A survey was conducted for Macrocystis pyrifera (Linnaeus) C. Agardh 1820 from Eddystone Point to South East Cape The survey was conducted from light aeroplane. Areas of Macrocystis pyrifera beds were marked on 1:100,000 topographical land tenure maps using landmarks as references. A Trimble GPS unit was used to track position in the aeroplane. As boundaries of the beds were flown over, these were marked on the GPS. When plotted up, these information assisted in determining Macrocystis bed boundaries where these were not close to the coast.

Outlines of Macrocystis beds are presented for Tasmania's east and south for August 1999.

Position Accuracy: Positional Accuracy: Noted as part of the attributes for the beds when digitising the data. Beds are each given a code ("rel_code","reliab") indicating the reliability of the bed outline. These are: a accurate to within 20 metres, all sides of bed well defined b some edges of bed well defined but not all c estimate of position only, large discrepancies possible d no real idea of extent or position e doubtful whether bed exists Macrocystis present on the surface of the ocean is assumed to reflect overall quantities of the alga and distribution. Some areas may have been overlooked where the alga did not reach the surface due to tides or plants in poor condition etc. Attribute Accuracy: There are two species of Macrocystis in Tasmania, these are M. pyrifera and M. angustifolia. These two species generally can be distinguished on the basis of their depth distribution, which can be estimated, from the air. M. angustifolia is found in waters with a depth less than 8-10m; M. pyrifera is found in waters with a depth > 8-10m. Species determination was noted as part of the attributes for the beds when collecting the data. Beds are each given a code ("spp_code","sp_name") indicating species determination reliability. These are: a Macrocystis pyrifera b Macrocystis pyrifera? c Macrocystis angustifolia d Macrocystis angustifolia? Logical Consistency: All data is checked by both visual and automated means. Completeness: N/A Additional: Sample Method: Coast from South East Cape to Eddystone Point was surveyed by air. Boundaries of the beds were noted using DGPS and videoed. Videos were examined later and Macrocystis bed boundaries were digitised into GIS using Arcinfo]: