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Intertidal and subtidal mapping FAQs

The Frequently Asked Questions provide information about the Queensland Intertidal and Subtidal Ecosystem Classification scheme (the scheme) conducted by the Queensland Wetlands Program. It provides detail on the classification underpinning the mapping, the relationship between this mapping and other mapping in Queensland and how to use the mapping.

 

Fraser Island. Photo by Lana Heydon

Quick facts

Intertidal and subtidal ecosystem types
many descriptions are available as a part of the scheme.

Search FAQ

How can I view the Central Queensland intertidal/subtidal mapping products?

Why is intertidal and subtidal mapping important, and how does it relate to other mapping and classifications?

Understanding the nature, extent and values of ecosystems is integral to their effective management. Terrestrial and freshwater ecosystem classification, mapping and conservation assessments provide a basis for management and planning in Queensland. The Central Queensland intertidal and subtidal mapping was undertaken to address the lack of integrated mapping for Queensland’s intertidal and subtidal ecosystems.

The mapping applies the attribute-based classification and typology method of the Queensland Intertidal and Subtidal Ecosystem Classification scheme (the scheme). It integrates seamlessly with other attribute-based classifications and mapping methods (e.g. Regional Ecosystems, Queensland Wetland mapping) to enable continuous mapping from land to sea. The intertidal and subtidal mapping (explained in Module 4) will inform these complementary attribute-based mapping datasets and their classifications, providing additional biophysical attribute datasets that will inform the nature and extent of these ecosystems in areas of overlapping land, sea and freshwater influence. The relationship between this scheme and other classification schemes is reviewed in Module 2 (literature review Queensland, interstate, national and international).

How is the Central Queensland Intertidal and Subtidal Mapping produced?

The Classification and Mapping Method factsheet describes how the intertidal and subtidal mapping was produced based on the Queensland Intertidal and Subtidal Ecosystem Classification scheme.

Where will this mapping be used?

It is very difficult to manage a resource without knowing ‘what is where’. This mapping and the associated datasets provide valuable non-statutory information about the spatial extent of intertidal and subtidal ecosystems (resources) in Central Queensland, and the products of this project can be used to:

  • provide a primary tool and framework to support policy development
  • guide prioritisation and on-ground works investment in natural resource management
  • inform the tracking of changes in ecosystem extent and type and inform the design of monitoring programs (e.g. for water quality and habitat condition report cards)
  • prioritise knowledge gaps for inventory and data acquisition
  • assess values and processes, including ecosystem services and values, representation for fish habitat areas and marine park zonings
  • assess connectivity and interactions between ecosystem types and processes
  • form a base to predict species presence/absence based upon ecosystem types (e.g. Great Barrier Reef (GBR), Ramsar)
  • develop management guidelines for intertidal and subtidal ecosystems based upon key characteristics
  • inform resource utilisation, regulation, management and offsets
  • enable integrated planning and policy for intertidal and subtidal ecosystems across agencies and jurisdictions
  • inform identification of Matters of National and State Environmental Significance (MNES, MSES) (including Outstanding Universal Value of World Heritage areas and criteria under Ramsar)
  • assist with the assessment of climate change impacts
  • assist with development assessments, other management decisions (e.g. Environmental Impact Assessments, coastal approvals) and frontline services.

What is the difference between intertidal and subtidal ecosystems, and are they the same as estuarine and marine ecosystems?

see Intertidal and Subtidal (Estuarine and Marine ecology).

What is the difference between estuarine and marine wetlands and estuarine and marine ecosystems?

see Intertidal and Subtidal (Estuarine and Marine ecology).

What is the difference between existing estuarine wetland mapping and the intertidal and subtidal mapping?

The existing mapping for estuarine wetlands has been incorporated into the intertidal and subtidal mapping by ‘cross-walking’ its attributes to those of the Queensland Intertidal and Subtidal Ecosystem Classification scheme. Estuarine wetland regional ecosystems are ‘cross-walked’ to equivalent categories of the structural macrobiota biophysical attribute. Existing wetland estuarine water bodies (contain no ecosystem information) are now delineated based on other attributes, including the presence of surveyed subtidal biota such as seagrass, coral etc. For further information see the Classification and Mapping Method factsheet and Module 4.

How are the intertidal and subtidal ecosystem types ordered and why?

