Tasmanian Giant Kelp Bed Surveys for Alginate Potential, 1950-1953

Tasmania's south and east coasts were surveyed between 1950 and mid-1953 to assess Macrocystis pyrifera (giant kelp) beds as a source of alginates. The Commonwealth Scientific and Industry Research Organization (CSIRO) Division of Fisheries conducted the surveys, with findings published in 1954. Data is provided through the Australian Ocean Data Network.

Use Cases

• Map historical distribution of giant kelp beds based on survey locations mentioned in the description.
• Analyze potential alginate resource availability from the described seaweed assessments.
• Study long-term changes in coastal marine ecosystems using this historical baseline data.

Strengths

• Surveys conducted over a defined multi-year period from 1950 to mid-1953.
• Data originates from a known research organization (CSIRO Division of Fisheries).
• Geographic scope is specified as Tasmania's south and east coasts.

Limitations

• Column-level documentation is absent; field semantics must be inferred after download.
• Row count is unknown, which may limit suitability assessment.
• Data may reflect temporal bias inherent to its early 1950s collection period.

Provenance

Source

Commonwealth Scientific and Industry Research Organization (CSIRO) Division of Fisheries

Collection Method

Field surveys conducted as part of a seaweed program.

Time Range

1950 to mid-1953

Freshness

Last updated 2026-06-05 07:45:27.220681; freshness should be verified.

Geography

South and east coasts of Tasmania, Australia