Browse LNG Precinct ©WOODSIDE Browse Liquefied Natural Gas Precinct Strategic Assessment Report (Draft for Public Review) December 2010

Appendix C-3 James Price Point Intertidal Survey, Browse LNG Development WEL No. JA0006RH0086 Rev 2

Browse Kimberley LNG DFS10 – Intertidal Survey

JAMES PRICE POINT INTERTIDAL SURVEY

Rev 5 26 July 2010 Browse Kimberley LNG DFS10 – Intertidal Survey

JAMES PRICE POINT INTERTIDAL SURVEY

Rev 5 26 July 2010

Sinclair Knight Merz ABN 37 001 024 095 11th Floor, Durack Centre 263 Adelaide Terrace PO Box H615 Perth WA 6001 Australia Tel: +61 8 9268 4400 Fax: +61 8 9268 4488 Web: www.skmconsulting.com

COPYRIGHT: The concepts and information contained in this document are the property of Sinclair Knight Merz Pty Ltd. Use or copying of this document in whole or in part without the written permission of Sinclair Knight Merz constitutes an infringement of copyright.

The SKM logo trade mark is a registered trade mark of Sinclair Knight Merz Pty Ltd. James Price Point Intertidal Survey

Limitation Statement

The sole purpose of this report and the associated services performed by the Consolidated Environmental Services (CES) is to provide the findings of an intertidal survey conducted at James Price Point, in accordance with the scope of services set out in the contract between CES and the Client (Woodside Energy Limited; WEL). That scope of services, as described in this report, was developed with the Client.

CES derived information in this report from that available publically and that provided by the Client, and facilitated by CES at the time or times outlined in this report. The passage of time, manifestation of latent conditions or impacts of future events may require further examination of the project and subsequent data analysis, and re-evaluation of the data, findings, observations and conclusions expressed in this report. CES has prepared this report in accordance with the usual care and thoroughness of the consulting profession, for the sole purpose of the project and by reference to applicable standards, procedures and practices at the date of issue of this report. For the reasons outlined above, however, no other warranty or guarantee, whether expressed or implied, is made as to the data, observations and findings expressed in this report.

This report should be read in full and no excerpts are to be taken as representative of the findings. No responsibility is accepted by CES for use of any part of this report in any other context.

This report has been prepared on behalf of, and for the exclusive use of the Client, and is subject to, and issued in connection with, the provisions of the agreement between CES and the Client. CES accepts no liability or responsibility whatsoever for, or in respect of, any use of, or reliance upon, this report by any third party.

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Acronyms and Abbreviations

ANOVA Analysis of Variance BPP Benthic Primary Producer BPPH Benthic Primary Producer Habitat EPA Environmental Protection Authority GIS Geographic Information Systems JPPN Survey Area James Price Point North Survey Area JPPN Reference Area James Price Point North Reference Area JPPS Survey Area James Price Point South Survey Area JPPS Reference Area James Price Point South Reference Area LADS Laser Airborne Depth Sounder LNG Liquefied Natural Gas MEG Mono-ethylene Glycol MOF Material Offloading Facility MPB Microphytobenthos Mtpa Million tonnes per annum nMDS non-metric Multi Dimensional Scaling NTU Nephelometric Turbidity Units PAR Photosynthetically Active Radiation PERMANOVA Permutational ANOVA SST Sea Surface Temperature TSM Total Suspended Matter TSS Total Suspended Solids UCL Upper Confidence Limit WAM Western Australian Museum WQ Water Quality

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Executive Summary

The Browse liquefied natural gas (LNG) Development is based on the recovery of hydrocarbons from the Torosa, Brecknock and Calliance fields, located approximately 425 km north of Broome, Western Australia. The downstream component of the Browse LNG Development is proposed to be located at James Price Point, on the Dampier Peninsula, with development related activities to be undertaken in the adjacent coastal area.

Development of the nearshore marine facilities and shore pipeline crossings will require extensive construction activities which may include dredging, excavating, blasting and trenching. As such, benthic habitats in close proximity to these facilities, including intertidal habitats, may potentially be impacted.

A baseline intertidal survey was conducted in October 2009 to describe the spatial variability in benthic communities on intertidal beaches, sand flats, rocky shores and reef platforms at the James Price Point coastal area (between Quondong and Coloumb Points).

Intertidal habitats are, in general, ecologically diverse and provide habitat for a range of benthic primary producers (BPP) as well as sessile and motile organisms. In the broader Kimberley region, intertidal BPP include mangroves, salt marsh, seagrass, corals, seaweeds (macroalgae) and turf algae. Based on sub-tidal surveys conducted in the vicinity of the study area, macroalgae and turf algae dominate large expanses of the intertidal platform around James Price Point. The local physical environment and associated processes (e.g. tides, weather) are critical in defining intertidal habitats.

Prior to the commencement of field work, CES developed and submitted to Woodside Energy Ltd the proposed Intertidal Sampling Plan and Methodology. To facilitate regional comparisons, method development incorporated methodologies used in other studies in the region. This also ensured that the survey:

 recorded data required to provide accurate impact assessments  set a baseline from which to assess temporal changes in future studies  was compliant with approval requirements including those of the EPAs Environmental Assessment Guidelines No. 3.

The locations of four intertidal survey sites were selected prior to commencement of field work. These included two sites located to the south and north of James Price Point, encompassing areas of potential development (northern site subsequently discounted), and two reference sites, each located at James Price Point South (JPPS) reference area (Quondong Point) and James Price Point North (JPPN) reference area (Flat Rock). The four survey sites were mapped prior to field work.

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Each survey site covered an area approximately 1 km in length along the shore, and extended from the highest to lowest astronomical tide. From the maps produced, geomorphic zones were identified and their boundaries set. Within each identified geomorphic zone, two pre-defined survey areas, each approximately 1,600 m2 in size, were randomly selected for quantitative assessment. Within each of the quantitative survey areas, coordinates of three 25 m transects were selected using stratified random sampling.

Note: due to access restrictions encountered during the field trip, the JPPS reference area was not surveyed. Some site locations were also altered during field work due to accessibility or timing restrictions, or to completely capture community types within the zones. The omission of JPPS reference area and alteration of other survey locations did not affect the results of this study.

The intertidal survey was undertaken to coincide with the lowest spring equinox tides, which occurred from 6–9 October 2009. Survey methods included:

 general observations of all sites and sub-sites  video and digital photography of all transects and quadrats  identification of species present in survey areas  collection of voucher specimens by Western Australian Museum staff, where necessary.

Video and digital photography was analysed to determine species composition, relative abundance and percentage cover. The benthic characteristics identified were mapped and classified using a combination of littoral zone, biota and substrate attributes.

Data from all sites were statistically analysed to determine differences in taxa between sites, between areas within sites and at different heights on the shore.

Overall, the intertidal zone at JPPN survey area and JPPN reference area was up to 500 m wide with a slight slope characteristic of beaches exposed to low energy waves. In contrast, the intertidal zone at JPPS survey area consisted of a lower to upper-mid littoral reef platform, approximately 200 m at its widest, with a moderately sloped upper littoral beach zone up to 50 m wide. All survey sites consisted of a mix of reef and sand substrates. Reef substrates were concentrated in the upper-mid littoral zone, while sand substrates were common in all littoral zones.

The species composition of the biota classes varied between geomorphic units and survey areas. Biota density was low in all littoral zones, with the exception of the lower-mid littoral zone at JPPS survey area. Abiotic substrata typically constituted the greatest percentage cover of any biota type. Reef and sandy substrata generally had very little attached biota other than turf algae. At all sites, benthic composition changed significantly with height on the shore. This was expected given the various environmental gradients relating to exposure to air and waves, and that substrata

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composition can influence the distribution of benthic taxa in intertidal environments. Reef substrate in the lower-mid littoral zones supported a more diverse community assemblage of reef organisms in comparison to the upper littoral areas. The JPPS survey area had the highest percent cover of benthic primary producers (34.1%), followed by JPPN survey area (26.2%) and JPPN reference area (8.8%). The flora and fauna recorded from the intertidal areas of JPPS survey area and JPPN survey area as well as at JPPN reference area was mainly comprised of macroalgae, turf algae and molluscs.

The results of this study showed that the intertidal reef platforms in the James Price Point coastal area were spatially dynamic. The hard substrata were dominated by fine silt to coarse sand and turf algae. The distribution and abundance of benthic taxa recorded at all sites was variable among areas within sites and heights on the shore, predominantly due to differing periods of inundation. Notably, species composition was not statistically significant between the three survey areas. In addition, the density and abundance of BPP was also consistent with that documented in other regional studies. Similarly, no species of local, regional or conservation significance were recorded in this study.

In addition to this study, information on the distribution of benthic habitats in the James Price Point coastal area to support the Strategic Assessment is being developed through the Nearshore Benthic Habitat Assessment and Mapping study (DFS14). In that study, the distribution of the different benthic marine habitats are being modelled and mapped to provide full coverage maps of habitat distribution across the extent for which Laser Airborne Depth Sounder (LADS) bathymetry data have been collected.

As there is an overlap between the two survey areas, data collected during this study can be used to evaluate how well the models developed using sub-tidal habitat distribution data can be used to predicted distributions of benthic biota in the intertidal area. Overall, the sub-tidal models of the Nearshore Benthic Habitat Assessment and Mapping study were able to represent the likely distribution of benthic habitats in the lower intertidal zones well, and in some instances, provided better detail than the maps from this study, e.g. the patchiness of coral distribution in the lower tidal zones. The models were not able to predict the distribution of biota in the higher intertidal zones with any accuracy, and incorrectly predicted that macroalgae (canopy macroalgae and small algae) and coral would be found in these areas. This lead to the conclusion that the predicted distribution of macroalgae and coral in the lower intertidal areas as mapped in the Nearshore Benthic Habitat Assessment and Mapping study, overestimates the distribution of these habitat classes. This could have a bearing on the assessment of potential impacts to BPP habitat in the area as a result of the proposed development. As such, the methods used in this study (DFS10) provide a more representative assessment of benthic habitat types for mapping intertidal habitat. The results are considered more robust when referenced against those from DFS14.

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Contents

1. Introduction 1 1.1. Project Overview 1 1.2. Background 2 1.3. Objectives 4 1.4. Report Structure 4 2. Methods 5 2.1.Site Selection, Zone Definition and Allocation of Transect Coordinates 5 2.2. Timing 12 2.3. Survey Methodology 12 2.4. Voucher Specimens 13 2.5. Digital Image Analysis 13 2.6. Video Analysis 15 2.7. Habitat Mapping 15 2.8. Statistical Analysis 16 2.8.1. Data Pre-treatment and Manipulation 17 3. Results 18 3.1. Habitat Mapping 18 3.2. Taxa Present 33 3.3. Ecological Interactions 34 4. Discussion 38 4.1. Discussion of Specific Taxonomic Groups 40 4.1.1. Algae 40 4.1.2. Molluscs 42 4.1.3. Polychaetes 43 4.1.4. Echinoderms 43 4.2. Related Studies 44 5. Conclusions 46 6. References 47

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Appendix A Intertidal Sampling Method (SKM 2009) 50 Appendix B Intertidal Habitat Classification Hierarchy (adapted from Wilson 2008) 66 Appendix C Habitat classification definitions (SKM 2009) 67 Appendix D The video point biota data used and the geomorphic zone attributes 71 Appendix E Examples of Typical Quadrats 72 E.1 North Site 72 E.2 South Site 76 E.3 North Reference 82 Appendix F Benthic Taxa 86 Appendix G Full Species Lists 95 Appendix H Reports of Specific Taxonomic Groups 104 Appendix I Draft Comparison Habitat Maps DFS10 and DFS14 164

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List of Figures

 Figure 1-1 Location of study area at James Price Point and bathymetric data collected by Fugro LADS Corporation, March 2009 1  Figure 2-1 Intertidal survey areas (inset right) including the WA Museum sampling sites (insets left - from Wilson 2008) 7  Figure 2-2 Intertidal survey sites 8  Figure 2-3 Sampling locations, James Price Point South Survey Area (See text for description of biota classes). H1 represents geomorphic zone identified from aerial imagery 9  Figure 2-4 Sampling locations, James Price Point North Survey Area (See text for description of biota classes) 10  Figure 2-5 Sampling locations, James Price Point North reference area (See text for description of biota classes) 11  Figure 2-6 Schematic representation of the placement of ten quadrats along each 25 m transect 13  Figure 3-1 Substrate class and littoral zones at the James Price Point South survey area. [Blue areas where no aerial images were available] 20  Figure 3-2 Substrate class and littoral zones at the James Price Point North survey area 21  Figure 3-3 Substrate class and littoral zones at the James Price Point North reference area 22  Figure 3-4 Biota map at the James Price Point south survey area 23  Figure 3-5 Biota map at the James Price Point North survey area 24  Figure 3-6 Biota map at the James Price Point North reference area 25  Figure 3-7 Average percentage cover of benthic categories at James Price Point South survey area 28  Figure 3-8 Intertidal reef platform at James Price Point South survey area; left – southern end looking south; right – northern end looking south 28  Figure 3-9 Intertidal reef platform at James Price Point South survey area looking east from the northern end of the site 29  Figure 3-10 Average percentage cover of benthic categories at James Price Point North survey area 29  Figure 3-11 Intertidal reef platform at James Price Point North survey area; left – northern site looking north; right – northern site looking south 30  Figure 3-12 Intertidal reef platform at James Price Point North survey area looking north 30  Figure 3-13 Intertidal reef platform at James Price Point North survey area; left – southern end of site looking north east; right – southern end of site looking east 31  Figure 3-14 Average percentage cover of benthic categories at the James Price Point North reference area 31

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 Figure 3-15 Intertidal reef platform at James Price Point North reference area; left – southern end looking north; right – mid site looking south 32  Figure 3-16 Intertidal reef platform at James Price Point North reference area; left – mid site looking south; right – southern site looking east 32  Figure 3-17 Intertidal reef platform at James Price Point North reference area; left southern end looking south; right – southern end looking north 33  Figure 3-18 nMDS ordination (using averaged data) between James Price Point South survey area, James Price Point North survey area and James Price Point North reference area 36  Figure 3-19 nMDS ordination (using averaged data) between sub-sites within the James Price Point North survey area 36  Figure 3-20 nMDS ordination (using averaged data) between sub-sites within the James Price Point South survey area 37  Figure 3-21 nMDS ordination (using averaged data) between sub-sites within the James Price Point North reference area 37

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List of Tables

 Table 2-1 Survey times and predicted tidal height at time of sampling for each survey location 12  Table 2-2 Categories used in image analysis of quadrats 14  Table 2-3 Definition of sources of variation and interpretation table 16  Table 3-1 The distribution and classification of geomorphic units in the study areas 26  Table 3-2 Dominant taxa per biota class (from video and digital photographs) 27  Table 3-3 Benthic categories and associated dominant taxa present 33  Table 3-4 PERMANOVA table of results for comparisons between James Price Point South survey area, James Price Point North survey area, James Price Point North reference area 35  Table 4-1 Number of algal species recorded from various Indo-Pacific localities (partially from Huisman et al. 2009). 40  Table 4-2 Local Macroalgal Species Diversity 41

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Document history and status

Document Details

Project 1'/amo Browso LNG lntortldal Survey (DFS~10) Project Number WV03869 (201 0 WV03920) Revision# 5 Revision Oescdpllon Issued for use Author Mark Davey, Melissa Robins, Ben Srayford File Peth I:\WVES\Projects\WV03926\Dollvcrablcs\CTR 10.212 DFS10 lnle~ida i Sludy\Reporls\Rev 61R6_WVo3869_DFS10_20 o71o_finet.docx

Aulhorlly and Approval Namo Slgnaturo Date Editorial Rovlower Clare Bullocl< 9.6 {1./tt> Projoct Manager Mar1< Davey ~(9/2-c;fo Project Director Stephen Ley 2f;(r(2-<>IO

Revision History Revision Oascriptlon Date Reviewer (s) Review Type Approved by

A Draft 14/12/2009 R Hanley Technical M Davey B Final Draft 15/1212009 J Philllps Editorial M Davey I Internal 18/312010 E Ouch an Project Manager M Davey 1 Internal 18/3/2010 SLey Editorial/ Project Director M Davey 2 Internal 14/0512010 Sley EdltorlaU Pro)eol Director M Davey 2 Internal 14/0512010 E Buchan Project Managet M Davey 3 Internal 5/07/2010 Sley E

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1. Introduction

1.1. Project Overview

The Browse Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Development involves the recovery of hydrocarbons from the Torosa, Brecknock and Calliance fields, located approximately 425 km north of Broome, Western Australia. The downstream component of the Browse LNG Development (i.e. LNG processing facilities and associated infrastructure) is proposed to be located at James Price Point, on the Dampier Peninsula, with development related activities to be undertaken in the surrounding coastal area (Figure 1-1).

Figure 1-1 Location of study area at James Price Point and bathymetric data collected by Fugro LADS Corporation, March 2009

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Development of the marine facilities and shore pipeline crossings may require extensive construction activities, including dredging, excavating, blasting and trenching. As such, benthic habitats in close proximity to the development, including intertidal habitats, may potentially be impacted.

A baseline survey was conducted in October 2009 to describe the spatial variability in benthic community composition on intertidal beaches, sand flats, rocky shores and reef platforms at the James Price Point coastal area (between Quondong and Coloumb Points).

1.2. Background

Intertidal habitats are, in general, ecologically diverse and provide habitat for a range of benthic primary producers (BPP) as well as sessile and motile organisms (Connell et al. 1997). In the broader Kimberley region, intertidal BPP include mangroves, salt marsh, seagrass, corals, seaweeds (macroalgae) and turf algae. Based on sub-tidal surveys conducted in the vicinity of the study area, macroalgae and turf algae dominate large expanses of the intertidal platform around James Price Point (Fry et al. 2008). The local physical environment and associated processes (e.g. tides, weather) are critical in defining intertidal habitats.

James Price Point is located on the Dampier Peninsula, approximately 60 km north of Broome, Western Australia. The geomorphology of the Dampier Peninsula is predominantly influenced by the large tidal regime typical of the region, with additional influence of cyclonic events and associated conditions. Prevailing winds also influence coastal features, such as wave developed spits and coastal dunes (Semeniuk 1993).

The prominent large scale coastal geomorphology of the Dampier Peninsula include riverine channels, small inlets and embayments, broad shallow embayments, rocky headlands and shores, sandy beaches, offshore islands and extensive reef systems (Fry et al. 2008).

Locally, the James Price Point coastal area is characterised by narrow beaches with intermittent rocky shores, and reef platforms of lithified coastal sediments, which adjoin stretches of low lying cliffs and sand dunes to the landward side. The intertidal zone varies in width as a result of differing topography across the Peninsula. In general, the widest intertidal regions are apparent in bays, which typically empty at lowest astronomical tide to reveal reef platforms, quartz beach sands, shell ridges and mud flats that adjoin the bay’s headlands and shores. Numerous headlands less than 0.5 km in length, plus several linear, shore-parallel rock platforms, outcrop in the James Price Point coastal area. The upper sandy intertidal zone and dune systems comprise of white, aeolian quartz and carbonate sands.

Very wide intertidal sand flats are a feature of the open ocean shores of the James Price Point coastal area. During low spring tides these flats can be greater than 1 km wide. Sand flats typically

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adjoin intermittent headlands and rocky shorelines, and fringe low-relief dune hinterland. The intertidal beach flats are characterised by flat, fine sediments in the low intertidal and medium coarse sands in the upper reaches. Some high-relief, rocky and rubble or stone substrates are also common in the nearshore sites along most of the coastline of the James Price Point coastal area. The intertidal hard substratum or rocky shores consist of cliffed shore, fissured rock pavement or slope and bouldery shore (Semeniuk et al. 1982). The continental shelf in the region has a regular slope with some deep channels, scoured by tidal movement (CALM 1994).

Relatively large areas of low-relief reef occur in the northern region of the James Price Point coastal area. Limited areas of low-relief reef are present in shallow waters from Quondong Point to James Price Point. Water depths in the James Price Point coastal area are generally shallow (<10 m) and extend offshore between 2.5–10 km, although there are areas at the outer boundary with depths of 15-17 m. There is little significant vertical relief in the area, with the exception of two isolated patches, just south of Coulomb Point and off James Price Point, where there appears to be numerous depressions within the 5–10 m depth zone (Fry et al. 2008).

Strong, semidiurnal tides with a macrotidal range (spring tides) exceeding 10 m are common in the region. Tidal velocities are essentially barotropic, with flow predominantly along-shore near the coast. The combination of complex bathymetry and strong tides, creates create strong tidal currents in excess of 4 knots, resulting in complex tidal interactions and circulation patterns (Holloway 1983; Mustoe and Edmunds 2008).

Regionally, the Dampier Peninsula’s northern and western coastal margins are predominantly a low-energy environment, receiving occasional storm surges from cyclonic weather events. Locally, the James Price Point coastal area has a direct west-facing aspect and is therefore relatively exposed. The peninsula’s west coast receives refracted westerly swell for the majority of the year, whilst swell from the north and north-west affects the western and northern facing shores during the summer period. Cyclones during summer bring rough seas and increased swell, which can cause extensive coastal erosion and changes to coastal structures.

The strength of the tides across the continental shelf, combined with rainfall and episodic events such as cyclones strongly influence the distribution and resuspension of sediments, through catchment runoff, sediment transportation and tidal mixing (Brewer 2007; Mustoe and Edmunds 2008). These combined influences result in highly turbid coastal waters, which persist throughout the year (Magvelashvili et al. 2006). There is also a marked difference between tidal cycles, with concentrations of suspended sediments varying by an order of magnitude between spring and neap tides (Magvelashvili et al. 2006; SKM 2009a). Sediments are transported by currents in the coastal region to form sub-tidal habitats such as channels, harder sand banks and soft muddy deposits offshore to approximately 20 m depth. Currents also scour sediments from reef structures and supply food (detritus) to filter-feeding fauna (Mustoe and Edmunds 2008).

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Large tidal regimes are likely to be the defining environmental factor influencing the distribution of intertidal BPP and associated benthic taxa in the James Price Point coastal area. This is largely because the difference in tidal height between successive tides determines the periods of emersion and inundation and consequently the likelihood of desiccation. Similar studies in other macrotidal regions have found that sedimentation, turbidity and temperature were the driving factors of benthic cover (SKM 2009a). These factors are strongly influenced by tides and weather.

1.3. Objectives

The primary objectives of the intertidal study were to:

 Identify and map the distribution and abundance of intertidal flora and fauna within the defined survey sites of James Price Point coastal area, with particular emphasis on Benthic Primary Producer Habitat (BPPH) to meet the requirements of the EPA Environmental Assessment Guideline No. 3, Protection of Benthic Primary Producer Habitats in Western Australia’s Marine Environment.  Identify the physical features and zones (e.g. sand, rubble, mud) of the intertidal area and their approximate locations within each defined survey site.  Identify the distribution and abundance of invertebrate fauna within the defined survey sites of the intertidal zone of the James Price Point coastal area.  Briefly discuss results in the context of model outputs from the Nearshore Benthic Habitat Assessment and Mapping study (DFS14).

This report describes the intertidal community (flora and fauna) of the James Price Point survey areas, including:  species composition of the defined survey areas  relative density of species within the defined survey areas  community composition within the defined survey areas as represented on habitat maps  the regional significance of the intertidal habitats.

1.4. Report Structure

This report is structured as follows:  Section 1: Provides project overview, background and objectives of the study.  Section 2: Details the methods used to survey the intertidal areas.  Section 3: Details the study results and maps produced.  Section 4: Provides a discussion on the significance of the results.  Section 5: Conclusions of the study.

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2. Methods

Prior to the commencement of field work, CES developed and submitted to WEL the proposed Intertidal Sampling Plan and Methodology (SKM 2009b). This report is provided in Appendix A and the details summarised in subsequent sections. To facilitate regional comparisons, method development incorporated those used in other studies in the region (URS 2007; Wilson 2008). This also ensured that the survey:

 recorded data required to provide accurate impact assessments  set a baseline from which to assess temporal changes in future studies  was compliant with approval requirements including those of the Environmental Protection Authority, Environmental Assessment Guidelines No. 3 (EPA 2009).

2.1. Site Selection, Zone Definition and Allocation of Transect Coordinates

The locations of four intertidal survey sites were selected prior to commencement of field work. These included:

 James Price Point south (JPPS) survey area.  JPPS reference area (Quondong Point).  James Price Point north (JPPN) survey area.  JPPN reference area (Flat Rock).

Figure 2-1 presents the locations of the survey sites relative to those surveyed by Wilson (2008), while Figure 2-2 provides detailed aerial images of each proposed site as selected prior to the field trip.

The reference sites were selected based on their representativeness to the potential James Price Point development sites. Factors including site geomorphology, coastal processes, exposure and accessibility were all taken into account when selecting the survey sites.

The four intertidal survey sites were mapped prior to field work using high resolution aerial images and Geographic Information System (GIS). Each survey site covered an area approximately 1 km in length along the shore, and extended from the highest to lowest astronomical tide. From the maps produced of each site, geomorphic zones were identified and their boundaries set. This resulted in either four or five geomorphic zones within each of the four intertidal locations. All distinct geomorphic zones present within a location were encompassed.

Within each identified geomorphic zone, two pre-defined survey areas, each approximately 1,600 m2 in size, were randomly selected for quantitative assessment. The shape of these

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quantitative areas was adapted, as needed, to fit within the identified boundaries of the individual geomorphic zone. Within each of the quantitative survey areas, coordinates of three 25 m transects were selected using stratified random sampling to avoid clumping (Figure 2-3, Figure 2-4 and Figure 2-5).

Note: due to access restrictions encountered during the field trip, the JPPS reference area was not surveyed. Some site locations were also altered during field work due to accessibility or timing restrictions, or to completely capture community types within the zones. The final survey locations are presented in Section 3.

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0 • -- =---E;~--~~ •BRO OME

OUondong • James Pr ce Point /'..... Potnt South V Re'erence /vea 3 4 f

Legend / • WA Museum Site CJ lnlertiual Survey Area •-•~- o----~·o-----~~---3... ._..._ ·l ----•Lc _____~

Figure 2-1 Intertidal survey areas (inset right) including the WA Museum sampling sites (insets left - from Wilson 2008)

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Legend Cl intenltl41 SurYey Are 11

(SKM 2009b) Figure 2-2 Intertidal survey sites

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• Oool...... e Tt • n • T3 l lotl Cla••

SmoltAigH -TUif .-Jgtt

Figure 2-3 Sampling locations, James Price Point South Survey Area (See text for description of biota classes). H1 represents geomorphic zone identified from aerial imagery

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Survey Area Habitat boundar;

0 Qualitative , T1 (!} T2 0 T3

--Goral --Aigae and CoraJ

Figure 2-4 Sampling locations, James Price Point North Survey Area (See text for description of biota classes)

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Legend l::] su rvey~a C) Habll~l boundllf)' Tran ~act

• ou llB1 1~8 n T2 n

ADIOt~

Sm~ Algae. i url Alg,a.e

409500

Figure 2-5 Sampling locations, James Price Point North reference area (See text for description of biota classes)

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2.2. Timing

The intertidal survey was undertaken to coincide with the lowest spring equinox tides, which occurred from 6–9 October 2009. Individual survey times and corresponding tide heights are displayed in Table 2-1.

Table 2-1 Survey times and predicted tidal height at time of sampling for each survey location

Area Date Start Survey Predicted Tide Height End Survey Predicted Tide Surveyed Time (m) Time Height (m)

JPPN survey 06/10/09 8:00 -0.9 9:10 0.7 area 08/10/09 15:10 0.7 17:15 -2.0

JPPS survey 07:30 -3.1 9:20 -0.1 area 07/10/09 15:25 0.0 17:14 -2.6

09/10/09 6:40 -3.2 7:50 -2.7

JPPN 06/10/09 7:20 -2.5 9.10 0.7 reference area 08/10/09 15:10 0.7 17:15 -2.0

Source: WEL

Note that the predicted tide heights in Table 2-1 were the closest to the sample time and not necessarily the time that they were predicted.

2.3. Survey Methodology

A GPS reading was taken at the start and finish of each transect. Ten, 60 x 40 cm quadrats were alternately placed along transects at 2.5 m intervals (five each side) (Figure 2-6) and digitally photographed. Quadrats are square sampling devices that are placed on the platform to record a representative sample of the benthos.

