South East Fishery (SEF) Ecosystem Study 1993-1996: Sediment Size Data

This record describes the sediment size data collected as part of the 1993-1996 South East Fishery Ecosystem Study undertaken by CSIRO Division of Fisheries. Sediment samples were collected using a sediment sampler aboard a benthic sled deployed on 4 cruises of FRV "Southern Surveyor" on seven transects across the continental shelf in eastern Bass Strait, south-west Victoria, and south-west NSW waters. Samples were collected in July 1993 (cruise SS 05/93), August 1994 (cruise SS 05/94), April 1996 (cruise SS 02/96) and November 1996 (cruise SS 06/96). In addition to the broad-scale, transect-based surveys described above, representatives of 4 separate habitat types (Big Gutter, Gabo Reef, Big Horsehoe and Broken Reef) were sampled more intensively. For the purpose of this study, sediment data were used primarily to characterise habitat types by particle size as well as to complement other habitat data derived from acoustic measurements. In addition, portions of the sediment samples were used for pigment and stable isotope analysis (see separate metadata records).