To quantify the winter diving behaviour and vertical habitat use of adult female Antarctic fur seals (Arctocephalus gazella) we tracked females using Wildlife Computers Time-Depth Recorders (TDRs). Females were captured towards the end of the lactation period (March/April) and the TDR was attached dorsally to the fur approximately 10 cm anterior to the rump using a two-part epoxy. TDRs were retrieved just prior to or after giving birth the following season. Data files were extracted from the tags using the Wildlife Computers software Instrument Helper.

Biotelemetry devices, including satellite transmitters and archival Global Positioning System (GPS) loggers, were deployed on shy albatrosses, short-tailed shearwaters, and both Australian and long-nosed fur seals. Tags were deployed during the breeding season to maximise data on foraging behaviour and habitat use. This record currently contains tracking data from breeding adult shy albatross (Thalassarche cauta). Additional tracking data from migratory short-tailed shearwater (Ardenna tenuirostris), the endemic Australian fur seal (Arctocephalus pusillus doriferus), and long-nosed fur seal (Arctocephalus forsteri) will be added at a later date. The shy albatross collection includes raw tracking data, and filtered processed tracks fitted with a state space model (Jonsen et al., 2023). These data include the following variables: birdID, breeding phase, tracker type, date/time, locations in latitude and longitude (for both the raw and fitted), and uncertainty metrics.

The Tasman Fracture Marine Park (TFMP), located off the southwestern coast of Tasmania, is an ecologically and culturally significant area characterised by dynamic and diverse marine ecosystems ranging from abyssal plains to rocky reefs. This region is a productivity hotspot due to the convergence of ocean currents and upwelling processes (Ridgway and Ling, 2023), which supports rich biodiversity, including endangered species such as the shy albatross (Thalassarche cauta), the migratory short-tailed shearwater (Ardenna tenuirostris), the endemic Australian fur seal (Arctocephalus pusillus doriferus) and expanding populations of long-nosed fur seal (Arctocephalus forsteri). The primary objectives of this multidisciplinary research were to quantify the physical water properties within the TFMP to establish baseline environmental conditions; map mesopelagic (midwater) productivity using acoustic equipment; characterise the foraging behaviour and habitat use of key marine predators through biotelemetry devices; investigate the diet of seabird and fur seal species to understand pelagic food web interactions; and assess cetacean species diversity, temporal patterns, and quantify underwater noise using passive acoustic monitoring. To achieve these objectives, the study employed a combination of methodologies (see 'Lineage' section for full methodology): • Oceanographic analysis provided insights into the climatology and productivity patterns influenced by the East Australian Current and the Zeehan Current. • Biotelemetry tracking of seabirds and seals provided data on foraging behaviour and habitat use of key predators. • Scat sampling of predator species combined with DNA metabarcoding techniques were utilised to identify prey species and provide detailed dietary profiles. • Underwater acoustic recorders were used to monitor cetacean vocalisations and assess underwater noise levels. In summary, this research provides essential baseline data and insights into the complex interactions within the TFMP's ecosystems. The findings emphasise the need for integrated, multidisciplinary approaches to marine conservation. By addressing the identified challenges and implementing the recommendations, managers can enhance the resilience of the TFMP, ensuring the protection of its unique biodiversity in the face of environmental changes.