Arafura Marine Park is located about 256 kilometres north-west of Darwin. Within its boundaries lie multiple tributary canyons of the Arafura Depression, which are recognised as a unique seafloor feature. These steep-walled canyons create a diversity of substrate types, and channel nutrient-rich waters from the deep ocean which enhance productivity and support complex ecosystems, including populations of large predatory fish, whale sharks, deep sea sponges, seabirds and marine turtles.
Research
These short articles highlight the findings from ongoing scientific research within the Arafura Marine Park, including exciting new discoveries and ideas for future projects.
Small and/or camouflaged fish species hidden on or near the reef surface are commonly referred to as ‘cryptic’ or ‘cryptobenthic’ fishes. These species are characteristically difficult to see but are diverse and abundant throughout Australian Marine Parks and may play an important role in supporting the larger predatory fish species protected within park boundaries.
Parks Australia manage 60 Australian Marine Parks, many of which include shallow reefs. These reef habitats are hugely diverse, and include tropical reefs dominated by hard corals; current-swept offshore bommies covered in sea whips, sea fans and soft corals; temperate rocky reefs with sea urchin barrens or low lying colourful seaweeds; and deeper rocky reefs with sessile invertebrates and large black coral trees.
Find out where 13 marine species have been observed in the Marine Parks of the N and NW networks.
Natural values
Our marine parks have a number of different values, including natural, cultural, heritage and socio-economic values. The natural values of our marine parks refer to the habitats, species and ecological communities within them, and the processes that support their connectivity, productivity and function. Below are the key datasets that help inform park managers about the natural values that exist within our network of Australian Marine Parks. For more information on other park values refer to the relevant park Management Plans on the Parks Australia website.
See which wetlands of international significance are protected by Australian Marine Parks.
Maps
The information provided by these datasets was integral in the planning and development of our national network of marine parks. Learn in detail about how scientists and marine park planners used these important marine features together to design Australia's network of marine parks, or explore the datasets for the Arafura Marine Park individually through the links below.
See which areas of Australia's marine environments have been World Heritage listed.
Latest maps
Since the initial planning of the Australian Marine Parks Network in 2012, new mapping data has emerged that allows us to see in finer detail the features that exist within our parks. These datasets help marine managers to understand more about what's under the surface, where there are overlaying management or protection regimes, and/or where pressures on the marine environment may be increasing.
Examine how exposure to tropical cyclone activity varies across Australian Marine Parks.
Scientific papers
The following publications contain information relevant to the Arafura marine park and adjacent waters. Click on the links to access to the publications.
Alongi, D. M, da Silva, M, Wasson, R. J and Wirasantosa, S. (2013).
Sediment discharge and export of fluvial carbon and nutrients into the Arafura and Timor Seas: A regional synthesis.
Wilson, G. D. F. (2005).
Bilogical Survey of the Arafura Sea: A National Oceans Office, Australian Museum and CSIRO project.
Wilson, G. D. F. (2005).
Arafura Sea Biological Survey, Draft Report on Benthic Fauna collected dur- ing RV Southern Surveyor Voyage 05-2005, taxonomic results.
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