Stewardship Action Plan A statement of operational standards and climate change contingency planning
For Pro-vision Reef members who are license holders in the: enter Queensland Marine Aquarium Fish Fishery and the Proudly supported by: Queensland Coral Fishery and the Coral Sea Fishery (Aquarium Collection)
E f f e c t i v e 2009 Navigation: Foreword | Preface | Contents | Part 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | Bibliography | Attachment 1 | 2
Cover Photo: Blueface Angelfish (Pomacanthus xanthometopon). Photo by Fenton Walsh, Northern Barrier Marinelife, Cairns QLD Australia.
Copyright © Pro-vision Reef Inc 2009
This work is copyright. Apart from any use permitted under the Copyright Act 1968, no part may be reproduced by any process without prior written permission from Pro-vision Reef Inc. Requests and inquiries concerning reproduction and rights should be addressed to:
President Pro-vision Reef Inc Email: [email protected]
This publication is available online at www.pro-visionreef.org
First published 2009 by:
Pro-vision Reef Inc ABN: 57 442 161 812 PO Box 5N Cairns North QLD Australia 4870
National Library of Australia Cataloguing in Publication entry:
Pro-vision Reef: Stewardship Action Plan. A Statement of Operational Standards and Climate Change Contingency Planning.
ISBN: 978-0-646-51212-9
Author: Ryan Donnelly, Strategic Projects Manager, Cairns Marine Pty Ltd Design: Andreas Wagner, www.coolplanetdesign.com.au
The author acknowledges the guidance and input from the Pro-vision Reef committee: Lyle Squire Jnr, Fenton Walsh, Don Gilson and Ros Paterson; and the support and contribution from Margie Atkinson from the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority; Tara Smith and Brigid Kerrigan from Queensland Primary Industries & Fisheries; and Josh Davis from the Australian Fisheries Management Authority.
Sincerest thanks to contributors of photographic material: Richard Fitzpatrick, [email protected]; Jurgen Freund, freundimages@ gmail.com; Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority; Russell Kelley, [email protected]; Kirsten Michalek-Wagner, [email protected]; Ros Paterson, [email protected]; John Rumney, [email protected]; Roger Steene; Lyle Squire Jnr, [email protected]; Fenton Walsh, [email protected]; Phil Woodhead, [email protected]
Signatories to this Stewardship Action Plan fulfil a compulsory condition of Pro-vision Reef membership. Members have exclusive use of the Copyright © Stewardship Action Plan and the Trademark Registered Pro-vision Reef Inc logo under license from Pro-vision Reef Inc.
Printed on recycled paper by Lotsa Printing, Cairns Navigation: Foreword | Preface | Contents | Part 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | Bibliography | Attachment 1 | 2 d r o w e r o F
Celine Cousteau F o r e w o r d
Whether you are a collector of marine species, a visitor The collective choice to unite efforts for the protection to an aquarium, or a diver who enjoys seeing marine life of the marine system as well as the parallel interests of underwater, the Pro-vision Reef Stewardship Action Plan the benefiting organizations shows a significant maturing is pertinent. within the industry. Creating a Plan that is replicable in other fisheries in Australia and abroad further extends the reach of This Stewardship Action Plan has been established in order this guide, making it a universal tool. The creation of this Plan to protect the fragile marine ecosystem relevant to aquarium reveals Australia’s aquarium fisheries as exemplary leaders fisheries while also enabling those involved in the aquarium in the sustainable collection, handling, and distribution of commerce to benefit from its riches in a thoughtful and aquarium species. sustainable way. The Stewardship Action Plan has been created by the industry, for the industry and membership In order for us all to continue to enjoy and care for the is voluntary, highlighting that those dependent on the marine species we so love to see in the aquariums and in the collection of marine species are aware of their responsibility wild, it is imperative that we become the guardians of these to create better practices. In addition, those buying species. The Pro-vision Reef Stewardship Action Plan ensures aquarium species for their own or public use can be assured that we will do so. that the specimens they are acquiring through members of Pro-vision Reef have been collected in accordance with this Stewardship Action Plan.
