The Coral Sea Frontier - NMF RV Investigator deep-sea biodiversity assessment of the Coral Sea Marine Park.

Collaborator

Deep-sea biodiversity assessment of the Coral Sea Marine Park. RV Investigator will undertake a 36-day research voyage to the Coral Sea to investigate benthic (on or near the seafloor) marine life in the southern and eastern areas of the Coral Sea Marine Park. The Coral Sea Marine Park is the largest marine park in Australian waters, covering 989,836 km2 and reaching depths of 6000 metres. The marine park is managed by Parks Australia and protects 34 vast reef areas, and 67 cays and islets. Researchers will focus their surveys on two of the three key ecological features of the marine park: the reefs of the Marion Plateau and the Tasmantid Seamount Chain. This will be the first modern deep-water investigation of marine life found on the extinct volcanic peaks of the northern Tasmantid Seamount Chain, which rise over 3000 m from the seafloor, and the offshore Kenn Plateau. This research will be critical for understanding of regional biodiversity and natural values of the Coral Sea, helping to inform management of the marine park by Parks Australia. The voyage has a strong focus on education, outreach and engagement with public audiences, and support for these activities is being provided by Bush Blitz and The Nippon Foundation-Nekton Ocean Census. https://www.csiro.au/en/about/facilities-collections/mnf/voyages-schedules/voyages/2025/october/in2025_v06

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