TechnicalTechnical reportsreports ofof thethe QueenslandQueensland MuseumMuseum No. 003

Authors: Monika A. Schlacher-Hoenlinger, Simon J. Walker, Jeffrey W. Johnson, Thomas A. Schlacher, John N.A. Hooper, Merrick Ekins, Ian Banks, and Patricia R. Sutcliffe Address: Queensland Museum, PO Box 3300, South Brisbane, Queensland, 4101, Australia Email: [email protected] Report written for: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Department of Environment and Resource Management (DERM) (May, 2009)

Biological Monitoring of the ex-HMAS Brisbane Artificial Reef: Phase II - Habitat ValUES This document may be cited as: Monika A. Schlacher-Hoenlinger (1 & 2), Simon J. Walker (2), Jeffrey W. Johnson (2), Thomas A. Schlacher (1), John N.A. Hooper (2), Merrick Ekins (2), Ian W. Banks (2), and Patricia R. Sutcliffe (2). (1) Faculty of Science, Health & Education, University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore DC, QLD 4558,Tel. +61 7 5430 2847, E-mail: [email protected]. au (2) Queensland Museum, Biodiversity Program, PO Box 3300, South Brisbane, QLD-4101, E-mail: [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]. Biological monitoring of the ex-HMAS Brisbane Artificial Reef: Phase II - Habitat values. Technical Reports of the Queensland Museum Number 003. pp 1-103 www.qm.qld.gov.au (ISBN 978-0-9805692-8-5) Copyright for this document is with the University of the Sunshine Coast (USC). and the Queensland Museum (QM). Technical Reports of the Queensland Museum are published online, in read-only format. These reports may include reproductions (or revisions) of documents that were originally compiled to advise industry, government or academia on specific scientific issues, and they are reproduced here to ensure that the scientific and technical data they contain are not lost within the vast unpublished scientific ‘grey literature’. For further information please contact: Managing Editor, Memoirs of the Queensland Museum Queensland Museum, PO Box 3300, South Brisbane, Qld 4101 Australia Phone 61 7 3840 7555. Fax 61 7 3846 1226. www.qm.qld.gov.au Email [email protected] Report for the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Department of Environment and Resource Management (DERM) CONTENTS: Biological monitoring of the Ex-HMAS Brisbane Artificial Reef Executive Summary 5

1. INTRODUCTION 9

2. MATERIALS & METHODS 10

2.1. Biodiversity assessments 11 2.1.1. Rapid ecological assessment (REA) of sessile invertebrates, small mobile fauna, and algae 11 2.1.2. Rapid visual census of fishes (RVC) 12 2.2. Encrusting biota (‘fouling communities’) 13 2.2.1. Field surveys (PHOTP – photo quadrats analysed by point sampling) 13 2.2.2. Data analysis 14 3. RESULTS 15

3.1. Invertebrates 15 3.1.1. Temporal and spatial changes in invertebrate diversity and species composition 15 3.1.2. Comparison of invertebrate species composition between the wreck and adjacent natural reef habitats 17 3.2. Fish 18 3.2.1 Spatial and temporal changes in fish diversity 18 3.2.2 Temporal changes in fish abundance 21 3.2.3 Comparison of fish species composition and abundance between the wreck and adjacent natural reefs 21 3.3. Encrusting biota (‘fouling assemblages’) 24 3.3.1. Variation within fouling assemblages with exposure (Starboard / Port sides) and depth 24 3.3.2. Variation within fouling assemblages with orientation: vertical vs. horizontal surfaces 26 3.3.3. Variation within fouling assemblages between natural and artificial reefs 27 4. Recommendations 29

5. Acknowledgments 31

6. Literature Cited 32

7. LIST OF FIGURES 36

8. LIST OF TABLES 39

3

Report for the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Department of Environment and Resource Management (DERM) Biological monitoring of the Ex-HMAS Brisbane Artificial Reef

Executive Summary (eg. corals) which were not present in the 2006 survey. 5. Community structure of 1. The ex-Australian Navy ship invertebrates and algae varied HMAS Brisbane was scuttled off the over several spatial scales on the Sunshine Coast on 31 July 2005 to wreck. 87 species were recorded create an artificial reef and to provide from the external superstructure; 25 world-class diving opportunities species from the decks; 49 species on a large warship in South-East in internal areas; 49 species from Queensland. The wreck has since upper hull areas; and 36 species underpinned the expansion of the from the lower hull near the seafloor. local diving and associated tourism Horizontal surfaces supported fewer industry, and it has become a valuable species with substantially reduced natural and economic feature of cover. The colonisation of the decks the region. The wreck also forms a with various species of hard and soft significant addition to hard-substrate corals underlines the predominance habitats of the local nearshore marine of spatial heterogeneity in community zone. structure. 2. This report summarises the 6. For some invertebrate groups the second inventory of the diversity fauna colonizing the wreck is broadly of larger, sessile invertebrates and representative of that on adjacent fish that inhabit the wreck after the natural reefs of the Inner Gneering scuttling. In 2008 the University of the Shoals. Conversely, the dominant Sunshine Coast and the Queensland species of sponges, corals, and Museum were commissioned by the sea squirts on the wreck are not EPA / QPWS to survey the benthos proportionally representative of the and fish assemblages associated surrounding natural reef. with the wreck three years after the 7. Overall, the diversity of benthic sinking to document the types and invertebrate assemblages was higher rates of faunal changes. on the natural reef sites than found 3. This report contrasts the on the wreck. The wreck supported biodiversity and composition of the 79 species of sessile invertebrates biotic assemblages between the and algae after one year and 120 wreck and adjacent natural reefs species after three years, lower that most closely resembled the than the 173 species on the natural structural complexity of the wreck, reef. Trajectories in species richness to determine whether the artificial varied greatly between taxonomic assemblages had converged with groups, most notably for corals which natural assemblages over the three took more than one year to colonize year period. the ship. 4. Species richness of invertebrates 8. The wreck continues to support and algae on the wreck had clearly a high fish biomass relative to that increased and species composition found during previous surveys on the had considerably changed due to site, and to that on nearby natural colonisation by new animal groups reefs. Trends in abundance levels 5 QM Technical Reports | 003

have generally been steady, or species) of all species found in this have had moderate deviations up or area. The sector that had the least down. Some piscivores increased, diversity overall was the internal omnivores recorded both increases areas, with only 40 percent of the and declines, while planktivores and fauna, or 76 species. herbivores mostly registered modest 14. Evidence of recruitment and declines. maturation on the wreck has been 9. The wreck continues to attract observed for two common serranid additional species of fishes, with 192 fishes, Purple Rock Cod, Epinephelus species now recorded cumulatively cyanopodus and Maori Rock Cod, E. between 2006 and 2008. However undulostriatus. Recruitment of small net resident species totals have juveniles was observed in the early remained relatively constant, with stages of the wreck, followed by surveys in July 2006 recording 133 apparent site fidelity and retention of species, followed by 111 in November adults up to the present. This indicates 2006, and 139 during the most recent the wreck has acted as a self- in November 2008. generating system and is not merely 10. Composition of the fauna continues encouraging migration of adults to to evolve, most likely according the wreck at the expense of nearby to competitive pressures between natural reef areas. The population of fishes and changes in available food Snapper, Pagrus auratus on the site and habitat led by the development of has also experienced progression invertebrate communities over time. in size classes. Large adults were previously lacking around the site, 11. Since 2006 new colonizers but are now present in significant were outnumbered by emigrants, numbers, along with the juveniles and indicating fish communities may be subadult stages previously noted. approaching a more mature phase. In the most recent survey, 40 of the 15. Surveys on natural reefs adjacent 139 species had not been recorded to the wreck in summer/early autumn in 2006, but 52 of those found during 2009 recorded 193 species of 40 2006 were not recorded in 2008. families, versus 192 species of 47 families found cumulatively on the 12. Species new to the wreck included wreck from 2006 to 2008. However, several serranids (rock cods and resident species recorded on the reef basslets), pempherids (bullseyes), outstrip those found at any one time labrids (wrasses) and gobiids on the wreck by a large margin (39- (gobies), while those now absent 74 percent). Of the larger families, include priacanthids (bigeyes), some chaetodontids (butterflyfishes), carangids (trevallies and scads), pomacentrids (damselfishes) and several pomacentrids (damselfishes), labrids (wrasses) were much more an acanthurid (surgeonfish) and most diverse on the reefs, carangids monacanthids (leatherjackets). (trevallies and scads) and lutjanids 13. The deck area remains the (tropical snappers and fusiliers) most favoured habitat for fishes on were much more diverse on the the wreck, with 69 percent (or 133 wreck, while serranids (rock cods 6 Report for the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Department of Environment and Resource Management (DERM) Biological monitoring of the Ex-HMAS Brisbane Artificial Reef

and basslets) had similar numbers of time, with barnacles, bivalves and species in both areas. bryozoans dominating assemblages in 2006, and bryozoans and sponges 16. Biomass on the wreck was dominating in 2008. significantly greater than that in similar-sized areas on the natural reef, 19. Sessile assemblages on the being composed of greater numbers artificial reef were compared with two of generally larger fish. Overall, large adjacent natural reefs, to determine piscivores, molluscivores, omnivores whether the composition of epifaunal and planktivores were more abundant assemblages on the artificial reef on the wreck, while groups with became more representative of species more specialised on benthic subtidal reefs in the area. The invertebrates (especially corals) benthic assemblages on the wreck were clearly more common on the are currently in a state of flux, with reef environments. colonisation still progressing. Shifts in epifaunal assemblage structure 17. Physical habitat features (e.g. between the artificial and natural reef depth, aspect) are important in were more pronounced for fauna of determining the rate of colonisation vertical surfaces. Communities on by encrusting assemblages (‘fouling horizontal surfaces diverged much communities’). In 2006, we found that less between the artificial reef and there was very little difference in the the natural reefs. coverage of sessile fauna between the starboard (exposed) and port 20. There are indications of continual (sheltered) sides of the wreck. In community change on the wreck, 2008, the composition of epifaunal with a trend towards greater assemblages differed between the similarity between natural and starboard and port sides of the wreck artificial reef communities over time. at both 12 and 18 m depth. The Nevertheless, three years after the difference between depths was due scuttling, the structure of epifaunal largely to the reduced coverage of assemblages on the artificial reef the bryozoan, Celleporaria sp. 1, and remains quite different from that increased coverage of the sponge, found on adjacent natural reefs. Batzella sp. 4217. Arguably, the assemblages on the wreck are still in succession, but 18. In 2006 and 2008, we compared the rate at which faunal diversity will vertical surfaces on the port and increase and the assemblages may starboard sides of the wreck with change is not known. Therefore, a horizontal surfaces on the main key recommendation of this study is and upper decks. The vertical sides to implement a continuing medium- were settled by more species at term scientific monitoring programs significantly higher densities than the that records the nature and dynamics horizontal surfaces. This might be of biological colonisation. explained by smothering by sediment which settles at greater rates on 21. The wreck is visited by a large horizontal surfaces. However, the number of divers, but awareness of relative dominance of particular its ecological value appears to be species in 2006 had changed over limited outside the diving community. 7 QM Technical Reports | 003

It is recommended to extend and improve communication, education, and outreach programs to increase the awareness of the ecological value of the ex-HMAS Brisbane artificial reef in a broader audience.