Self-governed and regulated, accepting the penalties Celine Cousteau for improper collection of marine species, members demonstrate that the aquarium supply industry on the Great Barrier Reef and in the Coral Sea is accountable for its impact and responsibility towards the ecosystem affected. Furthermore, the inclusion of a contingency plan as it relates to climate change and it’s impact on the aquarium fisheries resources in the ocean, point to a global understanding of our connection to and impact on the oceans.
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P r e f a c e f e c a
Lyle Squire Jnr [ President, Pro-vision Reef Inc Director, Cairns Marine Pty Ltd ]
Marine aquarium collections have grown in popularity in This Stewardship Action Plan is developed to ensure that recent years. Access to efficient low maintenance systems, licensed participants in the Queensland-based fisheries primarily from China, have assisted home hobbyists to that supply the marine aquarium industry adhere to a more easily venture from freshwater to marine collections. uniform operational standard; and that operators have clear The diversity of species available is phenomenal and the contingency plans in place to respond to catastrophic events creatures are spectacular. Displays can be complemented linked to global climate change. The Stewardship Action with living coral, invertebrates and crustaceans in a dramatic Plan will ensure that Australia’s international reputation mini replication of reef environments. for environmental performance remains strong; and will engender community and market confidence in the But where do the specimens come from? How does a Queensland marine aquarium supply industry. hobbyist or a visitor to a public aquarium know whether he or she is inadvertently contributing to the degradation of Communities are the ultimate environmental performance habitat or endangering wild populations, even perpetuating auditors. Producers are expected to demonstrate that, the exploitation of remote coastal communities? How can in collecting or harvesting a community asset, they do customers be really sure that a particular specimen has so wisely and sustainably. In Queensland, there exists a arrived at their door with a minimal environmental footprint? comprehensive legislative and management framework to meet national standards prescribed by Australia’s landmark In Australia, most specimens for display are sourced from environmental legislation, the Environment Protection & the waters of the Great Barrier Reef. This is a region of Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. Importantly, in developing international significance for biodiversity and the relatively this Stewardship Action Plan, collectors demonstrate their pristine condition of reefs and other habitats. It is also a eagerness to take these environmental safeguards and set wonder of the natural world that is subject to world-class the ecological sustainability benchmark even higher and multiple award-winning management. proactively address a range of emerging issues, such as climate change, in a transparent and auditable manner. Scientists predict that global climate change will result in an
increased frequency and intensity of natural disasters, many There is a substantial wider educational and conservation of which impact directly on coral reefs. It is incumbent upon benefit to a sustainable aquarium supply industry and marine industry to plan for such events and to develop a this Stewardship Action Plan, in conjunction with existing guide for operators that minimises further environmental fisheries and protected areas management and legislation impact during these times. will ensure that today’s supply does not diminish the natural integrity of our precious marine environment.
