Volume 10, Number 1 Autumn 2004 ISSN 1321-7593 Print Post PP441412/00007

Six-fold increase to protected areas in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Kirsti Sampson, Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority On 24 March 2004, the Commonwealth Senate passed expertise in the socioeconomic and biophysical aspects of the legislation to enact the new Great Barrier Reef Representative GBRMP. Local knowledge was essential to implementing these Areas Program (RAP) Zoning Plan for the Great Barrier Reef principles. Marine Park (GBRMP). The Draft Zoning Plan (DZP) was developed using the best The new plan is a culmination of over four years of intensive available information from scientists, government agencies, local work by the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority communities, industry and other organisations, together with (GBRMPA). The plan includes a six-fold increase in highly information from the 10,190 submissions received during the protected areas (no-take zones). It will result in over 33% of the first formal Community Participation phase in 2002. GBRMP being protected within the world’s largest network The second formal phase of Community Participation was one of no-take zones, and will create a comprehensive ecological of the largest public consultations on any environmental issue in network representing all 70 bioregions within the GBR. Australia’s history. The Zoning Plan was developed in response to concerns that current levels of protection were inadequate to ensure that the • More than 10,000 packages of information, more than Great Barrier Reef remained a healthy, productive and resilient 50,000 submission forms, and more than 76,000 draft zoning ecosystem, now and into the future. maps were distributed throughout Australia. • Staff from the GBRMPA attended over 350 meetings with The preparation of the Zoning Plan was guided by ‘operational thousands of people from local communities, conservation principles’ developed by independent steering committees with groups, commercial and recreational fishing organisations, traditional owners, tourism operators, local councils, and state and federal politicians. CONTENTS • More than 35,000 ‘hits’ were received on the GBRMPA Six-fold increase to protected areas in the GBRMP ...... 1 website from across Australia and the world. Reactions to the GBR proposals ...... 3 • RAP media coverage included: Great Barrier Reef Water Quality Protection Plan ...... 5 – more than 60 radio and television news spots; New paper examines future scenarios for world’s – more than 450 newspaper items; and commercial fisheries ...... 5 – 88 newspaper advertisements. MPAs and displaced fishing effort – policy statement released ...... 6 Trawlers’ rights ...... 6 Information sessions were held in coastal communities from New total catch limits for 2004 for south-eastern fisheries ...... 6 Cape York to Bundaberg and were an integral part of the Demise of Orange Roughy points to trouble with second formal phase of Community Participation. The sessions deep sea fisheries ...... 6 were well attended and provided community members with an Coral catches in the South Tasman Rise Orange Roughy Fishery ... 7 Have your say in the government’s assessment of opportunity to find out more about the RAP and the DZP. commercial fisheries ...... 8 The GBRMPA received more than 21,000 submissions on the Seal threat to fisheries overstated ...... 9 DZP. Many submissions contained detailed information about Seafood industry hooked on environmental management ...... 9 changes to the DZP that individuals and/or organisations would Proposal to ban GWS products ...... 9 like to see, together with support for many aspects of the DZP. Place your bets on the big birds: the ultimate flutter ...... 10 In many instances communities worked together to develop Seabird agreement receives critical fifth ratification ...... 10 workable alternatives to those proposed in the DZP. New marine mammal law could spearhead ocean recovery ...... 11 The GBRMPA assessed all the submissions and used the DEH seeks comment on wildlife conservation plan for migratory shorebirds ...... 11 information to revise the DZP. Where submissions were not Defence committed to protecting the marine environment ...... 12 clear or needed further clarification GBRMPA staff undertook US Defense legislation affects marine life ...... 12 further consultations with stakeholders. The GBRMPA discussed Technology to help sea turtles ...... 12 with community members that no one person or group should New sanctuary for Grey Nurse Sharks a step closer ...... 13 assume that their views alone, or those of any other group or Permits for threatened species in Commonwealth areas individual, would be totally reflected in the final Zoning Plan; … and register of experts ...... 13 although such a comprehensive and inclusive consultation Government urged to oppose crocodile trophy hunting ...... 14 process has resulted in a Zoning Plan that minimises potential United Nations report documents saltwater aquarium trade ...... 14 negative social, cultural and economic impacts to communities Threatened marine species to be assessed for protection ...... 14 and users of the GBRMP. What options exist for ballast water treatment? ...... 15 Tin-free anti-fouling paint patch trials ...... 16 While the GBRMPA has been careful to minimise such effects, Marine pests get a cold introduction ...... 17 there will be some impacts from the new plan. Officers from New report on non-trading vessels and the spread the Bureau of Resource Sciences and the Bureau of Tourism of marine pests ...... 17 Research have undertaken independent socioeconomic UN agency agrees to accelerate single-hull tanker phase-out … ..18 assessments in conjunction with the GBRMPA to quantify … and help combat marine pests ...... 18 the range of benefits and costs of the revised Zoning Plan, New marine farming report released ...... 18 Farmed salmon more contaminated ...... 18 for all affected parties. These assessments formed the basis of The Australian Aquaculture Web Portal ...... 18 the Regulatory Impact Statement (RIS) that was submitted Report on environmental regulation and aquaculture released ....19 to Parliament with the revised Zoning Plan. The Australian New book on marine mammals ...... 19 Government has agreed in principle to a structural adjustment Ocean health briefing ...... 19 package for commercial fishers and others who may be adversely Citizen Science Toolbox online ...... 19 impacted by the implementation of the Zoning Plan. Aboriginal fishing practices in NSW ...... 20 The Zoning Plan is expected to come into effect from the Title recognised over gulf sea ...... 20 middle of the year, closing a third of the reef to fishing and other Rock pool mission to save reef ...... 20 Copper decimates coral reef spawning ...... 21 commercial activities. Valuing coral reefs: a travel cost analysis of the GBR ...... 22 The new Zoning Plan, when allied with the GBRMPA’s International forum and NMEA conference ...... 22 developments in sustainable tourism, frameworks for managing State pages ...... 23 the environmental impacts of fishing, and advances in Important dates ...... 30 catchment-based water quality management, will help ensure the protection of the GBR for future generations. DISCLAIMER: The views and opinions expressed in this Further information: See http://www.reefed.edu.au/rap/ (has publication are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect zoning maps) or contact Kirsti Sampson at the GBRMPA on those of the Commonwealth Government, the Minister for (07) 4750 0700 or [email protected] Environment and Heritage, Department of Environment and Heritage, the Chairperson of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority, or the Director of the Biodiversity Group. All material In another step forward for protection of marine areas, in Waves may be reprinted unless it has been sourced from an the Tasmanian Government has declared two large-scale unidentified publication whereby no reprint is authorised except by marine reserves around Port Davey in the State’s south- permission from the source publishers. west and the Kent Group of islands in Bass Strait (see Editor: Tim Allen Copy editing and layout: Barbara Vaughan Tasmanian News, page 29). Printing: Impact Printing, Melbourne, Victoria

2 Volume 10, Number 1, Autumn 2004 Reactions to the GBR proposals

Col McKenzie, Association of Marine Park Tourism Operators It is essential that current efforts to monitor the health of the The Representative Areas Plan (RAP) is the biggest step forward Great Barrier Reef are continued and enhanced to determine for conservationists in Australian history. whether current management efforts are sufficient or whether more is required to protect the Great Barrier Reef. In addition, This plan will provide protection for 33% of the Great Barrier an active program of enforcement of the RAP must be put into Reef from extractive industries and will help ensure that the reef place immediately, using the high level of community support will continue to be a major drawcard for tourists into the future. engendered by the RAP to facilitate this. The Prime Minister has called the plan ‘historic and visionary’, and this sentiment is fully supported by the local marine tourism While the introduction of the RAP is a very important one for industry as well. The big winners here are the Australian people the long-term maintenance of the World Heritage Area, it is and the marine tourism industry. only one process; other programs such as the recently announced Reef Water Quality Protection Plan must be also be enacted, In embarking on this amazing conservation effort and by and all fisheries operating within the World Heritage Area, sticking to the principle of ensuring that at least 20% of every both recreational and commercial, should be made ecologically bioregion within the reef is protected, the Government has sustainable. shown itself to be courageous in the face of minority interest groups. We now have an excellent plan that will benefit Finally, the way in which the RAP was enacted should be Australians into the future. Tourists will have more fish to see, adopted by other marine conservation agencies responsible for and we hope that the coral will regenerate faster as those fish managing and conserving marine biodiversity, both in Australia that eat coral predators, such as Crown of Thorns Starfish, once and overseas. again return to normal stock levels. ACRS congratulates the GBRMPA for undertaking this Further information: [email protected] mammoth task. Sadly, all these processes may be insufficient unless we can Don Henry, Australian Conservation Foundation (ACF) minimise the rate and magnitude of global warming. All Australians must continue to lobby the Australian Government The ACF congratulates the Commonwealth Government’s to recognise this real problem and act to mitigate it, something tabling in Parliament of the Great Barrier Reef Representative we have seen little of. Areas Program Zoning Plan as an important step forward for the reef’s protection but we believe that more needs to be done. Further information: [email protected] Currently less than 5% of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park is covered by the high protection green zones. Increasing this John Olsen, President, Queensland Seafood Industry Association to more than 30% is obviously a great improvement but leaves The progression of the RAP to the floor of the House of unanswered key environmental issues facing the reef, such as Representatives has answered some questions. Equally others land-based pollution, the effects of climate change and the threat remain unanswered. of oil exploration offshore from the reef. The study by the Bureau of Rural Sciences showing industry We are also disappointed that some of the 53 areas identified losses of in excess of $13,000,000 annually have rebutted by the GRBMPA as ‘special and unique’ have been given GBRMPA’s claim that impacts would be minimal. inadequate protection, in particular Bowling Green Bay, Princess Charlotte Bay and Repulse Bay. Federal Cabinet has agreed in principle to a restructure arrangement for fisheries in recognition that significant impacts This raises real concerns about the level of protection for will occur as a result of the RAP. Dugongs, dolphins, turtles and their habitats. Throughout discussions on the East Coast Trawl Fishery, This announcement of increased GBR protection comes as GBRMPA, the green movement and others made much of the Australia is directing more attention to its unique southern ‘beneficiary pays’ concept. The proponents of that argument have waters and sets a benchmark for marine protection in remained silent in this case, particularly in the case of tourism, negotiations underway for conservation of the waters off the big winners from RAP. Tasmania, South Australia and Victoria. Is there a case for the big winners (tourism) as beneficiaries Further information: [email protected] to pay compensation to the big losers (commercial fishers)? And also to the not-so-big losers (recreational fishers) for the Pat Hutchings, Executive President, Australian Coral Reef Society reallocation of area access within the GBRMP? (ACRS) The concept of marine park planning may prove to be beneficial The ACRS supports the rezoning of the Great Barrier Reef to the community and future generations long term. That is Marine Park based on the ‘biophysical operational principles’. open to question though and the community and the present This has ensured that at least 20% of each of the bioregions generation will bear great cost initially. Let’s hope that the identified in the marine park is now represented in a no-take or scientific guess work does bear fruit. green zone. This is the first time that there has been a scientific Further information: [email protected] basis to the Zoning Plan which is highly commendable. The ACRS hopes that this rezoning which is currently before both Houses of Parliament will be passed and become law.

Volume 10, Number 1, Autumn 2004 3 David Bateman AM, Executive Officer, SUNFISH Imogen Zethoven, World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) From the start SUNFISH realised that there would be restricted The plan to create the largest network of marine sanctuaries on areas and believed that the RAP would deliver a fair and earth is a stunning achievement. This is a win for all Australians. equitable management plan that would achieve protection for The new network of marine sanctuaries will result in very real the bioregions and biodiversity within the GBRMPA area. and tangible benefits for the health of the reef and its wildlife. It For that reason we supported the program and proposed ‘pink’ will also secure the jobs of thousands of Australians who make zones and total protection areas to achieve full protection from their living from this great tourism asset. interference by the public through increasing tourist activities. Australians are blessed to be the custodians of one of the world’s It was obvious from the start that the fishing industry was to be greatest natural treasures, yet, up until now, governments haven’t severely restricted, with total closures to the extent of 25% to given the reef the protection it needs. 30% over the reef and adjacent shoreline. These areas were to After our three-year campaign to conserve the Great Barrier remain open to nearly all other users without any restrictions. Reef, WWF is proud to be associated with this groundbreaking In the final ‘RAP up’ all we see is a set of fishing closures instead work. We hope the plan will inspire other countries around the of protected areas, 30% less area to fish, effort transfer as anglers world to better protect their coral reefs, and look forward to its compete with each other and commercial fishers, complicated implementation next year. enforcement issues, unrestricted access by all other users and no WWF Australia congratulates Dr Kemp for his leadership, and incentives for locals or tourists to go fishing. also recognises the excellent work of the Great Barrier Reef In short a ‘glorified fishing closure’ discriminating against all Marine Park Authority and the marine science community. Australians and especially those fishers that live in areas adjacent Further information: [email protected] to the GBR. Further information: [email protected]

The reaction from political parties …

Dr David Kemp, Minister for Environment and Heritage, Australian Senator Andrew Bartlett, Leader and Environment spokesperson, Government Australian Democrats The new Zoning Plan for the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park While there is much more to do, this new Zoning Plan is a – a Howard Government election promise – will provide the tremendous start. The Government deserves considerable praise. largest network of protected marine areas in the world. The Australian Democrats would like to see this level of By closely involving communities, advisory committees, industry protection raised to around 50% in the next 10–15 years. groups, local governments, state and federal representatives and Disappointingly, some important areas have been left without literally thousands of individuals, we have been able to gain a adequate protection. These include Princess Charlotte Bay, the wide cross-section of views to assist with the rezoning. Ribbon Reefs in the Far North, the inshore reef areas near The consultation process has ensured that social and economic Port Douglas, and certain areas around Hinchinbrook Island. impacts from the new plan are minimised and every community However, on the whole, the rezoning process has been very along the GBR coast will see obvious and substantial successful and provides a great basis for further improvements in adjustments to the Draft Zoning Plan. the future. Only 4.5% of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park is currently protected from extractive practices such as fishing and collecting Theresa Millard, Townsville Greens under current management arrangements. The vast weight of While expanded protection for the Great Barrier Reef is to be scientific evidence indicates that this is not enough. commended, it is unfortunate that the RAP approach has failed to protect many special and unique sites. Kelvin Thomson, Shadow Minister for Sustainability and the Environment, ALP The overall percentage of protected areas is being lifted to the north and east, which are away from the main fishing areas. Political interference and dirty dealing has compromised a plan to protect the Great Barrier Reef. … The zoning system has been undermined by the low level of protection given to such highly biodiverse areas as Missionary Labor supports increasing the level of protection of the Great Bay, Hinchinbrook Island, Princess Charlotte Bay on Cape York Barrier Reef based on the science, in consultation with and Bowling Green Bay near Townsville. stakeholders, and in a way that minimises impacts on the fishing industry. Labor also supports an appropriate structural adjustment Overall, the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority has package for those adversely affected by the plan. identified 53 special and unique sites that are within or partly within the marine park, yet has failed to adequately protect at However, the Government stands condemned for perverting least half of them. and politicising the consultation process which should have delivered a plan soundly based on science, which protects the Great Barrier Reef – and especially Repulse Bay – more comprehensively than this.

4 Volume 10, Number 1, Autumn 2004 Great Barrier Reef Water Quality Protection Plan The following is taken from a joint statement by the Commonwealth and Queensland governments, 5 December 2003

The Prime Minister, Mr John Howard, and the Queensland The plan identifies catchments and reefs at risk from run-off, Premier, Mr Peter Beattie, have signed the Great Barrier Reef and promotes best-practice land management and incentives to Water Quality Protection Plan, which will be implemented to protect and restore significant wetlands. arrest and reverse the decline in the quality of water entering the Mr Beattie said that innovative suggestions in this plan include: reef lagoon within ten years. • monitoring programs, where members of coastal and hinter- ‘Changes in the intensity of activities in the catchments adjacent land communities test and monitor water quality, under the to the reef have led to a decline in water quality entering the supervision of scientists; reef. The amount of sediment and nutrient washing into the reef • restoring lost stream bank vegetation, to repair nature’s filters has quadrupled since European settlement’, said the Minister for and reduce the volume of harmful mud and chemicals emp- the Environment and Heritage, Dr David Kemp. tying into waterways that lead to the reef; and • agreements involving the fertiliser, pesticide and herbicide Mr Beattie said, ‘Ultimately, the plan will make the reef healthier industries, including agreements between manufacturers and by improving the quality of water entering the reef lagoon. The producer groups to improve chemical use to deliver better immediate aim is to protect the reef from damage caused by value for producers, and to reduce harmful run-off. pollutants in run-off’. This announcement implements the commitment made by the Implementation of the plan will be supported with funds from Prime Minister and the Premier on 13 August 2002 to address the Australian Government’s $2.7 billion Natural Heritage Trust the impact of declining water quality entering the reef lagoon. and the $1.4 billion National Action Plan for Salinity and Water The plan also draws on the Productivity Commission report Quality jointly funded by the Australian and State governments. Industries, Land Use and Water Quality in the Great Barrier Reef Mr Beattie said that the Queensland Government was investing Catchment and the Science Panel’s Report on the Study of Land- an estimated $57.6 million in reef-related projects in 2003–04. Sourced Pollutants and their Impacts on Water Quality in and Adjacent ‘The Australian and Queensland governments will give priority to the Great Barrier Reef (the ‘Baker Report’). to projects addressing water quality issues when considering the Further information: For a copy of the Reef Water Quality funding of Natural Resource Management investment strategies Protection Plan go to http://www.deh.gov.au/coasts or http:// prepared by regions in the Great Barrier Reef catchment.’ www.thepremier.qld.gov.au/reefwater

New paper examines future scenarios for world’s commercial fisheries SeaWeb Ocean Update, December 2003

Formal analyses of long-term global marine fisheries prospects might also lead to a global fisheries industry ‘targeting profitable, have yet to be performed, claims a new paper in the journal mostly small, resilient invertebrates and keeping their predators Science, because ‘fisheries research focuses on local, species- (large fishes) depressed. Shrimp trawlers presently operate in this specific management issues’. This is despite the fact that the past way, with tremendous ecological impacts on bottom habitats’. decade ‘established that fisheries must be viewed as components of a global enterprise’. However, the paper continues, the Security first time has come ‘to look at the future of fisheries through a) With a security first scenario, ‘conflicts and inequality lead to identification and extrapolation of fundamental trends, and strong socioeconomic boundaries between rich and poor’. This b) development and exploration (with or without computer scenario would see the continuation of ‘fishing down marine simulation) of possible futures’. food webs’, including in the High Arctic, and the ‘subsidisation of rich countries’ fleets to their logical ends, including the The authors of the paper attempt to do just that. Extrapolation collapse of traditional fish stocks’. It would also ‘largely eliminate of some trends (for example, bottom fisheries) is relatively fish from the markets of countries still “developing” in 2050 and straightforward: ‘With satellite positioning and seafloor-imaging would also increase exports of polluting technologies to poorer systems, we will deplete deep slopes, canyons, seamounts, and countries, notably coastal aquaculture and/or fertilisation of the deep ocean ridges of local accumulations of bottom fishes’. open sea. This would have negative impacts on the remaining However, say the authors, predictions are ‘better embedded marine fisheries in the host countries, through harmful algal into scenario sets of coherent, plausible stories designed to blooms, diseases, and invasive species’. address complex questions about an uncertain future’. The paper examines four management approaches drawn up by the United Policy first Nations Environment Program. These are discussed below. Under a policy first scenario ‘a range of actions is undertaken Markets first by governments to balance social equity and environmental concerns’. Regulatory reforms, ‘coordinated between countries, With a market first scenario, ‘market considerations shape combined with marine reserve networks, massive reduction of environmental policy’. This might have some benefits such as fishing effort, especially gears that destroy bottom habitat and ‘the gradual elimination of the subsidies fueling overfishing’, generate large “bycatch”, and abatement of coastal pollution, as well as ‘the suppression of IUU (illegal, unregulated and may bring fisheries back from the brink and reduce the danger unreported) fishing which distorts economic rationality’. It of extinction for many species’.

Volume 10, Number 1, Autumn 2004 5 Sustainability first New total catch limits for 2004 for With a sustainability first scenario, ‘a value system change, south-eastern fisheries favouring sustainability’ would be required. This ‘would involve creating networks of marine reserves and careful monitoring and Abridged version of a media release from the Australian rebuilding a number of major stocks’, and would require ‘strong Fisheries Management Authority, 22 October 2003 decreases in fishing effort (typically 20% to 30% of current levels), and a redistribution of remaining effort across trophic In October 2003 the Australian Fisheries Management levels, from large top predators to small prey species’. Authority (AFMA) announced the total catch limits for 2004 The paper concludes that the scenarios ‘describe what might for each of the 20 key species of scalefish and shark caught in happen, not what will come to pass.’ Its authors note, however, Commonwealth waters off our eastern and southern coasts. that many of the fisheries they studied, for example in the North The commercial fisheries in this area – extending from Atlantic or Gulf of Thailand, ‘presently optimise nothing of Queensland’s Fraser Island down to Tasmania, and across to the benefit to society and it is doubtful that they will be around in southern coast of Western Australia – provide much of the fresh 2050’. fish for Australia’s restaurants, fast food outlets and dining tables. Further information: Daniel Pauly, Fisheries Centre, The total annual catch has an estimated value of $100 million. University of British Columbia, [email protected] AFMA sets an annual ‘total allowable catch’ (TAC) limit for each Source: Pauly, D et al. 2003, ‘World fisheries: the next 50 years’, of the target species after reviewing scientific assessments of the Science, 21 November, 2003 latest available information on stock levels. Fisheries managers and industry, scientific and environmental experts review the assessments before they are considered MPAs and displaced fishing effort by AFMA’s board. AFMA then allocates the TACs to fishing – policy statement released operators on the basis of their proportional quota holdings. Tim Allen, Marine and Coastal Community Network For 2004, the total catch for five of the twenty target species – Blue-eye Trevalla, Blue Grenadier, Ling, Spotted Warehou and The Australian Government has released a policy statement School Shark has been reduced. In the case of School Shark, for relating to adjustment assistance for the fishing industry in the example, the annual catch limit has been reduced from 527 t in advent of the declaration of new marine protected areas 1997 to 292 t in 2004 because the available scientific evidence (MPAs) in Commonwealth waters. The Australian Government shows that stocks are below sustainable levels. developed the policy framework in recognition that the AFMA has not changed the TAC for 14 of the 20 target species, decision to establish MPAs may have impacts on fishers and including Flathead, Orange Roughy (in two fishing sectors), fishing-dependent communities. The policy reaffirms a long- Gemfish, Blue Warehou, Jackass Morwong, John Dory, Mirror term objective of establishing a system of MPAs to safeguard Dory, Royal Red Prawn, Ocean Perch, School Whiting, Saw representative areas of marine bioregions for protection of Shark, Redfish, Silver Trevally and Gummy Shark. marine biodiversity, and recognises the need for secure access entitlements for the fishing industry. The policy also states that In the case of one species, Elephant Fish, AFMA has decided any decision on whether adjustment assistance will be provided to increase the catch levels by 31% because no immediate to fishers or fishing-dependent communities as a result of an biological concerns have been identified. MPA declaration or rezoning will be made on a case-by-case Further information: http://www.afma.gov.au basis. Further information: http://www.daff.gov.au/mpa and/or http://www.deh.gov.au/coasts/mpa/legal.html Demise of Orange Roughy points to trouble with deep sea fisheries Trawlers’ rights A new study, Managing Risk and Uncertainty in Deep Sea Fisheries: Lessons from Orange Roughy, published jointly by WWF and Trawl fishers have been offered new, long-term statutory fishing TRAFFIC, adds to the evidence that overfishing is rapidly rights across Commonwealth fisheries in south-eastern Australia. causing the demise of Orange Roughy and other popular food The Australian Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA) will fish species found in deep waters. offer rights to Commonwealth-licensed fishers in the trawl, gillnet, hook and trap sectors stretching from Queensland to ‘The report shows that some deep ocean fish stocks, like Orange Tasmania, and across to the Western Australian coastline. Roughy, have been wiped out in less than four years’, said Simon Habel, director of TRAFFIC – North America, the wildlife The new Southern and Eastern Scalefish and Shark (SESS) Fishery trade-monitoring network. ‘As people buy more and more Management Plan provides for more stable and secure boat Orange Roughy, they contribute to the pressures that could and quota fishing rights for operators rather than the annually ultimately take the fish right off their plates and out of the seas renewable permits that currently apply. as well.’ The United States is a significant and growing market The primary catches for the SESS Fishery included Blue for Orange Roughy, importing more than 19 million pounds Grenadier, Orange Roughy, Gummy Shark, Ling, Flathead and annually in recent years and accounting for nearly 90% of Redfish. documented catches. Further information: http://www.afma.gov.au Further information: Download the report from http:// www.panda.org/news_facts/publications/marine/index.cfm

6 Volume 10, Number 1, Autumn 2004 Coral catches in the South Tasman Rise Orange Roughy Fishery Owen Anderson, New Zealand National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research

A recent study has highlighted the high level of bycatch of Annual bycatch for three species groups as estimated from cold-water corals on seamounts when first fished by deep water observed trawls fishing trawlers. Estimated catch (t) Oreos Corals All other species Opportunities to examine bycatch in developing fisheries are rare, but such an opportunity arose in October 1997 when the 1997–98 7,411 1,762 120 New Zealand Ministry of Fisheries placed observers on New 1998–99 1,683 529 77 Zealand vessels leaving for the newly discovered South Tasman 1999–00 279 181 30 Rise Orange Roughy Fishery. 2000–01* 339 109 13 This fishery, which lies mostly in international waters south of * No observer coverage in this year; estimates based on bycatch the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) below Tasmania, operates on ratios from previous years. several small seamount features on the flanks of the main ridge Over time, as the coral was gradually removed from the area and summit. It was discovered in September 1997 and participation fishing effort eased due to declining catch rates, both the bycatch for the most part has been confined to New Zealand and ratio and estimates of total annual bycatch diminished, the latter Australian vessels. The annual landings of Orange Roughy were from about 1,750 t to 100 t per year. These estimates of coral high in the first few years, peaking at about 4,000 t in the catch are thought to be the first from a new Orange Roughy 1997–98 and 1999–2000 fishing years, then declining rapidly to fishery and were only possible due to the high level of observer the point where annual landings are now less than 200 t. coverage on vessels at the beginning of the fishery. Sea floor communities are easily damaged in Orange Roughy The coral bycatch comprised a large number of species, but was seamount fisheries because they tend to be fragile, erectile, slow dominated by Solenosmilia variabilis (see photo), a reef-forming growing and susceptible to the heavy fishing gear used. stony coral which provides the structural habitat for a wide Between October 1997 and August 2000 observers examined range of other invertebrate species. Many species of golden, and recorded the contents of 545 trawls, covering 10–22% of bamboo, black and soft corals were also identified from the the annual (New Zealand plus Australian) catch. They collected samples collected, and living among the coral reefs were a large a wide range of specimens, corals in particular, and brought number of polychaetes, echinoderms and crustaceans. them to the New Zealand National Institute of Water and Estimates of annual oreo bycatch matched the official landings Atmospheric Research (NIWA) for identification. data for these commercial species quite well, helping to validate Bycatch ratios – the ratio of bycatch weight to tow duration – the methodology, and showed a reduction in catch rates in the were calculated for the observed portion of the fishery and used observed period. Annual bycatch of all other species combined, to estimate total annual bycatch for three species groups: oreos mainly rattails (Macrouridae) and dogfishes (Squalidae), was low (mostly Smooth Oreo, Pseudocyttus maculatus, and Black Oreo, (13–120 t) and also showed a reduction in catch rates over time. Allocyttus niger), all coral species combined, and all other bycatch Further information: Owen Anderson species combined. [email protected] or visit NIWA at http:// The most notable outcome of this analysis was the large amount www.niwa.co.nz of coral trawled up from the seamounts. Observers recorded Source: The research presented in this article is a summary of coral in the catch of almost 40% of trawls. A hundred kilograms OF Anderson and MR Clark, 2003, ‘Analysis of Bycatch in the or more of coral was recorded in 12% of trawls and one tonne Fishery for Orange Roughy, Hoplostethus atlanticus, on the South or more in 5% of trawls, with one catch of 15 tonnes recorded. Tasman Rise’, Marine and Freshwater Research 54: 643–652.

An Orange Roughy swimming above a coral reef composed mostly of Solenosmilia variabilis. Sustainable Seafood Guide released Photograph courtesy of NIWA. Consumers now have access to Australia’s first national guide to making sustainable seafood choices. The guide has been produced by the Australian Marine Conservation Society, a national, not-for-profit, conservation organisation.

Australia’s Sustainable Seafood Guide includes: • a Sustainable Seafood Pocket Guide; • a conservation review of Australia’s commercial fishing gear; • a profile of Australia’s overfished Orange Roughy fishery; • insights into seafood labelling and the lack of it in Australia; • an introduction to the environmental impacts of marine farming; • a revealing look at seafood imports – how many and what they are.

Download the guide from http://www.amcs.org.au or call 1800 066 299 to receive a free printed copy.

Volume 10, Number 1, Autumn 2004 7 Have your say in the government’s assessment of commercial fisheries Edwina Davies Ward, Marine and Coastal Community Network

As readers would be aware, the Australian Government, Coral Reef Finfish through the Sustainable Fisheries Section of the Department Deep Water Demersal Finfish of the Environment and Heritage (DEH), is presently assessing East Coast Inshore and Estuarine Finfish the ecologically sustainable management of export and East Coast Pearl Commonwealth-managed fisheries. These assessments are to be East Coast Slipper Lobster completed by 1 December 2004. East Coast Spanish Mackerel East Coast Trochus To date, some 32 fisheries have been assessed by DEH, all of Gulf of Carpentaria Bêche-de-mer which have gained export approvals. Some 28 fisheries are yet to Gulf of Carpentaria Finfish Trawl be assessed, while 58 assessments are in progress. Gulf of Carpentaria Line A submission addressing the guidelines for fisheries still seeking Marine Aquarium Fish an export licence must be lodged with DEH by 1 June 2004. Moreton Bay Bêche-de-mer Assessments will then be undertaken, following the Guidelines Moreton Bay Trawl for the Ecologically Sustainable Management of Fisheries (see http:// River and Inshore Beam Trawl www.deh.gov.au/coasts/fisheries/assessments/index.html). Rock Lobster Rocky Reef Finfish There are three possible decisions on an assessment, namely: Specimen Shell a) exemption for five years, b) approval as a Wildlife Trade Operation for three years with conditions and annual reporting, South Australian Fisheries and c) prohibition of export. Blue Crab Lakes and Coorong Your opportunity to comment Marine Scalefish All fisheries assessments undertaken by DEH provide an Pilchard opportunity for public comment, and the Marine and Coastal Specimen Shell Community Network is keen to ensure community input to the assessment process. Tasmanian Fisheries Eel For example, do you have knowledge about interactions Jack Mackerel between a particular fishery and other species, particularly Octopus bycatch species? Do you have knowledge about the impacts of Scallop a particular fishery on marine ecosystems and/or habitats? Do you have views about the way in which a fishery is presently Victorian Fisheries managed or whether the management approach is ecologically Scallop sustainable? Do you have knowledge about protected species Sea Urchin interactions as well as about bycatch more generally? Western Australian Fisheries Over the coming months, the following assessments are to Aquarium Fish become available for public comment. Each of these assessments Bêche-de-mer is likely to have a public comment period of at least 28 days. The Blue Swimmer Crab fisheries are listed below. Kimberly Prawn Commonwealth Fisheries Midwest and South Coast Trawl Northern Demersal Macquarie Island Pilbara Demersal Trawl Norfolk Island Offshore Pilbara Trap and Line Russels Mackerel Pilchard (South and West) Skip Jack Tuna Salmon (South and West) Southern Squid Jig Scallops Torres Strait Bêche-de-mer Shark (North) Torres Strait Finfish Shark (South and West) New South Wales Fisheries South Coast Crustacean Abalone Spanish Mackerel Ocean Trap and Line Further information: Register your interest (and the fishery Ocean Trawl that you are interested in) with [email protected] Rock Lobster to be notified when assessments are available for public Sea Urchin and Turban Shell comment. Aquarium Bêche-de-mer To check progress of the fisheries assessments and decisions see http://www.deh.gov.au/coasts/fisheries/assessments/index.html Queensland Fisheries or contact the Sustainable Fisheries Section, Department of the Blue Swimmer Crab Environment and Heritage, GPO Box 787, Canberra, ACT Coastal Line and Net 2601, tel (02) 6274 1917.

