Great Barrier Reef Dugong Distribution Model from 1986-2005 Aerial Surveys

Nineteen years of systematic aerial surveys from 1986 to 2005 inform a spatial model of dugong distribution and relative density in the Torres Strait region. The dataset, produced by the Australian Ocean Data Network, presents modelled relative density and a 3-point conservation value rating. The model uses geostatistical techniques including universal kriging, as described in Grech and Marsh (2007).

Use Cases

• Identifying priority conservation zones based on the modelled high, medium, and low conservation value ratings.
• Analyzing long-term spatial patterns of dugong presence based on relative density estimates from aggregated survey years.
• Informing marine spatial planning decisions using the geostatistical model output for the Torres Strait region.

Strengths

• Aggregates data from 19 years of systematic aerial surveys conducted across six specific years (1986, 1987, 1992, 1994, 1999, 2005).
• Provides a spatially explicit model output with a defined 3-point rating system (high, medium, low) for conservation value.
• Surveys were conducted in optimal late spring or early summer conditions for consistency.

Limitations

• Data represents relative, not absolute, density as corrections for perception and availability bias were not applied at this spatial scale.
• Column-level documentation is absent; field semantics must be inferred after download.
• Last updated 2026-07-16 02:51:49.889985; freshness should be verified.

Provenance

Source

Australian Ocean Data Network, based on work associated with MTSRF and JCU.

Collection Method

Spatial model using universal kriging on data from systematic aerial surveys.

Time Range

1986 to 2005 (aggregate of survey years: 1986, 1987, 1992, 1994, 1999, 2005)

Freshness

Last updated 2026-07-16 02:51:49.889985

Geography

Torres Strait region, Great Barrier Reef