AndreaBozzo/ceres-open-data-index huggingface dataset:
Patterns in the distribution of soft corals across the central Great Barrier Reef

Surveys of soft corals were conducted on 11 inner-shelf, mid-shelf, outer-shelf and Coral Sea reefs between November 1980 and November 1981. The reefs surveyed were Havannah Island, Phillips, Pandora, Davies, John Brewer, Rib, Dip, Myrmidon, Flinders "South". Flinders Cay and Flinders "Southwest". These reefs (except for Davies Reef) were located along an approximately SW-NE transect across the central Great Barrier Reef and into the Coral Sea.Soft coral genera were recorded along 25-40m transects located within contiguous 5m bands (sites) from the reef crest down the reef slope. Reef flat areas adjacent to the reef slope locations were also surveyed along transects generally 40m in length, situated parallel to the reef edge. The total percentage cover of soft corals and the relative percentage cover of each soft coral genus to the total soft coral cover were visually estimated using a 7-point graded cover scale. Soft corals that could not be identified to genus were collected for identification in the laboratory.Environmental data collected at each site included exposure to swell and wave action, depth, angle of slope, approximate percentages of hard and soft substrate, relative proportion of hard and soft substrate types and estimates of the total percentage cover of hard corals.
 The aim of this study was to describe the distribution of soft corals across the continental shelf and in the Coral Sea in the central region of the Great Barrier Reef. The study was complementary to cross shelf studies of other taxa including fish and hard corals.

Organization: Australian Ocean Data Network
IMOS - Deep Water Moorings - Air Sea Flux Station (ASFS) Sub-Facility

The Air-Sea Flux Stations (ASFS) sub-facility is responsible for open-ocean moorings that measure real-time meteorological and oceanographic conditions at the sea surface.  In particular, the stations provide data on air-sea heat and moisture fluxes, which, when combined with meteorological data, are essential for climate change research.  The continuous time series provided by the air-sea flux stations are particularly important because many of the processes that control heat and moisture fluxes exchange show variability on a wide range of time scales. ASFS aims to deliver high quality air-sea flux measurements on a near real-time basis. 
Observations are obtained by the Southern Ocean Flux Station (SOFS) mooring in the Sub-Antarctic zone, south-west of Tasmania (46.75S 141E). The SOFS mooring has dual sets of radiometers, temperature and humidity sensors, precipitation gauges and sonic anemometers. 
Data are broadcast via satellite back to Australia routinely. The observations are quality controlled at the Bureau of Meteorology and air-sea fluxes calculated using the COARE Bulk Flux algorithm. Daily files of 1-hourly averages of the observations and calculated bulk fluxes are generated shortly after 0200UTC and made available via the IMOS Ocean Portal.

Tags: Atmosphere | Atmospheric Pressure | Surface Pressure, Atmosphere | Atmospheric Temperature | Surface Air Temperature, Atmosphere | Atmospheric Water Vapor | Humidity, Atmosphere | Atmospheric Winds | Surface Winds, Atmosphere | Precipitation | Precipitation Amount, Atmosphere | Precipitation | Precipitation Rate, Atmosphere | Radiation Budget | Heat Flux, Atmosphere | Radiation Budget | Longwave Radiation, Atmosphere | Radiation Budget | Shortwave Radiation, Global / Oceans | Southern Ocean, IMOS Facility | Deep Water Moorings, IMOS Sub-Facility | ASFS | Air-Sea Flux Stations, Oceans | Ocean Optics | Photosynthetically Active Radiation, Oceans | Ocean Temperature | Sea Surface Temperature
Organization: Australian Ocean Data Network
Variability and long-term change in the demography of the sponge Rhopaloeides odorabile, across the central Great Barrier Reef

