AndreaBozzo/ceres-open-data-index huggingface dataset:
Temperate Australian quantitative spatial and temporal abundance data for rocky reef biota (biodiversity): new Tasmanian MPAs - Kent Group

The data is quantitative abundance of fish and megafaunal invertebrates and algal % cover derived from transect based counts at a wide range of locations across Temperate Australia. The methods are described in detail in Edgar and Barrett (1997). Primarily the data are derived from transects at 5 m depth and/or 10 m depth at each site surveyed. 
Methods were initially developed for research on temporal changes following protection in Tasmanian MPAs (Maria Is, Tinderbox, Ninepin Point, Governor Island). Further research has collected data in Tasmania, in MPA planning surveys (e.g. St Helens, Waterhouse Region, Low Head, Lillico Beach, Rocky Cape), an oil spill assessment (Low Head), and in studies and surveys in new Tasmania MPAs (Port Davey and the Kent Group).  The data represented by this record was collected in the Kent Group. In many cases the dataset involved temporal replication (year scale).

Tags: Abundance - fish, Abundance - invertebrates, Carapace length - rock lobster, Fish size class, Percentage cover algal species, Shell length - abalone
Organization: Australian Ocean Data Network
Genetic diversity and divergence in a hard coral, Acropora tenuis, among coastal and offshore reefs, Western Australia

The distribution of genetic variation of 7 microsatellite DNA markers in the mass-spawning coral Acropora tenuis was measured to infer patterns of connectivity among reef systems in the offshore (Scott Reef and Rowley Shoals) and coastal (Dampier Archipelago and Ningaloo Reef) zones of northwest Australia.Samples from 1156 colonies of Acropora tenuis were collected from 6 or 7 sites (more than 40 colonies were collected from most sites) at each of the Scott Reef, Rowley Shoals, Ningaloo Reef and the Dampier Archipelago systems.To minimize multiple collections of the same genet that may have been produced through asexual fragmentation or propagation (ramets), only a colony that was physically distinct and more than 1.5 m from other colonies was sampled. Note this provided an unbiased underestimate of the real contribution of asexual reproduction. Clonality was measured by calculating the proportion of unique multilocus genotypes as (Ng:N) at each site: of the 1156 samples collected, 1061 had unique multilocus genotypes.To explore the historical genetic connections among sites and systems, the amount of genetic variation were analysed within and among sites with respect to different alleles (FST), and on the sum of squared size differences of the alleles, assuming a stepwise model of mutation (RST).To further quantify the relationships among sites, 3 genetic distance measures between pairs of sites were calculated: DLR, which compares the likelihoods of complete multilocus genotypes in two populations; DS, Nei's standard genetic distance; and pairwise FST.Genetic diversity measures were calculated with FSTAT v2.9.3 as an unbiased estimate of gene diversity (HSK) and allelic richness (RS) per locus and site. The loci names use a prefix for the species followed by 2 or 5 according to the repeat motif type (di- or pentamer), followed by a number: Amil2-006, Amil2-010, Amil2-011, Amil2-012, Amil2-018, Amil2-022, Amil5-028.
 To assess genetic structure and diversity using 7 DNA microsatellite loci of the mass-spawning hard coral, Acropora tenuis, from a series of isolated and discontinuous coastal and offshore reef systems in northwest Australia.To test whether genetic and genotypic (clonal) diversities vary between the high-latitude, offshore reefs and the low latitude, coastal reefs.To gain further insight into degree of isolation, effective population size and the importance of asexual versus sexual reproduction.

