AndreaBozzo/ceres-open-data-index huggingface dataset:
Abundance and Breeding Cycle of the Australian Sea Lion in Western Australia

This study assessed sea lion pup production at 9 breeding sites in Western Australia (ranging from Houtman Abrolhos Islands to Six Mile Island at the start of Great Australian Bight) from 1988 to 2001 to estimate population size overall.  Trends in pup production, pup mortality and the timing of the breeding season were monitored to gain an understanding of population dynamics across the range of the species in Western Australia.
The influence of environmental variables, in particular activity of the Leeuwin Current, in demographic processes was also investigated.

Tags: 41 131005, Biosphere | Ecological Dynamics | Species Recruitment, Biosphere | Ecological Dynamics | Survival, Biosphere | Terrestrial Ecosystems | Beaches, Neophoca cinerea, Oceans | Marine Biology | Marine Mammals
Organization: Australian Ocean Data Network
WA Marine Futures Project - reef habitat

The Marine Futures Project was designed to benchmark the current status of key Western Australian marine ecosystems, based on an improved understanding of the relationship between marine habitats, biodiversity and our use of these values. Approximately 1,500 km2 of seafloor were mapped using hydroacoustics (Reson 8101 Multibeam), and expected benthic habitats "ground-truthed" using towed video transects and baited remote underwater video systems. Both sources of information were then combined in a spatial predictive modelling framework to produce fine-scale habitat maps showing the extent of substrate types, biotic formations, etc.
This project record provides linkage to each of metadata records describing data collected from the 9 study areas: Abrolhos Islands, Broke Inlet, Geographe Bay, Jurien Bay, Middle Island, Mount Gardner, Point Ann, Rottnest Island, and Southwest Capes. To access the source datasets from each study site in their original (unaggregated) form, see child records linked to this parent record.

Tags: Benthic habitat, Reef habitat
Organization: Australian Ocean Data Network
The importance of predation in shaping marine sessile communities at Queenscliff, Victoria

Predation on newly settled individuals has been shown to shape marine sessile invertebrate communities of the northeast coast of North America.  This study tests if this response can also be observed at other geographic locations that support different assemblage of marine sessile invertebrates.  The effects of predation in early post-settlement assemblages were tested at two locations in Victoria; Workshops Jetty, Williamstown and Queenscliff Pier, Queenscliff during the summer of 2005-2006.  At each site, early post-settlement assemblages of sessile invertebrates were established and subsequently exposed to a series of predation exclusion treatments of varying durations.  This dataset gives the abundances of sessile invertebrates at Queenscliff Pier after an initial 4 day settlement period, and 20 and 40 days after these initial assemblages were exposed to three predation exclusion treatments: i) uncaged, no predator exclusion; ii) full 2 mm mesh cage, total predator exclusion; iii) full 10 mm mesh cage, exclusion of large predators only.  In addition two cage control treatments were established to identify if the cages themselves caused a change in the sessile invertebrate assemblages.  Cage controls were partial cages constructed from both 2 mm and 10 mm mesh.  The results indicated that didemnid ascidians may have been preyed upon by a small predator, but this predator was not identified. However, predation did not exert a strong influence on other taxa or on the overall structure of sessile invertebrate communities at Queenscliff.

Tags: 20 000000, 22 085000, 35 000000, 35 013000, Ascidiacea, Biosphere | Ecological Dynamics | Community Structure, Biosphere | Ecological Dynamics | Predation, Biosphere | Ecological Dynamics | Species Recruitment, Bryozoa, Didemnidae, Oceans | Marine Biology | Marine Invertebrates, Serpulidae, depth, duration, experimental_treatment, pylon, taxonomic_group_count
Organization: Australian Ocean Data Network
OSU Buoy Group: Peru Currents Study

