Bass Strait Sediment and Benthic Fauna Survey Data from 1979 to 1983

Biological data collected by Museum Victoria between 1979 and 1983 details a particularly diverse fauna in Bass Strait. The dataset includes sediment sampling, swath mapping, and underwater video footage from surveys GA 226, HI339, and GA 233. Analysis indicates longitude and depth are important factors, but overall correlation between fauna and physical factors is poor.

Use Cases

• Modeling benthic community distribution based on longitude and depth variables mentioned in the description
• Analyzing the relationship between sediment facies and biological assemblages in high-energy environments
• Comparing faunal diversity and small-scale spatial variation using the identified biological material
• Validating regional marine classifications like the Interim Marine and Coastal Regionalisation of Australia (IMCRA)

Strengths

• Data collected over a multi-year period from 1979 to 1983
• Includes multiple data types: biological identifications, sediment samples, swath mapping, and underwater video
• Analysis references specific surveys (GA 226, HI339, GA 233) and prior studies (Boreen et al., 1993; Jones and Davies, 1983)

Limitations

• Column-level documentation is absent; field semantics must be inferred after download
• Row count is unknown, which may limit suitability assessment
• The description notes biological assemblages are 'not consistent enough to be mapped' and statistical analyses had limitations

Provenance

Source

Australian Ocean Data Network, incorporating data from Museum Victoria, Geoscience Australia, and the Australian Hydrographic Office

Collection Method

Field surveys involving biological collection, sediment sampling, swath mapping, and video footage

Time Range

1979 to 1983

Freshness

Last updated 2026-06-27 20:06:51.778271; freshness should be verified

Geography

Bass Strait, Australia