Demographic surveys of the sponge, Rhopaloeides odorabile, were conducted across the continental shelf in the central Great Barrier Reef during January and February 2005 using SCUBA. The inner-shelf reefs surveyed (within 20 km of the coastline) were fringing reefs at Curacoa Island, Pelorus Island and Dunk Island. The mid-shelf reefs chosen (between 40 and 60 km from the coastline) were Davies Reef, Kelso Reef and Small Kelso Reef. The outer-shelf reefs surveyed (beyond 60 km from the coastline) were Pith Reef, Dip Reef and Fork Reef.Five replicate 25 m x10 m belt transects, randomly laid along the depth continuum, parallel to the reef slope, were placed at each of three sites, separated by 100 to 200m, on the exposed south-east face of each reef, at depths between 3 and 15 m. This habitat was chosen as Rhopaloeides odorabile prefers high energy environments. For each Rhopaloeides odorabile specimen recorded on each transect, the greatest dimensions for length, width and height were measured to the nearest half centimetre, using a ruler, to allow calculation of volume measurements (estimated for an overall hemispherical, rectangular or, occasionally, a prism shape). Volume estimates also correlate well with actual biomass. Sponge individuals were grouped into four size classes: 4300 cm³ (very large). The depth of each sponge was also recorded.
 This research was undertaken to determine differences in abundance, size and distribution of the sponge, Rhopaloeides odorabile, across the continental shelf in the central Great Barrier Reef and to relate the results to environmental factors known to vary across the shelf, such as light availability, currents, nutrients and sedimentation.Data was also be compared with the demographic data for this species documented in:Wilkinson CR and Evans EA (1989) Sponge distribution across Davies Reef, Great Barrier Reef, relative to location, depth, and water movement. Coral Reefs 8, 1-7. doi:10.1007/BF00304685 andWilkinson CR and Cheshire AC (1989) Patterns in the distribution of sponge populations across the central Great Barrier Reef. Coral Reefs 8, 127-134. doi:10.1007/BF00338268

Organization: Australian Ocean Data Network
Natural growth, population dynamics and optimal harvest regime for Coscinoderma matthewsi in Torres Strait (CRC-TS Project: Task Number T1.6a)

At Kodall North and Masig North, adjacent to the farming studies, four 5 x 5 m permanent quadrats were set up at a depth of 10-12 m. Kodall North and Masig North are approximately 2 km apart, while the four 25 m² quadrats at each site were at least 20 m apart. Each quadrat was thoroughly surveyed for Coscinoderma matthewsi, with the position of every sponge recorded on a data sheet divided into 1 m² quadrats. Quadrats were monitored every three months from December 2004 to June 2006. To examine Coscinoderma growth over time, approximately 6 sponges in each 25 m² quadrat were individually labelled, using a tag nailed next to each sponge. Every three months, each sponge was photographed next to a ruler to provide a scale and its width was measured to the nearest 1 cm. Sponge area was determined using the graphics program ImageTool (version 3). Sponge area and width were them multiplied to calculate the volume of each sponge. To examine growth of wild Coscinoderma matthewsi over time, percent growth rates were calculated. At Masig North, in December 2004, 10 sponges had either one-third or two-thirds of their biomass removed; the remaining portion was left still attached to the substratum. The harvested sponges were cut with a bread knife, making a clean cut, and were used in the farming experiments to produce explants. Each Coscinoderma matthewsi was individually labelled, with a tag nailed to the substratum adjacent to the sponge. In addition, 5 non-harvested sponges from the same area were also tagged and monitored to determine the effect of harvesting on growth and survival. Sponge size was determined using the technique described above. Sponges were measured immediately before harvesting, immediately after and in June 2005 (6 months post harvest) and March 2006 (15 months).
 This study was undertaken to:1. determine growth rates of Coscinoderma matthewsi over time under natural conditions2. develop the knowledge base for sustainable management of natural populations of target species for seed stock supply to farms

Organization: Australian Ocean Data Network
Derwent Estuary Ambient Water Quality monitoring program - Site KB

