ArcGIS shapefile detailing GA's multibeam bathymetry holdings and coverage.

Australia marine surveys base map

The Capel

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Geoscience Australia carried out marine surveys in Jervis Bay (NSW) in 2007, 2008 and 2009 (GA303, GA305, GA309, GA312) to map seabed bathymetry and characterise benthic environments through co-located sampling of surface sediments (for textural and biogeochemical analysis) and infauna, observation of benthic habitats using underwater towed video and stills photography, and measurement of ocean tides and wave-generated currents. Data and samples were acquired using the Defence Science and Technology Organisation (DSTO) Research Vessel Kimbla. Bathymetric mapping, sampling and tide/wave measurement were concentrated in a 3x5 km survey grid (named Darling Road Grid, DRG) within the southern part of the Jervis Bay, incorporating the bay entrance. Additional sampling and stills photography plus bathymetric mapping along transits was undertaken at representative habitat types outside the DRG. Seabed sediment samples were collected by a Shipek grab at a total of 126 locations. (see Anderson et al. 2009). Sediment grabs typically recovered a sample up to 5 cm by 12 cm in area and 5 cm thick, from which a 50 - 100 g sub-sample was taken to a depth of ~2 cm. Sub-samples were stored in plastic bags and refrigerated.

The compilation and processing of GA's single and multibeam bathymetry data in the Gippsland Basin was produced following a request by an internal client in November 2013. It is an updated version of the 2012 bathymetry grid of the Gippsland basin.

Geoscience Australia carried out a marine survey on Carnarvon shelf (WA) in 2008 (SOL4769) to map seabed bathymetry and characterise benthic environments through colocated sampling of surface sediments and infauna, observation of benthic habitats using underwater towed video and stills photography, and measurement of ocean tides and wave generated currents. Data and samples were acquired using the Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS) Research Vessel Solander. Bathymetric mapping, sampling and video transects were completed in three survey areas that extended seaward from Ningaloo Reef to the shelf edge, including: Mandu Creek (80 sq km); Point Cloates (281 sq km), and; Gnaraloo (321 sq km). Additional bathymetric mapping (but no sampling or video) was completed between Mandu creek and Point Cloates, covering 277 sq km and north of Mandu Creek, covering 79 sq km. Two oceanographic moorings were deployed in the Point Cloates survey area. The survey also mapped and sampled an area to the northeast of the Muiron Islands covering 52 sq km. Sample diversity indices calculated in PRIMER (version 6) using the species level data from Carnarvon_infauna(26_Oct_2010).xls

Geoscience Australia carried out a marine survey on Lord Howe Island shelf (NSW) in 2008 (SS06_2008) to map seabed bathymetry and characterise benthic environments through colocated sampling of surface sediments and infauna, rock coring, observation of benthic habitats using underwater towed video, and measurement of ocean tides and wave generated currents. Subbottom profile data was also collected to map sediment thickness and shelf stratigraphy. Data and samples were acquired using the National Facility Research Vessel Southern Surveyor. Bathymetric data from this survey was merged with other preexisting bathymetric data (including LADS) to generate a grid covering 1034 sq km. As part of a separate Geoscience Australia survey in 2007 (TAN0713), an oceanographic mooring was deployed on the northern edge of Lord Howe Island shelf. The mooring was recovered during the 2008 survey following a 6 month deployment. Feeding guild counts per sample. Aggregated from species level data in LHI_Infauna_species (27Oct10).csv using the information in LHI_taxa_info.xls

This resource contains multibeam sonar bathymetry data for the continental shelf area of Flinders Commonwealth Marine Reserve, northeast Tasmania. Multibeam data were collected by Geoscience Australia and University of Tasmania in May 2011 (survey GA0331) and June-July 2012 (survey GA0337) on RV Challenger. The survey used a Kongsberg EM3002 300 kHz multibeam sonar system mounted in single head configuration to broadly classify the seabed into hard (bedrock reef), soft (sedimentary) and mixed substrate types at select locations across the shelf. The 2011 survey involved reconnaissance mapping along a series of cross-shelf transects, covering a total of 767 line km. For the 2012 survey, multibeam data (bathymetry and backscatter) were collected at 40 pre-determined stations, each covering an area approximately 200 x 200 m. The location of stations was selected using a Generalised Random Tessellation Stratified (GRTS) sampling design that ensured an even spatial distribution of sites. Multibeam data was also collected along transits between GRTS stations (410 line km) and across a 30 km2 area of the outer shelf, incorporating areas of low profile reef, sandy shelf and three shelf-incising canyon heads. Bathymetry data are gridded to 2 m spatial resolution. The 2012 survey also included seabed observations at the 40 GRTS stations using a drop camera and collection of sediment samples at 31 stations using a Shipek grab. The Flinders CMR survey was a pilot study undertaken in 2012 as part of the National Marine Biodiversity Hub's National Monitoring Evaluation and Reporting Theme. The aim of this theme is to develop a blueprint for the sustained monitoring of the South-east Commonwealth Marine Reserve Network, specifically; 1) to contribute to an inventory of demersal and epibenthic conservation values in the reserve and 2) to test methodologies and deployment strategies in order to inform future survey design efforts. Several gear types were deployed; including multibeam sonar, shallow-water (less than 150m) Baited Remote Underwater Video Systems (BRUVS), deep- water BRUVS (to 600 m), towed video and digital stereo stills. Embargo statement: Resource embargoed pending completion of NERP research. Release date 31 December 2014. Attribution statement: Data was sourced from the NERP Marine Biodiversity Hub. The Marine Biodiversity Hub is supported through funding from the Australian Government's National Environmental Research Program (NERP), administered by the Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities (DSEWPAC). Dataset name: National Environmental Research Program (NERP) Marine Biodiversity Hub, 2012, Flinders Commonwealth Marine Reserve Shelf Backscatter

Geoscience Australia carried out marine surveys in Jervis Bay (NSW) in 2007, 2008 and 2009 (GA303, GA305, GA309, GA312) to map seabed bathymetry and characterise benthic environments through co-located sampling of surface sediments (for textural and biogeochemical analysis) and infauna, observation of benthic habitats using underwater towed video and stills photography, and measurement of ocean tides and wave-generated currents. Data and samples were acquired using the Defence Science and Technology Organisation (DSTO) Research Vessel Kimbla. Bathymetric mapping, sampling and tide/wave measurement were concentrated in a 3x5 km survey grid (named Darling Road Grid, DRG) within the southern part of the Jervis Bay, incorporating the bay entrance. Additional sampling and stills photography plus bathymetric mapping along transits was undertaken at representative habitat types outside the DRG. This 128 sample data set comprises major, minor and trace elements derived from x-ray fluorescence analysis of surface seabed sediments (~0-2 cm). Sediment surface area data are also presented.