Lyle Squire Jnr President
i i 2 | ...... 24 .. . Attachment 1 | ...... 33 ...... 12 .. . Bibliography ...... 14 ...... 6 ...... 11 ...... 31 ...... 10 ...... 34 ...... 30 | ...... 7 ...... 8 ...... 28 | ...... 22 ...... 4 ...... 26 ...... 31 .. . 6 ...... 30 ...... 2 ...... 31 ...... 31 ...... 20 ...... 23 . | ...... 18 ...... 17 5 ...... 28 ...... 6 ...... 11 ...... 22 | ...... 11 .. .. . 4 ...... 20 .. . | ...... 30 ...... 8 ...... 2 .. . 3 ...... 21 ...... 8 ...... 17 ...... 5 ...... 2 ...... 16 ...... | ...... 18 ...... 17 ...... 16 ...... 16 .. 2 ...... 21 ...... 4 ...... 30 ...... 4 | ...... 16 ...... 32 ...... I ...... 2 . jectives eensland Marine Aquarium Fish Fishery eensland Coral Fishery eensland Government Framework me Hobbyists ...... 14 stralia ral Sea Fishery mmonwealth Government Framework blic Aquaria ...... II . obal ms o-vision Reef ternational Framework dustry/Queensland Government Liaison dustry/Commonwealth Government Liaison ...... 14 ...... 4 ...... Ai Ob In Gl Au Pr Qu Qu Co Qu Co In In Ho Pu Part 1
chanism for Appeal n Compliance Sanctions Schedule velop an Industry Specific Dive Code mand dress Localised Issues ta Collection llaboration mmunity and Consumer Awareness nsideration of Other Stakeholders llecting Fish in the Queensland Marine Aquarium Fishllecting Fishery Coral& Coral in Seathe FisheryQueensland Coral Fishery ...... 25 mplaints Assessment Committee ntext plement Environmental Management System plement a Communication Strategy heries & Protected Areas Management view Committee ird Party Accreditation of Fishery Operations sponse Plan for Bleached Environments e Queensland Aquarium Supply Sector pply sessing Bleached Environments sessment of Complaints ope gislative Framework ms and Objectives ofessional Ethics eface cident Reporting dustry/Government Liaison 4.1 4.2 5.1 5.2 1.1 1.2 2.1 2.2 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 4.1 4.2 4.3 As Re Co Ad Th Im De Im Co In As No Me Da Fis Co Co Co Sc Co Pr Ai 2. 2. Co Re 1. 1. 1. Th 1. 1. 1. 1. Le 1. 1. 1. In 1. Foreword Pr De 1. 1. Su
Attachment 2. Reef Health & Impact Summary 5.4 6.2 7.4 7.6 4.3 Part 5 – Day to Day Operations 5.1 6.1 Part 7 –The Role of Pro-vision Reef Inc 7.1 7.5 7.7 Bibliography Attachment 1. Integrated Coral Stress Monitoring and Response 4.2 5.2 5.3 Part 6 – Responding to Climate Change 7.2 7.3 4.1 4.4 4.5 2.1 Part 2 – Purpose of the Stewardship Action Plan 2.2 Part 3 – Administration 3.1 2.3 2.4 3.2 Part 4 – Complaints and Sanctions 1.4 1.2 1.3 1.5 Part 1 –The Aquarium Supply Industry 1.1 Foreword | Preface | Contents | C o n t e n t s
Navigation: C o n t e n t s Navigation: Foreword | Preface | Contents | Part 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | Bibliography | Attachment 1 | 2 T e h Pa rt 1 The Aquarium Supply Industry A y ly p p u S m u i r a u q 1.1 Demand 1.1.2 Public Aquaria
1.1.1 Home Hobbyists In an increasingly urbanised world, connectivity with the creatures of the natural The Food and Agriculture Organization of the world is weakened. Public aquaria provide United Nations described the ornamental a one-stop-shop for parents to show their fish sector as “a widespread and global children the wonders of the ocean in an component of international trade, fisheries, educational environment. Several hundred aquaculture and development”. It said: “The million people visit public aquaria worldwide entire industry, when non-exported product, annually (more than 143 million per year in wages, retail sales and associated materials the United States alone (Falk et al., 2007)), are considered, has been estimated to be making the public aquarium sector a major worth US$15 billion” (Bartley, 2000). contributor to conservation awareness and education worldwide. In addition, many In Europe, the US and Britain, home public displays are outside of the formalised aquariums are kept in 8%, 10% and 14% of public aquarium setting and may be found in households respectively. The majority of corporate offices and shopping centres. those are freshwater systems. However, many freshwater hobbyists graduate to marine The American Association of Zoological specimen displays indicating that future Parks and Aquariums commissioned a three growth in the marine sector can be expected. I year study in the United States to determine
d n whether a visit to a zoo or aquarium has In Australia, there are 879 registered a measurable impact on the conservation aquarium and aquarium supply shops that attitudes and understanding of visitors sell approximately 15 million fish annually u (Falk et al., 2007). Key findings included: (Hill, 2006), about one per cent of which are
s marine specimens accounting for about 10% n Visits to accredited zoos and aquariums of total value (Dr. Alex Ploeg, pers comm.
