Huon Aquaculture Company Trumpeter EIS Storm Bay MFDP

Appendix A Old Trumpeter Bay lease Baseline survey reports

TRUMPETER BAY MF261 (Zone 1): BASELINE ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT

FINAL REPORT (VERSION 1.0) December 2014

Report to: Huon Aquaculture Group Pty Ltd

Prepared by: AQUENAL PTY LTD

AQUENAL

www.aquenal.com.au MF261 – Zone 1 Trumpeter BLS_Final V1.0 December 2014

Document Review

Date Reviewer Company Activity Version 17 December 2014 Sean Riley Aquenal Pty Ltd Review 1.0

Document Distribution

Document Date Name Company Version Copies Type Huon Aquaculture 17 December 2014 Dom O’Brien Electronic 1.0 1 Group Pty Ltd Marc Santo, Eric Brain, Marine Farming 23 December 2014 Electronic 1.0 1 Graham Woods, Branch, DPIPWE Kate Hoyle

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

DISCLAIMER: This report has been prepared on behalf of and for the exclusive use of Aquenal Pty Ltd’s client and is subject to and issued in connection with the provisions of the agreement between Aquenal Pty Ltd and its Client. Aquenal Pty Ltd accepts no liability or responsibility whatsoever for or in respect of any use of or reliance upon this report by any third party.

MF261 – Zone 1 Trumpeter BLS_Final V1.0 December 2014 Contents

1 Summary ...... 5

2 Operational Summary ...... 7

3 Maps ...... 8

4 Current Measurements ...... 9

5 Bathymetric Profile ...... 12

6 Seabed Characteristics and habitat profile ...... 13

7 Underwater Video Survey ...... 13 7.1 Filming summary ...... 13 7.2 Observations from filming ...... 14

8 Sediment Chemistry ...... 18 8.1 Visual Assessment ...... 18 8.2 Redox Potential ...... 20 8.3 Sulphide Analysis ...... 21 8.4 Particle Size Analysis ...... 22 8.5 Organic Content ...... 23 8.6 Heavy Metal Analysis ...... 23

9 Gazameda gunnii survey ...... 24

10 Biological Analysis ...... 26

11 Reference ...... 29

List of Figures Figure 1 Location Map – MF261 – Zone 1, Trumpeter Bay...... 8 Figure 2 Survey map – MF261 – Zone 1 showing compliance sites, control sites and internal habitat dive sites...... 8 Figure 3 - Current meter locations ...... 9 Figure 4 Polar plots of current velocity and direction ...... 11 Figure 5 Bathymetric profile for MF261 – Zone 1. Depths are corrected to Lowest Astronomical Tide...... 12 Figure 6 Survey habitat map ...... 13 Figure 7 Redox potential at 30 mm depth in sediment cores...... 20 Figure 8 Sulphide concentration in sediment core samples...... 21 Figure 9 Particle size analysis of the top 100 mm of sediment...... 22 Figure 10 Organic content in sediment core samples...... 23 Figure 11 Location of grab samples taken during Gazameda gunnii survey ...... 25 Figure 12 Photograph of dead G. gunnii shells collected during the survey...... 26 Figure 13 Results of MDS analysis...... 28 Figure 13 Benthic faunal analysis of seabed samples – MF261 – Zone 1. K – dominance curves...... 28

List of Tables Table 1 Descriptions of of dives performed...... 14 Table 2 Description of each ROV dive performed at Trumpeter Bay...... 15 Table 3 Visual description of sediment cores at MF261 – Zone 1...... 19

List of Appendices Appendix 1 Survey coordinates for seabed sampling ...... 30 Appendix 2 Redox potential, measured in millivolts from 3cm depth in the sediment cores...... 31 Appendix 3 Sulphide analysis, measured in sediments at 3 cm from sediment surface...... 32 Appendix 4 Results of benthic infauna analysis – raw data...... 33

MF261 – Zone 1 Trumpeter BLS_Final V1.0 December 2014 1 Summary

Trumpeter Bay Marine Farming Lease No. 261 (MF261) is located in Storm Bay in southeast Tasmania, approximately 1.5 km seaward of Trumpeter Bay. Lease MF261 is positioned in a marine location and is moderately protected from the prevailing westerly winds. The site is more exposed to southeast winds and seas, but these are generally uncommon, especially during summer periods.

In accordance with Schedule 3B for MF261, a finfish baseline environmental survey was required prior to commencement of aquaculture operations. The current baseline survey was restricted to the north-east section of the marine farming zone (MF261 - Zone 1), since initial farming operations will be restricted to this area. Water depths in MF261 - Zone 1 showed minor variation across the survey area and ranged from 27 m in the north-western corner to 30 m in the south- east.

Current flow data were collected by Huon Aquaculture. Based on a 6 week deployment period, the data showed that the flow velocities measured in the vicinity of the lease were comparable to those measured in the lower D’Entrecasteaux Channel. This suggests that the lease should provide at least equivalent seafloor recovery conditions to those fish farm leases in the D’Entrecasteaux Channel. Differences in current patterns were evident in relation to depth. In deeper depths (i.e. > 12 m), currents from the SW direction were dominant, with NE flows also an important component of overall current patterns. Surface (i.e. < 12 m) currents tended to be more dominated by NW flows, presumably as a result of localised wind driven circulation.

Baseline information on the seafloor appearance and sediments at MF261 - Zone 1 was collected by AMD on 15th August 2014. Filming of the seabed was conducted with a Remote Observation Vehicle (ROV). Filming of the seabed at all compliance, internal habitat and control sites showed them to be generally uniform, consisting predominantly of rippled sand, shell grit and old shells. Faunal abundance was low and consisting predominately of Maoricolpus shells, with the very occasional Sycozoan stalk, hermit crab and juvenile flounder. The Maoricolpus appeared to decrease in number with depth (or possibly towards the east), with only a few shells observed at the deeper control sites. Nearly all algae appeared to be drift algae, although at a few sites some red algae did appear to be attached to dead shells.

Visual assessment showed that sediments were generally very similar across sampling sites. Sediments were typically olive brown in colour in the surface layers (i.e. 0-5 cm), grading to dark grey with increasing sediment core depth. Fine sands were the dominant sand fraction for most sites, although the control sites tended to be dominated by slightly coarser sand fractions compared to the compliance sites. Sediment cores at all sites were characteristically well compacted. Faint dark streaks were evident in a small number of cores, typically below 40 mm sediment depth. Such a pattern is not considered evidence of organic enrichment, and is relatively common in circumstances where sandy, well compacted sediments are present. The sandy nature of the sediments indicates that wave action regularly influences the seabed sediments and the rate of deposition of finer sediment fractions is low.

Redox measurement revealed well oxygenated sediments at 3 cm depth, averaging 290 mV across all sites. Sulphide concentration in sediments was very low at all sites, averaging 0.16 µM. The observed redox and sulphide values were indicative of well oxygenated, unimpacted sediments.

Patterns of particle size distribution were indicative of a sedimentary environment with moderate agitation of seabed sediments and associated low abundance of fine silt and clay fractions. These

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MF261 – Zone 1 Trumpeter BLS_Final V1.0 December 2014 patterns are considered typical of sediments in deep (i.e. >20 m) and exposed locations. The similarity in particle size distribution between sites implies similar depositional environments. Minor variation in particle size distribution was attributable to differences in wave exposure, with a higher proportion of coarse fractions present at the more exposed sites C1.1, C1.2 and C1.3. The pattern of slightly coarser sand fractions at these control sites is considered attributable to the greater exposure to ocean swell action that is likely to be experienced at these sites.

Sampling for the threatened mollusc Gazameda gunnii was undertaken using van-veen grabs at 30 sites spread across the lease area. Dead Gazameda gunnii shells were sparsely distributed across the lease area and were recorded at nine sampling sites. No live G. gunnii were detected during the survey.

The organic content of the sediments was low at all sites, as expected in sandy sediments. There was only minor variation between sampling sites, with no spatial strong pattern. Results from heavy metal analysis showed that the ANZECC Interim Sediment Quality Guideline (ISQG) ‘high’ trigger value was not exceeded for any of the analytes measured. With the exception of Arsenic, the observed levels were also well below the ANZECC ISQG ‘low’ trigger values. Arsenic levels approached the ANZECC ISQG ‘low’ trigger values at some sites, with a slight exceedance measured at one site, control site C1.1.

Benthic infaunal analysis revealed high faunal diversity, with a total of 543 individuals from 68 species identified across the 12 samples. Faunal communities were dominated by crustaceans, accounting for 48.8% of individuals and 41.2 % of species identified. The remaining fauna was mainly comprised of bivalves and polychaetes, which were comparable in terms of abundance and diversity. Other fauna, including echinoderms, nemerteans, nematodes and ascidians, were recorded in low numbers. The most common families recorded included Euphilomedidae (ostracod), Veneridae (bivalve mollusc), Phoxocephalidae (amphipod) and Spionidae (polychaete).

Observed faunal patterns were within the range expected for an unimpacted ecosystem, with relatively diverse communities and low levels of single species dominance. Based on the benthic faunal patterns present, any future benthic impacts should be readily observable. Increases in deposit feeders (e.g. polychaetes), in particular, which may be expected following organic enrichment, would be expected to be easily discernible given the relatively low levels recorded in the current survey.

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MF261 – Zone 1 Trumpeter BLS_Final V1.0 December 2014

2 Operational Summary

Contractor: AQUENAL PTY LTD ABN 74 151 011 157 244 Summerleas Road, Kingston, Tasmania 7050 Phone 03 6229 2334 Fax 03 6229 2335 e-mail: [email protected]

Aquenal Personnel: Jeremy Lane, Joe Valentine, Laura Smith AMD Personnel: Dom O’Brien, Jamie Marsh

Client: Huon Aquaculture Group Pty Ltd PO BOX 42, Dover, TAS 7117

T: 03 6295 8118 | F: 03 6295 8161

Liaison: Dom O’Brien

Field work: Aquenal Pty Ltd AMD Pty Ltd

Date of fieldwork: 15th August 2014 – ROV survey 20th August 2014 – Collection of sediment cores

Weather: 15/8/2014 20/8/2014 Wind: Light and variable Variable, < 10 knots Sky: Sunny Partly cloudy Rain: Nil Nil Sea: 0.5 m SW swell Calm, ~0.5 m SW swell Current: Generally high Negligible (>20cms/sec estimated)

Laboratory Analysis: Heavy metals, organic content: Analytical Services Tasmania (AST) Taxonomy – Adam Davey, Aquenal Pty Ltd All other analysis by Aquenal Pty Ltd

Filming for this assessment was carried out by AMD Pty Ltd with a VideoRay Remotely Operated Inspection System using a colour video camera with 170 degrees of tilt range, 350 lines of resolution and 0.5 lux of sensitivity, accompanied by two 20-watt adjustable halogen lights. A Nomad 800L mobile GIS unit with attached Novatel Smart Antenna Differential GPS was used to locate all filming sites. Seabed sampling was undertaken by Aquenal Pty Ltd using a Craib Corer and Van-veen grab. Positioning for seabed sampling was undertaken using a Garmin GPS178C/ Omnistar 3000L Differential Global Positioning System receiver to provide real-time, differentially corrected DGPS positions accurate to ~2m. The GPS systems were referenced to a State Permanent Mark (SPM) prior to commencement of fieldwork.

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MF261 – Zone 1 Trumpeter BLS_Final V1.0 December 2014 3 Maps

Figure 1 Location Map – MF261 – Zone 1, Trumpeter Bay.

Figure 2 Survey map – MF261 – Zone 1 showing compliance sites (1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3), control sites (C1.1, C1.2, C1.3) and internal habitat dive sites (INT 1-8). 8

MF261 – Zone 1 Trumpeter BLS_Final V1.0 December 2014 4 Current Measurements

Methods

In order to measure localised current movement an Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler (ADCP) was deployed south of the lease from 9th May 2014 to 27th June 2014 at position 2 shown in Figure 3 below. The ADCP was set to measure current velocity and direction throughout the water column every 30 minutes, with this data grouped into four metre depth bins. The deployment lasted for approximately six weeks.

AmendmentAmendment Current TrumpeterTrumpeter BayBay Lease CurrentCurrent metermeter positionspositions T2,T2, T4T4

1

2 T2 147.4471379 -43.18831995 536334 5218175 Variety Bay 3

BrunyBruny IslandIsland 4

T4 147.4463801 -43.22697061 536250 5213883

Figure 3 - Current meter location. Current meter analysis presented in this report relates to position 2, as indicated by the yellow triangle.

Results

In Table 1 below the current and velocity data for the meter deployment are summarised for average flow, minimum flow, maximum flow, percentage of flow less than 3 cms-1, percentage of flow less than 5 cms-1, and percentage of flow greater than 10 cms-1 for each depth bin. Polar plots of current velocity and direction are provided in Figure 4.

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MF261 – Zone 1 Trumpeter BLS_Final V1.0 December 2014 Interpretation

The data shows that the flow velocities measured in the vicinity of the lease appear to be comparable to those measured in the lower D’Entrecasteaux Channel. These flows are significantly higher than those previously measured within the Huon River Estuary. This indicates that the lease should provide at least equivalent seafloor recovery conditions to those fish farm leases in the D’Entrecasteaux Channel. Differences in current patterns were evident in relation to depth. In deeper depths (i.e. > 12 m), currents from the SW direction were dominant, with NE flows also an important component of overall current patterns. Surface (i.e. < 12 m) currents tended to be more dominated by NW flows, presumably as a result of localised wind driven circulation.

Table 1 Summarised current and velocity data for Trumpeter ADCP site T2.

