Explore the Collection
The Dampier Archipelago has one of the most diverse assemblages of marine life seen anywhere in Australia. The partnership between the Western Australian Museum and Woodside Energy Ltd. to survey the marine life of the region has resulted in over 4 500 species being recorded to date.
Explore habitats:
Select a habitat below for more information.
Coral Reefs
Coral reef habitats are three-dimensional structures made of plants and animals. Coral reefs are formed as individual coral colonies build hard skeletons that support their soft living polyps.
Read more about Coral Reefs…
Deep Reefs
Deep reefs are largely made up of rock structures and may be deep outcrops or areas of flat pavement rock. Pavement areas mainly occur in locations where currents or tides are very strong.
Read more about Deep Reefs…
Mangroves
Mangroves are a specialised group of salt-tolerant, terrestrial plants that inhabit shorelines between low and high tide levels. Mangroves perform several important roles in the environments where they occur.
Read more about Mangroves…
Mud and Sand
Located between the coral and deep reefs are areas of soft sediment, such as mud and sand. In shallow waters, where there is sufficient light, seagrass meadows grow. In deeper and more turbid (muddy) waters, light penetration is reduced and consequently the number of plants is diminished.
Read more about Mud and Sand…
Rocky Shores
Rich red and grey rock piles or cliffs, which make up the rocky shore habitat, are found on many of the islands and along the mainland coastline of the Dampier Archipelago.
Read more about Rocky Shores…
