Baywide Monitoring of Key Fishery Species in Seagrass Beds Sub-Program

Progress Report No. 6 (November 2010) Neil Hutchinson & Greg Jenkins

January 2011 Fisheries Victoria Technical Report Series No. 125

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Published: Fisheries Victoria Hutchinson, N. and Jenkins, G. (2011). Baywide Department of Primary Monitoring of Key Fishery Species in Seagrass Industries, Queenscliff Centre Beds Sub-Program. Progress Report No. 6 PO Box 114, Queenscliff, Victoria (November 2010). Fisheries Victoria Technical 3225 Australia. Report Series No. 125, January 2011. Fisheries Victoria, Department of Primary Industries, Queenscliff, Victoria, Australia. 10 pp. General disclaimer This publication may be of assistance to you but the State of Victoria and its employees do not ISSN 1835-4785 guarantee that the publication is without flaw of ISBN 978-1-74264-699-2 any kind or is wholly appropriate for your particular purposes and therefore disclaims all liability for any error, loss or other consequence which may arise from you relying on any information in this publication.

Baywide Monitoring of Key Fishery Species in Seagrass Beds Progress Report #6 ii

Table of Contents

List of Tables ...... iv List of Figures ...... iv

Introduction...... 1 This Report...... 1

Materials and Methods...... 2 Field and laboratory methods...... 2

Results and Discussion ...... 3 Species Richness ...... 3 Abundance ...... 3 Comparison with previous surveys...... 3 Conclusions...... 4

References ...... 5

Appendix 1 Data Plots...... 6

Appendix 2...... 10 Raw data ...... 10 Data Files...... 10

Baywide Monitoring of Key Fishery Species in Seagrass Beds Progress Report #6 iii

List of Tables Table 1. Average abundance (No. haul -1; four hauls per site) of fish and squid sampled in deep and shallow seagrass beds at each site (Blairgowrie, Mud Islands and St Leonards) in November 2010 and total number of each species collected (species names from Gomon et al. (2008) and Museum of Victoria). Species not found during previous sampling events are marked in bold...... 6

List of Figures Figure 1. CDBMP sampling sites for monitoring key fishery species in seagrass beds sub-program...... 2 Figure 2. Average (+SE) species richness recorded in seagrass beds at each site in PPB from April 2008 to November 2010...... 8 Figure 3. Average (+SE) fish abundance (totalled for all species) recorded in seagrass beds at each site in PPB from April 2008 to November 2010 (NB scale change between graphs)...... 9

Baywide Monitoring of Key Fishery Species in Seagrass Beds Progress Report #6 iv

Introduction

The purpose of the Monitoring Key Fishery Species in Seagrass Beds Sub-Program of the This Report Channel Deepening Baywide Monitoring This report summarises preliminary, qualitative Programs (CDBMP) for Port Phillip Bay (PPB) is results of the third spring survey (November to improve the understanding of the fish species 2010) for the sub-program. using seagrass beds in the Bay. This sub- Length measurements recorded during program is described in the CDBMP Detailed November 2010, together with quantitative, Design: CDP_ENV_MD_018 Rev 2.1 (PoMC statistically analysed results for the survey, will 2009). be reported in the upcoming Milestone Report The objective is to collect data on the types and No. 6. abundance of fish in shallow and deeper seagrass beds that will fill existing knowledge gaps and assist in understanding the significance of any observed changes in seagrass habitat for these fish. Surveys are undertaken to compare the distribution and abundance of fish in shallow (< 1 m) and deeper (2–8 m) seagrass beds in three areas of PPB. These surveys are conducted in spring (November) and autumn (April) each year between 2008 and 2011. The autumn 2008, spring 2008, autumn 2009, spring 2009 and autumn 2010 surveys were reported in Smith et al. (2008), Hutchinson et al. (2009a; b; 2010) and Hutchinson and Jenkins (2010).

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Materials and Methods

three sites: Blairgowrie, Mud Islands and St Field and laboratory methods Leonards (Figure 1). Samples were collected Field and laboratory methods utilised in the between 4 November and 29 November 2010. present study are described by Smith et al. (2008) and PoMC (PoMC 2009). There were no significant field events observed. No QA/QC issues were recorded during this During the spring 2010 study period (this report), reporting period. fish were sampled in shallow (< 1 m) and deeper (2–8 m) seagrass, Heterozostera nigricaulis , beds at

Figure 1. CDBMP sampling sites for monitoring key fishery species in seagrass beds sub-program.

