1 - 1, 110 - 110, 120 - 120Over-Reef RF Network - RF411 attached to the CSIO port of the loggerRadio Settings - Active Interface - Datalogger CSDCSDC Address 7Protocol: Pakbus awareRadio Net Address - 0Hop Sequence - 0Power mode - less than 2mA 1 SecondRetry level - Low

Organization: Australian Ocean Data Network
Ecological studies on seagrasses of SW Australia - Cockburn Sound - Past Distribution

Data was collected from Cockburn Sound to determine the past and present distribution of seagrasses, including sediment cores.

Tags: Biosphere | Aquatic Habitat | Benthic Habitat, Biosphere | Ecological Dynamics | Range Changes, Oceans | Marine Biology | Marine Plants, Oceans | Marine Sediments | Sedimentation
Organization: Australian Ocean Data Network
Sandwave Movement, Currents and Sedimentation in Torres Strait: HMAS Flinders Cruise February 1989

Torres Strait is one of Australia's most important seaways in terms of shipping and defence. It forms Australia's only true international boundary. It is a shipping focal area and major seaway for Australian and foreign merchant vessels. This is the second report, in a series of four (four cruises represented in image), outlining the results of investigations into sandwave movement, currents and sedimentation in the main shipping channels of Torres Strait.

Tags: Oceans | Marine Sediments | Sedimentation, Oceans | Ocean Circulation | Ocean Currents, Oceans | Ocean Optics | Turbidity, Oceans | Ocean Temperature | Water Temperature, Oceans | Salinity/density | Salinity
Organization: Australian Ocean Data Network
Gene flow between populations of Holothura nobilis on the Great Barrier Reef

Genetic variation was studied at 7 polymorphic allozyme loci in 15 Holothuria nobilis (now referred to as H. whitmaei) populations on the Great Barrier Reef. The 7 polymorphic enzyme loci surveyed using allozyme electrophoresis were: FL-EST, GPI, HK, MDH, MPI, PGM, TPI. Full details of staining and electrophoresis methods are given in:Ballment E, Uthicke S, Peplow L, Benzie JAH (1997) Techniques for enzyme electrophoretic analysis of the holothurians Holothuria atra and Stichopus chloronotus (Holothuroidea: Aspidochirotida). Aust Inst Mar Sci (AIMS) Tech Rep Ser 27:1-47Basic analyses of genetic variability were carried out using programs in the BIOSYS-1. F-statistics, cluster analyses and tests of conformation to Hardy-Weinberg expectations were performed using the TFPGA package.
 To infer the level of dispersal among populations of Holothuria nobilis separated by up to 1300 km along the Great Barrier Reef by investigating gene flow.To test whether asexual reproduction is a feature of this species.
 Reef locations: 13-050, 21-149, 21-151, Big Broadhurst, Davie, Davies Reef, East Cay, Hicks, Little Broadhurst, Michaelmas, Opal, Ribbon No.10, Stucco, Turner, White Tip.

Organization: Australian Ocean Data Network
Marine Benthic Habitats of the Gorgon Gas Development EIS/ERMP - Technical Appendix C8

The survey comprised a review of the available information describing the marine environment of the area and field surveys at the locations of proposed infrastructure. Assessment of potential impacts from the proposed development was based on the results of field observations, general knowledge of the area from previous surveys and literature on the area.
The major environmental sensitivities within the proposed Development area relate to coral habitats. Protected mammals and reptiles that may be affected by impacts on these habitats are covered in Appendix C6.
The coral assemblages on the south-western corner of the Lowendal Shelf are of regional conservation significance. The extensive patch of Acropora in this location is one of the few extensive patches of fragile acroporid corals in the region. Some of the Porites coral bombora in the area are three to four metres high and are estimated to be several hundred years old. These corals support diverse assemblages of fish and invertebrates.
The coral reef areas on the subtidal pavement adjacent to Barrow Island are locally significant because they represent a benthic habitat with restricted distribution around the Island. The individual coral bomboras are of low conservation significance as they are very widely distributed along the east coast of the island.
The seagrasses in the proposed Development area mainly comprise species such as Halophila and Halodule. The plants are small and the meadows are too sparse to provide habitat for the fauna usually associated with high-density seagrass meadows. These seagrasses are unlikely to be of high importance to local dugong or sea turtle populations.
Halophila, Syringodium and Halodule recover rapidly from disturbance and recolonise disturbed areas from sediment seed banks. These genera are widespread throughout the area and the low-density seagrass in the development area has low conservation significance.
The Sargassum-dominated macroalgae beds on both the east and west coasts of Barrow Island are of low conservation significance as they are widely distributed and recover rapidly from disturbance. These beds undergo large seasonal biomass fluctuations each year and are adapted to an environment that is periodically buried with sand and thus undergo cycles of loss and recolonisation on the reefs around Barrow Island.
The significance of the effects of the proposed Development on benthic primary producer habitats is discussed in Chapter 11 of the ERMP report.
KEYWORDS: Gorgon Gas Development, Barrow Island, EIS/ERMP, benthic habitats, seagrass, coral, reef

Organization: Australian Ocean Data Network
Short-Lived Radium Isotopes and Hydrodynamic Surface Water Modelling in the Surface Layer of Cockburn Sound W.A.

In late winter 2003, early summer 2003, late summer 2004, and mid-winter 2004 water samples were taken for radium isotope analysis which was combined with modelling to determine whether groundwater fate and transport varied with season in the surface waters of Cockburn Sound, Western Australia.

Tags: Hydrosphere | Ground Water | Aquifers, Hydrosphere | Ground Water | Discharge/flow, Oceans | Marine Sediments | Sediment Characteristics, Oceans | Ocean Chemistry | Stable Isotopes, Oceans | Ocean Circulation | Wind-driven Circulation, Oceans | Water Quality | Conductivity, Oceans | Water Quality | Oxygen, Oceans | Water Quality | Ph, Oceans | Water Quality | Water Temperature, Solid Earth | Geochemistry | Isotopes
Organization: Australian Ocean Data Network