Organization: Australian Ocean Data Network
Tracing carbon cycling in the Gulf of Papua, Papua New Guinea, using organic biomarkers

Sediment trap arrays were deployed in May and June 1997 at three sites (Fly Slope, Kerema Canyon and South East Fields) in the Gulf of Papua, Papua New Guinea. Sediment trap arrays, each consisting of six stainless steel cylinders fitted into a weighted aluminium frame, were attached to wire moorings just below the euphotic zone at 300m below the water surface, and at 100m above the sea bottom, in water depths ranging from 960 to 1460 m. Traps were deployed for 50 days at the Fly Slope site, 44 days at the Kerema Canyon site and 29 days at the South East Fields site. On retrieval, water in the collection bottles attached to each cylinder was filtered through GFA filters and the filters were rinsed, wrapped in solvent-cleaned aluminium foil, packed in labelled polyethylene bags and frozen until analysis.Water samples were collected from 0 ppt salinity stations in the Purari and Kikori Rivers and from the salinity gradient of the Fly River. Initially water was collected from a depth of 1-2 m, using a series of 4 L brown bottles mounted in a stainless steel framework. Between 24-36 L of water was then pumped through an Infiltrex II (TM) semi-high volume sampler on board the vessel. After sampling, the filters were removed, packed in glass jars with foil-lined lids and frozen and the XAD-2 columns were resealed and stored under refrigeration. Analyses of the material in the sediment traps and water samples were conducted to determine: C/N and stable isotope ratios (13C/12C and 15N/14N); Total extractable Organic Matter (EOM); and the presence of aromatic hydrocarbons using UV Fluorescence analysis. After fractionation of the extract into polar classes by column chromatography on silica gel, the fractions were analyzed for the following parameters by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectroscopy (GC-MS): F1-2 hydrocarbon composition and PAHs; F3 fatty acid methyl esters, wax esters, phytanic acid methyl ester and alkenones; F4 Sterols and alcohols; and F5 fatty acids. Major hopane and sterane biomarkers in sediment trap material was detected by Selected Ion Monitoring Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectroscopy (SIM GC-MS) and Metastable Reaction Monitoring Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectroscopy (MRM GC-MS) at Geoscience Australia.
 This study was carried out to determine the magnitude of fluxes of organic matter and inorganic elements from the photic zone to deeper waters at the base of the continental slope in the Gulf of Papua and into the northern Coral Sea. The sources contributing to organic carbon fluxes, and the important redistribution and degradation processes affecting the organic matter were also examined.
 This work is part of Project TROPICS (Tropical River Ocean Processes in Coastal Settings), a joint coastal oceanographic study by Australia, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, and the USA.

Organization: Australian Ocean Data Network
A Demographic Analysis of Populations of a Mushroom Coral Exposed to Contrasting Levels of Disturbance

The rates of sexual and asexual recruitment were quantified over 3.5 years, in addition to the rates of growth, injury and survival of the different sizes and stages of polyps of Fungia fungites at Mainland and East Lewis reef in the Dampier Archipelago (see large thumbnail).   
From this data, the rates of transition of polyps through their life cycle (vital rates) were obtained and incorporated into simple stage-structured matrix models that estimated the growth rates of the populations, their likelihood of approaching stability, and the relative importance of different polyp stages to population maintenance.

Tags: 11 298022, Biosphere | Ecological Dynamics | Life History, Biosphere | Zoology | Corals, Cyclone, Disturbance, Fungia fungites, Oceans | Marine Sediments | Sedimentation
Organization: Australian Ocean Data Network
Water level variations along the outer Great Barrier Reef (1985-1988)

Tide Gauges were deployed at 6 stations along the outer Great Barrier Reef (Harrington Reef, Raine Island, Creech Reef, Reef No. 17-065, Reef No. 19-151 and Gannet Cay) and 2 stations in the Coral Sea (Willis Island and Flinders Cay).
 Sea level measurements along the outer Great Barrier Reef allow improved forcing and validation of hydrodynamic models. The presence of outer shelf reef platforms allow these observations to be made economically. Long term tidal height analysis also improves long term sea level predictions. Appropriately paired gauges with coastal or Coral Sea reefs can provide an estimate of geostrophic currents and a proxy for the EAC.

Organization: Australian Ocean Data Network
NESP TWQ Project 4.8 - ‘Project 25’ – farmers, water quality and on-farm decision-making, 2018-2020 (JCU)

Landholder concerns surrounding the credibility of broad-scale water quality monitoring and modelling initiatives in the GBR catchment area is emerging as one of the key cane industry engagement challenges for promoting significant farming practice change, and delivering water quality improvements. Based around small, sub-catchment scale water quality monitoring in a key cane growing region of the GBR catchment, Project 25 utilises a bottom-up approach to integrated sub-catchment monitoring and intervention to identify ‘hot spot’ sub-catchments through localised water quality monitoring. The Project emphasises industry ownership and control of monitoring design, and delivery of locally targeted water quality data to provide confidence in on-farm decision making and practice change.

