Jervis Bay Infaunal Species Inventory from Marine Surveys

Geoscience Australia collected benthic infaunal species data from Jervis Bay, New South Wales, during marine surveys in 2007, 2008, and 2009. The dataset includes a sample/species matrix derived from Van Veen grab samples taken on specific survey voyages. Data acquisition was conducted using the Defence Science and Technology Organisation Research Vessel Kimbla.

Use Cases

• Analyze species co-occurrence patterns using the sample/species matrix.
• Model benthic habitat suitability based on infaunal community composition.
• Assess marine biodiversity metrics like species richness from the taxonomic inventory.
• Correlate infaunal data with concurrent seabed bathymetry and sediment texture measurements.

Strengths

• Data collected over three consecutive years (2007-2009) providing temporal context.
• Surveys incorporated multiple data types including sediment sampling and underwater imagery for co-located analysis.
• Sampling focused on a defined 3x5 km grid and additional representative habitat transects.

Limitations

• Sample size and row count are unknown, limiting statistical power assessment.
• Data is over 15 years old, which may not reflect current ecological conditions.
• Specific column names and data structure within the species matrix are not provided.

Provenance

Source

Australian Ocean Data Network

Collection Method

Van Veen grab samples collected from the RV Kimbla, with species identified to create a sample/species matrix.

Time Range

2007 to 2009

Freshness

null

Geography

Jervis Bay, New South Wales, Australia, including a southern 3x5 km grid and external transects.