Site KB is sampled monthly by the Derwent Estuary Program as part of the  Derwent Ambient Water Quality monitoring program.
Since 2003, ambient water quality monitoring has been carried out on a monthly basis at up to 28 sites throughout the Derwent estuary by Norske Skog Boyer, Nyrstar Hobart and the State Government. Monitoring is carried out by three different boat-based sampling parties, but is co-ordinated to occur on the same day each month. 
At each site, in-situ field measurements are taken using calibrated sensors for temperature, salinity, pH, dissolved oxygen and turbidity. Water clarity is also measured using a secchi disk. Surface and bottom water samples are collected for analysis of true color, total suspended solids(TSS), total  and dissolved nutrients, organic carbon and zinc. at most sites, depth integrated samples are also collected for chlorophyll a using a plastic tube. Bottom samples in the Middle and Outer estuary are collected using a niskin bottle. Pumps are used in the upper estuary site to fill up the bottles. All water samples are analysed at Analytical Service Tasmania, a National Association of Testing Authorities-accredited laboratory. Monitoring site depth is 2 meters

Tags: Derwent Estuary, Hydrolab Vertical Profiler, Niskin Bottles, Oceans | Ocean Chemistry | Ammonia, Oceans | Ocean Chemistry | Nitrate, Oceans | Ocean Chemistry | Nitrite, Oceans | Ocean Chemistry | Phosphate, Oceans | Ocean Optics | Secchi Depth, Oceans | Salinity/density | Salinity, Oceans | Water Quality | Chlorophyll, Oceans | Water Quality | Conductivity, Oceans | Water Quality | Nitrogen Compounds, Oceans | Water Quality | Oxygen, Oceans | Water Quality | Ph, Oceans | Water Quality | Phosphorous Compounds, Oceans | Water Quality | Suspended Solids, Oceans | Water Quality | Trace Metals, Oceans | Water Quality | Turbidity, Oceans | Water Quality | Water Temperature, Secchi Disks, True Colour, sea_water_salinity, sea_water_temperature
Organization: Australian Ocean Data Network
Non Threatened Fauna of Conservation Significance

Non threatened fauna data derived from the Natural Values Atlas consisting primarily of point locations (Eastings and Northings) and associated attributes for non threatened fauna in Tasmania.  The NVA maintains species taxonomy and provides access to additional attribute information, including species values for conservation significance as well as project specific data.

Tags: BOUNDARIES, ECOLOGY Habitat, FAUNA, FAUNA Invertebrates, FAUNA Native, FAUNA Vertebrates, HERITAGE Natural, MARINE
Organization: Tasmania Government's The List Data
Sediment data collected on the Denman Marine Voyage of the RSV Nuyina, 2025

These data were collected on voyage 3 of the RSV Nuyina in the 2024/2025 season. The voyage was colloquially known as the "Denman Marine Voyage", as it operated in the vicinity of the Denman Glacier.
During the voyage, the sediment team collected data via a number of different means, and for a number of different reasons.  The dataset download contains the raw data collected this way, plus a number of metadata files which provide further information about the data collection.  These metadata files are:
AADC Metadata Form - Sediments_CTD.docx
AADC Metadata Form - Sediments_DeepSeaCoral.docx
AADC Metadata Form - Sediments_KastenCore.docx
AADC Metadata Form - Sediments_KastenCore_MS.docx
AADC Metadata Form - Sediments_KastenCore_pXRF.docx
AADC Metadata Form - Sediments_KastenCore_ThermalConductivity.docx
AADC Metadata Form - Sediments_Multicore.docx
AADC Metadata Form - Sediments_Multicore_pXRF.docx
AADC Metadata Form - Sediments_Underway.docx
For more information on the data, please see each of these metadata files.