8 Volume 10, Number 1, Autumn 2004 Seal threat to fisheries overstated Tony Flaherty, Marine and Coastal Community Network

Marine mammal researchers have questioned recent media wide range of conclusions, depending on the strength of various stories on the threat to fish stocks by a ‘seal boom’. In October predator and prey interactions. last year, Professor Bob Kearney from the University of Seal researcher Dr Peter Shaughnessy notes that not all seal Canberra stated on ABC radioi that seals will eat more and more species in southern Australia are increasing their numbers. species traditionally caught by fishers, and warned that fisheries On the contrary, the Australian Sea Lion has a relatively low managers will need to factor in a long-term increase in seal population size of about 11,000 and there is no evidence that it populations or risk the sustainability of key fish species. And in is increasing. To imply that more seals will mean that there is less an article in the print media earlier this year,ii these warnings fish for fishers is a simplistic argument. were reiterated. A United Nations Scientific Advisory Committee workshop However, in a major review of seal–fishery interactions in on marine mammal and fisheries interactions had previously Australia,iii seal ecologist Dr Simon Goldsworthy from La Trobe concluded that ‘in the real world, the potential benefits of a University has identified that such increases are more likely marine mammal cull in fishery yield could be similar to or less to produce mixed outcomes for commercial fish stocks. By than the normal fluctuations observed in fishery yield’. developing multi-species ecosystem models, his study identified that, although some commercial species showed positive, Further information: Tony Flaherty (08) 8302 6568 or negative and stable responses to increasing fur seal populations, [email protected] ultimately the overall biomass of commercial species available Sources: i ABC News Online, 14/10/03, ‘Seal boom threatens fish to fisheries changed very little. Only the biomass composition species’; ABC SA Country Hour, 14/10/03, ‘Fur seals could impact of the species changed. The study demonstrates the need to on fish stocks’. ii Andrew Darby, 5/1/04, ‘Seals’ taste for fish threatens take into account the complex food web interactions within stock’, Sydney Morning Herald. iii Simon D Goldsworthy, Cathy our marine ecosystems when addressing natural resource Bulman, Xi He, James Larcombe and Charles Littnan, September management issues. It highlights that seals are only one of many 2003, ‘Trophic Interactions Between Marine Mammals and Australian predators of fish, and in fact the greatest consumers of fish are Fisheries: An Ecosystem Approach’,Chapter 4 in Marine Mammals: other fish. In particular, one needs to examine those species of Fisheries, Tourism And Management Issues, eds Nicholas Gales, fish that prey on commercial fish, but are themselves consumed Mark Hindell, Rogers Kirkwood, CSIRO. by seals. Taking these interactions into account can lead to a

Seafood industry hooked on Proposal to ban GWS products environmental management The Australian Government is proposing to seek a listing of the Great White Shark (GWS) under the Convention on Damien Sweeney, Seafood Services Australia International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) Appendix Six Australian seafood industry sectors, covering wild harvest I at the next CITES meeting in October 2004. The GWS is and aquaculture, are implementing environmental management classified as vulnerable by the IUCN Red List of Threatened systems in a national Seafood EMS Pilot Project that will run for Species and is fully protected in Australia under the Environment three years. Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. An environmental management system (EMS) is a process used DEH is keen to hear public comment on the proposal and, in to manage environmental impacts, risks and opportunities. EMS particular, welcomes scientific comments on the conservation is based on a philosophy of continual improvement – that is, status of the species and the impact of harvesting and recognising current levels of performance and then systematically international trade on wild populations, plus any other relevant working towards realistic and achievable improvement for the information, including views on the benefit of a CITES listing future. for the species. Funded under a $655,000 Natural Heritage Trust grant, the Scientific evidence suggests that populations of Great White Seafood EMS Pilot Project is administered by Seafood Services Sharks have declined by at least 20% over the last three Australia (SSA). generations, and even more in some areas. The species is considered to be extremely vulnerable to target and bycatch Project participants come from all over Australia, and include fisheries, some of which supply high-value products for oyster farmers from Little Swanport Estuary in Tasmania, pearl international trade. producers of Australia, the Northern Territory Barramundi Fishery, Moreton Bay and Cairns Fisheries, Victoria Bays and Further information: Julien Colomer (02) 6274 1111; or to Inlets Fisheries, and the South Australian Rock Lobster Fishery. view the press release concerning Australia’s proposal to seek a This project will allow the six sectors involved to document, listing for the species from the Minister for the Environment and manage and reduce any impacts upon the environment. Heritage, Dr David Kemp, see http://www.deh.gov.au/minister/ env/2004/mr13feb04.html Further information: Damien Sweeney (02) 6281 0383 or [email protected] Forward comments to the Migratory and Marine Species Section, DEH, GPO Box 787, Canberra ACT 2601, or to [email protected]. Note that comments must be received by no later than 16 April 2004.

Volume 10, Number 1, Autumn 2004 9 Place your bets on the big birds: the Seabird agreement receives critical ultimate flutter fifth ratification Alex Kirby, BBC News Online Barry Baker, Australian Antarctic Division

Efforts to help endangered albatrosses are being boosted through The conservation of threatened seabirds received a major boost collaboration between birdlovers and a big bookmaker. The on 6 November 2003 when the Republic of South Africa scheme, the Ladbrokes.com Big Bird Race, invites punters to bet ratified the Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and on a group of albatrosses on a 6,000-mile flight. Money raised Petrels (ACAP) at a ceremony at the Department of Foreign as the birds migrate from Tasmania to South Africa is going Affairs and Trade in Canberra. to help seabird conservation projects. The UK’s Conservation The Republic of South Africa is the fifth country to become a Foundation, which thought up the idea, is working with party, meeting the threshold for ACAP’s entry into force, which Tasmanian scientists to learn about the birds’ migration route by occurred on 1 February 2004. South Africa joins Australia, New tagging them. Zealand, Ecuador and Spain as a party to ACAP. South Africa The group consists of 18 juvenile Tasmanian Shy Albatrosses, a played a key role in the negotiation of ACAP, and is home to reclusive species which nests on three islands off Tasmania: Pedra many important populations of albatrosses and petrels, including Blanca, Albatross Island and Mewstone. The electronic tags will those on the sub-Antarctic Prince Edward Islands. allow scientists to track the birds’ progress on the five-month Albatrosses and petrels are perhaps the most threatened group flight, which is expected to start around the end of March. of birds in the world. Of the world’s 24 species of albatrosses, Ladbrokes will be offering a variety of bets on the ‘race’ between 83% are considered to be endangered, which compares with the birds, with punters able to follow their progress online via 11% of bird species overall. For some populations, such as the satellite. Macquarie Island Wandering Albatross and Amsterdam Albatross, The company says, ‘Any income generated from the bets will be numbers remain so low (less than 10 and 15 breeding pairs each fed directly back into seabird conservation’. It will make nothing year, respectively) that they remain threatened with imminent from the event, but hopes the publicity will be enough of a extinction. While individual nations are taking measures to reward. protect albatrosses and petrels, these birds are susceptible to threats operating throughout their range. It is unlikely that The foundation asked Ladbrokes to back the event because conservation action by one nation will be effective in conserving it says the race is very like horse racing, especially the Grand highly migratory species such as albatrosses and petrels. Clearly National. They are two of the world’s longest steeplechases/ international action is required. migrations; there are major hurdles to overcome (the albatrosses will risk hypothermia over the Southern Ocean); the horses have Albatrosses and petrels are threatened globally at sea and on trainers, the birds have scientists monitoring them; each albatross land. Direct contact with fishing operations, eating or being will have the equivalent of an owner, a high-profile ‘backer’ (still entangled in marine debris, pollution and overfishing of their to be announced); in place of jockeys, the birds will carry tags; prey are major threats. In breeding colonies, they are threatened backers will be able to follow the action and bet on the outcome by predators, habitat damage, competition with other animals of both races. for nest space, parasites and disease. ACAP’s entry into force will allow members to implement an action plan to protect critical The Red List of Threatened Species, published by IUCN habitat, control non-native species detrimental to albatrosses – The World Conservation Union, says that two species of and petrels, introduce measures to reduce the incidental catch albatross are critically endangered, seven are endangered and of seabirds in longline fisheries, and support research into the ten are vulnerable. According to BirdLife International, pirate effective conservation of albatrosses and petrels. fishing in the Southern Ocean kills more than 100,000 seabirds – including tens of thousands of albatrosses – annually, with ACAP also recognises that there are existing international longline fishing in general estimated to kill 300,000 seabirds a instruments that contain some conservation measures relevant to year, including 100,000 albatrosses. seabirds, for example, the Convention for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources and the FAO International The Big Bird Race – otherwise known as The Ultimate Flutter Plan of Action for reducing incidental catch of birds in longline – aims to highlight the albatrosses’ plight, and the organisers fisheries. ACAP is a good example of the way in which want more countries, including the UK, to sign and ratify the cooperative and coordinated working relationships between international Agreement for the Conservation of Albatrosses and international instruments can enhance inter-governmental Petrels. efforts to protect our shared environment. Professor David Bellamy, co-founder of the Conservation Australia is currently acting as the Interim Secretariat for the Foundation, said, ‘The albatross is the most beautiful and iconic agreement, and will continue in this role until the first meeting bird in the world, but its existence is under extreme threat’. of the parties is held, when the location of the permanent ‘Hundreds of thousands are facing a gruesome death from badly- secretariat is determined by the parties. The agreement requires executed longline fishing practices. The race is a fantastic way of that the first meeting of the parties be held with a year of its highlighting the environmental disaster we are creating.’ entry into force. Further information: You can follow the birds’ progress at http: Further information: [email protected] //www.ladbrokes.com/bigbirdrace/ A press release on the ceremony can be found at http://www.deh.gov.au/minister/env/2003/mr06nov03.html

10 Volume 10, Number 1, Autumn 2004 New marine mammal law could lead ocean recovery Michelle Grady, Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society

Most of Australia’s massive coastline is home to populations of and cumulative effect of these threats. Although killing, injuring, at least 43 species of cetaceans (whales, dolphins and porpoises) taking, capturing and interfering with cetaceans is notionally – which is around half of all cetacean species found worldwide. prohibited, the system fails in its coverage and scope. This failure While a number of these species are threatened with extinction, also puts industry in an uncertain position. for some three-quarters of them their conservation status A simple and well-targeted Marine Mammal Protection Act is is unknown – which makes them in effect invisible to our needed, to drive prevention of threats, collaborative management, environment laws. coordination of research, collection of data, deployment of sound Australia no longer hunts whales and has declared all of the science, reporting of strandings and active assistance to fishers national waters the Australian Whale Sanctuary, but there are with accidental catches. many other threats to cetaceans and other marine mammals. Australia is rightly admired for its stand on international Whales and dolphins face the multiple threats of entanglement cetacean issues, particularly with the benchmark of protecting in fishing and shark ‘safety’ nets; bycatch (often a cruel death); all individual animals – but there is unfinished business on the contamination from chemical pollution; injury and displacement home front that needs attention. from the noise pollution that comes with shipping, sonar and Whales and dolphins are not only subject to all the threats seismic exploration for oil and gas, drilling noise and spills; prey present in the marine environment, they are high-order depredation; harassment from tourism; ship strikes; and deliberate predators and as such are often indicators of ecosystem health. shootings. They are, indeed, the symbols of the wonder of our oceans. Any one of these is bad enough, but not only is it almost Addressing the pressing cetacean conservation issues will advance impossible to prevent harm with our existing laws if the marine conservation in a fundamental way. science of distribution and abundance is lacking (as is usually Further information: Michelle Grady (08) 8232 0736 or the case in the marine environment), it is also the case that our [email protected] environment and resource laws do not deal with the combined

DEH seeks comment on wildlife conservation plan for migratory shorebirds Vicki Cronan, Department of the Environment and Heritage

The Department of the Environment and Heritage (DEH) is developing a Wildlife Conservation Plan (WCP) for migratory shorebirds in Australia. The WCP will set out the research and management actions necessary to support survival of migratory species listed under the Environment Protection Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. The WCP will also describe the actions required in Australia to implement the Action Plan for the Conservation of Shorebirds in the East Asian – Australasian Flyway. DEH is presently asking for comment concerning the topics to be covered in an issues paper for the WCP. Topics include: 1 Conservation goals – flyway, national and regional goals. 2 Conservation status, populations and priorities. 3 Threats/challenges – what are they in Australia? 4 NGO activities – do current programs complement one another? 5 Strategic direction – a combined effort between govern- ments and NGOs. 6 Monitoring – are we being efficient and thorough in our monitoring? 7 Population estimates and targets – protocols, rationale, methods, trends. The Red-necked Stint migrates to southern Australia each summer from 8 Regions – which regions need to be focused on? the northern hemisphere. Photograph by Clive Minton. 9 Species prioritisation. 10 Research needs – what is achievable? 11 Education and outreach – raising awareness within the general public, materials. Further information: see http://www.deh.gov.au/ 12 Habitat management – multiple use, private land, public biodiversity/migratory/shorebirds/index.html and/or contact access, dog-walking areas. Vicki Cronan (02) 6274 1879 or [email protected]

Volume 10, Number 1, Autumn 2004 11 Defence committed to protecting the US Defense legislation affects marine environment marine life Colin Trinder, Australian Department of Defence Sarah Dolman, Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society

The Department of Defence shares the concerns of many For many years, the rest of the world has aspired to the Australians that marine mammals such as whales need to be environmental legislation of the United States. The US Marine afforded the highest level of protection. The Royal Australian Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) has been the best example of Navy complies with the strictest environmental laws and legislative protection for marine mammals at a national level in implements the most stringent operating procedures of any the world since its introduction in 1972 – until now! military force in the world to ensure that marine mammals are Recently vital elements of the legislation have been considerably protected from possible interference caused by the operation of weakened by the US Department of Defense. Although the full vessels and the use of military sonar. ramifications of the legislative changes are not yet totally clear, This strict framework also aims to ensure that the marine there is no doubt that this is an unprecedented move. environment is sustained without compromising Australia’s The US Defense Authorization Bill was signed off by the US national interests and the needs of future generations. Government during November 2003. The Bill dilutes the definition of marine mammal ‘harassment’ for military readiness Defence has developed exercise planning guidelines and and related scientific research activities; it exempts ‘an action mitigation procedures to minimise any risks of adverse impacts or category of actions’ from compliance with any requirement on whales during the conduct of Defence maritime activities. of the MMPA that is necessary for national defence; and it These procedures have been implemented as standard practice by states that ‘takes’ under the MMPA shall not be restricted to a Navy vessels and are regularly reviewed and updated as scientific ‘specified geographical region’ or to ‘small numbers’ of animals. knowledge improves. There has been much debate in the US Congress questioning Ways in which the Navy manages aspects of its interaction with the case for weakening the Act – no Defense activities have marine mammals include: been refused because of the MMPA or associated legislation. We • avoiding areas known to be important to whales as much as do not currently know what impact these changes will make possible; to the future of marine mammal conservation in the US and • maintaining visual and acoustic lookouts when practicable; globally, particularly with regard to the earlier court decision (reported last year in Waves, vol 9, no 4) declaring restrictions • interrupting activities if whales are too close; on the US Low Frequency Active Sonar (LFAS) because of its • limiting sound output into the marine environment to the impact upon marine life. minimum level required for essential training or operations. The Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society (WDCS) believes The Defence Science and Technology Organisation (DSTO) is that these legislative changes do not meet the requirements for becoming increasingly recognised as a world leader in research precautionary decision making that are appropriate, principally into the effects of artificial noise on marine life. Defence given the vast uncertainty relating to marine mammal biology has provided around $2 million towards DSTO research and ecology and regarding the emerging and complex issue of into underwater sound over the next three years and is also the many threats they face. WDCS believes that powerful and facilitating independent scientific research into the distribution large organisations have the responsibility to act in a sensitive and migration patterns of whales. The results of this research will and precautionary manner in all their interactions with the help the Navy plan maritime activities that further minimise the natural world. We are very disappointed and concerned about potential for interaction with whales. these military-led developments in the US. Navy ships operate all around the Australian coastline and often Further information: Sarah Dolman (02) 6254 1754 or in areas frequented by whales, but with considerably fewer [email protected] and smaller ships than the merchant shipping that daily plies the Australian coast. There is no reason to link activities of naval or other ships to whale strandings, which are a common Technology to help sea turtles natural occurrence in Australian waters. Historically, over 1,700 stranding events on Australian shores, often involving more The US’s National Oceanographic and Atmospheric than one individual whale, have been recorded since European Administration (NOAA) has developed new technology to help settlement. No whale stranding has ever been associated with reduce accidental capture and harm to endangered sea turtles. maritime activities conducted by the Navy. NOAA, in cooperation with fishers and private industry, has completed three years of fishing-equipment research in the high These are just some of the commitments that Defence has seas of the Atlantic Ocean to develop turtle-friendly gear and made towards conserving and protecting whales and the marine fishing methods for commercial longline vessels. The agency environment. and partners have concluded that encounters with Leatherback and Loggerhead Turtles can be reduced by as much as 90% by Further information: see http://www.defence.gov.au/ switching from the traditional J-style hook baited with squid to environment or email [email protected] a large circle-style hook baited with mackerel. Further information: http://www.noaanews.noaa.gov/ stories2004/s2147.htm Source: GPA News Updates, 12 January 2004

