Stock Assessment of Giant Kelp Beds on Tasmania's Coast, 1950-1953

Surveys of Macrocystis pyrifera (giant kelp) beds were conducted between 1950 and mid-1953 by the CSIRO Division of Fisheries seaweed program. The data was published in 1954 and assesses the beds as a potential source of alginates. The dataset covers varying locations on Tasmania's south and east coasts.

Use Cases

• Analyze historical distribution of giant kelp beds based on the survey locations mentioned in the description
• Study changes in marine resource assessment over time based on the 1950-1953 survey period
• Assess the historical interest in seaweed for industrial applications based on the alginate source motivation

Strengths

• Data originates from a specific scientific program (CSIRO Division of Fisheries seaweed program) in the early 1950s.
• Has a defined temporal coverage spanning over three years (1950 to mid-1953).
• Focuses on a specific geographic region (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 and geographic bias inherent to the specific historical survey.

Provenance

Source

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

Collection Method

Surveys conducted as part of a resource assessment program.

Time Range

1950 to mid-1953

Freshness

Last updated 2026-06-23 04:36:37.423161; freshness should be verified.

Geography

Varying locations on Tasmania's south and east coasts.