Video footage was also captured along each transect for reference and for qualitative assessments (Section 2.6). Transects were filmed using a Sony Handycam HDR-SR10. The video was recorded from approximately 1.5 m height above the substratum, at a speed of 1 km/h. Due to the difficult terrain in some geomorphic zones it was necessary to walk the safest route from transect start to end rather than following the transect (tape) line. The video transects were geo-referenced using a handheld Garmin 60 CSx unit which provides a GPS accuracy of 10 m.

General observations including the littoral zone (e.g. upper littoral, lower-mid littoral), dominant substrate type(s) and key benthic species present were recorded at each site. In the geomorphic

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zones dominated by sediments, infauna samples were collected by small shovel and then passed through a 1 mm sieve for subsequent analysis of infaunal biota present.

25 m 22.5 m

20 m

17.5 m

15 m

12.5 m

10 m

7.5 m

5 m

2.5m

0m

Figure 2-6 Schematic representation of the placement of ten quadrats along each 25 m transect

2.4. Voucher Specimens

Voucher specimens were collected for taxonomic identification by the Western Australian Museum (WAM) to allow compilation of accurate species lists. Identification was restricted to the following taxonomic groups; molluscs, echinoderms, polychaetes and algae.

2.5. Digital Image Analysis

Digital images of individual quadrats from all transects, at all sites, were analysed using Coral Point Count (CPCe) Software using random point generation. A precision test was performed to determine the number of random points needed to precisely characterise the benthos. From this, 20 points were calculated as sufficient and these were overlain on each image. Each point was then assigned to a category of biota or substrate type, as listed in Table 2-2. The biota and substrate

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classification were identified to the finest practical taxonomic classification, and subsequently classified into an Intertidal Habitat Classification Hierarchy (Appendix B). Once all points on each quadrat were classified, the percent cover of the different benthic categories was calculated. The calculated percentage cover along with field observations were used to determine species composition, richness and diversity, percentage cover (substrate and biota), and vertical and horizontal distribution of habitat types at each location. These data, as well as existing aerial imagery, were then used to generate intertidal habitat maps.

Table 2-2 Categories used in image analysis of quadrats

Categories Description Abiotic

Bare rock Rock or bare substrate with no algae or coral Coarse Sand Coarse sand consisting of shell grit Fine Sand Fine sand or silt/ mud Rubble Rubble–broken fragments of rock Sand on Rock Sand with underlying rock/ reef Shadow Shadow or bright spot Tape Quadrat frame Unknowns Unknown, could not be identified Wand Outside quadrat frame Biotic

Barnacles Barnacles Coralline algae Coralline algae Chiton Chiton Dead coral with algae Dead coral with algae Hard Coral Hard coral Hermit Crabs Hermit Crabs Holothurians Sea cucumbers Large Brown Large (>20 cm) brown algae Limpet Limpets Mussel Small mussels Other Gastropods Other molluscs other than the limpets Oyster Oysters Polychaete Tube of polychaete worm Seagrass Seagrass Shell Shells Small Green Caulerpa spp. Small (<20 cm) green algae belonging to the genus Caulerpa

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Categories Description Small Green Other Small (<20 cm) green algae belonging to those other than the genus Ulva, Enteromorpha or Caulerpa Small Green Ulva & Enteromorpha Small (<20 cm) green algae belonging to the genus Ulva or Enteromorpha Small Red or Brown Foliaceous Small (<20 cm) red or brown foliaceous algae Small Brown Lobed Small (<20 cm) brown algae belonging to the genus Padina and Lobophora Soft coral Soft coral from the family Alcyoniidae Tridacna Clams belonging to the Genus Tridacna Turf Algae Fine algae, generally filamentous smaller than 5 mm high Turf Sand A mixture of turf algae and sand Worm casings Hard worm casings

2.6. Video Analysis

The qualitative video footage was analysed using SKM video analysis software. Habitat attributes such as biota type, littoral zone and evident substrate attributes were assigned to a GPS point every second of video play back. The video point data is used to verify and classify the geomorphic zones identified from the habitat mapping.

The habitat classifications were based on the WAM Intertidal Habitat Classification Hierarchy (Appendix B) and the SKM Intertidal Habitat Classification Definitions (Appendix C). The WAM Intertidal Habitat Classification Hierarchy describes the different intertidal zones, while the SKM Intertidal Habitat Classification Definitions define the substrate and biota classes within each of those zones. Field observations, video transects and quantitative images were used to assign habitat attributes and boundaries and to define the habitat type.

2.7. Habitat Mapping

The benthic characteristics of identified geomorphic zones within each survey area were mapped and classified using a combination of littoral zone, biota and substrate attributes. Initial habitat boundaries (polygons) were identified using high resolution aerial images and manually digitised in GIS. Obvious physical characteristics such as substrate type and colour were used to delineate the boundaries of geomorphic zones. Field observations and video transects were then used to clarify and refine the habitat boundaries as required. The polygons which did not have any video data were classified using field observations and survey data collected in polygons with similar characteristics.

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2.8. Statistical Analysis

The overall aim of this study was to characterise the intertidal habitats of James Price Point and assess changes in community composition between and within sites, and at varying heights from the shoreline. Analyses were aimed at assessing ecological interactions and spatial variation. Temporal and spatial processes can have interacting effects on intertidal communities, and a primary objective was to assess the importance of such interactions in influencing community structure at the survey locations. Achieving this required the use of statistical approaches to describe complex but ecologically important interactions.

The null hypothesis tested to assess ecological interactions was:

 There is no change in the percentage cover of benthic taxa between sites, between areas within sites, and at different heights on the shore. The null hypothesis tested to assess spatial variation was:

 There is no difference in community composition between sites, between areas within sites and at different heights on the shore.

To test these hypotheses, multivariate statistical techniques were used, using the Primer-E v6 (Plymouth, UK) software.

A permutational analysis of variance (PERMANOVA) was used to assess complex ecological interactions in the data. PERMANOVA is a technique for testing the simultaneous response of one or more variables to one or more factors in an ANOVA experimental design on the basis of any distance measure, using permutation methods. A full description of how multivariate variation (defined by the distance measure used) is partitioned according to individual factors is given by Anderson (2005). Table 2-3 defines the sources of variation and interpretation table used in the PERMANOVA model.

Table 2-3 Definition of sources of variation and interpretation table

Source Interpretation Ar Areas (ie North, South or North Reference) Su(Ar) Subsites (1-13) within Areas Tr(Su(Ar)) Transects (1-3) within Sub-sites within Areas Res Variation among quadrats

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To assess spatial interactions, an ordination approach called non-metric multidimensional scaling (nMDS) and Analysis of Similarity (ANOSIM) were used. Both of these tests are non-parametric multivariate techniques. Sample similarities were calculated with the Bray-Curtis coefficient, after square-root data transformation. Data transformation was performed to reduce the influence of benthic life forms characterised by relatively large abundances. nMDS was used to produce two- dimensional ordination plots. One-way ANOSIM was used to provide formal tests of the null hypothesis relating to spatial variation.

2.8.1. Data Pre-treatment and Manipulation

For the purpose of analysis replication, the following notes on data manipulation are provided:

 Keep data as replicate quadrats for residual term – lowest level of replication.  Square–root transformation was applied to reduce the influence of comparatively ‘over’ dominant benthic types.  Bray-Curtis resemblance.  Two factor model: – Site (3 levels – JPPS survey area, JPPN survey area, JPPN reference area) – Transects; random factors nested in sites.  Used all default PERMANOVA settings i.e. reduced model, type 3 sum of squares.

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3. Results

This section provides the habitat maps developed from data collected at the three surveys sites at JPP. It also includes a summary of results of the intertidal study, in terms of dominant taxa present, density of species and community composition at each of the study sites, and statistical analyses of how sites relate to each other with respect to these findings.

3.1. Habitat Mapping

The sites surveyed for this study included the JPPN survey area, JPPS survey area and JPPN reference area. The JPPS reference area was not sampled due to access restrictions. Overall, the intertidal zone at JPPN survey area and JPPN reference area was up to 500 m wide with a slight slope characteristic of beaches exposed to low energy waves. In contrast, the intertidal zone at JPPS survey area consisted of a lower to upper-mid littoral reef platform, approximately 200 m at its widest. This area had a moderately sloped upper littoral beach zone up to 50 m wide. Figure 3-1, Figure 3-2 and Figure 3-3 provide habitat maps showing substrate class and littoral zones at each survey site. The boundaries of the geomorphic zones identified prior to field work did not change significantly during field surveys.

The study areas at JPPS survey area, JPPN survey area and JPPN reference area consisted of a mix of reef and sand substrata. Reef substrate was concentrated in the upper-mid littoral zone, while sand substrate was common in all littoral zones. Biota classes were identified and mapped according to the presence in a particular intertidal zone (Figure 3-5, Figure 3-6 and Figure 3-4). These biota classes included hard coral, soft coral, canopy algae, small algae, turf algae, and filter feeder classes (as per Appendix C). Turf algae, hard coral, soft coral, small algae and canopy algae classes consisted of hermatypic species and were therefore defined as BPP. Filter feeders consisted of ahermatypic benthic invertebrates and were not defined as BPP. The species composition of the biota classes varied between geomorphic units and study areas. Table 3-1 displays substrate and biota classes present in each identified littoral zone, at each survey site. Appendix D provides additional information on attributes of all of the geomorphic units (polygons) mapped in GIS and the video point biota classifications which were ultimately used to define the habitat type.

Biota density was low in all littoral zones, with the exception of the lower-mid littoral zone at JPPS survey area. Abiotic substrates typically constituted the greatest percentage cover of any biota type. In general, both reef and sandy substrata had very little attached biota other than turf algae. Reef substrate in the lower-mid littoral zones did support a more diverse community assemblage of reef organisms than other littoral zones. In general, the lower littoral reefs at James Price Point were similar in community composition to JPPN reference area. Both communities consisted of hard and soft coral, macro algae and filter feeding invertebrates. The diversity and density of the biota in

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both areas increased in the lower littoral zone. A list of common, dominant and distinctly identifiable biota is listed in Table 3-2.

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Legend Cl survey Area CJ Habitat boundary ~ Substrata l:iLi£] Reef p:,:.. ] Sand ~ Reef and Sand littoral Zone D Lower-littoral D Lower Mid-littoral 0 Mid~ittorat - Upper-littoral

Figure 3-1 Substrate class and littoral zones at the James Price Point South survey area. [Blue areas where no aerial images were available]

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legencl D Sunr ~ )' Area c::J H 11 ~tat bou11dory o Substrate· ~ ~Re a r ~ l~Se nd ~ Reel' and Sand Uttollll Zone

409500

Figure 3-2 Substrate class and littoral zones at the James Price Point North survey area

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4 10000 Lugund

St.uvey A r~~a Hebllel boundery SubslnUe IYY.] Rnr ~S!rw:t g;g:j Rnr 1nd sand Uuorai Zone D lO'N&r-unoral D l..clwar Mld.ll11oral D Mld-llllorel - Upp ~Jr-lltt.orel

4t0000

Figure 3-3 Substrate class and littoral zones at the James Price Point North reference area

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c:::J Abiotic Canopy Algae, IZZI Small Algae Canopy Algae, ISS:'l Small Algae, Coral Canopy Algae, ~Small Algae, Coral, Filter Feeders [ll] Coral, Small Algae ('(f:.;'.'J Small Algae ~Turf Biota Density 0 Ailiotic c:::J sparse Doense

Figure 3-4 Biota map at the James Price Point south survey area

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409500 410000 Legend c:JsurvoyAroa Biota Class 0 0 Al>lo!l< ~ 1ZZ1 Can<>py Algae. Smoll Alg.. i ~ Cenopy Algae. Sm•ll Atgu. Coral 122) Con'Opy Algae, Sm411 A.lglle, CorDJ, Alter fe'9d:9'!$ 1IIIl COt al. sman Algae k•=.:;:a Small Algae ~ TUrt Biota Density C]Al>loti< ldS9•,.. ~ o....

Coutomb Pain

8 8 ~ James Price Point 0 ~ i Quond~Poln

• .. tttr-...... 1· • 2!100 g012~WW3M9_~ 409500 410000

Figure 3-5 Biota map at the James Price Point North survey area

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409500 410000 Legend Cl Surtey At'e"a B1ota Clilss C)AJ:J.otJc EZ)canopyAigu. sma • .AJ~a•· l;;s3 Canopy A:l9a•. S ma ~ Alii••. Coral 12QjCli11DP)' Alga~. Small Algae, Coro:~l , Filter Feeders rrrn Com, Sm•ll,&,lgoe• ~ .. =,,:~;! SmD.JI Algas ~ TLI'f Biota D&nslly L_j l\b.

Figure 3-6 Biota map at the James Price Point North reference area

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Table 3-1 The distribution and classification of geomorphic units in the study areas

Study Area Identified Littoral Substrate Biota Class Biota Area of Percentage Zone Density Zone (m2) Study Area (%)* JPPS survey area Lower-Mid littoral Reef Canopy algae, small algae, coral, filter feeders >50 22,778 10 (total study area Lower- Mid littoral Reef and sand Canopy algae, small algae, coral, filter feeders 1-5 27.080 12 2 221,968 m Mid-littoral Reef Coral, small algae 1-5 56,861 26 Upper-littoral Reef Abiotic <1 47,638 21 Upper-littoral Sand Abiotic <1 67,610 30 JPPN survey area Lower-littoral Reef Canopy algae, small algae, coral, filter feeders 1-5 33,395 9 (total study area Lower-mid littoral Reef and sand Abiotic <1 92,166 24 2 380,659 m ) Lower-mid littoral Reef and sand Coral, small algae 1-5 64,144 17 Mid-littoral Reef Small algae 1-5 14,705 4 Mid-littoral Sand Abiotic <1 90,623 24 Mid-littoral Reef and sand Small algae 1-5 18,066 5 Mid-littoral Reef and sand Abiotic <1 19,117 5 Upper-littoral Sand Abiotic <1 48,447 13 JPPN reference Lower-littoral Reef Canopy algae, small algae, coral 1-5 11,685 8 area (total study Lower-littoral Sand Abiotic <1 13,923 9 2 area 155,522 m ) Lower- Mid littoral Reef Turf 1-5 5,730 4 Mid-littoral Reef and sand Abiotic <1 12,249 8 Mid-littoral Sand Abiotic <1 83,433 54 Upper-littoral Reef and sand Abiotic <1 1,894 1 Upper-littoral Sand Abiotic <1 26,609 17 * Biota density is a qualitative estimate assigned by the user from geo-referenced video transects.

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Table 3-2 Dominant taxa per biota class (from video and digital photographs)

Biota Class* Taxonomic Group Family Species Filter Feeders Sponges Ascidians Hydroids Crustaceans – Barnacles Bryozoa Mollusc –Bivalve Tridacnidae Tridacna maxima - Gastropod Hard Coral Order Scleractinia Massive Faviidae Favites spp. Poritidae Goniopora sp. Porites sp. Foliose Dendrophylliidae Paltygyra sp. Digitate Acroporaidae Turbinaria sp. Acropora sp. Soft Coral Order Alcyonacea Alcyoniidae Sarcophyton spp. Zoantharians Zoanthidae Lobophyton spp. Palythoa sp. Canopy Algae (>20 cm) Division Phaeophyta Sargassaceae Sargassum spp. (complete species list (Brown algae) Appendix G) Division Rhodophyta (Red Algae) Small Algae (<20 cm) Division Phaeophyta Dictyotaceae Padina spp. (complete species list (Brown algae) Halimedaceae Lobophora sp. Appendix G) Division Chlorophyta Udoteaceae Halimeda spp. (Green Algae) Caulerpaceae Udotea spp. Division Rhodophyta Caulerpa spp. (Red Algae)

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Figure 3-7 shows the average percentage cover of benthic types at JPPS survey area. JPPS survey area was dominated by abiotic substrates (~64%) and turf algae (~31%). Fauna, corals and macroalgae were present in <5% coverage. At the north of the site, the mid and lower intertidal zones were characterised by small to medium rock pools. At the south of the site, the reef platform gave way to intermittent rocky shore and sandy beach. Figure 3-8 and Figure 3-9 show the typical substrata at JPPS survey area.

Figure 3-7 Average percentage cover of benthic categories at James Price Point South survey area

Figure 3-8 Intertidal reef platform at James Price Point South survey area; left – southern end looking south; right – northern end looking south

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Figure 3-9 Intertidal reef platform at James Price Point South survey area looking east from the northern end of the site

Figure 3-10 shows the average percentage cover of benthic categories at JPPN survey area. JPPN survey area was dominated by abiotic substrates (~69%) and turf algae (~21%). Fauna, corals and macroalgae had cover of 5% or below. At the north of the site, open sandy substrate dominated, whereas the south of the site was largely rock shore and reef platform. Figure 3-11, Figure 3-12 and Figure 3-13 show the typical substrata at JPPN survey area.

Figure 3-10 Average percentage cover of benthic categories at James Price Point North survey area

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Figure 3-11 Intertidal reef platform at James Price Point North survey area; left – northern site looking north; right – northern site looking south

Figure 3-12 Intertidal reef platform at James Price Point North survey area looking north

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Figure 3-13 Intertidal reef platform at James Price Point North survey area; left – southern end of site looking north east; right – southern end of site looking east

Figure 3-14 shows the average percentage cover of benthic categories at JPPN reference area. JPPN reference area was dominated by abiotic substrates (~89%). Of the biota groups, turf algae were dominant (~9%). All other biota were recorded at covers below 2%. The majority of the site was dominated by sandy beach. There was a small rocky shore and reef platform in the southern end of the site. Figure 3-15, Figure 3-16 and Figure 3-17 show the typical substrates at JPPN reference area.

Figure 3-14 Average percentage cover of benthic categories at the James Price Point North reference area

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Figure 3-15 Intertidal reef platform at James Price Point North reference area; left – southern end looking north; right – mid site looking south

Figure 3-16 Intertidal reef platform at James Price Point North reference area; left – mid site looking south; right – southern site looking east

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Figure 3-17 Intertidal reef platform at James Price Point North reference area; left southern end looking south; right – southern end looking north

3.2. Taxa Present

The flora and fauna recorded from the intertidal areas of the JPPS and JPPN survey areas, and JPPN reference area were mainly comprised of macroalgae, turf algae and molluscs. The dominant (present at all locations) or regionally common taxa from within these categories are provided in Table 3-3. Taxonomic identification was restricted to four groups – molluscs, echinoderms, polychaetes and algae, due to specialties of individual taxonomists involved in the study. Full species list from these taxonomic groups are provided in Appendix G. Easily identifiable (from video and digital photography) taxonomic groups and species are provided in Table 3-2.

Table 3-3 Benthic categories and associated dominant taxa present

Category Dominant or Regionally Common Taxa Caulerpa racemosa var. laetevirens Caulerpa sertularioides Caulerpa verticillata Codium sp Cystoseira trinodis Gracilaria salicornia Macroalgae Padina australis Portieria hornemanii Sargassum decurrens Sargassum oligocystum Spatoglossum asperum Tricleocarpa cylindrica Ulva flexuosa

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Category Dominant or Regionally Common Taxa Turf algae Species unknown (Chlorophyta and Phaeophyta) Acanthopleura gemmata Polyplacophora Acanthopleura spinosa Morula margariticola Morula granulate Nerita polita Nerita undata Gastropoda Patelloida saccharina Molluscs Thais tuberosa Trochus hanleyanus Turbo cinereus Barbatia pistachio Brachidontes ustulatus Bivalvia Pinctada margaritifera Saccostrea cuccullata Tridacna maxima Crinoids Lamprometra palmate Ophiuroidea Ophionereis dubia Echinoderms Holothuria (Halodeima) atra Holothuroidea Holothuria (Stauropora) modesta Holothuria (Lessonothuria) pardalis Eurythoe sp. Polychaetes Eunice sp. Hard Corals Faviidae (hard) Soft Corals Lobophytum sp.

3.3. Ecological Interactions

One of the primary aims of this study was to assess the difference in benthic taxa between each site and within zones of sites. Results (Table 3-4) show that the sub-sites nested within areas (Su(Ar)) and transects nested within sub-sites within areas (Tr(Su(Ar))) are statistically significant (p=0.001). A significant result provides evidence that the composition of benthic communities was different between intertidal zones of individual sites. However, species composition was not significantly different between the three survey sites (p=0.09). In summary the results show that the intertidal zones are a dynamic environment, but that biota composition is similar at all locations.

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Table 3-4 PERMANOVA table of results for comparisons between James Price Point South survey area, James Price Point North survey area, James Price Point North reference area

Source Df SS MS Pseudo-F P(perm)* Perms** Ar 2 2.2668-E5 1.1334-E5 1.983 0.09 997 Su(Ar) 28 1.6001-E6 57146 23.573 0.001 999 Tr(Su(Ar)) 62 1.5032-E5 2424.5 2.9475 0.001 997 Res 834 6.8602-E5 822.57 Total 926 2.662-E6 * Statistically significant differences at the 0.05 level are shown in bold. ** Number of permutations

Figure 3-18 displays an nMDS ordination of averaged site data for all three sites. The tight clustering of sites provides further evidence that the biotic communities at all sites are similar. This also indicates that the inability to survey JPPS reference site did not compromise the results of the study. In contrast, Figure 3-19, Figure 3-20 and Figure 3-21 provide nMDS ordinations transect within individual sites. These display high spatial variability in species compositions between zones at each site. However, transects surveyed at different locations within a site show similar spatial characteristics, suggesting that these are representative of the communities or substrates types within the zone, and are therefore a sound basis for development of habitat maps.

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Figure 3-18 nMDS ordination (using averaged data) between James Price Point South survey area, James Price Point North survey area and James Price Point North reference area

Figure 3-19 nMDS ordination (using averaged data) between sub-sites within the James Price Point North survey area

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Figure 3-20 nMDS ordination (using averaged data) between sub-sites within the James Price Point South survey area

Figure 3-21 nMDS ordination (using averaged data) between sub-sites within the James Price Point North reference area

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4. Discussion

The primary aim of this study was to characterise the intertidal benthic communities at sites within the James Price Point coastal area. Detailed species lists from the four taxonomic groups studied in detail (molluscs, echinoderms, polychaetes and algae) were developed (Appendix G). In addition, species easily identifiable from video or digital photography were recorded. Detailed habitat maps (Section 3.1) were interpolated from data collected. Trends in species composition within and between sites were observed and, where possible, regional comparisons made to provide an indication of the relative significance of the James Price Point coastal area.

Typically, the intertidal environment along the western coastline of the Dampier Peninsula consists of cliff-backed shoreline, rocky shores and flat sand and mud zones. The combination of large tides, high temperatures and high evaporation rates means that the mid to upper intertidal zone is inhospitable for many benthic organisms. Platform reefs exposed for long periods during low tide or subject to regular inundation by sediments are also unlikely to support extensive BPP communities due to the frequent periods of desiccation and smothering and abrasion by sand. Areas of terraced reef in the mid to lower littoral zones often include sheltered rock pools and gutters supporting a greater diversity of organisms.

Habitat maps interpolated from recorded data show that most sites are dominated by abiotic substrates (e.g. sand, mud). Sparse turf algae is present on some mid to lower intertidal sand and mud flats, however other biota types are generally restricted to the small rocky shores and reef platforms around the points. No seagrass specimens or benthic microphytobenthos communities were recorded during the survey.

Overall, all sites had low diversity of biota, which is typical in areas with strong macrotidal influences. Reef platforms were generally heterogeneous, with benthic assemblages varying over small spatial scales (<100 m). The distribution and abundance of benthic taxa at all sites was highly variable, largely across different heights on the shore, but also within defined geomorphic zones. This may be due to different periods of inundation influencing the species composition of a habitat. Thus distinct boundaries are often difficult to define for geomorphic zones that are separated by eco-tones and gradual transitions. Due to the profile of rocky substrate, several littoral zones can exist in the same geomorphic unit (i.e. individual large rocks can have vertical zonation of littoral zones; rock pools). Not surprisingly, sheltered rock pools in the mid to lower littoral zones at all sites had the greatest species diversity.

At all sites, benthic composition changed significantly with height on the shore. This was expected given that there are various environmental gradients relating to exposure to air and waves, and substratum composition that can also influence the distribution of benthic taxa in intertidal environments (Underwood and Chapman 1996).

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The period of emersion is one of the main determining factors leading to the zonation patterns of intertidal substrates. The high and low tide marks represent distinct physical barriers that restrict species to certain areas. The lower littoral zone is characterised by a high diversity of species that have adaptations associated with aquatic living as they are rarely exposed (McMahon 2003). At all sites this zone was characterised by hard corals, soft corals, macroalgae, turf algae, a few Tridacna sp. and holothurians.

The mid littoral zones lie between the low and high tide mark. Species which inhabit this area are exposed to predictable, attenuated periods of emersion between successive tides (McMahon 2003). In the present study, the mid littoral zone was typically a combination of macroalgae, turf algae, bare rock, silt and fine sand.

The upper littoral fringe near the high tide mark is characterised by unpredictable long periods of exposure. As a consequence, this zone is typically occupied by species with specific adaptations to limit desiccation and prolong survival (McMahon 2003). This area was dominated by abiotic substrata and sparse turf algae.

Regionally, the observed habitat types and biotic composition of the intertidal zone of the James Price Point coastal area suggest it is typical of other intertidal areas of the Kimberley and Pilbara (URS 2007; Fry et al. 2008; Wilson 2008). These areas are also dominated by flat, sandy areas with relatively sparse, intermittent habitat of rocky substratum and reef platforms, as is also the case at sites surveyed in this study (Section 3). Similarly, the upper-mid littoral reef substrates have very little attached biota, with the exception of turf algae, but can support mobile invertebrates such as gastropods and bivalves. The lower-mid littoral zones can support diverse community assemblages of reef organisms which are typical of the shallow sub-tidal habitats in the region.

Sand flats are a common feature along the open coastal shores of the Kimberley region as they were at the sites included in this study. These sand flats typically adjoin intermittent headlands, rocky shorelines, and fringe low-relief dune hinterlands. The intertidal sand flats both at the study sites and throughout the Kimberley region are predominantly unvegetated. However, the mid to lower littoral unconsolidated sand and mud substrates can provide a three dimensional habitat for burrowing infauna, although these were not observed to support significant benthic biota, which is again typical of the region (Fry et al. 2008).

Locally, the lower littoral reefs at both James Price Point survey areas, were similar in community composition to those at James Price Point North reference area, likely due to similar environmental and substrate characteristics. The communities were composed of hard and soft coral, macro algae and filter feeding invertebrates. In general, the diversity and density of the biota increases in the lower littoral zones due to less frequent periods of exposure. The distribution, diversity and

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abundance of specific taxonomic groups surveyed in this study were typical at both regional and local scales.

4.1. Discussion of Specific Taxonomic Groups

4.1.1. Algae

The marine benthic algae (‘seaweeds’) recorded from the study area form a subset of the broader Indo-Pacific tropical flora. This region is regarded as a diversity ‘hotspot’ and numerous species of marine organisms (including algae) have been recorded. A table of species numbers from several locations within the region was given by Huisman et al. (2009) and is reproduced in Table 4-1 below, incorporating the species count of the present survey. These numbers should not be compared directly as they represent vastly different areas and collection effort. For the present study, although the final count of 91 species appears relatively low in comparison to other recordings, it needs to be considered in the context of survey intensity. The present survey recorded 91 species, with only one visit to each of the intertidal survey locations. As such, this suggests a rich macroalgal flora, given the limited survey period and habitat restricted to only the intertidal.

Table 4-1 Number of algal species recorded from various Indo-Pacific localities (partially from Huisman et al. 2009).

Region/Island Recorded Source taxa Philippines 911 Silva et al. (1987) Indonesia 452 Verheij & Prud’homme van Reine (1993) Australia, Dampierian province >350 Huisman (unpublished) Dampier Archipelago 210 Huisman & Borowitzka (2003) Lord Howe I., N.S.W. 298 Australian Marine Algal Name Index Barrow I. 170 Huisman (unpublished) Eastern Kimberley 90 Walker (1996) Scott & Seringapatam Reefs ± 50 URS Survey (2006) Rowley Shoals, Scott & Seringapatam Reefs ± 121 Huisman et al. (2009) James Price Point & James Price Point North 91 This report reference area

The algal flora of tropical Western Australia and in particular this region is not well known (see review by Huisman et al. 2009), which limits detailed regional comparisons. However, the majority of the species recorded in this study are widespread in tropical Australia, given suitable habitats,

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and from that perspective the algal communities of the JPPS and JPPN survey area and JPPN reference area are not considered to be unique.

