Biophysical Processes in the Torres Strait Marine Ecosystem - Post Cruise Report

Geoscience Australia survey 266 provides preliminary results from a 2004 cruise to central Torres Strait. The survey investigated seabed geomorphology and sedimentary processes near Turnagain Island to infer effects on seagrass distribution and survival. This work was part of a larger field-based program managed by the Reef CRC, initiated due to threats from seagrass dieback on dugong, turtle, and indigenous communities.

Use Cases

• Modeling seabed geomorphology's influence on seagrass habitats based on survey data.
• Investigating sedimentary processes as a factor in recent seagrass dieback events.
• Assessing physical threats to marine megafauna like dugongs and turtles based on ecosystem changes.
• Supporting indigenous community resource management with data on ecosystem stressors.

Strengths

• Report is part of a larger, managed field-based program by the Reef CRC.
• Focuses on a specific, ecologically significant site (Turnagain Island) known for recent seagrass dieback.
• Data was collected by a national geoscience authority (Geoscience Australia).

Limitations

• Column-level documentation is absent; field semantics must be inferred after download.
• Row count is unknown, which may limit suitability assessment.
• Data freshness should be verified; the underlying survey was conducted in 2004.

Provenance

Source

Geoscience Australia, Australian Ocean Data Network

Collection Method

Field survey (Geoscience Australia survey 266)

Time Range

2004

Freshness

Last updated 2026-06-04 07:18:17.244067; freshness should be verified

Geography

Central Torres Strait, vicinity of Turnagain Island