Mercury Passage Marine Habitat Layer V1:25 000

The Mercury Passage marine habitat layer1: 25,000 depicts marine habitats from Marion Bay [147 57'-42 44'] to Lords Bluff [148 00'- -42 30'] from the coastline to the 40 metre depth contour including the complete coastline of Maria Island. The habitat types depicted in the dataset include High profile reef, Medium profile reef, Low profile Reef, Patchy Reef, Sand, Hard Sand, Silty Sand, Silt, Seagrass, Patchy Seagrass, and Sparse Seagrass. The data was collected through intensive field sampling from June 2001 to February 2002 by marine researchers at the Tasmanian Aquaculture and Fisheries Institute. The use of underwater camera equipment, echo sounder data and a Differential GPS unit allowed for the extensive area to be surveyed. The dataset is intended to be used to fulfil coastal management objectives according to The Living Marine Resources Act 1995.