The species of marine benthic algae occurring at both the James Price Point survey areas and the JPPN reference area (Appendix G) are typical of rocky shores in the region. Virtually all species recorded are previously known from the Broome area and Dampier Peninsula (Huisman et al. 2009). Three exceptions are the filamentous brown alga Bachelotia antillarum, the red alga Gracilaria viellardii, and a potentially new species of the red algal genus Erythroclonium. The first of these was originally described from the West Indies and has a widespread distribution in tropical regions (including that of eastern Australia, Kraft, 2009). Its presence in tropical Western Australia is not unexpected and it has probably been overlooked previously due to its filamentous structure and appearance similar to that of several locally common genera. Gracilaria vieillardii was described originally from New Caledonia and is widely reported in the tropical Indian and Pacific Oceans (Guiry & Guiry, 2009). Table 4-2 provides a summary of algal species diversity recorded in this and other studies in the area.

Table 4-2 Local Macroalgal Species Diversity

Location # of species recorded Quondong Point 50 (archived in Western Australian Museum) JPPS survey area 59 JPPN survey area 41 JPPN reference area 40 One Arm Point >100 (archived in Western Australian Museum)

The possible new species of Erythroclonium was collected from the JPPS survey area and in the drift at the JPPN reference area. Several specimens were observed at both locations and the species appears to be common. A subsequent examination of collections housed in the WA Herbarium revealed several misidentified (as Erythroclonium sonderi) specimens from the Dampier Archipelago (PERTH 04002679), collected in 1960. Thus it appears that the species is more widespread than what the current survey might suggest and has not previously been recognised as a distinct taxon. Further studies, including DNA sequence analyses, will be undertaken to clarify the relationships of this entity.

The most diverse and common of algal genera in the region is the brown algal genus Sargassum. Unfortunately the taxonomy of the genus is poorly understood and of the six species recorded in the survey, only three could be named reliably. Voucher specimens of all species were lodged in the WA Herbarium and can therefore be consulted in the future for reliable species determinations.

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For the present study, the species count for each locality is comparable but there were slight differences in the composition of the flora. This is most likely due to several factors, including:

 Accessibility to the extreme lower littoral zones, which is typically the most diverse habitat.  Several of the species recorded are small epiphytes. These are probably common to all sites but were only recorded when observed growing on larger algae during microscopic examination.  Habitat variation. The lower intertidal rock formations at the southern site were different to those at the other sites.

Compared with Quondong Point to the south (50 species) and One Arm Point to the north (over 100 species), the species composition recorded at both of the James Price Point survey areas (JPPS and JPPN) and the JPPN reference area were similar. The higher diversity at One Arm Point is most likely due to greater habitat variation, sampling effort, and possibly seasonal variation. Further sampling at James Price Point during different seasons may increase the species count, but it is unlikely to approach the levels of One Arm Point as the habitat there is more heterogenous. Due to access restrictions at JPPS reference area only three sites were sampled.

The full report on algal species observed during the survey is provided in Appendix H.

4.1.2. Molluscs

This study represents the first formal molluscan survey undertaken at James Price Point. In total 73 species (covering 40 families and four classes) of mollusc were recorded from the three survey sites. Other molluscan surveys in similar habitat constructs have been undertaken by the WA Museum in the southern Kimberley (Wells and Bryce, 1995) and the Dampier Archipelago (Slack-Smith and Bryce, 2004).

Even considering overall recorded species numbers for intertidal habitats from the three survey areas, without considering sampling effort, the number of molluscs recorded for James Price Point does appear to be very low. However, labelling James Price Point as depauperate at this early stage may be premature, given the shortness of time spent at each survey station. The total absence of some molluscan families such as the Strombidae, Conidae, Chromididae, Phyliidae, Tellinidae and Veneridae and the under representation of others, including the Cerithidae, Cypraeidae and Fasciolariidae, was conspicuous for a north Western Australian reef. The high energy nature of the examined habitats and the general hostile nature of the region may be a contributing factor.

The full report on mollusc species observed during the survey is provided in Appendix H.

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4.1.3. Polychaetes

Results of the polychaete survey suggest that the sandy beaches at JPPN reference area have a greater species richness and different suite of species to the other survey sites. This may be due to the higher mean transect elevation that JPPN reference has compared to JPPN and JPPS survey areas, which are more typical of sandy beach flats. It seems that elevation is not the main factor driving this difference as no polychaetes were found at the JPPS survey area even though it is of similar elevation to the JPPN survey area. Occurrence of larger numbers of species at the higher elevation is surprising as it would be expected that increased desiccation and high temperature might limit polychaete occurrence there.

The JPPN survey area had a high abundance of the surface deposit feeder, Scolelepis carunculata, which indicates the presence of suitable particulate food material at that location.

The lack of polychaetes at the JPPS survey area may be due to the sampling effort or may have a physical basis e.g. greater energy in water movements may make the substrate less stable or may remove food particles. Either action might make sand flats at the location unsuitable habitat for the smaller subsurface polychaetes.

Comparison of total species present on transects at the JPPN reference area, and at the JPPN and JPPS survey areas also supports the conclusion that each location appears to have a distinctive polychaete community.

The full report on polycheate species observed during the survey is provided in Appendix H.

4.1.4. Echinoderms

The collections of echinoderms made at James Price Point during the current survey represent the second collection of echinoderms for this locality. WAM collected 11 species from James Price Point on the 3 and 4 of April 1998 (Western Australian Museum Marine Invertebrates collections database; Appendix H). Five of the species collected in 1998 were also collected during the current survey but this study has added a further eight species to this list, bringing the total number of echinoderm species collected from the intertidal area between James Price Point and the JPPN reference area to 18 live species and one known from dead tests only (Appendix H). Of the specimens identified to species level, nine (50%) had an Indo West Pacific distribution, four (22%) Indo Pacific, three (17%) Indo Malayan and two (11%) were Australian endemics found only in northern Australian waters. The majority of the species (16 species; 84%) were either suspension or deposit feeders.

The Western Australian Museum sampled 20 intertidal stations in the Dampier Archipelago in October 1998 and August 1999 (Hutchins and Berry 2004) and 92 species of echinoderms were

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recorded from these stations (Marsh and Morrison 2004). Thirteen of the species recorded from James Price Point were also recorded from the Dampier Archipelago (Table 1). Twenty intertidal stations were sampled at islands and reefs between Broome and Wyndham in 1991, and this survey recorded 80 species of echinoderms (Marsh 1992, and WAM Marine Invertebrates Collection database). Fifteen of the species recorded from James Price Point were also recorded from this inshore Kimberley survey. Only two intertidal stations have been sampled at Mermaid Reef by the Western Australian Museum, once in July 1982 (Marsh 1986) and once in September 2006 (Bryce and Marsh 2009), and a total of 47 species have been recorded (Appendix H). Only six of the species collected at James Price Point were also found at Mermaid Reef.

The taxonomic distinctness of echinoderms at all sites was near the expected average level for the North West Shelf region. James Price Point was clearly lower than other sites but still within the expected 95% confidence limits (Appendix H). Echinoderm species that occurred in intertidal areas at James Price Point were found to be different to those observed in the inshore Kimberley, Dampier Archipelago and Mermaid Reef (Rowley Shoals) (Appendix H). This is likely to be largely due to the James Price Point fauna being a subset of those found in other inshore areas of the Kimberley. The 1998 and 2009 James Price Point species list are separated due to the difference in the species collected in each year e.g. the crinoids collected in 1988 were different to the species collected in 2009 and these were from different families (Appendix H). The intertidal echinoderm fauna species from the inshore Kimberley and Dampier Archipelago is very similar. However, the intertidal echinoderm fauna from Mermaid Reef is different from the inshore fauna (Appendix H).

4.2. Related Studies

The results and maps developed in this study can be used to validate the modelled, broad-scale habitat maps being produced for the SA. In the Nearshore Benthic Habitat Mapping study (DFS14), the distribution of the different benthic marine habitats are being modelled and mapped to provide full coverage maps of habitat distribution across the extent for which Laser Airborne Depth Sounder (LADS) bathymetry data (Figure 1-1) have been collected. As there is an overlap between the study areas of DFS14 and DFS10, data collected during DFS10 can be used to evaluate how well the models developed using sub-tidal habitat distribution data can be used to predict distributions of benthic biota in the intertidal area.

A direct comparison of the maps produced in DFS10 and DFS14 should be made with caution as there are some differences between the two with regards to spatial extent, spatial resolution and level of detail used for species classification. In addition, the data used to develop the models in DFS14 were based on the observed distribution of habitats in sub-tidal areas. As such, the relationships defined between the environmental conditions and the biota that form the basis of the

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predictive mapping are not likely to remain consistent throughout the intertidal area where tidal regime and exposure will be the dominant drivers.

Overall, the areas mapped in this study (DFS10) represent a small proportion of the overall area modelled in DFS14 (Appendix I), but the general trends in distribution were correctly predicted. If more specific detail and finer resolution information on the distribution of benthic habitats in the intertidal zone is required, a combined approach where the mapping output from specific intertidal models are edited based on expert interpretation of the high resolution aerial photography could provide this. As such, the maps presented in this study provide an accurate representation of the benthic habitats at each of the sites. These could be further extrapolated using aerial imagery and existing data.

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5. Conclusions

The intertidal reef platforms in the James Price Point coastal area were spatially dynamic. The hard substrata were dominated by fine silt to coarse sand and turf algae. The distribution and abundance of benthic taxa recorded at all sites was variable among areas within sites and heights on the shore, predominantly due to differing periods of inundation. Notably, species composition was not statistically significant between the three survey areas, which indicate that there was no significant variation in species composition between the three sites. In addition, the density and abundance of BPP was also consistent with that documented in other regional studies. Similarly, no species of local, regional or conservation significance were recorded in this study.

The patterns observed in this study reinforce the notion that intertidal platforms are a dynamic environment, whereby the distribution and abundance of BPP and other benthic taxa can vary greatly as a result of physical processes (such as temperature and tidal fluctuations, wave energy and periodic cyclones), biological processes (such as competition, predation) and chemical processes (such as salinity, nutrients) acting over varying spatial and temporal scales (Underwood and Chapman 1996). Of these, the physical conditions experienced by intertidal environments are perhaps the most influential in the species composition and assemblages observed. Similar studies in strong macrotidal environments (SKM 2009b) have demonstrated strong correlations between the benthic cover and physical environmental variables (water temperature, sedimentation and turbidity). These influences will contribute to the overarching influence that height on the shore has on species assemblages.

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6. References

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Fry G, Heyward A, Wassenberg T, Taranto T, Stieglitz T, Colquhoun J (2008) Benthic habitat surveys of potential LNG hub locations in the Kimberley region. A study commissioned by the Western Australian Marine Science Institution on behalf of the Northern Development Taskforce. CSIRO and AIMS Joint Preliminary Report for the Western Australian Marine Science Institution.

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Marsh LM (1992) Scleractinian and other hard corals. In: Morgan G.J. (ed). Survey of the aquatic fauna of the Kimberley islands and reefs, Western Australia. Report of the Western Australian Museum Kimberley Island and Reef expedition, August 1991.

McMahon RF (2003) Acute hypo- and hypersaline activity responses relative to zonation of intertidal rocky shore and mangrove gastropods from Burrup Peninsula, Western Australia, In Wells, FE, Walker, DI and Jones, DS (eds) 2003, The Marine Flora and Fauna of Dampier, Western Australia, West Australian Museum, Perth.

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Semeniuk V (1993) The mangrove systems of Western Australia: 1993 Presidential Address. Journal of the Royal Society of Western Australia. 76: 99-122.

Silva PC, Meñez EG, Moe RL (1987) Catalog of the benthic marine algae of the Philippines. Smithsonian Contributions to Marine Sciences 27: iv + 179 p.

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SKM (2008a) Marine habitat classification scheme suitable for mapping sub-tidal habitats. Unpublished report. Sinclair Knight Merz, Perth, Western Australia.

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SKM (2009c) Draft Nearshore Benthic Habitat Modelling and Mapping. Unpublished report for Woodside Energy Limited.

Underwood AJ, Chapman MG (1996) Scales of spatial patterns of distribution of intertidal invertebrates, Oecologia, 107:212–224.

URS (2007) Browse Gas Project Wilson Point Intertidal Survey. Prepared for Woodside Energy Ltd.

Verheij E, Prud'homme van Reine WF (1993) Seaweeds of the Spermonde Archipelago, SW Sulawesi, Indonesia. Blumea 37: 385-510.

Walker DI (1996) Seagrasses and Macroalgae. In: Walker, D.I., Wells, F.E. and Hanley, J.R. (eds), Marine Biological Survey of the eastern Kimberley, Western Australia: 36-38, tables 5.2a-c. University of Western Australia, Western Australian Museum, Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory.

WA Museum (2008) Intertidal Habitats of Selected Sites in the Canning Bioregion – Preliminary Field Results, unpublished report submitted to the Northern Development Taskforce, DRIMS#4514068.

Wells FE, Bryce CW (1995) ‘Molluscs’, In: Wells, FE, Hanley, JR and Walker, DI (eds), Marine Biological Survey of the Southern Kimberley, Western Australia, pp 101-117.

Wilson B (2008) Intertidal Habitats of Selected Sites in the Canning Bioregion: Preliminary Field Results. Prepared for the Northern Development Taskforce, Western Australian Museum.

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Appendix A Intertidal Sampling Method (SKM 2009)

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SAMPLING METHODS

Rev B 01 October 2009 KLNG Development DFS10 - Intertidal Study

SAMPLING METHODS

Rev B 01 October 2009

Sinclair Knight Merz 11th Floor, Durack Centre 263 Adelaide Terrace PO Box H615 Perth WA 6001 Australia

Tel: +61 8 9268 4400 Fax: +61 8 9268 4488 Web: www.skmconsulting.com

COPYRIGHT: The concepts and information contained in this document are the property of Sinclair Knight Merz Pty Ltd. Use or copying of this document in whole or in part without the written permission of Sinclair Knight Merz constitutes an infringement of copyright.

The SKM logo trade mark is a registered trade mark of Sinclair Knight Merz Pty Ltd. LIMITATION STATEMENT The sole purpose of this report and the associated services performed by Sinclair Knight Merz (“SKM”) is to outline the methodology to be used during the KLNG Intertidal Survey (DFS10) in accordance with the scope of services set out in the contract between SKM and the Client. That scope of services, as described in this report, was developed with the Client.

In preparing this report, SKM has relied upon, and presumed accurate, any information (or confirmation of the absence thereof) provided by the Client and/or from other sources. Except as otherwise stated in the report, SKM has not attempted to verify the accuracy or completeness of any such information. If the information is subsequently determined to be false, inaccurate or incomplete then it is possible that our observations and conclusions as expressed in this report may change.

SKM derived the data in this report from information sourced from the Client (if any) and/or available in the public domain at the time or times outlined in this report. The passage of time, manifestation of latent conditions or impacts of future events may require further examination of the project and subsequent data analysis, and re-evaluation of the data, findings, observations and conclusions expressed in this report. SKM has prepared this report in accordance with the usual care and thoroughness of the consulting profession, for the sole purpose described above and by reference to applicable standards, guidelines, procedures and practices at the date of issue of this report. For the reasons outlined above, however, no other warranty or guarantee, whether expressed or implied, is made as to the data, observations and findings expressed in this report, to the extent permitted by law.

This report should be read in full and no excerpts are to be taken as representative of the findings. No responsibility is accepted by SKM for use of any part of this report in any other context.

This report has been generated based on information provided to SKM by the Client.

This report has been prepared on behalf of, and for the exclusive use of, SKM’s Client, and is subject to, and issued in accordance with, the provisions of the agreement between SKM and its Client. SKM accepts no liability or responsibility

The SKM logo trade mark is a registered trade mark of Sinclair Knight Merz Pty Ltd. whatsoever for, or in respect of, any use of, or reliance upon, this report by any third party.

The SKM logo trade mark is a registered trade mark of Sinclair Knight Merz Pty Ltd. Sampling methods for the KLNG

Contents

1. Introduction 1 1.1. Overview 1 1.2. Objectives 1 2. Methods 3 2.1. Sampling Plan 3 2.2. Quantitative Random Transects 6 2.3. Qualitative Video Transects 6 2.4. Data Analysis 7 2.4.1. Quantitative Analysis 7 2.4.2. Qualitative Analysis 7 2.5. Reporting 7 3. References 8 Appendix A Study Sites 9 Appendix B Intertidal habitat classification scheme (adapted from WA Museum 2008) 10

List of Figures

 Figure 1 Proposed intertidal study sites 4  Figure 2 WA Museum sampling sites (manually copied from WA Museum 2008) 5

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Document history and status

Date Revision Date issued Reviewed by Approved by Revision type approved A 25/09/2009 M Davey

Distribution of copies Revision Copy no Quantity Issued to A 1 1 M Davey

Printed: 2 October 2009

Last saved: 2 October 2009 02:05 PM

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Author: Ben Brayford, Mark Davey

Project manager: Mark Davey

Name of organisation: Woodside Energy Limited

Name of project: KLNG Development Intertidal Study

Name of document: Sampling methods

Document version: Rev B

Project number: WV03869

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1. Introduction

1.1. Overview The Kimberley liquefied natural gas (LNG) Precinct includes the construction and operation of LNG processing facilities and associated infrastructure on the Kimberley coast of Western Australia. Through a detailed selection process, the Department of State Development (DSD; acting as proponent) has identified James Price Point, on the Dampier Peninsula, as the preferred location of the Kimberley LNG Precinct.

In recognition of the importance of such a project, the State and Commonwealth Governments entered into an agreement to undertake a Strategic Assessment (SA) of a preferred precinct site. The SA provides the basis for an impact assessment and environmental approvals of the LNG precinct under the Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act, Commonwealth) and WA Environment Protection Act 1986 (EP Act, Western Australia).

The environmental approvals for the Kimberley LNG precinct will be obtained by Woodside Energy Limited (WEL) as the proponent on behalf of the Browse Development Joint Venture (JV) partners, and run in parallel to approvals being obtained by the DSD for the common user LNG precinct at James Price Point.

One of the aims of the SA is to detail the scope of studies and investigations to address the potential impacts of the development of the LNG precinct, including their proposed timing. As part of the Kimberley LNG Development baseline biological studies and investigations program, WEL requires an intertidal study (study reference number DFS10) to be carried out to investigate the distribution and abundance of intertidal flora and fauna within the James Price Point coastal area.

This report outlines the sampling plan and methodology for the Kimberley LNG Intertidal Study (DFS10).

1.2. Objectives The primary objectives of the intertidal study are to:

identify and map the distribution and abundance of intertidal flora and fauna within the defined study sites of James Price Point coastal area, with particular emphasis on BPPH;

identify the physical features and zones (e.g. sand, rubble, mud) of the intertidal area and their approximate locations within each defined study site; and

identify the distribution and abundance of invertebrate fauna within the defined study sites of the intertidal zone of the James Price Point coastal area. The results obtained from this study will be used to compile a report that describes the intertidal community (flora and fauna) of the James Price Point study areas, including

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species composition of the defined study areas;

relative density of species within the defined study areas;

habitat maps showing community composition within the defined study areas; and

the regional significance of the intertidal habitats.

The techniques may require modification during field implementation to determine the most appropriate method for the study objectives and field conditions.

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2. Methods

2.1. Sampling Plan Four (4) intertidal study sites are selected for sampling. One site to the south and one to the north of James price Point, encompassing areas of potential development, and one reference site each at Quondong Point and Flat Rock (Figure 1) The reference sites were selected based on their representativeness to the James Price Point development sites, as far as could be estimated from aerial photographs and results from the NDT 2008 study (Figure 2). Site geomorphology, coastal processes, exposure and accessibility were all taken into account when selecting the study sites. However, with limited information sources available to assess these features, there is potential that the selected sites will have different disturbance regimes, which may influence the composition and abundance of intertidal species.

Each study area extends 1 km along the coastline and has a width from the highest to the lowest spring tide mark. Within each study area, the different community types (zones) will be mapped prior to fieldwork, using GIS and aerial images (Appendix A). These will be verified by in-situ observations when in the field.

Two different methods will be used to provide a qualitative and quantitative assessment of substrate and biota composition, and percent cover. Qualitative video transects comparable to those taken by the Western Australian Museum (WA Museum 2008) will be recorded. Quantitative assessments will be conducted to capture adequate data for accurate impact assessments, to set a baseline to assess temporal changes, and to meet approval requirements including that of EPA Guidance Statement 29.

The sampling method will also include opportunistic infauna sampling and identification, where practical.

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Figure 1 Proposed intertidal study sites

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113'!10'! C' r------~--~ ~rl ::""~ ~

~ .. ~ •• • /

Figure 2 WA Museum sampling sites (manually copied from WA Museum 2008)

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2.2. Quantitative Random Transects The intertidal study sites will be mapped in GIS using high resolution aerial images, prior to fieldwork to indentify the intertidal zones. It is anticipated that each study area will have four (4) or five (5) distinct intertidal zones based on aerial images. Zones may need to be amended following ground-truthing in the field with both vertical and horizontal zonation to be identified. Ultimately, intertidal zones will be classified based on biophysical and geomorphic features recorded in the field. This will allow for bioregional comparison to be made using previous studies (WAM 2008). Identified habitat zones and random transect locations for each study site are provided in Appendix A

Each study site will be classified according to the Intertidal Habitat Classification heirachy provided in Appendix B 2 For each identified intertidal zone, at each study site, two, approximately 1,600 m , defined survey areas will be randomly selected. These areas will be quantitative study areas. The shape of these quantitative areas may need to be changed to fit the identified intertidal zones

Three (3) x 25 m transects, selected using stratified random sampling to avoid clumping, will be placed in each quantitative study area. Transects will be videoed for reference. Analysis of these videos will only be conducted if necessary (e.g. to validate findings of quantitative quadrats)

Along each transect, ten (10), 60 cm x 40 cm random quadrats will be quantitatively sampled. Each quadrat will be digitally photographed to ultimately determine species composition, richness and diversity, percentage cover (substrate and biota), vertical and horizontal distribution. Observations will be recorded in the field and voucher specimens collected where necessary

Although, transect locations will be pre-defined by GIS, there may be a need to move the transect locations when in the field. 2.3. Qualitative Video Transects At each location, two video transects, traversing the intertidal zone from the high water mark to the lowest water mark, perpendicular to the slope, will be recorded

The transect location will be pre-defined using GIS and will aim cover all or as many of the defined intertidal zones as possible

The video will be recorded at waist height at a speed of 1 km/h

The qualitative transect data will be used as a comparison to the WA Museum survey (NDT study) in the region and to validate the intertidal maps and models

The video transects will be geo-referenced using a handheld Garmin 60 CSx unit, which provides a GPS accuracy of 10m (95% of the time).

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2.4. Data Analysis

2.4.1. Quantitative Analysis Digital images of individual quadrats from all transects will be analysed using Coral Point Count (CPCe) software, and random point generation. Precision tests will be performed to determine the number of random points needed to characterise the benthos (approximately 20 points). Each point will be assigned a biota or substrate type. The biota and substrate classifications will be identified to the finest practical taxonomic classification resolution and classified into a hierarchical Intertidal Habitat Classification Hierarchy (Appendix 1). Statistical analysis will be performed on the data to determine the power of the sampling to detect temporal changes (for future monitoring) and identifying the community composition similarities.

Data from field observations and each quadrat will be used to determine species composition, richness and diversity, percentage cover (substrate and biota), and vertical and horizontal distribution of habitat types. Intertidal habitat maps will be generated from this data and existing aerial imagery.

2.4.2. Qualitative Analysis The qualitative video footage will be analysed using custom programmed video analysis software. The time of analysis is approximately twice the duration of the actual video footage (a 3 minute transect would take about 6 minutes of analysis) plus 2-3 hours of setup of classifications. Biota and substrate attributes are assigned to a GPS point every second the video is played back. The data is used to verify and classify the habitat classification categories identified for habitat mapping. The habitat classifications will be based on the Intertidal Habitat Classification Hierarchy (Appendix B) and the SKM Habitat Classification Scheme (SKM 2008a). The analysis methods are similar to the methods used for SKM’s subtidal habitat mapping studies, using the towed video method (SKM, 2008b) and will be comparable to the WA museum intertidal study in the canning bioregion (WA Museum, 2008, DRIMS#4514068).

2.5. Reporting An Intertidal Habitat Report will be generated, which will provide a detailed description of the methodology employed, results, habitat maps and discussions on the results with respect to regional comparisons. This report will incorporate the species composition list generated by the Western Australian Museum.

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3. References

EPA (2004) Guidance for the Assessment of Environmental Factors No. 29. Benthic Primary Producer Habitat Protection for Western Australia’s Marine Environment. June 2004.

SKM (2008a) Marine habitat classification scheme suitable for mapping subtidal habitats. Unpublished report. Sinclair Knight Merz, Perth, Western Australia.

SKM (2008b) Woodside Energy Ltd, North West Shelf Phase 6 Expansion Mermaid Sound Subtidal Habitat Study, unpublished report, WEL document number JA0006RH0051 WA Museum (2008) Intertidal Habitats of Selected Sites in the Canning Bioregion – Preliminary Field Results, unpublished report submitted to the Northern Development Taskforce, DRIMS#4514068.

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Appendix B Intertidal Habitat Classification Hierarchy (adapted from Wilson 2008)

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Appendix C Habitat classification definitions (SKM 2009)

Consolidated (Reef) Any substrate predominantly made up of particles of cobble size (>64 mm diameter) or larger. substrate Biotic dominated A habitat in which one or more groups of biota cover >5% of the reef (over 5 m2) Abiotic rocky reef Reef with <1% biota (over 5 m2) Reef Substrate Rock (unbroken) Unbroken rock substrate Boulder Particles >256 mm Cobble Particles 64-256 mm Reef Profile High Profile >4 m rise over 2 m; a hard or solid substrate with slopes greater than 70°, including vertical walls, overhangs etc. Medium Profile 1-4 m rise over 2 m; a hard or solid substrate with slopes between 30–70° Low Profile A hard or solid substrate with slopes between 2–30°. Flat <1 m rise over 2 m; a hard or solid substrate with slopes <5° Obscured reef No hard substrate visible due to a superficial sand/gravel layer but biotic components such as sessile invertebrates and macroalgae, which require a solid substrate for attachment, were present. Unconsolidated Any substrate predominantly made up of particles of pebble size (<64 mm diameter) or smaller. (Sediment) substrate Biotic sediment Biota covers >1% (over 5 m2) of sediment Abiotic sediment Biota covers <1% (over 5 m2) of sediment Sediment Flat Sediment with undulations <25 cm high Ripples Sediment with undulations 25–75 cm high Waves Sediment with undulations >75 cm high

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Consolidated (Reef) Any substrate predominantly made up of particles of cobble size (>64 mm diameter) or larger. substrate Particle Size Pebble Particles 4-64 mm Gravel Particles 2-4 mm; used to describe conspicuous grains of sediment, including biogenic particles such as shells and coral rubble. Sand Particles 63 um - 2 mm Mud Particles <63 um Biota classes Algae Coralline algae Encrusting Turfing, fine feathery <20 mm; Rturf, Gturf, Bturf (e.g. Turfing algae) Small Algae (<20 cm) Membrane, thin sheets 20 mm - 20 cm; Red algae membrane (Rmem), Green membrane (Gmem), Brown membrane (Bmem) (e.g. Lobophora spp. , Padina spp.) Foliaceous, bushy <20 cm; Rfoli, Gfoli, Bfoli (e.g. Gfoli = Caulerpa spp.) Lobed, flattened and <20 cm; Rlobe, Globe, Blobe (e.g. BLOBE = Dictyopteris spp.) rounded Fleshy or ball-like <20 cm; Glump (e.g. Codium spp.) Canopy Algae (>20 cm) Branching, large canopy species >20 cm; RBranch, GBranch, BBranch (e.g. BBranch = Sargassum spp.)