8 Report for the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Department of Environment and Resource Management (DERM) Biological monitoring of the Ex-HMAS Brisbane Artificial Reef

1. INTRODUCTION actively promoting artificial reefs as a means of providing new destinations for recreational SCUBA diving tourists. The HMAS Brisbane was a 133 metre, The ex-HMAS Brisbane was scuttled Charles F Adams Class DDG, Guided to create an artificial reef that would Missile Destroyer, with a long history of become a premier dive destination distinguished service in the Australian in the region. Artificial reefs are not Navy. After decommissioning, the only an important asset in terms of Queensland Government obtained her recreational value (e.g. diving, fishing, from the Commonwealth to create an surfing, etc.), but also ecological values artificial reef off the Sunshine Coast, (e.g. new habitats, refugia for benthic and the ship was scuttled there in invertebrates and fish (Walker et al., August 2005. 2007 Bortone & Kimmel, 1991; Malcolm et al., 1999; Svane & Petersen, 2001). Furthermore, because many coral reefs In 2006 the EPA commisioned the are declining testing the potentially University of the Sunshine Coast and positive effects of artificial reefs for the Queensland Museum to undertake conservation purposes is important a biological baseline surveys of the ex- (Wilhelmsson D., 1998; Nadon & HMAS Brisbane. In 2008, three years Stirling, 2005). after the scuttling, the EPA commisioned a follow-up survey of the benthos and fish assemblages associated with the Epibiota, the attached plants and wreck to document changes to the animals that settle and grow on hard biota. To test whether the conventional substrata, are a major component of motivation for scuttling ships - creating biogenic structure in subtidal habitats, “valuable artificial reefs” - holds true particularly on artificial reef structures. in the current situation, a survey was Epibiota provide food resources for undertaken of the biodiversity and consumers, secondary habitat for other composition of assemblages between benthic invertebrates, and increased the wreck and adjacent natural reefs habitat complexity, and therefore have (Inner Gneering Shoals) that most large effects on the distribution and closely resembled the structural abundance of fish (Mintz et al., 1994; complexity of the wreck. Santos et al, 2005). The composition and amount of sessile marine flora and fauna, which itself may vary Artificial reefs are spatially complex considerably between different habitats that provide opportunities parts within the artificial habitat and to quantify colonisation of newly considerably between natural and created, artificial substrates by marine artificial structures, may influence the organisms (Cummings, 1994; Svane & number and types of fish associated Petersen, 2001, Walker et al., 2007). with these artificial habitats (Mintz et al., 1994; Santos et al, 2005).

Ships, aircraft, and other large structures are deliberately sunk. On wrecks, the abundance and Coastal communities are increasingly diversity of fish has been reported 9 QM Technical Reports | 003

to be positively correlated with the The sinking of the ex-HMAS amount of foliose algae, mussels, Brisbane in July 2005 provided a sponges and solitary ascidians (Clynic, unique opportunity to undertake such 2004; Santos et al., 2005). These a biological monitoring program. This epifaunal assemblages may undergo report contrasts the findings from the marked changes in biomass and comprehensive field survey undertaken species composition during the initial on the wreck in July and November 2006 stages of colonisation of the wreck (Schlacher-Hoenlinger et al.; 2006, (i.e. succession) (Walker et al., 2007). Walker et al., 2007), to the intensive Variability reduces with increasing follow-up sampling event between length of exposure until a artificial November 2008 and February 2009. reef community is established (Brown, Our monitoring program compared the 2005). Most artificial reef studies have invertebrate and fish diversity on the examined only the early colonisation wreck over time, and also determined stages. Thus, the time required for which factors (e.g. exposure, the development of stable and diverse aspect, depth) influence the species assemblages is generally unknown composition of fouling communities or poorly understood, but may be a on the wreck. Furthermore, a broad decade or longer (Perkol-Finkel & comparison of the wreck-associated Benayahu, 2005). Equally, comparative fauna was made with that of adjacent studies between artificial (AR) and natural reefs in the area. natural reefs (NR) are uncommon, but wrecks may be distinct compared with neighbouring natural reefs (Perkol- 2. MATERIALS & METHODS Finkel & Benayahu, 2005).

Several artificial reefs have been The field surveys comprised three created adjacent to major Australian monitoring modules. population centres (e.g. ex- HMAS Swan off Perth - Anon., 2004, the ex-MV Marchart off Darwin - Hooper & Ramm, • 1. biodiversity surveys of macrobenthic 1989), but the rates and trajectories of invertebrates that have colonized biological colonisation of the shipwrecks the wreck over the three year period have not been determined. Therefore, since the scuttling of the ship and of this monitoring program was essential the adjacent natural reefs, to assess whether artificial reefs simply • 2. biodiversity surveys of the fish become fish attracting devices (FADs), fauna on the wreck and adjacent and thus contribute little to enhancing natural reefs, and biodiversity productivity, or become established as benthic ecosystems that • 3. a survey of the encrusting micro- can enhance the habitat and biological invertebrates and algae (‘fouling diversity of an area through enhanced communities’) on the vertical and recruitment and community complexity horizontal surfaces of the wreck and (Carney, 2005; Walker et al., 2007). adjacent natural reefs.

10 Report for the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Department of Environment and Resource Management (DERM) Biological monitoring of the Ex-HMAS Brisbane Artificial Reef

All field work was done on the ex- invertebrates were visually estimated HMAS Brisbane (Long 26o 36’ 58.0’’ S; and a relative abundance ranking, Lat 153o 10’ 11.5’ ’E), as well as on two using six ordinal categories, was given natural reef sites on the Inner Gneering to each taxa: 0 = absent; 1 = rare (one Shoals, adjacent to the wreck: ‘Hanging or two); 2 = occasional (three to five); Rock’ (Long 26o 38’ 53.6’’ S; Lat 153o 3 = frequent (six to ten); 4 = common 11’ 06.9’’ E), and ‘The Trench’ (Long (eleven to twenty-five); 5 = dominant 26o 39’ 05.3’’ S; Lat 153o 09’ 44.2’’ E; (over twenty-five). Fig. 1)

These natural reef sites were se- The baseline surveys of macro- lected due to their proximity to the invertebrates, algae, and encrusting wreck (both are only 4.0 km from the fauna and flora involved swimming wreck), and due to having a structural transects along the length and breadth complexity (vertical walls, caves and of the wreck using SCUBA, examining overhangs) that closely resembles the representative horizontal and vertical wreck. surfaces, and also surveying the seabed surrounding the wreck out to The underwater field surveys com- a specified distance (3 m). Swimming prised 68 dives in dive pairs with transects of approximately 45 minutes approximately 50 hours logged dive were conducted throughout pre- time (Number of dives 1. Ex-HMAS determined parts of the wreck (hulls at Brisbane: Macroinvertebrates: 16; two depth levels; superstructures, and Fish 12; Fouling communities 4; Inner various decks) and all species were Gneerings: Macroinvertebrates: 16; recorded and their ranked abundances Fish 16; Fouling communities 4; Table 2 & Table 4). noted. In addition, two adjacent reef sites (‘Hanging Rock’, ‘The Trench’) were surveyed using REA at a depth 2.1. Biodiversity assessments range of 15 to 18 metres.

2.1.1. Rapid ecological assessment A comprehensive follow-up survey of (REA) of sessile invertebrates, small the ex-HMAS Brisbane was undertaken mobile fauna, and algae in November 2008 followed by a The assessment of sessile biota and comparative survey of two adjacent reef small mobile fauna on the ex-HMAS sites (at a similar depth and orientation) Brisbane was primarily designed closest to the wreck in January / to document the biodiversity and February 2009. The data were used to community composition of macro- provide a preliminary assessment of the invertebrates on the wreck. The wreck differences in community composition and the adjacent reefs were surveyed between the wreck and surrounding using the one-off rapid ecological rocky reefs. assessment technique (REA) modified from Richards et al (2007) and Fabricius & McCorry (2006) (Table The techniques used for REA included 1 & 2). Relative abundances on the underwater photography as well as wreck and the reef sites of macro- extractive sampling of representative 11 QM Technical Reports | 003

taxa (Algae, Worms, Porifera, Cnidaria, the most common fish species known Mollusca, Crustacea, Bryozoa, from the Sunshine Coast area were Echinodermata and Ascidiacea). The mounted on a clipboard and used to underwater field surveys for macro- record fish species and score their

invertebrates involved eight dives at the abundance on a log5 scale. Swimming wreck and eight dives at the reef sites. transects of approximately 45 minutes All biota were photographed in situ and were conducted throughout pre- a collection of voucher specimens was determined parts of the wreck and made and deposited at the Queensland reefs, with all observed fish species Museum. This collection of sessile and recorded and scored. Numbers were small mobile fauna on the wreck and continuously updated during each dive adjacent reefs was used for taxonomic as additional fishes were observed. quality assurance and will serve Although this technique is most effective as a reference collection for future for the more conspicuous species monitoring. that can be located, observed and identified accurately underwater, small and cryptic species were also sought Species lists of algae and macro- and recorded to the greatest extent invertebrates from the two field allowable by available dive time. surveys were completed (Table 1 & During each visual survey, a second 2). Estimates of species richness are diver recorded high definition underwater highly dependent on sampling effort. video and/or still photography, aimed at Therefore, the species lists presented capturing detailed footage of as many in this report reflects accurately all fishes as possible along the same track species collected, observed, and as the diver taking visual recordings. identified during the field surveys This footage was later employed to between November 2008 and February assist in validating identifications 2009, but it should not be taken as of small species, or those for which a “complete” inventory of species accurate discrimination underwater inhabiting the wreck and adjacent reefs. by eye was problematic. In some It does – with high probability - contain instances species were recorded only the majority of macro-invertebrate by photographic techniques. In these species occurring on the wreck at the cases, abundance was determined by time of the surveys, but more species the number of individuals recorded on are likely to be encountered with greater images. sampling and collection efforts.