r t prompt individuals to reconsider 2009). Around $60 million was spent on the their role in environmental problems purchase of fish; around $60 million on fish and conservation action, and to see food and around $100 million was spent on y themselves as part of the solution. aquariums and related equipment in Australia n Visitors believe zoos and aquariums in 2005 (Hill, 2006). Again the marine sector is play an important role in conservation expected to grow with access to inexpensive, education and animal care. self contained systems.
n Visitors believe they experience a Membership of the Netherlands-based stronger connection to nature as a Ornamental Fish International, a worldwide result of their visit. trade association that represents all sectors n Visitors bring with them a higher- of the ornamental aquatic industry in 40 than-expected knowledge about countries includes consultants, manufacturers, basic ecological concepts. Zoos and publishers, wholesalers, collectors, breeders, aquariums support and reinforce the Public aquaria provide an outstanding platform retailers, importers, exporters, plant values and attitudes of the visitor. specialists, freight forwarders, airlines and for education and connecting with animals that exhibition companies. This indicates that the many of us will never see in the wild. wider ornamental fish industry is a significant employer and contributor to economies throughout the world.
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Compliance and
associated costs
are much higher in
Australia than in other
countries. We provide
premium quality
specimens to the market
and must position our
product in the market
accordingly. This
document will help us
to achieve that.
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1.2 Supply Around 60% of the total national marine aquarium fish collection occurs in 1.2.1 Global Queensland, including those collected on the A Great Barrier Reef and from the Coral Sea. The primary source of supply for the glovbal y ly p p u S m u i r a u q trade in marine ornamental specimens In Western Australia, there are 13 licenses, is the archipelagos of Indonesia and the variously permitted to collect marine Philippines. It has been estimated that these fish, coral and invertebrates, operating in two countries supply around two thirds of nearshore waters adjacent to nearly 21,000 the market. The remainder of market supply km of coastline. The total marine aquarium is sourced from several countries, including fish harvest in Western Australia represents My first interest in the ocean Australia, Brazil, Fiji, Hawaii, the Maldives, about 35% of the national total. “ began with an aquarium full Puerto Rico, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Vietnam. Around half of the specimens traded are of sea creatures. Educational In the Northern Territory, there are 13 fish with coral and invertebrates, each experiences like this remind aquarium licenses that permit the collection representing around 25% of product traded. and sale of all aquatic life, including tens of thousands of the freshwater and marine fishes, plants and importance of our Reef. Significant effort has been exerted by the coral. Only seven licenses were active in Personally, I am impressed Marine Aquarium Council to minimise 2006. Commercial harvesting of marine social and environmental consequences of by the proactive Stewardship species is concentrated in coastal waters destructive collection methods employed in Action Plan, especially near Nhulunbuy and the greater Darwin area. some countries, including the largest supply given that it has ecological Few marine fishes are collected. The marine countries. The primary issue is the use of sustainability at its heart and harvest primarily comprises hermit crabs, live a sodium cyanide solution to stupefy fish rock, corals and anemones, much of which takes into account unforeseen for capture. The practice is lethal to smaller services the domestic market. More than 70% I climate impacts like mass organisms in proximity, including corals. High of the Northern Territory coastline has access d n coral bleaching. Industry levels of post harvest mortality results from prohibited under Native Title legislation. should be applauded for this collection method and the longevity of the specimen on display can be drastically its forward thinking and u reduced. In addition, Marine Aquarium responsible leadership. 1.3 The Queensland Council works to achieve implementation s Aquarium Supply ” of limited entry to the fisheries and for Sector r t marine protected areas. Such regulation and management is well established in Australia Marine specimens are collected in and provides a sound model these fisheries. accordance with the management of the y Queensland Marine Aquarium Fish Fishery, the Queensland Coral Fishery and the 1.2.2 Australia Coral Sea Fishery. The Queensland Marine Professor Ove Hoegh-Guldberg Aquarium Fish Fishery and Queensland In Australia, collection of marine specimens [ Smart State Premier's Fellow Coral Fishery are managed by Queensland (2008-2013), Director, Stanford for display is regulated with distinct checks Australia; Reviewing Editor Primary Industries & Fisheries. The Coral Sea and balances in fishery management to at Science Magazine; and Fishery is managed by the Australian Fisheries Deputy Director, ARC Centre for ensure that collection does not convey Management Authority, a Commonwealth Excellence in Coral Reef Studies ] detriment to the environment that supports Commission responsible for the efficient the trade. All Australian fisheries, whether management and sustainable use of managed by state or Commonwealth Commonwealth fish resources on behalf of government agencies, are subject to a the Australian community. continuous improvement model legislated in Australia’s landmark environmental legislation, the Environment Protection & Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999, described in section 1.4.2.