Seagrass Can be separated into genus e.g. Halophila, Posidonia, Zostera, Amphibolis

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Consolidated (Reef) Any substrate predominantly made up of particles of cobble size (>64 mm diameter) or larger. substrate Hard Coral Where possible further distinction based on morphological structure can be made (adapted from English, Wilkinson and Baker 1997) see Appendix 1 Branching At least secondary branching (e.g. Seriatopora hystrix) Digitate No secondary branching (e.g. Acropora digitifera) Tabular Horizontal flattened plates (e.g. Acropora hyacinthus) Encrusting Major portion attached to substrate as a laminar plate (e.g. Porites vaughani) Foliose Coral attached at one or more points, leaf-like appearance e.g. Turbinaria spp.) Massive Solid boulder or mound grows equally in all directions (e.g. Favites spp.) Submassive Similar to massive but tends to form small columns, knobs or wedges (e.g. Porites spp, Lobophyllia spp.) Mushroom Solitary, free-living corals (e.g. Fungia) Heliopora Blue coral Millepora Fire coral Tubipora Organ-pipe coral (e.g. Tubipora musica) Filter Feeders Excluding hard coral. The presence of sponges, ascidians, hydroids, sea pens, barnacles, oysters. Mixed Classes Biota classes can be co-dominant when the habitat has a significant cover (i.e. >1% biota over 5 m2) of two or more biota classes.

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Consolidated (Reef) Any substrate predominantly made up of particles of cobble size (>64 mm diameter) or larger. substrate Density of biota Very Dense >75% biota cover over 5 m2 Dense 50-75% biota cover over 5 m2 Medium 25-50% biota cover over 5 m2 Sparse 5-25% biota cover over 5 m2 Very Sparse 1-5% biota cover over 5 m2 No biota <1% biota cover over 5 m2

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Appendix D The video point b iota data used and the geomorphic zone attributes

Polygon TidalZone SubstrateClass BiotaClass BiotaDensity SoftCoral HardCoral CanopyAlgae SmallAlgae FilterFeeders TurfAlgaeVideo Abiotic Points Percent Points Percent Points Percent Points Percent Points Percent Points Percent Points Percent Points JPPN_1 Lower-littoral Reef Canopy Algae, Small Algae, Sparse 158 96.3% 156 95.1% 10 6.0% 72 43.9% 161 98.2% 5 3.0% 1 0.6% 174 Coral, Filter Feeders JPPN_2 Upper-littoral Sand Abiotic Abiotic 33 100.0% 33 JPPN_3 Mid-littoral Reef Small Algae Sparse 175 100.0% 54 30.9% 175 JPPN_4 Mid-littoral Sand Abiotic Abiotic 13 100.0% 13 JPPN_5 Lower Mid-littoral Reef and Sand Abiotic Abiotic 20 100.0% 20 JPPN_6 Mid-littoral Reef and Sand Small Algae Sparse 110 77.5% 23 16.2% 9 6.3% 142 JPPN_7 Lower Mid-littoral Reef and Sand Coral, Small Algae Sparse 39 20.0% 12 6.2% 39 20.0% 20 10.3% 109 55.9% 195 JPPN_8 Mid-littoral Reef and Sand Abiotic Abiotic 0 JPPNR_1 Lower-littoral Reef Canopy Algae, Small Algae, Sparse 43 97.7% 43 97.7% 43 97.7% 43 97.7% 1 2.3% 44 Coral JPPNR_2 Mid-littoral Reef and Sand Abiotic Abiotic 45 100.0% 45 JPPNR_3 Upper-littoral Reef and Sand Abiotic Abiotic 39 100.0% 39 JPPNR_4 Upper-littoral Sand Abiotic Abiotic 24 100.0% 24 JPPNR_5 Lower Mid-littoral Reef Turf, Filter Feeders Sparse 8 11.8% 8 11.8% 60 88.2% 68 JPPNR_6 Lower-littoral Sand Abiotic Abiotic 0 JPPNR_7 Mid-littoral Reef and Sand Abiotic Abiotic 0 JPPNR_8 Mid-littoral Sand Abiotic Abiotic 22 100.0% 22 JPPS_1 Upper-littoral Sand Abiotic Abiotic 1 3.3% 29 96.7% 30 JPPS_2 Mid-littoral Reef Canopy Algae, Small Algae Sparse 0 JPPS_3 Upper-littoral Reef Abiotic Abiotic 42 100.0% 42 JPPS_4 Lower Mid-littoral Reef and Sand Canopy Algae, Small Algae, Sparse 59 37.8% 59 37.8% 59 37.8% 155 99.4% 155 99.4% 1 0.6% 156 Coral, Filter Feeders JPPS_5 Upper-littoral Reef Abiotic Abiotic 1 0.9% 1 0.9% 2 1.8% 11 9.6% 12 10.5% 102 89.5% 114 JPPS_6 Upper-littoral Reef Abiotic Abiotic 0 JPPS_7 Mid-littoral Reef Canopy Algae, Small Algae Abiotic 0 JPPS_8 Lower Mid-littoral Reef Canopy Algae, Small Algae, Dense 374 100.0% 374 100.0% 374 100.0% 374 100.0% 328 87.7% 52 13.9% 374 Coral, Filter Feeders

Note: The percent of the biota class points in each geomorphic zone may total over 100% due to the occurrence of mixed biota classes)

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Appendix E Examples of Typical Quadrats

E.1 North Site N1-N2 Dominant category: Fine Sand

N3

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N4

N5

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N6

N7

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N8

N9

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N10

E.2 South Site S1-S2

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S3

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S4

S5

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S6

S7

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S8

S9

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S10

S12

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S13

E.3 North Reference NR1-NR3

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NR4

NR5

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NR6

NR7

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NR8

NR9

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Appendix F Benthic Taxa

Macroalgae - Codium sp (dark green) and Ulva flexuosa (light green)

S8T2_05 S10T3_01

N3T2_01 N5T2_09

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Macroalgae - Caulerpa verticillata (green) and Macroalgae - Caulerpa sp Gracilaria salicornia (red/brown)

N6T1_10 S12T1_08

Mollusca

Morula sp.

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Limpet Nerita sp.

Trochus hanleyanus

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Saccostrea cuccullata Brachidontes ustulatus

Chitons

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Crustaceans Crustaceans

Barnacles

Hermit Crabs

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Polychaetes

Shell casings Worm casings

Soft Coral

Lobophytum sp.

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Hard Coral

Favia sp

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Faviidae and Platygyra sp. Faviidae

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Tridacna maxima

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Appendix G Full Species Lists

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I:\WVES\Projects\WV03926\Deliverables\CTR 10.212 DFS10 Intertidal Study\Reports\Rev 5\R5_WV03869_DFS10_26 07 10_final.docx PAGE 80 Species James Price James Price Flat Rock Point South Point North Acanthophora spicifera 1 Amphiroa beauvoisii 2 Anotrichium tenue 1 Antithamnion sp. 1 Asparagopsis taxiformis 1 Bachelotia antillarum 1 Boergesensia forbesii 2 Bostrychia tenella 2 Botryocladia leptopoda 1 1 (drift) Bryopsis indica 1 Calothrix sp. 1 Caulerpa fergusoni 1 Caulerpa lentillifera Caulerpa racemosa v. laetevirens 221 Caulerpa racemosa v. lamourouxii 12 Caulerpa racemosa v. racemosa 11 1 Caulerpa serrulata 11 Caulerpa sertularioides 22 Caulerpa taxifolia 2 Caulerpa verticillata 2 Centroceras clavulatum 11 Ceratodictyon spongiosum 1 Chaetomorpha indica 21 Champia stipitata 1 1 (drift) Chondria armata 21 Chondria sp. 1 Chondrophycus sp. 1 Cladophora aokii 2 Cladophoropsis vaucheriaeformis 1 Codium dwarkense 211 Coelarthrum opuntia 2 1 (drift) Coelothrix ? 1 Colpomenia sinuosa 11 Crouania sp. 1 Cyanobacteria 'bubbles' 1 Cystoseira trinodis 2 1 1 (drift) Derbesia tenuissima 1 Dictyopteris australis 11 Dictyopteris woodwardia 1 (drift) Dictyota ciliolata 1 1 (drift) Digenea simplex 1 Erythroclonium sp. nov 1 1(drift) Erythrotrichia carnea 1 Galaxaura rugosa 21 Gracilaria arcuata 2 Gracilaria salicornia 11 Gracilaria vieillardii 21 Halimeda cylindracea 1 Halimeda opuntia 1 Halimeda tuna 21 Halimeda velasquezii 211 Haloplegma preissii 1

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D:\Documents and Settings\amdavey\Local Settings\Temporary Internet Files\Content.Outlook\2FT8CAEM\Doc2 (4).docx PAGE 1 Species James Price James Price Flat Rock Point South Point North Halymenia durvillei 1 1 (drift) Hormophysa cuneiformis 21 Hydrolithon farinosum 1 Hydropuntia urvillea 1 Hypnea pannosa 21 Jania adhaerens 11 Jania sp. 21 Leveillea jungermannioides 1 Lobophora variegata 11 Martensia fragilis 1 Martensia pavonia 1 Neomeris vanbosseae 1 Neoralfsia expansa 11 Ophionereis dubia 2 Padina australis 221 Palisada papillosa 11 Peyssonnelia sp. 1 Polysiphonia sp. 21 Portieria hornemanii 11 1 Pterocladiella caerulescens 1 Ptilocladia yuenii 1 Sarconema filiforme 1 Sargassum decurrens 21 1 Sargassum myriocystum 1 Sargassum oligocystum 11 1 Sargassum sp. 1 'spiral receptacle' 1 Sargassum sp. 3 'long leaf' 1 Sargassum sp. 4 'paddle leaf' 1 Spatoglossum asperum 22 2 Spongoclonium caribaeum 1 Sporochnus sp. 1 (drift) Thamnoclonium tissotii 1 Tricleocarpa cylindrica 21 1 Tricleocarpa fragilis 1 Udotea flabellum 11 Udotea orientalis? 1 Ulva flexuosa 22 2 Ulva 'leafy' 2 Ulva paradoxa Wrangelia elegantissima 11

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D:\Documents and Settings\amdavey\Local Settings\Temporary Internet Files\Content.Outlook\2FT8CAEM\Doc2 (4).docx PAGE 2 Species James Price James Price Flat Rock Point South Point North Lamprometra palmata 1 Ophiactis fuscolineata 1 Macrophiothrix paucispina 1 Ophionereis dubia 14 1 Ophioplocus imbricata 1 Peronella orbicularis 2 Holothuria (Halodeima) atra 32 Holothuria (Mertensiothuria) leucospilota 22 Holothuria (Stauropora) modesta 12 Holothuria (Lessonothuria) pardalis 22 Colochirus crassus Ekman, 1 Phyrella sp. 11 Afrocucumis africana 2

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Species James Price James Price Flat Rock Point South Point North Acanthopleura gemmata Blainville, 1825 1 Acanthopleura spinosa (Bruguière, 1792) Nerita polita Linnaeus, 1758 Nerita undata Linnaeus, 1758 Haliotis squamata Reeve, 1846 Haliotis varia Linnaeus, 1758 Montfortula variegata (Adams, 1852) Patelloida mimula (Iredale, 1924) Patelloida saccharina (Linnaeus, 1758) Calthalotia strigata (Adams, 1853) cf. Clanculus sp. Clanculus sp. Tectus fenestratus (Gmelin, 1791) Trochus hanleyanus Reeve, 1843 Astralium rotularia (Lamarck, 1822) Turbo brunneus Röding, 1791 Turbo cinereus Born, 1798 Cerithium torresi Smith, 1884 Cerithium trailli (Sowerby, 1855) Pseudovertagus aluco (Linnaeus 1758) Rhinoclavis bituberculata (Sowerby, 1855) Clypeomorus batillariaeformis Habe and Kosuge, 1966 Cypraea errones Linnaeus, 1758 Planaxis sulcatus (Born, 1780) Hexaplex stainforthi (Reeve, 1843) Morula granulata (Duclos, 1832) Morula margariticola (Broderip, 1832) Stramonita muricina (Blainville, 1832) Thais tuberosa (Röding, 1798) Cantharus erythrostomus (Reeve, 1846) Cantharus fumosus (Dillwyn, 1817) Cantharus undosus (Linnaeus, 1758) Nassarius bicallosus (Smith, 1876) Latirus turritus (Gmelin, 1790) Mitra variabilis Reeve, 1844 Hastula rufopunctata (Smith, 1877) Onchidium sp. Siphonaria kurracheensis Reeve, 1856 Siphonaria lacunosa (Linnaeus, 1758) Brachidontes ustulatus (Lamarck 1819) Barbatia pistachia (Lamarck, 1819) Pinctadacf.albina (Lamarck, 1819) Saccostrea cuccullata (Born, 1778) Tridacna maxima (Röding , 1798) Mactra abreviata Lamarck, 1819 Octopus sp.

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D:\Documents and Settings\amdavey\Local Settings\Temporary Internet Files\Content.Outlook\2FT8CAEM\Doc2 (4).docx PAGE 4 Species James Price James Price Flat Rock Point South Point North Acanthopleura gemmata Blainville, 1825 8 9 9 Acanthopleura spinosa (Bruguière, 1792) 1 1 3 Nerita polita Linnaeus, 1758 2 4 2 Nerita polita Linnaeus, 1758 8 6 5 Haliotis squamata Reeve, 1846 1 Haliotis varia Linnaeus, 1758 4 2 2 Montfortula variegata (Adams, 1852) 2 2 1 Patella flexuosa (Quoy and Gaimard, 1834) 9 2 Patelloida mimula (Iredale, 1924) 11 13 1 Patelloida saccharina (Linnaeus, 1758) 10 7 Calthalotia strigata (Adams, 1853) 7 3 cf. Clanculus sp. 1 Clanculus sp. 2 2 1 Isanda coronata Adams, 1854 1 Pseudostomatella maculata (Quoy & Gaimard, 1834) 1 Tectus fenestratus (Gmelin, 1791) 3 1 Tectus pyramis (Born, 1778) 3 2 Trochus hanleyanus Reeve, 1843 13 12 10 Angaria delphinus (Linnaeus, 1758) 1 Astralium rotularia (Lamarck, 1822) 1 3 1 Turbo brunneus Röding, 1791 7 3 2 Turbo cinereus Born, 1798 9 3 5 Cerithium torresi Smith, 1884 1 0 Cerithium trailli (Sowerby, 1855) 2 0 Pseudovertagus aluco (Linnaeus 1758) 1 0 Rhinoclavis bituberculata (Sowerby, 1855) 4 2 1 Clypeomorus batillariaeformis Habe and Kosuge, 30 1966 Cypraea caputserpentis Linnaeus, 1758 4 0 Cypraea errones Linnaeus, 1758 1 0 Cypraea moneta Linnaeus, 1758 2 0 Cypraea tigris Linnaeus, 1758 1 0 Planaxis sulcatus (Born, 1780) 4 3 2 Polinices conicus (Lamarck, 1822) 1 Natica gualteriana (Recluz, 1844) 1 Littorina undulata Gray, 1839 4 1 Nodilittorina pyramidalis (Quoy & Gaimard, 1833) 3 0 Cymatium gemmatum (Reeve, 1844) 1 Hexaplex stainforthi (Reeve, 1843) 1 0 Morula granulata (Duclos, 1832) 13 8 11 Morula margariticola (Broderip, 1832) 11 5 8 Stramonita muricina (Blainville, 1832) 1 0 Thais tuberosa (Röding, 1798) 10 10 11 Cantharus erythrostomus (Reeve, 1846) 1 0 Cantharus fumosus (Dillwyn, 1817) 1 0 Cantharus undosus (Linnaeus, 1758) 1 0 Pyrene testudinaria (Link, 1807) 1 0 0 Nassarius bicallosus (Smith, 1876) 1 1

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D:\Documents and Settings\amdavey\Local Settings\Temporary Internet Files\Content.Outlook\2FT8CAEM\Doc2 (4).docx PAGE 5 Latirus turritus (Gmelin, 1790) 1 3 0 Peristernia incarnata Kiener, 1840 1 0 0 Mitra variabilis Reeve, 1844 1 0 Hastula rufopunctata (Smith, 1877) 1 0 Aplysia dactylamela Rang, 1828 1 0 Plocomophorous tilesii Bergh, 1877 1 0 Gymnodoris citrina (Bergh, 1875) 1 0 Dendrodoris arborescens (Collingwood, 1881) 1 Flabellina rubrolineata (O'Donoghue, 1929) 1 0 Onchidium sp. 6 8 0 Siphonaria kurracheensis Reeve, 1856 17 11 4 Siphonaria lacunosa (Linnaeus, 1758) 10 11 3 Brachidontes ustulatus (Lamarck 1819) 15 Barbatia pistachia (Lamarck, 1819) 51 Pinctadacf.albina (Lamarck, 1819) 1 Pinctada margaritifera (Linnaeus, 1758) 1 Isognomon isognomon (Linnaeus, 1758) 1 Isognomon spp. 3 Saccostrea sp. 1 Saccostrea cuccullata (Born, 1778) 11 4 Spondylus spp. 3 Chama spp. 885 Cardita marmorea Reeve, 1843 1 Tridacna maxima (Röding , 1798) 412 Mactra abreviata Lamarck, 1819 1 Octopus sp. 31 Abdopus sp. NW1 1

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D:\Documents and Settings\amdavey\Local Settings\Temporary Internet Files\Content.Outlook\2FT8CAEM\Doc2 (4).docx PAGE 6 James Price James Price Flat Rock Point South Point North Cirriformia sp. 1

Eunice cf. aequibilis 1

Eunice cf. tribranchiata 1

Palola siciliensis 1

Eunice sp. 1

Lysidice cf. MoV2557 1

Pherusa parmata 1

Glycera oxycephala 2

Glycera sp. 1

Lumbrineris sp. 1

Maldane sp. 2

Neanthes cf. bongcoi 1 1

Perinereiscf. barbara 1 2

Perinereis nigropunctata 1 1

Perinereis nuntia 1 5

Pseudonereis anomala 1

Diopatra sp. (empty tubes) 2

Armandia sp. 1

Owenia sp. (empty tubes) 3 3

Eumida sp. 1 3

Idanthyrsus australiensis 1 1

Idanthyrsus (empty tubes) 1

Branchiomma nigromaculata 2 1

Sabellinae sp. 1

Josephella marenzelleri (empty tubes) 1

Hydroides exaltatus (3-ridged tube) 2

Hydroides sp. (tubes) 1

Pomatoleios krausii (single ridge tube) 1 2 6

Salmacina australis 2

Serpula vascifera (3-dorsal ridged 1 tube)

Serpulidae 1 (large round mouth tube) 1 1

Serpulidae 2 (Spirorbinae sp., empty 1 1

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Serpulid (2-ridged empty tube) 1

Scolelepis snelli? 1 1

Fimbriosthenelais sp. 1

Scolelepis carunculata 3

Scolelepis sp 1

Scolelepis sp 2 1

Brania sp. 1

Ehlersia sp 2

Eusyllis sp. 1

Opisthosyllis sp. 1

Salvatoria sp. 1

Sphaerosyllis sp. 1

Syllinae sp. 1

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Appendix H Reports of Specific Taxonomic Groups

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I:\WVES\Projects\WV03869\WEL review March2010\R1_WV03869_DFS10_10 03 18_ejb_SRL.docx PAGE 87 Marine Benthic Algae John Huisman

General Observations

This survey documented 91 species and varieties of marine benthic algae at the James Price Point and Flat Rocks sites, comprising 26 green algae, 18 brown algae, 45 red algae and 2 cyanobacteria. While the intention was primarily to document the intertidal flora, several drift specimens were also collected and these are included in the totals given above. However, all but 2 of the drift species were also collected in-situ. The full list of species is given in Appendix I with a description of their typical habitats (epilithic, epiphytic etc.) and distribution at each of the 3 sites. Distribution within zones at each of the sites is given in Appendix I.

When examining these results, an oft repeated caveat is pertinent. While our understanding of Western Australia’s southern and south-western benthic algal flora is reasonable, published information describing that of the State’s north-west is exceedingly scant. The author of this section is currently preparing a marine flora for the region, however, and much unpublished information has been incorporated in the assessment of the James Price Point flora. Moreover, the author’s collections from Quondong Point (to the south of JPP) and those of B.J.Carter from One Arm Point (to the north of JPP) have provided materials for qualitative comparisons of the flora. These collections are housed in the Western Australian Herbarium (abbreviation: PERTH). As the collection effort expended to obtain these samples is not comparable to that of the present survey, no quantitative estimates have been attempted. However, a qualitative assessment of the algal diversity in relation to the region is possible.

1.1. Biogeographic Affinities

Marine Benthic Algae The marine benthic algae (‘seaweeds’) recorded from the study area form a subset of the broader Indo-Pacific tropical flora. This region is regarded as a diversity ‘hotspot’ and numerous species of marine organisms (including algae) have been recorded. A table of species numbers from several locations within the region was given by Huisman et al. (2009) and is reproduced here, incorporating the species count of the present survey. These numbers should not be compared directly as they represent vastly different areas and collection effort. The relatively low final count of 91 species recorded during the present survey does, in fact, suggest a rich macroalgal flora, given the limited survey period and habitat restricted to only the intertidal. Table 1: Number of algal species recorded from various Indo-Pacific localities (partially from Huisman et al. 2009).

Region/Island Recorded Source taxa Philippines 911 Silva et al. 1987 Indonesia 452 Verheij & Prud’homme van Reine 1993 Australia, Dampierian province >350 Huisman, unpublished obs. Dampier Archipelago 210 Huisman & Borowitzka 2003 Lord Howe I., N.S.W. 298 Australian Marine Algal Name Index Barrow I. 170 Huisman, unpublished obs. Eastern Kimberley 90 Walker 1996 Scott & Seringapatam Reefs ± 50 URS Survey (2006) Rowley Shoals, Scott & ± 121 Huisman et al. 2009 Seringapatam Reefs James Price Point & Flat Rocks 91 This report

1.2. Regional Perspective

The tropical coastline of Western Australia ranges from just south of Coral Bay to the eastern Kimberley and Western Australian – Northern Territory border and encompasses three of the broad scale terrestrial regions of Western Australia, in the south the northern section of the Gascoyne (to approximately mid way along the eastern shore of Exmouth Gulf), north of this the Pilbara (to just east of Port Hedland), and then the Kimberley (to the W.A./N.T. border). From a marine perspective, it includes 11 of the IMCRA meso- scale bioregions (Commonwealth of Australia, 2006) and therefore encompasses a variety of habitats, from nearshore sandy shores to offshore reefs. As mentioned above, the algal flora of this region is not well known (see Huisman et al. 2009 for more information), which unfortunately hampers any regional comparisons. However, the majority of the species recorded in the present survey are widespread in tropical Australia, given suitable habitats, and from that perspective James Price Point and Flat Rocks are not unique

1.3. Local/Sub-Regional Perspective

Marine Benthic Algae The species of marine benthic algae occurring at the James Price Point sites and Flat Rocks are typical of rocky shores in the region. Virtually all species recorded are previously known from the Broome area and Dampier Peninsula. Three exceptions are the filamentous brown alga Bachelotia antillarum, the red alga Gracilaria viellardii, and a potentially new species of the red algal genus Erythroclonium. The first of these was originally described from the West Indies and has a widespread distribution in tropical regions (including that of eastern Australia, Kraft, 2009). Its presence in tropical Western Australia is not unexpected and it has probably been overlooked previously due to its filamentous structure and appearance similar to that of several locally common genera. Gracilaria vieillardii was described originally from New Caledonia and is widely reported in the tropical Indian and Pacific Oceans (Guiry & Guiry, 2009). While is has not been recorded from Western Australia previously, its presence is not unexpected.

The possible new species of Erythroclonium was collected from James Price Point South and in the drift at Flat Rocks. Several specimens were observed at both locations and the species appears to be common. A subsequent examination of collections housed in the WA Herbarium revealed several misidentified (as Erythroclonium sonderi) specimens from the Dampier Archipelago (PERTH 04002679), collected in 1960. Thus it appears that the species is more widespread than the current survey might suggest and has not previously been recognized as a distinct taxon. Further studies, including DNA sequence analyses, will be undertaken to clarify the relationships of this entity.

Table 2 Local Macroalgal Species Diversity

Location # of species recorded Quondong Point 50 (in PERTH) James Price Point South 59 James Price Point North 41 Flat Rocks 40 One Arm Point > 100 (in PERTH)

The most diverse and common of algal genera in the region is the brown algal genus Sargassum. Unfortunately the taxonomy of the genus is poorly understood and of the 6 species recorded in the survey, only 3 could be reliably named. At present the author is supervising a student project undertaking a morphological and DNA sequence study of NW Sargassum, and the specimens collected during this survey will be incorporated into that study. Voucher specimens of all species will be lodged in the WA Herbarium and can therefore be consulted in the future for reliable species determinations.

James Price Point and Flat Rocks

The species count for each locality is comparable, but there are slight differences in the composition of the flora. This is most likely due to several factors, including: 1. Accessibility. Due to unavoidable delays the extreme lower littoral could not always be surveyed comprehensively. As this is typically the most diverse habitat, the species composition recorded differs; 2. Several of the species recorded are small epiphytes. These are probably common to all sites but were only recorded when observed growing on larger algae during microscopical examination; 3. Habitat variation. The lower intertidal rock formations at the southern site were different to those at the other sites.

Compared with Quondong Point to the south (50 species) and One Arm Point to the north (over 100 species), the species composition recorded at James Price Point and Flat Rocks were similar. The higher diversity at One Arm Point is most likely due to greater habitat variation, sampling effort, and possibly seasonal variation. Further sampling at James Price Point during different seasons may increase the species count, but it is unlikely to approach the levels of One Arm Point, as the habitat there is more heterogenous.

References Guiry, M.D. & Guiry, G.M. (2009). AlgaeBase. World-wide electronic publication, National University of Ireland, Galway. http://www.algaebase.org; searched on 07 December 2009. Huisman, J.M. & Borowitzka, M.A. (2003). Marine benthic flora of the Dampier Archipelago, Western Australia. In Wells, F.E., Walker, D.I. and Jones, D.S. (eds), The Marine Flora and Fauna of Dampier, Western Australia: 291-344. Western Australian Museum. Perth. Huisman, J.M., Leliaert, F., Verbruggen, H., & Townsend, R.A. (2009). Marine Benthic Plants of Western Australia’s Shelf-Edge Atolls. Records of the Western Australian Museum 77: 50-87. Kraft, G.T. (2009). Marine Benthic Algae of Lord Howe Island and the Southern Great Barrier Reef, 2. Brown Algae. Australian Biological Resources Study/CSIRO Publishing. vi + 364 p. Silva, P.C., Meñez, E.G. and Moe, R.L. (1987). Catalog of the benthic marine algae of the Philippines. Smithsonian Contributions to Marine Sciences 27: iv + 179 p. Verheij, E. and Prud'homme van Reine, W.F. (1993). Seaweeds of the Spermonde Archipelago, SW Sulawesi, Indonesia. Blumea 37: 385-510. Walker, D.I. (1996). Seagrasses and Macroalgae. In: Walker, D.I., Wells, F.E. and Hanley, J.R. (eds), Marine Biological Survey of the eastern Kimberley, Western Australia: 36-38, tables 5.2a-c. University of Western Australia, Western Australian Museum, Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory. Molluscs James Price Point Intertidal Survey, October 2009 Clay Bryce

1.1. Survey Methodology

Only live macromolluscan species are included in this report. Macromolluscs are defined as species with an adult size greater than or equal to one centimetre. Data from molluscan collections, recorded over time during collecting trips by this and other museums, have not been included. Species from the families, Vermetidae and Hipponicidae were not recorded due to time constraints.

This survey is essentially qualitative in nature due to the inconsistent effort employed at each site, the stations and on the station transects. This was largely due to the combining influence of logistical constraints (time, tide and occupational health and safety issues), differing habitat complexity and time lost due to the prevailing sensitive nature of the area (negotiations between industrial and indigenous community elements). Therefore, it is with some certainty that the following species recorded in Tables 3, 4 and 5 do not represent all the species inhabiting the examined reefs – further work needs to be done.