12 Volume 10, Number 1, Autumn 2004 New sanctuary for Grey Nurse Sharks a step closer

The Department of the The Recovery Plan for the Grey Environment and Heritage Nurse Shark in Australia lists (DEH) has received over 19 aggregation sites along 250 submissions to the the east coast of Australia. Australian Government’s The Cod Grounds is one proposal to create a marine of two aggregation sites in reserve for the Grey Nurse Commonwealth waters. The Shark at the Cod Grounds site supports the highest mean – an area in Commonwealth percentage of female sharks waters approximately four when compared with all other nautical miles off the coast of sites surveyed off the coast of Laurieton, New South Wales. NSW. The Cod Grounds is 40 In releasing the proposal for metres deep and comprises the marine reserve, the Federal three submerged pinnacles, Minister for the Environment the tallest of which peaks and Heritage, Dr David Kemp, 18 metres below the surface. said, ‘The actions identified Each of the pinnacles is about in the Commonwealth plan 30 metres apart. require similar support by relevant State Governments, Under the proposal, the area as the Grey Nurse Shark within a 1,000-metre radius is predominantly found in of each of the three pinnacles State-managed waters. I urge would be proclaimed as a the States to adopt similar Commonwealth reserve measures to the Australian under the Environment Government and to work Protection and Biodiversity cooperatively to protect this Conservation Act 1999 and critically endangered species’. would be designated an IUCN Category 1a Reserve The public comment period (Strict Nature Reserve). on the Cod Grounds proposal closed on 20 February 2004. If an IUCN Category 1a Reserve is implemented, it Further information: see is envisaged that all fishing activities would be prohibited, diving http://www.deh.gov.au/coasts/mpa/cod-grounds/index.html or activities would be controlled, oil and gas exploration would be contact Matt Carr (02) 6274 1111 or [email protected]; banned, and research would only be allowed under permit. see also Queensland News, page 26 and NSW News, page 27

Grey Nurse Sharks with Permits for threatened species in fishing hooks (top: adult; bottom: juvenile). Commonwealth areas … Photographs by David Harasti http://www.daveharasti.com/. The Australian Government, under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act), now requires persons undertaking an activity that is likely to involve killing, injuring, taking, trading, keeping or moving a listed marine or coastal species in Commonwealth areas to obtain a permit. Commonwealth areas are lands owned or leased by the Commonwealth; external Territories (except Norfolk Island); Jervis Bay Territory; and Commonwealth waters, which are generally waters outside the three nautical mile limit of State or Northern Territory waters, out to the limit of the Australian exclusive economic zone (generally 200 nautical miles). For an application form: http://www.deh.gov.au/epbc/ permits/species/standard.html … and register of experts DEH has an established register of persons or bodies to be consulted on applications for permits to undertake actions that may impact on listed marine or coastal species, as specified under Section 266A of the EPBC Act. Further information: http://www.deh.gov.au/epbc/ publicnotices/species/register.html

Volume 10, Number 1, Autumn 2004 13 Australian Government urged to oppose crocodile trophy hunting Averil Bones, Humane Society International

The Humane Society International (HSI) is urging the by both Coalition and ALP federal governments, but comes Australian Government to reject a Northern Territory under strong pressure each time the export management plan is Government proposal that would allow tourists to come due for renewal. to Australia to hunt crocodiles for trophies. The proposal in the Draft Management Plan for Crocodylus porosus in the Crocodiles were protected in 1971 after commercial hunting Northern Territory is currently before the Federal Minister for took numbers down to extremely low levels. Protection has Environment and Heritage, Dr David Kemp, for his approval allowed the population to recover. A ban on commercial exports under the export provisions of the Environment Protection and was lifted in 1985 and Australia currently exports approximately Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. The plan, if approved, will be 12,000 crocodile skins a year. in place until 31 December 2008. The public comment period on the wildlife trade management Australian Government policy is to prohibit safari hunting plan for Crocodylus porosus closed on 6 February 2004. of native animals. The prohibition of ‘recreational hunting of Further information: DEH (02) 6274 1111 or Averil Bones crocodiles for profit’ has been a condition of previous approvals (02) 9973 1728 or [email protected] for crocodile export. The policy has been upheld for many years

United Nations report documents Threatened marine species to be saltwater aquarium trade assessed for protection From SeaWeb Ocean Update, November 2003 Averil Bones, Humane Society International

Over 20 million tropical fish, 9 to 10 million animals such as The Humane Society International (HIS) has submitted a molluscs, shrimps and anemones, and up to 12 million stony number of proposals for the Federal Government to nominate corals are being harvested annually to supply the booming to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species marine aquarium trade in Europe and the United States, of Flora and Fauna (CITES). Where cooperative international according to the most comprehensive global survey ever management has the potential to result in sustainable trade, we undertaken. have recommended Appendix II listing. Such listing, which would provide for regulated international trade, we believe is From Ocean to Aquarium: The Global Trade in Marine Ornamentals, appropriate for a number of species for which there is currently produced by the United Nations Environment Program’s World no effective regulatory framework. We have recommended Conservation Monitoring Center (UNEP-WCMC) places the Appendix I listings, or bans on trade, for those species we believe value of aquarium creatures in trade at between $200 and $330 cannot sustain any level of international trade. million annually. In the new report South-East Asia is shown to be the main source of the trade, but ornamental marine species The next Conference of Parties is due to take place in October are increasingly being taken from several island nations in the 2004 and we are urging the Australian Government to put Indian and Pacific Oceans. Most of the demand comes from the forward proposals to list Great White Shark (see page 9), Nautilus United States, Europe and, to a lesser extent, Japan. and Allonautilus species under Appendix I, as data suggests these species are unable to support international trade. We are Unlike freshwater aquarium species, where 90% of fish species also urging the Australian Government to pursue Appendix II are currently farmed, the great majority of marine aquariums listings for Patagonian Toothfish, Orange Roughy, Southern are stocked from wild-caught species. The report notes that the Bluefin Tuna, Hound Shark (the family Triakidae) and Blue techniques involved in catching coral reef fish, in particular, can Shark in order to ensure that future levels of international trade cause irreversible damage to the reef environments, and can also do not result in detriment to the biological health of current put pressure on the populations that are being exploited. The populations. report therefore recommends, at the source country level, the implementation of appropriate quotas and catch size limits, the Nominations have also been submitted to list Southern Bluefin designation of marine reserves, and greater use of permits. In Tuna, Orange Roughy and School Shark as threatened species addition, it calls for greater local farming of commonly traded under the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity species, in order to take some of the pressure off wild stocks and Conservation Act 1999, and to list demersal trawl and Danish to avoid removing livelihoods from local communities. seine fishing as a key threatening process. A decision from Dr David Kemp, Minister for the Environment and Heritage, on Further information: Robert Bisset on 0011 33 1 44377613 HIS’s nomination to list Eastern Gemfish as endangered under or email [email protected] the Act is now overdue.

Source: Wabnitz, C, et al, 2003, From Ocean to Aquarium: Further information: Averil Bones (02) 9973 1728 or The Global Trade in Marine Ornamentals, UNEP-WCMC, [email protected] Cambridge, UK (available from http://www.unep-wcmc.org/resources/ publications/UNEP_WCMC_bio_series/17.htm)

14 Volume 10, Number 1, Autumn 2004 What options exist for ballast water treatment? Karen McDowell, West Coast Ballast Outreach Project, California Sea Grant Extension Program

Water bodies worldwide are being invaded by non-native aquatic species. One of the primary vectors for the transfer of aquatic nuisance species is ballast water. Ballast water is an essential component of ship operations, providing proper trim, stability, propeller immersion, and maintaining safe levels of hull stresses in various states of loading. As ballast water is adjusted and flushed into the waters of destination ports during loading and unloading, organisms in the water are also released into the local ecosystem. In some cases, organisms are able to survive and flourish in their new habitat, creating problems for native species and ecosystems. Once a species is established in a new area, it is very difficult to manage and nearly impossible to eliminate. The United Nations International Maritime Organization (IMO) has developed voluntary guidelines for ballast water management. Currently, open-ocean exchange is the only approved tool for ballast water management. An open-ocean exchange requires ballast water from coastal or port areas to be exchanged with ocean water (at least 200 nautical miles offshore and at least 2,000 metres deep). This process can take anywhere from several hours to a few days depending on the vessel type, method of ballast exchange, and volume of the ballast tanks. Although this technique is effective at reducing the risk of invasion, the majority of stakeholders agree that open-ocean exchange is only a ‘stop-gap solution’. Ballast water treatment technology is widely viewed as the ultimate solution. An effective ballast water treatment technology must be safe (in terms of the ship and its crew); environmentally acceptable (not causing more or greater environmental impacts than it solves); practicable (compatible with ship design and operations); cost- effective; and biologically effective (removing or killing aquatic More preventative action is needed to stop the spread of the Northern Pacific organisms and pathogens found in ballast water). It has been very Seastar across southern Australian waters (see also Victorian News, page 28). challenging for equipment vendors to develop a system that can Photograph by Terry Bogue. kill or remove a broad spectrum of organisms while maintaining the IMO to develop an effective ballast water treatment standard. the high flow rates and large volumes of ballast water that are Currently, the international community is looking to set a needed to maintain normal operations on a vessel. In addition, discharge standard that would nominate a maximum allowable any discharge from the vessel must be environmentally safe, concentration for organisms discharged (ie ‘x’ number of which is particularly important if chemical treatments are used. zooplankton/litre of ballast water). Once the standard is set, the A suite of treatment systems will probably be needed to equipment would be type-tested, so that any given system would accommodate the wide variety of vessel types that require ballast be able to meet the standard under a given set of ‘challenge’ water for operation. Some systems might work well on vessels conditions. The International Convention for the Control and that use low volumes and low flow rates (ie passenger vessels and Management of Ships Ballast Water and Sediments was adopted container vessels), while other technologies will be better able to by consensus at the IMO in London on Friday 13 February 2004. manage large volumes and flow rates (ie bulk carriers and tankers). The convention will include a ballast water treatment standard. In addition to the complexity of developing an effective Another obstacle to the development of treatment technologies treatment system to meet the above criteria, several other has been the lack of testing protocols. The diverse nature of obstacles have impeded the development of treatment testing protocols has made it difficult to accurately compare and technologies. The main obstacles include the lack of a ballast evaluate treatment technologies. In the US, the Coast Guard water treatment standard, the lack of testing protocols, and the joined forces with the Environmental Protection Agency’s lack of coordination and collaboration. Over the past several Environmental Technology Verification (ETV) program years, researchers, regulators, equipment vendors and members of to develop a pilot program for ballast water. The advisory the maritime industry have worked to resolve these issues so that committee determined that the top priority was to provide the development of ballast water treatment technologies could guidelines for verification test protocols at land-based facilities move forward more quickly. for ballast water treatment systems (designed for shipboard Currently, regulators use the effectiveness of open-ocean and/or onshore treatment). Currently, the protocol is still being exchange as a minimum standard for ballast water treatment refined and the program managers are looking to schedule a technologies. The problem with this definition is that the pilot test of the verification protocol. An overriding concern that effectiveness of open-ocean exchange can vary greatly between became evident during protocol development was the potential vessels. Because of this, many countries have been working with for verification testing to become prohibitively expensive for

Volume 10, Number 1, Autumn 2004 15 vendors. The ETV advisory committee is working to ensure Treatment R&D Symposium in London. Although a variety that it will provide purchasers and regulators with adequate of treatment technologies were reviewed, most of the results performance information in a cost-effective fashion. The ETV were still fairly preliminary. Some of the promising technologies program representatives have been working closely with the include filtration, heat, UV irradiation, hydrocyclonic separation, international community and the IMO to help refine the testing electro-ionisation, biocides, and deoxygenation. Although it protocols, and integrate them into the international program. is not clear at this time what technologies will be part of the solution, it is clear that considerable progress has been made with One of the final impediments to the development of treatment respect to the ability to compare and evaluate the effectiveness technologies has been a lack of communication, coordination of ballast water treatment systems. Work on the ballast water and collaboration. Successful treatment technology experiments issue at the state and federal level in the US, Australia and many require a collaborative effort between equipment vendors, the other countries, has provided invaluable information to the shipping industry, regulators and researchers. Vendors and vessel IMO, to help develop an effective international convention. owners must work closely with the regulatory community and Continued international collaborations, coordination efforts, researchers to ensure that the testing of the treatment system and symposiums will drive us closer to effective management of is accurate and is in line with pending regulations. Recent ballast water. collaborative research projects that have been conducted in a variety of countries around the world have resulted in significant Further information: Visit the GloBallast website at http: progress in developing testing protocols, designing repeatable //globallast.imo.org to learn about the IMO Draft Convention, experiments that have consistent results, and identifying an the Ballast Water Treatment Technology R&D Directory, and effective suite of sampling assays. The coordinating efforts of international coordination efforts. the GEF/UNDP/IMO GloBallast program has helped with For information about ballast water developments in the US, information exchange and to focus research on key issues visit the West Coast Ballast Outreach Project’s website at http:// impeding the development of technologies. ballast-outreac-ucsgep.ucdavis.edu, or the National Ballast Water In the summer of 2003, the GEF/UNDP/IMO GloBallast Clearinghouse website at http://invasions.si.edu/ballast.htm. Program sponsored the Second International Ballast Water

Tin-free anti-fouling Paint Patch Trials Angela Gillham, Australian Shipowners Association

The Paint Patch Trials (PPT) project is a cooperative project between the Australian Shipowners Association, the Defence Science and Technology Organisation (DSTO), the Australian Paint Manufacturers Federation and the Commonwealth Department of the Environment and Heritage to trial new tributyltin (TBT) free anti-fouling paint on commercial ships. Funded through Natural Heritage Trust, the trials have had very positive results, which show the new TBT-free paint to be an effective alternative. Anti-fouling systems on ships are necessary in order to reach and maintain required speeds more efficiently, thus minimising fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, and saving time and money. Further, a clean hull, free of biofoul, helps to prevent marine pest incursions and domestic translocation of marine pests from port to port. From the 1960s TBT, a toxic organotin compound, has been the active ingredient in anti-fouling paint for both commercial and recreational vessels. Although a very effective anti-fouling agent, TBT was found to leach into the water column in ports and marinas, having devastating impacts on marine life. In response to the issue, the States and the Northern Territory have already banned the use of TBT on vessels less than 24 metres long, and in 2002 Australia became a signatory to the International Convention on the Control of Harmful Anti- fouling Systems on Ships. It is anticipated that Australian legislation giving effect to the convention has been drafted and is expected to enter into force in 2004. From 2008 TBT will no longer be allowed to be present on ships in Australian ports Badly fouled hull. Photograph courtesy of the Defence Science and Technology Organisation. unless sealed to prevent it leaching into the environment. Coinciding with the international and domestic banning of of some of the emerging TBT alternative paint on ships under TBT containing anti-fouling paints, the PPT presented a commercial conditions. Important project outcomes include significant opportunity to independently test the effectiveness increasing industry confidence in the new tin-free anti-fouling

16 Volume 10, Number 1, Autumn 2004 paints, assisting with approval for use and sale of the products in Marine pests get a cold introduction Australia and increasing the number of available products on the market. Abridged from a media release from Senator Ian Macdonald,11 March 2004 Four ships engaged in different voyages along the east coast of Australia – the MV Lady Kari-Ann, the MV Iron Monarch, the The Australian Government has injected $3.87 million from MV Iron Chieftain and the MV Alltrans – were painted with the Natural Heritage Trust to further develop a national system three to five patches of different brand tin-free anti-fouling to manage introduced marine pests. Senator Ian Macdonald, paints in 2001 to 2002. Minister for Fisheries, Forestry and Conservation, said the fund- To assess the performance of the paint over time, in-water hull ing builds on $920,000 provided in 2002 to set up the National inspections were scheduled for 12 and 24 months following System for the Prevention and Management of Marine Pest paint application. Underwater still images and video footage of Incursions, and will help ensure that the system: each of the paint patches (TBT-free) and the main hull system • develops a national approach to managing ways that marine (TBT) were taken and samples of any organisms found attached pests spread, including in the ballast water discharged by ships to the patches were collected. and by clinging to hulls; • identifies ways of controlling or eradicating established pests; Observations so far have been positive in terms of paint • establishes more cooperative arrangements between all performance, with some algal hull fouling evident but no Australian jurisdictions to boost our emergency preparedness animal biofoul present on any of the trial patches. The TBT-free and response measures. alternatives appear to be as effective in preventing hull fouling as the old TBT products. Further information: David Crisafulli (07) 4771 3066 or 0400 144 483 This is good news for industry and the environment. To view the media report see http://www.affa.gov.au/ministers/ Further information: Angela Gillham (03) 9646 0755 or macdonald/releases/2004/04041m.html. [email protected]

New report on non-trading vessels and the spread of marine pests Bureau of Rural Sciences

A new report released by the Australian Government Bureau of Managing the facilities used by domestic vessels, such as ports, Rural Sciences (BRS) examines the potential for boats travelling marinas and slipways, is also vital. In these sites pests can typically in Australian waters to aid the spread of introduced marine pests ‘infect’ vessels either through biofouling, entanglement in fishing along the coast, either attached to the hulls of boats or secreted gear or anchor warps, or entrainment in water-filled spaces. in various other submerged or damp refuges. Domestic Vessel Movements and the Spread of Marine Pests: Risks and Management Major findings Approaches, written by Martine Kinloch, Rupert Summerson Even the authors were surprised to discover the variety and and Danielle Curran and commissioned by the National Oceans scale of marine activities involving various watercraft. Some Office, was triggered by the high priority given by community interesting facts that emerged from the study are: and industry stakeholders to marine pest issues during the 1 Nineteen sectors of non-trading vessel were identified. regional marine planning process. The report is designed 2 A combined fleet of nearly 1 million vessels undertakes to inform the development of the National System for the domestic voyages throughout Australian marine waters. Prevention and Management of Marine Pest Incursions. 3 Over 98% of these vessels are privately owned recreational boats such as yachts, tinnies and cabin cruisers. What is the report about? 4 Almost 15,000 vessels are owned and operated by govern- The BRS report explicitly excludes coastal merchant trading ment agencies, community associations or the private sector ships, but instead comprehensively reviews all domestic non- and are involved in activities as varied as maintenance and trading vessel activity. It addresses vessels operating in Australian installation of marine infrastructure, enforcement, defence, waters, whether based here permanently or transient visitors; research, tourism and fishing. for example, ferries, water taxis, Customs launches, fishing boats, 5 Vessels range from 2 to 175 metres long and undertake cruise ships, research vessels and tug boats. The report describes voyages in all types of marine environments, throughout the the activities of these vessels, and documents and maps their exclusive economic zone. distribution and describes their operational practices. These 6 Around a dozen mobile drilling rigs operate in Australian factors are used to assess the potential risk of vessels translocating waters each year. These structures are like large, semi-sub- an introduced marine pest to a new location. merged artificial reefs that on occasion undertake voy- The report also examines current arrangements for managing ages between the North West Shelf and Bass Strait. They and mitigating marine pest translocation risks and recommends a are towed at speeds of around two knots, which is not fast suite of options for improving or extending existing structures. enough to dislodge attached fouling. Suggestions include education campaigns, industry guidelines 7 Offshore support vessels offer a number of opportunities for and codes of conduct, and using existing safety inspections for pest translocations, including port-to-rig, rig-to-rig and rig- detecting marine pests. This information will be used to develop to-port. Both the rigs and the offshore support vessels may and implement national best management practice through the arrive in Australian waters directly from overseas, potentially National Introduced Marine Pest Coordination Group. carrying fouling from foreign ports.