Data from moorings that were in place for at least 6 months in deep water and include meteorological data, pressure records and temperature records gathered by the Oregon State University (OSU) Buoy Group over a span of more than 35 years. In addition, included are a number of electronic (i.e., browser-formatted) data reports.
This dataset relates to current meter records from the Peru Currents Study was in 6 stages.
Phase I Nov 81 - Mar 82; Accessions 7153 - 7160 
Phase II Mar 82 - Nov 82; Accessions 7161 - 7171 
Phase III Nov 82 - Feb 83; Accessions 7172 - 7175 
Phase IV Feb 83 - Nov 83; Accessions 7176 - 7195 
Phase V Nov 83 - May 84; Accessions 7196 - 7215 
Phase VI May 84 - Mar 85; Accessions 7216 - 7231 
Other links available on this site will take you to the collection of data reports, an historical retrospective of the Buoy Group and instructions on how to download the data for the following:

Atlantic Ocean data
Pacific Ocean data
Indian Ocean data
Southern Ocean data 
Electronic data reports
History of the Group
How to use this disk


Tags: Buoy world ocean, Deep water mooring, Oceans | Bathymetry | Water Depth, Oceans | Ocean Pressure | Sea Level Pressure, Oceans | Ocean Pressure | Water Pressure, Oceans | Ocean Temperature | Sea Surface Temperature, Oceans | Ocean Temperature | Water Temperature, Oceans | Salinity/density | Conductivity, Oceans | Salinity/density | Salinity, PACIFIC OCEAN, beam_attenuation_coefficient, direction_of_sea_water_velocity, sea_water_electrical_conductivity, sea_water_pressure, sea_water_speed, sea_water_temperature, sea_water_u_velocity, sea_water_v_velocity
Organization: Australian Ocean Data Network
Commercial fishes as predators of adult crown-of-thorns starfish, Acanthaster planci, in the southern Great Barrier Reef

Snake Reef and Gannet Cay in the Swain Reefs of the southern Great Barrier Reef, which were experiencing outbreaks of crown-of-thorns starfish, were chosen for this study and surveyed in February 1994. Areas of high starfish density were located within these reefs by systematic manta tows and snorkelling and marked with buoys.Three fishermen targeted Lethrinus miniatus, within 500 m of the starfish concentrations. The time of capture (to the nearest hour) was recorded in the majority of cases and standard length was recorded for all fish caught. The entire digestive tracts of the 98 Lethrinids caught were removed shortly after capture and preserved. In the laboratory, entire gut contents were washed out onto fine plankton mesh (17 µm), drained and weighed. Gut contents were examined under a microscope for any Acanthaster planci remains and large prey items were recorded.At Gannet Cay, starfish were located in two patches, a small one on the west side of the reef, just south of the Cay, and another larger one on the south face. Starfish were counted in a series of dives and each animal was tagged with a temporary tag once counted. Small numbers of starfish were collected for examination of their reproductive state.The outbreak at Snake Reef covered a larger area and the numbers of starfish were estimated from a series of 50 m transects. Two divers counted Acanthaster planci in a 2 m band on one side of a tape laid along the edge of the reef, giving an estimate of the length of the affected portion of reef, as well as the density of starfish. The width of the affected area was estimated by swimming transects 5 m wide and 15 m apart, starting at the sand and running at a normal to the reef edge. The width of the infestation was taken to be the distance from the sand to the starfish that was second furthest from the sand. This was to reduce bias due to outlying starfish.Lethrinids were counted in the vicinity of the starfish outbreak at Snake Reef, in twenty 50x10 m transects. The transects were placed haphazardly along the reef edge at least 20 m apart, starting at a depth of about 3 m and running down the slope. Sixteen similar transects were swum along the west face of the reef at Gannet Cay. It was not possible to count fish in the immediate vicinity of the large aggregation because of rough seas and strong currents.
 This research was undertaken to: - collect a large sample of possible fish predators of Acanthaster planci close to outbreak populations of adults with developed gonads to look for evidence of predation and to estimate per capita predatory mortality- look for evidence of timing of Lethrinus miniatus feeding because Acanthaster planci, particularly smaller size classes, are active at night and cryptic during the day.

