Sponge Species Inventory for Oceanic Shoals Marine Reserve

348 sponge species were identified from approximately 750 specimens collected in the Oceanic Shoals Commonwealth Marine Reserve. The inventory was compiled from three marine surveys by researchers including Przeslawski and Alvarez, with findings published in 2015. This data addresses questions about biodiversity hotspots and environmental drivers for management.

Use Cases

• Analyze relationships between sponge species richness and environmental variables like depth, substrate hardness, and slope.
• Compare sponge assemblages among individual raised geomorphic features to identify unique communities.
• Assess differences in sponge communities between eastern and western biogeographic areas of the reserve.
• Model associations between sponge assemblages and measured factors including mean depth and mean backscatter.
• Establish a species-level baseline inventory for monitoring changes in the Key Ecological Feature over time.

Strengths

• Species-level inventory with 348 identified sponge species.
• Data compiled from three dedicated marine surveys providing structured observations.
• Findings linked to specific management questions for a designated Key Ecological Feature.

Limitations

• Only 18% of the 348 sponge species are taxonomically described species, limiting precise identification.
• Sample size of approximately 750 specimens may not capture full spatial heterogeneity.
• Environmental variable associations were reported as weak, suggesting limited predictive power.

Provenance

Source

Australian Ocean Data Network, originating from a published PLOS ONE study.

Collection Method

Specimen collection during three marine surveys to the Oceanic Shoals Commonwealth Marine Reserve.

Time Range

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Freshness

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Geography

Oceanic Shoals Commonwealth Marine Reserve, Sahul Shelf and Van Diemen Rise, northern Australia.