The terms used in this report have been standardised to the following: Site: Denoted as N, NR and S, all from the general area of James Price Point and locations north and south as chosen by SKM. Station: Where the transects were laid, including the surrounding area within a selected geomorphic zone. Transect: one of three transects within a station.

The sites, stations and station transects were predetermined by SKM to provide replication across representative geomorphic zones. Not all of these zones were productive for molluscs and when the reefs at these stations were examined they were given a zero total. However, isolated rocks at these stations were often productive and any species present were recorded as part of the station molluscan diversity. At each station, three 25 m transects were laid and the species of molluscs recorded along each transect using a width of one metre. No attempt was made to record individual species density due to the above logistical constraints, however the more-abundant species were noted and included in the molluscan habitat notes. General off-transect collecting was conducted at each station, as time and tide allowed, to build a general molluscan diversity list. Because of the hidden nature of most molluscs, rocks and coral slabs were turned and vertical reef/rock walls and tide pools were searched at each station. Tables 3, 4 and 5 provide a list of species recorded during the survey for both on and off transect records, the station totals and station richness, as well as a species habitat identifier for each species.

The identifiers are a second tier habitat assessment and relate to the niche each species prefers and lives. First tier habitats equate to the geomorphic zones used to select the sampled sites. The survey stations generally encompassed several intergrading habitats e.g. a rocky reef platform merging into broken coral rubble with sandy pockets to an open sandy plain.

Second tier habitat divisions adopted for this survey are: Intertidal Hard Substrate (IH): This is an intertidal zone consisting mainly of reef pavement, rubble or boulders. These hard substrates may be covered with a thin coating of sediment and algal turf.

Subtidal Hard Substrate (SH): As above, but situated the very lower littoral to below the low-tide. Sediment (S): Intertidal sand habitats. In such habitats, molluscan species may be infaunal or epifaunal.

Bio-geographic compared from this survey are in Table 1 with the adjusted survey results from two other north-west coast WA Museum surveys with similar dirty water habitats - the Dampier Archipelago in the Pilbara and the southern Kimberley (Sunday Island to Montgomery Reef). For the two comparative surveys the intertidal stations were identified and the species counted to arrive at the species per station determinations. An estimate of average survey reef time, in hours, for each station was determined (the author of this report was on all of these surveys) and divided by the number of collectors involved (Dampier – 2 collectors, Kimberley and James Price Point -1 collector) to give an estimate of the effort for each surveyed reef. An estimate of survey station “yield” was then determined by dividing the species per station by the estimated “reef effort”.

Analysis of the habitat identifiers can be found in Table 2.

1.2. Results

The James Price Point area is at the lower third of the western coast of the Dampier Land Peninsula. Habitats are limited to exposed rocky and sandy shores with only minor rocky headlands as protective barriers. The sites examined were in a very high energy, hostile environment. The intertidal habitats were limited to sand flats and reef platforms and were subject to the desiccating influences of high daytime temperatures and wind, as well as scouring effects from sand through wave and tidal action. Seasonal monsoonal freshwater inflow during the cyclone season (December to April) would also provide significant habitat stress.

This is the first formal molluscan survey undertaken at James Price Point. 73 species (40 families over four classes) of mollusc were recorded from the surveyed reefs. Other molluscan surveys, in similar habitat constructs, have been undertaken by the WA Museum in the past and comparisons are here made with the southern Kimberley (Wells and Bryce, 1995) and the Dampier Archipelago (Slack-Smith and Bryce, 2004). It is difficult to compare the results from this survey with these earlier surveys as the area covered, methods employed and therefore degree of effort attributed to each station were different. However, an attempt is made in Table 1 to provide a qualitative comparative analysis.

Table 1. Comparison of results between the present survey and two past surveys of similar environments off the coast of north Western Australia. Surveyed Total Mollusc Number of Species per Reef Effort: Station Locality and Species Intertidal Station: Yield year of report Recorded: Stations (Total hours (Rounded to on each reef (Species / (Adjusted for nearest whole / number Stn / (Reef intertidal number) collectors) Time (hrs) / stations only) No Collectors))

Southern 165 18 9 13 0.7 Kimberley (1995)

James Price 74 30 4 12 0.3 Point (2009)

Dampier 297 20 15 28 0.5 Archipelago 1998-1999)

With reference to Table 1, the “station yield” is a numerical comparison between surveyed regions expressed as the number of species per station recorded over a one hour period by a single collector. While the “yield” does provide a comparative result it does need to be treated with caution as sufficient survey data does not exist for the southern Kimberley or James Price Point. It should also be noted that the Dampier Archipelago and the southern Kimberley surveyed sites boast a greater diversity of intertidal habitat, such as mangrove forests, seagrass meadows, protected bays and islands, than found at James Price Point. James Price Point (for N, NR and S sites combined) produced a ‘yield’ comparison of 43% to that of the southern Kimberley survey and 60% compared to the Dampier Archipelago survey. Even considering overall recorded species numbers for intertidal habitats from the three reefs, without considering any form of effort, the number of molluscs recorded for James Price Point does appear to be very low. However, labelling James Price Point as depauperate at this early stage may be premature, given the shortness of time at each station. The total absence of some molluscan families, such as the Strombidae, Conidae, Chromididae, Phyliidae, Tellinidae and Veneridae and the under representation of others, including the Cerithidae, Cypraeidae and Fasciolariidae was certainly conspicuous for a north Western Australian reef. The high energy nature of the examined habitats and the general hostile nature of the region would be a contributing factor.

Table 2 provides a summary of the total number of species recorded from each site surveyed, arranged from north to south, together with the percentage of total species for each habitat identifier from each site. Many species occurred in more than one habitat division and so were counted for each. Table 2: Percentage of total molluscan species for each habitat division per site surveyed at James Price Point. Habitat Identifyer Reef Total IH SH S Species % Species NR 36 86 17 11 N 46 80 17 15 S 46 98 35 2 The percentage of molluscs associated with the Intertidal Hard (IH) substrates for all sites was greater than that of either the SH and S substrates. This is to be expected given the relative rugosity and therefore complexity of the reef platforms examined when compared to the monotypic sand substrates (S) or for the molluscs that can be attributed to the under sampled subtidal habitats (SH). What is of interest is the comparison of site S with both N and NR sites. Sampling at the lower-littoral edge of site S (stations S7 and 9) boosted the subtidal species count. The lack of expansive sandy substrates as site S provided for a lower species percentage (2%) than at N or NR.

1.2.1. Flat Rock (James Price Point North Reference – NR)

Survey Site

Similar to site N, this location has an open aspect and would be subject to strong wave and wind action but not as severe as at site S. On the shore, the beach-rock was broken into an area of sand scoured shore-rock pinnacles and, just to the south, another shoreline reef with steep sided channels (perhaps formerly water filled tunnels) filled with the debris, perhaps from the collapse of past tunnel roofs. This second reef was also well scoured by sand. To seaward the reef platforms also display the steep sided channels that dissect the flat topped reef platform.

Taxa Present

The 7 sampled stations yielded a total of 36 species of macromolluscs (2 Polyplacophora, 28 Gastropoda, 4 Bivalvia, 2 Cephalopoda). 6 species were unique to James Price Point (NR) when compare to the other two sites (S and N). This site (NR) shared one species with James Price Point (S) and five species with James Price Point (N) (Table 3)

Table 3: North Reference (NR) James Price Point. Total surveyed molluscan taxa recorded for all sites with species in bold recorded at site NR for both off transect (Off T) and on transect (T) for each site station. Off T = presence of species at each station; T Molluscan Taxa NR3 NR3 NR3 NR 6 NR 7 NR 7 NR 8 NR 8 NR 9 NR 9 NR NR 4 NR 4 NR 5 NR 5 NR 6 NR Family Species Habitat Off T T Off T T Off T T Off T T Off T T Off T T Off T T Class Polyplacophora Chitonidae Acanthopleura gemmata Blainville, 1825 2 3 2 2 IH Acanthopleura spinosa (Bruguière, 1792) 1 2 IH

Class Gastropoda Neritidae Nerita polita Linnaeus, 1758 1 1 IH Nerita undata Linnaeus, 1758 1 1 3 IH Haliotididae Haliotis squamata Reeve, 1846 IH Haliotis varia Linnaeus, 1758 2 IH Fissurellidae Montfortula variegata (Adams, 1852) 1 IH Patellidae Patella flexuosa (Quoy and Gaimard, 1834) 2 IH Acmaeidae Patelloida mimula (Iredale, 1924) 1 IH Patelloida saccharina (Linnaeus, 1758) 1 1 3 1 1 IH Trochidae Calthalotia strigata (Adams, 1853) 1 2 IH cf. Clanculus sp. IH Clanculus sp. 1 IH Isanda coronata Adams, 1854 1 IH Pseudostomatella maculata (Quoy & Gaimard, 1834) IH Tectus fenestratus (Gmelin, 1791) IH Tectus pyramis (Born, 1778) 2 IH Trochus hanleyanus Reeve, 1843 2 3 2 3 IH Turbinidae Angaria delphinus (Linnaeus, 1758) IH Astralium rotularia (Lamarck, 1822) 1 IH Turbo brunneus Röding, 1791 2 IH Turbo cinereus Born, 1798 1 2 2 IH Cerithiidae Cerithium torresi Smith, 1884 S Cerithium trailli (Sowerby, 1855) S Pseudovertagus aluco (Linnaeus 1758) S Rhinoclavis bituberculata (Sowerby, 1855) 1 S Potamidiidae Clypeomorus batillariaeformis Habe and Kosuge, 1966 S Cypraeidae Cypraea caputserpentis Linnaeus, 1758 IH / SH Cypraea errones Linnaeus, 1758 IH / SH Cypraea moneta Linnaeus, 1758 IH / SH Cypraea tigris Linnaeus, 1758 IH / SH Planaxidae Planaxis sulcatus (Born, 1780) 2 IH Naticidae Polinices conicus (Lamarck, 1822) 1 S Natica gualteriana (Recluz, 1844) 1 S Littorinidae Littorina undulata Gray, 1839 1 IH Nodilittorina pyramidalis (Quoy & Gaimard, 1833) IH Ranellidae Cymatium gemmatum (Reeve, 1844) 1 SH Muricidae Hexaplex stainforthi (Reeve, 1843) IH Morula granulata (Duclos, 1832) 2 2 3 1 3 IH Morula margariticola (Broderip, 1832) 2 1 1 1 3 IH Stramonita muricina (Blainville, 1832) IH Thais tuberosa (Röding, 1798) 3 2 3 2 1 IH Buccinidae Cantharus erythrostomus (Reeve, 1846) IH / SH Cantharus fumosus (Dillwyn, 1817) IH / SH Cantharus undosus (Linnaeus, 1758) IH / SH Columbellidae Pyrene testudinaria (Link, 1807) IH / SH Nassariidae Nassarius bicallosus (Smith, 1876) 1 S Fasciolariidae Latirus turritus (Gmelin, 1790) IH / SH Peristernia incarnata Kiener, 1840 IH / SH Mitridae Mitra variabilis Reeve, 1844 IH / SH Terebridae Hastula rufopunctata (Smith, 1877) S Aplysiidae Aplysia dactylamela Rang, 1828 IH / SH Polyceridae Plocomophorous tilesii Bergh, 1877 IH / SH Gymnodoridae Gymnodoris citrina (Bergh, 1875) IH / SH Dendrodorididae Dendrodoris arborescens (Collingwood, 1881) 1 IH / SH Flabellinidae Flabellina rubrolineata (O'Donoghue, 1929) IH / SH Onchidiidae Onchidium sp. IH Siphonariidae Siphonaria kurracheensis Reeve, 1856 1 1 1 1 IH Siphonaria lacunosa (Linnaeus, 1758) 1 1 1 IH

Class Bivalvia Mytilidae Brachidontes ustulatus (Lamarck 1819) IH Arcidae Barbatia pistachia (Lamarck, 1819) 1 IH / SH Pteriidae Pinctadacf.albina (Lamarck, 1819) IH / SH Pinctada margaritifera (Linnaeus, 1758) 1 IH / SH Isognomonidae Isognomon isognomon (Linnaeus, 1758) IH / SH Isognomon spp. IH / SH Ostreidae Saccostrea sp. IH Saccostrea cuccullata (Born, 1778) IH Spondylidae Spondylus spp. IH / SH Chamidae Chama spp. 2 3 IH / SH Carditidae Cardita marmorea Reeve, 1843 IH / SH Tridacnidae Tridacna maxima (Röding , 1798) 1 1 IH / SH Mactridae Mactra abreviata Lamarck, 1819 S

Class Cephalopoda Octopodidae Octopus sp. 1 IH Abdopus sp. NW1 1 IH Species Totals per Station and Transect 0 0 3 7 7 8 4 0 5 8 3 12 5 10 Site Richness (species /station) 0 10 15 4 13 15 15 Like James Price Point (N), this site also had a small sandy bay to the north of a rocky point. The associated representative sand dwelling species from the families, Cerithiidae, Naticidae and Nassariidae (all represented by a single species) were also present, albeit in smaller numbers than at site N. The small bay had two lines of intrusive, well eroded and deeply entrenched boulders running seaward across the upper to mid-littoral zones. Most of the sand dwelling molluscs were encountered close to the boulders but not among them. Dead barnacles and worm tubes were attached to the underside of the boulders, evidence that the they were periodically covered by sand. However, when exposed, as during this survey, they formed a restricted habitat to a small molluscan community (Table 3). The reef was made up of a jumble of broken beach-rock boulders, which created a complex, high-relief habitat. It would be subject to considerable sand scouring during rough weather providing for a difficult molluscan habitat. Further time spent at this site would undoubtedly yield more species living under the many coral slabs and also on the reef platform itself.

Station Richness (Table 3) is the total molluscs recorded at each station for both on and off- transect examinations. Stations NR5, 8 and 9 with 15 species recorded each, were all within the mid to lower-littoral reef zones. Turbo cinereus Born, 1798 appeared be more prevalent (zoned) at the inshore station (NR5) than at the more seaward stations, NR8 and 9. Like the other sites, a thriving community of limpets (families, Siponariidae, Acmaeidae and Patellidae) of various species adorned the upper surfaces of the rocks and were distributed across the reef stations.

1.2.2. James Price Point North (N)

Survey Site

The stations sampled were all in relatively exposed zones. The reef sites were offered a modicum of protection by the reef itself, which extended further seaward, and by its general jumbled topographic relief. The more inshore sand sites were all in the belly of the small bay formed by the point and associated reef platform to the south. Stations N3 and 4 (boulder reef) all exhibited signs of being in a high energy zone with periodic sand inundation, making them tough habitats for many of the mollusc species to survive and this contributed to low molluscan diversity.

Taxa Present

The 10 sampled stations yielded a total of 46 species of macromolluscs (2 Polyplacophora, 37 Gastropoda, 6 Bivalvia, 1 Cephalopoda). 16 species were unique to James Price Point (N) when compare to the other two sites (S and NR). This site (N) shared five species with James Price Point (S) and five species with James Price Point (NR) (Table 4)

Unlike James Price Point (S) this site did have representative sand dwelling species from the families, Terebridae (a single but abundant species), Cerithiidae, Naticidae and Nassariidae (also represented by a single species). The productive sandy zone was a wide, shallow deposition area directly to the north of a small rocky point with a substantial reef platform of high topographic complexity. The point probably offers some protection from the prevailing south-west trades and the outer edge of the shallow deposition area would help to break the energy of moderate waves entering the embayment. The seaward area of this zone (NQ3) provided an excellent habitat for relatively high numbers of the single Terebrid species, Hastula rufopunctata (Smith, 1877) and the Nassariid gastropod, Nassarius bicallosus (Smith, 1876). The bivalve species, Mactra abreviata Lamarck, 1819 as also present but in less numbers. The family, Conidae was conspicuously absent from this whole area, even though sufficient habitat was present. Further time spent at this would yield further several species living under coral slabs, outer tide pools and on the reef platform itself.

Station Richness (Table 4) is the total molluscs recorded at each station for both on and off- transect examinations. Station N3, a mid-littoral boulder zone, was the richest with 19 species, including mats of the mussel, Brachidontes ustulatus (Lamarck 1819). Stations N5 and 9 both recorded 14 species with few species common between due to the more seaward nature of N9.

Table 4 North (N) James Price Point. Total surveyed molluscan taxa recorded for all sites with species in bold recorded at site N for both off transect (Off T) and on transect (T) for each site station. Off T = presence of species at each station; T= number of transects out of 3 for which species were present at each station. Species Totals and Station Richness are included. Station Richness = total number of species for each station. Molluscan Taxa N 1 N 1 N 2 N 2 N 3 N 3 N 4 N 4 N 5 N 5 N 6 N 6 N 7 N 7 N 8 N 8 N 9 N 9 N 10 N 10 N 10 N Q 3 N Q Family Species Habitat Off Off Off Off Off Off Off Off Off Off Off T T T T T T T T T T T T T T T T T T T T T Class Polyplacophora Acanthopleura gemmata Chitonidae Blainville, 1825 1 3 1 2 1 1 IH Acanthopleura spinosa (Bruguière, 1792) 1 IH

Class Gastropoda Nerita polita Linnaeus, Neritidae 1758 3 1 IH Nerita undata Linnaeus, 1758 3 3 IH Haliotis squamata Reeve, Haliotididae 1846 1 IH Haliotis varia Linnaeus, 1758 2 IH Montfortula variegata Fissurellidae (Adams, 1852) 1 1 IH Patella flexuosa (Quoy and Patellidae Gaimard, 1834) IH Patelloida mimula (Iredale, Acmaeidae 1924) 1 3 3 3 3 IH Patelloida saccharina (Linnaeus, 1758) 3 1 3 3 IH Calthalotia strigata Trochidae (Adams, 1853) 3 1 2 1 IH cf. Clanculus sp. 1 IH Clanculus sp. 1 1 IH Isanda coronata Adams, IH 1854 Pseudostomatella maculata (Quoy & Gaimard, 1834) IH Tectus fenestratus (Gmelin, 1791) 1 IH Tectus pyramis (Born, 1778) IH Trochus hanleyanus Reeve, 1843 1 3 2 1 2 3 IH Angaria delphinus Turbinidae (Linnaeus, 1758) IH Astralium rotularia (Lamarck, 1822) 1 2 IH Turbo brunneus Röding, 1791 1 2 IH Turbo cinereus Born, 1798 3 IH Cerithium torresi Smith, Cerithiidae 1884 1 S Cerithium trailli (Sowerby, 1855) 2 S Pseudovertagus aluco (Linnaeus 1758) 1 S Rhinoclavis bituberculata (Sowerby, 1855) 1 1 S Clypeomorus batillariaeformis Habe and Potamidiidae Kosuge, 1966 3 S Cypraea caputserpentis IH / Cypraeidae Linnaeus, 1758 SH Cypraea errones Linnaeus, IH / 1758 1 SH Cypraea moneta Linnaeus, IH / 1758 SH Cypraea tigris Linnaeus, IH / 1758 SH Planaxidae Planaxis sulcatus (Born, 3 IH 1780) Polinices conicus (Lamarck, Naticidae 1822) S Natica gualteriana (Recluz, 1844) S Littorina undulata Gray, Littorinidae 1839 IH Nodilittorina pyramidalis (Quoy & Gaimard, 1833) IH Cymatium gemmatum Ranellidae (Reeve, 1844) SH Hexaplex stainforthi Muricidae (Reeve, 1843) 1 IH Morula granulata (Duclos, 1832) 1 1 3 1 2 IH Morula margariticola (Broderip, 1832) 1 1 1 1 1 IH Stramonita muricina (Blainville, 1832) 1 IH Thais tuberosa (Röding, 1798) 1 2 1 3 3 IH Cantharus erythrostomus IH / Buccinidae (Reeve, 1846) 1 SH Cantharus fumosus IH / (Dillwyn, 1817) 1 SH Cantharus undosus IH / (Linnaeus, 1758) 1 SH Pyrene testudinaria (Link, IH / Columbellidae 1807) SH Nassarius bicallosus Nassariidae (Smith, 1876) 1 S Latirus turritus (Gmelin, IH / Fasciolariidae 1790) 1 1 1 SH Peristernia incarnata IH / Kiener, 1840 SH IH / Mitridae Mitra variabilis Reeve, 1844 1 SH Hastula rufopunctata Terebridae (Smith, 1877) 1 S Aplysia dactylamela Rang, IH / Aplysiidae 1828 SH Plocomophorous tilesii IH / Polyceridae Bergh, 1877 SH Gymnodoris citrina (Bergh, IH / Gymnodoridae 1875) SH Dendrodoris arborescens IH / Dendrodorididae (Collingwood, 1881) SH Flabellina rubrolineata IH / Flabellinidae (O'Donoghue, 1929) SH Onchidiidae Onchidium sp. 1 3 2 1 1 IH Siphonaria kurracheensis Siphonariidae Reeve, 1856 1 2 3 3 1 1 IH Siphonaria lacunosa (Linnaeus, 1758) 1 2 3 3 1 1 IH

Class Bivalvia Brachidontes ustulatus Mytilidae (Lamarck 1819) 3 2 IH Barbatia pistachia IH / Arcidae (Lamarck, 1819) 1 2 1 1 SH Pinctadacf.albina IH / Pteriidae (Lamarck, 1819) 1 SH Pinctada margaritifera IH / (Linnaeus, 1758) SH Isognomon isognomon IH / Isognomonidae (Linnaeus, 1758) SH IH / Isognomon spp. SH Ostreidae Saccostrea sp. IH Saccostrea cuccullata (Born, 1 1 1 1 IH 1778) IH / Spondylidae Spondylus spp. SH IH / Chamidae Chama spp. 1 3 2 1 1 SH Cardita marmorea Reeve, IH / Carditidae 1843 SH Tridacna maxima (Röding , IH / Tridacnidae 1798) 1 SH Mactra abreviata Lamarck, Mactridae 1819 1 S

Class Cephalopoda Octopodidae Octopus sp. 1 1 1 IH Abdopus sp. NW1 IH Species Totals per 1 1 1 1 Station and Transect 0 0 0 0 10 7 2 2 7 4 0 4 8 2 1 5 8 0 4 2 9 Site Richness (species /station) 0 0 10 19 9 14 12 13 13 14 11 `

1.2.3. James Price Point South (S)

Survey Site

In general this is very high energy site with an open aspect. The reefs are well scoured and the sands are very motile as evidenced by the steep upper-littoral slope, the lack of turnable rocks or coral slabs and the beach rock pinnacles, which are periodically covered by the sand. T hese factors would contribute to the recorded low molluscan diversity.

Taxa Present – Molluscs

The 12 sampled stations at this site yielded a total of 46 species of macromolluscs (2 Polyplacophora, 35 Gastropoda and 9 Bivalvia). 17 species were unique to James Price Point (S) when compare to the other two sites (N and NR). This site (S) shared five species with James Price Point (N) and one species with James Price Point (NR) (Table 4).

While most of the main molluscan classes were represented in the species recorded, several families were conspicuous by their absence. These included the predatory molluscs from the family Conidae, which were only represented by three dead shells. The sand dwelling species from the families Terebridae, Cerithiidae (represented by a single species), Naticidae and Nassariidae were also absent. No members of the Class, Cephalopoda were seen except for three species of Sepia (as cuttlebones) found as beach drift. These would have originated from near or off-shore habitats and do not appear as a footnote under results.

Station Richness for this site (Table 5) is the total number of molluscs recorded at each station for both on and off-transect examinations. When compared to the habitat descriptors (Table 5) it can be seen that the stations with a significant sand component (S1, 2, 3, 8 and 10) yielded no sand species – all the species recorded from these stations were from intruding rocky outcrops and boulders. The upper-littoral sandy stations were devoid of molluscs. Station S13 was the richest with 16 species, followed by stations S6 and S9, with 13 and 12 species respectively.

Station S5 was dominated by large congregations of juvenile Nodilittorina pyramidalis (Quoy & Gaimard, 1833). Further along the reef at station S6 the juvenile Nodilittorina gave way to equally large populations of adult Nodilittorina mixed with groupings of Planaxis sulcatus (Born, 1780). The reef at station S6 was more heavily eroded than at S5 but it is difficult to see how or why this would be the cause of the long-reef zonation. The species Saccostrea sp. found at S5 is possibly a new species of oyster, however further work is required to determine this. All these stations were on reef with a relatively complex topography providing suitable molluscan habitat. Table 5: South (S) James Price Point. Total surveyed molluscan taxa recorded for all sites with species in bold recorded at site S for both off transect (Off T) and on transect (T) for each site station. Off T = presence of species at each station; T= number of transects out of 3 for which species were present at each station. Species Totals and Station Richness are included. Station Richness = total number of species for each station.

Molluscan Taxa Habitat S 13 S 13 S 10 S 10 S 12 S 12 S 1 S 2 S 3 S 4 S 5 S 5 S 6 S 6 S 7 S 7 S 8 S 9 S 9 S1 S2 S3 S4 S8

Family Species Of Of Of Of Of Of Of Of Of Of Of Of f T T f T T f T T f T T f T T f T T f T T f T T f T T f T T f T T f T T Class Polyplacophora Chitonid Acanthopleura gemmata ae Blainville, 1825 3 2 3 IH Acanthopleura spinosa (Bruguière, 1792) 1 IH

Class Gastropoda Neritidae Nerita polita Linnaeus, 1758 1 1 IH Nerita undata Linnaeus, 1758 1 3 1 3 IH Haliotidi Haliotis squamata Reeve, dae 1846 IH Haliotis varia Linnaeus, 1758 1 1 1 1 IH Fissurelli Montfortula variegata dae (Adams, 1852) 1 1 IH Patellida Patella flexuosa (Quoy and e Gaimard, 1834) 1 3 3 2 IH Acmaeid Patelloida mimula (Iredale, ae 1924) 1 3 1 1 1 1 3 IH Patelloida saccharina (Linnaeus, 1758) IH Trochida Calthalotia strigata (Adams, e 1853) IH cf. Clanculus sp. IH Clanculus sp. 1 1 IH Isanda coronata Adams, 1854 IH Pseudostomatella maculata (Quoy & Gaimard, 1834) 1 IH Tectus fenestratus (Gmelin, 1791) 3 IH Tectus pyramis (Born, 1778) 1 2 IH Trochus hanleyanus Reeve, 1843 1 3 3 2 3 1 IH Turbinid Angaria delphinus ae (Linnaeus, 1758) 1 IH Astralium rotularia (Lamarck, 1822) 1 IH Turbo brunneus Röding, 1791 3 3 1 IH Turbo cinereus Born, 1798 1 3 3 2 IH Cerithiid ae Cerithium torresi Smith, 1884 S Cerithium trailli (Sowerby, 1855) S Pseudovertagus aluco (Linnaeus 1758) S Rhinoclavis bituberculata (Sowerby, 1855) 2 2 S Clypeomorus Potamidi batillariaeformis Habe and idae Kosuge, 1966 S Cypraeid Cypraea caputserpentis IH / ae Linnaeus, 1758 1 3 SH Cypraea errones Linnaeus, IH / 1758 SH Cypraea moneta Linnaeus, IH / 1758 1 1 SH Cypraea tigris Linnaeus, IH / 1758 1 SH Planaxid Planaxis sulcatus (Born, ae 1780) 1 3 IH Naticida Polinices conicus (Lamarck, e 1822) S Natica gualteriana (Recluz, 1844) S Littorini Littorina undulata Gray, dae 1839 1 3 IH Nodilittorina pyramidalis (Quoy & Gaimard, 1833) 1 2 IH Ranellid Cymatium gemmatum (Reeve, ae 1844) SH Muricida Hexaplex stainforthi (Reeve, e 1843) IH Morula granulata (Duclos, 1832) 1 3 1 3 2 3 IH Morula margariticola (Broderip, 1832) 3 3 3 2 IH Stramonita muricina (Blainville, 1832) IH Thais tuberosa (Röding, 1798) 1 1 1 3 1 3 IH Buccinid Cantharus erythrostomus IH / ae (Reeve, 1846) SH Cantharus fumosus (Dillwyn, IH / 1817) SH Cantharus undosus IH / (Linnaeus, 1758) SH Columbe Pyrene testudinaria (Link, IH / llidae 1807) 1 SH Nassarii Nassarius bicallosus (Smith, S dae 1876) Fasciolar Latirus turritus (Gmelin, IH / iidae 1790) 1 SH Peristernia incarnata IH / Kiener, 1840 1 SH IH / Mitridae Mitra variabilis Reeve, 1844 SH Terebrid Hastula rufopunctata (Smith, ae 1877) S Aplysiid Aplysia dactylamela Rang, IH / ae 1828 1 SH Polyceri Plocomophorous tilesii IH / dae Bergh, 1877 1 SH Gymnod Gymnodoris citrina (Bergh, IH / oridae 1875) 1 SH Dendrod Dendrodoris arborescens IH / orididae (Collingwood, 1881) SH Flabellin Flabellina rubrolineata IH / idae (O'Donoghue, 1929) 1 SH Onchidii dae Onchidium sp. 1 3 1 1 IH Siphonar Siphonaria kurracheensis iidae Reeve, 1856 1 1 3 1 2 3 3 3 IH Siphonaria lacunosa (Linnaeus, 1758) 3 1 1 1 1 3 IH

Class Bivalvia Mytilida Brachidontes ustulatus e (Lamarck 1819) 1 IH Barbatia pistachia (Lamarck, IH / Arcidae 1819) SH Pinctadacf.albina (Lamarck, IH / Pteriidae 1819) SH Pinctada margaritifera IH / (Linnaeus, 1758) SH Isognom Isognomon isognomon IH / onidae (Linnaeus, 1758) 1 SH IH / Isognomon spp. 2 1 SH Ostreida e Saccostrea sp. 1 IH Saccostrea cuccullata (Born, 1778) 3 3 1 3 1 IH Spondyli IH / dae Spondylus spp. 3 SH Chamida IH / e Chama spp. 2 3 3 SH Carditida Cardita marmorea Reeve, IH / e 1843 1 SH Tridacni Tridacna maxima (Röding , IH / dae 1798) 1 1 2 SH Mactrida Mactra abreviata Lamarck, e 1819 S

Class Cephalopoda Octopodi dae Octopus sp. IH Abdopus sp. NW1 IH Species Totals per 1 1 Station and Transect 1 0 11 0 0 7 0 8 8 3 0 34501482847106 Site Richness (species /station) 1 11 7 8 11 13 9 11 12 10 11 16 Echinoderms James Price Point October 2009 A. Sampey

1. Survey Methodology

Echinoderms were searched for along transects and in the general vicinity of the sites as well as during the walks between sites. Search methods involved looking for any visual signs of their presence i.e. animals out in the open, outline of animals in the sand, sea cucumber faeces, and ophiuroid arms, and by turning over rocks. It was expected that the echinoderms would be mainly found under rocks or within crevices in the reef matrix in these intertidal locations. At the James Price Point South site (S) the search effort was lower than at the other sites as many sites (S2, 5, 6, 7, 8, 12, 13) particularly those on the rock areas were not able to be sampled by the echinoderm specialist. At all locations, not all sites were searched and effort was not the same at each site. Within the same geomorphic zone, if one site had no species recorded but another site recorded a few species then it was assumed the search effort was concentrated on one of the sites and that the species present for that site were indicative for the unsearched site.

