National Reef Monitoring Network: Shallow Reef Survey Site Locations

The National Reef Monitoring Network collates shallow reef surveys from multiple contributors, including Reef Life Survey and several Australian state agencies. It provides site location data for shallow rocky and coral reefs worldwide, with sites traditionally requiring a minimum of 200-meter separation. The data contributes to establishing national marine baselines and assisting with the management of marine reserves.

Use Cases

• Mapping the distribution of reef survey sites based on the described site location data.
• Analyzing spatial patterns in reef monitoring efforts based on the described network of contributors.
• Establishing baseline biodiversity metrics for marine reserves based on the described survey data.
• Studying habitat continuity and geological feature influence on site classification based on the described separation rules.

Strengths

• Data is collated and cleaned by the IMOS National Reef Monitoring Network sub-Facility before publication.
• Integrates surveys from multiple authoritative contributors, including government departments and research networks.
• Site classification follows a defined protocol, such as a minimum 200-meter separation or significant habitat discontinuity.

Limitations

• Column-level documentation is absent; field semantics must be inferred after download.
• Row count is unknown, which may limit suitability assessment.
• Data may reflect geographic or source bias inherent to the contributing survey programs.

Provenance

Source

Australian Ocean Data Network, collating data from Reef Life Survey, Parks Australia, and multiple Australian state government departments.

Collection Method

Surveys of rocky and coral reefs conducted using scientific methods, coordinated by the Reef Life Survey and the Australian Temperate Reef Network.

Freshness

Last updated 2026-04-18 17:58:16.301535; freshness should be verified.

Geography

Shallow reefs around Australia and worldwide.