Tags: National Environmental Science Programme Tropical Water Quality (NESP TWQ) hub, marine
Organization: Australian Ocean Data Network
Shark Bay Ecosystem Research Project

Researchers from Florida International University and Simon Fraser University have visited Shark Bay, Western Australia from 1997 to present to collect data on tiger sharks, other sharks, dugongs, marine turtles, sting rays, sea snakes, seagrass beds, dolphins, fish and Pied Cormorants, to determine how this community of animals is influenced by one another and to generate predications about how this and other marine communities might be affected by humans.

Tags: 37 018022, 39 020001, 39 020002, 39 125021, 40 048006, 41 116020, 41 206001, Biosphere | Ecological Dynamics | Food-web Dynamics, Biosphere | Ecological Dynamics | Life History, Caretta caretta, Chelonia mydas, Dugong dugon, Galeocerdo cuvier, Hydrophis elegans, Oceans | Coastal Processes | Lagoons, Oceans | Marine Biology | Fish, Oceans | Marine Biology | Marine Birds, Oceans | Marine Biology | Marine Habitat, Oceans | Marine Biology | Marine Mammals, Oceans | Marine Biology | Marine Plants, Oceans | Marine Biology | Marine Reptiles, Phalacrocorax varius, Tursiops aduncus
Organization: Australian Ocean Data Network
Wind statistics at Governor Head Meteorological Station, Jervis Bay in September 1990

This dataset is a component of the 'Jervis Bay Baseline Studies' project conducted by the Department of Defence, CSIRO and the Australian Defence Force Academy.
The meteorological station (35.133S, 150.762E) recorded winds and atmospheric pressure at Governor Head (Jervis Bay). The site is several hundred metres inland of 50m high cliffs and is 63m above sea-level.
This record provides wind statistics for September 1990. Five datasets are included here representing different times of the day: 0000-0545, 0600-1145, 1200-1745 and 1800-2345. Individual measurements have been converted so that trends of wind speed and direction can be seen for the time period in question. The fifth dataset incorporates all the wind data collected irrespective of time providing a monthly summary. The station initially recorded wind data at 15 minute intervals.
This is one of thirty-six child records that relate to the parent, 629051e0-2b7b-11dd-a343-00188b4c0af8. A pdf outlining the structure and hierarchy of metadata records relating to the 'Jervis Bay Baseline Studies' project is available to download through this record. Meteorological data was collected to investigate wind forced circulation in Jervis Bay, NSW.

Tags: Atmosphere | Atmospheric Winds | Surface Winds, time, wind_from_direction, wind_speed
Organization: Australian Ocean Data Network
Culling silver gulls around the Lowendal Islands

Culling programme for Silver Gulls within Lowendal Islands (Varanus, Bridled, Beacon, Abutilon, Parvakeelya) by lethal doses of alphacloralosa applied to buttered bread and palced on beached/nest where Silver Gulls roost
KEYWODS: Larus novaehollandia monitoring

Organization: Australian Ocean Data Network
Fish and benthic surveys in intermediate and deeper waters of Ningaloo Marine Park, Western Australia, using baited remote underwater video stations (BRUVS (TM))