T2 MAY 2014 Depth bins/cells Cell01 Cell02 Cell03 Cell04 Cell05 Cell06 Cell07 Cell08 Cell09 Cell10 Depth range (m) 40-36 36-32 32-28 28-24 24-20 20-16 16-12 12-8 8-4 4-surface

Mean 3.9 4.3 4.3 4.1 4.0 4.1 4.6 5.4 6.2 Max 12.4 12.2 17.9 19.7 12.3 18.2 22.4 24.7 20.9 Min 0.0 0.1 0.1 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.1 %flow<3cm/s 35.8 32.7 34.1 35.7 37.3 36.1 30.4 21.4 16.0 %flow<5cm/s 70.1 63.7 63.9 66.9 69.0 67.0 60.6 48.2 38.5 %flow>10cm/s 0.4 1.8 2.0 1.7 1.7 1.5 2.5 6.1 12.2

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MF261 – Zone 1 Trumpeter BLS_Final V1.0 December 2014

Figure 4 Polar plots of current velocity and direction. The plots are read as if the current flow moves from the outer circle towards the centre of the graph.

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MF261 – Zone 1 Trumpeter BLS_Final V1.0 December 2014 5 Bathymetric Profile

Figure 5 Bathymetric profile for MF261 – Zone 1. Depths are corrected to Lowest Astronomical Tide.

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MF261 – Zone 1 Trumpeter BLS_Final V1.0 December 2014 6 Seabed Characteristics and habitat profile

Figure 6 Survey habitat map

7 Underwater Video Survey

7.1 Filming summary

The appearance of the seabed in the vicinity of MF261 - Zone 1 was recorded by filming spot dives of the sea floor using a VideoRay Remote Observation Vehicle (ROV). Filming and video analysis were carried out by AMD Pty Ltd. The spot dive locations were:

- Compliance sites at 35 m outside the lease boundary (sites 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3). - Control sites at least 200 m from the lease boundary (sites C1.1, C1.2, C1.3). - Internal habitat sites consisting of four evenly spaced locations within the area of the amended lease (sites INT 1-8).

Survey sites were located at positions specified by the DPIPWE, as illustrated in Figure 2 and listed in Table 2. The positions of all dives were located or marked by DGPS using a Nomad 800L mobile GIS unit with attached Novatel Smart Antenna Differential GPS.

Descriptions of video footage were undertaken by AMD Pty Ltd and are summarised for each site in Table 3. A DVD disc containing the digital recording of all control, compliance and internal lease dive sites for MF261 – Zone 1 has been forwarded to DPIPWE.

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MF261 – Zone 1 Trumpeter BLS_Final V1.0 December 2014 7.2 Observations from filming

Table 2 Descriptions of of dives performed. Date Time Site Easting Northing Dive type 15/8/2014 9:19:20 AM 1.1 534053 5223622 Compliance 15/8/2014 9:32:06 AM 1.2 534094 5223634 Compliance 15/8/2014 9:43:51 AM 1.3 534141 5223636 Compliance 15/8/2014 9:51:31 AM 2.1 534349 5223578 Compliance 15/8/2014 10:00:15 AM 2.2 534357 5223527 Compliance 15/8/2014 10:08:48 AM 2.3 534358 5223486 Compliance 15/8/2014 10:26:26 AM 3.1 534391 5223277 Compliance 15/8/2014 10:36:38 AM 3.2 534400 5223233 Compliance 15/8/2014 10:46:53 AM 3.3 534405 5223190 Compliance 15/8/2014 11:00:53 AM c1.1 535143 5223139 Control 15/8/2014 11:08:38 AM c1.2 535146 5223093 Control 15/8/2014 11:19:23 AM c1.3 535152 5223049 Control 15/8/2014 11:37:27 AM INT 1 534192 5222984 Internal 15/8/2014 11:45:24 AM INT 2 534253 5223090 Internal 15/8/2014 11:53:01 AM INT 3 534043 5223063 Internal 15/8/2014 12:01:30 PM INT 4 533887 5223143 Internal 15/8/2014 12:11:23 PM INT 5 534004 5223270 Internal 15/8/2014 12:20:39 PM INT 6 534132 5223380 Internal 15/8/2014 12:29:13 PM INT 7 533967 5223434 Internal 15/8/2014 12:37:21 PM INT 8 534251 5223336 Internal

Interpretation – general comments on spot dive locations

All sites shared the common features of rippled sand, shell grit and old shells, with a depauperate fauna consisting generally of Maoricolpus shells, with the very occasional Sycozoan stalk, hermit crab and juvenile flounder. The Maoricolpus appeared to decrease in number with depth (or possibly towards the east), and certainly the great majority of the live shells were observed in the shallower areas of the lease at Internal sites 3, 4 & 5 with only a few old shells then observed at the deeper control sites.

Nearly all algae appeared to be drift algae, although at a few sites some red algae did appear to be attached to old shells.

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MF261 – Zone 1 Trumpeter BLS_Final V1.0 December 2014 Table 3 Description of each ROV dive performed at Trumpeter Bay.

Easting Northing Depth Dive Visibility Site (GDA94 (GDA94 Date Time Comments (m) Type (m) MGA55) MGA55) Seabed = Uniform across all sites. Rippled sands. Numerous broken shells and shellgrit. 1.1 534053 5223622 15/08/2014 9:19:20 29 35m 0.3 Fauna = Consistent with most sites. Maoricolpus most are old shells. Flora = Consistent with most sites. Drift red and brown algae quite common. Seabed = Uniform across all sites. Rippled sands. Numerous broken shells, shellgrit. Fauna = Consistent across all S1 sites, Maoricolpus roseus, most are old shells. 1.2 534094 5223634 15/08/2014 9:32:06 29 35m 0.3 Suspected Sycozoa stalk. Flora = Consistent with most sites. Drift red, green and brown algae quite common. Seabed = Uniform across all sites. Rippled sands. Numerous broken shells, shellgrit. Fauna = Consistent across all S1 sites, Maoricolpus roseus - most are old shells, a 1.3 534141 5223636 15/08/2014 9:43:51 29 35m 0.3 few suspected Sycozoa. Flora = Consistent with most sites. Drift red, green and brown algae quite common. Seabed = Uniform across all sites. Rippled sands. Some broken shells a lot of shellgrit. 2.1 534349 5223578 15/08/2014 9:51:31 30 35m 0.3 Fauna = Maoricolpus, most are old shells. Flora = Occasional drift algae. Seabed = Uniform across all sites. Rippled sands. Some broken shells and shellgrit. Fauna = Maoricolpus - most are old shells. A few suspected Sycozoa. 2.2 534357 5223527 15/08/2014 10:00:15 30 35m 0.3 Flora = Consistent with most sites. Drift algae quite common. Some red algae suspected to be attached to shells. Seabed = Uniform across all sites. Rippled sands. A lot of shellgrit. Fauna = Suspected Sycozoa stalk, stingaree. 2.3 534358 5223486 15/08/2014 10:08:48 30 35m 0.3 Flora = Consistent with most sites. Occasional small pieces of drift red and brown algae. Seabed = Uniform across all sites. Rippled sands. Numerous broken shells/shellgrit. Fauna = Consistent with S3 sites, Maoricolpus – most are old shells. 3.1 534391 5223277 15/08/2014 10:26:26 30 35m 0.3 Flora = Consistent with most sites. Small pieces of drift red and brown algae present. Seabed = Uniform across all sites. Rippled sands. Numerous broken shells/shellgrit. Fauna = Consistent with S3 sites, Maoricolpus – most are old shells. Possible ribbon worms. 3.2 534400 5223233 15/08/2014 10:36:38 30 35m 0.3 Flora = Consistent with most sites. Small pieces of drift red and brown algae present.

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MF261 – Zone 1 Trumpeter BLS_Final V1.0 December 2014 Easting Northing Depth Dive Visibility Site (GDA94 (GDA94 Date Time Comments (m) Type (m) MGA55) MGA55) Seabed = Uniform across all sites. Rippled sands. Numerous broken shells/shellgrit. Fauna = Consistent with S3 sites, Maoricolpus most are old shells. Possible ribbon 3.3 534405 5223190 15/08/2014 10:46:53 30 35m 0.3 worms. Sycozoan. Flora = Consistent with most sites. Small pieces of drift red and brown algae present. Seabed = Uniform across all control sites. Rippled sands, quite a few old broken shells, shellgrit. C1.1 535143 5223139 15/08/2014 11:00:53 33 control 0.3 Fauna = Hermit crab. Flora = Consistent with most sites. A few pieces of drift red and brown algae. Seabed = Uniform across all control sites. Rippled sands, quite a few old broken shells, shellgrit. A few pieces of drift red and brown algae. C1.2 535146 5223093 15/08/2014 11:08:38 33 control 0.3 Fauna = Only one or two old Maoricolpus shells. Flora = Consistent with most sites. A few pieces of drift red and brown algae. Seabed = Uniform across all control sites. Rippled sands, quite a few old broken shells, shellgrit. C1.3 535152 5223049 15/08/2014 11:19:23 33 control 0.3 Fauna = None observed. Flora = Consistent with most sites. A few pieces of drift red and brown algae. Seabed = Uniform across all sites. Rippled sands. Numerous broken shells/shellgrit. Fauna = Consistent with most sites. Maoricolpus most are old shells, suspected Int 1 534192 5222984 15/08/2014 11:37:27 30 internal 0.3 hermit crab, juvenile flounder. Flora = Consistent with most sites. Drift red and brown algae quite common. Red algae growing on old shells. Seabed = Uniform across all sites. Rippled sands, shellgrit. Numerous broken shells. Fauna = Consistent with most sites. Maoricolpus most are old shells, wavy volute Int 2 534253 5223090 15/08/2014 11:45:24 30 internal 0.3 shell. Flora = Consistent with most sites. Drift red and brown algae quite common. Large piece of drift bull kelp. Seabed = Uniform across all sites. Rippled sands. Numerous broken shells/shellgrit. Fauna = Maoricolpus appear to be new (live?) shells, one suspected worm tube. Int 3 534043 5223063 15/08/2014 11:53:01 29 internal 0.3 Flora = Consistent with most sites. Drift red and brown algae quite common. Possibly some red algae growing on shells. Seabed = Uniform across all sites. Rippled sands. Numerous broken shells/shellgrit. Fauna = Maoricolpus appear to be new (live?) shells, suspected hermit crab, Int 4 533887 5223143 15/08/2014 12:01:30 29 internal 0.3 juvenile flounder. Flora = Consistent with most sites. Drift red and brown algae quite common. Possibly some red algae growing on shells. 16

MF261 – Zone 1 Trumpeter BLS_Final V1.0 December 2014 Easting Northing Depth Dive Visibility Site (GDA94 (GDA94 Date Time Comments (m) Type (m) MGA55) MGA55) Seabed = Uniform across all sites. Rippled sands. Numerous broken shells/shellgrit. Fauna = Maoricolpus appear to be new (live?) shells, suspected Sycozoa stalk. Int 5 534004 5223270 15/08/2014 12:11:23 29 internal 0.3 Flora = Consistent with most sites. Drift red and brown algae quite common. Possibly some red algae growing on shells. Seabed = Uniform across all sites. Rippled sands. Numerous broken shells/shellgrit, most Maoricolpus appear to be old shells. Int 6 534132 5223380 15/08/2014 12:20:39 29 internal 0.3 Fauna = Maoricolpus most are old shells. Flora = Consistent with most sites. Drift red and brown algae quite common. Seabed = Uniform across all sites. Rippled sands. Numerous broken shells/shellgrit. Int 7 533967 5223434 15/08/2014 12:29:13 28.5 internal 0.3 Fauna = Consistent with most sites. Maoricolpus most are old shells. Sycozoan. Flora = Consistent with most sites. Drift red and brown algae quite common. Seabed = Uniform across all sites. Rippled sands. Numerous broken shells/shellgrit. Fauna = Consistent with most sites. Maoricolpus most are old shells, juvenile Int 8 534251 5223336 15/08/2014 12:37:21 29 internal 0.3 flounder. Flora = Consistent with most sites. Drift red and brown algae quite common. Large piece of drift bull kelp.

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MF261 – Zone 1 Trumpeter BLS_Final V1.0 December 2014 8 Sediment Chemistry

8.1 Visual Assessment Methods

A Craib corer was used to collect 50 mm diameter sediment cores in transparent Perspex tubes. These were handled carefully and retained in a vertical orientation to minimise disturbance of the sediment surface until they were described and redox and sulphide readings taken. The cores were described in terms of length, colour (using a Munsell soil chart), plant and animal life, gas vesicles, and smell. Odour from hydrogen sulphide gas, if present, was noted after the water was removed from the core barrels.

Results

Visual assessment showed that sediments were generally very similar across sampling sites. Sediments were typically olive brown in colour in the surface layers (i.e. 0-5 cm), grading to dark grey with increasing sediment depth. Fine sands were the dominant sand fraction for most cores, although the control sites tended to be dominated by slightly coarser sand fractions compared to the compliance sites.

Sediment cores at all sites were characteristically well compacted, which was particularly evident when inserting the redox probe to the required 30 mm depth. Faint dark streaks were evident in a small number of cores (sites 1.1, 1.2, 2.2, 3.1). Animals or evidence of their presence (i.e. burrows) were observed in some sediment cores.

Descriptions of the sediment cores are tabulated in Table 4.

Interpretation

Sediment characteristics from the compliance and control sites showed minor variation, indicative of similar environmental conditions across the compliance and control sites. The pattern of slightly coarser sand fractions at the control sites is considered attributable to the greater exposure to ocean swell action that is likely to be experienced at these sites.

The sandy nature of the sediments indicates that wave action regularly influences the seabed sediments and the rate of deposition of finer sediment fractions is low. Dark colouration was evident in a small number of cores, however, these were typically below 40 mm sediment depth. Such a pattern is not considered evidence of organic enrichment, and is relatively common in circumstances where sandy, well compacted sediments are present.