Tags: AMD, AMD/AU, CAMERAS, CEOS, CONDUCTIVITY METERS > CONDUCTIVITY METERS, CONTINENT > ANTARCTICA > DENMAN GLACIER, DENMAN, DMV, EARTH SCIENCE > BIOLOGICAL CLASSIFICATION > ANIMALS/INVERTEBRATES > CNIDARIANS > ANTHOZOANS/HEXACORA, EARTH SCIENCE > BIOLOGICAL CLASSIFICATION > PROTISTS > DIATOMS, EARTH SCIENCE > BIOLOGICAL CLASSIFICATION > PROTISTS > PLANKTON > PHYTOPLANKTON, EARTH SCIENCE > OCEANS > MARINE SEDIMENTS > BIOGENIC SEDIMENTS, EARTH SCIENCE > OCEANS > MARINE SEDIMENTS > SEDIMENT CHEMISTRY, EARTH SCIENCE > OCEANS > MARINE SEDIMENTS > SEDIMENT COMPOSITION, EARTH SCIENCE > OCEANS > MARINE SEDIMENTS > SEDIMENTARY TEXTURES, EARTH SCIENCE > OCEANS > MARINE SEDIMENTS > STRATIGRAPHIC SEQUENCE, GEOCHEMISTRY, GEOGRAPHIC REGION > POLAR, ICEBERG RAFTED DEBRIS, KASTEN CORE, MAGNETIC SUSCEPTIBILITY, MOTION SENSORS, MULTI CORE, NISKIN BOTTLES, OCEAN > SOUTHERN OCEAN > EAST ANTARCTIC CONTINENTAL SHELF, PXRF, R/V Nuyina > R/V Nuyina, SEDIMENT CORERS > SEDIMENT CORERS, SOIL TEMPERATURE PROBE, THERMAL CONDUCTIVITY, TRAWL, XRF > X-Ray Fluorescence Spectrometer
Organization: Australian Ocean Data Network
The Helix Experiment: Helix Reef physical oceanography, Great Barrier Reef: Tide gauge deployment HLX01

A tide gauge (TDR) was deployed at the northern end of Helix Reef.Deployment Details:Code: HLX01Instrument: TDR #145Date Deployed: 26/10/1983Date Recovered: 21/05/1984
 This TDR was one of an array of instruments deployed for the physical oceanographic component of the Helix Experiment.

Organization: Australian Ocean Data Network
Derwent Estuary Ambient Water Quality monitoring program - Site NTB-13

Site NTB-13 is sampled monthly by the Nyrstar Hobart as part of the  Derwent Ambient Water Quality monitoring program.
Since 2003, ambient water quality monitoring has been carried out on a monthly basis at up to 28 sites throughout the Derwent estuary by Norske Skog Boyer, Nyrstar Hobart and the State Government. Monitoring is carried out by three different boat-based sampling parties, but is co-ordinated to occur on the same day each month. 
At each site, in-situ field measurements are taken using calibrated sensors for temperature, salinity, pH, dissolved oxygen and turbidity. Water clarity is also measured using a secchi disk. Surface and bottom water samples are collected for analysis of true color, total suspended solids(TSS), total  and dissolved nutrients, organic carbon and zinc. at most sites, depth integrated samples are also collected for chlorophyll a using a plastic tube. Bottom samples in the Middle and Outer estuary are collected using a niskin bottle. Pumps are used in the upper estuary site to fill up the bottles. All water samples are analysed at Analytical Service Tasmania, a National Association of Testing Authorities-accredited laboratory. Monitoring site depth is 2 meters

Tags: Derwent Estuary, Hydrolab Vertical Profiler, Niskin Bottles, Oceans | Ocean Chemistry | Ammonia, Oceans | Ocean Chemistry | Nitrate, Oceans | Ocean Chemistry | Nitrite, Oceans | Ocean Chemistry | Phosphate, Oceans | Ocean Optics | Secchi Depth, Oceans | Salinity/density | Salinity, Oceans | Water Quality | Chlorophyll, Oceans | Water Quality | Conductivity, Oceans | Water Quality | Nitrogen Compounds, Oceans | Water Quality | Oxygen, Oceans | Water Quality | Ph, Oceans | Water Quality | Phosphorous Compounds, Oceans | Water Quality | Suspended Solids, Oceans | Water Quality | Trace Metals, Oceans | Water Quality | Turbidity, Oceans | Water Quality | Water Temperature, Secchi Disks, True Colour, sea_water_salinity, sea_water_temperature
Organization: Australian Ocean Data Network
ERIN Dual-processed Landsat TM tiles in Western Australia - Yanrey tile