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Results and Discussion

A total of 39 fish species (37 finfish, one ray and spotted pipefish and wide-body pipefish one squid) from 21 families (19 families for occurred in the greatest numbers. finfish, one family for rays and one family for The abundance of fish (total for all sites) was squid) were sampled for all sites. Summary data higher in shallow seagrass (1594 fish) than deep for species richness and abundance at all sites for seagrass (209 fish). Shallow seagrass was the reporting period are provided in Appendix 1 dominated by silver fish (1079 fish), spotted (Table 1). Data files for this reporting period are pipefish (135 fish) and wide-body pipefish (96 summarised in Appendix 2. fish). Deep seagrass was dominated by a range of Fish species sampled in November 2010 were species including bridled leatherjacket (145 fish), indicative of those collected in and around spotted pipefish (33 fish) and wide-body pipefish seagrass beds in previous surveys (Smith et al. (six fish). 2008; Hutchinson et al. 2009a; b; Hutchinson and Jenkins 2010; Hutchinson et al. 2010) and in Comparison with previous previous studies of PPB (Jenkins et al. 1997; Hindell et al. 2001). Silver fish (atherinids), surveys spotted pipefish and wide-body pipefish During this survey, one species of fish was (syngnathids), and bridled leatherjacket sampled that was not found during the previous (monocanthids) were the dominant species. surveys: • short-tassel weedfish ( Heteroclinus flavescens ; Species Richness one fish) Species richness (i.e. the number of species In contrast, 39 species of fish found in one or collected) was highest at Blairgowrie, with: more of previous surveys were not found in this • 28 species of finfish and one species of squid survey. The majority of these species were rare, at Blairgowrie with relatively few individuals collected at any • 18 species of finfish and one species of squid time. at Mud Islands In shallow seagrass hauls at Mud Islands there • 19 species of finfish and one species of ray at was a decrease in average species richness from St Leonards. November 2009 to November 2010, but relatively little difference at Blairgowrie and St Leonards A total of 33 species for all sites (32 finfish and (Appendix 1, Figure 2). In deep seagrass hauls, one squid) was sampled in shallow seagrass, of average species richness at Blairgowrie was which 24 species (23 finfish and one squid) were within the range observed on previous sampling sampled only in shallow seagrass. A total of 15 dates, while there was a decrease at both Mud species for all sites (14 finfish and one ray) was Islands and St Leonards from November 2009 to sampled in deep seagrass, of which six species November 2010 (Figure 2). (five finfish and one ray) were found only in deep seagrass. Average fish abundance in shallow seagrass at Mud Islands and St Leonards was within the Abundance range observed in previous surveys. At Blairgowrie, average fish abundance was lower When data were combined for both depths, the than previous surveys (Appendix 1, Figure 3). In greatest abundance of fish was sampled at Mud deep seagrass, average fish abundance increased Islands (1174 fish), where silver fish ( Leptatherina at Blairgowrie from November 2009 to presbyteroides ), spotted pipefish ( Stigmatopora November 2010, and was higher than all argus ) and little rock whiting ( Neoodax balteatus ) previous surveys at this site. During the same were dominant. At Blairgowrie (408 fish), bridled period at Mud Islands and St Leonards, average leatherjacket ( Acanthaluteres spilomelanurus ), fish abundance decreased, and was lower than spotted pipefish and wide-body pipefish previous surveys at these sites (Figure 3). (Stigmatopora nigra ) were most common. At St Leonards (221 fish), where abundances were lowest, prickly toadfish ( Contusus brevicaudus ),

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Seasonal and other patterns of change will be analysed and discussed further in the upcoming Milestone Report No. 6. Conclusions In general, and based on previous studies (Jenkins et al. 1993; 1997), variability in fish assemblages in deep and shallow seagrass beds in PPB during the reporting period was within expectations.