Intertidal and subtidal ecosystems are ordered based to the significance of the biophysical attributes and their categories. These were determined by a technical working group who developed the rule-sets. The initial split is based on inundation i.e. intertidal or subtidal. The next most significant attribute is presence of structural macrobiota, which take precedence over ecosystems where biota is unsurveyed, unknown or absent (non-biota). Consolidated substrates take precedence over unconsolidated ecosystems (Consolidation attribute) as they are important for the potential attachment of biota. The mapping legend reflects these first three attribute groupings, but other relevant attributes also determining ecosystem order included Benthic depth, Sediment texture, Substrate composition, Energy magnitude and Terrain morphology. For further information on ecosystem type order see the Classification and Mapping Method factsheet.

Does the mapping contain information about intertidal and subtidal ecosystem condition?

Ecosystem condition is not dealt with in the classification scheme and mapping but some attributes and qualifiers may be useful as an input to condition assessments. Attribute qualifiers provide extra information on the category of an attribute and are similar to modifiers in other classification schemes[3][1]. Changes in ecosystems may represent natural variations while at other times a change may constitute a shift in the state or type for an ecosystem[2]. In classifying and mapping, consideration must be given to how the natural variability influences ecosystem structure and functionality of ecosystem processes and what can be used meaningfully in mapping. If possible the nature of these changes and their influence upon an attribute is captured.

In the Central Queensland mapping there is additional information informing such changes in the attribute mapping (see the Naturalness qualifier field). The ‘naturalness’ attribute qualifier describes the extent of human-induced change. For example, in an area, the attribute Sediment texture may have been classified as 'sand'. If the sand was the result of deposition from dredging activity, a category of ‘Modified’ could be assigned to the naturalness attribute qualifier. In this way, the inherent category of the attribute does not change from 'sand' but the additional information may be used to interpret values or to classify components differently, which may be necessary for management purposes.

What datasets were used in developing the intertidal and subtidal mapping and how was the information collated?

Module 4 details the method for collating datasets and devising ecosystem types. Attributes selected for the Queensland Intertidal and Subtidal Ecosystem Classification scheme were: Benthic depth, Inundation, Consolidation, Sediment texture, Substrate composition, Structural macrobiota composition, Energy magnitude and Terrain morphology. Data to map these attributes were collated from over 200 existing datasets and checked against high resolution aerial photography and land-based Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR).

What is a biophysical attribute and what role does it play in defining intertidal and subtidal ecosystem types?

Biophysical attributes can be used to create an attribute classification, that is, a set of biophysical (biological, physical and chemical) attributes for describing and defining ecosystem types using discrete categories with measurable classes (e.g. metrics). The step of attribute-based classification separates the classification of attributes (e.g. depth, sediment size) from the designation of types (i.e. combinations of attributes such as deep water sand) for a particular purpose (e.g. deep water fisheries management). Examples of intertidal and subtidal attributes can be found on the attributes and qualifiers page.

Where can I find the Central Queensland intertidal and subtidal mapping method?

see Classification and Mapping Method factsheet and Module 4.

How was the method developed and how does it compare to other methods?

A comprehensive collaboration and consultation process was undertaken to inform the development of the scheme, including 17 workshops, panels and technical working group meetings, two advisory group meetings and numerous one-on-one meetings. This process involved policy makers, managers and scientists from state, local and federal government, natural resource management bodies and universities, with individuals from a wide range of disciplines. More than 120 representatives from over 30 organisations were involved from 2014 to 2017 (see Module 1 Appendix 6.7 for consultation details). A comprehensive literature review (Module 2) describes how the method compares with other methods. This literature review informed the collaboration and consultation process involving the selection of attributes and categories (see Module 1 Appendices 6.1, 6.2) and the development of draft typologies. Module 3 outlines the attributes and Module 4 describes the mapping method.

What geographic area does the Central Queensland intertidal and subtidal mapping cover?

The intertidal and subtidal mapping covers benthic (sea floor) ecosystems within the southern Great Barrier Reef lagoon (from the mouth of the Fitzroy River to Double Island Point south of Fraser Island). It extends from the landward limits of tidal influence to the three nautical mile limit that is the boundary of Queensland state waters. For further information see the Project Factsheet or WetlandMaps.

What information does the Intertidal and Subtidal Ecosystem Mapping for Central Queensland contain and what do the codes mean?

The intertidal and subtidal ecosystem mapping is stored under three different layers:

  • Naturalness modifier
  • Subtidal mapping
  • Intertidal mapping

With links to 94 ecosystem type descriptions and their biophysical attributes.

Use the tables below in conjunction with the mapping.

Table 1: Attribute description codes (metadata fields).

