The Australian Ocean Data Network hosts quantitative abundance data for fish, megafaunal invertebrates, and algal cover from Tasmanian rocky reef sites. Surveys were conducted using underwater visual census methods at 5 m and/or 10 m depths, with initial data from 1992-1995 and follow-up surveys in 2006-2007. The dataset includes a component analyzing effects of fishing proximity at 133 kelp-dominated sites ranging from 0.6 to 131 km from boat ramps.
Use Cases
- Analyzing decadal-scale changes in reef faunal and floral communities based on surveys from 1992-1995 and 2006-2007.
- Examining the effects of fishing proximity on fish and macroinvertebrate populations based on data from 133 sites near boat ramps.
- Monitoring changes in introduced species populations based on community-level survey data.
- Studying cascading ecosystem effects associated with disturbances like fishing based on population numbers and size-structure data.
Strengths
- Provides decadal-scale temporal coverage with surveys spanning from 1992 to 2007.
- Includes a focused study component with 133 sites characterized by specific kelp types.
- Data collection methodology is documented in a referenced scientific publication (Edgar and Barrett, 1997).
Limitations
- Column-level documentation is absent; field semantics must be inferred after download.
- Row count is unknown, which may limit suitability assessment.
- Sites with atypical algal assemblages were omitted, potentially limiting generalizability.
Provenance
- Source
- Australian Ocean Data Network
- Collection Method
- Underwater visual census involving transect counts at rocky reef sites.
- Time Range
- 1992-1995 and 2006-2007
- Freshness
- Last updated 2026-04-29 08:17:10.661718; freshness should be verified.
- Geography
- Rocky reef sites around Tasmania