Organization: Australian Ocean Data Network
Coral Sea - Sula Seamount - Geomorphology and Surface Classification

Voyage IN2019_V04 contributed an additional 29,000 kms2 of seafloor survey data to the Coral Sea knowledge base. From this new bathymetric data individual seamounts have been extracted and have been classified to the Geoscience Australia Geomorphology Classification Scheme. This dataset contains two layers representing the classification layers- 1) Surface (Plain, Slope, Escarpment) and 2) fine scale Geomorphology of the seamount for the Sula Seamount.
Ongoing research with this survey data will provide new insights into the detailed geomorphic shape and spatial relationships between adjacent seabed features. This information will be released in future publications to show the potential of how the scale of such seafloor data can be used for predictive habitat modelling when analysed with the biological data overlays.

Organization: Australian Ocean Data Network
Collated data inventory for NE Siberian Red Knot in relation to the Gippsland Offshore Renewable Energy declaration area (NESP MaC 3.21)

This project undertook a rapid exploration of information on a priority subset of species identified by the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) and the National Offshore Petroleum Safety and Environment Authority (NOPSEMA) that are listed as critically endangered or endangered under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. It specifically focused on these species in relation to the Gippsland declaration area, and the adjacent areas to the declaration area in Bass Strait.
This rapid exploration of information was conducted as follows:
1)  identify datasets and information sources relevant to priority species identified by DCCEEW and NOPSEMA for the Gippsland declaration area; 
2)  identify the source of these datasets and information and their level of accessibility;
3)  evaluate the utility of datasets and information identified in 2) for assessments/regulatory processes required to be undertaken by DCCEEW and NOPSEMA; and 
4)  identify what activities would need to be undertaken to improve the accessibility and utility of datasets and information sources identified in 3) that are not currently accessible in useable formats. 
Fifteen priorities species (12 birds, 3 cetaceans) were identified for which publicly-available occurrence data could be located. This record and the attached download describes the data inventory for North-Eastern Siberian Red Knot (Calidris canutus).
To download the data inventory for all fifteen priority species, see https://doi.org/10.25959/GB51-RW44.

Tags: Calidris canutus, Offshore renewable energy (ORE), Offshore wind energy, Seabirds, Shorebirds, Threatened, endangered and protected species
Organization: Australian Ocean Data Network
Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV) habitat mapping at South Scott Reef, Western Australia

The AUV conducted a total of 19 science missions including combinations of straight line transects, open grids, and quadrats with full cover between the lines. The full cover quadrats were located in shallow (~30 m) and deep water (~48 m) to test the potential of the AUV to be used as a long-term monitoring tool in water depths beyond normal SCUBA diving limits. Further, the deep-water, full cover quadrat was re-sampled to demonstrate the repeatability of AUV-based surveys.Towed video and digital stills were collected and aided where the AUV was deployed.
 Test the potential of the AUV to be used as a long-term monitoring tool in water depths beyond normal SCUBA diving limits.

Organization: Australian Ocean Data Network
Age-Structured Stock Assessment Modelling of Major Finfish Species

Age structured models use information on the changes in the age composition of a stock, in conjunction with the catch and effort information to provide estimates of the changes in their abundance due to fishing. These types of models are often used for finfish species because they have otoliths or other hard structures from the age of individuals can be determined. Such models require a time series of catch and effort data plus a number of years where the age composition of the population has been estimated. Estimates of the growth, natural mortality and either direct estimates of relative recruitment strength or a stock recruitment relationship are also needed to generate the model.
Models have been successfully generated for a number of finfish species in WA (including a number of stocks of pink snapper in the Shark Bay region, Red Emperor, Goldband snapper, Rankin cod in both the Kimberley and Pilbara regions, pilchards off the south coast), which are now used in the management of fisheries. These models will be updated at regular intervals to coincide with major reviews of these fisheries. Similar models are in the process of being generated for all the main finfish species within each bioregion.
Time : ongoing.

Organization: Australian Ocean Data Network
Marine Biological Survey of the Eastern Kimberley, Western Australia.