Volume 10, Number 1, Autumn 2004 17 8 Cable ships routinely operate in waters that are sufficiently New marine farming report released shallow for marine pests to occur and are known to entrain marine organisms on remotely operated equipment (although SeaWeb, a leading independent, non-profit US organisation routine cleaning practices should remove these). dedicated to improving Americans’ awareness and support for marine conservation, has recently released a report on Risk assessment approaches towards ecologically sustainable aquaculture entitled For each of the 19 sectors of vessel, the authors examined At a Crossroads: Will Aquaculture Fulfill the Promise of the Blue the likelihood of pest entrainment and the opportunities for Revolution? translocation from site to site. Factors that were considered to The report recommends a new paradigm for aquaculture influence entrainment potential included the size of vessels that is based on environmental, social and economic aspects (representing the surface area available for fouling); deployment of development. It identifies a number of alternative ways of gear into the marine environment; interaction with the forward in the development of aquaculture, including ecological seabed; availability of refugia; time spent in inshore environments aquaculture, organic aquaculture, polyculture, mollusc farming, where pests occur (particularly ports and marinas); and vessel and closed and low discharge aquaculture. These alternative maintenance regimes. Greater translocation opportunities exist practices have been successfully implemented in different areas of for high-volume sectors where vessels are in frequent operation, the world; however, they must be examined for their application visit many nodes and travel over greater distances. on a wider scale. Industrial vessels, such as commercial fishing boats, barges, lighters, dredges and offshore petroleum support vessels, were Further information: The 17-page report can be downloaded assessed as presenting the highest risk of spreading marine from http://www.seaweb.org/resources/sac/sustainable.html. pests. Small trailered recreational vessels and coastguard and To learn about the report or to provide feedback, contact Bill government patrol boats were assessed as lowest risk. Yachts, Mott at [email protected]. Also see http://www.Aquac which are thought to have been the vector responsible for the ultureClearinghouse.org. invasion of the Black-Striped Mussel into Darwin Harbour in 1999, were ranked as medium risk for domestic translocations. Further information: The report is available from the National Farmed salmon more contaminated Oceans Office website at http://www.oceans.gov.au. Research published in the 9 January 2004 issue of Science has kicked off a flurry of controversy about the risks of eating farmed salmon versus their wild counterparts. The study UN agency agrees to accelerate single- compared organochlorine contaminants from approximately 700 hull tanker phase-out … farmed and wild salmon collected from around the world. The United Nations agency responsible for maritime issues has Of the 14 contaminants compared, concentrations of 13 brought forward the deadline for phasing out single-hull tankers were significantly higher in the farmed samples. Farmed by five years, to 2010. A meeting of the International Maritime samples from Scotland and the Faroe Islands were the most Organization’s (IMO) Marine Environment Protection contaminated, and farmed samples from Chile and Washington Committee in London has agreed to accelerate the deadline, State (USA) the least contaminated. The study stated, ‘The large thereby amending the International Convention for the differences between the farmed and wild salmon contaminant Prevention of Pollution from Ships. concentrations are most likely a function of their diet’. Source: UN News Center, 5 December 2003 Further information: Download the study from http:// … and help combat marine pests www.pewtrusts.com/ideas/ideas_item.cfm?content_item_ id=2097&content_t or visit the Salmon Farm Monitor website The IMO will adopt a new international convention to prevent and subscribe to their monthly newsletter at http://www.salmon the potentially devastating effects of the spread of harmful farmmonitor.org. aquatic organisms carried by ships’ ballast water. Source: Seaspan, the newsletter of the Pew Charitable Trusts The convention will require all ships to implement a Ballast Environment Program Water and Sediments Management Plan, carry a Ballast Water Record Book and undertake ballast water management procedures to a given standard. The Australian Aquaculture Web Portal The move comes as an urgent reminder of the serious risks to marine environments and industries posed by the global spread A new website for the Australian aquaculture industry is now of introduced marine pests. In 1999 the Australian Government online. It is one of ten initiatives of the Australian Government’s introduced its own arrangements in response to the delay in Aquaculture Industry Action Agenda. The website features reaching international agreement on ballast water management links to relevant Australian and overseas aquaculture websites, and implementing mandatory controls. a member’s information section, and a section to post minutes from meetings and agendas for up-and-coming events. It also has Further information: http://globallast.imo.org/ or contact a comprehensive ‘conference portal’ to keep members and others Lee Adamson on [email protected] up to date on current and future conferences. Sources: IMO media release ‘Alien invaders in ballast water – new Further information: http://www.australian- Convention adopted at IMO’, http://www.imo.org/home.asp aquacultureportal.com

18 Volume 10, Number 1, Autumn 2004 Report on environmental regulation and aquaculture released Tony Flaherty, Marine and Coastal Community Network

The Productivity Commission has released Assessing Industry has used the report’s release to claim that the industry Environmental Regulatory Arrangements for Aquaculture, a report is overregulated. On ABC Radio, South Australian Aquaculture that reviews existing planning and environmental regulatory Council Chairman, Bruce Zippel, stated that environmental arrangements for aquaculture in Australia. monitoring regulations had increased significantly; he expressed concerns that the burden of regulation was discouraging Key points of the report are the significant differences between newcomers from coming into the industry and was making States in the way aquaculture is regulated and administered. The Australia less competitive. report claims that the development of the aquaculture industry is constrained by an unnecessarily complex array of legislation and However, South Australian Marine Conservation Society regulatory agencies, covering marine and coastal management, President, Paul Hastings, stated that aquaculture needed more environmental management, land use planning, land tenure, regulation, ‘as it’s yet to prove it’s sustainable’. quarantine and translocation. Further information: The report is available at http:// The paper also highlights the conflict of interest in state agencies www.pc.gov.au/research/crp/aquaculture/mediarelease.html responsible for regulating aquaculture due to the potentially Other sources: ABC Rural News, 03/02/2004, ‘Aquaculturists conflicting functions of policy development, implementation of claim over-regulation’, http://www.abc.net.au/rural/news/stories/ regulation, industry promotion and development, and research. s1036979.htm

New book on marine mammals Citizen Science Toolbox online Marine Mammals: Fisheries, Tourism and Management Issues arose Don Alcock, Coastal CRC from the Southern Hemisphere Marine Mammal Conference, held in Victoria in May 2001. Published by CSIRO, the 458- A new online resource produced by the Coastal CRC will help page book brings together contributions from 68 leading community groups participate in decision making and improve scientists from 12 countries to provide a comprehensive, up-to- natural resource partnerships for sustainability. The Citizen Science date review on the way we manage our interactions with whales, Toolbox is a free resource of principles and strategies to enhance dolphins, seals and Dugongs. The book examines how we have stakeholder involvement in any planning or governance related fared conserving the world’s marine mammal populations, with a project. Meaningful involvement of all stakeholders occurs focus on the key issues of fisheries and tourism. through a commitment to social learning, which includes learning on the part of communities, other stakeholders and The authors consider how science informs the culling debate, institutions. how wild fisheries and aquaculture interact with marine mammal populations, and how we might manage the effects of The Citizen Science Toolbox helps people search for appropriate whale, dolphin and seal watching industries. The authors also tools for different types of community consultation, address other issues such as the way in which ethics, genetics, communication, capacity-building or partnership activities. The acoustics, ecosystem models and pollution influence the website provides a handy function to select the best types of management and conservation of marine mammals. participation for your organisation or program, based on criteria such as budget, level of expertise, timeframe and extent of Further information: The book is available from CSIRO desired participation. Publishing at RRP $145.00 via email: [email protected]. Alternatively, send your order with payment (credit card details, There are more than 60 community involvement ‘tools’ outlined, cheque or money order) to: CSIRO Publishing, PO Box 1139 including brainstorming, opinion polls, citizen juries, expert (150 Oxford Street) Collingwood, Victoria 3066 Australia. panels, focus groups, open space technology, media campaigns and stakeholder surveys. Each tool, or consultation method, has information about how to organise the activity, the resources Ocean health briefing required, its suitability for different situations, time requirements and further reading. The Center for Health and the Global Environment at the Harvard Medical School recently briefed the US Congress on The toolbox includes an annotated bibliography of over 500 the connections between the oceans, human health and climate citizen science references and a theoretical discussion of citizen change. science issues to help your group think though ethical issues about how and why you should select and involve others in The briefing highlighted that humans are vulnerable to many a community decision – whether initiated by a government, health risks stemming from the marine environment, primarily private company or scientific organisation. Social researchers at through the ingestion of contaminated seafood and direct Griffith University involved in the Coastal CRC have developed contact with seawater and sea spray containing toxins. The aim of the toolbox. the briefing was to foster development of programs and policies to improve marine resource conservation, promote development Further information: Don Alcock (07) 3362 9373 or of clean technologies, and improve human health and treatment [email protected] of disease. The resource can be studied at http://www.coastal.crc.org.au/ Further information: http://www.med.harvard.edu/chge/ toolbox/index.asp. policy/marinebrief.html

Volume 10, Number 1, Autumn 2004 19 Aboriginal fishing practices in NSW This included the right to fish, hunt and gather plant resources, along with the right to take turtle and Dugong in the intertidal The NSW Aboriginal Justice Advisory Council has released zone and surrounding waters for personal, domestic or non- Caught: Hook, Line and Sinker, a report that examines the commercial communal consumption. It also gave them the right problems Aboriginal people face in maintaining traditional to take fresh water and to access the land and sea for religious fishing practices in coastal New South Wales. or spiritual purposes; and to access sites of spiritual or religious significance. Findings show that, unlike most other States and Territories, New South Wales gives no legal recognition or protections for Mr Yanner said the rights of fishers, miners and tourism the maintenance of Aboriginal fishing practices and the ongoing operators remained, but their activities now had to take cultural, community and individual benefit that these practices into account the rights, interests and customs of Indigenous provide to Aboriginal communities. This lack of recognition has people. He said that he looked forward to negotiating with the limited people’s ability to maintain spiritual connections to the government and commercial interests to make the ruling work sea and has created fundamental problems for many Aboriginal and ensure Indigenous rights and interests were respected. Mr people who fish for their communities and for cultural events. Yanner, who spoke for his Gangalidda people in court, said the title claim had taken a decade to win and would help ensure The report also examines the amount and type of fish being tribal rights to live off traditional lands and waters. caught by Aboriginal people and the potential of bringing them under the licensing requirements for commercial fishing and ‘We are extremely serious about protecting and preserving the into the criminal realm of ‘poaching’. Illegal commercial fishing uniqueness and pristineness of the lower gulf. It is vital to our carries serious criminal penalties; these include substantial fines, survival ... the group least exploiting the place is the group most suspensions and imprisonment. As a result Aboriginal people are wanting to protect it because it’s our traditional obligation.’ in effect being prosecuted for unlicensed commercial fishing, Mr Yanner said that there had been a lot of aggressive essentially criminalising a non-commercial cultural practice. confrontation between fishers and Indigenous people in the gulf Mr Scott Hawkins, the report’s author, says that ‘there should and that had to end. Mr Souter said the ruling ended years of be a clear distinction made between commercial fishing and speculation and delivered fishers the certainty they needed to Aboriginal fishing practices’ and the ‘protection of these rights securely run their businesses. does not mean the elimination of the other, but as shown in Source: http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2004/03/24/ other States and Territories, can live side by side’. 1079939710874.html, published 24 March 2004 The report outlines eight recommended actions including that the Fisheries Management Act 1994 be amended to create a separate reference to customary fishing and provide for it to be a Rock pool mission to save reef separate class of fishing. It also recommends that the investigative powers of NSW Fisheries Officers be brought in line with the James Woodford NSW Police Service. They are subjected to the booms and busts of thousands of Further information: A full copy of the report can be found species, pounded by giant storms at the frontline of climate on http://www.lalwink.nsw.gov.au/ajac. change, picked over by children, scoured by fishermen and Source: Aboriginal Justice Advisory Council Newsletter E-News no 52, harvested by seafood lovers. November 2003 Now the State’s rock pools are going to have their pulse taken by top NSW fisheries scientists. The NSW Fisheries Scientific Committee, which provides independent scientific advice to the Title recognised over gulf sea Fisheries Minister, wants to know if rock pools are in trouble and need extra protection. Aboriginal groups and commercial fishing interests have welcomed a Federal Court decision that native title exists over A nomination is being prepared to list Long Reef, between areas of sea in Queensland’s Gulf of Carpentaria. Collaroy and Dee Why, as the first endangered coastal rock platform under the Fisheries Management Act 1994. It may Carpentaria Land Council spokesman Murrandoo Yanner said become a test case for other rock pools. the ruling was the best native title decision since Mabo and would help defuse tensions between gulf fishers and Indigenous Deputy chairman of the committee, and a seaweed expert, Dr groups. ‘This is the first white Australian legal system recognition Alan Millar, said having listed the Murray–Darling river system of any other interests other than whitefella interests in the lower as an endangered ecological community, the scientists were gulf’, he said. turning their attention to marine environments. Queensland Seafood Industry Association CEO Duncan Souter ‘There comes a point when we have to ask ourselves whether also welcomed the decision, which confirmed commercial these areas are under threat or are they coping?’ Dr Millar said. fishers’ rights under state and federal fisheries laws. Long Reef was ‘a massive reef platform that in a good low tide covers several hectares, possibly the largest of its type in NSW’. In its decision handed down, the Federal Court recognised that native title existed over areas of sea surrounding the Wellesley It might be discovered that species had declined there. Islands in the gulf, but not over all areas in the original claim. ‘Rocky reef platforms are nature’s most exquisite marine aquaria The decision found that the Lardil, Yangkaal, Kaiadilt and that no amount of human tinkering could ever reproduce’, he Gangalidda peoples held non-exclusive rights in line with their said. ‘That’s why they deserve protection.’ traditional law and customs over areas of sea and part of the Albert River. Author and leading national expert on the Australian coast

20 Volume 10, Number 1, Autumn 2004 Isobel Bennett studied the rock pools of Long Reef in the for detecting similar damage to many other types of marine 1930s, ‘40s and ‘50s. Dr Bennett, now nearly 95, clearly recalls organisms both by copper and by other types of pollutants. the platform’s extraordinary beauty. ‘It has terrific biodiversity. If we can detect such damage by pollutants early enough, then You have all kinds of habitat there. But there’s no doubt it was in we will be able to put in place measures to prevent extreme better condition then.’ damage occurring which is evident when corals bleach. An associate at the Australian Museum, Phil Colman, who Further information: Dr Adrienne Grant (02) 9351 4488 is working on the Endangered Ecological Community nomination, believes that some species, including military turbans and sea squirts such as cunji, have declined. Copper decimates coral reef spawning He wants anyone with photographs taken during the last Emma Young, published in New Scientist, century at Long Reef to contact him. 18 November 2003