The wreck was broadly divided into 2.1.2. Rapid visual census of fishes a number of sectors, and separate (RVC) counts were made for each of these Fish communities on the wreck and areas to determine if there were two nearby natural reef sites were corresponding differences in fish surveyed using rapid visual census diversity and abundance (Table 3). The techniques (RVC) modified from sectors were delineated as follows: Hutchins (2001). Sheets of waterproof a) Superstructure (mostly vertical paper printed with pre-prepared lists of surfaces, depth ~3-10 m), b) Decks 12 Report for the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Department of Environment and Resource Management (DERM) Biological monitoring of the Ex-HMAS Brisbane Artificial Reef

(mostly horizontal surfaces, depth serve to compare overall fish species ~10-18 m), c) Internal (shaded areas diversity and abundance between the with vertical and horizontal surfaces, wreck and natural reefs. Surveys of depth ~12-22 m, d) Lower Hull (vertical these sites were carried out from late surfaces of the wreck and adjacent January to early March 2009. sandy substrate, depth ~18-27 m). For the two areas with external vertical aspects (superstructure and lower hull) 2.2. Encrusting biota (‘fouling fishes within a horizontal radius of up communities’) to 5 m were included in the counts. Each dive concentrated solely on a particular sector. Fish noticed to have 2.2.1. Field surveys (PHOTP – photo quadrats analysed by point moved between sectors of the wreck sampling) during recording events were counted in the sector that they appeared most The quantitative assessment of closely associated with. Counts were encrusting macro-invertebrates on converted from actual and estimated the ex-HMAS Brisbane was designed numbers to a log5 scale of abundance to quantify the cover and community (Hutchins, 2001). Initial surveys were composition of encrusting biota on undertaken in July 2006, and repeated the wreck. Three key-objectives using the same methods in November were addressed: 1) determine spatial 2006 and November 2008 to allow differences between vertical surfaces assessments of temporal variability. on the sheltered port and exposed starboard sides of the wreck at two different depths (12 and 18 m) 2) The natural reef sites chosen for examine the spatial variation across comparative surveys formed part different surface orientations (vertical of adjacent reef systems more vs. horizontal) on the wreck, at two extensive in area than the the wreck. depths (12 and 18 m), and 3) compare They contained fewer large, heavily patterns of community composition sheltered areas, included features less of encrusting faunal assemblages vertically prominent, and unlike the between the wreck and two adjacent wreck were not isolated within a much reefs at a similar depth (18 m) and broader area of mostly bare sandy with similar orientation (vertical and substrate. For these reasons, it was horizontal; Fig. 1). anticipated that the available habitat on the natural reefs would be less effective in aggregating and holding fishes to The composition of the encrusting specific zones, so no attempt was made assemblages were quantified using a to differentiate between various sectors spatially replicated survey design that or habitats on the natural reefs, as was included; a) two depth levels (12 m & done for the wreck. Hence the data will 18 m) on both the starboard and port not provide indicators of the relative side of the wreck, and b) horizontal and value of individual structural elements vertical surfaces matched for depth at of the natural reefs. Recordings from 12 m and 18 m, (Fig. 1). The encrusting ‘Hanging Rock’ and ‘the ‘Trench were assemblages found on nearby subtidal taken across all major habitat types and rocky reefs were also quantified on 13 QM Technical Reports | 003

horizontal and vertical surfaces at two provided the most precise measure of sites (‘Hanging rock’ & ‘the Trench’). total sessile cover. See Fig. 1 for the location of reef sites compared with the wreck. Two 10 m long transects were sampled near 2.2.2. Data analysis the bow and stern, at 12 m and 18 m The spatial variation of assemblages depth on both the starboard and port between different exposures (exposed- sides of the wreck. Two transects were starboard versus sheltered-port), also sampled along the main deck depths, and orientations was analysed (horizontal surface) at approximately using non-metric multidimensional 12 m and 18 m depth. scaling (nMDS) based on a Bray-Curtis similarity matrix, with no transformation At each site the encrusting of the data and comparisons among assemblages were documented using groups were done with analysis of a photo-transect method. Digital similarity (ANOSIM; Clarke, 1993). photos were taken with an Olympus The species contributing to separation 4MP UZ digital camera, at each of among different groups were identified 20 replicate plots separated by 1 m, using the SIMPER procedure (Clarke, along the transect line. Each photo 1993). 2 quadrat covered an area of 625 cm . Representative voucher samples Species accumulation curves were photographed and collected for identification to the lowest possible were plotted in PRIMER using the taxonomic level. species area routine with 999 random permutations. The curves were used to determine the total number of species In the laboratory, each photo-quadrat collected across successive quadrats was analysed using the image analysis grouped within the replicate transects software ‘Coral Point Count’ (Kohler & for each of the following; 1) depth and Gill, 2006). The area inside the photo- aspect, (2) orientation and depth and quadrat was selected, then 80 randomly (3) location inside and outside the distributed points were superimposed wreck. over each image, and under each point the identity of each taxon was recorded (PHOTP). We determined Spatial variation in total cover, the number of points required to species density (number of species assess the composition of sessile per 625 cm2) and the cover of main assemblages by selecting 20 quadrats taxonomic groups was analysed using from both a vertical and horizontal site, the following univariate statistical then analysing them with 20, 40, 60, methods: (1) the difference between 80 and 100 points. We determined the exposure and depth was examined total number of species using species using a two-factor crossed ANOVA accumulation curves and found that with exposure (port or starboard) and 80 points maximized the total number depth (12 m, 18 m) as factors, (2) the of species in both horizontal and difference between orientations at two vertical quadrats. Using 80 points also depths was examined with a crossed 14 Report for the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Department of Environment and Resource Management (DERM) Biological monitoring of the Ex-HMAS Brisbane Artificial Reef

ANOVA with orientation (vertical and wreck has become an important habitat horizontal) and depth (12 m & 18 m) for invertebrates (Fig. 4-14; 23). as factors, and (3) the difference Although the entire surface area between the wreck and adjacent reefs of the wreck had been covered with at 12 and 18m was examined, using a marine life one year after the sinking, one-way ANOVA with location as the the assemblages of epifauna changed single factor. Homogeneity of variance considerably with a longer colonisation was checked with Cochran’s test; period. As predicted in the previous when variances were heterogeneous survey, community composition, (p<0.05), the percent cover data were abundances, biomass, structural arcsine transformed and species complexity and diversity changed density data were log transformed within a relatively short period of time. (Underwood, 1981). In 2006, assemblages were dominated by oysters and barnacles. These pioneer species provided microhabitats Our null hypothesis is that over time, for other invertebrates, especially the sessile benthic assemblages on crustaceans, such as juvenile rock the wreck would become more similar lobsters, banded coral shrimps, and to those on nearby rocky reefs. To crabs. In 2008 / 2009 larger barnacles test this hypothesis we compared the had declined, and with it its associated assemblages sampled at18 metres in in-fauna, due to colonisation of more 2006 and 2008 with those on the rocky competitive species such as sponges reefs, using ANOSIM. Given the large and the recruitment of new groups, differences in community composition such as corals (Fig. 5-14; 23). between surface orientations (vertical and horizontal) we assessed changes separately for each orientation. Data Comparative surveys yielded 79 spe- were converted to a Bray-Curtis cies of macro-invertebrates and Algae similarity matrix and analysed used a in November 2006 and 120 species in nested two-factor ANOSIM, with sites 2009 (small, mobile crustaceans and nested in location (wreck or reef). shelled molluscs excluded). Overall species richness clearly increased, and species composition changed con- 3. RESULTS siderably. While in some groups spe- cies richness remained stable, in oth- ers it decreased. Some new taxa were 3.1. Invertebrates recruited, not recorded in the 2006 sur- vey. Comparison of the two surveys re- vealed the following changes in species 3.1.1. Temporal and spatial changes in invertebrate diversity and species composition and number of species composition (Table 1; Fig. 23B; Appendix 1): Colonisation of the wreck has • Tubeworms: 2006: 2; 2009: 5; progressed considerably since the • encrusting Porifera: 2006: 14 ; 2009: 11; scuttling of the ship in 2005, and the survey in 2006 (Schlacher-Hoenlinger • massive Porifera: 2006: 11 ; 2009: 14; et al., 2006; Walker et al., 2007). The • Cnidaria: 2006: 4 ; 2009: 19; 15 QM Technical Reports | 003

• shelled molluscs (without small, • internal: 49 species; mobile fauna): 2006: 12 ; 2009: 11; • upper hull: 49 species; • nudibranchs: 2006: 1 ; 2009: 11; • lower hull near the seafloor: 36 species. • Crustacea (without small, mobile Assemblages were substantially less fauna): 2006: 7 ; 2009: 6, diverse and abundant on the lower part • Bryozoa: 2006: 9 ; 2009: 8, of the hull and on the sediment-laden decks, but were most diverse on the • Echinodermata: 2006: 4 ; 2009: 9; superstructure and inside the wreck. • Ascidiacea: 2006: 12 ; 2009: 20.

The low diversity on the lower parts The biggest changes were within the of vertical sides is probably related group Cnidaria. Five species of hard to residual antifouling paint, which corals, 9 species of soft corals, and 4 can retard the settlement of fouling species of large anemones were new species (Walker et al., 2007; Svane et colonizators of the wreck. al., 2006; Schlacher-Hoenlinger et al., 2006). Nevertheless, colonisation at this depth had clearly progressed since The number of molluscan species 2006 and the abundance and richness more then doubled, due to the of the biota had clearly increased. additional appearance of nudibranchs As the presence of antifouling paint on the wreck. Epibiota, especially confounded a pure depth effect on lace corals (bryozoans) and algae, settlement in the 2006 survey, the lower provide important resources, such as part of the hull was only investigated food and shelter and therefore have using the rapid Ecological Assessment considerable effects on the distribution technique (REA), but not included in and abundance of nudibranchs. quantitative investigations. Sponges showed similar abundances One of the most significant findings in 2009 as in 2006, but here was a was the appearance of corals (Fig. distinct shift towards larger specimens 8-9). Even though horizontal surfaces and more 3-dimensional growth. The supported fewer species at substantially abundance of crustaceans decreased reduced cover, the colonisation of the resulting from the loss of habitat decks with several species of hard and from reduced populations of larger soft corals underlines the importance barnacles. In particular, the numbers of structural heterogeneity created by of Lobsters had decreased between the artificial reef infrastructure. these two surveys. In 2006, the majority of taxonomic Community structure varied between groups sampled had, with the exception wreck infrastructure. The number of of tubeworms, significantly higher species found on different parts of the cover on the outside of the wreck in wreck were as follows (Table 2; Fig. comparison to the internal spaces. 23A): Inside the ship, species richness and diversity was reduced, with small • superstructure: 87 species; barnacles, ascidians, fan worms and • decks: 25 species; several species of sea fir dominant. In 16 Report for the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Department of Environment and Resource Management (DERM) Biological monitoring of the Ex-HMAS Brisbane Artificial Reef the 2008 / 2009 survey marked increase Gneering Shoals yielded 120 species of in species richness was observed inside macro-invertebrates and algae on the the wreck, which made this sector of the wreck and 173 species on the natural wreck the second most diverse overall reefs (small, mobile crustaceans and (Fig. 23A). High biodiversity inside the small, shelled molluscs excluded) ship and on the superstructure may be for the same sampling effort. Even if related to favorable settlement cues for species richness was much greater on pelagic larvae. the natural reefs, species composition, was broadly comparable (Table 2). Overall, the colonisation of the wreck Comparison between the wreck and with sessile invertebrates appears to the reef sites revealed the following have moved towards a more natural differences in species richness (Fig. stage of colonisation. More biological 23B): monitoring is required to determine future trajectories (Appendix 1). • Tubeworms: wreck: 5; reef: 3; • encrusting Porifera: wreck: 11 ; reef: 8;

