General features of the ecology and biogeography of Tasmanian subtidal rocky shore communities

Abstract

A number of subtidal benthic assemblages of plants and animals which commonly occur around the Tasmanian coast are described. These assemblages are incorporated into a general scheme which relates subtidal zonation patterns to wave exposure and depth. The existence of a cool-temperate marine biogeographic province (the Maugean) , centred in southern, western and eastern Tasmanian waters, is reaffirmed. The biota of the northern Tasmanian coast is considered similar to that of the Victorian coast and includes a large component of Flindersian (Southern Australian) species. A number of Peronian (New South Wales) species reach the Tasmanian east coast. Most of these animals probably drift to Tasmania as pelagic larvae in southward flowing currents, and may even travel further afield to New Zealand, but have difficulty surviving to maturity and spawning. Many Maugean plant and animal species also occur in New Zealand.