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Operators in the Queensland Marine 1.3.1 Pro-vision Reef Aquarium Fish Fishery and Queensland Pro-vision Reef is an association of licensed Coral Fishery that work in the Great Barrier aquarium fish and coral collectors. Our Reef Marine Park must also acquire a joint mission is to engender community and permit from the Great Barrier Reef Marine market confidence in our industry through Our fishery is controlled by Park Authority, a Commonwealth statutory demonstration of, and commitment to, the “ multiple State and Federal authority responsible for the protection of highest standards of operational efficiency the natural resources of the Great Barrier government departments; and environmental performance. Reef, while providing for reasonable use; this along with “due process” and Queensland Parks & Wildlife, the State and conflicting legislation Pro-vision Reef membership accounts for 91% Environmental Protection Agency responsible of active licenses in the Queensland Marine such as the National for the adjacent Great Barrier Reef Coastal Aquarium Fish Fishery; 88% of active licenses Competition Policy, makes Marine Park as well as some day-to-day in the Queensland Coral Fishery; and both of management changes management activities of the Great Barrier the aquarium sector permits in the Coral Sea difficult and frustratingly Reef Marine Park. Fishery. It is estimated that Pro-vision Reef slow. If Industry can show that membership accounts for approximately 90% Fisheries are managed using input controls, it is credible and trustworthy of output from the Queensland-managed which manage fishing effort; and others are fisheries that operate on the Great Barrier then self management is the additionally managed with the use of output Reef. way to go. controls, which manage catch. All fisheries in Australia have limited entry, meaning ” Collection businesses operate at widely that a new fishery entrant must purchase an disparate scales but most operate within both existing license. the Queensland Marine Aquarium Fish Fishery and Queensland Coral Fishery. There are two Demand is for species variety and this has collection businesses that operate within resulted in supply of a large array of species. all three fisheries that are the subject of this Export to international wholesalers is growing Don Gilson [ Inter-Fish ] Stewardship Action Plan. as the reputation of Australian suppliers and the multi-jurisdictional management Signatories to this Stewardship Action Plan framework within which they operate is fulfil a compulsory condition of membership recognised by the market and preferred to of Pro-vision Reef. cheaper specimens that might not meet the market with the same sound environmental credentials. Servicing large public aquaria is undertaken by very few operators in Australia, although those that do have an international reputation for delivering animals to the market in premium condition. Exports destinations are primarily to the United States, Asian and European markets.