A Landsat TM image was cut using a NATMAP Geoscience Australia 1:250 000 scale map named Yanrey (Map number SF50-9) and was saved in GeoTIFF format.
The image was geometrically rectified to GDA94 (Datum) and MGA50 (Projection) and a dual enhancement technique was conducted to Landsat TM satellite data where land was enhanced using bands 741 (RGB) and water was enhanced using bands 321 (RGB).  This is one of a series of tiles processed by ERIN from Coastal Atlas project in the 1990's.

Organization: Australian Ocean Data Network
Effects of periodic trampling on rocky intertidal algal beds: Hormosira banksii cover

This study examines the effects of  trampling on rocky intertidal platforms dominated by the brown algae Hormosira banksii.   This dataset gives the percent cover of Hormosira  banskii in response to four levels of experimental trampling applied over six summers, between 1991 and 1996, within Point Nepean National Park, Victoria.  Two sites were located at Cheviot Beach (Harry's Pool, Cheviot Mid) and one at Grenade Range (Grenade Range).  The percent cover of Hormosira banskii in each experimental strip of shoreline was assessed  bi-annually for six years. Hormosira banksii was affected by trampling but the response varied with location.  At Cheviot beach periodic disturbance produced a pulse response in the cover of Hormosira, but  responses  to a given level of trampling varied among years.  At  Grenade Range there was little recovery between  trampling periods after two years and by this time Hormosira  was almost eliminated at the highest level of trampling.

Tags: 54 100001, Biosphere | Ecological Dynamics | Adaptation, Biosphere | Vegetation | Macroalgae, Hormosira banksii, Human Dimensions | Environmental Impacts | Civil Disturbance, Mornington Peninsula, Victoria, Oceans | Marine Biology | Marine Plants, Point Nepean National Park, coverage, experimental_method, periodic
Organization: Australian Ocean Data Network
Formation of functional coral clones through natural embryo fragmentation of broadcast spawn from the Great Barrier Reef

Acropora millepora colonies were collected from Trunk Reef in early December 2009 and maintained in the aquarium system at the Australian Institute of Marine Science. Eggs from 7 colonies were fertilized and after 3 hours, when the majority of embryos were at the 2, 4 or 8 cell stage, the embryos were gently poured twice over a vertical distance of 30 cm from one 2 litre plastic container to another. This caused embryos to fragment, with the resulting separated cells or groups of cells continuing on through normal development, but at smaller sizes than the original embryos. Embryos were cultured in three 40 l polypropylene tanks and 80% of the water was changed daily with 1 µm filtered seawater.After 7 days, a random sample of 35 larvae were measured and classified into three size classes. Fifteen randomly selected larvae were transferred with 10 ml of seawater into each well of four 6 well cell culture plates and exposed to the crustose coralline algae, Porolithon onkodes, to initiate metamorphosis.After 48 hours, newly settled juveniles were measured and classified into three size classes and the larval success of each size class determined. Four day old juvenile corals were inoculated with 10^5 cells/ml Symbiodinium sp. and symbiont uptake was observed after 6 weeks. Wind speed data for the predicted nights of annual broadcast spawning, for the years 2000 - 2010 were obtained from the AIMS weather stations located at Davies Reef, Myrmidon Reef, Hardy Reef and Magnetic Island.
 This laboratory study was undertaken to examine the viability of larvae derived from embryos fragmented by turbulence.
 In most metazoan sexual reproduction, the fertilized egg or early embryo is protected by a capsule or membrane. However, coral embryos from a range of families are an exception and lack this protection. Vulnerability to fragmentation had been observed when culturing coral embryos from the families Acroporidae, Faviidae, Mussidae, Fungidae and Occulinidae.

