The data source of this Australian Coral reef distribution subset has been compiled by UNEP-WCMC to show the global distribution of warm water coral reefs. Global Distribution of Coral Reefs (2010) This dataset represents the global distribution of warm water coral reefs and should be seen an ‘interim’ global product. Note: Editing was carried out in April 2013 when a number of duplicate features were removed. The dataset has been compiled from a number of data sources which have been merged together by UNEP-WCMC and the WorldFish Centre in collaboration with WRI and TNC. It supersedes the dataset used in the World Atlas of Coral Reefs (2001), although some aspects of this product still originate from that data source. This amalgamated dataset has been created to further mobilise the Millennium Coral Reef Map Products and their validation. This data set should by no means replace the official release of the Millennium coral reef map and users should always check at the official sites for the most up-to-date available information. This dataset does not contain the full 5 level geomorphological categorisation. In part, for the validated products, it maintains the simplified Reefbase subset but for the remaining areas i.e. the unvalidated data and data from other sources, there is only a single class to indicate coral reef. The Approximate % coverage of data sources are as follows - Millennium Coral Reefs (Unvalidated) 50% - Millennium Coral Reefs (Validated) 30 % - Other sources 20% The dataset comprises 3 main components and must be cited in the following manner strictly maintaining the three separate entities in their entirety: IMaRS-USF and IRD (2005). Millennium Coral Reef Mapping Project (validated maps). UNEP World Conservation Monitoring Centre. Cambridge (UK), http://data.unep-wcmc.org/datasets/13 IMaRS-USF (2005). Millennium Coral Reef Mapping Project (unvalidated maps are unendorsed by IRD, and were further interpreted by UNEP-WCMC). UNEP World Conservation Monitoring Centre. Cambridge (UK), http://data.unep-wcmc.org/datasets/13 UNEP-WCMC, WorldFish Centre, WRI and TNC (2010). Global distribution of warm-water coral reefs, compiled from multiple sources, including the Millennium Coral Reef Mapping Project.

The seagrass dataset has been compiled by UNEP-WCMC in collaboration with Dr Frederick T. Short, University of New Hampshire, USA to show the global distribution of seagrass species. This dataset has been created from multiple sources and was used in the creation of the “World Atlas of Seagrasses”(2003). This polygon feature dataset is an update of the data used in the Atlas and is a unique data holding about the state of the world’s seagrasses. For a complete overview of global seagrass distribution this dataset should be displayed together with the associated point dataset.

The seagrass dataset has been compiled by UNEP-WCMC in collaboration with Dr Frederick T. Short, University of New Hampshire, USA to show the global distribution of seagrass species. This dataset has been created from multiple sources and was used in the creation of the “World Atlas of Seagrasses”(2003). This polygon feature dataset is an update of the data used in the Atlas and is a unique data holding about the state of the world’s seagrasses. For a complete overview of global seagrass distribution this dataset should be displayed together with the associated point dataset.

This dataset shows the distribution of mangroves mapped using recently 1997-2000 available Global Land Survey (GLS) data and the Landsat archive.

The data source of this Australian Coral reef distribution subset has been compiled by UNEP-WCMC to show the global distribution of warm water coral reefs. This dataset has been created from multiple sources and is derived from data used in the creation of the World Atlas of Coral Reefs (2001). This polygon feature dataset is an update of the data used in the Atlas but is based on a 1km raster version of the dataset to enable distribution of the data. This is due to restrictions placed by some data sources and suppliers.

This global dataset shows the distribution of mangroves and was compiled by UNEP-WCMC in collaboration with the International Society for Mangrove Ecosystems (ISME).