AUSTREA: Seabed Swath-Mapping and Geophysical Surveys of South-east Australia

The South-east Australian Marine Region, including Lord Howe Island, Tasmania, and the Great Australian Bight, was surveyed in two major campaigns in early 2000. The AUSTREA-1 and AUSTREA-2 surveys were commissioned by the National Oceans Office and Environment Australia to provide scientific information on the seabed. This data was intended to assist in implementing Australia's Ocean Policy and developing marine protected areas.

Use Cases

• Modeling seabed habitats for marine protected area planning based on swath-mapping data.
• Analyzing geophysical features for geological research based on survey results.
• Supporting regional marine plan development based on the scientific information collected.

Strengths

• Data originates from two major, commissioned scientific surveys (AUSTREA-1 and AUSTREA-2).
• Explicitly designed to support national policy implementation and marine planning.

Limitations

• Column-level documentation is absent; field semantics must be inferred after download.
• Data was collected in early 2000; freshness should be verified for current applications.

Provenance

Source

Geoscience Australia Data

Collection Method

Seabed swath-mapping and geophysical surveys conducted by the Australian Geological Survey Organisation (AGSO).

Time Range

Early 2000

Freshness

Last updated 2026-03-25 18:21:38.143980; freshness should be verified

Geography

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