Bathomes

Bathomes are large spatial regions (usually exceeding 1000 kilometres squared) characterised by the bathymetric (depth-related) distribution of biota. Bathomes are 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 in 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.

How to use the map

Click this button (third from top on the left hand side of the map) to see the map metadata.