Organization: Australian Ocean Data Network
Weddell seal locations in the Rauer Group recorded by the Frozen Sea Expedition of 1982-1984

This is a polygon dataset digitised from a 1982-1984 Frozen Sea Expedition grid map (attached) showing locations where Weddell seals were recorded in the Rauer Group region, Prydz Bay, Antarctica. Weddell seal distribution data were mapped by members of the Oceanic Research Foundation Ltd. in collaboration with Harry Burton and Rhys Puddicombe (ANARE). This work was undertaken during the Frozen Sea Expedition to Prydz Bay which occurred between 1982-1984 and during which the expedition schooner 'Dick Smith Explorer' wintered in the Rauer Group. Locations of seal occurrence were marked on a base map of the Rauer Group on which a grid had been drawn. Data were recorded as 'Late Autumn /early Winter most common seal locations (July to September)' and 'Known pupping locations (October to December)'.   The locations as highlighted on the map were digitised by the AADC in 2025 and are attached to this record as polygon data in a GeoPackage.

Tags: AMD, AMD/AU, CEOS, CONTINENT > ANTARCTICA > Prydz Bay, EARTH SCIENCE > BIOLOGICAL CLASSIFICATION > ANIMALS/VERTEBRATES > MAMMALS > CARNIVORES > SEALS/SEA L, EARTH SCIENCE > BIOSPHERE > ECOLOGICAL DYNAMICS > SPECIES/POPULATION INTERACTIONS > POPULATION DYNAM, FIELD SURVEYS > FIELD SURVEYS, GEOGRAPHIC REGION > POLAR, RAUER GROUP, VISUAL OBSERVATIONS > VISUAL OBSERVATIONS, WEDDELL SEAL
Organization: Australian Ocean Data Network
Nephelometer data sets for Dump Site North in Cleveland Bay - 1993

This metadata record covers a subset of the data collected during dredging by the Townsville Port Authority in Cleveland Bay in 1993.   Data are divided into a number of main groups: Wind, tide gauge, wave rider, S4, sediment traps, water samples and nephelometers.  The data are grouped according to collection method and sampling location. See the metadata record title for collection method and geographic extent for the sampling location. Unique site numbers were assigned within Cleveland Bay at which data were collected.  Some of these sites were named, and others were unnamed.

Tags: Nephelometer, Oceans | Marine Sediments | Sedimentation, Oceans | Marine Sediments | Turbidity, suspended_sediment_concentration
Organization: Australian Ocean Data Network
Gentoo penguin data from an island-wide census on Macquarie Island during October 2021

The gentoo penguin data is from an island-wide census conducted on Macquarie Island by Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service in October 2021. The focus of the census was gentoo penguin breeding pairs only, and includes the number of breeding pairs observed. 
Point data were provided as eastings and northings in CSV format by Julie McInnes, Research Associate. Attribute data were provided by Sam Thalmann, Wildlife Biologist, Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania. 
Points indicate the location from where the gentoo penguin breeding pair observations were made. The CSV data were imported into ArcGIS Pro and converted to latitude and longitude coordinates and are available in the attached GeoPackage.

Tags: AMD, AMD/AU, CEOS, EARTH SCIENCE > BIOLOGICAL CLASSIFICATION > ANIMALS/VERTEBRATES > BIRDS > PENGUINS, EARTH SCIENCE > BIOSPHERE > ECOLOGICAL DYNAMICS > SPECIES/POPULATION INTERACTIONS > POPULATION DYNAM, FIELD SURVEYS > FIELD SURVEYS, GEOGRAPHIC REGION > POLAR, OCEAN > SOUTHERN OCEAN > MACQUARIE ISLAND, VISUAL OBSERVATIONS > VISUAL OBSERVATIONS
Organization: Australian Ocean Data Network