This report describes the results of the second of three expeditions planned to the Kimberley to document the marine flora and fauna of the area. The expedition took place in November 1995 with the assistance of a grant from the National Estates Grant Program.
Nineteen stations were examined. Detailed notes are presented on the station locations and habitat types present. At each station seagrasses, algae, fish, and some invertebrate groups were collected and notes were made on mangroves in the area.
Five areas of particular significance were found. These were: Cape Dommett; Jones Island; North side Jar Island, Vansittart Bay; Long Island, Vansittart Bay; Cape Londonderry.
This report provides an extensive section outlining the coastal geomorphology of the northeastern Kimberley.
There have been no published records of the marine algae which occur in the Kimberley. This report provides details of 92 species collected during the expedition, 31 of which overlapped with the 72 species collected in 1994. Coralline algae are poorly known and species in this group are currently being worked on taxonomically.
Detailed descriptions of the mangrove flora of the region are provided.
265 species of molluscs, 180 crustaceans, and 190 species of fish were recorded. Potentially new species were found in several groups. Detailed collections were made of additional groups such as echinoderms.
The taxonomy of many of the groups collected is poorly known. Material was obtained for specialists in particular groups in Australia and overseas. The material has been sorted and sent to the specialists for examination and determination of species. This work is complex and time consuming, so it has not been possible to provide identifications for this report. However, the material is currently being worked up and will be presented in the scientific literature when it has been completed.


Tags: Fauna, Field Surveys | Biological Surveys, Flora, Land Surface | Geomorphology, Marine Features (Australia) | Kimberley Coast, WA, Oceans | Coastal Processes | Mangroves, Seagrass, States, Territories (Australia) | Western Australia
Organization: Australian Ocean Data Network
Copy - Rankin Bank Extension Environmental Survey 2014, Western Australia (WEL)

Towed Video transects + Digital StillsCTD
 Rankin Bank has been identified as potentially sensitive environmental receptors of interest to Woodside Energy Limited (WEL). The Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS) also noted a lack of biodiversity data on this bank, despite being identified in as a key ecological feature in the mid-shelf Pilbara region. The current study extends the survey area that was initiated in 2013, supported by WEL and AIMS to understand and document the present status of the physical and biological characteristics of the submerged reef. The baseline data will facilitate longer term monitoring of natural variability against which future changes can be assessed.

Organization: Australian Ocean Data Network
Privatising fish? Barriers to the use of marine protected areas for conservation and fishery management in Melanesia: WORKING PAPER

This record describes, and links to a working paper produced through the Resource Management in Asia-Pacific (RMAP) Program based at The Australian National University in Canberra.

In this paper we examine the strengths and weaknesses of state-supported Customary Marine Tenure (CMT) systems in two independent Melanesian states in the context of burgeoning commercial and subsistence fisheries. Both Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands can be categorised as 'weak states' where access by foreign-owned fishing companies to state-owned resources (e.g. tuna) is typically easy to obtain by bribing the relevant politicians and bureaucrats at national and/or provincial level. By contrast, access to near-shore fishery resources necessitates negotiation with the landowners of adjacent coastal zones, and this in itself can provide some level of resource protection. However the expansion of markets and rapid increases in populations in the region are exerting pressures on subsistence and commercial fisheries that are already creating significant problems. In the Solomon Islands the recent collapse of the state in a militia coup has also meant that any escalation in marine resource piracy is likely to proceed unchecked and indeed in many cases unnoticed and unreported. The management tool of choice for multi-species fisheries across the world, and particularly in cash-poor developing countries is the Marine Protected Area (MPA), and this system has proved quite successful in many instances, particularly in rich, industrialised countries. However, with some exceptions, typical Melanesian CMT regimes make MPAs difficult to establish because many coastal zones are finely divided along clan boundaries, such that few clans would be willing to 'lock up' their own reefs for the benefit of neighbouring clans. How then can local communities in these countries most effectively manage their marine resources in an environment of escalating fishing pressure and weak governance? In this essay we analyse the social and institutional contexts of near-shore community-based fishery resource management, and explore options for the future. We look at the potential utility of educating reef owners about aspects of the life cycle of marine organisms that are mostly absent from local knowledge systems and how this information could empower villagers to better formulate their own management regimes.