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MF261 – Zone 1 Trumpeter BLS_Final V1.0 December 2014 Table 4 Visual description of sediment cores at MF261 – Zone 1. Site Length Colour 1 (Munsell score) Sediment 1 Depth 1 Colour 2 (Munsell score) Sediment 2 Depth 2 Plants Animals Gas Smell (mm) (mm) (mm) 1.1 180 Olive brown (2.5Y/4/3) Fine sand 60 Dark grey (2.5Y/4/1) Fine sand 180 Nil Polychaete at 120 mm, Nil Nil Faint dark streaks 70-120 mm burrows 1.2 160 Olive brown (2.5Y/4/3) Fine sand 40 Dark grey (2.5Y/4/1) Fine sand 160 Nil Burrows Nil Nil Faint dark streaks 50-150 mm 1.3 160 Olive brown (2.5Y/4/3) Fine sand 40 Dark grey (2.5Y/4/1) Fine sand 160 Nil Nil Nil Nil 2.1 160 Olive brown (2.5Y/4/3) Fine sand 70 Dark grey (2.5Y/4/1) Fine sand 160 Nil Nil Nil Nil 2.2 150 Olive brown (2.5Y/4/3) Fine sand 80 Dark grey (2.5Y/4/1) Fine sand 150 Nil Burrows Nil Nil Faint dark streaks 40-130 mm 2.3 160 Olive brown (2.5Y/4/3) Fine sand 120 Dark grey (2.5Y/4/1) Fine sand 160 Nil Nil Nil Nil 3.1 170 Olive brown (2.5Y/4/3) Fine sand 50 Dark grey (2.5Y/4/1) Fine sand 170 Nil Nil Nil Nil Faint dark streaks 40-170 mm 3.2 140 Olive brown (2.5Y/4/3) Fine sand 70 Dark grey (2.5Y/4/1) Fine sand 140 Nil Nil Nil Nil 3.3 180 Olive brown (2.5Y/4/3) Fine sand 140 Dark grey (2.5Y/4/1) Fine sand 180 Nil Nil Nil Nil C1.1 170 Light olive brown (2.5Y/5/4) Sand 170 Nil Nil Nil Nil C1.2 200 Light olive brown (2.5Y/5/4) Sand 200 Nil Nil Nil Nil C1.3 120 Dark grey (2.5Y/4/1) Very fine sand 1 Light olive brown (2.5Y/5/4) Sand 120 Nil Nil Nil Nil

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MF261 – Zone 1 Trumpeter BLS_Final V1.0 December 2014

8.2 Redox Potential Methods

Redox potential was measured in millivolts at 30 mm below the sediment surface using a WTW pH 320 meter with a Mettler Toledo Ag/AgCl combination pH/Redox probe. Calibration and functionality of the meter were checked before each test using a Redox Buffer Solution (248 mV at 10 °C). Measurements were made within 3 hours of the samples being collected. Corrected Redox potential values were calculated by adding the standard potential of the reference cell to the measured redox potential and are reported in millivolts.

In all cases the lowest reading observed were recorded as the Redox value. In low permeability, muddy sediments this is recorded when the reading is stable or dropping at less than 1 mV per second. In permeable, sandy sediments the lowest reading is often observed while the probe is being worked to the measurement depth. As soon as the probe stops moving in sandy sediments with low Redox values, the readings normally start to increase due to water drawn down by the probe diluting the interstitial fluids.

Results Sediment redox values at 30 mm sediment depth averaged 290 mV and were well above 100 mV at each site (Figure 7). Raw data is presented in Appendix 2.

Figure 7 Redox potential at 30 mm depth in sediment cores.

Interpretation The observed high redox values are indicative of well oxygenated, unimpacted sediments (Macleod and Forbes 2004).

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MF261 – Zone 1 Trumpeter BLS_Final V1.0 December 2014

8.3 Sulphide Analysis Methods

Sediment sulphide was measured in accordance with the protocols outlined in Macleod and Forbes (2004). Measurements were made using a TPS uniPROBE Sulphide ISE and a WTW pH 320 meter. Using a modified syringe, 2 mL of sediment was removed at 30 mm depth from the core and mixed with 2 mL of reagent (sulphide anti-oxidant buffer, SAOB) in a small beaker. The sediment/SAOB mixture was carefully stirred with the probe for 15-20 seconds, until the reading stabilised. The accuracy and functionality of the meter and probe was assessed prior to analysis commencing, using standards of known concentration. A calibration curve was produced using three standards of known concentration.

Results Sulphide concentration in sediments was below detection or very low at all sites, averaging 0.16 µM across all sediment cores (Figure 8).

Figure 8 Sulphide concentrations in sediment core samples. Interpretation The observed sulphide concentrations were very low and showed no evidence of organic enrichment (Macleod and Forbes 2004).

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MF261 – Zone 1 Trumpeter BLS_Final V1.0 December 2014 8.4 Particle Size Analysis Methods The top 100 mm of each sediment core was homogenised and then 77 ml of sediment was sub- sampled for particle size determination.

Results Sediments across the area sampled were dominated by fine sand fractions with the majority of sediments being in the 0.125 mm size class (average 49 % v/v across all sites). The sediments were clean with a relatively low proportion of fine clay and silt fractions (i.e. < 0.063 mm). Sediments at control sites C1.1, C1.2 and C1.3 were slightly coarser than at the other sites, with a higher proportion of the 0.5 mm size fraction. Patterns of particle size distribution at remaining sites were generally comparable between sites. Detailed results are presented in Figure 9, while raw data is included in Appendix 4.

Figure 9 Particle size analyses of the top 100 mm of sediment. Mean percentage cumulative volume for size fractions at each site. Interpretation Patterns of particle size distribution were indicative of a sedimentary environment with moderate agitation of seabed sediments and associated low abundance of fine silt and clay fractions. These patterns are considered typical of sediments in deep (i.e. >20 m) and exposed locations. The similarity in particle size distribution between sites implies similar depositional environments. Minor variation in particle size distribution was attributable to differences in wave exposure, with a higher proportion of coarse fractions present at the more exposed sites C1.1, C1.2 and C1.3. The pattern of slightly coarser sand fractions at these control sites is considered attributable to the greater exposure to ocean swell action that is likely to be experienced at these sites.

22

MF261 – Zone 1 Trumpeter BLS_Final V1.0 December 2014 8.5 Organic Content Methods

A single undisturbed sediment core sample taken using a perspex core with an internal diameter of at least 50 mm at each sample site specified in the survey for the purposes of organic content analysis. The top 3 cm of each was oven dried at 60 °C prior to analysis of total organic carbon. Total organic carbon was measured by loss on ignition (450 °C in a muffle furnace for 4 hours) by AST.

Results Results from the organic content analysis are presented in Figure 10. The organic content was low, ranging from 1.5% to 3.2%, with an average of 2.3% across all sites.

Figure 10 Organic content in sediment core samples.

Interpretation

The organic content of the sediments was low at all sites, as expected in sandy sediments. There was only minor variation between sampling sites, with no spatial strong pattern.

8.6 Heavy Metal Analysis Methods

Sediment cores of 50 mm diameter were collected and the top 30 mm of each core was transferred to a clean jar for metal analysis. Heavy metals analysed in sediment samples included: arsenic, cadmium, cobalt, chromium, copper, manganese, nickel, lead and zinc. The analyses were conducted by AST using the test methods specified in the following Australian Standards:

23

MF261 – Zone 1 Trumpeter BLS_Final V1.0 December 2014 2301-Soil: Metals in Soil, Sediment and Dust by ICPAES

Results Results from the heavy metal analysis are presented in Table 5. The ANZECC Interim Sediment Quality Guideline (ISQG) ‘high’ trigger value was not exceeded for any of the analytes measured. With the exception of Arsenic, the observed levels were also well below the ANZECC ISQG ‘low’ trigger values. Arsenic levels approached the ANZECC ISQG ‘low’ trigger values at some sites, with an exceedance measured at one site, control site C1.1.

Arsenic levels were 23 mg/kg at site C1.1, which represents a slight exceedance of the ANZECC ISQG ‘low’ trigger value of 20 mg/kg. Slightly elevated Arsenic levels were also measured at the other two control sites (C1.2, 17 mg/kg; C1.2, 19 mg/kg).

Heavy metal values were generally comparable to those recorded in other parts of Storm Bay (e.g. Nubeena, Creeses Mistake; Aquenal 2014), although Arsenic levels were higher on average at Trumpeter Bay (average 13.1 mg/kg) compared to Creeses Mistake (average 3.8 mg/kg; Aquenal 2014).

Table 5 Results of heavy metal analysis of sediment samples and the ANZECC 2000 trigger values.

Metal (mg/kg DMB) Site As Cd Co Cr Cu Mn Ni Pb Zn 1.1 8 <0.5 2 16 4 66 5 22 58 1.2 10 <0.5 2 15 3 71 4 20 46 1.3 10 <0.5 2 13 2 84 3 16 33 2.1 12 <0.5 1 12 1 71 3 17 29 2.2 9 <0.5 1 12 2 44 3 18 34 2.3 12 <0.5 1 12 2 70 3 18 34 3.1 12 <0.5 1 11 2 60 3 19 32 3.2 13 <0.5 1 11 1 60 3 18 30 3.3 12 <0.5 1 11 2 56 3 19 34 C1.1 23 <0.5 1 12 <1 73 3 18 27 C1.2 17 <0.5 1 10 <1 48 2 13 20 C1.3 19 <0.5 1 10 <1 58 3 15 23 ANZECC 2000 ISQG-Low 20 2 80 65 21 50 200 (trigger value) ANZECC 2000 ISQG-High 70 10 370 270 52 220 410 (trigger value)

24

MF261 – Zone 1 Trumpeter BLS_Final V1.0 December 2014 9 Gazameda gunnii survey Methods

In accordance with Schedule 3B, 15 van-veen grab samples were initially taken across the survey area. Samples were sorted through a 4 mm sieve. Dead shells were retained and examined by a taxonomic expert (A. Davey). Dead Gazameda sp. shells were detected in the initial 15 samples, so a further 15 grabs were taken.

Results Results from the survey are presented in Figure 11. No live shells were detected during the survey. Nine individual dead shells/shell fragments were collected and retained. These were confirmed as Gazameda gunnii by Aquenal’s benthic taxonomist. The shells were mostly small (<20 mm) and were generally scattered across the survey area (Figure 11, Figure 12).

Figure 11 Location of grab samples taken during Gazameda gunnii survey, highlighting the sample sites where dead shells were collected.

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MF261 – Zone 1 Trumpeter BLS_Final V1.0 December 2014

Figure 12 Photograph of dead G. gunnii shells collected during the survey.

10 Biological Analysis

Sampling Methods

Macroinvertebrates were collected using a Van Veen grab which sampled a 0.07 m2 area of seabed. A single grab sample was collected at each of the compliance and control sites, with a total of twelve grabs collected. Grab samples were sieved in the field using a 1 mm mesh sieve, and animal and sediment material retained on the sieve placed into vials diluted with 5% buffered formalin.

Analytical methods Benthic infauna data were analysed using multidimensional scaling (MDS) in the PRIMER 6 software package (Clarke & Gorley 2001), in order to produce an informative graphical depiction of faunal similarities among samples. For this analysis, the data matrix showing total abundance of species in each sample was double square root transformed and converted to a symmetric matrix of biotic similarity between pairs of samples using the Bray-Curtis similarity index. These procedures follow the recommendations of Faith et al. (1987) and Clarke (1993) for data matrices with numerous zero records. The usefulness of the two dimensional MDS display of relationships between locations is indicated by the stress statistic, which if <0.1 indicates that the depiction of relationships is good, and if >0.2 that the depiction is poor (Clarke 1993). Faunal community structure for each of the sites was also analysed using K-dominance curves.

26

MF261 – Zone 1 Trumpeter BLS_Final V1.0 December 2014 Results and interpretation Abundance and patterns of species richness are summarised in Table 6 below (see Appendix 4 for raw data). The area possessed high faunal diversity, with a total of 543 individuals from 68 species identified across the 12 samples. Faunal communities were dominated by crustaceans, accounting for 48.8% of individuals and 41.2 % of species identified. The remaining fauna was mainly comprised of bivalves and polychaetes, which were comparable in terms of abundance and diversity. Other fauna, including echinoderms, nemerteans, nematodes and ascidians, were recorded in low numbers. The most common families recorded included Euphilomedidae (ostracod), Veneridae (bivalve mollusc), Phoxocephalidae (amphipod) and Spionidae (polychaete).

The only introduced species recorded from the survey was the bivalve Varicorbula gibba. A representative from the family Capitellidae, Mediomastus australiensis, was recorded in low densities. Mediomastus australiensis is common and widespread in south-east Tasmania, and is not regarded as a pollution indicator species.

Interpretation of the MDS analysis was limited by the relatively small number of samples (see Figure 13). There were no strong patterns evident, although control sites C1.1, C1.2 and C1.3 tended to separate out from the remaining sites. This difference appears to be driven by the relatively low number and diversity of polychaetes that were present at these particular sites. Observed patterns in the K-dominance plots fall within ranges expected for unimpacted ecosystems, with relatively diverse communities and low levels of single species dominance (see Figure 14).

Based on the benthic faunal patterns present, any future benthic impacts should be readily observable. Increases in deposit feeders (e.g. polychaetes), in particular, which may be expected following organic enrichment, would be expected to be easily discernible given the relatively low levels recorded in the current survey.

Table 6 Summary of benthic faunal analysis. The category ‘other’ included echinoderms, nemerteans, nematodes and ascidians.

Abundance (No's per sample) Species richness (No. species/sample) Site Crustaceans Molluscs Polychaetes Other Crustaceans Molluscs Polychaetes Other 1.1 19 10 18 2 10 3 7 2 1.2 17 14 9 2 9 5 4 2 1.3 13 12 14 2 5 4 7 2 2.1 21 4 7 1 9 2 3 1 2.2 16 13 10 1 11 4 4 1 2.3 35 21 10 4 11 6 4 2 3.1 24 9 9 6 7 3 6 4 3.2 14 11 14 4 9 4 7 3 3.3 30 12 9 8 12 7 7 4 C1.1 41 7 4 2 14 5 4 2 C1.2 13 10 3 1 8 4 3 1 C1.3 22 11 4 0 5 4 3 0

Total 265 134 111 33 28 16 18 6 % 48.8 24.7 20.4 6.1 41.2 23.5 26.5 8.8

27

MF261 – Zone 1 Trumpeter BLS_Final V1.0 December 2014

Transform: Fourth root Transform: Fourth root Resemblance: S17 Bray Curtis similarity

2D Stress: 0.16 2.2

3.2 2.1 3.1

1.1 2.3

3.3

1.3 C1.2 1.2

C1.1

C1.3

Figure 13 Results of MDS analysis using macrobenthic data collected from three replicate grabs at each of three compliance sites plus a control site, C1, at MF261 – Zone 1.