‘We want anything at all that will help us understand what has The successful mass spawning of coral reefs can be decimated made Long Reef tick since we first came here’, he said. by even low levels of copper pollution in seawater, according to Further information: Phil Colman (02) 9982 6142 new research in Australia. Source: Sydney Morning Herald, 25 March 2004, http:// Claire Bennett, a PhD student at the University of Melbourne, www.smh.com.au/articles/2004/03/24/1079939719388.html studied samples of coral from the Great Barrier Reef. Over a few days every November, corals spawn all over the reef, releasing larvae into the water. These swim free for a week or two before The effects of copper on attaching to the reef and developing into juvenile coral polyps – marine symbioses a process that is crucial for the renewal of the reef. But Bennett’s unpublished laboratory work showed that even low levels of Dr Adrienne Grant, University of Sydney copper contamination – below that recorded around inshore reefs off Queensland – reduce the number of larvae that survive We study corals and other cnidarians that contain symbiotic to the juvenile polyp stage by at least one-third. algae within the animal host’s cells. The algae supply nutrients to the animal host and help to maintain optimal growth. We are Copper is well known to be toxic to marine organisms at high particularly interested in determining the interactions and signals levels. The new work should help coral reef managers predict the that pass between the animal and the algae, that help to maintain impact of even low levels of pollution, as well as revealing how intact symbioses and prevent bleaching through the loss of algae. the metal affects a key stage in the coral life-cycle. When we use animals in our experiments, we ‘farm’ them rather Andrew Negri, at the Australian Institute of Marine Science in than killing them. When we need tissue from corals, we brush Townsville, Queensland, is collaborating with Bennett on her them gently to remove both coral tissue and algae. The corals work and says, ‘Not enough is understood about how pollutants recover within a week or two. Similarly, when we use zoanthids, like copper affect tropical marine species – particularly at which are soft-bodied tubular cnidarians, we make a small slit different stages of their life history’. near the base of each zoanthid tube and gently squeeze out the On 7 November 2003, Bennett collected samples of two species algae. The slit heals within an hour and the algae multiply to of hard coral from part of the Great Barrier Reef near Magnetic their original levels within a few weeks. Island, off Townsville. She placed some samples in ‘clean’ Recently, we have been studying the effects of copper on seawater containing 2 to 3 parts per billion (ppb) of copper, marine symbioses. Copper is a common pollutant in the marine some in seawater containing 5 ppb, and others in seawater environment. Although all organisms need some copper, too containing 30 ppb. Then she waited for the coral to spawn. much copper is harmful. Marine organisms may be exposed to The level of copper had no impact on the total number of harmful amounts of copper from antifoulants on boats and also larvae produced, Bennett told New Scientist. But at 5 ppb, 30% following storms. Copper is used as an algicide in agriculture fewer larvae developed into juveniles, compared with larvae and, during storms, it may run off the land into the sea. in clean seawater. At 30 ppb, the number was reduced by 70%. Damage caused by copper may not be obvious to the ‘naked Furthermore, larvae that did successfully mature took much eye’. For example, we have found that even after 36 days of longer to do so in the copper-laced waters than in clean water. continuous exposure to low levels of copper, corals looked Bennett will continue to monitor coral samples for any long- quite healthy and did not expel their algae, that is, they did not term effects. She also plans laboratory work to investigate how bleach. However, after removing their tissue for analysis, the copper interferes with larval development. Copper is a common corals exposed to copper did not recover whereas the seawater seawater contaminant, increasingly used in anti-fouling paints controls recovered as usual. Clearly the corals had sustained some and often present in urban and industrial run-off. Copper damage even though it was not evident as coral bleaching. When sampling surveys on the reef off Townsville are few and far we analysed the coral tissues, we found evidence of oxidative between. But the most recent in 2000 found levels of 8 ppb in damage in the corals that were exposed to copper. open water. Wet season storms can increase this markedly by stirring up copper-laden sediments. We then examined the effects of copper on zoanthids. We also found that the slits in the zoanthids that were exposed to copper Further information: Claire Bennett (07) 4753 4109 or did not heal. Like the corals, they died. [email protected]; or Dr Andrew Negri (07) 4753 4322 or [email protected] Our methods will make it easier to detect damage caused by copper long before they bleach. They will probably be useful Source: http://www.newscientist.com/news/news.jsp?id=ns99994391

Volume 10, Number 1, Autumn 2004 21 Valuing coral reefs: a travel cost International forum and NMEA analysis of the Great Barrier Reef conference in Maui, Hawaii, July 2005 Liam Carr, Yale University Pacific Basin Marine Education Forum: One Ocean Coral reefs around the world are facing large-scale losses due One Ocean is being sponsored by the National Marine to events caused by a variety of threats from both natural and Educators Association (NMEA) in partnership with the Marine human agencies. Between 5% and 10% of the earth’s coral reefs Education Society of Australasia (MESA). It will consist of have already been effectively lost; 60% may be gone before four half-day panel sessions, setting the stage for cooperation 2050. One attempt to bring about reef conservation has been between networks of people in the Pacific Basin who wish to to develop reef tourism. The benefits of tourism, especially ensure a sustainable ocean future. At present the four panel to the visiting tourist and their home country, however, have sessions will address the following areas: been difficult to estimate. The ‘travel cost method’ (TCM) • existing national marine education organisations and programs; can be used to quantify this hidden benefit by determining a • priority areas for international cooperation; visitor’s consumer surplus from visiting a site. From August to • assets and infrastructure capabilities and needs; December 2000, 607 visitors to the Great Barrier Reef (GBR) • strategies for facilitating a coordinated marine education were surveyed in Cairns. The data was sorted and analysed to program in the Pacific Basin. determine the visitor consumer surplus of the GBR. The selection of the forum participants will proceed through an The study finds that the recreational value of the reef ranges expression of interest process. Initial expressions will be accepted from US$700 million to 1.6 billion per year. Given an estimated from those organisations or individuals who are registered as 2 million visitors annually, this suggests an average value of members of the Australian Marine Education Alliance (AMEA). between US$350 and 800 per visit. This compares favourably to For this free membership send your contact details and letter of the estimated value of visitors to the coral reefs of Belize, who request directly to AMEA (details below). averaged US$367 per visitor. Discounting at a 4% real interest rate, the recreation value associated with the Great Barrier Reef NMEA Conference: Nana I Ke Kana, Nana I Ke Kai is worth from US$18 to 40 billion. Australia enjoys between 20% The NMEA conference, Nana I Ke Kana, Nana I Ke and 60% of these benefits, while other OECD nations enjoy Kai (Look to the source, Look to the sea), will follow the much of the rest. international forum and will be open to all marine educators. The The results of this study suggest that healthy, intact coral reef symposium section of the conference will feature a ‘One Ocean systems can have very high values for both coral reef and distant Panel’ so that conference participants have the benefit of finding nations, who should support conservation policies to protect out the latest news and developments arising from the forum. these resources. As it is likely that reef threats will continue to Joint international projects and programs are likely to surprise cause significant damage, both in physical and economic terms, and delight, including the SeExChange job exchange project. to coral reefs everywhere, it is vital that decision makers make A central feature of the conference is native culture and cultural economic assessments of conservation policies compared with perspectives. Following the One Ocean Panel there will be the costs of these threats. concurrent sessions covering international themes. The coral tourism industry is large and growing, generating over We propose to showcase Australia’s rich cultural background US$100 billion each year globally. A loss of reefs would be a along with marine ‘world firsts’ such as the National Oceans complete forfeiture of all future benefits. In the case of the GBR, Policy, Marine Parks, Ocean Exploration and others. Workshops the losses will be very large, from US$18 to 40 billion. will follow the concurrent sessions. Further information: Liam Carr at [email protected] What to do now Although the international forum will only have a limited Wrasse and corals on the Great Barrier Reef. Photograph by Tony Flaherty. number of funded (speaking) delegates from Australia, there will be a few spaces for self-funded observers. The NMEA conference will also have an international component open to all those willing to submit papers on conference themes (see the NMEA website, http://www.marine-ed.org, later in 2004). These two events are likely to shape the direction and nature of marine education in the Pacific for many years to come. The Coordination Team is already exploring funding assistance programs. Don’t sit back and wait, though; begin seeking sponsorship and funding opportunities for yourself right now. Further information: Send your contact details to the AMEA Secretariat, [email protected] or telephone (02) 6685 7067. When and where • July 8 to 10 – international forum arrives and meets • July 10 to 11 – US Sea Grant educators and NMEA Board meet • July 12 to 18 – NMEA conference

22 Volume 10, Number 1, Autumn 2004 SOUTH AUSTRALIAN NEWS from Tony Flaherty

SA pilchard fishery quota increased locations. As well as steel cages anchored outside designated Primary Industries and Resources South Australia has set the aquaculture zones, prawn fishers have expressed concerns about Pilchard Fishery’s 2004 total allowable commercial catch at the adequacy of navigation marking lights on cages. 40,000 tonnes for 2004. The State’s fourteen Pilchard Fishery Sources: ABC News Online, 13/12/03, ‘Prawn industry floats licence holders have been allocated individual quotas of 2,857 fish farm concerns’; ABC News Online, 11/12/03, ‘Kingfish farm tonnes. The bulk of the quota (2,000 tonnes) must be caught by locations cause concern’ 1 September 2004. Individual licence holders who do not reach the target quota of 2,000 tonnes by September 1 will have their Arno Bay planning amendments remaining allocation of 857 tonnes placed into a pool, which Cleve District Council’s Development Plan Amendment Report will go to tender to those licence holders who were able to (PAR) for Arno Bay has been released for comment. The plan reach the initial quota. The Government is also recommending outlines zoning within the township and surrounding areas to that licence holders be able to operate more than one vessel establish new residential zones and a marina estate development. concurrently to be able to reach 2004 quotas. The present aquaculture finfish hatchery area is to be zoned as light industry and significantly enlarged for related facilities such Some pilchard fishers have criticised the quota move, saying it as fish processing, feed and equipment storage, boat maintenance favours big operators and the tuna farmers who have access to and repairs, cage maintenance and permanent accommodation the fishery. The SA Pilchard Fishery is one of Australia’s largest for operators and management. A wetland area ‘marooned’ by a fisheries by volume, the bulk of fish being used to fatten South causeway from the tidal estuary to the south is to be rezoned for Bluefin Tuna in feedlots. residential use. The PAR will also allow for ‘the modification of Sources: Hon Paul Holloway MLC, media release, 15/12/03, boundaries of the coastal zone to exclude areas which do not ‘Pilchard fishery quota announced’; ABC Rural News, 16/12/03, have a relationship with the coastal ecosystem’. ‘New SA pilchard quotas may push out small operators’ Submissions closed at 5 pm on Friday, February 27 and a public Shark fisher prosecuted for marine park breach hearing was held on Friday, March 12. After consultation the In December 2003, the Federal Court fined a Port Lincoln plan will be referred to the State Government for approval. Arno shark fisherman $25,000 for entering the seasonal exclusion Bay PAR is available on the Cleve DC website. zone in the Great Australian Bight (GAB) Marine Park with Further information: http://www.cleve.sa.gov.au (search under ‘Plan a commercial fishing vessel in October 2001. The prosecution Amendment Report’). The original development plan is available at the was the first civil action under the Environment Protection and Planning SA website http://www.planning.sa.gov.au/. Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. West Lakes Caulerpa restrictions lifted Meanwhile, the Australian Fisheries Management Authority Boating and fishing restrictions in West Lakes have been lifted (AFMA) has closed a large area of the GAB to shark fishing with the end of a Caulerpa taxifolia control program in the lake. by Commonwealth-licensed fishers. The closure is to assist in Freshwater flushing of the lake appears to have been effective in recovery of overfished School Shark stocks. Pregnant school controlling the introduced marine weed. Fishing bans remain sharks aggregate in the shallow waters of the Head of the Bight for the upper Port River, from Bower Road to the Birkenhead before migrating to ‘pupping’ areas off Tasmania. Bridge, where Caulerpa is still present, to minimise potential Sources: Commonwealth Minister for Environment and Heritage, media spread of the weed to open waters. release, 11/12/03, ‘Minister wins Federal Court decision to protect whales’; AFMA media release, 3/11/03, ‘Area closure off South Further information: Fishwatch 1800 065 522, for information Australia applies only to shark fishing’ and to report breaches of the ban

Draft dolphin sanctuary Bill SA Reef Watch’s ‘Adopt a Reef’ program Public comments on a draft Bill to establish the Adelaide Reef Watch South Australia has launched an ‘Adopt a Reef’ Dolphin Sanctuary closed on 3 February 2004. The Bill defines program. The program involves community dive groups proposed sanctuary boundaries and outlines amendments seasonally surveying a reef of special interest. Dive clubs are to existing legislation. A management plan to integrate rapidly signing up to the program. administration of government activities in the area is proposed Reefs adopted so far include: Port Noarlunga Reef – Southern to be drafted in the twelve months following approval of the Ocean Divers; Lassiter’s Reef – Second Valley Scuba Divers legislation by parliament. A skills-based advisory board is to be Club; Oliver’s Reef (and others) – Victor Harbor Fleurieu Dive established to advise the minister. Club; Hallett Cove – Marine Life Society of SA; Seacliff Reef Further information: The draft Bill 2003 can be viewed at http:// – Adelaide University Scuba Club; Carrickalinga Reef – Dingo www.environment.sa.gov.au/coasts/pdfs/adelaide_dolphin_sanctuary_ Diving; Golf Course Reef, Port Vincent – Port Vincent Marine bill2003.pdf Team/Primary School; Nick’s Folly (reef near Marion) – Wet Spot Dive Club. Fish farms a navigational hazard The prawn industry has raised concerns about the risk of vessel The results of the program will help contribute to the collisions with fish farms in the Spencer Gulf after a trawler, understanding of local marine ecosystem health. which was involved in routine government survey work, collided Further information: Reef Watch (08) 8223 5155, http:// with a kingfish cage near Arno Bay in November. Information www.reefwatch.asn.au, or [email protected] on the cage was not included on up-to-date listings of fish farms

Volume 10, Number 1, Autumn 2004 23 WESTERN AUSTRALIAN NEWS from Edwina Davies Ward

Regional marine planning in WA: WA looks forward to a national system for are we finally making progress? managing marine pest incursions Finally Western Australia may be moving to develop a Following the Black-Striped Mussel incursion into Darwin framework for regional marine planning that embodies the Harbour in 1999, the Consultative Committee on Introduced establishment of a comprehensive, adequate and representative Marine Pest Emergencies (CCIMPE) (see Waves vol 9, no 3, (CAR) marine conservation reserve system. p 4) was established. An emergency response fund of $5 million can be used to manage marine pest incursions identified by WA has made little progress in establishing a system of true CCIMPE and enables the committee to immediately allocate CAR marine conservation reserves. There is general frustration money to finance research and eradication work. with the process and policy approach that has been used for marine conservation in WA over the last few decades, As well, the National Introduced Marine Pests Coordination exemplified by the opposition and disappointment from the Group has been established (see Waves vol 9, no 3, pp 4, 8 conservation and recreational fishing sectors over the Jurien Bay and 10), and is creating a National System to Prevent and Marine Park outcome. Manage Marine Pest Incursions. It is required to make its final recommendations to government by June 2004. For some time the marine conservation sector has been considering an alternative approach to marine conservation, and The need for a national system was graphically illustrated by has developed an integrated approach to establishing a CAR the Hino incident, which occurred at Broome in late December marine reserve system within a regional marine planning process. 2002 and exposed the web of jurisdictions and operational responsibilities associated with marine pest incursions, as well as This new approach is based on the bioregional perspective the inadequacy of our existing response framework. adopted in Australia’s Oceans Policy, and is intended to build on the current Natural Heritage Trust (NHT) requirements for The Hino, a large Indonesian fishing boat carrying a group Natural Resource Management regional groups to include the of asylum seekers, was detected north-west of Broome just marine environment in their planning processes. before Christmas. The boat was located by Coastwatch and taken into custody by the Navy. After inspecting the hull of the The conservation sector’s response to the Jurien Bay Marine Hino, the captain advised the Australian Quarantine Inspection Park revitalised discussions with government about possible Service (AQIS) that the boat was infested with mussels. A changes to policy directions for marine conservation in WA. This cyclone warning was current and it was agreed to take the concern also prompted Greens (WA) Giz Watson MLC to lodge boat into Broome. As the boat was carrying asylum seekers it a motion for disallowance in the Legislative Council regarding was legally in the custody of the Department of Immigration the establishment of the Jurien Bay Marine Park. and Multicultural and Indigenous Affairs, which was primarily In his response to this motion, the Hon Tom Stephens MLC concerned about unloading the passengers and had no stated in the Legislative Council: ‘The Government is looking to contingency plan for the Hino and any associated pests. develop and implement a new process for marine conservation AQIS sought the technical assistance of the WA Department of through the broader framework of bioregional marine Fisheries, which has divers knowledgeable about marine pests, planning. A new marine and coastal policy senior officers group including Black-Striped Mussels. Before the Hino entered port, reporting to the cabinet standing committee on environmental the divers checked the hull and found that it was heavily infested policy will provide high-level policy coordination across the with Black-Striped Mussels. WA museum staff subsequently Western Australian Government to ensure an effective role of confirmed this identification. During the two days after government response to national oceans, marine and coastal passengers were taken from the vessel there were heated inter- policy and effective whole-of-government policy development agency negotiations about which organisation was responsible and implementation of commitments to marine and coastal for the vessel disposal and how this should occur. policy planning and management. Eventually, it was agreed that the Hino should be taken out and ‘This senior officers group will report to the Cabinet sunk in deep water. However, this required a Sea Dumping Standing Committee on Environmental Policy by March Approval from the Australian Government Department of 2004 on a consultative process for developing a framework Environment and Heritage (DEH), and the process for approval, for bioregional marine planning focusing on the south coast. even if granted, normally takes six months. In this case DEH There will be an opportunity to refine this process with provided an approval within 24 hours but emphasised that future community representatives. There will also be a workshop applications of this type would not be treated so favourably. on the future priorities for marine conservation within the Finally the Navy destroyed the Hino in deep water. bioregional planning context, and the workshop is to include all stakeholders.’ (Hansard, 9 December 2003) The Hino incident was resolved satisfactorily but exposed our lack of any management framework to deal with incidents It seems that our clear objection to a poor conservation of this nature. Subsequently, the WA, NT and Queensland outcome has opened doors at a government level that were governments worked with AQIS and the other relevant previously closed. Jurien now represents something positive – the Commonwealth agencies to prepare an Interim Protocol for possible end to a flawed process and the chance of a genuinely Managing Seized Illegal Entry Vessels, which will form part of conservation-oriented system of marine parks for the future. our new national system when it comes into effect. Rachel Siewert, Coordinator, Conservation Council of WA Further information: Colin Chalmers (Program Manager Fish and Further information: Rachel Siewert (08) 9420 7266 or rachel.siewert Fish Habitat Protection, Department of Fisheries) (08) 9482 7333 or @conservationwa.asn.au [email protected]

