The Key Ecological Features (KEFs) are parts of the marine ecosystem that are considered to be of particular importance for either a region's biodiversity or its ecosystem function and integrity. This could relate to a species integral to a community (e.g. a predator that impacts a large biomass or number of species), an important habitat type (e.g. that supports high productivity or aggregations of nesting or breeding animals), or a unique seafloor feature that positively impacts the surrounding ecosystem (e.g. a deep canyon that stimulates upwellings of nutrient rich water).
Identifying these KEFs is important to improve our understanding of the marine environment and inform decision-making about future development and conservation.
Use the interactive map below to explore the Key Ecological Features in Australian waters. Click on any KEF to find out more about it.
How to use this map