100 S1.1 S1.2 S1.3 S2.1 S2.2 80 S2.3 S3.1 S3.2

% S3.3 e

c C1.1 n 60

a C1.2

n i

m C1.3

o

D

e

v

i

t

a l

u 40

m

u C

20

0 1 10 100 Species rank Figure 14 Benthic faunal analysis of seabed samples – MF261 – Zone 1. K – dominance curves.

28

MF261 – Zone 1 Trumpeter BLS_Final V1.0 December 2014 11 References

ANZECC & ARMCANZ (2000) Australian and New Zealand guidelines for fresh and marine water quality. National Water Quality Management Strategy. Australian and New Zealand Environment and Conservation Council, and Agriculture and Resource Management Council of Australia and New Zealand.

Aquenal (2014) Marine Farming Lease No. 190 Creeses Mistake: Baseline Environmental Assessment Final Report, August 2014, 29 pp.

Clarke, K.R. (1993) Non-parametric multivariate analyses of changes in community structure. Australian Journal of Ecology 18: 117-143.

Clarke, K.R. & Gorley, R.N. (2001) PRIMER v5: User Manual/Tutorial PRIMER-E: Plymouth.

Faith, D.P., Minchin, P.R. and Belbin, L. (1987) Compositional dissimilarity as a robust measure of ecological distance. Vegetatio 69: 57-68.

Macleod, C.K. and Forbes, S. (2004. Guide to the assessment of sediment condition at marine finfish farms in Tasmania. Tasmanian Aquaculture and Fisheries Institute – University of Tasmania, Hobart, Australia, 65 pp.

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MF261 – Zone 1 Trumpeter BLS_Final V1.0 December 2014

Appendix 1 Survey coordinates for seabed sampling, based on the Mapping Grid of Australia Zone 55 (Datum GDA94). Gazameda gunnii sample locations are represented by G1- G30.

Name Easting Northing Name Easting Northing 1.1 534053 5223625 G1 533955 5223491 1.2 534098 5223632 G2 534186 5223527 1.3 534141 5223638 G3 533981 5223340 2.1 534349 5223575 G4 534209 5223374 2.2 534355 5223531 G5 534007 5223188 2.3 534361 5223488 G6 534232 5223222 3.1 534393 5223277 G7 534032 5223031 3.2 534399 5223233 G8 534259 5223070 3.3 534405 5223190 G9 534087 5223432 C1.1 535143 5223138 G10 534109 5223284 C1.2 535149 5223094 G11 534133 5223132 C1.3 535155 5223050 G12 534011 5222917 G13 534156 5222939 G14 534315 5222966 G15 534071 5223552 G16 534010 5223523 G17 533894 5223453 G18 534134 5223514 G19 534086 5223374 G20 534284 5223368 G21 533997 5223294 G22 534016 5223128 G23 534103 5223227 G24 534207 5223273 G25 534240 5223131 G26 534153 5223084 G27 534031 5223100 G28 534044 5222962 G29 534152 5223018 G30 534287 5223026

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MF261 – Zone 1 Trumpeter BLS_Final V1.0 December 2014 Appendix 2 Redox potential, measured in millivolts from 3cm depth in the sediment cores.

Site Uncorrected Corrected Redox Redox 3cm 3cm (mV) (mV) 1.1 22 268 1.2 97 343 1.3 -38 208 2.1 106 352 2.2 88 334 2.3 106 352 3.1 22 268 3.2 28 274 3.3 -26 220 C1.1 -19 227 C1.2 136 382 C1.3 4 250

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MF261 – Zone 1 Trumpeter BLS_Final V1.0 December 2014

Appendix 3 Sulphide analysis, measured in sediments at 3 cm from sediment surface.

Site mV Sample Sulphide reading concentration (µM)

1.1 -407 -12.3946 0.000000 1.2 -654 -0.7122 0.194002 1.3 -667 -0.0973 0.799228 2.1 -651 -0.8541 0.139931 2.2 -576 -4.4014 0.000040 2.3 -417 -11.9217 0.000000 3.1 -667 -0.0973 0.799228 3.2 -451 -10.3135 0.000000 3.3 -503 -7.8541 0.000000 C1.1 -401 -12.6784 0.000000 C1.2 -381 -13.6244 0.000000 C1.3 -368 -14.2392 0.000000

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MF261 – Zone 1 Trumpeter BLS_Final V1.0 December 2014 Appendix 4 Results of benthic infauna analysis – raw data.

Taxonomic group Family 1.1 1.2 1.3 2.1 2.2 2.3 3.1 3.2 3.3 C1.1 C1.2 C1.3 Ascidian Molgulidae 3 3 2 4 1 Crustacean - amphipod Ampeliscidae 5 4 6 2 1 1 Crustacean - amphipod Corophiidae 1 1 Crustacean - amphipod Dexaminidae 1 1 Crustacean - amphipod Eusiridae 1 Crustacean - amphipod Isaeidae 2 2 3 4 3 5 6 1 Crustacean - amphipod Lysianassidae 1 2 1 Crustacean - amphipod Phoxocephalidae 5 3 2 11 3 3 10 1 1 1 1 Crustacean - amphipod Platynscopidae 1 Crustacean - amphipod Urohaustoriidae 2 1 1 1 Crustacean - amphipod Synopiidae 1 1 Crustacean - pebble crab Leucosiidae 2 2 Crustacean - shrimp Palaemonidae 1 Crustacean - isopod Cirolanidae 2 1 1 Crustacean - isopod Gnathiidae 1 Crustacean - isopod Arcturidae 1 1 Crustacean - isopod Anthuridae 1 1 2 2 1 6 3 1 1 Crustacean - nebalid Nebaliidae 1 1 Crustacean - ostracod Euphilomedidae 2 2 2 1 9 2 3 12 9 5 6 Crustacean - ostracod Cylindroleberididae 1 1 2 Crustacean - ostracod c.f. Cypridinidae (1) 1 1 1 2 1 Crustacean - ostracod c.f. Cypridinidae (2) 1 1 2 1 Crustacean - ostracod c.f. Rutidermatidae 1 2 Crustacean - ostracod Sarsiellidae 1 3 1 1 4 2 Crustacean - pagurid Paguridae 2 1 2 1 Crustacean - tanaid Apseudidae 1 1 8 1 13 Crustacean - kalliapseud Kalliapseudidae 1 Crustacean - cumacean Diastylidae 1

33

MF261 – Zone 1 Trumpeter BLS_Final V1.0 December 2014

Taxonomic group Family 1.1 1.2 1.3 2.1 2.2 2.3 3.1 3.2 3.3 C1.1 C1.2 C1.3 Crustacean - cumacean Bodotriidae 1 1 2 3 1 2 4 1 Echninoderm - echinoid Loveniidae 1 1 1 Echninoderm - holothurean Stichopodidae 1 Echninoderm - ophiuroid Ophiuridae 1 1 1 1 Mollusc - gastropod Columbellidae 5 1 Mollusc - gastropod Eatoniellidae 2 10 4 8 3 2 Mollusc - gastropod Pyramidellidae 1 1 Mollusc - gastropod Retusidae 1 Mollusc - gastropod Volutidae 1 Mollusc - gastropod Naticidae 1 1 Mollusc - bivalve Nuculanidae 1 Mollusc - bivalve Psammobiidae 1 Mollusc - bivalve Veneridae 8 8 9 5 6 4 1 1 1 7 2 Mollusc - bivalve Solenidae 1 Mollusc - bivalve Myochamidae 1 1 Mollusc - bivalve Glycymerididae 3 1 1 3 Mollusc - bivalve Cardiidae 1 3 1 1 1 4 2 1 1 Mollusc - bivalve Corbulidae (Corbula gibba) 1 2 Mollusc - bivalve Condylocardiinae 1 1 1 5 Mollusc - bivalve Montacutidae 1 1 Nemertean Nemertea 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 1 Nematode Nematoda 1 1 Polychaete - capitellid Capitellidae (Mediomastus australiensis) 1 1 Polychaete - dorvellid Dorvilleidae 1 Polychaete - nephtyid Nephtyidae 1 1 1 1 Polychaete - glycerid Glyceridae 1 1 1 1 1 Polychaete - sabellid Sabellidae 1 1 1 1 Polychaete - onuphid Onuphidae 4 3 5 4 1 2 1 Polychaete - lumbrinerid Lumbrineridae 1 4 1 Polychaete - maldanid Maldanidae 1

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MF261 – Zone 1 Trumpeter BLS_Final V1.0 December 2014

Taxonomic group Family 1.1 1.2 1.3 2.1 2.2 2.3 3.1 3.2 3.3 C1.1 C1.2 C1.3 Polychaete - spionid Spionidae 3 1 1 5 7 4 4 4 2 1 1 2 Polychaete - paraonid Paraonidae 1 Polychaete - cirratulid Cirratulidae 1 1 1 Polychaete - syllid Syllidae 4 4 1 1 Polychaete - terebellid Terebellidae 5 1 1 Polychaete - trichobranchid Trichobranchidae 2 Polychaete - ampharetid Ampharetidae 3 1 Polychaete - oweniid Oweniidae 1 1 Polychaete - pectinarid Pectinariidae 1 Polychaete - sigalionid Sigalionidae 1 1 1 Total numbers/site 49 42 41 33 40 70 48 43 59 54 27 37 Total species/site 22 20 18 15 20 23 20 23 30 25 16 12

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TRUMPETER BAY MF261 (70 Ha) BASELINE ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT

FINAL REPORT September 2016

Report to: Huon Aquaculture Group Pty Ltd

Prepared by: AQUENAL PTY LTD

AQUENAL

www.aquenal.com.au MF261 (70 Ha) BLS Final Report September 2016 Document Distribution

Document Date Name Company Version Copies Type Huon Aquaculture 10 August 2016 Dom O’Brien Electronic 1.0 1 Group Pty Ltd Marine Farming 10 August 2016 Marc Santo Electronic 1.0 1 Branch, DPIPWE Marine Farming 19 September 2016 Marc Santo Electronic 1.1 1 Branch, DPIPWE Huon Aquaculture 19 September 2016 Dom O’Brien Electronic 1.1 1 Group Pty Ltd

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

DISCLAIMER: This report has been prepared on behalf of and for the exclusive use of Aquenal Pty Ltd’s client and is subject to and issued in connection with the provisions of the agreement between Aquenal Pty Ltd and its Client. Aquenal Pty Ltd accepts no liability or responsibility whatsoever for or in respect of any use of or reliance upon this report by any third party.

MF261 (70 Ha) BLS Final Report September 2016 Contents

1 Summary ...... 6

2 Operational Summary ...... 8

3 Location and Survey Map ...... 9

4 Current Measurements ...... 10

5 Bathymetric Profile ...... 13

6 Seabed Characteristics and habitat profile ...... 14

7 Underwater Video Survey ...... 15 7.1 Filming summary ...... 15 7.2 Observations from filming ...... 15

8 Sediment Chemistry ...... 20 8.1 Visual Assessment ...... 20 8.2 Redox Potential ...... 22 8.3 Sulphide Analysis ...... 22 8.4 Particle Size Analysis ...... 23 8.5 Organic Content ...... 24 8.6 Heavy Metal Analysis ...... 25

9 Gazameda gunnii survey ...... 27

10 Biological Analysis ...... 28

11 References ...... 32

List of Figures Figure 1 Location and Survey Map – MF261 (70 Ha), Trumpeter Bay...... 9 Figure 2 - Current meter location. Current meter analysis presented in this report relates to position 2, as indicated by the yellow triangle...... 10 Figure 3 Polar plots of current velocity and direction. The plots are read as if the current flow moves from the centre of the graph towards the outer circle...... 12 Figure 4 Bathymetric profile for MF261 (70 Ha). Red outline – Zone boundary; Black rectangle – Lease or block boundary...... 13 Figure 5 Survey habitat map. Red outline – Zone boundary; Black rectangle – Lease or block boundary...... 14 Figure 6 Redox potential at 30 mm depth in sediment cores...... 22 Figure 7 Sulphide concentrations in sediment core samples...... 23 Figure 8 Particle size analyses of the top 100 mm of sediment. Mean percentage cumulative volume for size fractions at each site...... 24 Figure 9 Organic content in sediment core samples...... 25 Figure 10 Location of grab samples taken during Gazameda gunnii survey for MF261 (170 Ha), highlighting the sample sites where dead shells were collected. Note sites 19, 31 and 37...... 27 Figure 11 Photograph of dead G. gunnii shells collected during the survey of MF261 (70 Ha)...... 28 Figure 12 Results of MDS analysis using macrobenthic data collected from three replicate grabs at each compliance and control site for MF261 (70 Ha)...... 31 Figure 13 Benthic faunal analysis of seabed samples – MF261 (70 Ha). K – dominance curves. Analysis based on pooled triplicate data for each site...... 31

MF261 (70 Ha) BLS Final Report September 2016 List of Tables Table 1 Summarised current and velocity data for Trumpeter ADCP site T2...... 11 Table 2 Descriptions of dives performed MF261 (70 Ha)...... 15 Table 3 Description of each ROV dive performed at Trumpeter Bay MF261 (70 Ha). Video analysis and interpretation provided by AMD Pty Ltd...... 17 Table 4 Visual description of sediment cores...... 21 Table 5 Results of heavy metal analysis of sediment samples and the ANZECC 2000 trigger values...... 26 Table 6 Summary of benthic faunal analysis. The category ‘other’ included ascidians, nemerteans, nematodes, phoronids, platyhelminths and sipunculids...... 30

List of Appendices Appendix 1 Survey coordinates for sediment sampling, based on the Mapping Grid of Australia Zone 55 (Datum GDA94)...... 33 Appendix 2 Survey coordinates for Gazameda gunnii sampling, based on the Mapping Grid of Australia Zone 55 (Datum GDA94)...... 34 Appendix 3 Redox potential, measured in millivolts from 3cm depth in the sediment cores...... 35 Appendix 4 Sulphide analysis, measured in sediments at 3 cm from sediment surface...... 36 Appendix 5 Particle size analysis – raw data ...... 37 Appendix 6 Results of benthic infauna analysis – raw data...... 38

MF261 (70 Ha) BLS Final Report September 2016

1 Summary

Trumpeter Bay Marine Farming Lease No. 261 (MF261) is located in Storm Bay in southeast Tasmania. Lease MF261 is positioned in a marine location and is moderately protected from the prevailing westerly winds. The site is more exposed to southeast winds and seas, but these are generally uncommon, especially during summer periods.