Field Alias Field name Code Explanation
Inundation INUNDTN - Unknown
Inundation INUNDTN Ind Indeterminate tidal inundation
Inundation INUNDTN Sub Subtidal (below LAT)
Inundation INUNDTN Ll Lower-low (LAT to MLWS)
Inundation INUNDTN Lm Mid-low (MLWS to MLWN)
Inundation INUNDTN Lu Upper-low (MLWN to MSL)
Inundation INUNDTN Lx Low - undifferentiated
Inundation INUNDTN Ml Lower-medium (MSL to MHWN)
Inundation INUNDTN Mu Upper-medium (MHWN to MHWS)
Inundation INUNDTN Mx Medium - undifferentiated
Inundation INUNDTN H High (MHWS to HAT)
Inundation INUNDTN Ix Intertidal - undifferentiated
Inundation INUNDTN Hx High - undifferentiated
Structural Macrobiota Composition SMB_CMP - Unknown
Structural Macrobiota Composition SMB_CMP O None
Structural Macrobiota Composition SMB_CMP G Grass
Structural Macrobiota Composition SMB_CMP h Herb
Structural Macrobiota Composition SMB_CMP s Sedge
Structural Macrobiota Composition SMB_CMP Ghs Grass/herb/sedge - undifferentiated
Structural Macrobiota Composition SMB_CMP GhsGh Grass/herb/sedge - grass or herb
Structural Macrobiota Composition SMB_CMP GhsSu Grass/herb/sedge - succulent
Structural Macrobiota Composition SMB_CMP GhsSe Grass/herb/sedge - sedge
Structural Macrobiota Composition SMB_CMP AlEn Algae - encrusting
Structural Macrobiota Composition SMB_CMP AlTf Algae - turf mat
Structural Macrobiota Composition SMB_CMP AlFi Algae - filamentous
Structural Macrobiota Composition SMB_CMP AlBg Algae - blue-green
Structural Macrobiota Composition SMB_CMP AlErMc Algae - erect macrophyte (macroalgae)
Structural Macrobiota Composition SMB_CMP AlErCa Algae - erect calcareous
Structural Macrobiota Composition SMB_CMP AlOX Algae - other or undifferentiated
Structural Macrobiota Composition SMB_CMP SgSt Seagrass - strap (width unspecified)
Structural Macrobiota Composition SMB_CMP SgStNr Seagrass - strap narrow
Structural Macrobiota Composition SMB_CMP SgStWd Seagrass - strap broad
Structural Macrobiota Composition SMB_CMP SgOv Seagrass - ovoid
Structural Macrobiota Composition SMB_CMP SgFe Seagrass - fern-like
Structural Macrobiota Composition SMB_CMP SgCy Seagrass - cylindrical
Structural Macrobiota Composition SMB_CMP SgOX Seagrass - other or unspecified
Structural Macrobiota Composition SMB_CMP MaAv Mangrove - avicennia
Structural Macrobiota Composition SMB_CMP MaRh Mangrove - rhizophora
Structural Macrobiota Composition SMB_CMP MaCe Mangrove - ceriops
Structural Macrobiota Composition SMB_CMP MaMx Mangrove - mixed
Structural Macrobiota Composition SMB_CMP MaOX Mangrove - undifferentiated
Structural Macrobiota Composition SMB_CMP Ot Other trees - melaleuca, casuarina
Structural Macrobiota Composition SMB_CMP OXFl Other or unspecified flora
Structural Macrobiota Composition SMB_CMP CoOc Coral - octocorallian (incl. gorgonians, sea pens, sea whips, soft corals)
Structural Macrobiota Composition SMB_CMP CoOX Coral - other or unspecified
Structural Macrobiota Composition SMB_CMP CoHa Hard coral - undifferentiated
Structural Macrobiota Composition SMB_CMP CoHaBr Hard coral - branching
Structural Macrobiota Composition SMB_CMP CoHaMs Hard coral - massive
Structural Macrobiota Composition SMB_CMP CoHaSm Hard coral - submassive
Structural Macrobiota Composition SMB_CMP CoHaPl Hard coral - plate/table
Structural Macrobiota Composition SMB_CMP CoHaBu Hard coral - bushy
Structural Macrobiota Composition SMB_CMP CoHaFo Hard coral - vase/foliose
Structural Macrobiota Composition SMB_CMP CoHaEn Hard coral - encrusting
Structural Macrobiota Composition SMB_CMP CoHaMx Hard coral - mixture of structures
Structural Macrobiota Composition SMB_CMP Sp Sponge
Structural Macrobiota Composition SMB_CMP MoOy Mollusc - oysters
Structural Macrobiota Composition SMB_CMP MoSc Mollusc - scallops
Structural Macrobiota Composition SMB_CMP MoOX Mollusc - other (e.g. bivalve, gastropod (limpet, worm shell)) or undifferentiated
