The condition of these habitats directly impacts the health and abundance of species, making habitat condition a key indicator of the Reef’s health. Islands serve as vital nesting sites for marine turtles, while coral reefs offer complex structures that shelter fish and invertebrates.
Due to the vast scale of the Reef, information on habitats in remote, deep and inaccessible areas is still being discovered. Ongoing efforts such as ecosystem mapping, remote sensing, and long-term monitoring programs are helping to better understand these diverse habitats.
Relevant resources
Websites
Seagrass Watch
Seagrass-Watch Global Seagrass Observing Network (established in 1998) is a not-for-profit organisation that accurately monitors the status and trends in seagrass condition.
Datasets
Mangrove Data Portal
Developed by Australia's Terrestrial Ecosystem Research Network (TERN), a diverse range of ground, airborne and satellite data and derived products are available through the TERN Mangrove Portal.
Dashboards
Allen Coral Atlas
The Allen Coral Atlas maps and monitors the world’s coral reefs to provide actionable data and a shared understanding of coastal ecosystems.