In August 2014, a baseline survey of the north eastern part of the lease, MF261 (Zone 1), was undertaken prior to commencement of farming operations. Huon Aquaculture now propose to develop a 70 Ha section incorporating the south-eastern area of the lease, hereafter referred to as MF261 (70 ha). In accordance with Schedule 3B for MF261, a finfish baseline environmental survey was required prior to commencement of aquaculture operations. This interim baseline survey report incorporates information relating to MF261 (70 ha).

Current flow data were collected by Huon Aquaculture. Based on a 6 week deployment period, the data showed that the flow velocities measured in the vicinity of the lease were comparable to those measured in the lower D’Entrecasteaux Channel. This suggests that the lease should provide at least equivalent seafloor recovery conditions to those fish farm leases in the D’Entrecasteaux Channel. Differences in current patterns were evident in relation to depth. In deeper depths (i.e. > 12 m), currents flowing towards the SW direction were dominant, with flows towards the NE also an important component of overall current patterns. Surface (i.e. < 12 m) currents tended to be more dominated by flows towards the N, presumably as a result of localised wind driven circulation.

Baseline information on the seafloor appearance and sediments at MF261 (70 Ha) was collected by AMD on 7th April 2016. Filming of the seabed was conducted with a Remote Observation Vehicle (ROV). Filming of the seabed at all compliance, internal habitat and control sites showed them to be generally uniform. Consistent with the previous Trumpeter Baseline survey undertaken during August 2014, all sites shared the common features of rippled sand, shell grit and old shells. The fauna was generally depauperate consisting of Maoricolpus shells (live and old), with occasional sycozoan stalks at some sites, hermit crabs and juvenile flathead/sea moth or flounder. There was also an occasional ribbon worm. Maoricolpus appeared to decrease in number with depth (or possibly towards the east and southeast), and certainly the great majority of the live shells were observed in the shallower areas of the lease. Nearly all algae appeared to be drift algae, although at a few sites (e.g., the controls S12) some algae did appear to be attached to old shells. The only introduced species identified during the survey was the New Zealand screw shell Maoricolpus roseus.

Visual assessment showed that sediments were generally very similar across sampling sites. Sediments were typically light olive brown in colour in the surface layers (i.e. 0-5 cm), grading to dark grey with increasing sediment depth. Fine sands were the dominant sand fraction for all sites and cores were characteristically well compacted. Faint dark streaks were evident in a small number of cores (e.g. sites 5, 12). Animals or evidence of their presence (i.e. burrows) were observed in many cores. Dark colouration was evident in a small number of cores, however, these were typically below 20 mm sediment depth. Such a pattern is not considered evidence of organic enrichment, and is relatively common in circumstances where sandy, well compacted sediments are present. The sandy nature of the sediments at all sites indicates that wave action regularly influences the seabed sediments and the rate of deposition of finer sediment fractions is low.

Redox measurement revealed well oxygenated sediments at 3 cm depth, averaging 198 mV across all sites. Sulphide concentration in sediments was very low at all sites, averaging 0.70 µM. The observed redox and sulphide values were indicative of well oxygenated, unimpacted sediments.

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MF261 (70 Ha) BLS Final Report September 2016

Patterns of particle size distribution were indicative of a sedimentary environment with moderate agitation of seabed sediments and associated low abundance of fine silt and clay fractions. Sediments were dominated by fine sand fractions with the majority of sediments being in the 0.125 mm size class (average 48.7 % v/v across all sites). These patterns are considered typical of sediments in deep (i.e. >20 m) and exposed locations. The similarity in particle size distribution between sites implies similar depositional environments.

Targeted sampling for the threatened mollusc Gazameda gunnii was undertaken using van-veen grabs at 40 sites. These sites were spread across the remaining 170 Ha of MF261. The presence of Gazameda gunnii was also considered as part of the benthic faunal survey at the compliance and control sites. No live shells were detected during the targeted survey, however a single live Gazameda gunnii was detected at control site 12 during the benthic faunal analysis. Four small (< 30 mm) dead shells/shell fragments of Gazameda gunnii were collected and retained (3 dead G. gunnii shells collected during targeted survey, 1 dead G. gunnii shell identified from benthic infauna samples). Several dead shells of the closely related G. tasmanica were also detected during the targeted Gazameda gunnii survey. Many of the Gazameda sp. shells collected were old and eroded, making it difficult to distinguish G. tasmanica from G. gunnii.

The organic content of the sediments was low at all sites, as expected in sandy sediments. There was only minor variation between sampling sites, with no spatial strong pattern. Results from heavy metal analysis showed that the ANZECC Interim Sediment Quality Guideline (ISQG) ‘high’ and ‘low’ trigger values were not exceeded for any of the analytes measured.

Benthic infaunal analysis revealed high faunal diversity, with a total of 2390 individuals from 109 taxa identified across the 12 samples. Faunal communities were dominated by crustaceans, accounting for 36.5% of individuals and 41.3 % of species identified. The remaining fauna was mainly comprised of polychaetes, anthozoans and molluscs. Other fauna (including ascidians, echinoderms, nemerteans, nematodes, phoronids, platyhelminths and sipunculids) were recorded in low numbers.

The most common family recorded during the survey was the anthozoan family Edwardsiidae. Overall, this taxa accounted for 22.5% of all animals counted. While this group is occasionally recorded from benthic samples in Tasmanian coastal; waters, the densities recorded during the current survey were unusually high. In past surveys of the Trumpeter Bay area, anthozoans were either absent or present in low densities. It appears that a significant recruitment event has occurred for this particular taxa.

Introduced species, including the introduced New Zealand screw shell (Maoricolpus roseus) and American spider crab (Pyromaia tuberculata) were recorded in low densities. No recognised pollution indicator species were recorded.

Observed faunal patterns were within the range expected for an unimpacted ecosystem, with relatively diverse communities and low levels of single species dominance. Based on the benthic faunal patterns present, any future benthic impacts should be readily observable. Reduced faunal diversity and an increases in species dominance patterns would be one of the main indicators of organic enrichment. Such a pattern would be expected to be readily discernible, given the high diversity measured during the baseline survey.

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MF261 (70 Ha) BLS Final Report September 2016

2 Operational Summary

Contractor: AQUENAL PTY LTD ABN 74 151 011 157 244 Summerleas Road, Kingston, Tasmania 7050 Phone 03 6229 2334 Fax 03 6229 2335 e-mail: [email protected]

Aquenal Personnel: Jeremy Lane, Joe Valentine, Sam Gray AMD Personnel: Dom O’Brien Huon Aquaculture Personnel: Ollie Bosch

Client: Huon Aquaculture Group Pty Ltd PO BOX 42, Dover, TAS 7117 T: 03 6295 8118 | F: 03 6295 8161 Liaison: Dom O’Brien

Field work: Aquenal Pty Ltd AMD Pty Ltd

Dates of fieldwork: 7th April 2016 – ROV survey 6th, 13th, 22nd April 2016 – Seabed sampling

Weather: 6/4/2016 7/4/2016 13 April 2016 22 April 2016 Wind: SW 10-15 Light and variable SW light W 10-15 knots knots Sky: Cloudy Sunny Partly cloudy Partly cloudy Rain: Showers Nil Nil Nil Sea: 0.5 m 0.5 m < 0.5 m < 0.5 m Current: Low High (>20 cm/sec) Low Low

Laboratory Analysis: Heavy metals, organic content: Analytical Services Tasmania (AST). All other analysis by Aquenal Pty Ltd.

Filming for this assessment was carried out by AMD Pty Ltd with a VideoRay Remotely Operated Inspection System using a colour video camera with 170 degrees of tilt range, 350 lines of resolution and 0.5 lux of sensitivity, accompanied by two 20-watt adjustable halogen lights. A Getac mobile GIS unit with attached Novatel Smart Antenna Differential GPS was used to locate all ROV sites. Seabed sampling was undertaken by Aquenal Pty Ltd using a Craib Corer and Van-veen grab. Positioning for seabed sampling was undertaken using a Garmin GPS178C/ Omnistar 3000L Differential Global Positioning System receiver to provide real-time, differentially corrected DGPS positions accurate to ~2m. The GPS systems were referenced to a State Permanent Mark (SPM) prior to commencement of fieldwork.

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MF261 (70 Ha) BLS Final Report September 2016

3 Location and Survey Map

MF261 Zone boundary

MF261 (Zone 1) – surveyed August 214

MF261 (70 Ha) – current survey

Figure 1 Location and Survey Map – MF261 (70 Ha), Trumpeter Bay. Key to map: 4.1 -4.3; 5.1-5.3 and 6.1– 6.3 indicate the 35 m compliance triplicate groups of spot dives. Sites 12.1-12.3 indicates the control spot dives. Internal habitat spot dives are denoted by the prefix ‘Int’. Red outline – Zone boundary; Black rectangle – Lease or block boundary.

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MF261 (70 Ha) BLS Final Report September 2016

4 Current Measurements

Methods

In order to measure localised current movement an Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler (ADCP) was deployed south of the lease from 9th May 2014 to 27th June 2014 at position 2 shown in Figure 3 below. The ADCP was set to measure current velocity and direction throughout the water column every 30 minutes, with this data grouped into four metre depth bins. The deployment lasted for approximately six weeks.

AmendmentAmendment Current TrumpeterTrumpeter BayBay Lease CurrentCurrent metermeter positionspositions T2,T2, T4T4

1

2 T2 147.4471379 -43.18831995 536334 5218175 Variety Bay 3

BrunyBruny IslandIsland 4

T4 147.4463801 -43.22697061 536250 5213883

Figure 2 - Current meter location. Current meter analysis presented in this report relates to position 2, as indicated by the yellow triangle.

Results

In Table 1 below the current and velocity data for the meter deployment are summarised for average flow, minimum flow, maximum flow, percentage of flow less than 3 cms-1, percentage of flow less than 5 cms-1, and percentage of flow greater than 10 cms-1 for each depth bin. Polar plots of current velocity and direction are provided in Figure 3.

10

MF261 (70 Ha) BLS Final Report September 2016 Interpretation

The data shows that the flow velocities measured in the vicinity of the lease appear to be comparable to those measured in the lower D’Entrecasteaux Channel. These flows are significantly higher than those previously measured within the Huon River Estuary. This indicates that the lease should provide at least equivalent seafloor recovery conditions to those fish farm leases in the D’Entrecasteaux Channel. Differences in current patterns were evident in relation to depth. In deeper depths (i.e. > 12 m), currents flowing towards the SW direction were dominant, with flows towards the NE also an important component of overall current patterns. Surface (i.e. < 12 m) currents tended to be more dominated by flows towards the N, presumably as a result of localised wind driven circulation.

Table 1 Summarised current and velocity data for Trumpeter ADCP site T2.

T2 MAY 2014 Depth bins/cells Cell01 Cell02 Cell03 Cell04 Cell05 Cell06 Cell07 Cell08 Cell09 Cell10 Depth range (m) 40-36 36-32 32-28 28-24 24-20 20-16 16-12 12-8 8-4 4-surface

Mean 3.9 4.3 4.3 4.1 4.0 4.1 4.6 5.4 6.2 Max 12.4 12.2 17.9 19.7 12.3 18.2 22.4 24.7 20.9 Min 0.0 0.1 0.1 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.1 %flow<3cm/s 35.8 32.7 34.1 35.7 37.3 36.1 30.4 21.4 16.0 %flow<5cm/s 70.1 63.7 63.9 66.9 69.0 67.0 60.6 48.2 38.5 %flow>10cm/s 0.4 1.8 2.0 1.7 1.7 1.5 2.5 6.1 12.2

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MF261 (70 Ha) BLS Final Report September 2016

Figure 3 Polar plots of current velocity and direction. The plots are read as if the current flow moves from the centre of the graph towards the outer circle.

12

MF261 (70 Ha) BLS Final Report September 2016

5 Bathymetric Profile

Figure 4 Bathymetric profile for MF261 (70 Ha). Red outline – Zone boundary; Black rectangle – Lease or block boundary.

13

MF261 (70 Ha) BLS Final Report September 2016

6 Seabed Characteristics and habitat profile

Figure 5 Survey habitat map. Red outline – Zone boundary; Black rectangle – Lease or block boundary.

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MF261 (70 Ha) BLS Final Report September 2016

7 Underwater Video Survey

7.1 Filming summary

The appearance of the seabed in the vicinity of MF261 (70 Ha) was recorded by filming spot dives of the sea floor using a VideoRay Remote Observation Vehicle (ROV). Filming and interpretation of video footage was carried out by AMD Pty Ltd. The spot dive locations were:

- Compliance sites at 35 m outside the lease boundary (sites 4.1-4.3, 5.1-5.3, 6.1-6.3). - Internal habitat sites consisting of ten evenly spaced locations within the lease area (sites INT 1-10). - Control sites at least 200 m from the lease boundary (site 12.1-12.3)

Survey sites were located at positions specified by the DPIPWE, as illustrated in Figure 2 and listed in Table 1. The positions of all dives were located or marked by DGPS using a Getac mobile GIS unit with attached Novatel Smart Antenna Differential GPS.