Fish collection is labour
intensive and entails careful
handling to ensure the well
being of the animals. 5 Navigation: Foreword | Preface | Contents | Part 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | Bibliography | Attachment 1 | 2 T e h
1.3.2 Queensland Marine In 2006 the total take for the fishery was Aquarium Fish Fishery 171,641 individual fish from 57 species groups. Trade levels in the Queensland A The Queensland Marine Aquarium Fish Marine Aquarium Fish Fishery are very small Fishery operates on the east coast of y ly p p u S m u i r a u q compared to the global aquarium trade, Queensland between the Tweed River in the which ranges from 20–24 million individuals south and Cape York in the north and east to annually. Marine species from Australia are the outer boundary of the Great Barrier Reef predominantly collected from the wild. Marine Park. There are 44 commercial licenses Notable exceptions from the Australian market in the Queensland Marine Aquarium Fish include iconic marine aquarium “must have” Fishery, of which 32 are active in the fishery. species, such as anemone fish, Amphiprion spp Twenty nine of the active licenses are held by and Premnas spp., which are overwhelmingly Pro-vision Reef members. produced through captive breeding. More than 80% of anemonefish species supplied The Queensland Marine Aquarium Fish from the Australian market are produced in Fishery is input controlled, firstly by this way. Industry provides broodstock for restricting the collection effort under each aquaculture and is currently in discussion with license to three divers at any one time; and researchers looking at methods of chemically Pro-vision Reef is an exciting secondly by imposing Special Management marking otoliths of cultured specimens in “ initiative that creates a win- Areas adjacent to major population centres order to differentiate these specimens from to protect high use areas from potentially win situation for the industry those caught in the wild. unsustainable concentrations of effort. and the environment. Having These areas are located adjacent Cairns, worked extensively in SE Asia, Whitsundays, Keppels, Sunshine Coast and 1.3.3 Queensland Coral Fishery it's extremely refreshing to Moreton Bay. I see the Australian marine The Queensland Coral Fishery area includes d n Divers can use SCUBA or surface air supply. aquarium industry assuming all tidal waters on the east coast of Fish and invertebrates are collected responsibility for important Queensland. The fishery ostensibly operates individually by hand or by use of hand-held issues that ultimately protect within the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park u apparatus, including fishing line with a as there are just two small areas south of valuable reef resources, barbless hook, scoop nets, barrier nets s the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park that are an integral part of our and herding devices, such as a small rod. open to harvesting under special license r t natural heritage. Cyanide assisted collection does not occur conditions. There are 59 licenses in the in Australia. ” Queensland Coral Fishery, of which 47 are active in the fishery. Forty two of the active y The Queensland Marine Aquarium Fish licenses are held by Pro-vision Reef members. Fishery targets a wide range of marine aquarium fish and invertebrates. More In the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park and than 60% of all fish collected from World Heritage Area, the Great Barrier Reef Australian wild fisheries are from five Dr Gerald R. Allen Marine Park Act and Regulations list all corals families, including Pomacentridae (mainly [ Western Australia Museum ] (all species of the classes Anthozoa and damselfish), Chaetodontidae (butterflyfish), Hydrozoa) as no-take, except via a permit. Pomacanthidae (angelfish), Labridae (wrasses) Scientific assessment of a longstanding Total and Gobiidae (gobies), although no particular Allowable Catch of 200t in the Queensland species could be said to dominate the species Coral Fishery determined it to be sustainable mix. In addition, a range of echinoderms providing effort was widely spread to ensure (starfish, sea urchins); sponges; ascidians and that localised concentration of effort did not polychaete worms are also collected. occur at a regional scale.
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The research facilitation “ component of the Since the Queensland Primary Industries & A comprehensive Species Vulnerability and Stewardship Action Plan is Fisheries policy to manage the Queensland Ecological Risk Assessment tool has been very important. In defining Coral Fishery was implemented in July 2006, developed for the Queensland Coral Fishery.