Structural Macrobiota Composition SMB_CMP As Ascidian (incl. tunicates, sea squirts)
Structural Macrobiota Composition SMB_CMP Cr Crinoids (incl. feather stars, stalked crinoids)
Structural Macrobiota Composition SMB_CMP Tw Tubeworm (polychaetes and phoronids)
Structural Macrobiota Composition SMB_CMP Br Bryozoa (incl. moss animals, lace corals, sea mats)
Structural Macrobiota Composition SMB_CMP Ba Barnacles
Structural Macrobiota Composition SMB_CMP OXfa Other or unspecified fauna (incl. brachipods and kamptozoans)
Structural Macrobiota Composition SMB_CMP OXbt Other or unspecified biota
Consolidation CONSOL - Unknown
Consolidation CONSOL C Consolidated
Consolidation CONSOL In Intermediate
Consolidation CONSOL U Unconsolidated
Sediment Texture SED_TEX (g)mS (Slightly gravelly) muddy SAND
Sediment Texture SED_TEX (g)sM (Slightly gravelly) sandy MUD
Sediment Texture SED_TEX (g)S (Slightly gravelly) SAND
Sediment Texture SED_TEX (g)M (Slightly gravelly) MUD
Sediment Texture SED_TEX B BOULDER
Sediment Texture SED_TEX gmS Gravelly muddy SAND
Sediment Texture SED_TEX gM Gravelly MUD
Sediment Texture SED_TEX gS Gravelly SAND
Sediment Texture SED_TEX O None
Sediment Texture SED_TEX G GRAVEL
Sediment Texture SED_TEX mG Muddy GRAVEL
Sediment Texture SED_TEX mS Muddy SAND
Sediment Texture SED_TEX msG Muddy sandy GRAVEL
Sediment Texture SED_TEX M MUD
Sediment Texture SED_TEX sG Sandy GRAVEL
Sediment Texture SED_TEX sM Sandy MUD
Sediment Texture SED_TEX S SAND
Sediment Texture SED_TEX - Unknown
Terrain Morphology T_MORPH - Unknown
Terrain Morphology T_MORPH F Plane
Terrain Morphology T_MORPH R Ridge
Terrain Morphology T_MORPH Ch Peak
Terrain Morphology T_MORPH Cx Crest (undifferentiated)
Terrain Morphology T_MORPH Dv Channel
Terrain Morphology T_MORPH Dc Pit
Terrain Morphology T_MORPH Dx Depression (undifferentiated)
Terrain Morphology T_MORPH P Pass
Substrate Composition SUB_CMP - Unknown
Substrate Composition SUB_CMP O None (no sediment present)
Substrate Composition SUB_CMP KaBiCo Calcareous - biogenic - coral
Substrate Composition SUB_CMP KaBiSh Calcareous - biogenic - shell
Substrate Composition SUB_CMP KaBiHl Calcareous - biogenic - halimeda
Substrate Composition SUB_CMP KaBiFo Calcareous - biogenic - forams
Substrate Composition SUB_CMP KaBiOX Calcareous - biogenic - other or unspecified
Substrate Composition SUB_CMP KaNb Calcareous - non-biogenic
Substrate Composition SUB_CMP KaOtX Calcareous - other or unspecified
Substrate Composition SUB_CMP B Biosiliceous
Substrate Composition SUB_CMP OrPb Organic - peat-beds
Substrate Composition SUB_CMP OrDe Organic - detritus (includes wood, detritus from mangroves, seagrass, etc.)
Substrate Composition SUB_CMP OrOX Organic - other or unspecified
Substrate Composition SUB_CMP Te Terrigenous (e.g. muds, sands and gravels derived from rock)
Substrate Composition SUB_CMP TeOX Terrigenous - other or unspecified (includes concrete and metals)
Substrate Composition SUB_CMP OX Other or unspecified
Energy Magnitude NRG_MAG - Unknown
Energy Magnitude NRG_MAG O None
Energy Magnitude NRG_MAG VL Very low
Energy Magnitude NRG_MAG L Low
Energy Magnitude NRG_MAG M Medium
Energy Magnitude NRG_MAG H High
Energy Magnitude NRG_MAG VH Very high
Benthic Depth B_DEPTH -
Benthic Depth B_DEPTH >0m
Benthic Depth B_DEPTH 0-5m
Benthic Depth B_DEPTH 5-10m
Benthic Depth B_DEPTH 10-15m
Benthic Depth B_DEPTH 15-20m
Benthic Depth B_DEPTH 20-25m
Benthic Depth B_DEPTH 25-30m
Benthic Depth B_DEPTH 30-35m
Benthic Depth B_DEPTH 35-40m
Benthic Depth B_DEPTH 40-50m
Benthic Depth B_DEPTH 50-60m
Benthic Depth B_DEPTH 60-100m
Benthic Depth B_DEPTH 100-150m
Benthic Depth B_DEPTH 150-200m
Benthic Depth B_DEPTH 200-300m
Benthic Depth B_DEPTH 300-500m
Benthic Depth B_DEPTH 500-700m
Benthic Depth B_DEPTH 700-1000m
Benthic Depth B_DEPTH 1000-1500m
Benthic Depth B_DEPTH <1500m