The species from James Price Point were compared with echinoderms collected from three other locations in north Western Australia, which had all been surveyed by the Western Australian Museum. The Dampier Archipelago is ~650 km south west of James Price Point and the waters in this area are also very silty, the area includes a wide range of habitats including reefs, seagrasses, rocky shores, sand beaches and mud flats. A number of islands and reefs of the inshore Kimberley between Wyndham and Broome have been surveyed and intertidal stations in this survey represent a variety of habitat including seagrasses, mangroves, rocky shores, sand beaches and mud flats. Mermaid Reef is the northern-most reef of the Rowley Shoals, a series of offshore atolls ~300 km West of James Price Point.

Species lists from collections made at intertidal stations during surveys undertaken by the Western Australian Museum at four locations, James Price Point (current survey and unpublished data from the WAM MIZ Database), inshore Kimberley (Marsh 1992), Mermaid Reef (Rowley Shoals) (Bryce and Marsh 2009; Marsh 1986), and Dampier Archipelago (Marsh and Morrison 2004), were generated from published and unpublished reports and the Western Australian Museum Marine Invertebrates Collections database. The resulting species lists were examined to see if the same species that were collected at James Price Point were also collected at the other locations and also to see how the echinoderm diversity varied among the locations.

The number of species found at a particular location is heavily dependant on sample effort and when this effort varies it make comparisons between studies from different locations and with different levels of effort problematic (Clarke and Warwick 2001). The difficulties in comparing species numbers from surveys with differing effort was addressed in two ways. Firstly, the species richness was converted to station yield, where station yield = total number of species / number of stations / station effort (number of hours spent on average at a station). Secondly, the species lists from the four locations were compared to the species list covering all four locations using a univariate measure of taxonomic distinctness (+), which is the average taxonomic path length between two randomly chosen pairs of species (Clarke and Warwick 1998; Clarke and Warwick 2001; Warwick and Clarke 1995) for each location. The current accepted Linnean taxonomic classification of genus, family, order and class for echinoderms (ABRS 2008) was used to classify the species and the average taxonomic distinctness was calculated in Primer v6.1.11. The lists from each location were compared to a master list, which contained all species from the four locations. This master list represents a list of intertidal echinoderm species from the North West Shelf of Australia but is limited as it only considers the species collected in the studies considered. Additionally, a non-Metric MDS was run on the species list data using a multivariate taxonomic dissimilarity measure, Gamma+, which is the mean path length between each species in one sample and its nearest relative in the other sample (Clarke et al. 2006) to see how the echinoderms assemblages from these four locations related to each other.

2. Results

The collections of echinoderms made at James Price Point during the current survey represent the second collection of echinoderms for this locality. Loisette Marsh collected 11 species from James Price Point on the 3 and 4 of April 1988 (Western Australian Museum Marine Invertebrates collections database; Table 1). Five of the species collected by her were also collected during the current survey but we have added a further 8 species to this list bringing the total number of echinoderm species collected from the intertidal area between James Price Point and Flat Rock to 18 live species and one known from dead tests only (Table 1). Of the specimens fully identified to species, 9 (50%) had an Indo West Pacific distribution, 4 (22%) Indo Pacific, 3 (17%) Indo Malayan and 2 (11%) were Australian endemics found only in northern Australian waters. The majority of the species (16, species, 84%) were either suspension or deposit feeders.

The Western Australian Museum sampled 20 intertidal stations in the Dampier Archipelago in October 1998 and August 1999 (Hutchins and Berry 2004) and 92 species of echinoderms were recorded from these stations (Marsh and Morrison 2004). Thirteen of the species recorded from James Price Point were also recorded from the Dampier Archipelago (Table 1). Twenty intertidal stations were sampled at islands and reefs between Broome and Wyndham in 1991, and this survey recorded 80 species of echinoderms (Marsh 1992, and WAM Marine Invertebrates Collection database). Fifteen of the species recorded from James Price Point were also recorded from this inshore Kimberley survey. Only two intertidal stations have been sampled at Mermaid Reef by the Western Australian Museum, once in July 1982 (Marsh 1986) and once in September 2006 (Bryce and Marsh 2009) and a total of 47 species have been recorded (Table 1). Only 6 of the species collected at James Price Point were also collected at Mermaid Reef.

Sampling effort at intertidal stations at these locations varied considerably. Average time spent at stations on the 2009 James Price Point survey was ca. 30 mins (Table 1). The sampling time to find the 11 echinoderm species recorded from James Price Point in 1988 is unknown as this sampling was not part of any formal survey trip. The Dampier, Inshore Kimberley and the 1984 Mermaid Reef Surveys spent ca. 2 hours at a station and the 2009 Mermaid Reef survey spent 1 hour at a station. The station yield values show that James Price Point has a very low number of echinoderm species per hour of sample effort (0.96, Table 1), compared to the Dampier Archipelago and the inshore Kimberley, which had similar values of around 2 species per hour of effort (Table 1). Mermaid Reef was much more diverse yielding 15.7 species per hour of effort (Table 1).

The taxonomic distinctness analysis shows that the average taxonomic distinctness of the species from these 4 locations is + ~ 90 (Figure 1). The inshore Kimberley, Dampier Archipelago and Mermaid Reef lists are all near the expected average taxonomic distinctness for the North West Shelf region. James Price Point is clearly lower than these other sites but still within the expected 95% confidence limits (Figure 1). The MDS plot shows that the echinoderm species that occurred in intertidal areas at James Price Point were different from that from the inshore Kimberley, Dampier Archipelago and Mermaid Reef (Figure 2) and this is likely to be largely as the James Price Point fauna is a subset of that in the inshore Kimberley. The separation of the lists from James Price Point in 1988 and 2009 is largely due to difference in some of the species collected in each year e.g. the crinoids collected in 1988 were different to the species collected in 2009 and these were from different families (Table 1 & Figure 2). The intertidal echinoderm species from the inshore Kimberley and Dampier Archipelago is very similar. However, the intertidal echinoderm fauna from Mermaid Reef is different from the inshore fauna (Figure 2).

A full species list of what was found during this survey can be found in Appendix I. Table 1 Echinoderms species currently known from James Price Point, their feeding mode and biogeography and comparison to other locations.

For the comparison with other locations the top section of table lists only those species known from James Price Point. The bottom section of the table lists the total numbers if species listed in the relent source. JPPDampier Kimberley 1988† 2009 1998/992 Inshore3,4 Offshore5 Feeding method Biogeography Phylum Echinodermata Class Crinoidea Comasteridae Comanthus briareus (Bell, 1882) *** suspension feeder IWP Comanthus parvicirrus (Müller, 1841) *** suspension feeder IWP Mariametridae Lamprometra palmata (Müller, 1841) * * * * suspension feeder IP Class Ophiuroidea Ophiactidae Ophiactis fuscolineata H.L. Clark, 1938 * * * suspension feeder? NA Ophiotrichidae Macrophiothrix paucispina Hoggett, 1991 * * * * suspension feeder? NA Ophionereididae Ophionereis dubia (Müller & Troschel, 1842) * * * * deposit feeder? IWP Ophiodermatidae Ophiarachnella gorgonia (Müller & Troschel, 1842) * * * predator & scavenger? IWP Ophiarachnella infernalis (Müller & Troschel, 1842) * * * predator & scavenger? IWP Ophiuridae Ophioplocus imbricata (Müller & Troschel, 1842) * * * unknown IP Class Echinoidea Laganidae Peronella orbicularis (Leske, 1778) *1 *1 *1 deposit feeder IWP Class Holothuroidea Holothuriidae Holothuria (Halodeima) atra Jaeger, 1833 * * * * * deposit feeder IP Holothuria (Thymiosycia) hilla Lesson, 1830 * * * deposit feeder IP Holothuria (Thymiosycia) impatiens (Forskål, 1775) * * * * deposit feeder IWP Holothuria (Mertensiothuria) leucospilota (Brandt, 1835) * * * * deposit feeder IM Holothuria (Stauropora) modesta Ludwig, 1875 * deposit feeder IM Holothuria (Lessonothuria) pardalis Selenka, 1867 * * * deposit feeder IWP Cucumariidae Colochirus crassus Ekman, 1918 * suspension feeder IM Phyllophoridae Phyrella sp. * suspension feeder - Sclerodactylidae Afrocucumis africana (Semper 1868) * * * suspension feeder IWP Total Crinoidea 2 1 6 12 3 Total Asteroidea 0 0 11 6 7 Total Ophiuroidea 4 4 35 27 20 Total Echinoidea 0 1 17 13 10 Total Holothuroidea 5 7 23 22 7 Total Echinoderms 11 13 92 80 47 No. Stations - 27 20 20 2 Station Effort (hours) - 0.5 2 2 1.5 Station Yield 0.96 2.3 2 15.7 Month Collected April Oct Aug/Oct Jul Jul/Sept Year Collected 1988 2009 1998/99 1991 1982/2006 †Collected by L. Marsh on the 3-4 April 1988 1Dead tests only 2Marsh & Morrison, 2004 3Marsh , 1992 4Marine Invertebrates Collections Database 5Marsh, 1986 & Bryce & Marsh, 2009 (Mermaid Reef, Rowley Shoals) Distribution: IWP - Indo West Pacific, IP - Indo Pacific, IM - Indo Malaysian, NA - Northern Australia 100

InshoreKimberelyDampier 90 Mermaid JPP2009 JPP1988

80 Delta+

70

60

50 0 50 100 150 200 Number of species

Figure 1: Average Taxonomic Distinctness of four locations in North Western Australia. The dotted line is the average taxonomic distinctness of the master species list combined from all locations and the solid lines represent the 95% confidence limits. Resemblance: Gamma+

2D Stress: 0

Dampier

InshoreKimberley

JPP1988

Mermaid JPP2009

Figure 2: Non-Metric multidimensional scaling plot of the species lists from 4 locations on the North West Shelf of Australia. 2.2. James Price Point South

Taxa Present

Six species of echinoderms (5 sea cucumbers and 1 brittle star) were seen at this site (Table 2). All species were found in reef pavement areas in the mid and upper littoral zones. They were all collected under rocks. Holothuria (Halodeima) atra Jaeger, 1833 and Holothuria (Mertensiothuria) leucospilota (Brandt, 1835) were found in the open in tidal pools and all other species were found under rocks.

Table 2 Echinoderm species seen at James Price Point South 7 & 9 October 2009. Site Species SS1S2S3S4S5S6S7S8S9S10S11S12S13 Phylum Echinodermata Class Crinoidea Mariametridae Lamprometra palmata (Müller, 1841) Class Ophiuroidea Ophiactidae Ophiactis fuscolineata H.L. Clark, 1938 Ophiotrichidae Macrophiothrix paucispina Hoggett, 1991 Ophionereididae Ophionereis dubia (Müller & Troschel, 1842) *2 Ophiuridae Ophioplocus imbricata (Müller & Troschel, 1842) Class Echinoidea Laganidae Peronella orbicularis (Leske, 1778) Class Holothuroidea Holothuriidae Holothuria (Halodeima) atra Jaeger, 1833 *2 ** Holothuria (Mertensiothuria) leucospilota (Brandt, 1835) * * Holothuria (Stauropora) modesta Ludwig, 1875 *2 Holothuria (Lessonothuria) pardalis Selenka, 1867 Cucumariidae Colochirus crassus Ekman, 1918 * Phyllophoridae Phyrella sp. *1 Sclerodactylidae Afrocucumis africana (Semper 1868) Species Richness per Site 0 0 0 0 0 1 2 0 1 1 0 0 0

1Between S7 & S9 2Between S12 & S13

2.3. James Price Point North

Taxa Present

Seven echinoderm species were seen at James Price Point North (Table 3). This included one species of feather star Lamprometra palmata, three species of sea cucumber (Holothuria (Halodeima) atra Jaeger, 1833, Holothuria (Stauropora) modesta Ludwig, 1875, and Holothuria (Lessonothuria) pardalis Selenka, 1867, all of which were deposit feeders, and three species of brittle star (Ophionereis dubia (Müller & Troschel, 1842), Macrophiothrix paucispina Hoggett, 1991, and Ophioplocus imbricata (Müller & Troschel, 1842)). Most species were found in mid- and lower-littoral areas of reef pavement and rubble. The feather star Lamprometra palmata (Müller, 1841) was found in tidal pools adjacent to boulders in a mid-littoral sand plain. Holothuria (Halodeima) atra Jaeger, 1833 could be found out in the open in tidal pools but all other species were always under rocks.

Table 3: Echinoderm species seen at James Price Point North 6 & 8 October 2009. Site Species NN1N2N3N4N5N6N7N8N9N10 Phylum Echinodermata Class Crinoidea Mariametridae Lamprometra palmata (Müller, 1841) *1 Class Ophiuroidea Ophiactidae Ophiactis fuscolineata H.L. Clark, 1938 Ophiotrichidae Macrophiothrix paucispina Hoggett, 1991 * Ophionereididae Ophionereis dubia (Müller & Troschel, 1842) *2 *** Ophiuridae Ophioplocus imbricata (Müller & Troschel, 1842) * Class Echinoidea Laganidae Peronella orbicularis (Leske, 1778) Class Holothuroidea Holothuriidae Holothuria (Halodeima) atra Jaeger, 1833 * * Holothuria (Mertensiothuria) leucospilota (Brandt, 1835) Holothuria (Stauropora) modesta Ludwig, 1875 *2 * Holothuria (Lessonothuria) pardalis Selenka, 1867 * * Cucumariidae Colochirus crassus Ekman, 1918 Phyllophoridae Phyrella sp. Sclerodactylidae Afrocucumis africana (Semper 1868) Species Richness per Site 00001 2 010 6

1N_Qualitative 3 2Between N5 & N6 2.4. Flat Rock

Taxa Present

Five species of live echinoderms were seen (Table 4), four species of sea cucumber both filter feeders (Phyrella sp. and Afrocucumis africana) and deposit feeders (Holothuria atra and Holothuria pardalis), and two species of brittle star. Dead tests of the sand dollar Peronella orbicularis were seen on the upper littoral sand beach, but they were not very abundant and no live animals were seen. I suspect that live sand dollars are only found subtidally in the area. The live echinoderms were again all collected from the mid and lower littoral reef areas under rocks and in tidal pools.

Table 4: Echinoderm species seen at Flat Rock 6 & 8 October 2009. Site Species NR NR1 NR2 NR3 NR4 NR5 NR6 NR7 NR8 NR9 NR10 Phylum Echinodermata Class Crinoidea Mariametridae Lamprometra palmata (Müller, 1841) Class Ophiuroidea Ophiactidae Ophiactis fuscolineata H.L. Clark, 1938 * Ophiotrichidae Macrophiothrix paucispina Hoggett, 1991 Ophionereididae Ophionereis dubia (Müller & Troschel, 1842) * Ophiuridae Ophioplocus imbricata (Müller & Troschel, 1842) Class Echinoidea Laganidae Peronella orbicularis (Leske, 1778) *1 *1 Class Holothuroidea Holothuriidae Holothuria (Halodeima) atra Jaeger, 1833 * * Holothuria (Mertensiothuria) leucospilota (Brandt, 1835) Holothuria (Stauropora) modesta Ludwig, 1875 Holothuria (Lessonothuria) pardalis Selenka, 1867 * * Cucumariidae Colochirus crassus Ekman, 1918 Phyllophoridae Phyrella sp. * Sclerodactylidae Afrocucumis africana (Semper 1868) * * Species Richness per Site 0 0 0 0 0 1 3 3 3 0

1Dead tests only, probably only occur in subtidal 3. Discussion

No echinoderms were collected in the upper-littoral areas during this survey. This is not surprising as echinoderms are exclusively marine animals and upper-littoral areas generally do not contain suitable habitat. This is particularly so in the Kimberley where animals that live in the upper-littoral areas will be exposed to long periods of desiccation due to the large tidal range and high temperatures and these areas thus represent too extreme conditions for echinoderms to occur.

The difference in the echinoderms species collected at James Price Point in April 1988 compared to James Price Point and Flat Rock in October 2009 could be due to seasonal (April vs October), or interannual (1988 vs 2009) variation in species occurrences or just rarity of the species and thus a function of sample effort and luck as to wether they are found can not be determined. Certainly another survey undertaken in April would allow a more direct comparison as to wether the same species that were found in 1988 are still present and also to see if there are some seasonal differences in the echinoderm fauna at James Price Point from the October 2009 survey.

Even in the mid- and lower-littoral areas where echinoderms were found, predominately in tidal pools and under rocks, they were always in very low abundance and sparsely distributed. This low diversity and abundance of echinoderms appears to be typical of the inshore Kimberley and particularly the intertidal habitats, although sampling to date as been very limited. Many of the areas sampled were covered with a fine coating of silty mud. Sediments are known to be harmful to marine species by smothering adults and juvenile stages and can inhibit settlement (Walker 2007). For example, in a temperate species of sea urchin Evechinus chloroticus lower densities were recorded in high sediment areas compared to low sediment areas and survivorships of juveniles was shown to be reduced at sediment concentrations lower than that occurred on natural reefs (Walker 2007). The high silt conditions that occur in the Kimberley may be a significant factor in the low abundance and diversity of echinoderm species observed in the James Price Point Survey and also in a survey of Montgomery Reef and Adele Island, which was conducted immediately following the James Price Point Survey.

At the sites visited during the James Price Point survey we had very little time in which to spend looking for the echinoderms and as these are rare in this environment considerable effort and time is require locating those echinoderms that are there. In all the areas sampled there was very few turnable rocks and hence both a lack of suitable habitat for echinoderms and a lack of access by the searcher to suitable habitat. This lack of habitat is in part due to the coastline at James Price Point being very high energy, with large tidal movement and subjected to high scouring, which would wash away these rocks. Additionally, given that their habitat is under rocks and within the substrate then to increase the number of species of echinoderms seen their habitat needs to be destructively sampled and this was not possible during this survey.

Based on the limited comparisons made to the intertidal echinoderm fauna of other locations it appears that the intertidal echinoderm fauna of the inshore Kimberley and the Dampier Archipelago are very similar and could be considered to form a North West Shelf intertidal echinoderm fauna. The James Price Point species are a subset of these. This is likely due in part to the limited number of habitats suitable for echinoderms at James Price Point where the habitats where echinoderms occurred were predominately rock platforms. By comparison, the intertidal habitats searched to locate echinoderm species in the inshore Kimberley and Dampier Archipelago surveys included lower littoral mud and sand flats, mangroves, seagrasses and coral reef platforms. Additionally, the habitats in these areas would have been destructively sampled, which would have also increased the number of species found.

From the very limited comparisons made to the offshore atolls (1 reef and only 2 stations) it appears that the offshore intertidal fauna is different from the inshore Kimberley fauna. This conclusion has certainly been commented on previously (e.g. Hutchins 1999; Hutchins 2001; Marsh and Marshall 1983) based purely on species richness and intertidal and subtidal faunas not separated but it will certainly be interesting to expand this comparison to include more of the offshore atolls. I expect that including more of the data from the offshore atoll intertidal areas will strengthen this difference and that the offshore atolls will be shown to have a different intertidal echinoderm fauna to the inshore areas.

Of the species recorded from James Price Point 50% were Indo West Pacific Species and 11% were Northern Australian endemics, these are almost identical proportions to the species recorded from the Dampier Archipelago where 47% of the species recorded had a Indo West Pacific distribution and 11% were Northern Australian endemics (Marsh and Morrison 2004). This along with the proximity of the locations in the non Metric MDS plot, provides evidence that the inshore Kimberley intertidal fauna of which the James Price Point is a subset has strong similarities to the Dampier Archipelago intertidal echinoderm fauna. These relationships need to be investigated further and it will be interesting to see if these patterns occur for the subtidal echinoderm fauna in these areas and also for other phyla. References

ABRS (2008). 'Australian Faunal Directory (AFD).' Available at http://www.environment.gov.au/biodiversity/abrs/online-resources/fauna/index.html [Accessed May 2008].

Bryce C., and Marsh L. (2009). Echinoderms of the northwest shelf attols. Records of the Western Australian Museum Supplement 77.

Clarke K., Somerfield P., and Chapman M. (2006). On resemblance measures for ecological studies, including taxonomic dissimilarities and a zero-adjusted Bray–Curtis coefficient for denuded assemblages. Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology 330, 55-80.

Clarke K., and Warwick R. (1998). A taxonomic distinctness index and its statistical properties. Journal of Applied Ecology 35, 523-531.

Clarke K., and Warwick R. (2001). Change in Marine Communities: An Approach to Statistical Analysis and Interpretation. 2nd edition. Primer-E.

Hutchins J. (1999). Biogeography of the nearshore marine fish fauna of the Kimberley, Western Australia. In 'Proceedings of the 5th Indo-Pacific Fish Conference'. Nouméa. (Eds S. B and J.-Y. Sire) pp. 99-108. (Society of French Ichthyologists)

Hutchins J., and Berry P. (2004). Station Map and lists for the diving expeditions (DA1 and DA3). Records of the Western Australian Museum Supplement 66, 7-14.

Hutchins J. B. (2001). Biodiversity of shallow reef fish assemblages in Western Australia using a rapid censusing technique. Records of the Western Australian Museum 20, 247-270.

Marsh L. (1986). Faunal Surveys of the Rowley Shoals, Scott Reef and Seringapatam Reef North-Western Australia. Part IV. Echinoderms. Records of the Western Australian Museum Supplement 25, 63-74.

Marsh L. (1992). Part III. Echinoderms. In 'Survey of the Aquatic Fauna of the Kimberley Islands and Reefs, Western Australia'. (Ed. G. J. Morgan) pp. 23-29. (Western Australian Museum: Perth)

Marsh L. M., and Marshall J. I. (1983). Some aspects of the zoogeography of northwestern Australian echinoderms (other than holothurians). Bulletin of Marine Science 33, 671-687.

Marsh L. M., and Morrison S. M. (2004). Echinoderms of the Dampier Archipelago, Western Australia. Records of the Western Australian Museum Supplement 66, 293-342.

Walker J. (2007). Effects of fine sediments on settlement and survival of the sea urchin Evechinus chloroticus in northeastern New Zealand. Marine Ecology Progress Series 331, 109-118.

Warwick R., and Clarke K. (1995). New 'biodiversity' measures reveal a decrease in taxonomic distinctness with increasing stress. Marine Ecology Progress Series 129, 301-305. Polychaetes

James Price Point Survey, October 2009

Lexi Walker 1. Methodology

1.1. Survey Methodology

For each location, a number of sites were chosen to reflect different habitats. Three randomly selected transect lines were placed in each of the selected sites. On sand flat sites three replicate 10 x10 quadrat samples were taken to a depth of 5 cm. These were sieved (1mm) and the extracted fauna collected for identification and abundance counts. On rocky habitats, the cryptic nature of the polychaete fauna made similar quantitative assessments logistically very difficult. In these habitats visual observations were made of the polychaete fauna along each transect line and within approximately 0.5 metre on either side of the line. Species presence and abundance were recorded. Relative abundance (occasional, moderately common, common, abundant, spot abundance) was used where counts were greater than 5. As polychaetes are cryptic in habit it was considered necessary to make collections off-transect to be able to provide an accurate representation of the fauna present at the locations. Additional habitats sampled included the undersurface of rocks; the mud layer from sides of boulders; algal clumps; obvious clumps of worm tubes and surfaces of empty worm tubes. These collections were associated with the nearest transect line for the presence/absence analysis. When vacant worm tubes were collected but were internally free of silt, sand or debris the species was recorded as present for the site.

Transect data provided by SKM (Appendix A) was plotted on Google Earth and the transect elevation layer used define three tidal levels: low elevation (0-3m), mid elevation (3-6m), high elevation (6- 9m).

Polychaetes were primarily identified using Wilson et al. (2003) with additional references being used as necessary (Hutchings and Murray, 1984; Hutchings and Glasby, 1988; Hutchings and Glasby, 1990; Ford & Hutchings, 2005).

1.2. Statistical Analysis

Basic analyses were conducted using the combined relative abundance and abundance data from each transect as presence/absence data. This allowed common species to be determined for each location and so comparisons between locations. A simple PRIMER cluster analysis (Bray-Curtis similarity, square root transformed, 5% significance) with the occurrence of common species data was used to examine similarities between the three locations.

PAGE 1 2. Results

2.1. James Price Point South

2.1.1. Survey Site Locations

Table 1: Survey site habitat and replication information for James Price Point South. Latitude and longitude are included in Appendix A

habitat Elevation Collection Transect Quadrats m date 2009

S1 sand flat 4 7-Oct T1 Q3 (5m); Q5 (10m); Q9 (20m) 3 T2 Q3 (5m); Q5 (10m); Q9 (20m) 3 T3 Q3 (5m); Q5 (10m); Q9 (20m) S2 sand flat 3 T1 Q3 (5m); Q5 (10m); Q9 (20m) 2 T2 Q3 (5m); Q5 (10m); Q9 (20m) 2 T3 Q3 (5m); Q5 (10m); Q9 (20m) S3* rock pools with sandy 2 7-Oct T1 substrate 2 T2 3 T3 S4* sand covered rocks 2 7-Oct T1 2 T2 3 T3 S5 fissured rocks with 2 7-Oct T1 shallow loose sand; 2 T2 shell grit; needled 2 T3 S6 large rocks, ledges 2 7-Oct T1 caverns; sandy base 2 T2 3 T3 S7 high rock platform 0 7-Oct T1 with caverns; shallow 0 T2 sandy bottom 0 T3 S8* large exposed rocks; 0 7-Oct T1 pools with algae 0 T2 0 T3 S9 exposed rock platform 0 7-Oct T1 with channels and 0 T2 pools; covered in 0 T3 muddy sand S10* large loose rocks ; 0 7-Oct T1 shallow sandy bottom 0 T2 0 T3 S12* (S11) rock platform with 0 9-Oct T1 boulders, pools and 0 T2 channels; sandy silt 0 T3 covered S13* high profile rock 0 9-Oct T1 platform with pools 0 T2 and channels; sandy 0 T3 silt covered 2.1.2. Survey Site Descriptions

Brief descriptions of each survey site are given in Table 1. Generally the immediately obvious habitats were sand flats and exposed rock surface with water retaining rock pools and the adjacent tidally-drained channels with moist sand substrate. Some of the lower elevation transect lines were set along high relief highly eroded red sandstone which dropped steeply into pools and channels.