3.1.2. Comparison of invertebrate • massive Porifera: wreck: 14 ; reef: 32; species composition between the • Cnidaria: wreck: 23 ; reef: 57; wreck and adjacent natural reef habitats • shelled molluscs (without small, mobile fauna): wreck: 11 ; reef: 9; An extensive collection of invertebrate groups exist in the Queensland • nudibranchs: wreck: 11; reef: 17; Museum for seafloor habitats off the • crustaceans (without small, mobile Sunshine Coast, particularly from the fauna): wreck: 6 ; reef: 2; Inner and Outer Gneering Shoals. • Bryozoa: wreck: 8 ; reef: 7; Between 1991 and 2000 the reefs off the Sunshine Coast were sampled by • Echinodermata: wreck: 9 ; reef: 15; the study team from the Queensland • Ascidiacea: 2006: 20 ; 2009: 14. Museum, and a rich fauna of sessile marine invertebrates, representing a unique fauna in this biogeographic For some invertebrate groups the transition zone, was recorded (Hooper fauna colonizing the wreck is broadly & Kennedy, 2002). Therefore, in this representative of natural reefs in the present survey, we could identify Mooloolaba area. Conversely, sponges, most samples using underwater corals, and sea squirts are considerably photographic techniques to minimize different to the surrounding reefs. For the impact from collecting. New voucher example the number of species of specimens were collected from natural hard corals and soft corals, recorded reefs in this present survey only where on the wreck were low although these there was ambiguity in identification are common members of the benthic from photographic documentation (e.g. community on local reefs (hard corals - cryptic species). wreck: 5 ; reef: 18;. soft corals - wreck: 9 ; reef: 32; Fig. 23B). As corals are relative recent settlers of the wreck, Comparative surveys in 2008 / 2009 it is expected that further recruitment of the ex-HMAS Brisbane and the Inner will occur over time. Although sponges 17 QM Technical Reports | 003

showed a distinct shift towards larger since the original surveys of 2006. specimens with more 3-dimensional However, the total number of species growth on the wreck since the survey recorded during census has remained in 2006 (Fig. 5-7; 22), species richness relatively constant. A cumulative total of of encrusting sponges was still high, 192 species have now been recorded whereas massive sponges were clearly on the wreck from 2006 to 2008 (Table more dominant in the natural reef sites. 3). This total includes 139 species from In contrast, ascidian species richness surveys conducted in November 2008, was higher at the wreck in comparison 111 from November 2006, and 133 to the reef sites. Within the group of from July 2006. The results show small Echinodermata similarity in species net increase in species richness of composition between the wreck and the resident fishes since 2006. However , natural environment was low (Table 2). the composition of the fauna continues Furthermore, the absence of starfish on to evolve resulting from competitive the wreck was remarkable, as species pressures between fishes, as well as richness at the reef was comparatively changes in available habitat. high (7 species).

Since 2006 there has been It is expected that a further considerable succession, however succession will occur over time through new colonisers were outnumbered recruitment of new species and taxa, by emigrants, indicating that fish competition for space, light etc., and communities may be approaching a species composition on the wreck will more mature phase. In the most recent become more representative of the surveys of 2008 / 2009, 40 of the 139 natural reefs. Furthermore, given the species had not been recorded in 2006, changes in recruitment to the wreck but 52 of those found during 2006 were it is predicted that species diversity not recorded in 2008. Discounting will further increase over time, but the possible chance encounters, where exact trajectories, interactions and species with fewer than six recorded responses to environmental factors individuals are excluded, there were cannot be extrapolated and require 10 additional species occurring in significant numbers in 2008, ongoing monitoring of the wreck. counterbalanced by 22 species that Such monitoring requires censuses at were no longer present. Families with biennual intervals and repeated over at representatives most prominently new least 10 years. to the wreck included serranids (several rock cods and the basslet, Pseudanthias 3.2. Fish rubrizonatus), pempherids (bullseyes), labrids (wrasses, especially Leptojulis cyanopleura and Suezichthys gracilis) 3.2.1 Spatial and temporal changes and gobiids (gobies; Fig. 15-18). in fish diversity Families with species conspicuously present on the wreck initially, but now absent include priacanthids Numerous additional fish species (bigeyes), some carangids (trevallies), have been found on the wreck in 2008 pomacentrids (Gulf Damsel, Pristotis 18 Report for the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Department of Environment and Resource Management (DERM) Biological monitoring of the Ex-HMAS Brisbane Artificial Reef obtusirostris and most Sergeants, common during early stages of the Abudefduf spp.), an acanthurid wreck, the Yellowmask Surgeonfish, (Yellowmask Surgeonfish, Acanthurus Acanthurus xanthopterus (an algal xanthopterus) and most monacanthids grazer) and the Unicorn Leatherjacket, (leatherjackets). Aluterus monoceros (a feeder on soft invertebrates), appear to have been excluded by competitive pressures Among the six largest families, the resulting from changes in the availability most notable changes from 2006 to of their preferred food resources. 2008 were an increase in the species of serranids from 7 to 11 and a decrease in the species of carangids from 13 to The deck area of the wreck was 9 (Fig. 24B). Notable on the foredeck consistently the most favoured during the most recent surveys habitat for fishes (Table 3; Fig. 24A). were several individuals of the two Overall, 69 percent (or 133 species) anemonefishes, Amphiprion akindynos of the 192 found on the wreck were and A. latezonatus, both of which have recorded in this area, while individual occupied anemones growing on the recordings comprised 59 to 71 percent deck area subsequent to the 2006 between 2006 and 2008. In 2008, surveys. diversity of most of the largest fish families, especially the pomacentrids (damselfishes), labrids (wrasses) There are clear examples of changes and lutjanids (tropical snappers) was in species composition on the wreck. significantly greater around the deck Opportunists such as Gulf Damsels, than in the other areas (Fig. 24A). The Pristotis obtusirostris and Dusky next most speciose sector of the wreck Leatherjackets, Paramonacanthus overall was the lower hull (61%, or 118 otisensis were quick to colonize the species), followed by the superstructure new habitat in 2006, but subsequently (53%, or 101 species). The sector with moved on as competitors established the least diversity overall was clearly and habitats matured. Some the internal areas, with 40 percent zooplankton feeders, such as the of the fauna, or 76 species. The bigeyes, Priacanthus hamrur and internal areas did, however, support P. macracanthus were present in a greater diversity of chaetodontids huge numbers throughout 2006, but (butterflyfishes) than other sectors completely disappeared by 2008. (Fig. 24A). By 2008, differences in A wide range of carangid (trevally, diversity of the top six families between kingfish and scad) species aggregated the superstructure, internal areas, and around the wreck during its early stages lower hull had become less pronounced to capitalise on abundant new food than previously. resources provided by prolific juvenile recruits and monospecific apogonid (cardinalfish) shoals, however as this The superstructure held the most resource declined, a significant number consistent number of species across of species of this family emigrated the three recording events from 2006 from the wreck and were not recorded to 2008, with nominal counts of 55, in 2008. Two pelagic species very followed by 68 and 58. However, this 19 QM Technical Reports | 003

sector varied from the most to the the wreck to record a significant increase least speciose on the wreck (61 to in species numbers from 2006 to 2008, 41 percent of the total fauna), due to albeit from a low base. Only 30 species significant fluctuations in numbers were recorded there in July 2006, 34 in of species in other areas (decks and November 2006, but 63 in November lower hull). It seems species occurring 2008. Habitat formed by invertebrate around the superstructure may be less communities was slower to develop prone to periodic emigration from the and mature in internal areas than it was wreck, than are species found around in external sectors of the wreck, leading the decks and lower hull. Carangids to a corresponding response by many (trevallies and scads), lutjanids (tropical fish species. Colonisation of the internal snappers and fusiliers) and haemulids areas, although muted relative to other (sweelips) have displayed a tendency sectors with only 76 species recorded to vacate the latter areas, with a number overall, was broad-based, with small of species present in July 2006, absent increases across numerous families. in November 2006, but present again in November 2008. In the most recent recordings, the superstructure was the Other notable events spanning the least diverse of all sectors, comprising period from the sinking of the wreck only 42 percent of species recorded. to the present were recruitment and Characteristics of the habitat available maturation observed for some species. on the superstructure remained In particular, there were interesting relatively consistent over the survey observations on the two most common period, with encrusting invertebrate serranid fishes (Purple Rock Cod, communities on the mostly narrow Epinephelus cyanopodus and Maori vertical surfaces there more heavily Rock Cod, E. undulostriatus). No exposed to swell, surge, tidal current medium to large-sized individuals and fish feeding activity. Habitat in of these or any other serranid other sectors varied more over time, (Epinephelus spp.) were recorded in and changes probably provided more the initial surveys. However numerous distinct cues for fish movement to and small juveniles were observed. Follow from the wreck. up surveys in November 2006 recorded a mix of somewhat larger juveniles and The species count for the internal subadults of these species. In November areas was the most variable as a 2008, no juveniles of these species proportion of that recorded for the wreck were observed, but similar numbers as a whole, with an increase over time, were recorded as adults. Additional culminating in a 22% variation between recruitment of juveniles more recently the initial and most recent recording was probably impeded by predation events (variation for other sectors was from established individuals. The early up to 20% for the superstructure, 18% recruitment of larvae or small juveniles for lower hull, and 12% for the decks). to the wreck, followed by apparent site Although numbers of species varied fidelity and retention of adults, seems considerably from one recording event to indicate the sites potential to support to another for most sectors of the wreck, juveniles through to maturity, rather the internal area was the only sector of than migration of adults to the wreck 20 Report for the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Department of Environment and Resource Management (DERM) Biological monitoring of the Ex-HMAS Brisbane Artificial Reef at the expense of nearby natural reef herbivores mostly had modest declines. areas. Wholesale shifts in abundance, where species were newly recorded in the most recent survey, or had emigrated In parallel with this, another serranid, entirely after being present in the initial the Oval Rock Cod, Triso dermopterus, or subsequent surveys, are discussed had a contrasting history on the site. above under changes in biodiversity. Mature individuals were common on Other changes in abundance included the site during the first survey, but the following: numbers have progressively declined, and during the most recent surveys • Serranidae (rock cods) - steady, only few individuals were recorded. except for Triso dermopterus, which Oval Rockcod are a moderate-sized, declined markedly. mobile species, known to favour wrecks • Lutjanidae (tropical snappers) - and other artificially created habitats. Lutjanus quinquelineatus, L. russelli Their original abundance on the site and L. vitta showed a increase in would have been favoured by the lack numbers, while those of L. sebae of other large predatory serranids. The decreased more significantly. gradual reduction in their numbers over • Sparidae (bream, snapper, tarwhine) the following period is likely to have - all three species increased in been, at least in part, a response to numbers. increasing competitive pressure from the two forementioned Epinephelus • Mullidae (goatfishes) - Parupeneus species, as they approached maturity. spilurus decreased in numbers. • Pempheridae (bullseyes) - two species were new in the recent survey, The population of Snapper, Pagrus and one increased in numbers. auratus on the site has also experienced progression in size classes. During • Chaetodontidae (butterflyfishes) - 2006 only juveniles and subadults decline in Chelmonops truncatus and were noted, but in 2008 there were also Heniochus acuminatus. significant numbers of large adults. • Pomacanthidae (angelfishes) - progressive increases in Chaetodontoplus meredithi. 3.2.2. Temporal changes in fish abundance • Pomacentridae (damselfishes) - Pristotis obtusirostris disappeared after being very common, there were The wreck continues to hold declines in the large populations of large numbers of a wide variety of Chromis nitida and Neopomacentrus fishes, representing an impressive bankieri, but a significant increase in biomass. Trends in abundance have Abudefduf bengalensis. generally been steady, or one order Siganidae (rabbitfishes) - decline of magnitude up or down (Table 3). • from initially high levels. Broadly, some predators increased, omnivores recorded both increases • Acanthuridae (surgeonfishes) - and declines, while planktivores and decline in several species. 21 QM Technical Reports | 003

