Key Ecological Features (polygons) - North Marine Bioregional Planning Region.

The North Bioregional Profile identifies a number of ecological features that are of conservation value because of the role they play in the environment of the North Marine Region. Key ecological features (KEFs) meet one or more of the following criteria:1. a species, group of species, or a community with a regionally important ecological role (e.g. a predator, prey that affects a large biomass or number of other marine species);2. a species, group of species, or a community that is nationally or regionally important for biodiversity;3. an area or habitat that is nationally or regionally important for: a) enhanced or high productivity (such as predictable upwellings - an upwelling occurs when cold nutrient-rich waters from the bottom of the ocean rise to the surface);b) aggregations of marine life (such as feeding, resting, breeding or nursery areas);c) biodiversity and endemism (species which only occur in a specific area); or4. a unique seafloor feature, with known or presumed ecological properties of regional significance.KEFs have been identified by the Australian Government on the basis of advice from scientists about the ecological processes and characteristics of the area. A workshop held in Darwin in 2007 also contributed to this scientific advice and helped to underpin the identification of key ecological features. Eight KEFs have been identified in the North Marine Region:Carbonate bank and terrace system of the Van Diemen RiseShelf break and slope of the Arafura ShelfTributary canyons of the Arafura DepressionGulf of Carpentaria basinGulf of Carpentaria coastal zonePlateaux and saddle north-west of the Wellesley IslandsPinnacles of the Bonaparte BasinSubmerged coral reefs of the Gulf of CarpentariaIn order to create a spatial representation of KEFs for the North Marine Region, some interpretation of the information was required. DoE as made every effort to use the best available spatial information, and best judgement on how to spatially represent the features based on the scientific advice provided. This does not preclude others from making their own interpretation of available information.