Key Ecological Features within the Coral Sea

A number of ecological features that are of conservation value because of the role they play in the environment of the Coral Sea have been identified and mapped. 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 a number of 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 Perth in September 2006 also contributed to this scientific advice and helped to underpin the identification of key ecological features. Three KEFs have been identified in the Coral Sea:1. Tasmantid seamount chain2. Reefs, cays and hebivorous fish of the Queensland Plateau3. Reefs, cays and hebivorous fish of the Marion PlateauIn order to create a spatial representation of KEFs for the Coral Sea, some interpretation of the information was required. DoEhas 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.