3.2.3 Comparison of fish species the reef, species composition varied composition and abundance significantly. Eighty-six species were between the wreck and adjacent exclusively recorded on the wreck, natural reefs while 87 species were found on the reef, but not on the wreck. Of the six To compare diversity and abundance most speciose families recorded in the of fishes on the wreck with that on area, Chaetodontidae (butterflyfishes), adjacent natural reefs, the results of Pomacentridae (damselfishes) and surveys on the wreck were contrasted Labridae (wrasses) were much more against two sites on nearby natural diverse on the reefs, Carangidae reefs that most closely approximated (trevallies and scads) and Lutjanidae the structural complexity of the wreck (tropical snappers and fusiliers) were (Fig. 1). The natural reef sites selected clearly more diverse on the wreck, while were not as topographically prominent Serranidae (rock cods and basslets) as the wreck, but had some steep had similar numbers of species in vertical walls, ledges, overhangs, large both areas (Fig. 24B). Of the smaller boulders, crevices and caves that families, Synodontidae (lizardfishes), would provide similar opportunities Holocentridae (squirrelfishes), for shelter and concealment of fishes. Nemipteridae (threadfin and monocle There was rubble and sand substrate bream), Mullidae (goatfishes) and adjacent to the foot of the reef, similar Pomacanthidae (angelfishes) (Fig. 19- to that existing at the wreck, however 21) were more diverse on the reefs. the invertebrate communities were well developed and mature, with extensive hard and soft coral growth. Biomass on the wreck was significantly greater than that in similar-sized areas on the natural reef, being composed Surveys on the natural reef in summer/ of greater numbers of generally larger early autumn 2009 recorded a level of fish. Relative abundance levels of many diversity nominally almost identical to families however varied considerably that found cumulatively for the wreck between wreck and reef sites. Of between 2006 and 2008 (Table 4). One those families with species common to hundred and ninety-three species of both sites, the following patterns were 40 families were found on the reefs, recorded: versus 192 species of 47 families on Serranidae – Epinephelus coioides, the wreck. However, when resident • species during each survey event were E. cyanopodus, E. undulostriatus considered separately (as opposed to and Pseudanthias spp. were more cumulatively since 2006), the species abundant on the wreck, while count for the reef outstrips that for the Diploprion bifasciatum, Epinephelus wreck by a large margin (39-74 percent, fasciatus and Plectropoma leopardus average of 51 percent per survey). were more abundant on the reefs. P. leopardus is an ambush predator that often launches attacks from beneath Although the overall number of coral heads to feed on species that species was similar on the wreck and aggregate above these structures, 22 Report for the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Department of Environment and Resource Management (DERM) Biological monitoring of the Ex-HMAS Brisbane Artificial Reef

hence its apparent preference for • Kyphosidae – Microcanthus strigatus reef habitat. and Scorpis lineolata were more • Apogonidae - species that school common on the wreck. in large numbers in sheltered • Cheilodactylidae – Cheilodactylus environments, such as Apogon vestitus was most common on the capricornis and A. flavus were more wreck. prevalent in the wreck, while most Labridae – the Common Cleanerfish, other species were more common • on the reefs. Labroides dimidiatus was more abundant on the wreck, due to the • Carangidae – the wreck has proved preponderance of large host fishes; to be effective in aggregating various Suezichthys gracilis seemed to prefer carangids in moderate to large the slightly looser rubbly sand around numbers, while the few species that the fringes of the wreck than that near were recorded on the reef were found the reefs; Leptojulis cyanopleura, in relatively low numbers. Pseudolabrus guentheri and • Lutjanidae – all species, including both Thalassoma spp. were about equally the mainly piscivorous Lutjanus spp. represented between the sites; all and the planktivorous Pterocaesio other labrids were more abundant on spp., were equally or more abundant the reefs, with their specialist feeding on the wreck. habits being better suited to the wider • Sparidae – all three species were diversity of benthic invertebrates significantly more abundant on the available on the reefs. wreck, possibly due to the greater • Pomacentridae – Chromis density of molluscs, a favoured nitida, Dascyllus trimaculatus, dietary item. Neopomacentrus bankieri and Parma • Lethrinidae – Lethrinus laticaudis and spp. were about equally or more L. nebulosus were most common on abundant on the wreck, while other the wreck, possibly due to relatively pomacentrids were more common high densities of molluscan species, on the reefs due to their reliance which are a common dietary on invertebrate communities more component. diverse than on the wreck. • Mullidae - Parupeneus spilurus, the • Acanthuridae – Acanthurus mata, a only mullid common to both sites, plankton feeder, was more abundant was more abundant on the wreck. around the wreck, while the algal • Chaetodontidae – the schooling grazer Acanthurus dussumieri was planktivorous Heniochus acuminatus more common on the reefs. and generalist feeders Chaetodon guentheri and C. kleini were equally or more abundant on the wreck, Overall, large piscivores, whereas others such as C. rainfordi molluscivores, omnivores and and C. trifascialis, taht are more planktivores were more abundant specialised on sessile invertebrates on the wreck, while groups with were either exclusive to or more species more specialised on benthic abundant on reef habitats. invertebrates (especially corals) were 23 QM Technical Reports | 003

clearly more common on the richer reef however the species composition was environment. different (Schlacher-Hoenlinger et al., 2006). These differences were likely due to the predominant southeast 3.3. Encrusting biota (‘fouling direction of currents, swell and wave assemblages’) action, which would influence the larval The diversity of epifaunal invertebrates supply and the degree of exposure to continued to increase on the wreck, physical disturbance between the port with a large proportion of the surface and starboard sides of the artificial reef, of the ex-HMAS Brisbane covered by a and therefore influence the recruitment, range of encrusting epifauna and flora survival, and composition of (Appendix 1). A total of 48 different assemblages found there (Cummings, epifaunal taxa were identified across 1994; Svane & Petersen, 2001). 235 photo quadrats; Porifera (sponges) were the most speciose group with In 2008 the composition of epifaunal 22 taxa, followed by corals (15 taxa), assemblages differed between the ascidians (sea squirts; 14 taxa), soft starboard and port sides of the wreck corals (8 taxa), bryozoans (8 taxa), at both 12 and18 m depth (Fig. 26; bivalves (6 taxa), polychaetes (3 taxa) ANOSIM Exposure R = 0.18, p < and Cirripedia (barnacles; 2 taxa). 0.001; Depth = 0.24, p < 0.001). The Bryozoans and Porifera dominated the difference between depths was due cover of vertical surfaces, particularly largely to the reduced cover of the at 18 m depth. On the horizontal bryozoan, Celleporaria sp. 1, and surfaces, the dominant groups were increased cover of the sponge, Batzella bryozoans, corals and bivalves. More sp. 4217. Differences between port and species occurred on vertical than starboard sides of the wreck were due on horizontal surfaces. The highest to an almost three-fold increase in the species richness (50) was recorded coverage of Celleporaria sp. 1 from the on vertical surfaces of the natural reef, starboard (9.3%) to port (24.6%) side while the least number (5) was found of the wreck. The cover of Balanus on horizontal surfaces on the wreck in sp. 1 also increased from starboard 2006 (Fig. 25A). (3%) to port (6.8%) sides of the wreck. The factors examined here are depth, These differences in the coverage of exposure (exposed vs. sheltered), Celleporaria sp. 1, Batzella sp. 4217 orientation (vertical vs. horizontal), and and Balanus sp. 1 accounted for more natural vs. artificial habitats (i.e. wreck than 55% of the biotic differences vs. reef). between the two depth strata, and between the port and starboard sides of the wreck (Fig. 26; SIMPER). 3.3.1. Variation within fouling assemblages with exposure (Starboard vs. Port sides) and depth The cover of all epifaunal taxa was In 2006, we found that there was very lower on the starboard side (33%) than little difference in the cover of sessile on the port side (40%) of the wreck fauna between the starboard (exposed) (Fig. 27A; Table 5, ANOVA). Depth did and port (sheltered) sides of the wreck, not appear to influence total cover (Fig. 24 Report for the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Department of Environment and Resource Management (DERM) Biological monitoring of the Ex-HMAS Brisbane Artificial Reef

27A; Table 5, ANOVA). Despite the between the two sides of the wreck large differences in cover of epifauna because of hydrological factors such between sides of the wreck, there as the direction of storms, prevailing were only small differences in species water currents, and gravel scouring richness between the port and starboard (Cummings, 1994; Svane & Petersen, side; that is, more species per quadrat 2001). Larvae of a number of colonial were recorded at 18 m (Fig. 27B; Table invertebrates such as bryozoans, 5, ANOVA). sponges and ascidians brood their larvae, resulting in a short dispersal distance (e.g. sponges do not have The pattern of distribution for some a pelagic “lechithotrophic” larva; Uriz taxa between the exposed and sheltered et al., 1998; Maldonado & Bergquist, side of the wreck changed significantly 2002; Maldonado, 2006). over time. In 2006 bryozoans (primarily Schizoporella sp. 1) were more abundant on the starboard side at 18 Invertebrate larvae also have limited m than elsewhere. Conversely, in 2008 time and resources in which to respond bryozoans (primarily Celleporaria sp. 1) to settlement cues from the surrounding covered more space on the port side at environment (Marshall et al., 2003). 12 m (Fig. 27C; Table 5 & 6, ANOVA). In Larvae, carried in the predominant 2008, the cover of sponges was more southeast water currents, may settle than 3 times greater at 18 m than at 12 when they first reach an appropriate m depth (Fig. 27C). In 2006, a similar settlement surface (the starboard side depth effect was seen for sponges, of the wreck), potentially decreasing however this group covered more the larval supply to the port side of the space on the starboard than port sides wreck. However, if the availability of of the wreck (Schlacher-Hoenlinger space is reduced, through pre-emption et al., 2006; Walker et al., 2007). By of space, then larvae may remain in the contrast, there was no difference in water column for longer periods until a cover between exposures in 2008 (Fig. more favorable settlement surface is 27C). found (Marshall et al., 2003). Likewise, different sides of the wreck may have different source populations, with larval Variation in the cover of species supply and recruitment depending on between depths and exposures on the the direction of prevailing currents. wreck may be due to a range of effects More work is required to understand the associated with larval supply and growth importance of larval supply, settlement (Cummings, 1994; Svane & Petersen, and recruitment for sessile encrusting 2001), such as larval stratification within organisms like bryozoans and sponges the water column (Grosberg 1982), on this wreck, and to understand increased larval supply (Baynes & the levels of connectivity between Szmant 1989; Cummings1994; Svane this artificial reefs and surrounding & Petersen 2001) and food availability populations on natural reefs. Also more (Lesser et al. 1994) caused by the work is necessary to determine whether predominant direction of water currents the patterns of sessile species shown that impinge mostly on the starboard are due to variation in larval supply and side. Survivorship may also differ recruitment, physical disturbance or 25 QM Technical Reports | 003

competition from photophilic organisms, biotic differences between surface such as algae. orientations (SIMPER).