world’s best practice, we just 60t (30%) of the Total Allowable Catch It takes account of accessibility, vulnerability may be collected as live coral, known in the to disturbance, life history characteristics and now have the opportunity management arrangements as “Specialty collection pressure, then calibrates against to help the researchers to Coral”. The remaining 140t (70%) comprises local and scientific knowledge systems validate those strategies specimens of the abundant and fast-growing and provides a risk ranking with respect to and to improve them. corals of the Acroporidae and Pocilloporidae depletion for each species of coral collected ” families, live rock and coral rubble, known in the Queensland Coral Fishery. as “Other Coral”. Divers can use SCUBA or surface air supply. Coral is collected by hand The Ecological Risk Assessment (Roelofs, or with the aid of hand-held non-mechanical 2008) determined that overwhelmingly, implements such as a bolster, meaning that the degree of risk to corals was “negligible”. only one specimen can be collected at a time. However, 12 species were assessed as “low” Fenton Walsh risk. Additionally, the likelihood of that risk [ Northern Barrier Marinelife ] In 2007-08, the catch from the Queensland manifesting through collection for each of Coral Fishery was a little more than half of the those 12 species was graded to be “remote” Total Allowable Catch and was very similar and the collection consequence of that risk to catches in 2006–07. It was approximately was graded as “minor”. 105t; of which 67t was live rock and just 19t was live coral. The one exception was Catalaphyllia jardenei (Family: Caryophyllidae). This species was Live rock, which is dead coral rubble that assessed as “low” risk. However, likelihood has been colonised by organisms such as of that risk manifesting through collection coralline algae, is used as a substrate and was graded as “rare” and the collection filter in mini-reef aquaria. It is collected in consequence of that risk was graded as the Queensland Coral Fishery and forms a “moderate”. This species is not particularly substantial component of the overall take. In specialised in niche requirements. It is the 2007-08 quota year, live rock comprised collected in depths of 15-20m but occurs 67t or 63.8% of the take. To put the scale of in depths greater than 30m. Importantly, C. collection in this fishery in perspective, one jardenei in an inter-reefal species. Industry tonne of live rock represents approximately observes that it occurs in vast beds on sandy 25m2 (equivalent to the size of one car substrates. As it is not a reef coral, it has not parking space at a shopping centre). been the subject of intensive study.
Market demand for live coral is for small and The Species Vulnerability Assessment (Roelofs vibrant varieties, including those from the & Silcock, 2008) determined that the only Euphyllidae, Zoanthidae, Corallimorpharia species of hard coral that was moderately and Fungidae families. Anemones are also vulnerable to over harvesting by the fishery part of the Queensland Coral Fishery. The was Montipora sp (Family: Acroporidae). market accepts only specimens in premium All the remaining species assessed were condition. Collectors do not collect imperfect determined to be at low risk from Queensland specimens. The fickle nature of market Coral Fishery harvesting activity. Montipora demand necessitates prudent selectivity of genus is not a dominant catch component in specimens by collectors, which results in the the fishery. Coral reefs are some of overwhelming majority of specimens being the most biologically rich left to provide parent stock for the future.
ecosystems on earth.
Keeping an aquarium
helps people to better
understand them.
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The Stewardship Action Plan e h “ is an excellent and credible 1.3.4 Coral Sea Fishery The Coral Sea Fishery comprises 18 fishing "code of conduct" that concessions spread across the multi-gear will ensure collections of The Coral Sea Fishery covers an area of multi-method fishery, including Demersal Line, A 780,000 square kilometres in waters from ornamental specimens from Demersal Trawl, Sea Cucumber Collection,
y ly p p u S m u i r a u q Sandy Cape on Fraser Island to Cape York, the Great Barrier Reef are Lobster and Trochus Collection and Aquarium generally east of the outer boundary of the sustainable, and establishes Collection sectors. Each sector is managed Great Barrier Reef Marine Park to the edge "World's best practice" for under conditions outlined in an annual permit, of the Australian Fishing Zone. No take areas which includes various input and output this fishery. With its extensive within the fishery area include the Coringa- controls. The aquarium fish collection sector voluntary actions, the Plan Herald and Lihou Reef National Nature comprises two permit holders, which are sets a new benchmark for Reserves, which cover an area of 17,000 permitted to hand collect fish, invertebrates square kilometres. the responsible stewardship and live rock. Collection of live coral from the of marine resources that will Coral Sea Fishery is prohibited. A Marine Bioregional Plan is in preparation, distinguish the Australian which includes more than 2.4 million square product as the "greenest" in kilometres of ocean from the northern 1.4 legislative Framework the global market place. reaches of the Coral Sea, south into the ” Tasman Sea, which will encompass the entire 1.4.1 Queensland Government Coral Sea Fishery area. That process will result Framework in a network of Commonwealth Reserves that Under Offshore Constitutional Settlement are zoned in accordance with the seven IUCN between the Australian States and the categories for Marine Protected Areas. Australian Government, management of
