Coastal fisheries species require a series of connected habitats to complete essential life-history functions. Key habitats, like nurseries, are known for some species but the sequence of habitats used by juveniles is poorly known for most. Even where nurseries are known the relative values of alternative nurseries have not been determined, so we lack the ability to quantify the economic contributions of different habitats to fisheries production. Many habitats without apparent direct functional roles are vital as conduits between habitats critical for life-history needs. Similarly, spawning and forage sites are unknown for many species. The project provides the background to develop research detailing the life-cycle habitat and connectivity requirements of coastal fisheries species, so is the vital first step in gaining the knowledge needed by managers to understand and protect coastal habitats. It fills critical knowledge gaps identified in the DERM/QWP’s “Connectivity” project, and supports habitat classification and mapping work (e.g. QWP/DEEDI Coastal-wetlands mapping, OzCoasts). It will provide the basis for enhanced quantification of the ecological and economic importance of the chain of habitats necessary for healthy fisheries, thus addressing QFRAB 2011/12 priority 4 and priority 3. This will allow more precise management of species valuable to all fishing sectors, and provide pivotal information needed to incorporate fisheries values into impact and offset assessments for development proposals. Thus the work provides crucial information needed by Fisheries Queensland, DEEDI Fisheries Habitat Research, GBRMPA’s EC&SU and CE&WQ sections, and contributes to the long term ecological and economic health of Northern Australia’s fisheries.