3.3.2. Variation within fouling The density and percent cover of assemblages with orientation: epifauna on vertical surfaces was vertical vs. horizontal surfaces substantially higher than that found on In 2006 we compared vertical surfaces horizontal surfaces yet there remained on the port and starboard sides of the very little difference between the 12 wreck with horizontal surfaces on the and 18 m depth contours (Fig. 29A & B; main and upper decks of the wreck. Table 7, ANOVA). Overall, the cover of We found that there was a substantial taxa, particularly on vertical surfaces, difference in the composition and cover had declined to < 40% in 2008 (Fig. 29A). The decline was due largely to of epifaunal assemblages between decreased cover of the once dominant horizontal and vertical surfaces at both bivalves and barnacles on the wreck. 12 and 18 m depth (ANOSIM, R = While these species were still abundant 0.92, p = 0.002); in this instance, three (i.e. high biomass), they occupied much species (Balanus sp.1, Schizoporella less space than in 2006. sp.1, Pinctada maculata) accounted for more than 80% of the biotic differences between the horizontal and Overall, the cover of many taxa was vertical surfaces and different depths reduced on the horizontal surfaces (Schlacher-Hoenlinger et al., 2006). in both years surveyed (Fig. 29C; Overall, there were large differences in Schlacher-Hoenlinger et al., 2006; cover and species richness of sessile Walker et al., 2007). However, the fauna between vertical and horizontal relative dominance of particular surfaces: cover of fauna decreased by species in 2006 had changed over 50% to 70% on the horizontal surfaces time, with barnacles, bivalves and and 17 fewer species were found there bryozoans dominating assemblages (Schlacher-Hoenlinger et al., 2006; in 2006 (Schlacher-Hoenlinger et Walker et al., 2007). al., 2006; Walker et al., 2007), and bryozoans and sponges dominating assemblages in 2008. The cover of A similar pattern was evident in 2008: bryozoans (primarily Celleporaria sp. the species composition of epifaunal 1) increased more than 4 times from assemblages differed strongly between horizontal to vertical, especially at 12 horizontal and vertical surfaces (Fig. m depth (Fig. 29C; Table 8, ANOVA). 28; Table 7, ANOSIM Orientation R The cover of sponges also increased = 0.54, p < 0.001; Depth R = 0.22, p between horizontal and vertical < 0.001). Differences in community surfaces, with the greatest magnitude structure were largely due to a of change occurring at 18 m depth (Fig. significantly higher cover of fauna (i.e. 29C; Table 8, ANOVA). In contrast, Celleporaria sp. 1, Batzella sp. 4217, the cover of bivalves and barnacles Balanus sp.1, and Pinctada maculata) declined substantially to less than 3% on the vertical surfaces; these taxa in 2008, and there was no difference contributed more than 60% to the among depths or orientations (Fig. 29C; 26 Report for the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Department of Environment and Resource Management (DERM) Biological monitoring of the Ex-HMAS Brisbane Artificial Reef

Table 8, ANOVA). In contrast, barnacles surfaces (Fig. 8-9). Hard and soft covered more space on vertical than corals are more common on natural horizontal surfaces at both 12 m and reefs surrounding the reef, and may 18 m, and were more than twice as be less palatable to predators (such as abundant on horizontal surfaces at 12 fish) found on the wreck (Schlacher- m, than at 18 m depth (Fig. 29C; Table Hoenlinger et al., 2006; this report). 8 ANOVA). On horizontal surfaces, hard and soft coral grew up off the surface (erect growth form) of the wreck and may The high cover and dominance of therefore have reduced susceptibility epifaunal assemblages by the pioneer to smothering from sand. species P. maculata and Balanus sp. 1 in 2006 may have been caused by a pulsed recruitment event, followed 3.3.3. Variation within fouling by a substantial decline in abundance assemblages between natural and caused by reduced survival. The artificial reefs decline in cover on horizontal surfaces We compared the sessile assemblages may be due to increased physical from two different orientations on damage or smothering by sand (Kay & the artificial reef at 18 m depth with Keough 1981; Baynes & Szmant 1989; the similarly orientated assemblages Badalamenti et al. 2002; Irving & Connell on two natural reefs in the vicinity of 2002), rather than biotic interactions the wreck, to determine whether the such as predation or competition, given composition of epifaunal assemblages the high proportion of space covered on the artificial reef (one and three by sand. We found that sediment years after scuttling) became similar to did not accumulate on the vertical that found on the nearby natural reefs, surfaces of the wreck but covered and therefore representative of subtidal over 90% of the horizontal surfaces. reefs on the area (Walker et al., 2007). It is thus likely that the difference in sessile invertebrate coverage between horizontal and vertical surfaces may Shifts in epifaunal assemblage be due to smothering by sediment structure between the artificial and on the horizontal surfaces (Baynes & natural reef were more pronounced for Szmant 1989; Irving & Connell 2002) fauna of vertical surfaces; conversely, or due to differences in the settlement communities on horizontal surfaces preferences of some species. A high diverged much less between the percentage of shell pieces were found artificial reef and the natural reefs on the horizontal surfaces (primarily (ANOSIM: Horizontal, Global R = from P. maculata), which may indicate 0.46, p <0.001; Vertical, Global R = at least some level of predation by fish 0.73, p <0.001). There are indications on these species. of community change on the wreck where the trajectory is towards greater similarity with natural reef communities A number of small hard and soft coral over time; these changes are indicated colonies had colonized the wreck, for both horizontal and vertical particularly on the horizontal surfaces surfaces (Table 9). Nevertheless, three of the wreck, but also on the vertical years after the scuttling of the HMAS 27 QM Technical Reports | 003

Brisbane, the structure of epifaunal through the provision of increased assemblages on the artificial reef food resources, increased feeding remains quite different from that found efficiency and structural protection on adjacent natural reefs. from predators (Bohnsack 1989; Svane & Petersen, 2001). A comparison of colonisation between natural and The average species density of artificial reefs is important to assess assemblages sampled from horizontal the degree of overlap in community surfaces on natural reefs was almost composition, levels of productivity and double that found at sites on the ecosystem function, and therefore wreck (Fig. 31B; Table 10, ANOVA). assess the effectiveness of the artificial However, this increase in the density reef (Carr & Hickson 1997; Svane & of taxa corresponded to a very large Petersen, 2001). Despite differences in increase in the cover of sessile fauna the biological history and in substrate on natural reefs compared with sites on heterogeneity between natural and the artificial reef (Fig. 31A), due to the artificial reefs (Carr & Hickson 1997; presence of large, established coral Glasby & Connell 2001; Svane & and soft coral colonies that covered Petersen, 2001; Walker et al., 2007), most of the available horizontal space we predict that as colonisation of the on the natural reefs sampled (Fig. 31C). artificial reef proceeds, the epifaunal These species, while present on the assemblages will become more similar artificial reef during the 2008 survey, to those on natural reefs, especially with covered less than 4% of the available an increase in the proportion of large, surface area. longer-lived species, such as hard and soft corals, that currently cover much of the available area on natural reefs. While the total number of species found on the vertical surfaces on natural reefs continues to be greater than on the artificial reef (Fig. 25), benthic cover is not (Fig. 31B; Table 10, ANOVA). Thus, the artificial reef supports abundant epifaunal assemblages, but these are composed of fewer species overall than natural reefs.

Similar to other artificial reefs (Svane & Petersen, 2001), scuttling the ex-HMAS Brisbane has provided an increase in the availability and suitability of hard substrata, and consequently provided appropriate habitat to support diverse fouling assemblages. Enhancing biodiversity on the artificial reefs may support a range of mobile invertebrates and fish (see earlier sections 1 & 2), 28 Report for the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Department of Environment and Resource Management (DERM) Biological monitoring of the Ex-HMAS Brisbane Artificial Reef

4. Recommendations biological processes on the wreck are required.

A number of factors contribute towards making the ex-HMAS Brisbane Recommendation 1 an important asset of South-East Colonisation of the wreck Queensland: Establish and resource continuing (1) considerable investment by medium-term (e.g. biennial the State Government in creating surveys over the next ten years) the artificial reef of the ex-HMAS scientific monitoring programme Brisbane, that documents the nature and dynamics of biological colonisation. (2) ongoing commitment of resources by EPA/QPWS in maintaining and enforcing the conservation area around In addition to its socio-economic value the wreck, as a highly attractive dive destination, (3) measurable benefits for the the wreck is predicted to play a local/regional tourism industry from significant role as a valuable habitat the wreck, particularly through dive addition to the nearshore marine zone, tourism, and supporting a diverse assemblage of invertebrates and fish. (4) high-profile public interest in the ship and cultural heritage values The baseline survey in 2006 associated with an ex Australian represented a basic reference point navy ship. Given the importance of against which future colonisation of the wreck for the above reasons, the the wreck by marine life could be ecological features of the site need to benchmarked. This survey in 2008/2009 be more comprehensively assessed indicated a continual biotic community change on the wrecks with a trend to complement the range of socio- towards greater similarity between economic values that are already natural and artificial reef communities associated with the wreck. over time. The current state of colonisation of This report shows conclusively the wreck may still represent an early that the wreck has already become stage in the ecological succession of the an artificial reef that can support wreck-associated assemblages, since an impressive range of biodiversity. this is only the third year since scuttling. Furthermore it may have the potential Biodiversity of the wreck fauna may to contribute significantly towards the further increase over time. Although overall diversity of the nearshore zone this prediction is based on experience in the region. from artificial reefs and wreck in other locations, the actual trajectories and dynamics of any further colonisation As further changes in biodiversity on the ex-HMAS Brisbane can only over time are expected, a series of be determined through continued future, scientific investigations on the ecological monitoring of the wreck- 29 QM Technical Reports | 003

fauna. Thus, a continued monitoring Significant differences were identified programme needs to be funded to between the wreck and adjacent quantify the nature and dynamics of natural reefs in terms of diversity, biological colonisation processes on species richness and abundance the wreck over the next decade, with of their resident fishes, corals, and comprehensive surveys done at least other benthic fauna. Monitoring of the every two years. wreck and natural reefs in tandem on the same seasonal cycle should be conducted to obtain replicate Recommendation 2 datasets over the longer term. This will assist in establishing whether current Wrecks as essential habitats community structure of the wreck has Design, establish and finance stabilised or continues to evolve, and whether its composition moves closer studies that document ecological to that on the natural reefs over time. values of the wreck in terms of This information would be valuable in creating essential habitats that determining whether wrecks provide enhance the biodiversity of the important new self-sustaining habitat marine ecosystem complex in for fishes and invertebrates in their own the vicinity of the wreck site. right, as opposed to acting simply as aggregating devices that only attract fishes from nearby natural habitats. The wreck now holds a resident population of mature commercially and recreationally valuable fishes that could easily be targeted and largely removed by fishers, if it were not for the protected status of the site. These fishes undoubtedly enhance the value of the wreck as a SCUBA-diving destination and help to promote its future as a significant regional underwater tourism drawcard. It is therefore imperative that current protection and enforcement measures are rigorously maintained for the site. There is scant evidence to date that fish assemblages on the wreck have matured to the point where further change is unlikely. Long-term monitoring of species composition and abundance is recommended to document future trends and to help in evaluating the role and value of wrecks as additional habitat for fishes off the Sunshine Coast. 30 Report for the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Department of Environment and Resource Management (DERM) Biological monitoring of the Ex-HMAS Brisbane Artificial Reef

5. Acknowledgments

This work was financed by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA / QPWS), whose support was instrumentally critical in achieving the outcomes of the study. Josh Jensen of Undersea Productions is thanked for his assistance with under­ water video imaging. Ian McKinnon and his team (Scuba World) are thanked for the professional dive logistics that made field sampling efficient. Peter Davie, Darryl Potter, and Patricia Kott are warmly thanked for helping with crustacean, mollusc, and ascidian taxonomy.

