Torres Strait Dugong and Turtle Relative Density Models from 1987-2013 Aerial Surveys

Torres Strait region raster models show the relative density of dugongs and green turtles. The dugong model aggregates 27 years of systematic aerial survey data from 1987 to 2013, while the turtle model is based on a 2013 survey. Data were collected via strip transect aerial surveys and interpolated using universal kriging.

Use Cases

• Identify high-priority conservation areas based on modelled relative density classes (low to very high).
• Analyze long-term spatial patterns for dugongs based on the 27-year aggregated survey data.
• Compare relative distribution of green turtles from the 2013 survey against dugong hotspots.

Strengths

• Dugong model aggregates 27 years of systematic aerial survey data from seven survey years between 1987 and 2013.
• Spatial models use a 2km x 2km planning unit grid, providing a consistent scale for analysis.
• Methodology is explicitly described, including the strip transect method and correction for sampling intensity differences.

Limitations

• Data shows relative, not absolute, density; absolute numbers at fine scales are unlikely to be accurate due to uncorrected perception and availability biases.
• Column-level documentation is absent; field semantics must be inferred after download.
• Freshness should be verified; last metadata update is listed as 2026-07-10.

Provenance

Source

Australian Ocean Data Network

Collection Method

Aerial surveys using the strip transect method, with data corrected for sampling differences and interpolated via universal kriging.

Time Range

1987 to 2013

Freshness

Last updated 2026-07-10 22:40:36.777816; freshness should be verified.

Geography

Torres Strait region