Mollusc communities and epiphyte cover associated with seagrass habitats in Tayaritja Sea Country (Furneaux Group of Islands), Lutruwita (Tasmania) (NESP MaC 3.6)

Updated: 2026-07-27

Seagrass beds are a dominant marine ecosystem of Tayaritja (the Furneaux Group of Islands) in the north-eastern waters off Tasmania. Historical coarse mapping has indicated extensive beds of Posidonia, Amphibolis, Heterozostera, and Zostera species, potentially comprising some of the largest and deepest seagrass extents found in temperate Australian waters. However, limited data on the distribution and ecological value of these seagrass habitats represents a significant knowledge gap in understanding Australia's wetland natural assets. This project mapped the extent, ecological composition, population structure, and blue carbon value of seagrass beds around Tayaritja, in partnership with the Tasmanian Aboriginal Centre. This record specifically describes the collection and analysis of epiphyte and mollusc communities associated with seagrass beds. Quadrat-level sampling of seagrass, epiphyte and mollusc community data was undertaken across five subtidal sites in Tayaritja Sea Country in February 2024. At each site, seagrass species, morphology, biomass and cover; epiphyte cover; and mollusc taxon counts, richness, abundance, and diversity metrics were assessed. The dataset provides a baseline for understanding biodiversity values associated with different seagrass species and epiphyte loads in Tayaritja Sea Country. See the "Lineage" section of this record for full methodology. ***EMBARGO NOTE*** Data is currently embargoed until 31/12/2026. Please contact the NESP Data Wrangler (Southern node) to discuss access options: Emma.Flukes@utas.edu.au