A total of 18 BRUVS sets were made offshore from Mandu Mandu, Point Cloates and Maud Point in depths ranging from 66-96 metres. Most of the sets were made where the habitats in the immediate field of view were flat sediments, with or without visible bioturbation from the activities of small burrowing animals. All three sets at Mandu Mandu were in flat, sandy habitats. Three of the six sets made off Point Cloates had significant cover of benthic sponges, fan and whip gorgonians, and other biotic or abiotic structures. Only two of the nine sets made offshore from Maud Point had such cover, and it was much sparser in the field of view of the cameras. Most taxa were identified to species level, with the notable exception of the very small juveniles of threadfin breams (Nemipterus sp.), and the small (&lt;60 cm total length) sharpnose or sliteye sharks (Rhizoprionodon taylori or Loxodon macrorhinos). Published diagnostic features for these species could not be resolved on the footage. The maximum number of fish from each species seen in each video frame (MAXN) was recorded. The surrounding habitat was classified into three broad classes: fine sand, course sand and megabenthos. The measures of the various depths, the habitat classes, and the fish species abundance were analysed from multiple BRUVS sites, or sets. Multivariate analyses are required to examine the multidimensional relationships among the sites, the environmental variables and fish species. These analyses allowed us to describe the major groupings in the BRUVS data, measure the strength of fish-habitat associations, and identify indicator species defining these patterns.
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. BRUVS deployments were made to investigate fish and elasmobranch community composition in relation to habitat within the study sites.

Organization: Australian Ocean Data Network
Diatom recovery from core MD88-779: Raw counts

Core MD88-779 was taken during the 1988 French ASPARA IV cruise in the South East Indian Ocean aboard the Marion Dufresne. The core is situated on the South Tasman Rise (47º50.690S, 146º32.750E) at a depth of 2260m. Although the core recovered was 6.7m long, only the top 2.6m were studied as preliminary investigations had indicated that this section covered the last two glacial cycles. 
A total of 37 diatom species and taxa were observed in the core samples, comprising predominantly warm-water fauna. The majority of samples were poorly preserved and showed high levels of dissolution making identification to species level often difficult. Species with greatest abundances were those more heavily silicified (e.g. Fragilariopsis kerguelansis), and to a lesser extent the warm-water forms (e.g. Fragilariopsis doliolu).
The complete loss of a diatom record at 170cm and 210/220cm in the core is extremely unusual. The diatom signal is interpreted as having been removed by increased water mass velocity, extreme post-depositional silica dissolution or decreased productivity. There is no sedimentological evidence from the core which provides further interpretation.
The diatom recovery from this core is considerably low when compared to samples from the Southern Ocean.

Tags: 53001900, 53120000, 53150900, Azpeitia tabularis, Biosphere | Microbiota | Diatoms, Fragilariopsis doliolus, Hemidiscus cuneiformis, Roperia tesselata, Thalassionema nitzschioides, Thalassiosira lineata, core_depth, taxonomic_group_count, taxonomic_name
Organization: Australian Ocean Data Network
Evidence for de novo acquisition of microalgal symbionts by bleached adult corals

This study tested whether bleached adult corals can acquire photosymbionts (family Symbiodiniaceae) from the environment. We subjected adult fragments of six coral species to a chemical bleaching treatment: P. lobata, D. heliopora, S. pistillata, D. pallida, E. lamellosa and P. daedalea. The bleached corals were then inoculated with a cultured symbiont (a Cladocopium C1acro strain). Genotyping of the symbiont communities before bleaching and after reinoculation was carried out. Full details are in the paper Scharfenstein et al. (2022).

Organization: Australian Ocean Data Network
Trace analysis of hydrocarbons in Porites coral cores from the Arabian Gulf, Saudi Arabia

Short coral cores were collected from 28 Porites coral colonies at four reef sites (Jurayd, Jana, Karan and Gosp-4) in the Arabian Gulf in January-February 2003. The coral cores were mounted, sliced and X-rayed to reveal annual density banding patterns. Fifteen of the 28 cores were sufficiently intact for accurate identification of year bands and chemical analysis.Samples were cut from one or two slices of each core down to the earliest year band. Samples chosen for analysis included the 1991 and where possible, the 1983 year bands. Samples were then cut into year-bands and pieces of coral belonging to one year band were placed into separate solvent cleaned 20ml glass vials.After extraction using dichloromethane and sonication and being passed through a column containing sodium sulphate, samples were scanned by ultraviolet fluorescence spectroscopy (UVF) and were then analysed using gas chromotography and mass spectroscopy detection (GCMS).
 The purpose of this research was to conduct a study of hydrocarbon biomarkers in corals as part of an assessment of the impact of the 1991 oil spill on Arabian Gulf coral reefs.
 Growth data derived from these cores are described in the metadata record "Growth records in Porites coral cores from the Arabian Gulf, Saudi Arabia"