31 QM Technical Reports | 003

6. Literature Cited Interior, Minerals Management Service, Gulf of Mexico OCS, Anonymous, 2004. Biological New Orleans, La. OCS Study Monitoring of the HMAS Swan. MMS 2005-038. 93 pp. Fifth annual report prepared on Carr M.H., Hickson M.A., 1997. behalf of the The Geographe Artificial Reefs: The importance Bay Artificial Reef Society Inc.. of comparisons with natural Badalamenti F., Chemello R., D’Anna reefs. Fisheries 22, 28-33. G., Ramos P.H., Riggio S., 2002. Are artificial 12 reefs Clarke, K.R. 1993. Non-parametric comparable to neighbouring multivariate analyses of natural rocky areas? A mollusc change in community structure. case study in 13 the Gulf of Australian Journal of Ecology Castellammare (NW Sicily). 18:117-143. ICES Journal of Marine Science 59,14 S127-S131 Clynic, BG 2004. Effects of epibiota on fish associated with urban Baynes T.W., Szmant A.M., 1989. structures. Biol. Mar. Medit., Effect of Current on the Vol. 11, 3, 64. Sessile Benthic 23 Community Structure of an Artificial Reef. Cummings, S.L., 1994. Colonisation Bulletin of Marine Science 44, of a nearshore artificial reef 24 545-566. at BocaRaton (Palm Beach County) Florida. Bulletin of Bortone, S.A., Kimmel, J.J., 1991. Marine Science 55: 1193-1215. Environmental assessment and monitoring of artificial EPA , 2005. Public benefit test for a habitats. In: Artificial Habitats proposed conservation park for Marine and Freshwater for the ex-HMAS Brisbane Fisheries. Seaman W. Jr., (http://www.epa.qld.gov.au/ Sprague, L.M. (eds). Academic publications?id=1613) Press, San Diego. pp. 177– 236. Fabricius, K.E., McCorry, D., 2006. Changes in octocoral Brown, C.J., 2005. Epifaunal colonisation communities and benthic cover of the Loch Linnhe artificial along a water quality gradient reef: Influence of substratum on in the reefs og Hong Kong. epifaunal assemblage structure. Marine Pollution Bulletin 52: Biofouling, Vol 21, 2, 73-85. 22-33.

Carney, R.S., 2005. Characterizationof Glasby T.M., Connell S.D., 2001 Algal-Invertebrate Mats at Orientation and position of Offshore Platforms and the substrata have large 10 effects Assessment of Methods for on epibiotic assemblages. Artificial Substrate Studies: Marine Ecology-Progress Final Report. U.S. Dept. of the Series 214, 127-11 135. 32 Report for the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Department of Environment and Resource Management (DERM) Biological monitoring of the Ex-HMAS Brisbane Artificial Reef

Grosberg R.K., 1982. Intertidal assemblages. Marine Ecology- zonation of barnacles: the Progress Series 245, 83-91. influence of planktonic zonation of larvae on vertical Jackson, J.B.C., 1977. Competition distribution of adults. Ecology, on marine hard substrata 63, 894–899. - adaptive significance of solitary and colonial strategies. Hooper, J.N.A., Kennedy, J.A., American Naturalist 111: 743- 2002. Small-scale patterns 767. of biodiversity in sponges (Porifera), from the Sunshine Johnson, J.W., 1999. Annotated Coast, southeast Queensland. checklist of the fishes of Invertebrate Systematics 16(4): Moreton Bay, Queensland, 637-653. Australia. Memoirs of the Queensland Museum 43(2): Hooper, J.N.A., Ramm, D., 1989. 709-762. Report on artificial reefs in the vicinity of Darwin Harbour: Kay A.M., Keough M.J., 1981. preliminary results and Occupation of patches in the recommendations. Technical epifaunal communties on pier Report, Northern Territory pilings and the Bivalve Pinna Government (Department of bicolour at Edithburgh, South Primary Industry and Fisheries, Australia. Oecologia 48: 123- Fisheries Research Section: 130. Darwin). Kohler, K.E., Gill, S.M., 2006. Hutchings, P.A., 1981. Polychaete Coral Point Count with recruitment onto dead coral Excel extensions (CPCe): substrates at Lizard Island, A Visual Basic program for Great Barrier Reef, Australia. the determination of coral Bulletin of Marine Science and substrate coverage 31(2): 410-423. using random point count methodology. Computers and Hutchins, J.B., 2001. Biodiversity of Geosciences 32(9): 1259- shallow reef fish assemblages 1269. in Western Australia using a rapid censusing technique. Malcolm, H.A., Cheal, A.J., Thomp- Records of the western son, A.A., 1999. Fishes of the Australian Museum 20(3): 247- Yongala Historic Shipwreck. 270. CRC Reef Research Cen- tre Technical Report No. 26, Irving A.D., Connell S.D., 2002 Townsville, 29 pp. Sedimentation and light penetration interact to 18 Maldonado, M., Bergquist, P. R., 2002. maintain heterogeneity of Phylum Porifera. In Young, C. subtidal habitats: algal versus (ed.) Atlas of Marine Inverte- invertebrate 19 dominated brate Larvae. Academic Press, 33 QM Technical Reports | 003

San Diego. pp. 21-50. coral biodiversity resilience five decades after nuclear testing. Maldonado, M. 2006. The ecology of Marine Pollution Bulletin 56: sponge larva. Canadian Jour- 503-515. nal of Zoology 84: 175-194 Santos, M.N, Monteiro, C.C., Lasserre, Marshall, D. J., Pechenik, J. A., Ke- G., 2005. Observations and ough, M. J., 2003. Larval activ- trends on the intra-annual ity levels and delayed meta- variation of the fish assemblages morphosis affects post-larval on two artificial reefs in Algarve performance in the colonial coastal waters (southern ascidian Diplosoma listeri- Portugal). Scientia Marina, Vol anum. Marine Ecology Prog- 69, 3, 415-426. ress Series. 246: 156-162. Schlacher-Hoenlinger, M.A., Walker, Mintz JD., Lipcius RN., Eggleston S.J, Johnson, Schlacher, DB., Seebo M.S., 1994. Sur- T.A., Hooper, J.N.A., 2006. vival of juvenile Carrabean Biological baseline survey spiny lobster: effects of shelter, of the ex-HMAS Brisbane size, geographic location and artificial reef. Final report conspecific abundance. Marine (2006) prepared on behalf of Ecology Progress Series, 112, the Environmental Protection 255-266. Agency (EPA), pp. 110.

Nadon, M-O., Stirling, G., 2005. Field Svane, I., Petersen, J. K., 2001. On and simulation analysis of the problems of epibioses, visual methods for sampling fouling and artificial reefs, a coral cover. Coral Reefs 25: review. Marine Ecology 22(3): 177-185. 169-188.

Pendleton, L.H., 2005. Understanding Svane, I., Cheshire, A., Barnett, J., the potential economic impacts 2006. Test of an antifouling of sinking ships for SCUBA treatment on tuna fishing recreation. Marine Technology cages in Boston Bay, Port Society Journal, 39, 2, 47-52. Lincoln, South Australia. Biofouling 22(4): 209-219. Perkol-Finkel, S., Benayahu, Y., 2005. Recruitment of benthic Sousa, W. P., 1979. Disturbance organisms onto a planned in marine intertidal boulder artificial reef: shifts in community fields – the non-equilibrium structure one decade maintenance of species post-deployment. Marine diversity. Ecology 60: 1225- Environmental Research, Vol 1239. 59, 2, 79-99. Underwood, A. J., 1981. Techniques Richards, Z.T., Berger, M., Pinca, S., in analysis of variance in Wallace, C.C., 2007. Bikini Atoll experimental marine biology 34 Report for the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Department of Environment and Resource Management (DERM) Biological monitoring of the Ex-HMAS Brisbane Artificial Reef

and ecology. Oceanography on coral reefs. Ecological and. Marine Biology: an Annual Society of Australia, Brisbane, Review 19: 513-605 November 2005.

Uriz, M., Maldonado, M., Turon, X., Walker, S.J.,Schlacher, A.T, Schlach- Marti, R., 1998. How do Repro- er-Hoenlinger, A.M., 2007. ductive Output, Larval Behav- Spatial heterogeneity of epib- iour, and Recruitment Contrib- enthos on artificial reefs: foul- ute to Adult Spatial Patterns in ing communities in the early Mediterrean Encrusting Spong- stages of colonisation on an es? Marine Ecology Progress East Australian shipwreck. Ma- Series 167: 137-148. rine Ecology 28: 435-445.

Walker, S.J., Skilleter, G.A., Degnan, Wilhelmsson D., Ohman M.C., Stahl B.M., Hooper, J.N.A., H., Shlesinger Y., 1998. 2005. The effects of natural Artificial reefs and dive 13 disturbances on the dynamics tourism in Eilat, Israel. Ambio of cryptic, sessile communities 27, 764-766.

35 QM Technical Reports | 003

7. LIST OF FIGURES

Fig. 1 Ex-HMAS Brisbane Conservation Park diving site and Inner Gneerings Shoals natural reef diving sites (‘The Trench’ and ‘Hanging Rock’). Map modified from: . Environmental Protection Agency.

Fig. 2 Position of quadrat transect sites to sample fouling communities on the vertical sides of the ship at two depth bands (12 m, 18 m) of horizontal (white and black arrows) and vertical surface (red bands) sectors of the ship.

Fig. 3 a) photo transects sampling b) transect camera c) visual fish recording d & e) visual invertebrate recording f) physical sampling for species ID and reference collection g) cameras for fish recording h) inside the ex-HMAS Brisbane; accumulation of Iron eating bacteria.

Fig. 4. a) cannon after sinking in 2005 b) deck after sinking in 2005c) cannon in 2006 d) deck in 2006 e) growth on superstructure in 2008 f) deck in 2008 g) Inner Gneering Shoals 2008 h) Inner Gneering Shoals 2008.

Fig. 5. Worm and sponge species recorded from the ex-HMAS Brisbane: a & b) Sabellastarte indica c) Filograna implexa d) Protula sp.1 e) Serpula sp.1 f) Spirobranchus giganteus g) Siphonochalina deficiens h) Callyspongia manus.

Fig. 6. Sponge species recorded from the ex-HMAS Brisbane: a) Aplysilla sulphurea and Eusynstyela latericius b) Dysidea sp. 16 c) Aplysilla sulphurea d) Batzella sp. 4407 e) Batzella sp. 4217 f) Batzella sp. 4217 g) Callyspongia sp. 3148 h) Eurospongia arenaria.