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References

Gomon, M. F., Bray, D. J., and Kuiter, R. H. Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science 44 , (2008). 'Fishes of Australia's southern 569-588. coast.' (Reed New Holland: Sydney.) Jenkins, G. P., Watson, G. F., and Hammond, L. Hindell, J. S., Jenkins, G. P., and Keough, M. J. S. (1993). Patterns of utilisation of (2001). Spatial and temporal variability seagrass ( Heterozostera ) dominated in the effects of fish predation on habitats as nursery areas by macrofauna in relation to habitat commercially important fish. Victorian complexity and cage effects. Marine Institute of Marine Sciences, 19, 100p. Ecology-Progress Series 224 , 231-250. PoMC (2009). Monitoring key fishery species in Hutchinson, N., and Jenkins, G. (2010). Baywide seagrass beds - Detailed Design - Monitoring of Key Fishery Species in CDP_ENV_MD_018 Rev 2.1 Port of Seagrass Beds Sub-program. Milestone Melbourne Corporation. Report No. 5 (April 2010) Fisheries Smith, T., Jenkins, G., and Kemp, J. (2008). Victoria, Technical Report Series No. Baywide Monitoring Key Fishery 102, Department of Primary Industries, Species in Seagrass Beds Sub-Program. Queenscliff, Victoria, Australia. Milestone Report No. 1. Fisheries Hutchinson, N., Jenkins, G. P., and Smith, T. Victoria, Technical Report Series No. 30, (2009a). Baywide Monitoring of Key Department of Primary Industries, Fishery Species in Seagrass Beds Sub- Queenscliff, Victoria, Australia. Program. Milestone Report No. 2.

Fisheries Victoria, Technical Report Series No. 37, Department of Primary Industries, Queenscliff, Victoria, Australia. Hutchinson, N., Jenkins, G. P., and Smith, T. (2009b). Baywide Monitoring of Key Fishery Species in Seagrass Beds Sub- Program. Milestone Report No. 3 (April 2009) Fisheries Victoria, Technical Report Series No. 60, Department of Primary Industries, Queenscliff, Victoria, Australia. Hutchinson, N., Smith, T., and Jenkins, G. (2010). Baywide Monitoring of Key Fishery Species in Seagrass Beds Sub- program. Milestone Report No. 4 (November 2009) Fisheries Victoria, Technical Report Series No. 84, Department of Primary Industries, Queenscliff, Victoria, Australia. Jenkins, G. P., May, H. M. A., Wheatley, M. J., and Holloway, M. G. (1997). Comparison of fish assemblages associated with seagrass and adjacent unvegetated habitats of Port Phillip Bay and Corner Inlet, Victoria, Australia, with emphasis on commercial species.

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6 in Species Fishery ofKey Monitoring Baywide

Appendix 1 Data Plots

Table 1. Average abundance (No. haul -1; four hauls per site) of fish and squid sampled in deep and shallow seagrass beds at each site (Blairgowrie, Mud Islands and St Leonards) in November 2010 and total number of each species collected (species names from Gomon et al. (2008) and Museum of Victoria). Species not found during previous sampling events are marked in bold. Family Common name Scientific Name Blairgowrie Mud Islands St Leonards Total Deep Shallow Deep Shallow Deep Shallow Counts Deep Callionymidae Painted stinkfish Eocallionymus papilio 0 0 0.25 0 0 0 1 Gobiidae Threadfin goby Nesogobius sp. 2 0.25 0 0 0 0 0 1 Neosebastidae Little gurnard perch Maxillicosta scabriceps 0.25 0 0.75 0 0 0 4 Pl atycephalidae Sand flathead Platycephalus bassensis 0.25 0 0 0 0 0 1 Platycephalidae Yank flathead Platycephalus speculator 0.25 0 0 0 0 0 1 Urolophidae Spotted stingaree Urolophus gigas 0 0 0 0 0.25 0 1 Seagrass Beds Progress Report # Report Progress Beds Seagrass Deep & Diodontidae Globefish Diodon nicthemerus 0 2 0 0.5 0.25 0.25 12 Shallow Monacanthidae Bridled leatherjacket Acanthaluteres spilomelanurus 34 1.5 1.75 0 0.5 0 151 Odacidae Little rock whiting Neoodax balteatus 0.25 4.25 1 4.75 0.5 2 51 Platycephalidae Rock flathead Platycephalus laevigatus 0.25 0 0 0.25 0.25 0 3 Syngnathidae Knifesnout pipefish Hyperselognathus rostratus 0.25 0 0 0.25 0 0 2 Syngnathidae Spotted pipefish Stigmatopora argus 7.75 17.5 0 9.5 0.5 6.75 168 Syngnathidae Wide -body pipefish Stigmatopora nigra 1 17 0 1.25 0.5 5.75 102 Syngnathidae Port Phillip pipefish Vanacampus phillipi 0.75 0 0 0.75 0.5 0.75 11 Tetraodontidae Prickly toadfish Contusus brevicaudus 0 1 0 0 0 22.25 93