Table 2: Central Queensland intertidal/subtidal mapping attributes and collapsed categories.

Attribute Category Central Queensland intertidal/subtidal mapping categories
Inundation Subtidal (below LAT) Subtidal
Inundation Lower-low (LAT to MLWS) Intertidal
Inundation Mid-low (MLWS to MLWN) Intertidal
Inundation Upper-low (MLWN to MSL) Intertidal
Inundation Low - undifferentiated Intertidal
Inundation Lower-medium (MSL to MHWN) Intertidal
Inundation Upper-medium (MHWN to MHWS) Intertidal
Inundation Medium - undifferentiated Intertidal
Inundation High (MHWS to HAT) Intertidal
Inundation Intertidal - undifferentiated Intertidal
Inundation High - undifferentiated Intertidal
Structural Macrobiota Composition Unknown Unknown
Structural Macrobiota Composition None None
Structural Macrobiota Composition Grass Grass
Structural Macrobiota Composition Herb Succulent
Structural Macrobiota Composition Sedge Sedge
Structural Macrobiota Composition Grass/herb/sedge - undifferentiated GHS
Structural Macrobiota Composition Grass/herb/sedge - grass or herb Grass
Structural Macrobiota Composition Grass/herb/sedge - succulent Succulent
Structural Macrobiota Composition Grass/herb/sedge - sedge Sedge
Structural Macrobiota Composition Algae - encrusting Algae (microphytobenthos)
Structural Macrobiota Composition Algae - turf mat Other algae
Structural Macrobiota Composition Algae - filamentous Other algae
Structural Macrobiota Composition Algae - blue-green Other algae
Structural Macrobiota Composition Algae - erect macrophyte (macroalgae) Other algae
Structural Macrobiota Composition Algae - erect calcareous Other algae
Structural Macrobiota Composition Algae - other or undifferentiated Other algae
Structural Macrobiota Composition Seagrass - strap (width unspecified) Strap (width unspecified)
Structural Macrobiota Composition Seagrass - strap narrow Strap narrow
Structural Macrobiota Composition Seagrass - strap broad Other seagrass
Structural Macrobiota Composition Seagrass - ovoid Seagrass - ovoid
Structural Macrobiota Composition Seagrass - fern-like Other seagrass
Structural Macrobiota Composition Seagrass - cylindrical Other seagrass
Structural Macrobiota Composition Seagrass - other or unspecified Other seagrass
Structural Macrobiota Composition Mangrove - avicennia Mangrove (avicennia)
Structural Macrobiota Composition Mangrove - rhizophora Mangrove (rhizophora)
Structural Macrobiota Composition Mangrove - ceriops Mangrove (ceriops)
Structural Macrobiota Composition Mangrove - mixed Mangrove (mixed)
Structural Macrobiota Composition Mangrove - undifferentiated Mangrove and other trees
Structural Macrobiota Composition Other trees - melaleuca, casuarina Other trees and shrubs
Structural Macrobiota Composition Other or unspecified flora Other trees and shrubs
Structural Macrobiota Composition Coral - octocorallian (incl. gorgonians, sea pens, sea whips, soft corals) Octocorallians
Structural Macrobiota Composition Coral - other or unspecified Corals
Structural Macrobiota Composition Hard coral - undifferentiated Coral - Hard
Structural Macrobiota Composition Hard coral - branching Branching
Structural Macrobiota Composition Hard coral - massive Non-branching
Structural Macrobiota Composition Hard coral - submassive Non-branching
Structural Macrobiota Composition Hard coral - plate/table Non-branching
Structural Macrobiota Composition Hard coral - bushy Non-branching
Structural Macrobiota Composition Hard coral - vase/foliose Non-branching
Structural Macrobiota Composition Hard coral - encrusting Non-branching
Structural Macrobiota Composition Hard coral - mixture of structures Non-branching
Structural Macrobiota Composition Sponge Other fauna
Structural Macrobiota Composition Mollusc - oysters Molluscs
Structural Macrobiota Composition Mollusc - scallops Molluscs
