AUSTREA: Seafloor Mapping of South-east Australian Marine Region

Two major seabed swath-mapping and geophysical surveys, AUSTREA-1 and AUSTREA-2, were completed in early 2000 by the Australian Geological Survey Organisation (AGSO). The surveys were commissioned by the National Oceans Office and Environment Australia to provide scientific information for Australia's Ocean Policy, the South-east Regional Marine Plan, and marine protected areas. The dataset covers the South-east Marine Region, including Lord Howe Island, the South-east Australian Margin, Tasmania, the South Tasman Rise, and the Central Great Australian Bight.

Use Cases

• Analyze seabed morphology and geology based on swath-mapping survey data
• Support marine spatial planning and policy development based on geophysical survey information
• Identify potential sites for marine protected areas (MPAs) based on seabed characteristics
• Conduct baseline environmental assessments for the South-east Australian marine region

Strengths

• Commissioned by the National Oceans Office and Environment Australia for official policy implementation
• Covers a broad geographic region including multiple distinct marine zones
• Provides foundational scientific data for marine planning and conservation

Limitations

• Column-level documentation is absent; field semantics must be inferred after download
• Data is from early 2000; freshness should be verified for contemporary applications
• Row count and sample data are unknown, which may limit suitability assessment

Provenance

Source

Australian Ocean Data Network

Collection Method

Seabed swath-mapping and geophysical surveys (AUSTREA-1 and AUSTREA-2)

Time Range

Surveys completed in early 2000

Freshness

Last updated 2026-04-10 17:02:03.013641; freshness should be verified

Geography

South-east Marine Region of Australia, including Lord Howe Island, South-east Australian Margin, Tasmania, South Tasman Rise, and Central Great Australian Bight