6

Table 1 continued. Average abundance (No. haul -1; four hauls per site) of fish and squid sampled in deep and shallow seagrass beds at each site (Blairgowrie, Mud Islands and St Leonards) in November 2010 and total number of each species collected (species names from Gomon et al. (2008) and Museum of Victoria). Species not found during previous sampling events are marked in bold. Family Common name Scienti fic Name Blairgowrie Mud Islands St Leonards Total Deep Shallow Deep Shallow Deep Shallow Counts Shallow Apogonidae Wood's siphonfish Siphamia cephalotes 0 0 0 0 0 1 4 Atherinidae Silver fish Leptatherina presbyteroides 0 1.5 0 263.25 0 5 1079 Bl enniidae Tasmanian blenny Parablennius tasmanianus 0 0 0 0 0 0.5 2 Cheilodactylidae Dusky morwong Dactylophora nigricans 0 0.25 0 0 0 0 1 Clinidae Southern crested weedfish Cristiceps australis 0 0 0 0 0 0.5 2 Baywide Monitoring of Key Fishery Species in in Species Fishery ofKey Monitoring Baywide Clinidae Adelaide weedfish Heteroclinus adelaide 0 0.25 0 1.75 0 1 12 Clinidae Short -tassel weedfish Heteroclinus flavescens 0 0.25 0 0 0 0 1 Clinidae Ogilby’s weedfish Heteroclinus heptaeolus 0 0.25 0 0 0 0 1 Clinidae Kuiter's weedfish Heteroclinus kuiteri 0 0.25 0 0 0 0 1 Clinidae Comm on weedfish Heteroclinus perspicillatus 0 0.25 0 4.25 0 0.5 20 Clupeidae Blue sprat Spratelloides robustus 0 0 0 0.75 0 0.75 6 Enoplosidae Old wife Enoplosus armatus 0 0.5 0 0.75 0 0 5 Gobiesocidae Grass clingfish Genus C sp. 1 0 0.25 0 0 0 0 1 Gob iidae Tamar River goby Afurcagobius tamarensis 0 0 0 0.25 0 0 1 Gobiidae Twinbar goby Nesogobius greeni 0 3.25 0 0.25 0 0 14 Gobiidae Girdled goby Nesogobius maccullochi 0 0 0 0 0 0.75 3 Gobiidae Sailfin goby Nesogobius pulchellus 0 0 0 0 0 3.25 13 Monacanthidae Six spine leatherjacket Meuschenia freycineti 0 1.25 0 0.5 0 0 7 Monacanthidae Rough leatherjacket Scobinichthys granulatus 0 1 0 0 0 0 4 Odacidae Weed whiting Haletta semifasciata 0 2.25 0 0 0 0 9 Sillaginidae King George whiting Sill aginodes punctatus 0 1.5 0 0 0 0 6 Tetraodontidae Smooth toadfish Tetractenos glaber 0 0 0 0 0 0.5 2 Seagrass Beds Progress Report # Report Progress Beds Seagrass Tetrarogidae Cobbler Gymnapistes marmoratus 0 0.25 0 0 0 0.5 3 Idiosepiidae Southern pygmy squid Idiosepius notoides 0 0.25 0 0.75 0 0 4

Total abundance 181 227 15 1159 13 208 1803

7

6

20 Shallow Seagrass 18

16

14

12

10 )

-1 8

6

4

2

0 Blairgowrie Mud Islands St Leonards

20 Site

18 Deep Seagrass

16

(species.haul Species Richness Average 14

12

10

8

6 Dates

4 April 2008 November 2008 2 April 2009 November 2009 April 2010 0 November 2010 Blairgowrie Mud Islands St Leonards Sites

Figure 2. Average (+SE) species richness recorded in seagrass beds at each site in PPB from April 2008 to November 2010.

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1000 Shallow Seagrass

800

600

400 )

-1 200

0 Blairgowrie Mud Islands St Leonards

100 Site

90 Deep Seagrass

Abundance Average (fish.haul 80

70

60

50 40

30 Dates 20 April 2008 November 2008 10 April 2009 November 2009 April 2010 0 November 2010 Blairgowrie Mud Islands St Leonards

Sites

Figure 3. Average (+SE) fish abundance (totalled for all species) recorded in seagrass beds at each site in PPB from April 2008 to November 2010 (NB scale change between graphs).

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Appendix 2

Raw data Data are provided with this report electronically, in an MS Excel format requested by PoMC. Missing data - None

Data Files Electronic data files are as follows: • Seagrass fish November 10.xls • CDP Fish in Seagrass Metadata.doc

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