Australian Coral reef distribution (2010) as subsetted from Global Distribution of Coral Reefs

The data source of this Australian Coral reef distribution subset has been compiled by UNEP-WCMC to show the global distribution of warm water coral reefs.

Global Distribution of Coral Reefs (2010)

This dataset represents the global distribution of warm water coral reefs and should be seen an ‘interim’ global product. Note: Editing was carried out in April 2013 when a number of duplicate features were removed. The dataset has been compiled from a number of data sources which have been merged together by UNEP-WCMC and the WorldFish Centre in collaboration with WRI and TNC. It supersedes the dataset used in the World Atlas of Coral Reefs (2001), although some aspects of this product still originate from that data source. This amalgamated dataset has been created to further mobilise the Millennium Coral Reef Map Products and their validation. This data set should by no means replace the official release of the Millennium coral reef map and users should always check at the official sites for the most up-to-date available information. This dataset does not contain the full 5 level geomorphological categorisation. In part, for the validated products, it maintains the simplified Reefbase subset but for the remaining areas i.e. the unvalidated data and data from other sources, there is only a single class to indicate coral reef.

The Approximate % coverage of data sources are as follows

- Millennium Coral Reefs (Unvalidated) 50%
- Millennium Coral Reefs (Validated) 30 %
- Other sources 20%

The dataset comprises 3 main components and must be cited in the following manner strictly maintaining the three separate entities in their entirety:

IMaRS-USF and IRD (2005). Millennium Coral Reef Mapping Project (validated maps). UNEP World Conservation Monitoring Centre. Cambridge (UK), http://data.unep-wcmc.org/datasets/13

IMaRS-USF (2005). Millennium Coral Reef Mapping Project (unvalidated maps are unendorsed by IRD, and were further interpreted by UNEP-WCMC). UNEP World Conservation Monitoring Centre. Cambridge (UK), http://data.unep-wcmc.org/datasets/13

UNEP-WCMC, WorldFish Centre, WRI and TNC (2010). Global distribution of warm-water coral reefs, compiled from multiple sources, including the Millennium Coral Reef Mapping Project.