Structural Macrobiota Composition Mollusc - other (e.g. bivalve, gastropod (limpet, worm shell)) or undifferentiated Molluscs
Structural Macrobiota Composition Ascidian (incl. tunicates, sea squirts) Other fauna
Structural Macrobiota Composition Crinoids (incl. feather stars, stalked crinoids) Other fauna
Structural Macrobiota Composition Tubeworm (polychaetes and phoronids) Other fauna
Structural Macrobiota Composition Bryozoa (incl. moss animals, lace corals, sea mats) Other fauna
Structural Macrobiota Composition Barnacles Other fauna
Structural Macrobiota Composition Other or unspecified fauna (incl. brachipods and kamptozoans) Other fauna
Structural Macrobiota Composition Other or unspecified biota Other fauna
Consolidation Unknown Unk
Consolidation Consolidated C
Consolidation Intermediate Int
Consolidation Unconsolidated Uc
Sediment Texture (Slightly gravelly) muddy SAND Sand
Sediment Texture (Slightly gravelly) sandy MUD Mud
Sediment Texture (Slightly gravelly) SAND Sand
Sediment Texture (Slightly gravelly) MUD Mus
Sediment Texture BOULDER Boulder
Sediment Texture Gravelly muddy SAND Sand
Sediment Texture Gravelly MUD Mud
Sediment Texture Gravelly SAND Sand
Sediment Texture None Unk/none
Sediment Texture GRAVEL Gravel
Sediment Texture Muddy GRAVEL Gravel
Sediment Texture Muddy SAND Sand
Sediment Texture Muddy sandy GRAVEL Gravel
Sediment Texture MUD Mud
Sediment Texture Sandy GRAVEL Gravel
Sediment Texture Sandy MUD Mud
Sediment Texture SAND Sand
Sediment Texture Unknown Unk/none
Terrain Morphology Unknown Non-channel
Terrain Morphology Plane Non-channel
Terrain Morphology Ridge Non-channel
Terrain Morphology Peak Non-channel
Terrain Morphology Crest (undifferentiated) Non-channel
Terrain Morphology Channel Channel
Terrain Morphology Pit Non-channel
Terrain Morphology Depression (undifferentiated) Non-channel
Terrain Morphology Pass Non-channel
Substrate Composition Unknown Uk
Substrate Composition None (no sediment present) Uk
Substrate Composition Calcareous - biogenic - coral Carbonate
Substrate Composition Calcareous - biogenic - shell Carbonate
Substrate Composition Calcareous - biogenic - halimeda Carbonate
Substrate Composition Calcareous - biogenic - forams Carbonate
Substrate Composition Calcareous - biogenic - other or unspecified Carbonate
Substrate Composition Calcareous - non-biogenic Carbonate
Substrate Composition Calcareous - other or unspecified Carbonate
Substrate Composition Biosiliceous Carbonate
Substrate Composition Organic - peat-beds Terrigenous
Substrate Composition Organic - detritus (includes wood, detritus from mangroves, seagrass, etc.) Terrigenous
Substrate Composition Organic - other or unspecified Terrigenous
Substrate Composition Terrigenous (e.g. muds, sands and gravels derived from rock) Terrigenous
Substrate Composition Terrigenous - other or unspecified (includes concrete and metals) Terrigenous
Substrate Composition Other or unspecified Uk
Energy Magnitude Unknown Unknown
Energy Magnitude None Low
Energy Magnitude Very low Low
Energy Magnitude Low Low
Energy Magnitude Medium High
Energy Magnitude High High
Energy Magnitude Very high High
Benthic Depth - Unknown
Benthic Depth >0m Intertidal
Benthic Depth 0-5m Shallow
Benthic Depth 5-10m Shallow
Benthic Depth 10-15m Deep
Benthic Depth 15-20m Deep
Benthic Depth 20-25m Deep
Benthic Depth 25-30m Deep
Benthic Depth 30-35m Very deep
Benthic Depth 35-40m Very deep
Benthic Depth 40-50m Very deep
Benthic Depth 50-60m Very deep
Benthic Depth 60-100m Very deep
Benthic Depth 100-150m Very deep
Benthic Depth 150-200m Very deep
Benthic Depth 200-300m Very deep
Benthic Depth 300-500m Very deep
Benthic Depth 500-700m Very deep
Benthic Depth 700-1000m Very deep
Benthic Depth 1000-1500m Very deep
Benthic Depth <1500m Very deep

