Conservation values in Commonwealth waters of the Christmas and Cocos (Keeling) Island remote Australian territories

Important Disclaimer CSIRO advises that the information contained in this publication comprises general statements based on scientific research. The reader is advised and needs to be aware that such information may be incomplete or unable to be used in any specific situation. No reliance or actions must therefore be made on that information without seeking prior expert professional, scientific and technical advice. To the extent permitted by law, CSIRO (including its employees and consultants) excludes all liability to any person for any consequences, including but not limited to all losses, damages, costs, expenses and any other compensation, arising directly or indirectly from using this publication (in part or in whole) and any information or material contained in it. Acknowledgements The authors thank Louise Bell for the preparation of the report cover and Toni Cannard for formatting the report. Lilis Sadiyah (CSIRO), Craig Proctor (CSIRO) and Rachel Green (Western Australian Fisheries) provided information on fisheries resources in the region. Expert opinion was also provided by Dave Milton (seabirds), Colin Limpus (Turtles) and Curt Jenner (whales and dolphins). Figure 3-1. Conceptual trophic system model – illustrating the relationship between (i) the region and neighbouring regions and (ii) three compartments, each comprising a major habitat type (H) and associated trophic system (T). Key sub-habitats (s) and their associated trophic systems (t) are also shown. The influence of physical drivers and flow of ecological services is also shown at the regional and subregional level .. Figure 4-2. Tomczak and Godfrey's (2005) depiction of the monsoon system in the Indian Ocean. The top part indicates the wind cycle for the northern hemisphere, the lower part shows the major currents that develop in response to the wind for both hemispheres (after Tomczak and Godfrey, 2005). Southern hemisphere wind patterns are depicted in Figure Figure 4-5. Cross-sectional profile of water mass types by longitude and depth, taken at a latitude of 11.3 o S (intermediate between the latitudes of Cocos (Keeling) and Christmas Islands). The characterisation of water mass types is from the work of Lyne and Hayes Figure 4-6. Cross-sectional profile of water mass types by longitude and depth down to 1000 m, taken at a latitude of 11.3 o S (intermediate between the latitudes of Christmas and Cocos (Keeling) Islands). The characterisation of water mass types is from the work of Lyne and Hayes (2005). Figure 4-7. Cross-sectional profile of water mass types by latitude …