Oyster Harbour Seagrass Cover and Species Survey 2019-2021

Oyster Harbour in Western Australia was surveyed in March 2019 and January 2021, with data collected across 208-216 observation points. The dataset records seagrass species distribution, percentage cover classes, meadow type, epiphytic cover, and macroalgae cover for each site. It was created by the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation.

Use Cases

• Map seagrass species distribution (Posidonia australis and Posidonia sinuousa) across the estuary's 216 observation points.
• Analyze changes in seagrass percentage cover classes (0, <15%, 15-45%, 45 75%, >75%) between the 2019 and 2021 survey years.
• Correlate epiphytic cover ratings (none, very low, low, medium, high, very high) with macroalgae cover categories at each survey site.
• Model the relationship between meadow type (continuous or patchy) and recorded physical water profile data from a subset of sites.

Strengths

• Surveys conducted at 208-216 georeferenced observation points provide spatial granularity.
• Includes multiple data layers (point, polygon extent, polygon cover) for 2019 and 2021.
• Records several ecologically relevant variables: species, cover classes, meadow type, and epiphytic cover.

Limitations

• Physical water profile, secchi depth, and euphotic depth data were only recorded at approximately one-third of the sites.
• Row count and specific column schema are not provided in the input metadata.
• Some polygon layers include records labeled 'Licensed aquaculture site - DPIRD - not surveyed', indicating data gaps.

Provenance

Source

Department of Water and Environmental Regulation, Geospatial and Data Services Manager.

Collection Method

Field survey across Oyster Harbour estuary.

Time Range

March 2019 and January 2021.

Freshness

Data last updated on the platform in March 2026, though the survey periods are 2019 and 2021.

Geography

Oyster Harbour estuary, Western Australia.