24 Volume 10, Number 1, Autumn 2004 NORTHERN TERRITORY NEWS from Deborah Cavanagh

Study probes marine species die-off in gulf in the sea and farms utilise simple and relatively inexpensive Traditional owners and marine researchers in the Borroloola technology’. region have become increasingly alarmed over the unexplained While it is too early to discuss the likely value of any local die-off of a wide variety of marine species in the southern Gulf sponge-farming industry, it is a possible new industry that of Carpentaria. traditional owners are looking at very carefully as an option for The Northern Land Council (NLC) and the National Oceans helping to sustain small coastal communities in the Northern Office conducted a review of anecdotal evidence provided by Territory. Aboriginal sea rangers and others covering the area from the Source: Previous three articles all from Land Rights News, Northern mouth of the Rosie River east to the Queensland border. Land Council, December 2003 The report found that local people were concerned about the Further information: Northern Land Council (08) 8920 5100 high number of sick and dead marine turtles that had been observed throughout the Sir Edward Pellew group of islands and Historic signing of native title pearling deal the coastline adjacent to Borroloola. The growth of the pearling industry across the northern Australian coastline reached a new milestone in November with People were also concerned about the increasing absence of the signing of the Northern Territory’s first seas-only native title Dugong from coastal inshore areas. The only Dugong sightings pearling agreement in the Cobourg Peninsula–Croker Island during a three-month period in 2003 were reported from the region. clear waters of offshore islands. There were also more sighting of midget Dugong, possibly linked to calves separating from their The signing ceremony took place at Minjilang on Croker Island mothers early. on 18 November 2003, where, in 2001, the Croker Island Native Title Seas Claim established the existence of native title over seas Other affected species include mud crabs, Barramundi, sandfish and seabed for the first time. (Holothurians), jellyfish, stingrays and marine fish generally. The four-year agreement allows Broome Pearls to establish At this stage the reasons behind the species die-off are unknown. pearl-farming operations free of native title concerns on three Possible explanations include ‘floating disease’ (poisoning by sea- crown leases over seabed near Valencia Island, in Mountnorris borne toxic pollution), and the combination of two severe wet Bay and in Malay Bay. One of the leases has already been seasons in 2001 and 2003. granted and the other two are expected to be granted shortly. The Borroloola-based Mabunji Aboriginal Resource Association In return, native title holders will have extra rights to ensure that said the Lianthawirriyarra Sea Ranger Unit will commence a environmental and sacred site rules are upheld. They will also research program on Dugongs funded by a Commonwealth receive royalties and will be offered training and employment Government Envirofund. This research will monitor the health opportunities. of traditionally harvested animals, and examine the cause of death and the presence, nature and extent of any disease or Sharks in NT: a major step forward but sharks injury to sick or dead animals. are still threatened Sponge-farming trials begin in A surprise joint announcement by the NT Government and Top End communities the NT Shark Association introduces shark finning licence conditions aimed at discouraging and minimising the practice Tropical seas across the Top End could be blooming with farmed of targeting large sharks for finning, then discarding the carcass sponges by the end of the decade if a research project taking in (see Waves vol 9, no 4). This is a substantial change from previous five locations in remote coastal regions proves successful. regulations. With assistance from the NLC, the Indigenous Land Further information: Adele Pedder (Australian Marine Conservation Corporation, the Federal Department of Agriculture, Forestry Society) (08) 8941 7461 or [email protected] and Fisheries Australia, the Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS) and the Northern Territory Government, test farms will Shark monitoring begins with the basics be established in locations decided by traditional owners near Sharks, some over two and a half metres in length and weighing the homelands of Bawaka, Barrkira and Mata Mata, as well as the over 200 kg, are helping Fisheries staff fill in information gaps communities of Maningrida and Wurruwi. for important research in fisheries management. The test farms will take about two years to trial the growth and The shark fisheries monitoring project, funded by the national economic potential for different varieties of sponges, all of them Fisheries Research and Development Corporation, aims to native to northern Australian waters. determine basic biological information, such as age and genetic Sponges have both domestic and industrial uses and, while there relationships, of three sharks at the Berrimah Research Farm. are synthetic sponges on the market, buyers pay a premium for Commercial fishers are keen to help with the research, as natural products. Currently, sea sponge demand is outstripping ultimately the information determined from the autopsy process supply, with researchers reporting interest from buyers in the will help the management of shark fisheries. northern hemisphere. Source: media release, NT Fisheries, 9/12/03 AIMS scientist Carsten Wolff said that sponge farming is Further information: Nathan Crofts (NT Fisheries) (08) 8999 2154 ‘an ideal proposition for remote communities because sponges or 0422 103 538 are low maintenance, they feed on naturally occurring food

Volume 10, Number 1, Autumn 2004 25 QUEENSLAND NEWS from Deborah Cavanagh

Saving the Grey Nurse Shark Some Dugongs travel extremely long distances. One large male, It is estimated that less than 400 Grey Nurse Sharks are left on for example, travelled 300 kilometres north from Hervey Bay Australia’s east coast. In December, Queensland Premier the Hon to Great Keppel Island and back. Such wide roaming patterns Peter Beattie MP announced that the Grey Nurse Shark would suggest that Dugong populations are mobile and linked. be recognised as a threatened species under Queensland’s Nature ‘We also discovered what seems to be a wintering ground for Conservation Act 1992. As well, the Queensland Fisheries Service Dugongs at the tip of Fraser Island’, said Mr Sheppard. ‘Although (QFS) and the Environmental Protection Agency have released a this is a sandy place with hardly any seagrass and many sharks, Regulatory Impact Statement and Information Paper outlining four of the seven Dugongs that we tracked visited several times, proposals to try to protect the remaining population. Fishing and swimming over 70 kilometres across the bay from seagrass beds diving restrictions now apply to the key shark aggregation sites at Burrum Heads. As sea temperatures started to rise at the end of Wolf Rock, Flat Rock, Henderson Rock and Cherub’s Cave. of the winter, the Dugongs stopped visiting this area’, he said. Source: media release, QFS, 9/12/03 Dive data logs show that while Dugongs spend about 70% of Further information: Department of Primary Industries (DPI) call centre their time about 3 metres from the surface, they make long trips 13 25 25; or visit http://www.dpi.qld.gov.au/fishweb in a series of deep dives, up to 37 metres deep. New fisheries legislation announced Information from this research will help managers to ensure that New regulations have been announced for the following fishing and shark nets are placed at depths that minimise threats Queensland fisheries: Coral Reef Finfish; East Coast Spanish to Dugongs. An understanding of their foraging and travel habits Mackerel; and combined fisheries (eg Blue Swimmer Crab). will also help managers to protect areas important to Dugongs. Source: media release, QFS, 9/12/03 Source: media release, CRC Reef, 28/10/03 For further information and a list of the new fishing rules: DPI Fishweb Further information: James Sheppard (07) 4781 5824, 0421 431 http://www.dpi.qld.gov.au/fishweb; DPI call centre 13 25 23; or local 355 or [email protected] Queensland Boating and Fisheries Patrol offices What makes a great dive? Managing mangroves CRC Reef postgraduate student Mr Dean Miller from James The DPI and Brisbane City Council (BCC) are working Cook University is working with the CRC for Sustainable together to ensure that the Brisbane River’s mangrove fish Tourism and discovering what divers consider to be the vital habitats remain a key feature of the city. ingredients of a great dive, with a view to helping the tourism industry market the best possible dives. This in turn could help Brisbane River has undergone many changes and uses over conserve species and places that are particularly important to the years and these activities have affected the river’s habitats. divers. Relatively few healthy mangrove stands now remain. According to Mr Miller, ‘Early indications are that divers DPI and BCC are investigating how human activities affect the definitely want to see sharks, the bigger the better’. river’s mangroves and other fisheries resources and how these effects can be minimised while retaining public access. Made possible by the cooperation of dive vessels such as Undersea Explorer, Nimrod Explorer, SuperSport, Taka II, Spirit of Freedom, Source: media release, DPI, 15/12/03 and Diversity, this project forms part of ongoing research on the Further information: John Beumer, DPI (07) 3224 2238 ecologically sustainable management of marine wildlife tourism by Dr Alistair Birtles and Associate Professor Peter Valentine. Reef ED – Great Barrier Reef online Source: media release, Reef CRC, 8/12/03 Reef ED is the world’s largest online resource on the Great Barrier Reef. Produced by the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Further information: Dean Miller, [email protected] Authority (GBRMPA) and Reef HQ it offers: DPI to appoint four catchment ecologists • the GBR Explorer – an online encyclopaedia; • over 1,500 copyright-free colour images and videos; Three of the catchment ecologists to be appointed by • Web-quests, and more. the Queensland Government will be based in Townsville, Rockhampton and Gympie to work on the Reef Quality Source: Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority Protection Plan. The fourth position will be based in Further information: Angela Colliver (National Education Programs Toowoomba to focus on the Murray–Darling Basin. Manager, GBRMPA) (07) 4750 0850 or [email protected]; or visit http://www.reefED.edu.au The Primary Industries and Rural Community Minister, Henry Palaszczuk, said that, ‘These officers will be the first catchment Long-distance Dugongs ecologists appointed by DPI, reflecting a greater emphasis on Dugongs are long-distance swimmers, and can travel hundreds of catchment-wide programs’. kilometres in search of sweeter seagrass beds and warmer waters. The ecologists will bring stakeholders, industries and DPI staff Cooperative Research Centre (CRC) Reef PhD student Mr together to achieve widespread adoption of technologies and James Sheppard from James Cook University followed the practices to reduce the impact of production on the landscape. movements of seven Dugongs for two months, using satellite Source: Media statement, Queensland Government, 21/12/03 tracking devices and dive data loggers. The Dugongs were tagged Further information: DPI media contact Kirby Anderson (07) 3239 in Hervey Bay, part of the traditional sea country of the Badtjala 3004 people, and were given traditional names.

26 Volume 10, Number 1, Autumn 2004 NEW SOUTH WALES NEWS from Roberta Dixon

Immediate habitat protection essential for GNS Shark nets a threat to wildlife The results of a detailed study undertaken by NSW Fisheries, The NSW Fisheries Scientific Committee and the NSW the Antarctic Wildlife Research Unit and Macquarie University’s Threatened Species Scientific Committee have both finalised Marine Mammal Research Group provide frightening estimates their recommendations to list NSW’s shark control program as that predict the imminent extinction of Australia’s east coast a ‘key threat’ to wildlife, including protected Grey Nurse and Grey Nurse Shark population. The study’s findings place the Great White Sharks, turtles, whales, Dugongs, seals and dolphins. worst-case scenario for quasi-extinction (ie less than 50 females) A listing of this key threatening process under the NSW at just six years, and the authors conclude emphatically that the Fisheries Management Act 1994 and the NSW Threatened Species precautionary principle must be immediately implemented and Conservation Act will require the NSW Government to initiate a fishing excluded from the important Grey Nurse Shark habitat Threat Abatement Plan in order to address the serious problem areas. This must result in the immediate progression of habitat of wildlife fatalities in the nets and provide the impetus to protection for our most critically endangered fish. properly examine alternative methods for keeping swimmers Although the east coast Grey Nurse Shark has been a protected safe. species in Australia for almost 20 years, it has declined so The Humane Society International has also nominated shark dramatically that it is now recognised under the Environment nets for listing on the Commonwealth EPBC Act. Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) as critically endangered. Unlike the situation with some species, Averil Bones, Humane Society International the decline of the Grey Nurse – a harmless resident of Australia’s Further information: HSI (02) 9973 1728 or www.hsi.org.au coastal waters for 70 million years – can be placed squarely on the shoulders of recreational users of the coastline. Spearfishers New regime for NRM in NSW killed thousands of these sharks throughout the 1960s and 1970s. On 5 December 2003, the Native Vegetation Bill, Natural Resources Now the tiny remnant population on the east coast, which Commission Bill and Catchment Management Authorities Bill 2003 may number no more than 300, faces not only the biological were passed by the NSW Upper House. difficulties inherent in successful rebuilding from a small gene The Natural Resources Commission Bill (NRC Bill) establishes pool, but continues to be impacted by line fishing, particularly an independent commission to recommend statewide or the lighter fishing gear used by recreational fishers. regional targets and standards. The NRC Act, once gazetted, It was demonstrated by one of the paper’s authors that the will effectively abolish many advisory committees, including the incidence of hooking a Grey Nurse Shark was seven times State Wetlands Advisory Council (SWAC), Coastal Council, State greater with this lighter recreational fishing gear than with the Weir Review Committee, Healthy Rivers Commission (HRC), heavier commercial fishing gear, as the lighter gear resulted Fisheries Resource Conservation and Assessment Council in the capture and death of smaller-sized sharks. Population (FRCAC), and the Advisory Council for Fisheries Conservation. modelling predicts that the survival of this species is most Many of these roles will be taken up by the NRC, which will sensitive to the loss of these smaller-sized sharks. Line fishing in also be responsible for the scientific committees (under the habitats important to the survival of threatened fish species is Threatened Species Conservation Act and Fisheries Management Act) now listed as a ‘key threatening process’ under Schedule 6, NSW and the Biological Diversity Advisory Council. Fisheries Management Act 1994, a result of an HSI nomination. A number of NSW conservation groups have expressed concern Mark and recapture procedures have confirmed the critically over the loss of the NSW Coastal Council. The functions of low numbers, and put to rest unsubstantiated claims of large the Coastal Council, which acted as an independent voice for and unknown numbers of Grey Nurse Sharks using unknown ecologically sustainable coastal development, will be taken over habitat sites. Examining 57 areas along the east coast, scientists by the new Natural Resource Council. Total Environment confirmed that the species is absent from 64% of those sites that Centre spokesman Jeff Angel said that coastal issues could be lost 1960s surveys detailed as home to more than 30 individuals. within the new commission’s broader brief. Following the release of this study, the Hon Dr David Kemp Source: Adapted from a review by Clare Hammill and Samantha MP, Minister for the Environment and Heritage, announced a Newton, Nature Conservation Council NSW proposal to declare the Cod Grounds a no-fishing zone and an Further information: http://www.parliament.nsw.gov.au/prod/web/ IUCN Category 1A Sanctuary (see page 13). Scientists estimate phweb.nsf/frames/bills that around 400 of the critically endangered Grey Nurse Sharks remain on Australia’s east coast – some 75 females are known to Estuaries and change frequent the Cod Grounds site. Dr Kemp also urged NSW and Southern Cross University will host the next joint Estuarine and Queensland to follow suit with effective habitat protection for Coastal Sciences Association and Estuarine Research Federation those 17 critical habitat sites that fall in State waters (see also International Conference in Ballina, 20–25 June 2004. ‘Queensland News’, this issue). The aim of the conference is to bring together scientists and Averil Bones, Humane Society International managers with an interest in estuaries and change. One of the Source: Otway, NM, Bradshaw, CJA and Harcourt, RG, 2004, most difficult tasks facing estuarine scientists is discerning natural ‘Estimating the Rate of Quasi-extinction of the Australian Grey Nurse change from anthropogenic change; an essential task required for Shark (Carcharias taurus) Population Using Deterministic Age- and management of human impacts. Stage-classified Models’, Biological Conservation, in press Further information: www.scu.edu.au/ecsa37erf2004conference or Further information: HSI (02) 9973 1728 or www.hsi.org.au (02) 6620 3932

