Arafura Marine Park Survey: 2020 Bathymetry and Benthic Habitat Data

November 2020 bathymetry data for the Arafura Marine Park, collected by Geoscience Australia and the Australian Institute of Marine Science. The dataset includes a 6-meter resolution geotiff of two areas, seabed samples, and underwater imagery to build baseline information for benthic habitats. It was funded by the National Environmental Science Program Marine Biodiversity Hub to support a 10-year management plan (2018-2028).

Use Cases

• Map seafloor topography based on the 6-meter resolution multibeam bathymetry data.
• Characterize benthic habitats based on seabed samples and underwater imagery of communities.
• Monitor changes in demersal fish populations based on the collected underwater imagery.
• Support marine park management planning based on the baseline environmental data for the North Marine Park Network.

Strengths

• Data was collected by authoritative national institutions Geoscience Australia and the Australian Institute of Marine Science.
• Includes multiple data types: multibeam bathymetry, backscatter, seabed samples, and underwater imagery for a holistic view.
• Spatial resolution is specified as 6 meters for the bathymetry data.
• A detailed post-survey report authored by subject matter experts is referenced.

Limitations

• Row count and dataset scale are unknown, which may limit suitability assessment.
• Column-level documentation is absent; field semantics must be inferred after download.
• Data freshness should be verified as the last metadata update is listed as 2026-04-30.

Provenance

Source

Geoscience Australia and the Australian Institute of Marine Science.

Collection Method

Collected via multibeam sonar (EM2040C Dual Head system), seabed sampling, and underwater imagery from the RV Solander, processed with CARIS HIPS and SIPS software.

Time Range

2–15 November 2020.

Freshness

Data collected 2–15 November 2020; metadata last updated 2026-04-30.

Geography

Arafura Marine Park, specifically Money Shoal and Pillar Bank areas in the Arafura Sea.