Tags: Commercial Fisheries, Community Education, Conservation, Fishery Management, Human Dimensions | Boundaries | Administrative Divisions, Land Registration, Marine Protected Areas, Tuna
Organization: Australian Ocean Data Network
Spencer Gulf fisheries, Blue Crab Pot Fishery Catch and Effort Data

Blue Swimmer Crab daily catch and effort data. Spencer Gulf and Gulf St Vincent, South Australia since 1997.

Tags: Agriculture | Agricultural Aquatic Sciences | Fisheries, Biosphere | Zoology | Crustaceans, Blue Swimmer Crab, Crab Pots, Global/Oceans | Southern Ocean/ Australia extension, Logbook/Catch Data, Marine Features (Australia) | Gulf St. Vincent, SA, Marine Features (Australia) | Spencer Gulf, SA, Oceans | Marine Biology | Marine Invertebrates, Portunus pelagicus, catch
Organization: Australian Ocean Data Network
Temporal and spatial distribution of phytoplankton in waters of the Great Barrier Reef and Coral Sea

Phytoplankton were identified and relative abundance estimated in water samples collected between 1975 and 1977 in the central Great Barrier Reef and the Coral Sea. Three reefs (John Brewer, Davies and Little Broadhurst) were sampled. Four stations were sampled within the lagoon of each reef and 4 stations sampled in the open waters outside each reef. John Brewer Reef was sampled once (February 1977) as was Little Broadhurst Reef (November/December 1976). Davies Reef was sampled three times (September 1976, December 1976 and March 1977).Twenty stations, separated into two transects, were sampled in inter-reefal areas across the Great Barrier Reef and in the Coral Sea. Transect 1 (Stations 1-9) was sampled in April/May 1975 and Transect 2 (Stations 11-20) was sampled in June/July 1975. Each transect was sampled at times when there was no Trichodesmium bloom. Three cross-shelf (inner-shelf) stations (21-23) were established and sampled approximately fortnightly. Stations 21 and 22 were sampled between December 1975 and November 1976. Station 23 was sampled between December 1976 and November 1977.Five inshore stations located between Cape Bowling Green and John Brewer Reef were sampled at irregular intervals between December 1975 and May 1976. All samples were taken at a time when there was a marked Trichodesmium bloom. Water samples were taken from approximately 1 m below the surface with 5 litre Niskin bottles. Subsamples of 500 ml were taken for phytoplankton species identification and immediately preserved with Lugol's solution made basic with sodium acetate. Aliquots of 100 ml of each sample were settled for approximately 3 days, and cell counts and examinations made by the inverted microscope method. In order to check that the samples were representative, collections were also made with a 20 um mesh net during 10 minute drifting trawls. Results were recorded in abundance categories for each species.
 This research was undertaken to investigate patterns in the temporal, spatial and species distribution of phytoplankton across the Great Barrier Reef and in the Coral Sea.

Organization: Australian Ocean Data Network
IMOS - East Australian Current (EAC) Deepwater Arrays - Quality Control Reports

The East Australian Current (EAC) is a complex and highly energetic western boundary system in the south-western Pacific off eastern Australia. It provides both the western boundary of the South Pacific gyre and the linking element between the Pacific and the Indian Ocean gyres. The EAC deepwater moorings consists of an array of full-depth current meter and property (CTD) moorings from the continental slope to the abyssal water off Brisbane (27oS).
These reports detail the quality control applied to the data collected from the EAC array, at the deployment level. The quality controlled datasets are publicly available via the AODN Portal. The data should be used in conjunction with these reports.

Tags: Deep Water Arrays Sub-Facility, Integrated Marine Observing System (IMOS)
Organization: Australian Ocean Data Network
Whale shark population genetics

In collaboration with the Shark Research Institute, Roland Mau and the rest of the Exmouth whale shark research group have been collecting tissue biopsy samples from whale sharks at Ningaloo Reef, and sending these to Dr. Schmidt's University of Illinois lab for genetic analysis.  The first phase was identifying whale shark microsatellites, and using these to take a “first pass” at global whale shark population genetics.

Organization: Australian Ocean Data Network