Descriptions of video footage were undertaken by AMD Pty Ltd and are summarised for each site in Table 2. DVD discs containing the digital recording of all control, compliance and internal lease dive sites for MF261 (70 Ha) has been forwarded to DPIPWE.

7.2 Observations from filming

Table 2 Descriptions of dives performed MF261 (70 Ha).

DATE NAME EASTING NORTHING TIME 20160407 12.1 533721 5224585 8:09:52 AM 20160407 12.2 533758 5224587 8:22:22 AM 20160407 12.3 533807 5224591 8:30:45 AM 20160407 4.1 534464 5222778 8:47:15 AM 20160407 4.2 534473 5222733 8:56:53 AM 20160407 4.3 534479 5222689 9:06:38 AM 20160407 5.1 534559 5222132 9:18:28 AM 20160407 5.2 534565 5222089 9:28:08 AM 20160407 5.3 534573 5222047 9:37:15 AM 20160407 6.1 534423 5221580 9:48:26 AM 20160407 6.2 534382 5221570 9:57:40 AM 20160407 6.3 534336 5221565 10:08:46 AM 20160407 1 534352 5221790 11:11:26 AM 20160407 2 534217 5221888 11:21:56 AM 20160407 3 534406 5222050 11:37:19 AM 20160407 4 534160 5222170 11:46:54 AM 20160407 5 534350 5222310 11:57:42 AM 20160407 6 534212 5222427 12:05:32 PM 20160407 7 534362 5222579 12:14:11 PM 20160407 8 534062 5222642 12:23:25 PM 20160407 9 534267 5222766 12:33:10 PM 20160407 10 534381 5222854 12:41:50 PM 20160407 sm8161 523797 5236143 2:06:22 PM

15

MF261 (70 Ha) BLS Final Report September 2016 Interpretation – general comments on spot dive locations

Table 3 below provides a list of seabed sediment characteristics and fauna observations from the 22 ROV spot dives undertaken at the control, compliance and internal lease sites.

As for the previous Trumpeter Baseline survey in August 2014 (Aquenal 2014) all sites shared the common features of rippled sand, shell grit and old shells, with a depauperate fauna consisting generally of Maoricolpus shells (live and old), with occasional sycozoan stalks at some sites, hermit crabs and juvenile flathead/sea moth or flounder. There was also an occasional ribbon worm. Maoricolpus appeared to decrease in number with depth (or possibly towards the east and southeast), and certainly the great majority of the live shells were observed in the shallower areas of the lease at Internal sites 1, 2, 4, 6 & 8 and the S6 compliance sites with only a few old shells then observed at the remaining internal sites and the S4, S5 and S12 sites.

Nearly all algae appeared to be drift algae, although at a few sites (e.g., the controls S12) some algae did appear to be attached to old shells.

The only introduced species identified during the survey was the New Zealand screw shell Maoricolpus roseus.

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MF261 (70 Ha) BLS Final Report September 2016 Table 3 Description of each ROV dive performed at Trumpeter Bay MF261 (70 Ha). Video analysis and interpretation provided by AMD Pty Ltd. Easting Northing Date Visibilit Depth Dive Site (GDA94 (GDA94 (DD-MM- Time y Comments (m) Type MGA55) MGA55) YYYY) (m) Seabed = Uniform across all sites. Rippled sands. Broken shells and shellgrit. Fauna = Consistent with most sites. Maoricolpus roseus, most are old shells. 4.1 534464 5222778 7/04/2016 10.49.43 32 35m 1 Juvenile Flathead. Ribbon worn and suspected Terebellid worms. Flora = Consistent with most sites. Drift red and brown algae quite common. Some algae attached to shells. Seabed = Uniform across all sites. Rippled sands. Broken shells, shellgrit. Fauna = Consistent across all S1 sites, Maoricolpus roseus, most are old shells. 4.2 534473 5222733 7/04/2016 10.59.52 32.5 35m 1 Suspected Goby. Sea Moth. Flora = Consistent with most sites. Drift red, green and brown algae quite common. Some algae attached to shells. Seabed = Uniform across all sites. Rippled sands. Broken shells, shell grit. Fauna = Consistent across all S1 sites, Maoricolpus roseus - most are old shells, a 4.3 534479 5222689 7/04/2016 11.08.47 32 35m 1 few suspected Sycozoa. Hermit crabs. Flora = Consistent with most sites. Drift red, green and brown algae quite common. Seabed = Uniform across all sites. Rippled sands. Broken shells and shell grit. Fauna = Consistent across S5 sites - Maoricolpus, most are old shells. Sycozoan. 5.1 534559 5222132 7/04/2016 11.21.30 33 35m 1 Juvenile Flathead and a school of unidentified fish. Flora = Consistent with S5 sites. Some drift algae Seabed = Uniform across all sites. Rippled sands. Broken shells and shellgrit. Fauna = Consistent across S5 sites - Maoricolpus - most are old shells. Sycozoans, 5.2 534565 5222089 7/04/2016 11.31.07 33 35m 1 Hermit crabs. Flora = Consistent with S5 sites. Some drift algae. Seabed = Uniform across all sites. Rippled sands. Broken shells and shell grit. Fauna = Consistent across S5 sites - Maoricolpus - most are old shells. Sycozoan, 5.3 534573 5222047 7/04/2016 11.39.50 33 35m 1 Hermit crabs. Flora = Consistent with S5 sites. Some drift algae Seabed = Uniform across all sites. Rippled sands. Broken shells and shellgrit. Fauna = Consistent with S6 sites, many Maoricolpus – most are old shells. Hermit 6.1 534423 5221580 7/04/2016 11.50.51 33 35m 1 crabs. Flora = Consistent with most sites. Small pieces of drift red and brown algae present.

17

MF261 (70 Ha) BLS Final Report September 2016 Easting Northing Date Visibilit Depth Dive Site (GDA94 (GDA94 (DD-MM- Time y Comments (m) Type MGA55) MGA55) YYYY) (m) Seabed = Uniform across all sites. Rippled sands. Broken shells and shellgrit. Fauna = Consistent with S6 sites, many Maoricolpus – most are old shells. Hermit 6.2 534382 5221570 7/04/2016 12.00.01 33 35m 1 crabs. Flora = Consistent with most sites. Small pieces of drift red and brown algae present. Seabed = Uniform across all sites. Rippled sands. Broken shells and shellgrit. Fauna = Consistent with S6 sites, many Maoricolpus – most are old shells. Sea 6.3 534336 5221565 7/04/2016 12.11.31 32.5 35m 1 Moth. Flora = Consistent with most sites. Small pieces of drift red and brown algae present. Seabed = Uniform across all sites. Rippled sands, quite a few old broken shells, shell grit. 12.1 533721 5224585 7/04/2016 10.12.45 27 control 1 Fauna = Sycozoans, a few Maoricolpus and occasional Hermit crab. Flora = Consistent across S12. Drift red and brown algae common. Some attached algae on shells. Seabed = Uniform across all sites. Rippled sands, quite a few old broken shells, shell grit. 12.2 533758 5224587 7/04/2016 10.24.59 27 control 1 Fauna = Sycozoans, a few Maoricolpus and occasional Hermit crab. Flora = Consistent across S12. Drift red and brown algae common. Some attached algae on shells. Seabed = Uniform across all sites. Rippled sands, quite a few old broken shells, shell grit. 12.3 533807 5224591 7/04/2016 10.33.17 27.5 control 1 Fauna = Sycozoans, a few Maoricolpus. Flora = Consistent across S12. Drift red and brown algae common. Some attached algae on shells. Seabed = Uniform across all sites. Rippled sands. Broken shells/shellgrit. Fauna = Consistent with most sites. Many Maoricolpus most are old shells, hermit Int 1 534352 5221790 7/04/2016 1.13.51 32 internal 1 crab. Flora = Consistent with most sites. Some drift red and brown algae. Seabed = Uniform across all sites. Rippled sands. Broken shells/shellgrit. Fauna = Consistent with most sites. Many Maoricolpus most are old shells, juvenile Int 2 534217 5221888 7/04/2016 1.29.49 32 internal 1 flathead. Flora = Consistent with most sites. Some drift red and brown algae. Seabed = Uniform across all sites. Rippled sands. Broken shells/shellgrit. Int 3 534406 5222050 7/04/2016 1.39.45 32 internal 1 Fauna = Consistent with most sites. Maoricolpus most are old shells, hermit crabs. Flora = Consistent with most sites. Drift red and brown algae.

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MF261 (70 Ha) BLS Final Report September 2016 Easting Northing Date Visibilit Depth Dive Site (GDA94 (GDA94 (DD-MM- Time y Comments (m) Type MGA55) MGA55) YYYY) (m) Seabed = Uniform across all sites. Rippled sands. Broken shells/shellgrit. Int 4 534160 5222170 7/04/2016 1.49.01 31 internal 1 Fauna = Consistent with most sites. Many Maoricolpus most are old shells. Flora = Consistent with most sites. Drift red and brown algae. Seabed = Uniform across all sites. Rippled sands. Broken shells/shellgrit. Int 5 534350 5222310 7/04/2016 2.00.17 32 internal 1 Fauna = Consistent with most sites. Maoricolpus most are old shells, Sycozoans. Flora = Consistent with most sites. Drift red and brown algae. Seabed = Uniform across all sites. Rippled sands. Broken shells/shellgrit. Int 6 534212 5222427 7/04/2016 2.08.10 31 internal 1 Fauna = Consistent with most sites. Many Maoricolpus most are old shells. Flora = Consistent with most sites. Drift red and brown algae. Seabed = Uniform across all sites. Rippled sands. Broken shells/shellgrit. Fauna = Consistent with most sites. Maoricolpus most are old shells, Sycozoans, Int 7 534362 5222579 7/04/2016 2.17.16 31.5 internal 1 hermit crabs. Flora = Consistent with most sites. Drift red and brown algae. Seabed = Uniform across all sites. Rippled sands. Broken shells/shellgrit. Fauna = Consistent with most sites. Many Maoricolpus most are old shells, juvenile Int 8 534062 5222642 7/04/2016 2.26.08 30 internal 1 flathead. Flora = Consistent with most sites. Drift red and brown algae. Seabed = Uniform across all sites. Rippled sands. Broken shells/shellgrit. Int 9 534267 5222766 7/04/2016 2.35.15 31 internal 1 Fauna = Consistent with most sites. Maoricolpus most are old shells, Sycozoans. Flora = Consistent with most sites. Drift red and brown algae. Seabed = Uniform across all sites. Rippled sands. Broken shells/shellgrit. Int Fauna = Consistent with most sites. Maoricolpus most are old shells, Sycozoans, 534381 5222854 7/04/2016 2.44.20 31 internal 1 10 Ribbon worm, juvenile flounder. Flora = Consistent with most sites. Drift red and brown algae.

Please note that all times (and date where the 8th is indicated) shown on the ROV and reproduced in the table above are actually 14hours ahead of real time, due to a minor fault in the ROV unit on the day of sampling.

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MF261 (70 Ha) BLS Final Report September 2016

8 Sediment Chemistry

8.1 Visual Assessment

Methods

A Craib corer was used to collect 50 mm diameter sediment cores in transparent Perspex tubes. These were handled carefully and retained in a vertical orientation to minimise disturbance of the sediment surface until they were described and redox and sulphide readings taken. The cores were described in terms of length, colour (using a Munsell soil chart), plant and animal life, gas vesicles, and smell. Odour from hydrogen sulphide gas, if present, was noted after the water was removed from the core barrels.

Results and interpretation

Visual assessment showed that sediments were generally very similar across sampling sites. Sediments were typically light olive brown in colour in the surface layers (i.e. 0-5 cm), grading to dark grey with increasing sediment depth. Fine sands were the dominant sand fraction for all cores. Detailed descriptions of the sediment cores are tabulated in Table 4.

Sediment cores at all sites were characteristically well compacted. Faint dark streaks were evident in a small number of cores (e.g. sites 5, 12). Animals or evidence of their presence (i.e. burrows) were observed in many cores.

Sediment characteristics from the compliance and control sites showed minor variation, indicative of similar environmental conditions across the compliance and control sites. The sandy nature of the sediments indicates that wave action regularly influences the seabed sediments and the rate of deposition of finer sediment fractions is low. Dark colouration was evident in a small number of cores, however, these were typically below 20 mm sediment depth. Such a pattern is not considered evidence of organic enrichment, and is relatively common in circumstances where sandy, well compacted sediments are present.

