Southern Great Barrier Reef Fish Survey With Habitat Classification

April-May 2004 data includes 10,179 individual observations of 146 fish, shark, ray, and sea snake species from 140 baited underwater video stations. It records habitat classification, species identity with CAABCODES, arrival time, behavior, maturity, and relative abundance metrics like MaxN. Approximately 3,500 of the best images from related projects are stored in a reference library.

Use Cases

• Analyze species distribution and relative abundance (MaxN) across different benthic habitat classifications.
• Model fish behavior categories, including feeding on bait, against arrival time and maturity (adult/juvenile) data.
• Train a species classifier using the reference library images linked to CAABCODES and species identity records.
• Study temporal patterns in MaxN and feeding occurrence using the elapsed time before these events.

Strengths

• Large species inventory with 10,179 individual observations across 146 species.
• Multi-faceted data capture includes habitat classification, behavior (8 categories), maturity, and temporal metrics.
• Visual reference support from approximately 3,500 curated images in a project library.

Limitations

• Data is from a single cruise in 2004, limiting temporal analysis to a narrow one-month window.
• Sample data and column structure are unavailable, complicating initial data exploration.
• Image data (PNG) is separate from observational records, requiring a join on unspecified keys.

Provenance

Source

Australian Ocean Data Network

Collection Method

Collected via 140 baited remote underwater video stations (BRUVS) during a marine park seabed project cruise.

Time Range

2004-04-24 to 2004-05-30

Freshness

null

Geography

Southern Great Barrier Reef Marine Park