Fig. 7. Sponge and cnidarian species recorded from the ex-HMAS Brisbane: a) Chondropsis sp. 4131 b) Cribrochalina sp. 2666 c) Boloceroides mcmurrichii (Muddy shore anemone) d & e & f) Entacmaea quadricolor (Bulb-tentacle anemone) g) Heteractis crispa (Leathery anemone) h) Sertularella diaphana.

Fig. 8. Coral species recorded from the ex-HMAS Brisbane: a & b) Acropora solitaryensis (Solitary isles branching coral) c & d) Tubastrea faulkneri (Orange tube coral) e & f) Tubastrea micrantha (Green tube coral) g) Acanthastrea lordhowensis (Ringed fleshy coral) h) Mopsella sp.1..

Fig. 9. Coral species recorded from the ex-HMAS Brisbane: a) Chironephthya sp.1 b) Dendronephthya sp.1 c & d) Dendronephthya sp.2 e & f) Carijoa sp. 2 (Fouling soft coral) g) Sansibia sp.1 (Blue soft coral) h) Palythoa sp. 1. (Zoanthid).

Fig. 10. Nudibranch species recorded from the ex-HMAS Brisbane: a) Chromodoris splendida (Splendid nudibranch) b) Hexabranchus sanguineus (Spanish dancer)c) Tambia affinisd) Hypselodoris obscura (Obscure nudibranch)e) Hypselodoris jacksoni f) Mexichromis macropus (Big-foot nudibranch) g) Tambja morosa h) Tambja victoriae.

Fig. 11. Mollusc and bryozoan species recorded from the ex-HMAS Brisbane: a) Cronia aurantiana (Almond rock whelk) and Bryozoa Celleporaria sp.1 b) Cymatium parthenopeum (Broad-ripped triton) c) Dendrostrea folium (Leaf oyster) d) Streptopinna saccata (Wavy razor clam) e) Bryozoa Biflustra sp.1 f) Catenicella uberrima (Delicate sea moss) g) Bryozoa Idmidronea sp.1 h) Bryozoa Schizoporella sp.1..

Fig. 12. Echinoderm and crustacean species recorded from the ex-HMAS Brisbane: a) Himerometra robustipinna b) Comanthina nobilis (Noble featherstar) c) Diadema setosum d) Salmacis belli e) Temnopleurus alexandri f) Tripneustes gratilla g) Plagusia chabrus (Cleft-fronted bait crab) h) Panulirus versicolor.

Fig 13. Sea squirt species recorded from the ex-HMAS Brisbane: a) Cnemidocarpa stolonifera b) Herdmania grandis c) Phallusia millari d) Phallusia obesa e) Polycarpa ovata f) Polycarpa sp.3 g) Pyura stolinifera h) Phallusia julinea.

Fig 14. Sea squirt species recorded from the ex-HMAS Brisbane: a) Microcosmus exasperatus b) Polycarpa sp.1 36c) Ascidia sp. 1 (undet.) d) Rhopalaea crassa e) Eusynstyela latericius f) Eusynstyela latericius g) Didemnium Report for the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Department of Environment and Resource Management (DERM) Biological monitoring of the Ex-HMAS Brisbane Artificial Reef sp. 2 h) Symplegma rubra.

Fig. 15. Fish recorded from the ex-HMAS Brisbane: a) Lutjanus argentimaculatus (Mangrove Jack)b) Epinephelus undulostriatus (Maori Rockcod) c) Lethrinus laticaudus (Grass Emperor) d) Plectorhinchus flavomaculatus( Goldspotted Sweetlips) e) Lutjanus sebae (Red Emperor) f) Triso dermopterus (Oval Rockcod) and two Heniochus acuminatus (Longfin Bannerfish) g) Bodianus frenchii (Foxfish) h)Sufflamen bursa (Pallid Triggerfish).

Fig. 16. Fish recorded from the ex-HMAS Brisbane: a) Eviota albolineata (Whitelined Eviota)b) Eviota prasites (Hairfin Eviota) c & d)Norfolkia squamiceps (Scalyhead Threefin) e)Scorpaenopsis venosa (Raggy Scorpionfish) f) Dendrochirus zebra (Zebra Lionfish) g) Pempheris affinis (Blacktip Bullseye) h) Rhabdamia gracilis (Slender Cardinalfish).

Fig. 17. Fish recorded from the ex-HMAS Brisbane: a) Abudefduf bengalensis (Bengal Sergeant) and b) Parma oligolepis (Bigscale Scalyfin) guarding their eggs c)Ostracion cubicus (Yellow Boxfish) d)Amphiprion akindynos juvenile (Barrier Reef Anemonefish) e) Hypoplectrodes maccullochi (Halfbanded Seaperch) f) Pseudanthias rubrizonatus (Lilac-tip Basslet) g) Arothron stellatus (Starry Puffer) h) Lutjanus vitta. (Brownstripe Snapper).

Fig. 18. Fish recorded from the ex-HMAS Brisbane: a) Carangoides gymnostethus (Bludger Trevally) b) Taeniura meyeni (Blotched Fantail Ray) c) Epinephelus lanceolatus (Queensland Groper) d) Rhynchobatus australiae (Whitespotted Guitarfish) e)Pagrus auratus (Snapper) f) Naso annulatus (Ringtail Unicornfish) g) Dicotylichthys punctulatus (Threebar Porcupinefish) h) Epinephelus coioides (Goldspotted Rockcod).

Fig. 19. Fish species recorded on the reef, but not or only rarely recorded from the wreck: a) Choerodon fasciatus (Harlequin Tuskfisk) b) Amphiprion akindynos (Barrier Reef Anemonefish) c) Sargocentron rubrum (Red Squirrelfish) d) Amblyeleotris wheeleri (Burgundy Shrimpgoby) e) Sargocentron melanospilos (Blackspot Squirrelfish) f)Chaetodon rainfordi g) Archamia leai (Lea’s Cardinalfish) h) Amblyglyphidodon curacao (Staghorn Damsel).

Fig. 20. Fish species recorded on the reef, but not or only rarely recorded from the wreck: a) Crossosalarias macrospilos (Triplespot Blenny) b) Macropharyngodon choati (Choat’s Wrasse) c) Stethojulis interrupta (Brokenline Wrasse) d) Pomacentrus bankanensis (Speckled Damsel) e) Coris aurilineata (Goldlined Wrasse) f) Ogilbyina novaehollandiae (Multicolour Dottyback) g) Coris batuensis (Variegated Wrasse) h) Pentapodus aureofasciatus juvenile (Yellowstripe Threadfin Bream).

Fig. 21. Fish species recorded on the reef, but not or only rarely recorded from the wreck: a) Dascyllus reticulatus (Headband Humbug) b) Chaetodon trifascialis (Chevron Butterflyfish) c) Pomacentrus amboinensis (Ambon Damsel) d) Valenciennea strigata (Blueband Glidergoby) e) Chrysiptera talboti (Talbot’s Demoiselle) f) Macropharyngodon meleagris (Leopard Wrasse) g) Pempheris ypsilychnus (Ypsilon Bullseye) h) Oxymonacanthus longirostris (Harlequin Filefish).

Fig. 22. Sessile invertebrate assemblages on the wreck at a & b) vertical surfaces at 12 metres; c & d) vertical surfaces at 18 metres e & f)horizontal surfaces at 12 metres; g & h) horizontal surfaces at 18 metres.

Fig. 23. Comparison of the number of species based on a Rapid Ecological Assessment technique (REA) between: a) different parts of the wreck, and b) the wreck in 2006 and 2008 and the adjoining natural reef in 2008.

Fig. 24. a) Number of species of the six most speciose fish families, according to occurrence in the respective sectors of the wreck. b) Number of species of the six most speciose fish families, recorded on the wreck in 2006 and 2008, and on nearby natural reefs in 2008.

Fig. 25. Species accumulation curves for the difference in total species richness of ‘fouling communities’ among natural and artificial reefs in 2006 and 2008.

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Fig. 26. nMDS ordination for the difference between exposures (port - sheltered & starboard - exposed) and depths (12 & 18 m).

Fig. 27.Differences in the: a) percent coverage (mean ± SE) of sessile epifauna; b) species density (mean ± SE number of species per 625 cm2); and c) percent coverage (mean ± SE) of selected taxonomic groups, between exposures (port - sheltered & starboard - exposed) and depths (12 & 18 m).

Fig. 28. nMDS ordination for the difference between surface orientations (horizontal & vertical) and depths (12 & 18 m).

Fig. 29. Differences in the: a) percent coverage (mean ± SE) of sessile epifauna; b) species density (mean ± SE number of species per 625 cm2); and c) percent coverage (mean ± SE) of selected taxonomic groups, between surface orientations (horizontal & vertical) and depths (12 & 18 m).Fig. 30.

Fig. 30. nMDS ordination for the difference in composition of epifaunal assemblages between the artificial reef sampled in 2006 and 2008, and natural reefs sampled in 2008 a) on horizontal and b) vertical surfaces at 18 m depth.

Fig. 31. Differences in the: a) percent coverage (mean ± SE) of sessile epifauna; b) species density (mean ± SE number of species per 625 cm2), and c)images illustrating the difference between epifaunal assemblages on natural and artificial reefs sampled in 2008 on horizontal & vertical surfaces.

38 Report for the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Department of Environment and Resource Management (DERM) Biological monitoring of the Ex-HMAS Brisbane Artificial Reef

8. LIST OF TABLES

Table 1. Ex-HMAS Brisbane: Species list - Algae and Invertebrates. by sector of ship.

Table 2. Ex-HMAS Brisbane and Inner Gneering Shoals: Species list - Algae and Invertebrates

Table 3. Abundance of fishes visually recorded on wreck of HMAS Brisbane in November 2009, by sector of ship

Table 4: Abundance of fishes visually recorded at the wreck of ex-HMAS Brisbane during 2006 and 2008, versus at the adjacent inner Gneering Shoals in January/March 2009.

Table 5: ANOVA results for the difference in species density (species per 625 cm2) and % coverage of epifaunal assemblages between depth (12 & 18 m) and exposure (starboard & port) on the wreck.

Table 6: ANOVA results for the difference in % coverage of taxonomic groups between depth (12 & 18 m) and exposure (starboard & port) on the wreck.

Table 7: ANOVA results for the difference in species density (species per 625 cm2) and % coverage of epifaunal assemblages between depth (12 & 18 m) and surface orientation (horizontal & vertical) on the wreck.

Table 8: ANOVA results for the difference in % coverage of taxonomic groups between depth (12 & 18 m) and exposure (starboard & port) on the wreck.

Table 9: R-values for pairwise comparisons of the difference in assemblage composition on a) vertical and b) horizontal surfaces of the wreck in 2006 and 2008 with assemblages found in similar orientation on natural reefs.

APPeNDIX 1: Sessile invertebrate assemblages on the wreck at a) vertical surfaces at 12 metres in 2006; b) vertical surfaces at 12 metres in 2009; c) vertical surfaces at 18 metres in 2006; d) vertical surfaces at 18 metres in 2009; e) vertical surfaces at 25 metres in 2006; f) vertical surfaces at 25 metres in 2009.

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Fig. 1. The Ex- HMAS Brisbane Conservation Park diving site and the Inner Gneerings Shoals natural reef diving sites (‘The Trench’ and ‘Hanging Rock’). Map modified from: Environmental Protection Agency.

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