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MF261 (70 Ha) BLS Final Report September 2016

Table 4 Visual description of sediment cores. Depth Depth Length Sediment Site Colour 1 (Munsell score) Sediment 1 1 Colour 2 (Munsell score) 2 Plants Animals Gas Smell (mm) 2 (mm) (mm) 2.5Y/5/4 Light olive brown, Brittle star on 4.1 160 slightly darker with increasing Fine sand 160 Nil Nil Nil sediment surface depth 2.5Y/5/4 Light olive brown, 4.2 150 slightly darker with increasing Fine sand 150 Nil Nil Nil Nil depth 2.5Y/5/4 Light olive brown, dark Bivalve on sediment 4.3 120 Fine sand 120 Nil Nil Nil streaks 5 - 120 mm surface 2.5Y/5/1 Dark grey, faint 5.1 140 2.5Y/5/4 Light olive brown Fine sand 40 Fine sand 140 Nil Nil Nil Nil dark streaks 2.5Y/5/1 Dark grey, dark 5.2 130 2.5Y/5/4 Light olive brown Fine sand 50 Fine sand 130 Nil Nil Nil Nil streaks 110 - 130 mm 2.5Y/5/1 Dark grey, dark Bivalve on sediment 5.3 150 2.5Y/5/4 Light olive brown Fine sand 50 Fine sand 150 Nil Nil Nil streaks 70 - 140 mm surface 6.1 150 2.5Y/5/2 Greyish brown Fine sand 150 Nil Nil Nil Nil 6.2 160 2.5Y/5/2 Greyish brown Fine sand 160 Nil Burrows Nil Nil 6.3 130 2.5Y/5/2 Greyish brown Fine sand 130 Nil Burrows Nil Nil 2.5Y/4/1 Dark grey, faint Amphipod on 12.1 160 2.5Y/5/3 Light olive brown Fine sand 50 Fine sand 160 Nil Nil Nil dark streaks 20 - 100 mm. sediment surface 2.5Y/4/1 Dark grey, faint 12.2 130 2.5Y/5/3 Light olive brown Fine sand 40 Fine sand 130 Nil Burrows Nil Nil dark streaks 20 - 80 mm. 2.5Y/4/1 Dark grey, faint 12.3 160 2.5Y/5/3 Light olive brown Fine sand 50 Fine sand 160 Nil Nil Nil Nil dark streaks 20 - 160 mm.

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MF261 (70 Ha) BLS Final Report September 2016

8.2 Redox Potential

Methods

Redox potential was measured in millivolts at 30 mm below the sediment surface using a WTW pH 320 meter with a Mettler Toledo Ag/AgCl combination pH/Redox probe. Calibration and functionality of the meter were checked before each test using a Redox Buffer Solution (248 mV at 10 °C). Measurements were made within 3 hours of the samples being collected. Corrected Redox potential values were calculated by adding the standard potential of the reference cell to the measured redox potential and are reported in millivolts.

Results and interpretation Sediment redox values at 30 mm sediment depth averaged 198 mV and were well above 100 mV at each site (Figure 6). Raw data is presented in Appendix 3. The observed high redox values are indicative of well oxygenated, unimpacted sediments (Macleod and Forbes 2004).

Figure 6 Redox potential at 30 mm depth in sediment cores.

8.3 Sulphide Analysis

Methods

Sediment sulphide was measured in accordance with the protocols outlined in Macleod and Forbes (2004). Measurements were made using a TPS uniPROBE Sulphide ISE and a WTW pH 320 meter. Using a modified syringe, 2 mL of sediment was removed at 30 mm depth from the core and mixed with 2 mL of reagent (sulphide anti-oxidant buffer, SAOB) in a small beaker. The 22

MF261 (70 Ha) BLS Final Report September 2016 sediment/SAOB mixture was carefully stirred with the probe for 15-20 seconds, until the reading stabilised. The accuracy and functionality of the meter and probe was assessed prior to analysis commencing, using standards of known concentration. A calibration curve was produced using three standards of known concentration.

Results and interpretation Sulphide concentration in sediments was below detection or very low at all sites, averaging 0.70 µM across all sediment cores (Figure 7). The observed sulphide concentrations were very low and showed no evidence of organic enrichment (Macleod and Forbes 2004).

Figure 7 Sulphide concentrations in sediment core samples.

8.4 Particle Size Analysis

Methods

The top 100 mm of each sediment core was homogenised and then 73-74 ml of sediment was sub- sampled for particle size determination.

Results and interpretation Sediments across the area sampled were dominated by fine sand fractions with the majority of sediments being in the 0.125 mm size class (average 48.7 % v/v across all sites). The sediments were clean with a relatively low proportion of fine clay and silt fractions (i.e. < 0.063 mm). Sediments at site 4 were slightly coarser than at the other sites, with a higher proportion of the 0.5 mm size fraction. Patterns of particle size distribution at remaining sites were generally

23

MF261 (70 Ha) BLS Final Report September 2016 comparable between sites. Detailed results are presented in Figure 8, while raw data is included in Appendix 5.

Patterns of particle size distribution were indicative of a sedimentary environment with moderate agitation of seabed sediments and associated low abundance of fine silt and clay fractions. These patterns are considered typical of sediments in deep (i.e. >20 m) and exposed locations. The similarity in particle size distribution between sites implies similar depositional environments.

Figure 8 Particle size analyses of the top 100 mm of sediment. Mean percentage cumulative volume for size fractions at each site.

8.5 Organic Content Methods

A single undisturbed sediment core sample taken using a perspex core with an internal diameter of at least 50 mm at each sample site specified in the survey for the purposes of organic content analysis. The top 3 cm of each was oven dried at 60 °C prior to analysis of total organic carbon. Total organic carbon was measured by loss on ignition (450 °C in a muffle furnace for 4 hours) by AST.

Results and interpretation

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MF261 (70 Ha) BLS Final Report September 2016 Results from the organic content analysis are presented in Figure 9. The organic content was low, ranging from 1.3% to 4.5%, with an average of 3.0% across all sites.

Figure 9 Organic content in sediment core samples.

8.6 Heavy Metal Analysis

Methods

Sediment cores of 50 mm diameter were collected and the top 30 mm of each core was transferred to a clean jar for metal analysis. Heavy metals analysed in sediment samples included: arsenic, cadmium, cobalt, chromium, copper, manganese, nickel, lead and zinc. The analyses were conducted by AST using the test methods specified in the following Australian Standards:

2301-Soil: Metals in Soil, Sediment and Dust by ICPAES

Results and interpretation Results from the heavy metal analysis are presented in Table 5. The ANZECC Interim Sediment Quality Guideline (ISQG) ‘high’ and ‘low’ trigger values were not exceeded for any of the analytes measured. Arsenic levels approached the ANZECC ISQG ‘low’ trigger values at some sites (e.g. site 5), but no exceedances were recorded.

Heavy metal values were generally comparable to those recorded in other surveys of the Trumpeter Bay leases (Aquenal 2014; Aquenal 2015).

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MF261 (70 Ha) BLS Final Report September 2016

Table 5 Results of heavy metal analysis of sediment samples and the ANZECC 2000 trigger values.

Metal (mg/kg DMB) Site As Cd Co Cr Cu Mn Ni Pb Zn 4.1 10 <0.5 3 17 4 82 6 24 54 4.2 10 <0.5 2 15 3 68 4 22 43 4.3 10 <0.5 2 13 2 54 4 18 37 5.1 19 <0.5 2 11 <1 75 2 17 28 5.2 15 <0.5 2 11 1 57 3 16 28 5.3 17 <0.5 3 18 4 77 5 27 65 6.1 10 <0.5 2 16 3 60 5 25 52 6.2 11 <0.5 2 16 3 66 4 22 49 6.3 10 <0.5 2 15 3 61 4 23 48 12.1 6 <0.5 3 17 4 81 6 21 56 12.2 6 <0.5 3 16 4 75 6 21 57 12.3 5 <0.5 2 16 4 78 5 20 57 ANZECC 2000 ISQG-Low 20 2 80 65 21 50 200 (trigger value) ANZECC 2000 ISQG-High 70 10 370 270 52 220 410 (trigger value)

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MF261 (70 Ha) BLS Final Report September 2016 9 Gazameda gunnii survey Methods

In accordance with Schedule 3B, 20 van-veen grab samples were initially taken across the survey area. For the purpose of the current survey, the remaining 170 Ha of lease MF261 was assessed, rather than just the 70 Ha south-eastern block. Dead shells were retained and examined by a taxonomic expert (J. Lane). Dead Gazameda sp. shells were detected in the initial 20 samples, so a further 20 grabs were taken.

Results Results from the targeted G. gunnii survey are presented in Figure 10 and Figure 11. No live shells were detected during the targeted G. gunnii survey. Three small (< 30 mm) dead shells/shell fragments of Gazameda gunnii were collected and retained (see Figure 10, Figure 11). Several individuals of the closely related G. tasmanica were also detected during the survey. Many of the Gazameda sp. shells collected were old and eroded, making it difficult to distinguish G. tasmanica from G. gunnii.

Figure 10 Location of grab samples taken during Gazameda gunnii survey for MF261 (170 Ha), highlighting the sample sites where dead shells were collected. Note sites 19, 31 and 37.

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MF261 (70 Ha) BLS Final Report September 2016

Figure 11 Photograph of dead G. gunnii shells collected during the survey of MF261 (70 Ha).

10 Biological Analysis

Methods

Macroinvertebrates were collected using a Van Veen grab which sampled a 0.07 m2 area of seabed. A single grab sample was collected at each of the compliance and control sites, with a total of 9 grabs collected. Grab samples were sieved in the field using 1 mm mesh sieve bags, with animal and sediment material retained in the mesh bags placed in 5% buffered formalin.

Analytical methods Benthic infauna data were analysed using multidimensional scaling (MDS) in the PRIMER 6 software package (Clarke & Gorley 2001), in order to produce an informative graphical depiction of faunal similarities among samples. For this analysis, the data matrix showing total abundance of species in each sample was double square root transformed and converted to a symmetric matrix of biotic similarity between pairs of samples using the Bray-Curtis similarity index. These procedures follow the recommendations of Faith et al. (1987) and Clarke (1993) for data matrices with numerous zero records. The usefulness of the two dimensional MDS display of relationships between locations is indicated by the stress statistic, which if <0.1 indicates that the depiction of relationships is good, and if >0.2 that the depiction is poor (Clarke 1993). Faunal community structure for each of the sites was also analysed using K-dominance curves.

Results and interpretation

Abundance and patterns of species richness are summarised in Table 6 below (see Appendix 6 for raw data). The area possessed very high faunal diversity, with a total of 2390 individuals from 109 taxa identified across the 12 samples. Faunal communities were dominated by crustaceans, accounting for 36.5% of individuals and 41.3 % of species identified. The remaining fauna was mainly comprised of polychaetes, anthozoans and molluscs. Other fauna (including ascidians,

28

MF261 (70 Ha) BLS Final Report September 2016 echinoderms, nemerteans, nematodes, phoronids, platyhelminths and sipunculids) were recorded in low numbers.

The most common family recorded during the survey was the anthozoan family Edwardsiidae. Overall, this taxa accounted for 22.5% of all animals counted. While this group is occasionally recorded from benthic samples in Tasmanian coastal; waters, the densities recorded during the current survey were unusually high. In past surveys of the Trumpeter Bay area, anthozoans were either absent (Aquenal 2014) or present in low densities (Aquenal 2015). It appears that a significant recruitment event has occurred for this particular taxa.

Representatives from the family Capitellidae, Mediomastus australiensis and Notomastus sp. were recorded in low densities. Mediomastus australiensis is common and widespread in south-east Tasmania, and is not regarded as a pollution indicator species. Similarly, Notomastus sp. is not regarded as a pollution indicator species.

The introduced New Zealand screw shell was recorded in relatively low densities, with 19 individuals recorded across all sites. Three individuals of the introduced American spider crab Pyromaia tuberculata were recorded from control site 12. This species was recorded at low densities during a previous survey of Trumpeter Bay (Aquenal 2015). Pyromaia tuberculata is native to North America and has previously been described from Port Phillip Bay in Victoria and Cockburn Sound in Western Australia (Taylor and Poore 2011, Hewitt et al. 1999).

Interpretation of the MDS analysis was limited by the relatively small number of samples (see Figure 12). There were no strong patterns evident and based on cluster analysis, all sites grouped together at the 40% community similarity level. Observed patterns in the K-dominance plots fall within ranges expected for unimpacted ecosystems, with relatively diverse communities and low levels of single species dominance (average 22.7% across all sites; see Figure 13).

Two individuals of the threatened screwshell Gazameda gunnii were recorded, included one live shell and one dead shell. The live specimen was recorded from control site 12 (C12.3).

Based on the benthic faunal patterns present, any future benthic impacts should be readily observable. Reduced faunal diversity and an increases in species dominance patterns would be one of the main indicators of organic enrichment. Such a pattern would be expected to be readily discernible, given the high diversity measured during the baseline survey.

29

MF261 (70 Ha) BLS Final Report September 2016

Table 6 Summary of benthic faunal analysis. The category ‘other’ included ascidians, nemerteans, nematodes, phoronids, platyhelminths and sipunculids.

Species richness Abundance (No's per sample)

(No. Families/sample)

s s

Echinoderms Molluscs Polychaetes Anthozoans Other Crustacean Echinoderms Molluscs Polychaetes Anthozoans Other Site Crustacean 4.1 81 3 20 29 24 5 19 1 9 11 1 2 4.2 104 8 17 80 60 12 26 1 5 13 1 2 4.3 86 3 33 82 109 8 15 2 11 15 1 2 5.1 39 4 11 38 79 1 13 3 7 15 1 1 5.2 74 3 17 24 59 6 15 2 8 12 1 3 5.3 68 2 19 28 50 2 16 2 8 9 1 1 6.1 66 12 7 45 24 1 11 1 6 15 1 1 6.2 51 4 16 34 19 0 15 1 4 7 1 0 6.3 76 5 14 175 57 0 11 1 6 12 1 0 C12.1 66 2 33 39 7 2 19 2 9 13 1 2 C12.2 85 3 40 41 10 4 24 2 11 9 1 3 C12.3 77 0 23 20 39 5 25 0 9 12 1 4 Total 873 49 250 635 537 46 45 3 28 26 1 6 % 36.5 2.1 10.5 26.6 22.5 1.9 41.3 2.8 25.7 23.9 0.9 5.5

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MF261 (70 Ha) BLS Final Report September 2016

Transform: Fourth root Resemblance: S17 Bray Curtis similarity

2D Stress: 0.11

C12.3

C12.1 6.3 C12.2 5.3

5.2

4.3 6.1

6.2 4.2 5.1

4.1

Figure 12 Results of MDS analysis using macrobenthic data collected from three replicate grabs at each compliance and control site for MF261 (70 Ha).