PAGE 2 Additional collections off–transect (*) were from less obvious habitats such as the moist shaded undersurface of boulders and smaller loose rocks; sandy bottom pools containing algae, sponges and other encrusting organisms; and channels holding exposed silt-covered, highly ornamented Diopatra tubes.

Sand flats habitats were totally exposed and bare.

2.1.3. Taxa Present

Forty-two taxa were recorded at JPPSouth (Table 2) from on and near 36 transects. Four species: Neanthes cf. bongcoi, Branchiomma nigromaculata, Ehlersia sp and Syllinae sp. were recorded on three transects (8.3%). Another four taxa: Lysidice cf. MoV2557, Perinereis cf. barbara, Serpulidae 1 and Sphaerosyllis sp. were recorded twice (5.6%). The remaining 34 taxa were recorded once at the location. Twenty-three taxa were recorded on the transect lines. These included the 8 most common species and 15 species seen on only one transect.

Table 2: Taxa present at JPP South (S) and their % occurrence based on all 36 transects, including on- and off-transect samples. Off-transect samples were associated with the closest transect line for this analysis.

on Family Genus Species % occurrence transect Nereididae Neanthes cf. bongcoi 8.3 + Sabellidae Branchiomma nigromaculata 8.3 + Syllidae Ehlersia sp. 8.3 + Syllidae Syllinae sp. 8.3 + Eunicidae Lysidice cf. MoV2557 5.6 + Nereididae Perinereis cf. barbara 5.6 + Serpulidae Serpulidae 1 (large round mouth tube) 5.6 + Syllidae Sphaerosyllis sp. 5.6 + Amphinomidae Eurythoe sp. 2.8 Capitellidae Decamastus sp. 2.8 Chrysopetalidae Chrysopetalum sp. 2.8 Eunicidae Eunice cf. aequibilis 2.8 + Eunicidae Eunice cf. tribranchiata 2.8 + Eunicidae Palola siciliensis 2.8 + Eunicidae Eunice sp. 2.8 + Flabelligeridae Pherusa parmata 2.8 + Lumbrineridae Lumbrineris sp. 2.8 + Maldanidae Maldane sp. 2.8 Maldanidae Micromaldane sp. 2.8 Nereididae Nereis sp. 2.8 Nereididae Perinereis nigropunctata 2.8 + Nereididae Pseudonereis anomala 2.8 + Onuphidae Diopatra sp. (empty tubes) 2.8 Oweniidae Owenia mirawa 2.8 Phyllodocidae Eumida sp. 2.8 Sabellidae Potamilla sp. 2.8 Serpulidae Pomatoleios krausii (single ridge tube) 2.8 + Serpulidae Salmacina australis 2.8 Serpulidae Serpula vascifera (3-dorsal ridged tube) 2.8 + Serpulidae Serpulidae 2 (Spirorbinae sp., empty 2.8

PAGE 3 tube) Serpulidae Spirorbinae sp. 1 2.8 Serpulidae ?Spiroserpula snelli? 2.8 + Sigalioniade Fimbriosthenelais sp. 2.8 + Spionidae Dipolydora cf. armata 2.8 Syllidae Brania sp. 2.8 Syllidae Exogoninae sp. 1 2.8 Syllidae Haplosyllis spongicola 2.8 Syllidae Opisthosyllis sp. 2.8 Syllidae Prosphaerosyllis papillosissima 2.8 Syllidae Prosphaerosyllis opisthoculata 2.8 Syllidae Salvatoria sp. 2.8 + Syllidae Sphaerosyllis sp. + Syllidae Sphaerosyllis sp. 2 2.8 +

2.1.4. Ecological Interactions

JPP South showed the greatest diversity of species of all the locations surveyed. This reflects the variety of habitats available to the polychaete community there. A single off-transect scraping (10 x 10 cm) of a small algae - sponge complex from low elevation rock pools revealed a community of 16 species including non-selective deposit feeders (Cirriformia sp.) consuming algae and microbiota with their tangle of feeding tentacles and branchiae; tiny sponge parasites (Haplosyllis spongicola); tiny predatory carnivores (Ehlersia sp., Brania sp.) consuming microcrustacea; the larger suspension/filter feeding fanworm (Branchiomma nigromaculata); larger nereid scavengers (Neanthes cf. bongcoi, Perinereis cf. barbara); and the beautifully iridescent larger carnivore/omnivore (Lysidice MoV2557) consuming small invertebrates, probably including other polychaetes. All members of this complex had taken on the deep red colouration of the host organisms.

On-transect, a community of surface deposit feeders, scavengers and carnivores was found associated with serpulid tubes, possibly using the silty crevices and edges of the tube to escape dehydration and to provide nutrition from microorganisms.

Another micro-community was found associated with Diopatra tubes in the drainage channels between boulders and rocks, the heavily shell-ornamented exposed end of the Diopatra tube providing pockets of moisture, shade and silty deposits for feeding.

The undersurface of a large leaning boulder provided a shady moist habitat for the omnivore Palola siciliensis to attach and wait for the incoming tide. Even the narrow shaded overlapping lip of an exposed attached oyster provided shelter for a single carnivorous syllid, Typosyllis albaneyensis.

2.2. James Price Point North

2.2.1. Survey Site Locations

Table 3: Survey site habitat and replication information for James Price Point North

PAGE 4 Collection Date Trans Habitat Elevation m 2009 ects Quadrats N1 sand flat 8 6-Oct T1 Q3 (5m); Q5 (10m); Q9 (20m) 9 T2 Q3 (5m); Q5 (10m); Q9 (20m) 7 T3 Q3 (5m); Q5 (10m); Q9 (20m) N2 sand flat 5 8-Oct T1 Q3 (5m); Q5 (10m); Q9 (20m) 5 T2 Q3 (5m); Q5 (10m); Q9 (20m) 4 T3 Q3 (5m); Q5 (10m); Q9 (20m) N3* sand flat 5 6-Oct T1 Q3 (5m); Q5 (10m); Q9 (20m) 5 T2 Q3 (5m); Q5 (10m); Q9 (20m) 3 T3 Q3 (5m); Q5 (10m); Q9 (20m) N4 sand flat 6 6-Oct T1 Q3 (5m); Q5 10m); Q9 (20m) 6 T2 Q3 (5m); Q5 (10m); Q9 (20m) 5 T3 Q3 (5m); Q5 (10m); Q9 (20m) N5* fractured reef rubble 0 8-Oct T1 0 T2 N6* muddy sand over 0 8-Oct T1 rock(3cm below) 0 T2 0 T3 N7* muddy silt over rocks; 1 8-Oct T1 sandy pools 1 T2 1 T3 N8* muddy silt over rocks; 0 8-Oct T1 sandy pools 0 T2 0 T3 N9 muddy silt covered 0 6-Oct T1 pavement 0 T2 0 T3 N10* muddy silt covered 0 6-Oct T1 pavement 0 T2 0 T3 2.2.2. Survey Site Descriptions

Two obvious habitats were present: sand flats and an exposed silt-covered rocky pavement with rock pools. Additional off-transect sampling (*) occurred in habitats under loose rocks (N3, N8), amongst unoccupied serpulid tubes (N10), in silty sand with obvious worm tubes and from clumps of algae.

2.2.3. Taxa Present

Thirty-one taxa were recorded at JPPNorth (Table 4) from on and near 29 transects. One species: Diopatra sp. (occurring as recently vacated empty tubes) was recorded from 5 transects (17.2%). Three species: Owenia sp. (empty tubes), Idanthyrsus (empty tubes) and Scolelepis carunculata were recorded on three transects (10.3%). Another seven taxa: Cirriformia sp., Maldane sp., Perinereis cf. barbara, Hydroides exaltata, Salmacina australis, Serpulid sp. and Amphitrite oculata were recorded twice (6.9%). The remaining 20 taxa were recorded from one transect at the location. Fourteen taxa were recorded on the transect lines including all but one of the most common species and four taxa recorded from only one transect line.

Table 4: Taxa present at JPPNorth (N) and their % occurrence based on all 29 transects, including on- and off-transect samples. Off-transect samples were associated with the closest transect line for this analysis.

On Family Genus species % occurrence transect Onuphidae Diopatra sp. (empty tubes) 17.2 + Oweniidae Owenia sp. (empty tubes) 10.3 +

PAGE 5 Sabellariidae Idanthyrsus (empty tubes) 10.3 + Spionidae Scolelepis carunculata 10.3 + Cirratulidae Cirriformia sp. 6.9 + Maldanidae Maldane sp. 6.9 + Nereididae Perinereis cf. barbara 6.9 + Serpulidae Hydroides exaltatus (3-ridged tube) 6.9 + Serpulidae Salmacina australis 6.9 + Serpulidae Serpulid (2-ridged empty tube) 6.9 + Terebellidae Amphitrite oculata 6.9 Amphinomidae Eurythoe cf. parvicarunculata 3.4 Cirratulidae unidentified "black" 3.4 Eunicidae Eunice cf.MoV308 3.4 Eunicidae Lysidice cf. MoV2557 3.4 Eunicidae Marphysa sp. 3.4 Glyceridae Glycera oxycephala 3.4 Nereididae Neanthes cf. bongcoi 3.4 + Nereididae Nereis sp. 3.4 Opheliidae Armandia sp. 3.4 Phyllodocidae Eumida fuscolutata 3.4 Sabellidae Sabellinae sp. 3.4 Serpulidae Hydroides sp. (tubes) 3.4 Serpulidae Pomatoleios krausii (single ridge tube) 3.4 Serpulidae Serpulidae 1 (large round mouth tube) 3.4 + Serpulidae 2 (Spirorbinae sp., empty + Serpulidae tube) 3.4 Spionidae Dipolydora cf. pilocollaris 3.4 Syllidae cf. Amblyosyllis sp. 3.4 Syllidae Ehlersia sp. 3.4 Syllidae Eusyllis sp. 3.4 + Syllidae Prosphaerosyllis opisthoculata 3.4

2.2.4. Ecological Interactions

JPPNorth was dominated by the soft substrate tube-dwellers. The heavily ornamented and massed tubes of Diopatra sp. were obvious in the silty–sand drainage channels of the rock platform, the tubes themselves providing habitat for a community of smaller polychaetes and other invertebrates which in turn most likely provided nutrition for the omnivorous Diopatra. The neatly built chimneys of the selective deposit feeder Owenia sp. were also frequently seen in shallow sandy pools. Animals from the tubes were rarely captured (a single Owenia mirawa specimen was collected at JPPSouth) but as the tubes were in good condition and not filled with sediment or sand it was considered that the animals had avoided capture by escaping from the buried end of the tube.

Surface deposit feeders were common at JPPNorth. The undersurface of an oyster shell provided habitat for a cluster of soft tubes of the surface deposit feeding Maldane sp. and the scavenger nereid Neanthes cf. bongcoi. Two clusters of the selective surface deposit feeder, Cirriformia sp. were found on low elevation transects. One in a mud sample associated with Owenia tubes and the other associated with a Callianassid burrow.

Hard tube suspension/filter feeders were less obvious in this location occurring most frequently on the undersurface of broad flat rocks and being species with a colonial habit. The delicate translucent

PAGE 6 white tubes and orange fans of Salmacina australis and the sinuous tubes of Idanthyrsus sp. with their carefully size-selected sand grains both occurred in low elevation sites. This suggests that the flatter terrain, when exposed, is not providing the shading or moisture to support the more gregarious hard tube serpulids or, that when submerged, the energy of the water movement is too great to allow their establishment. A single Pomatoleios krausii, the most frequently recorded species at Flat Rock, was found attached to a free-floating cigarette lighter.

One algae covered rock with serpulid and sabellariid tubes on the undersurface provided habitat for several syllid species, the carnivorous long green Eumida fuscolutata, the tiny surface deposit feeder, Dipolydora cf. pilocollaris and a cluster of the tiny carnivorous fireworm, Eurythoe cf. parvecarunculata that feeds on sponges, anemones, hydroids and ascidians.

The sand flat habitat (to 5cm depth) at JPPNorth was most commonly inhabited by the small surface deposit/suspension feeder Scolelepis carunculata commonly known to occupy the swash zone. All specimens were collected from only a few quadrats with many quadrats containing no animals at all. This reflects the patchy nature of the distribution of the species over the sand flat and for this reason in any future sand flat surveys an adequate number of samples to account for this. High (6-9m), mid (3-6m) and low level (0-3m) quadrats were sampled with all specimens in this survey recorded from the mid-level transects.

2.3. Flat Rock

2.3.1. Survey Site Locations

Table 5: Survey site habitat and replication information for Flat Rock (north reference (NR))

Habitat Elevation m Collection Date 2009 Transects Quadrats NR1 sand flat 0 6-Oct T1 Q3 (5m); Q5 (10m); Q9 (20m) 0 T2 Q3 (5m); Q5 (10m); Q9 (20m) NR2 sand flat 5 6-Oct T1 Q3 (5m); Q5 (10m); Q9 (20m) 4 T2 Q3 (5m); Q5 (10m); Q9 (20m) 2 T3 Q3 (5m); Q5 (10m); Q9 (20m) NR3 sand flat 5 6-Oct T1 Q3 (5m); Q5 (10m); Q9 (20m) 5 T2 Q3 (5m); Q5 (10m); Q9 (20m) 8 T3 Q3 (5m); Q5 (10m); Q9 (20m) NR4 muddy sand between 3 8-Oct T1 rocks 2 T2 2 T3 NR5 sandy pools between 1 8-Oct T1 rocks 1 T2 1 T3 NR6* sand flat; algal drift; 0 6-Oct T1 Q3 (5m); Q5 (10m); Q9 (20m) nearby outcrop of 0 T2 Q3 (5m); Q5 (10m); Q9 (20m) conglomerate rock 0 T3 Q3 (5m); Q5 (10m); Q9 (20m) NR7 Rocky platform 1 8-Oct T1 1 T2 1 T3 NR8 pools with silty mud 0 8-Oct T1 and very soft rocks 0 T2 (~30cm) 0 T3 NR9 pools with silty mud 0 8-Oct T1 and very soft rocks 0 T2 (~30cm) 0 T3

PAGE 7 2.3.2. Survey Site Descriptions

The obvious habitats were the sand flats and an exposed silt-covered rocky pavement of very soft red sandstone containing rock pools and channels with silty sandy bottoms.

Sand flats were exposed and bare. Fauna from algae washed onto the sandflat were sampled as off- transect. Additional off-transect sampling (*) occurred at S6 beside large conglomerate rocks.

2.3.3. Taxa Present

Twenty taxa were recorded at Flat Rock (NR) (Table 6) from on and near 26 transects. One species: Pomatoleios krausii was recorded from 8 transects (30.8%). One species: Perinereis nuntia was recorded from 6 transects (23.1%). Two species: Owenia sp. (empty tubes) and Eumida sp. were recorded from 4 transects (15.4%). Four species: Glycera oxycephala, G. sp., Idanthyrsus australiensis and Scolelepis sp. were each recorded from 2 transects (7.7%). The remaining 12 taxa were recorded on one transect at the location. All twenty taxa were recorded on the transect lines.

Table 6: Taxa present at Flat Rock (NR) and their % occurrence based on all 26 transects, including on- and off-transect samples. Off-transect samples were associated with the closest transect line for this analysis.

Family Genus species % occurrence on transect Serpulidae Pomatoleios krausii (single ridge tube) 30.8 + Nereididae Perinereis nuntia 23.1 + Oweniidae Owenia sp. (empty tubes) 15.4 + Phyllodocidae Eumida sp. 15.4 + Glyceridae Glycera oxycephala 7.7 + Glyceridae Glycera sp. 7.7 + Sabellariidae Idanthyrsus australiensis 7.7 + Spionidae Scolelepis sp. 7.7 + Nereididae Perinereis nigropunctata 3.8 + Onuphidae Diopatra sp. (empty tubes) 3.8 + Opheliidae Armandia sp. 3.8 + Sabellidae Branchiomma nigromaculata 3.8 + Sabellidae Sabellinae sp. 3.8 + Serpulidae Josephella marenzelleri (empty tubes) 3.8 + Serpulidae Hydroides sp. (tubes) 3.8 + Serpulidae Salmacina australis 3.8 + Serpulidae ?Spiroserpula snelli? 3.8 + Spionidae Scolelepis sp. 2 3.8 + Syllidae Brania. sp 3.8 + Syllidae Opisthosyllis sp. 3.8 +

2.3.4. Ecological Interactions

The polychaete fauna at Flat Rock was dominated by the suspension feeding serpulid, Pomatoleios krausii, with its paired bright blue banded branchial crown. The predatory Eumida sp. was also

PAGE 8 obvious as a long dark green stripe travelling over the muddy silt surface of the exposed rocks searching for stranded prey.

The undersurface of the red sandstone rocks provided shelter for the scavenger, Perinereis nuntia carrying a soft sandy tube, and a cluster of the hard-tubed suspension/filter feeder Idanthyrsus australiensis, with its golden crown of paleae. Empty tubes of the delicate, minute (<1mm wide) colonial species, Josephella marenzelleri, were found attached to a lamellate bryozoan on a rock.

Heavily ornamented Diopatra tubes clustered in silty channels and the erect tubes of Owenia were seen in shallow pools.

Mud scrapings from the surface of rocks in this location contained no polychaetes.

The sand flat fauna at Flat Rock included the carnivore/omnivores Glycera oxycephala and Glycera sp., the selective deposit feeder, Armandia sp. and the deposit suspension feeder, Scolelepis sp. The fauna occurred on the mid and low elevation transects. No polychaetes occurred on the high elevation transect. This would be expected as high temperatures in this zone would lead to rapid dehydration of the sand flat and any soft –bodied organisms occurring there.

The fauna at Flat Rock contained fewer species than JPPNorth or JPPSouth and yet the single most common organism, Pomatoleios krausii, occurred on 8 transects. A single off-transect collection was made at Flat Rock indicating that additional habitats such as sponge and algal complexes were not present.

PAGE 9 3. Discussion

3.1. Habitat Diversity

3.1.1. Habitat Types

Comparisons of sand flat sites between locations (Table 7) indicate differences in both species richness and total abundance. The survey was limited for logistical reasons (time, tide) resulting in differences in mean transect elevation and number of quadrats taken between locations. This should be taken into consideration when drawing conclusions using this data.

Table 7: Comparison of sand flat sites and polychaete fauna (total abundance) between locations.

Flat Rock JPPNorth JPPSouth sites (sand flat) 4 4 2 total quadrats 36 36 18 mean transect elevation m 5.6 2.6 2.8 total abundance 6 13 0 species richness 4 2 0 Glycera oxycephala 3 0 0 Scolelepis sp 1 0 0 Armandia sp. 1 0 0 Glycera sp. 1 0 0 Scolelepis carunculata 0 10 0 Perinereis cf. barbara 0 3 0

These results suggest that the sand flat at Flat Rock (NR), with higher mean transect elevation to both JPPNorth and JPPSouth sand flat locations, has greater species richness and a different suite of species to JPPNorth. It seems that elevation is not the main factor in this difference as no polychaetes were found at JPPSouth even though of similar elevation to JPPNorth. Occurrence of larger numbers of species at the higher elevation is surprising as you would expect that increased desiccation and high temperature might limit polychaete occurrence there. It is possible that moisture is being provided or held by submerged geological structures or that there is some water-flow of terrestrial origin onto the sandflat at Flat Rock (NR).

JPPNorth had a high abundance of the surface deposit feeder, Scolelepis carunculata which most likely indicates the presence of suitable particulate food material at that location.

The lack of polychaetes at JPPSouth may be due to a lower number of quadrats being taken or may have a physical basis eg. greater energy in water movements may make the substrate less stable or may remove food particles. Either action might make sand flats at the location unsuitable habitat for the smaller subsurface polychaetes.

If the differences seen in this survey are real you must conclude that the sand flats at Flat Rock are not similar enough to those of JPPNorth or JPPSouth to provide a suitable control site for later post- impact monitoring of the sand flat habitat at James Price Point.

PAGE 10 Comparison of total species present on transects at Flat Rock, JPPNorth and JPPSouth also support the conclusion that each location appears to have a distinctive polychaete community. Cluster analysis of the species most commonly encountered on transects from each location clearly indicate three clusters that directly relate to each of the locations. This is illustrated in Figure 1 and expanded in Table 8.

Transform: Square root Resemblance: S17 Bray Curtis similarity 0

20

Cluster 1 Cluster 2 Cluster 3 Flat Rock 40 JPPSouth JPPNorth

Similarity 60

80

100 P. nuntia Eumida sp. Ehlersia sp. Ehlersia Maldane sp. P. cf. barbara G. oxycephala S. carunculata I. australiensis Cirriformia sp. Cirriformia B. nigromaculata Owenia sp. (empty tubes) sp. (empty Owenia H. exaltatus (3-ridged tube) P.krausii (single ridgetube) common species on transects

Figure 1: Cluster analysis of common species from all transects suggesting that communities at the three locations are different. See also Table 7 below.

Table 7: Most common species from each location in clusters created by PRIMER (Figure 1). At this sampling time each of the locations appears to have a characteristic community of common polychaetes.

Flat JPP JPP Rock South North (NR) Total number of species present (on and off- 42 31 20 transect)

Total number of species 23 14 20 present on transect

Number oftransects 26 29 26

PAGE 11 Number of low elevation 11 6 7 sites (0-3m)

Number ofmid-level 1 3 2(3) elevation sites (3-6m)

Number of high elevation 0 1 1 (0) sites (6-9m)

Total number of species present (on and off- 42 31 20 transect)

Family Genus species functional feeding group

CLUSTER 1 – Flat Rock Glyceridae Glycera oxycephala carnivorore/detrivore 2 Nereididae Perinereis nuntia scavenger/selective 6 surface deposit Oweniidae Owenia sp. (empty tubes) selective deposit 2 4 Phyllodocidae Eumida sp. predatory carnivore 4 Sabellariidae Idanthyrsus australiensis suspension/filter 2 Serpulidae Pomatoleios krausii (single suspension/filter 1 8 ridge tube) CLUSTER 2 - JPPSouth Sabellidae Branchiomma nigromaculata suspension/filter 2 Syllidae Ehlersia sp. predatory carnivore? 2 CLUSTER 3 - JPPNorth Cirratulidae Cirriformia sp. selective surfacedeposit 2 Maldanidae Maldane sp. non-selective deposit 2 scavenger/selective 1 2 Nereididae Perinereis cf. barbara surface deposit Serpulidae Hydroides exaltatus (3-ridged suspension/filter 2 tube) Spionidae Scolelepis carunculata deposit/suspension 3

3.2. Biogeographic Affinities

The known distributions of the polychaete species found in this survey are listed in Table 8 following the common distribution patterns of Australian shallow water benthic species of Wilson and Allen (1987, in Beesley et al. (2000)). Two species endemic to the North-western Australian region have been found in this survey: Lysidice MoV 2557 and Owenia mirawa. Five species (6% of total) are currently known to occur only in northern Australian regions: ?Spiroserpula snelli? (ID to be confirmed), Prosphaerosyllis papillosissima, Hydroides exaltatus and Perinereis nuntia. Four more species may belong to the northern Australian fauna but further information is necessary, but unavailable, on variation within the species to confirm the identifications: Eurythoe cf. parvicarunculata, Eunice cf. aequibilis, Eunice cf. tribranchiata and Neanthes cf. bongcoi.

Two species have been found that have not been previously recorded in the North-western Australian region: Pomatoleios krausii, previously known only from the North-eastern Australian region plus Gulf and Darwin, and Amphitrite oculata, previously known only from the North-eastern region plus North-West Pacific.

PAGE 12 Cosmopolitan species recorded include: Dipolydora cf. armata, Glycera oxycephala and Palola siciliensis.

No known introduced species were found.

The biogeographic affinities of the remaining species (65% of total) which could not be satisfactorily identified using current literature remain unknown. It is very likely that some are new species endemic to the North-western Australian region. No doubt others are morphological variants of known species. If this is the case it would be expected that they would be of northern region origin. Further surveys in this region are required to clarify this.

Table 8: Known biogeographic affinities of species recorded from James Price Point intertidal survey. poss. end. = possibly endemic

Family Genus species North-western Australia North-eastern Australia widespread Indo-west Pacific south-western Australia South-eastern Australia cosmopolitan Amphinomidae Eurythoe cf. parvicarunculata poss. end. cf. + Amphinomidae Eurythoe sp. poss. end. Capitellidae Decamastus sp. poss. end. Chrysopetalidae Chrysopetalum sp. poss. end. Cirratulidae Cirriformia sp. poss. end. Cirratulidae unidentified "black" poss. end. Eunicidae Eunice cf. aequibilis poss. end. cf. + Eunicidae Eunice cf.MoV308 poss. end. cf. + Eunicidae Eunice cf. tribranchiata poss. end. cf. + ( plus Gulf) Eunicidae Palola siciliensis + Eunicidae Eunice sp. poss. end. Eunicidae Lysidice cf. MoV2557 + Eunicidae Marphysa sp. poss. end. Flabelligeridae Pherusa parmata + + + Glyceridae Glycera oxycephala + Glyceridae Glycera sp. poss. end. Lumbrineridae Lumbrineris sp. poss. end. Maldanidae Maldane sp. poss. end. Maldanidae Micromaldane sp. poss. end. Nereididae Neanthes cf. bongcoi poss. end. cf. + Nereididae Nereis sp. poss. end. + (not N- Nereididae Perinereis cf. barbara poss. end. western) + Nereididae Perinereis nigropunctata + + + Nereididae Perinereis nuntia + + Nereididae Pseudonereis anomala + + + Onuphidae Diopatra sp. (empty tubes) poss. end. Opheliidae Armandia sp. poss. end. Oweniidae Owenia mirawa +

PAGE 13 Phyllodocidae Eumida fuscolutata + + + Phyllodocidae Eumida sp. poss. end. Sabellariidae Idanthyrsus australiensis + + + + + Sabellidae Branchiomma nigromaculata + + + Sabellidae Potamilla sp. poss. end. Sabellidae Sabellinae sp. poss. end. Serpulidae Hydroides exaltatus + + (3-ridged tube) Serpulidae Hydroides sp. (tubes) poss. end. Serpulidae Pomatoleios krausii (broad + plus Gulf and single ridge tube) Darwin) Serpulidae Salmacina australis + + + + + Serpulidae Serpula vascifera + + + (3-dorsal ridged tube) Serpulidae Serpulidae 1 (large round mouth tube) Serpulidae Spirorbinae sp. 1 poss. end. Serpulidae ?Spiroserpula snelli? + + Sigalioniade Fimbriosthenelais sp. poss. end. Spionidae Dipolydora cf. armata poss. end. cf. + Spionidae Dipolydora cf. pilocollaris poss. end. cf. + Spionidae Scolelepis carunculata + + + + Spionidae Scolelepis sp. poss. end. Spionidae Scolelepis sp. 2 poss. end. Syllidae cf. Amblyosyllis sp. poss. end. Syllidae Brania sp. poss. end. Syllidae Ehlersia sp. poss. end. Syllidae Eusyllis sp. poss. end. Syllidae Exogoninae sp. 1 poss. end. Syllidae Haplosyllis spongicola + + + Syllidae Opisthosyllis sp. poss. end. Syllidae Prosphaerosyllis papillosissima + + Syllidae Prosphaerosyllis opisthoculata + + + + Syllidae Salvatoria sp. poss. end. Syllidae Sphaerosyllis sp. poss. end. Syllidae Sphaerosyllis sp. 2 poss. end. Syllidae Typosyllis albaneyensis + + Syllidae Syllinae sp. poss. end. Syllidae Syllis sp. poss. end. + plus (North-west Terebellidae Amphitrite oculata Pacific) Terebellidae cf. Nicolea sp. poss. end. Terebellidae Terebella pappus + + + +

3.3. Regional Perspective

James Price Point is within the North West IMCRA bioregion (Commonwealth of Australia, 2006) extending from Kimberley in the north to Ningaloo and Shark Bay in the south. Intertidal surveys for polychaetes have been conducted at several times within the region. The Woodside Dampier Marine Biological International Workshop in 2000 included intertidal sand flat surveys (Kohn 2000) and some limited intertidal polychaete sampling (Hutchings and Avery 2000). Collections were made near

PAGE 14 Exmouth by Hartmann-Schröder (1981) and by various museum collectors including those of the Museum of Victoria since that time.