Table 3: Central Queensland intertidal/subtidal mapping field names and descriptions (mapping metadata).

Geodatabase field name Field name alias Short field description
OBJECTID   ID for the polygon
B-DEPTH Benthic depth Benthic depth category code
UID_B_DEP Benthic depth ID ID for the benthic depth polygon
NRG_MAG Energy magnitude Energy magnitude category code
UID_NRG_MA Energy magnitude ID ID for the energy magnitude polygon
SED_TEX Sediment texture Sediment texture category code
UID_SED_TE Sediment texture ID ID for the sediment texture polygon
SMB_CMP Structural macrobiota Structural macrobiota composition category code
UID_SMB_CM Structural macrobiota ID ID for the structural macrobiota composition polygon
SUB_CMP Substrate composition Substrate composition category code
UID_SUB_CM Substrate composition ID ID for the substrate composition category code
T_MORPH Terrain morphology Terrain morphology category code
UID_T_MORP Terrain morphology ID ID for the terrain morphology polygon
CONSOL Consolidation Consolidation category code
UID_CONSOL Consolidation ID ID for the consolidation polygon
RANKS Ranks for all types (within this polygon) Ranks for all types (within this polygon)
TYPES List of all type IDs (within this polygon) List of all type numbers (within this polygon)
DOM_TYPE Dominant type ID Dominant type
DOM_LABEL Dominant ecosystem type label Dominant ecosystem type label
U_DOM_TYPE Ecosystem type description Link to the WetlandInfo ecosystem type description page
CO_TYPES Co-types Full list of all the co-types
COTYPE Co-type overridden The first co-type listed
COTYPENAM Name of co-type overidden The name of the first co-type listed
CONTAINS Contains macrobiota at a smaller scale, including coral Contains macrobiota at a smaller scale, including coral
CONT_DESC Description of the macrobiota at a smaller scale Description of the macrobiota at a smaller scale
OVERRIDE Override Typology rule has been manually overridden
OVERD_CMT Override information Reason typology rule was manually overridden
Q_NAT Naturalness qualifier Naturalness qualifier
QNAT_ATTR Modified attributes The attributes with modified naturalness qualifier
QNAT_INFO Naturalness information Information about the modification of naturalness
UID_INUNDT Inundation ID for the inundation polygon
WETLBET Legend brief Legend colours
RULEID Rule ID Representations
POLYID Poly ID Unique identification number linked back to source data
VERSION Version number Version number based on changes from feedback

Table 4: Central Queensland intertidal/subtidal mapping ecosystem types ID number.

Legend (colour groupings)

Type (linework within colour groupings, defined by dominant type)

Type ID number (Dominant Type)