100 4.1 4.2 4.3 5.1 5.2 80 5.3 6.1

6.2 %

e 6.3

c n

a 60 C12.1 n

i C12.2 m

o C12.3

D

e

v

i

t

a l

u 40

m

u C

20

0 1 10 100 Species rank Figure 13 Benthic faunal analysis of seabed samples – MF261 (70 Ha). K – dominance curves. Analysis based on pooled triplicate data for each site.

31

MF261 (70 Ha) BLS Final Report September 2016

11 References Aquenal (2014) Trumpeter Bay MF261 (Zone 1): Baseline Environmental Assessment. Final Report, December 2014 Report to Huon Aquaculture Group Pty Ltd, 34 pp.

Aquenal (2015) Trumpeter Bay MF261 (Blocks 1 & 2): Baseline Environmental Assessment. Final Report, December 2014 Report to Huon Aquaculture Group Pty Ltd, 61 pp

Clarke, K.R. (1993) Non-parametric multivariate analyses of changes in community structure. Australian Journal of Ecology 18: 117-143.

Clarke, K.R. & Gorley, R.N. (2001) PRIMER v5: User Manual/Tutorial PRIMER-E: Plymouth.

Faith, D.P., Minchin, P.R. and Belbin, L. (1987) Compositional dissimilarity as a robust measure of ecological distance. Vegetatio 69: 57-68.

Hewitt, C.L., Campbell, M.L., Thresher, R.E. and Martin, R.B. (1999) Marine Biological Invasions of Port Phillip Bay, Victoria Centre for Research on Introduced Marine Pests, Technical Report No. 20, 344 pp.

Macleod, C.K. and Forbes, S. (2004). Guide to the assessment of sediment condition at marine finfish farms in Tasmania. Tasmanian Aquaculture and Fisheries Institute – University of Tasmania, Hobart, Australia, 65 pp.

Taylor, J. & Poore, G.C.B., 2011, Tuberculate Pear Crab, Pyromaia tuberculata, in Taxonomic Toolkit for marine life of Port Phillip Bay, Museum Victoria, accessed 05 Nov 2015, http://portphillipmarinelife.net.au/species/5489

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MF261 (70 Ha) BLS Final Report September 2016

Appendix 1 Survey coordinates for sediment sampling, based on the Mapping Grid of Australia Zone 55 (Datum GDA94).

Name Easting Northing 4.1 534466 5222782 4.2 534473 5222737 4.3 534479 5222692 5.1 534562 5222134 5.2 534568 5222087 5.3 534574 5222047 6.1 534423 5221582 6.2 534381 5221574 6.3 534335 5221568 12.1 533721 5224587 12.2 533763 5224588 12.3 533810 5224595

33

MF261 (70 Ha) BLS Final Report September 2016

Appendix 2 Survey coordinates for Gazameda gunnii sampling, based on the Mapping Grid of Australia Zone 55 (Datum GDA94).

Name Easting Northing Name Easting Northing

G1 533455 5223377 G31 533988 5222441 G2 533529 5223180 G32 534367 5222473 G3 533680 5223206 G33 533804 5222222 G4 533584 5222783 G34 534211 5222287 G5 533513 5222970 G35 534047 5222048 G6 533625 5222389 G36 534421 5222103 G7 533736 5222798 G37 533896 5221827 G8 534112 5222863 G38 534278 5221885 G9 533570 5222588 G39 534096 5221654 G10 533939 5222653 G40 534493 5221752 G11 533782 5222393 G12 534159 5222461 G13 533635 5222166 G14 534009 5222222 G15 533841 5221996 G16 534235 5222069 G17 533703 5221780 G18 534072 5221857 G19 533904 5221641 G20 534298 5221692 G21 533655 5223401 G22 534347 5222699 G23 534421 5222307 G24 534469 5221915 G25 533714 5222997 G26 533702 5221628 G27 533909 5222826 G28 534307 5222886 G29 533753 5222619 G30 534132 5222672

34

MF261 (70 Ha) BLS Final Report September 2016

Appendix 3 Redox potential, measured in millivolts from 3cm depth in the sediment cores.

Site Uncorrected Redox 3 cm Corrected Redox 3 cm 4.1 83 326 4.2 143 386 4.3 -164 79 5.1 -89 154 5.2 -67 176 5.3 -48 195 6.1 14 257 6.2 -48 195 6.3 -77 166 12.1 -48 197 12.2 -120 125 12.3 -121 124

35

MF261 (70 Ha) BLS Final Report September 2016 Appendix 4 Sulphide analysis, measured in sediments at 3 cm from sediment surface.

Site Sulphide (µM) 4.1 0.0000 4.2 0.00000 4.3 0.00000 5.1 0.42215 5.2 3.23652 5.3 0.00000 6.1 0.00000 6.2 0.00000 6.3 0.00000 12.1 1.1827 12.2 3.56949 12.3 0.00000

36

MF261 (70 Ha) BLS Final Report September 2016 Appendix 5 Particle size analysis – raw data

Volume of Vi V4 V2 V1 V0.5 V0.25 V0.125 V0.063 water Site ml ml ml ml ml ml ml ml ml 4.4 71 25 25.2 25.7 27.1 60 89.1 91.9 25 4.2 69 25.1 25.7 27 31.8 71.9 91.5 93.8 25 4.3 69 25.2 26 27 30.3 55.1 82.3 90.2 25 5.1 70 25.1 25.2 25.6 26.6 37 78.2 88.3 25 5.2 68 25.1 25.2 25.6 26.7 36.2 76.9 87 25 5.3 69 25.1 25.2 25.7 26.2 37 79 88.9 25 6.1 69 25 25.2 25.7 27.6 36 62 86.2 25 6.2 71 25.4 25.8 26 27.9 36.3 67.5 90 25 6.3 68 25.5 25.6 26 27.7 36 61.9 85.5 25 12.1 72 25.7 26 26.3 28 39 81.6 91.5 25 12.2 69 26 26.2 26.9 28.2 38 77.6 88.9 25 12.3 70 25.8 26 26.1 27.4 40.6 82 91.1 25

37

MF261 (70 Ha) BLS Final Report September 2016 Appendix 6 Results of benthic infauna analysis – raw data.

Taxonomic group Family 4.1 4.2 4.3 5.1 5.2 5.3 6.1 6.2 6.3 C12.1 C12.2 C12.3 Ascidian Ascidiacea 2 3 1 2 2 Crustacean - amphipod Ampeliscidae 4 7 22 10 18 12 21 6 14 11 8 4 Crustacean - amphipod Corophiidae 3 1 2 Crustacean - amphipod Dexaminidae 2 2 1 1 Crustacean - amphipod Eusiridae 1 Crustacean - amphipod Isaeidae 7 5 1 1 2 5 4 Crustacean - amphipod Photidae 6 2 9 15 17 3 2 7 3 5 Crustacean - amphipod Ischyroceridae 1 Crustacean - amphipod Lysianassidae 3 5 2 1 3 2 Crustacean - amphipod Melitidae 2 Crustacean - amphipod Lileborgiidae 1 1 2 1 Crustacean - amphipod Oedicerotidae 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 Crustacean - amphipod Phoxocephalidae 6 11 9 4 12 10 8 14 7 11 21 17 Crustacean - amphipod Platyischnopidae 4 2 1 1 1 1 Crustacean - amphipod Aoridae 8 19 12 4 5 3 3 3 Crustacean - amphipod Urohaustoriidae 1 3 2 Crustacean - amphipod Synopiidae 1 2 2 Crustacean - crab Hymenosomatidae 1 Crustacean - crab Leucosiidae 2 1 3 Crustacean - crab Majidae 1 Inachoididae (cf. Pyromaia Crustacean - crab tuberculata) 1 2 Crustacean - crab Hexapodidae 2 1 Crustacean - ghost shrimp Pasiphaeididae 1 1 2 2 3 2 1 Crustacean - ghost shrimp Callianassidae 1 Crustacean - squat lobster Galatheidae 1 Crustacean - shrimp Luciferidae 2 1 5 Crustacean - shrimp Palaemonidae 1 Crustacean - isopod Arcturidae 1 1 Crustacean - isopod Paramunnidae 1 Crustacean - isopod Anthuridae 1 2 9 2 3 1 9 4 1 4 Crustacean - isopod Serolidae 1 Crustacean - nebalid Nebaliidae 2 1 1 Crustacean - ostracod Sarsiellidae 2 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 Crustacean - ostracod Cypridinidae 1 1 Crustacean - ostracod Philomedidae 11 2 1 1 8 4 9 Crustacean - ostracod Rutidermatidae 1 1 1 1 Crustacean - ostracod Cylindroleberididae 2 4 4 1 11 3 1 2 Crustacean - pagurid Paguridae 1 4 1 2 2 1 1 Crustacean - tanaid Apseudidae 7 5 16 5 5 7 13 8 23 3 3 2 Crustacean - tanaid Kalliapseudidae 1 1 Crustacean - tanaid Leptocheliidae 2 1 Crustacean - tanaid Whiteleggiidae 11 1 38

MF261 (70 Ha) BLS Final Report September 2016

Taxonomic group Family 4.1 4.2 4.3 5.1 5.2 5.3 6.1 6.2 6.3 C12.1 C12.2 C12.3 Crustacean - cumacean Bodotriidae 1 14 2 3 2 6 3 1 3 Crustacean - cumacean Diastylidae 4 4 2 3 5 4 6 6 2 4 2 Crustacean - cumacean Lampropidae 2 Crustacean - cumacean Pseudocumatidae 6 3 2 1 2 8 1 Echninoderm - echinoid Loveniidae 1 1 2 1 1 2 Echninoderm - holothurean Synaptidae 2 Echninoderm - ophiuroid Ophiuridae 3 8 2 1 1 1 12 4 5 1 1 Mollusc - gastropod Columbellidae 7 1 Mollusc - gastropod Eatoniellidae 3 3 Mollusc - gastropod Anabathridae 4 5 6 1 4 5 Mollusc - gastropod Marginellidae 1 1 3 1 1 Mollusc - gastropod Nassariidae 1 3 2 6 Mollusc - gastropod Pyramidellidae 1 Mollusc - gastropod Retusidae 1 Mollusc - gastropod Mangeliidae 1 1 1 1 2 Mollusc - gastropod Volutidae 1 Mollusc - gastropod Velutinidae 1 1 Mollusc - gastropod Philinidae 1 Mollusc - gastropod Opisthobranchia 1 5 3 1 3 1 1 Turritellidae Mollusc - gastropod (Maoricolpus roseus) 1 11 6 1 Turritellidae Mollusc - gastropod (Gazameda gunnii) 1 Turritellidae (Gazameda gunnii; Mollusc - gastropod dead shell) 1 Mollusc - gastropod Naticidae 1 2 Mollusc - gastropod Rissoellidae 1 Mollusc - glisten worm Chaetodermatidae 1 1 Mollusc - bivalve Mytilidae 1 Mollusc - bivalve Nuculidae 1 Mollusc - bivalve Nuculanidae 1 2 2 1 2 2 Mollusc - bivalve Veneridae 4 6 5 2 5 3 2 17 19 9 Mollusc - bivalve Galeommatidae 1 Mollusc - bivalve Cardiidae 1 4 9 2 2 3 1 1 3 3 Mollusc - bivalve Condylocardiinae 3 1 2 1 Mollusc - bivalve Glycymerididae 4 1 1 1 2 Mollusc - bivalve Solenidae 1 2 1 1 1 Mollusc - bivalve Myochamidae 1 1 Phoronid Phoronida (P) 1 Platyhelminth Platyhelminthes (P) 1 Sipunculid Phascolosomatidae 1 1 Anthozoan Edwardsiidae 24 60 109 79 59 50 24 19 57 7 10 39 Nemertean Nemertea 2 10 6 1 2 2 1 1 1 1 Nematode Nematoda 3 2 Polychaete - phyllodocid Phyllodocidae 1 Capitellidae Polychaete - capitellid (Mediomastus 18 19 1 4 1 2 5 10 2 39

MF261 (70 Ha) BLS Final Report September 2016

Taxonomic group Family 4.1 4.2 4.3 5.1 5.2 5.3 6.1 6.2 6.3 C12.1 C12.2 C12.3 australiensis) Capitellidae Polychaete - capitellid (Notomastus sp.) 1 Polychaete - dorvellid Dorvilleidae 1 Polychaete - nephtyid Nephtyidae 2 5 1 1 1 1 3 Polychaete - glycerid Glyceridae 2 1 Sabellidae (Euchone Polychaete - sabellid variabilis) 1 4 13 3 2 7 1 3 1 2 Polychaete - onuphid Onuphidae 6 2 1 1 1 1 1 4 2 1 Polychaete - lumbrinerid Lumbrineridae 1 1 Polychaete - oenonid Oenonidae 3 1 Polychaete - maldanid Maldanidae 1 1 1 Polychaete - nereid Nereididae 1 111 1 Polychaete - orbiniid Orbiniidae 2 2 3 3 2 2 4 8 1 1 2 Polychaete - spionid Spionidae 8 8 8 9 1 6 12 14 25 10 11 1 Polychaete - paraonid Paraonidae 3 7 3 1 8 6 9 Polychaete - cirratulid Cirratulidae 9 1 Polychaete - syllid Syllidae 1 1 3 1 2 1 1 3 6 5 Polychaete - terebellid Terebellidae 1 2 3 1 2 3 2 Polychaete - trichobranchid Trichobranchidae 1 4 4 3 1 2 1 Polychaete - ampharetid Ampharetidae 1 3 2 3 6 1 7 1 1 Polychaete - poecilochaetid Poecilochaetidae 1 1 Polychaete - magelonid Magelonidae 1 Polychaete - pectinariid Pectinariidae 2 21 19 2 4 5 3 7 4 4 7 2 Polychaete - sigalionid Sigalionidae 2 2 1 Polychaete - oweniid Oweniidae 3 1 3 3 1 3 1 Polychaete - scalibregmatid Scalibregmatidae 1 1 Total numbers/site 162 281 321 172 183 169 155 124 327 149 183 164 Total species/site 43 48 46 40 41 37 35 28 31 46 50 51

40