Temperate Australasia (TU)

The Temperate Australasia (TU) marine realm encompasses the temperate waters surrounding the southern half of Australia and all of New Zealand. This region is characterized by high levels of marine endemism, particularly among its seaweeds, fish, and invertebrates. The realm features a variety of habitats, including extensive kelp forests, rocky reefs, and deep-water seagrass beds. It is influenced by major currents like the East Australian Current and the Leeuwin Current, which transport warmer waters into temperate zones. New Zealand’s waters are particularly noted for their unique deep-sea coral communities and diverse seabird populations. The realm is a critical area for both temperate marine conservation and commercial fishing.