Bathomes of Australian waters

Bathomes are large spatial regions (usually exceeding 1000 km2) characterised by the bathymetric (depth-related) distribution of biota. Bathymetry is important in determining the types of biological communities that exist in a given region. To a large extent, depth determines the amount of light that reaches the seafloor, and it also has a strong influence on the temperature. Different species have specific conditions of light and temperature that they need to survive, and this limits their distribution within the ocean. Bathomes are a useful representation of regions that host similar biological communities, and this knowledge can be used in broadscale marine regional planning to inform decision-making and help us better understand the marine environment.

Use the interactive map below to explore the bathomes in Australian waters's.

How to use this map

	Click on this icon at the top left of the map to see a full screen version and to see the legend.
	Click on this icon also at the top left of the map to zoom in closer to (+) or further from (-) the map.