Kohn’s (2000) intertidal sand flat surveys noted the dominance of Diopatra sp. The survey also found that the dominant invertebrates in core samples to 5 cm depth in silty sand sediments sieved through a 2mm mesh included 2 species of polychaetes: Owenia fusiformis and Aglaophamus sp. Samples from similar sediments in this JPP survey found neither of those polychaetes. However, 7 Oweniidae tubes and one specimen of Owenia mirawa (which until recently would have been included as O. fusiformis) were found in channels of muddy silt at the JPPNorth and Flat Rock locations. Sand flat samples were dominated in the current survey by the small spionid, Scolelepis carunculata, which would not have been collected in the Dampier survey due to the larger 2mm sieve mesh size used.

Hutchings and Avery (2000) list the species of Terebellids, Trichobranchids and Pectinariids recorded from Dampier. One species, Terebella pappus known to occur in Dampier was also found at JPP South low elevation (0m) site.

Two species found in the current survey, 3% of the total polychaete fauna found, are known to be endemic to the North-western Australian region: Owenia mirawa, recently described by Ford and Hutchings (200?) and the eunicid, Lysidice MoV sp. 2557, which is formally undescribed but is in the Museum of Victoria (MoV) collections from Port Hedland. These formally undescribed MoV species are included in the interactive polychaete identification key of Wilson et al. (2000).

Much of the material identified in this survey (65%) was not able to be confidently identified to species level using available literature. This may be due to local endemism. It may also reflect a lack of knowledge of a species morphological variation over its distribution range. More likely, it is a combination of both of these factors. Clearly further taxonomic work and standardised intertidal surveys are required. This would build on the existing knowledge to develop a more complete picture of the North -western Australian regional polychaete fauna.

3.4. Local/Sub-Regional Perspective

Extensive searching has found no published information on the Local/ Sub-Regional intertidal fauna of the Broome area. The closest collection information comes from Port Hedland. Formally undescribed Museum of Victoria material from Port Hedland is included in the interactive polychaete identification key of Wilson et al. (2000). One species from Port Hedland, Lysidice MoV sp. 2557 has been found in this JPP survey. Museum databases of the Western Australian Museum, Australian Museum and Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory have provided some information confirming the occurrence of some well-known species but also indicating that there are many specimens not able to be identified using current knowledge and literature. This survey has similar findings. Approximately 65% cannot be confidently identified to species level. As mentioned previously, this may be due to local endemism. Further surveys at a local and sub-regional level and increased taxonomic effort are required to confidently refute or confirm this.

PAGE 15 4. Conclusions and Recommendations

1. Much of the material identified in this survey (65%) was not able to be confidently identified to species level using available literature. This may be due to the polychaete fauna being locally endemic. It may also reflect a lack of knowledge of within species morphological variation over its whole distribution range. More likely, it is a combination of both of these factors.

 Further standardised intertidal surveys over the whole region are required, followed by the necessary taxonomic work, to be able to confidently provide information on the endemicity of the regional and sub-regional polychaete fauna.

2. If the differences seen between sand flat habitats (species richness, total abundance, polychaete community composition) in this survey are real you must conclude that the sand flats at Flat Rock (NR) are not similar enough to those of JPPNorth (or JPPSouth) to provide a suitable control site for later post-impact monitoring of the sand flat habitat at James Price Point.

 Further investigation of the sand flat habitats is required to confirm if, and explain why, the locations are different.

3. All three locations appear to have distinctive polychaete communities. This distinctiveness appears to be related to the topography of the locations. Available physical habitat to provide protection from desiccation and the energy of the tidal water movements appears to be an important factor influencing the composition of the polychaete communities seen at the three locations.

 Care should be taken in selecting control locations for any ongoing monitoring.

4. The sand flat polychaete fauna has been shown to have a patchy distribution.

 The minimum number of quadrats taken at sand flat habitats to collect a representative sample of the polychaete fauna appears to be 36 per location.

5. Seasonality may occur in the polychaete community at the site.

 Sampling at different times of the year may provide a more complete picture of the dynamics of the polychaete community around James Price Point.

PAGE 16 5. References

Beesley, PL, Ross, GJB, Glasby, CJ (eds) (2000) Polychaetes and Allies: The Southern Synthesis. Fauna of Australia. Vol. 4A Polychaeta, Myzostomida, Pogonophora, Echiura, Sipuncula. CSIRO Publishing : Melbourne xii 465 pp.

Commonwealth of Australia (2006) A Guide the Integrated Marine and Coastal Regionalisation of Australia Version 4.0. Department of Environment and Heritage, Canberra, Australia

Ford E, Hutchings PA (2005) An analysis of morphological characters of Owenia useful to distinguish species: description of three new species of Owenia (Oweniidae: Polychaeta) from Australian waters. Marine Ecology 26 (2005) 181–196

Kohn, AJ (2003) Infaunal invertebrates of an intertidal sand flat, Dampier, Western Australia in Wells, FE, Walker, DI and Jones, DS (eds) Marine Flora and Fauna of Dampier, Western Australia Volume 1. Western Australian Museum Perth

Hartmann-Schröder G. 1981. Teil 6. Die Polychaeten der tropisch-subtropischen Westküste Australiens (zwischen Exmouth im Norden und Cervantes im Süden). In: Hartmann-Schröder G, Hartmann G, editors. Zur Kenntnis des Eulitorals der australischen Küsten unter besonderer Berücksichtigung der Polychaeten und Ostracoden. p 19-96.

Hutchings, PA (1997) The Terebellidae (Polychaeta) of Northern Australia with a key to all the described species of the region in Hanley, JR, Caswell, G, Megirian, D and Larson, HK (eds)The Marine Flora and Fauna of Darwin Harbour, Northern Australia. Proceedings of the Sixth International Marine Biological Workshop. Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory.

Hutchings PA, Avery L (2000) The Terebellidae, Trichobranchidae and Pectinariidae (Polychaeta) of the Dampier Archipelago, Western Australia in Wells, FE, Walker, DI and Jones, DS (eds) Marine Flora and Fauna of Dampier, Western Australia Volume 2. Western Australian Museum Perth

Hutchings PA, Glasby CJ. 1988. The Amphitritinae (Polychaeta: Terebellidae) from Australia. Records of the Australian Museum 40:1-60.

Hutchings PA, Glasby CJ. 1990. Additional new species of the family Terebellidae (Polychaeta) from Western Australia, with a key to all described species of the region. In: Wells FE, Walker DI, Kirkman H, Lethbridge R, editors. Proceedings of the Third International Marine Biological Workshop: The Marine Flora and Fauna of Albany, Western Australia. Perth: Western Australia Museum. p 251-289.

Hutchings PA, Murray A. 1984. Taxonomy of polychaetes from the Hawkesbury River and the southern estuaries of New South Wales, Australia. Records of the Australian Museum Supplement 3:1-118.

Wilson RA, Hutchings PA, Glasby CJ (2003) Polychaetes: an interactive identification guide. CSIRO Publishing. Melbourne.

PAGE 17 Appendix A

Waypoint Date Lat Long Start/End Site Transect 55 06-OCT-09 5:34:05PM -17.48 122.15 S N_Qualitative5 0 56 06-OCT-09 5:54:41PM -17.48 122.15 S N_vista 0 43 06-OCT-09 4:41:55PM -17.48 122.15 S N10T1 1 44 06-OCT-09 4:43:50PM -17.48 122.15 E N10T1 1 45 06-OCT-09 5:02:37PM -17.48 122.14 S N10T2 2 46 06-OCT-09 5:03:51PM -17.48 122.15 E N10T2 2 47 06-OCT-09 4:59:13PM -17.48 122.15 S N10T3 3 48 06-OCT-09 5:01:38PM -17.48 122.15 E N10T3 3 23 06-OCT-09 2:03:06PM -17.47 122.15 S N1T1 1 24 06-OCT-09 2:03:28PM -17.47 122.15 E N1T1 1 25 06-OCT-09 2:10:27PM -17.47 122.15 S N1T2 2 26 06-OCT-09 2:10:47PM -17.47 122.15 E N1T2 2 27 06-OCT-09 2:16:46PM -17.47 122.15 S N1T3 3 28 06-OCT-09 2:17:09PM -17.47 122.15 E N1T3 3 140 08-OCT-09 9:10:11AM -17.48 122.15 S N2T1 1 141 08-OCT-09 9:10:43AM -17.48 122.15 E N2T1 1 142 08-OCT-09 9:11:37AM -17.48 122.15 S N2T2 2 143 08-OCT-09 9:26:17AM -17.48 122.15 E N2T2 2 144 08-OCT-09 9:33:04AM -17.48 122.15 S N2T3 3 145 08-OCT-09 9:34:52AM -17.48 122.15 E N2T3 3 29 06-OCT-09 2:29:39PM -17.47 122.15 S N3T1 1 30 06-OCT-09 2:33:40PM -17.47 122.15 E N3T1 1 31 06-OCT-09 2:38:50PM -17.47 122.15 S N3T2 2 32 06-OCT-09 2:42:00PM -17.47 122.15 E N3T2 2 33 06-OCT-09 2:48:41PM -17.47 122.15 S N3T3 3 34 06-OCT-09 2:51:43PM -17.47 122.15 E N3T3 3 35 06-OCT-09 3:30:43PM -17.48 122.15 S N4T1 1 36 06-OCT-09 3:33:53PM -17.48 122.15 E N4T1 1 37 06-OCT-09 3:38:28PM -17.48 122.15 S N4T2 2 38 06-OCT-09 3:40:13PM -17.48 122.15 E N4T2 2 39 06-OCT-09 3:54:42PM -17.48 122.15 S N4T3 3 40 06-OCT-09 3:55:16PM -17.48 122.15 E N4T3 3 128 08-OCT-09 8:14:03AM -17.48 122.15 S N5T1 1 129 08-OCT-09 8:15:23AM -17.48 122.15 E N5T1 1 130 08-OCT-09 8:16:01AM -17.48 122.15 S N5T2 2 132 08-OCT-09 8:17:45AM -17.48 122.15 E N5T2 2 122 08-OCT-09 7:52:55AM -17.48 122.15 S N6T1 1 123 08-OCT-09 7:53:44AM -17.48 122.15 E N6T1 1 124 08-OCT-09 7:56:40AM -17.48 122.15 S N6T2 2 125 08-OCT-09 7:57:19AM -17.48 122.15 E N6T2 2 126 08-OCT-09 7:59:04AM -17.48 122.15 S N6T3 3 127 08-OCT-09 8:00:27AM -17.48 122.15 E N6T3 3 134 08-OCT-09 8:39:36AM -17.48 122.15 S N7T1 1 135 08-OCT-09 8:41:08AM -17.48 122.15 E N7T1 1 136 08-OCT-09 8:42:12AM -17.48 122.15 S N7T2 2 137 08-OCT-09 8:43:40AM -17.48 122.15 E N7T2 2 138 08-OCT-09 8:51:59AM -17.48 122.15 S N7T3 3 139 08-OCT-09 8:54:40AM -17.48 122.15 E N7T3 3 116 08-OCT-09 7:31:08AM -17.48 122.15 S N8T1 1 117 08-OCT-09 7:32:11AM -17.48 122.15 E N8T1 1

PAGE 18 118 08-OCT-09 7:33:10AM -17.48 122.15 S N8T2 2 119 08-OCT-09 7:34:31AM -17.48 122.15 E N8T2 2 120 08-OCT-09 7:40:05AM -17.48 122.15 S N8T3 3 121 08-OCT-09 7:41:28AM -17.48 122.15 E N8T3 3 49 06-OCT-09 5:16:35PM -17.48 122.15 S N9T1 1 50 06-OCT-09 5:17:08PM -17.48 122.15 E N9T1 1 51 06-OCT-09 5:20:28PM -17.48 122.15 S N9T2 2 52 06-OCT-09 5:22:56PM -17.48 122.15 E N9T2 2 53 06-OCT-09 5:27:28PM -17.48 122.15 S N9T3 3 54 06-OCT-09 5:28:34PM -17.48 122.15 E N9T3 3 41 06-OCT-09 4:09:36PM -17.48 122.15 S N-Qualitative 0 188 06-OCT-09 4:09:36PM -17.48 122.15 S N-Qualitative2 0 42 06-OCT-09 4:33:41PM -17.48 122.15 S N-Qualitative3 0 189 06-OCT-09 4:09:36PM N-Qualitative4 0 7 06-OCT-09 8:04:03AM -17.40 122.15 S NR1T1 1 8 06-OCT-09 8:05:54AM -17.39 122.15 E NR1T1 1 9 06-OCT-09 8:16:30AM -17.40 122.15 S NR1T2 2 10 06-OCT-09 8:16:55AM -17.40 122.15 E NR1T2 2 11 06-OCT-09 8:27:04AM -17.40 122.15 S NR2T1 1 12 06-OCT-09 8:28:11AM -17.40 122.15 E NR2T1 1 13 06-OCT-09 8:35:01AM -17.40 122.15 S NR2T2 2 14 06-OCT-09 8:37:25AM -17.40 122.15 E NR2T2 2 15 06-OCT-09 8:47:29AM -17.40 122.15 S NR2T3 3 16 06-OCT-09 8:45:38AM -17.40 122.15 E NR2T3 3 17 06-OCT-09 8:56:11AM -17.40 122.15 S NR3T1 1 18 06-OCT-09 8:58:16AM -17.40 122.15 E NR3T1 1 19 06-OCT-09 9:05:36AM -17.40 122.15 S NR3T2 2 20 06-OCT-09 9:04:45AM -17.40 122.15 E NR3T2 2 21 06-OCT-09 9:13:26AM -17.40 122.15 S NR3T3 3 22 06-OCT-09 9:15:08AM -17.40 122.15 E NR3T3 3 146 08-OCT-09 3:09:08PM -17.40 122.15 S NR4T1 1 147 08-OCT-09 3:12:15PM -17.40 122.15 E NR4T1 1 148 08-OCT-09 3:12:25PM -17.40 122.15 S NR4T2 2 149 08-OCT-09 3:13:46PM -17.40 122.15 E NR4T2 2 150 08-OCT-09 3:18:27PM -17.40 122.15 S NR4T3 3 151 08-OCT-09 3:19:36PM -17.40 122.15 E NR4T3 3 152 08-OCT-09 3:38:49PM -17.40 122.15 S NR5T1 1 153 08-OCT-09 3:40:05PM -17.40 122.15 E NR5T1 1 154 08-OCT-09 3:42:17PM -17.40 122.15 S NR5T2 2 155 08-OCT-09 3:43:36PM -17.40 122.15 E NR5T2 2 156 08-OCT-09 3:47:26PM -17.40 122.15 S NR5T3 3 157 08-OCT-09 3:50:09PM -17.40 122.15 E NR5T3 3 1 06-OCT-09 7:25:40AM -17.39 122.15 S NR6T1 1 2 06-OCT-09 7:37:21AM -17.39 122.15 E NR6T1 1 3 06-OCT-09 7:49:04AM -17.39 122.15 S NR6T2 2 4 06-OCT-09 7:49:58AM -17.39 122.15 E NR6T2 2 5 06-OCT-09 7:58:20AM -17.40 122.15 S NR6T3 3 6 06-OCT-09 8:00:08AM -17.40 122.15 E NR6T3 3 158 08-OCT-09 4:01:05PM -17.40 122.15 S NR7T1 1 159 08-OCT-09 4:03:23PM -17.40 122.15 E NR7T1 1 160 08-OCT-09 4:07:33PM -17.40 122.15 S NR7T2 2 161 08-OCT-09 4:09:04PM -17.40 122.15 E NR7T2 2 162 08-OCT-09 4:14:16PM -17.40 122.15 S NR7T3 3 163 08-OCT-09 4:16:02PM -17.40 122.15 E NR7T3 3

PAGE 19 164 08-OCT-09 4:30:21PM -17.40 122.15 S NR8T1 1 165 08-OCT-09 4:34:14PM -17.40 122.15 E NR8T1 1 166 08-OCT-09 4:40:18PM -17.40 122.15 S NR8T2 2 167 08-OCT-09 4:41:13PM -17.40 122.15 E NR8T2 2 168 08-OCT-09 4:52:37PM -17.40 122.15 S NR8T3 3 169 08-OCT-09 4:54:38PM -17.40 122.15 E NR8T3 3 170 08-OCT-09 5:07:14PM -17.40 122.15 S NR9T1 1 171 08-OCT-09 5:08:46PM -17.40 122.15 E NR9T1 1 172 08-OCT-09 5:11:47PM -17.40 122.15 S NR9T2 2 173 08-OCT-09 5:14:36PM -17.40 122.15 E NR9T2 2 174 08-OCT-09 5:25:07PM -17.40 122.15 S NR9T3 3 175 08-OCT-09 5:26:03PM -17.40 122.15 E NR9T3 3 110 07-OCT-09 5:00:39PM -17.50 122.14 S S10T1 1 111 07-OCT-09 5:02:55PM -17.50 122.14 E S10T1 1 112 07-OCT-09 5:06:18PM -17.50 122.14 S S10T2 2 113 07-OCT-09 5:08:11PM -17.50 122.14 E S10T2 2 114 07-OCT-09 5:12:43PM -17.50 122.14 S S10T3 3 115 07-OCT-09 5:14:32PM -17.50 122.14 E S10T3 3 176 09-OCT-09 6:43:19AM -17.50 122.14 S S12T1 1 177 09-OCT-09 6:46:19AM -17.50 122.14 E S12T1 1 178 09-OCT-09 6:47:35AM -17.50 122.14 S S12T2 2 179 09-OCT-09 6:50:28AM -17.50 122.14 E S12T2 2 180 09-OCT-09 7:05:26AM -17.50 122.14 S S12T3 3 181 09-OCT-09 7:08:07AM -17.50 122.14 E S12T3 3 182 09-OCT-09 7:28:42AM -17.50 122.14 S S13T1 1 183 09-OCT-09 7:32:32AM -17.50 122.14 E S13T1 1 184 09-OCT-09 7:38:12AM -17.50 122.14 S S13T2 2 185 09-OCT-09 7:41:21AM -17.50 122.14 E S13T2 2 186 09-OCT-09 7:46:13AM -17.50 122.14 S S13T3 3 187 09-OCT-09 7:48:41AM -17.50 122.14 E S13T3 3 80 07-OCT-09 9:04:38AM -17.50 122.14 S S1T1 1 81 07-OCT-09 9:05:17AM -17.50 122.14 E S1T1 1 82 07-OCT-09 9:06:06AM -17.50 122.14 S S1T2 2 83 07-OCT-09 9:07:09AM -17.50 122.14 E S1T2 2 84 07-OCT-09 9:18:31AM -17.50 122.14 S S1T3 3 85 07-OCT-09 9:20:09AM -17.50 122.14 E S1T3 3 98 07-OCT-09 3:28:11PM -17.51 122.14 S S2T1 1 99 07-OCT-09 3:29:06PM -17.51 122.14 E S2T1 1 100 07-OCT-09 3:30:19PM -17.51 122.14 S S2T2 2 101 07-OCT-09 3:31:01PM -17.51 122.14 E S2T2 2 102 07-OCT-09 3:50:53PM -17.51 122.14 S S2T3 3 103 07-OCT-09 3:51:32PM -17.51 122.14 E S2T3 3 69 07-OCT-09 8:09:41AM -17.50 122.14 S S3T1 1 70 07-OCT-09 8:12:52AM -17.50 122.14 E S3T1 1 71 07-OCT-09 8:13:17AM -17.50 122.14 S S3T2 2 72 07-OCT-09 8:14:45AM -17.50 122.14 E S3T2 2 73 07-OCT-09 8:22:58AM -17.50 122.14 S S3T3 3 74 07-OCT-09 8:25:06AM -17.50 122.14 E S3T3 3 75 07-OCT-09 8:37:25AM -17.50 122.14 S S4T1 1 76 07-OCT-09 8:41:10AM -17.50 122.14 E S4T1 1 77 07-OCT-09 8:44:04AM -17.50 122.14 S S4T2 2 78 07-OCT-09 8:49:11AM -17.50 122.14 S S4T3 3 79 07-OCT-09 8:51:00AM -17.50 122.14 E S4T3 3 86 07-OCT-09 2:28:53PM -17.50 122.14 S S5T1 1

PAGE 20 87 07-OCT-09 2:30:45PM -17.50 122.14 E S5T1 1 88 07-OCT-09 2:31:22PM -17.50 122.14 S S5T2 2 89 07-OCT-09 2:33:12PM -17.50 122.14 E S5T2 2 90 07-OCT-09 2:39:13PM -17.50 122.14 S S5T3 3 91 07-OCT-09 2:41:01PM -17.50 122.14 E S5T3 3 92 07-OCT-09 2:54:57PM -17.51 122.14 S S6T1 1 93 07-OCT-09 2:56:54PM -17.51 122.14 E S6T1 1 94 07-OCT-09 3:00:03PM -17.51 122.14 S S6T2 2 95 07-OCT-09 3:01:27PM -17.51 122.14 E S6T2 2 96 07-OCT-09 3:05:23PM -17.51 122.14 S S6T3 3 97 07-OCT-09 3:07:40PM -17.51 122.14 E S6T3 3 63 07-OCT-09 7:54:03AM -17.50 122.14 S S7T1 1 64 07-OCT-09 7:54:37AM -17.50 122.14 E S7T1 1 65 07-OCT-09 7:56:08AM -17.50 122.14 S S7T2 2 66 07-OCT-09 7:57:00AM -17.50 122.14 E S7T2 2 67 07-OCT-09 8:01:52AM -17.50 122.14 S S7T3 3 104 07-OCT-09 4:32:45PM -17.51 122.14 S S8T1 1 105 07-OCT-09 4:34:46PM -17.51 122.14 E S8T1 1 106 07-OCT-09 4:37:02PM -17.51 122.14 S S8T2 2 107 07-OCT-09 4:38:38PM -17.51 122.14 E S8T2 2 108 07-OCT-09 4:44:58PM -17.51 122.14 S S8T3 3 109 07-OCT-09 4:48:21PM -17.51 122.14 E S8T3 3 57 07-OCT-09 7:38:37AM -17.50 122.14 S S9T1 1 58 07-OCT-09 7:39:43AM -17.50 122.14 E S9T1 1 59 07-OCT-09 7:40:52AM -17.50 122.14 S S9T2 2 60 07-OCT-09 7:42:24AM -17.50 122.14 E S9T2 2 61 07-OCT-09 7:44:15AM -17.50 122.14 S S9T3 3 62 07-OCT-09 7:45:27AM -17.50 122.14 E S9T3 3

PAGE 21 Appendix B

James Price Point biological intertidal survey - Class POLYCHAETA (Phylum Annelida) Full species list and functional feeding group information October 5-9 2009 coll: Western Australian Museum and SKM team ID: Lexie M Walker

Family Genus species functional feeding group Amphinomidae Eurythoe cf. parvicarunculata carnivore (sponges, anemone, hydroids, ascidians) Amphinomidae Eurythoe sp. carnivore (sponges, anemone, hydroids, ascidians) Capitellidae Decamastus sp. non-selective deposit (algae, microbiota) Chrysopetalidae Chrysopetalum sp. scavenger/carnivores Cirratulidae Cirriformia sp. selective surface deposit Cirratulidae unidentified "black" selective surface deposit Eunicidae Eunice cf. aequibilis carnivore/omnivore Eunicidae Eunice cf.MoV308 carnivore/omnivore Eunicidae Eunice cf. tribranchiata carnivore/omnivore Eunicidae Palola siciliensis omnivore Eunicidae Eunice sp. carnivore/omnivore Eunicidae Lysidice cf. MoV2557 carnivore/omnivore Eunicidae Marphysa sp. carnivore/omnivore Flabelligeridae Pherusa parmata surface deposit/suspension Glyceridae Glycera oxycephala carnivorore/detrivore Glyceridae Glycera sp. carnivorore/detrivore Lumbrineridae Lumbrineris sp. herbivore/carnivore/deposit Maldanidae Maldane sp. non-selective deposit Maldanidae Micromaldane sp. non-selective deposit Nereididae Neanthes cf. bongcoi scavenger/selective surface deposit Nereididae Nereis sp. scavenger/selective surface deposit Nereididae Perinereis cf. barbara scavenger/selective surface deposit Nereididae Perinereis nigropunctata scavenger/selective surface deposit Nereididae Perinereis nuntia scavenger/selective surface deposit Nereididae Pseudonereis anomala scavenger/selective surface deposit Onuphidae Diopatra sp. (empty tubes) Opheliidae Armandia sp. selective?deposit Oweniidae Owenia mirawa selective deposit Oweniidae Owenia sp. (empty tubes) selective deposit Phyllodocidae Eumida fuscolutata predatory carnivore Phyllodocidae Eumida sp. predatory carnivore Sabellariidae Idanthyrsus australiensis suspension/filter Sabellariidae Idanthyrsus (empty tubes) Sabellidae Branchiomma nigromaculata suspension/filter Sabellidae Potamilla sp. suspension/filter Sabellidae Sabellinae sp. suspension/filter Serpulidae Josephella marenzelleri (empty tubes) Serpulidae Hydroides exaltatus (3-ridged tube) suspension/filter

PAGE 22 Serpulidae Hydroides sp. (tubes) Serpulidae Pomatoleios krausii (single ridge tube) suspension/filter Serpulidae Salmacina australis suspension/filter Serpulidae Serpula vascifera (3-dorsal ridged suspension/filter tube) Serpulidae Serpulidae 1 (large round suspension/filter mouth tube) Serpulidae Serpulidae 2 (Spirorbinae sp., empty tube) Serpulidae Serpulid (2-ridged empty tube) Serpulidae Spirorbinae sp. 1 suspension/filter Serpulidae ?Spiroserpula snelli? suspension/filter Sigalioniade Fimbriosthenelais sp. predatory carnivore Spionidae Dipolydora cf. armata deposit/suspension Spionidae Dipolydora cf. pilocollaris deposit/suspension Spionidae Scolelepis carunculata deposit/suspension Spionidae Scolelepis sp. deposit/suspension Spionidae Scolelepis sp. 2 deposit/suspension Syllidae cf. Amblyosyllis sp. selective deposit Syllidae Brania sp. predatory carnivore (microcrustacea) Syllidae Ehlersia sp. predatory carnivore? Syllidae Eusyllis sp. detritivore? Syllidae Exogoninae sp. 1 selective deposit Syllidae Haplosyllis spongicola parasitic (sponge) Syllidae Opisthosyllis sp. predatory carnivore Syllidae Prosphaerosyllis papillosissima selective deposit Syllidae Prosphaerosyllis opisthoculata selective deposit Syllidae Salvatoria sp. selective deposit Syllidae Sphaerosyllis sp. selective deposit Syllidae Sphaerosyllis sp. 2 selective deposit Syllidae Typosyllis albaneyensis predatory carnivore Syllidae Syllinae sp. predatory carnivore Syllidae Syllis sp. predatory carnivore Terebellidae Amphitrite oculata selective surface deposit Terebellidae cf. Nicolea sp. selective surface deposit Terebellidae Terebella pappus selective surface deposit

PAGE 23 James Price Point Intertidal Survey

Appendix H Reports of Specific Taxonomic Groups

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Appendix I Draft Comparison Habitat Maps DFS10 and DFS14

James Price Point South Survey Area

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James Price Point North Survey Area

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SINCLAIR KNIGHT MERZ

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James Price Point North Reference Area

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