Macrocystis Pyrifera Kelp Stock Survey on Tasmania's East Coast, 1988

Survey results of Macrocystis pyrifera (giant kelp) stocks along the east coast of Tasmania, conducted in 1988. The data is based on firsthand boat surveys by a master's student, Craig Sanderson, supplemented by anecdotal reports for unvisited areas. The dataset is hosted by the Australian Ocean Data Network.

Use Cases

• Map kelp forest distribution based on surveyed locations like Darlington and Fortesque Bay.
• Assess the extent of significant kelp stands (>1/2 acre) for ecological baselines.
• Study historical Macrocystis pyrifera stocks for comparison with current populations.

Strengths

• Data is based on firsthand boat surveys conducted for academic research.
• Specific locations of significant kelp stands (>1/2 acre) are identified.

Limitations

• Row count and column-level documentation are unknown, limiting suitability assessment.
• Data freshness should be verified; the last metadata update is 2026-06-27.
• Coverage is limited to the 1988 survey period and specific visited areas on Tasmania's east coast.

Provenance

Source

Australian Ocean Data Network

Collection Method

Boat surveys conducted by Craig Sanderson for a master's thesis, supplemented by anecdotal reports.

Time Range

1988

Freshness

Last updated 2026-06-27 21:01:12.128274; freshness should be verified

Geography

East coast of Tasmania, including specific locations like Darlington, Southerly Bottom, Fortesque Bay, and George III Rock.