Between 2009 and 2012, four marine surveys collected sediment samples from the Oceanic Shoals Australian Marine Park in northern Australia. Researchers from the Australian Ocean Data Network processed these samples to create a species-level inventory of polychaetes (marine worms). The dataset includes 2561 individual polychaetes from 266 samples, representing 368 species and 43 families.
Use Cases
- Analyze variation in polychaete species assemblages among surveys based on the four survey campaigns mentioned.
- Model relationships between polychaete community structure and environmental variables or geomorphology based on the described research questions.
- Compare ecological patterns at different taxonomic resolutions (species vs. family) and functional groups (feeding, habitat, mobility) as outlined in the study.
- Establish baseline biodiversity data for the northern Australian shelf to support marine management strategies as discussed in the description.
Strengths
- Includes 2561 individual specimens from 266 samples, providing a substantial count of observations.
- Identifies 368 species and 43 families, including new species, genera, and family records for Australia (Iospilidae, Lacydoniidae).
- Data is linked to a published scientific study (Marine and Freshwater Research, 2019) with a DOI, providing methodological context.
Limitations
- Column-level documentation is absent; field semantics must be inferred after download.
- Row count is unknown, which may limit suitability assessment.
- Last updated 2026-05-05 01:05:05.656062; freshness should be verified.
Provenance
- Source
- Australian Ocean Data Network
- Collection Method
- Sediment samples were elutriated (500 μm) to separate macrofauna from four marine surveys.
- Time Range
- 2009-2012
- Geography
- Oceanic Shoals Australian Marine Park, northern Australia