Subtidal coral Hard (branching) coral - consolidated, shallow to deep 74
Hard (branching) coral - consolidated, very deep 76
Hard (branching) coral - not consolidated, shallow to deep 78
Hard (branching) coral - not consolidated, very deep 80
Hard (non-branching) coral - consolidated, very deep 84
Hard (non-branching) coral - consolidated, shallow to deep 82
Hard (non-branching) coral - not consolidated, shallow to deep 86
Hard (non-branching) coral - not consolidated, very deep 88
Hard (undifferentiated) coral - consolidated, shallow to deep 66
Hard (undifferentiated) coral - consolidated, very deep 68
Hard (undifferentiated) coral - not consolidated, shallow to deep 70
Hard (undifferentiated) coral - not consolidated, very deep 72
Soft coral on unconsolidated (including intermediate) 98
Soft coral not on unconsolidated 99
Undifferentiated coral not on consolidated - very deep 95
Undifferentiated coral not on consolidated - shallow to deep 94
Undifferentiated coral on consolidated - shallow to deep 90
Undifferentiated coral on consolidated - very deep 91
Subtidal seagrass Seagrass cylindrical 51
Seagrass fern-like 50
Seagrass narrow strap 49
Seagrass other - deep 53
Seagrass other - shallow 52
Seagrass ovoid - shallow 45
Seagrass ovoid (intermittent) - deep 46
Seagrass strap (width unspecified) 47
Seagrass wide strap 48
Subtidal algae Algae encrusting 58
Algae erect calcareous 54
Algae erect macrophytic 55
Algae other 61
Algae turf 59
Subtidal boulders Boulders 108
Subtidal other biota Molluscs on intermediate or unknown substrate consolidation 65
Oysters 64
Scallop beds 63
Other habitat forming biota 62
Subtidal consolidated substrate Boulders 108
Consolidated/intermediate calcareous reef (i.e. coral platform) 100
Consolidated/intermediate non-calcareous (i.e. rocky reef or coffee rock) 101
Subtidal unconsolidated substrate Gravel - high energy 106
Gravel - low energy 107
Mud - high energy 102
Mud - low energy 103
Other unconsolidated substrate 109
Sand - high energy 104
Sand - low energy 105
Unknown substrate, shallow to deep, high energy 110
Unknown substrate, shallow to deep, low energy 111
Unknown substrate, very deep, high energy 112
Unknown substrate, very deep, low energy 113
Intertidal grass-herb-sedge-other succulent Bare areas above MSL (i.e. Saltpan with or without microphytobenthos) 17
Grass 2
Grass-herb-sedge (undifferentiated) 1
Sedge 4
Succulent with herb 3
Intertidal mangroves and other trees and shrubs Avicennia 8
Ceriops 6
Mangroves and other trees (undifferentiated) 5
Mixed mangroves 9
Other trees and shrubs 10
Rhizophora 7
Intertidal coral Intertidal coral 21
Intertidal seagrass Other seagrass 15
Ovoid seagrass 11
Strap (narrow) seagrass 13
Strap (wide) seagrass 12
Strap seagrass (unspecified width) 14
Intertidal boulders Intertidal high energy over boulders 34
Intertidal low energy over boulders 35
Intertidal unknown energy over boulders 39
Intertidal algae Other algae (macrophytes) 16
Intertidal other biota Molluscs inc. oysters w/ barnacles on consolidated 116
Molluscs inc. oysters w/ barnacles 20
Other biota (flora and fauna) 22
Intertidal consolidated substrate Boulders - unknown energy 39
Consolidated - high energy 23
Consolidated - low energy 24
High energy boulders 34
High energy intermediate consolidation 25
Low energy boulders 35
Low energy intermediate consolidation 26
Intertidal unconsolidated substrate Above MSL unconsolidated mud (claypan/saltpan) 27
Below MSL unconsolidated mud (mudflat/bank) - high energy 28
Below MSL unconsolidated mud (mudflat/bank) - low energy 29
Gravel - unknown energy 37
High energy gravel 32
High energy sand 30
Indeterminate inundation - other mapping (e.g. terrestrial remnant, QLUMP agricultural land etc.) 119
Low energy gravel 33
Low energy sand 31
Mud - unknown energy 38
Sand - unknown energy 36
Unconsolidated - unknown texture - high energy 40
Unconsolidated - unknown texture - low energy 41
Unknown substrate consolidation - channel 43
Unknown substrate consolidation - outside channel 42

References

  1. ^ Cowardin, LM, Carter, FC & LaRoe, ET (1979), 'Classification of wetlands and deepwater habitats of the United States.', Fish an dWildlif Service, vol. FWS/OBS-79131, Fish and Wildlife Services, Washington, DC.
  2. ^ Done, TJ (1999), 'Coral community adaptability to environmental change at the scales of regions, reefs and reef zones', American Zoologist, vol. 39, no. 1, pp. 66-79, The Oxford University Press.
  3. ^ Environmental Protection Agency (2005), Wetland Mapping and Classification Methodology – Overall Framework – A Method to Provide Baseline Mapping and Classification for Wetlands in Queensland, Version 1.2.. [online], Queensland Government, Brisbane, Brisbane. Available at: https://wetlandinfo.des.qld.gov.au/resources/static/pdf/facts-maps/mapping-method/p01769aa.pdf.

Last updated: 15 July 2019

This page should be cited as:

Department of Environment, Science and Innovation, Queensland (2019) Intertidal and subtidal mapping FAQs, WetlandInfo website, accessed 18 March 2024. Available at: https://wetlandinfo.des.qld.gov.au/wetlands/facts-maps/intertidal-subtidal-background/faqs/

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