Tasmanian Kelp Forest Survey and Harvest Estimates, 1986

A 1986 survey by the Australian Ocean Data Network mapped 10 km² of Macrocystis pyrifera kelp forest along Tasmania's east coast. The dataset includes harvestable biomass estimates, yielding a calculated total of 12,300 tonnes based on historical company records from 1965-1972. Survey methods combined aerial observation with on-ground quadrat sampling and digitization onto 1:100,000 maps.

Use Cases

• Estimating sustainable harvest yields for kelp based on area and historical productivity data.
• Modeling kelp forest distribution and habitat extent along a coastline using geospatial outlines.
• Analyzing long-term biomass fluctuations in relation to environmental factors like water temperature and storms.
• Mapping marine vegetation for conservation planning and habitat protection efforts.

Strengths

• Provides specific, quantified estimates: 10 km² total area and 12,300 tonnes of harvestable biomass.
• Integrates multiple data sources: aerial survey, historical commercial records (1965-1972), and ground quadrat sampling.
• Contains geospatial data digitized from 1:100,000 scale maps, allowing for spatial analysis.

Limitations

• Core data is from 1986, with updates only to metadata; ecological conditions may have significantly changed.
• Column names and specific data structure are unknown, limiting immediate analytical utility.
• Some records are based on anecdotal reports or limited firsthand searches for specific research purposes.

Provenance

Source

Australian Ocean Data Network, incorporating records from Alginates (Australia) Company and research by Craig Sanderson.

Collection Method

Aerial survey with ground verification, mapping onto topographic maps, and digitization using Mapinfo.

Time Range

Primary survey in 1986, incorporating historical harvest records from 1965 to 1972.

Freshness

Metadata last updated 2026-06-27, but underlying survey data is from 1986.

Geography

East coast of Tasmania, from Musselroe Bay to South East Cape.