Volume 10, Number 1, Autumn 2004 27 VICTORIAN NEWS from Tim Allen

Twenty-seven groups call for State Government Scuba divers urgently needed to assist with action over coastal township sprawl seastar eradication off Inverloch Twenty-seven community organisations have signed a consensus The Northern Pacific Seastar has been found at Inverloch on statement urging the State Government to introduce strong Victoria’s open coast – the first time that the seastar has been statutory policy and/or legislation to prevent urban sprawl found in Victorian coastal waters outside Port Phillip Bay. in coastal areas. The call follows a series of articles in The Age As of 26 March more than 110 seastars have been collected. It is newspaper over January. believed that the seastars are less than one year of age and have The consensus statement reads: not yet spawned. As a result, the Department of Sustainability To ensure that growth in coastal areas is well planned, and that and Environment is coordinating a series of diving events in Victoria’s coastal and marine values are protected (eg environmental, an attempt to locate and eradicate the outbreak before the scenic, cultural) for present and future generations, we call on the spawning season begins in May. State Government to show leadership by identifying and delineating township boundaries for all Victorian coastal towns, and urge the Volunteer scuba divers are urgently needed to assist with the introduction of strong statutory policy or legislation to protect coastal attempted eradication program. Volunteers are required for environments from urban sprawl and ribbon-strip development weekends throughout April 2004. – namely Coastal Victoria 2030. Further information: Divers can register their interest at seastar.2004@ We also call on the State Government to place a moratorium on the rezoning of coastal land currently zoned as rural until coastal township dse.vic.gov.au. boundaries are delineated. We believe that control over urban sprawl and ribbon-strip develop- Seastar plundering the bay ment in coastal areas could be achieved by either or both of the Fish numbers in Port Phillip Bay have ‘abruptly’ plunged by 40% following two approaches, namely: in the past three years, a State Government report has found. a) the development and implementation of a strongly worded amend- ment clause in the State Planning Policy Framework that places The report, obtained by The Age, has implicated the Northern limitations on coastal development, and defined coastal township Pacific Seastar, a marine pest that acts like a vacuum on the bay’s boundaries being incorporated into local planning schemes; floor, changing the ecosystem and leaving little for bottom- b) defining coastal township boundaries and coastal ‘green wedges’, dwelling fish to eat. giving these boundaries and areas legislative protection through an amendment to the Victorian Planning and Environment Act 1987. The study, completed in October by 11 marine scientists, has not The State Government needs to ensure that the process to define been released by the Department of Primary Industries.* coastal township boundaries is undertaken by an expert group with a statewide perspective who can rapidly deliver recommendations, while It found that the seastar boomed from a handful in 1996 to 165 providing opportunities for engagement and consultation with local million in 2000. There are now 1,200 tonnes of seastar in the communities. bay and 2,700 tonnes of fish, the lowest biomass recorded since fish population monitoring began in 1990. Three years ago, it The statement has been endorsed by the Australian was 4,500 tonnes. Conservation Foundation, Victorian National Parks Association, Environment Victoria, Marine Education Society of Australasia The seastar has caused the sharpest declines in fish populations (Victorian Branch), Surfrider Foundation (Victoria), Geelong in the deep, muddy centre of the bay, where it lives. All six of Environment Council, South Gippsland Conservation Society, the common bottom-feeding fish – globefish, Sparsely Spotted Australian Marine Conservation Society (both the Melbourne Stingaree, Eagle Ray, Eastern Shovelnose Stingaree, Banjo Ray Branch and Great Ocean Road Branch), ANGAIR, Jan Juc and the eating fish Red Mullet – suffered significantly. Coast Action, Portland Field Naturalists Club, Barwon Heads The report also found that the seastar caused a ‘domino effect’, Association, PAISE – Protecting Anderson Inlet and Significant pushing fish into shallow waters in search of food. Stocks lifted Environs (Action Group), Friends of Point Addis, Friends of temporarily but then crashed to half their pre-invasion levels. the Bluff (Barwon Heads), Inverloch Residents and Ratepayers Association, Torquay Coast Action, the Warrnambool and The report concluded that it was possible that extensive scallop District Group of the Society for Growing Australian Plants, dredging between 1963 and 1968, which devastated the native Queenscliff Community Association, Save Ocean Grove ecosystem, might have facilitated the seastar’s invasion. (Environment), Surfers Appreciating Natural Environment, Swan Each female seastar produces 19 million eggs. Seastars are Bay Environment Association, Swan Bay Integrated Catchment devastating predators of shellfish, and oust native species and Management Committee, Tarwin Lower Venus Bay Association, make the ecosystem more suitable for invasive species. This can Tarwin Valley Coastal Guardians, Harmers Haven Residents and lead to a situation called ‘invasional meltdown’. Ratepayers Group, and Harmers Haven Foreshore Committee of Management. Marine scientists have called for the Victorian Government to act on a management system for ballast water to prevent further The statement also has the support of senior planning academics pests devastating ecosystems. The Environment Protection including Associate Professor Geoff Wescott of Deakin Authority in Victoria has been working on this since 1997. University, and Associate Professor Michael Buxton of RMIT. Source: Abridged from an article by Melissa Fyfe, The Age, 20/12/03 The statement is to be presented to state politicians over coming weeks. Further initiatives are also being planned. * Note: The report is yet to be released as of 12/03/04. Further information: [email protected] or (03) 9341 6508

28 Volume 10, Number 1, Autumn 2004 TASMANIAN NEWS from Christian Bell

Tasmania declares marine reserves ‘The technology now enables us to look forward rather than The Tasmanian Government has declared two large-scale marine back and report more frequently on our progress on the reserves around Port Davey in the State’s south-west and the environment. I have asked the Commission to examine options Kent Group of islands in Bass Strait. for future reporting, including consideration of a report card type framework. I welcome this independent and detailed report Tasmania proclaimed three small reserves in 1991 – Governor on the state of Tasmania’s environment.’ Island off Bicheno, Nine Pin Point at the Huon River mouth and at Tinderbox – along with a bigger area off Maria Island Source: Abridged from a media release from Judy Jackson, MHA, Minister for Environment and Planning,10/03/04 National Park. An extensive marine addition to sub-Antarctic Macquarie Island reserve was created in 2000, resulting in a total Further information: http://www.rpdc.tas.gov.au/soer area of 125,000 hectares in marine protected areas. Vessel sewer pump-out facility operational The Port Davey reserve includes all the waters of Port Davey/ Bathurst Harbour and is part of the Southwest National Park The Hobart Ports Corporation has installed the first vessel sewer and the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area. The pump-out facility on the Derwent estuary at Kings Pier Marina. sanctuary zones within the reserve meet the highest level The Sanivax pump out facility will service yachts, recreational criteria for protection as set out by the International Union for and commercial vessels 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and is Conservation of Nature. The Kent Group reserve is a marine located at the northern end of Kings Pier low landing. addition to the existing Kent Group National Park which Installation of the facility was jointly funded by the National includes state waters out to three nautical miles. Heritage Trust and the Riverworks program. The system is Approximately half of each new reserve will be no-take capable of processing solid and liquid sewage waste. Any vessel sanctuary zones which will allow low-impact activities such as with holding tanks could responsibly discharge effluent to the boating, swimming and nature study. reception system where it would go directly to the sewer mains. Source: Abridged from Hobart Ports Corporation media release, 3/12/03 Remaining areas will be habitat protection zones where restricted take of abalone and rock lobster fishing and handlining Further information: Mr Dick Knoop on (03) 6235 1000 for scale fish would be allowed, but trawling, netting, longlining, New members of Parks Advisory Board fish trapping and the taking of marine plants prohibited. New members have been announced for Tasmania’s National Source: Abridged from a media release, 3/02/04, from Judy Jackson, Parks and Wildlife Advisory Council, the State Government’s MHA, Minister for Environment and Planning, ‘Port Davey and Kent community advisory body for matters relevant to the functions Group to become marine reserves’ of Tasmania’s national parks and reserves. Further information: Doug Nicol, Department of Primary Industry, Water and Environment at [email protected] The council is Rowena Bell (Chair) of Launceston, Ross Britton of Smithton, Bob Cotgrove of Mt Nelson, Wendy Horniblow CSIRO scientist wins highest global of Turners Beach, Doug Humann of West Hobart, Michael award for fisheries research Lockwood of South Hobart, Alwyn Medwin of Rosebery and Guy Nicholson of Penguin. Dr Keith Sainsbury, a CSIRO marine ecologist and mathematical modeller, has received the prestigious Japan The council has an important role in providing feedback to Prize for his international efforts to conserve fisheries and Parks and Wildlife management on its strategies, policies and marine ecosystems. The award relates to food production based management plans. on sustainable ecosystems, a concept that Dr Sainsbury and Source: Abridged from a media release from the Office of the Premier, colleagues have championed in both theoretical and practical 31/12/03 ways for more than 20 years. Further information: Rowena Bell on 0407 865 303 The Japan Prize is awarded in several scientific disciplines, also recognised by the Nobel Prize. However, in the field of ecology Dombrovskis award winner exhibition there is no Nobel Prize awarded. The 2004 recipient of the $5,000 Premier’s Dombrovskis Source: Abridged from a CSIRO (Marine) media release, 19/12/03 Wilderness Award, Kim Rumbold, will be holding an exhibition Further information: [email protected] of her most recent work at the Dunalley Waterfront Café in Dunalley. Parliamentary Secretary to the Premier Kathryn Hay State of the Environment report released said that the exhibition, ‘Sea Breeze – a coastal series of captured jewels’, will open on 28 February 2004 and will contain Tasmania’s State of the Environment report for 2003 has been images of seascapes and coastal studies taken after months of released by the Environment Minister, Judy Jackson. photographing the Tasman Peninsula region on Tasmania’s The extensive report, prepared by the Resource Planning and South East Coast. On completion of the exhibition at Dunalley, Development Commission, contains detailed information on Ms Rumbold will use the award to photograph the Furneaux many aspects of Tasmania’s environment. Ms Jackson said the Group in Bass Strait. report now would be studied in depth by the State Government. Further information: Guidelines for the Premier’s Dombrovskis ‘For the future, I have asked the Commission to consider Wilderness Award are available on the Arts Tasmania website http: how the report can be better used as a blueprint for better //www.arts.tas.gov.au, or contact Arts Tasmania on (03) 6233 7308 for management, rather than as a snapshot of our footprints.’ more information.

Volume 10, Number 1, Autumn 2004 29 Important Dates

Date & Location Event Contact

19–23 April Coast to Coast ‘04 Tel: (03) 6224 3773 Hobart ‘The Second Decade: Coastal Planning and Management Email: [email protected] in Australia towards 2014’ – Australia’s national coastal Website: http://www.cdesign.com.au/ conference coast2coast2004

11–14 May Hilltops to Oceans Conference Website: http://www.hilltops2oceans.org/ Cairns, Qld The H2O initiative aims to further the environmental, conference.html economic and social importance of oceans, coasts and islands.

5 June World Environment Day Website: http://www.unep.org/wed/2004/ Theme: Wanted! Seas and Oceans – Dead or Alive?

20–25 June Estuaries and Change Website: http://www.scu.edu.au/ Ballina, NSW Australia’s Southern Cross University will hold the next ecsa37erf2004conference joint Estuarine and Coastal Sciences Association (ECSA) and Estuarine Research Federation (ERF) International Conference.

11–16 July The 15th World Congress of Malacology 2004 Dr Fred Wells Perth Jointly organised by Unitas Malacologia and the Malacological Email: [email protected]. Society of Australasia Website: http://www.amonline.net.au/malsoc/ confer4.htm

5–9 September Coastal Zone Asia Pacific Conference (CZAP 2004) Sally Brown Conference Connections Brisbane Theme: ‘Improving the Quality of Life in Coastal Areas’ Tel: (07) 3201 2808 Email: [email protected] Website: http://www.coastal.crc.org.au/czap04/ index.html

1–5 December Deep Sea 2003 Conference Email: [email protected] Queenstown, An international conference on the governance and Website: www.deepsea.govt.nz New Zealand management of deep sea fisheries

1–7 December Coastcare Week Landcare Australia Tel: (02) 9412 7680

14–15 December The 4th Australasian Shorebird Conference Phil Straw Canberra Email: [email protected] Website: www.tasweb.com.au/awsg/

World Environment Day 2004

World Environment Day, commemorated each year on 5 June, is one of the principal vehicles through which the United Nations stimulates worldwide awareness of the environment and enhances political attention and action. The World Environment Day theme selected for 2004 is ‘Wanted! Seas and Oceans – Dead or Alive?’ The theme asks that we make a choice as to how we want to treat the earth’s seas and oceans. It also calls on each and every one of us to act. Do we want to keep seas and oceans healthy and alive or polluted and dead? The main international celebrations of World Environment Day 2004 will be held in Barcelona, Spain in close collaboration with the Universal Forum of Cultures. The United Nations Environment Programme is honoured that the City of Barcelona, the Catalan Regional Government and the Government of Spain will be hosting this important United Nations day. Our agenda is to give a human face to environmental issues; empower people to become active agents of sustainable and equitable development; promote an understanding that communities are pivotal to changing attitudes towards environmental issues; and advocate partnership that will ensure all nations and peoples enjoy a safer and more prosperous future. World Environment Day is a people’s event with colourful activities such as street rallies, bicycle parades, green concerts, essays and poster competitions in schools, tree planting, as well as recycling and clean-up campaigns. Further information: http://www.unep.org/wed/2004/

30 Volume 10, Number 1, Autumn 2004 The Marine and Coastal Community Network (MCCN) is a national, non-government program that facilitates community involvement in marine and coastal biodiversity conservation initiatives. It is supported by the Commonwealth Government’s Natural Heritage Trust through the Department of Environment and Heritage. The MCCN has a Regional Coordinator in most States. The program is administered by the Australian Marine Conservation Society. At present, there are over 10,000 participants in the MCCN including individuals, community organisations, government agencies, industry, researchers and educators.

Who Do I Contact? Join the MCCN Mailing List! MCCN NATIONAL OFFICE (BRISBANE) If you would like to receive MCCN’s free national newsletter National Coordinator – Tim Allen (see Victoria) please complete the form below. National Assistant – Margaret Harlow I am a new participant. PO Box 3139, Yeronga Qld 4104 I am an existing participant. Please update my details. Tel: (07) 3848 5360 Fax: (07) 3892 5814 Please remove me from the mailing list. Freecall: 1800 815 332 Name: ...... Email: [email protected] Organisation: ...... Website: http://www.mccn.org.au Position: ...... MCCN REGIONAL OFFICES Address: ...... Queensland & Northern Territory Tel (H): ...... PO Box 364, Townsville Q 4810 Tel (W): ...... Tel: (07) 4771 6636 Mobile: ...... Email: [email protected] Email: ...... New South Wales Profession/Interest: ...... Please direct all inquiries to the National Office. I am interested in receiving (please tick all that apply): South Australia – Tony Flaherty Waves National Newsletter (3 times/year) C/- University of SA, Holbrooks Road, Underdale SA 5032 email or hardcopy Tel: (08) 8302 6568 Fax: (08) 8302 6239 State Ripples E-bulletins via email (monthly) Mobile: 0429 678 869 National Wetstuff Email News Service Email: [email protected] (bi-weekly to commence soon) Tasmania – Christian Bell Notification of upcoming deadlines for Waves PO Box 567, Hobart TAS 7001 contributions via email Tel: (03) 6223 4013 Fax: (03) 6231 2491 Please send to: Mobile: 0427 872 670 The Marine and Coastal Community Network Email: [email protected] PO Box 3139, Yeronga QLD 4104 Victoria – Tim Allen Tel: (07) 3848 5360 Fax: (07) 3892 5814 C/- VNPA 3rd Floor 60 Leicester St, Carlton VIC 3053 Freecall: 1800 815 332 Tel: (03) 9341 6508 Fax: (03) 9347 5199 Email: [email protected] Mobile: 0407 519 395 Website: http://www.mccn.org.au Email: [email protected] Western Australia – Edwina Davies Ward City West Lotteries House, 2 Delhi Street, West Perth WA 6005 Tel: (08) 9420 7206 Fax: (08) 9486 8718 Email: [email protected]

Contributions to Waves Winter 2004 The deadline for articles for the next edition is Friday 7 May 2004 for distribution in late June 2004. Please send 400-word (half-page) or 800-word (full-page) articles to the National Office. Accompanying high-resolution digital images are welcome. If you wish to be placed on the distribution list for email notification of Waves deadlines please contact the National Office. To submit articles to State pages please contact the appropriate Regional Office. Brochures and information sheets from other marine and coastal organisations may be included in the MCCN newsletter mailout. There is a fee that covers inserting the items and a contribution to postage costs. Please contact the National Office to discuss this service.

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