Organization: Australian Ocean Data Network
Princess Royal Harbour (WA) Seagrass 1996 - 2006

Repeat surveys of aquatic flora were conducted in Princess Royal Harbour in 1996, 2003, 2005 and 2006. This data is part of the 2013 report "Synthesis of seagrass mapping studies" conducted by the Water Science Branch of the Department of Water.
Surveys were initially conducted by the WA Department of Water. The objectives of the study were to map the distribution of the different seagrass species found in Princess Royal Harbour and Oyster Harbour and to compare the distributions with that observed in previous studies (1996 and 2003).
This data was acquired by the ACEAS Seagrass Group as part of the 2013 Australia-wide risk assessment of Seagrass.
Surveys were conducted again in January and March 2021 by the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation as "Princess Royal Harbour Seagrass Survey".
The datasets making up the 1996-2006 Princess Royal Harbour seagrass survey data are:
WA_PrincessRoyal_seagrass_polygons - polygon dataset showing interpolated percentage cover of seagrass.
This record provides access to the initial WA DoW surveys. See associated DWER records in Data WA catalogue for access to newer surveys at this site.

Tags: Benthic habitat, WESTERN AUSTRALIA
Organization: Australian Ocean Data Network
NESP TWQ Project 3.9 - Indigenous capacity building and increased participation in management of Queensland sea country, 2015-2015 (CSIRO)

This project intends to facilitate targeted consultations with key individuals and institutions (i.e. Torres Strait Regional Authority, GBR TO’s and Land Councils, etc.) to seek feedback on the implementation of the NESP TWQ Hub Indigenous Engagement and Participation Strategy (IEPS). This will enable the evolution of a strong Implementation Strategy for the IEPS. A number of Indigenous community liaison officers (part-time) will be engaged to work at the local level to analyse, scope and prioritise Indigenous specific targets/actions identified within and arising from the 2050 LTSP and to inform future TWQ Hub research priorites (the Research Plan). The project will set the parameters for, and commence development of an Indigenous specific Implementation Strategy and investment framework for the future co-management of sea country.

Tags: National Environmental Science Programme Tropical Water Quality (NESP TWQ) hub, marine
Organization: Australian Ocean Data Network
Population Subdivision in the Australian Sea Lion based in mtDNA Variation

Tissue samples were collected from newly born pups from 15 individual colonies between 1989 and 2000, to determine the genetic structure of populations of N. cinerea, with a view to understand the degree of connectedness of different colonies, the role of reproductive strategies in regulating female mediated gene flow and the consequences of historical population exploitation.

Tags: 41 131005, Biosphere | Ecological Dynamics | Population Dynamics, Gene flow, Genetic divergence, Neophoca cinerea, Oceans | Marine Biology | Marine Mammals, mitochondrial DNA, natal site fidelity
Organization: Australian Ocean Data Network
Global spatial risk assessment of sharks under the footprint of fisheries

Pelagic sharks are among the widest-ranging vertebrates, with some species exhibiting annual migrations on the ocean-basin scale, long term trans-ocean movements and/or fine-scale site fidelity to preferred shelf and open ocean areas. These behaviours could cause extensive spatial overlap with different fisheries that exploit regions ranging from coastal areas to the deep ocean. Satellite tracking data of pelagic sharks was used provide a global estimate of the extent of overlap in the use of space between sharks and industrial fisheries.
Satellite-linked transmitters were deployed on tiger and whale shark at Ningaloo reef. These tags provide location estimates that are used in the analysis of movements. these data were combined with a global dataset(from multiple authors) of shark tracks from Atlantic, Indian and Pacific Oceans, together with the movements of fishing vessels in a work led by collaborators that resulted in the publications Queiroz et al. 2019 Global spatial risk assessment of sharks under the footprint of fisheries (Nature).

Organization: Australian Ocean Data Network