An area of just under one million square fisheries within the Great Barrier Reef Marine kilometres has been declared a Conservation Park is the responsibility of the Queensland Dr Peter Doherty I Government through Queensland Primary [ Research Director, Australian Zone, which is an interim measure to limit d n Institute of Marine Science ] further economic activity in the area until Industries & Fisheries. Fisheries in Queensland proposed Commonwealth Reserves are are managed according to the Fisheries Act 1994 declared. It is expected that aquarium and its subordinate legislation, including the u fish collection will remain in the Coral Fisheries Regulation 2008 and legislated fishery Sea Fishery, including in some sections of management plans. This legislative framework s the Commonwealth Reserves. The Marine is complemented by policies, license and r t Bioregional Planning process applies to the permit conditions and non-regulatory entirety of Australia’s territorial waters of more arrangements. Other State legislative than 15 million square kilometres and, when instruments that impact on operations y completed, will include a comprehensive within marine fisheries include the Marine network of marine protected areas. Parks Act 2004, Nature Conservation Act 1992, State Penalties Enforcement Act 1999 and the Transport Operations (Marine Pollution) Act 1995.
The main purpose of the Fisheries Act is to provide for the use, conservation and enhancement of the community’s fisheries resources and fish habitats in a way that seeks to: apply and balance the principles of ecologically sustainable development; and promote ecologically sustainable development. Coral Sea collectors
install their own moorings Both the Queensland Marine Aquarium to minimise the risk of Fish Fishery and Queensland Coral Fishery anchor damage. operate under management arrangements stipulated in the Fisheries Regulation 2008 and supplementary license conditions. 8 Navigation: Foreword | Preface | Contents | Part 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | Bibliography | Attachment 1 | 2
It's important for
the aquarium supply
industry on the
Great Barrier Reef
and Coral Sea to take
the lead and establish
the global benchmark
for best practice in
specimen collection.
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1.4.2 Commonwealth Government Following strategic assessment of the fishery, Framework Wildlife Trade Operation and export approvals may be granted under the Environment A The Coral Sea Fishery is managed by the Protection & Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999
y ly p p u S m u i r a u q Australian Fisheries Management Authority in for the fishery. These approvals are subject a precautionary manner in accordance with to various conditions and recommendations objectives under the Fisheries Management being met. The Coral Sea Fishery is an Act 1991 and the Fisheries Management accredited Wildlife Trade Operation. Regulations 1992. Management arrangements are enforced through fishing permit In the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, the conditions and are outlined in a Management Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority is Arrangements booklet produced by the the principal adviser to the Commonwealth This Stewardship Action Plan Australian Fisheries Management Authority. Government on the care and development “ reinforces the commitment of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. Fishery management performance is of responsible collectors to Participants in the East Coast Dive-Based measured against the ‘Guidelines for the Fisheries (or Harvest Fisheries) are required a minimal environmental Ecologically Sustainable Management of to obtain a permit for operations within the footprint and a positive and Fisheries’, which are based on the principles Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. timely response to future that guide the Marine Stewardship Council. climate change events. The guidelines cover a number of individual The Emerald Agreement of 1979 determined ” objectives broadly relating to impacts to that the day-to-day management of the target species; bycatch and byproduct Great Barrier Reef Marine Park and the Great species; endangered, threatened and Barrier Reef World Heritage Area should be protected species; ecologically threatened undertaken by officers of Queensland Parks communities; and the marine ecosystem & Wildlife, subject to Great Barrier Reef Marine I generally. Park Authority policy. Queensland Parks & d n Wildlife employs around 100 Marine Park A series of recommendations is issued as part Officers, including professional rangers and Ros Paterson [ Marine Arts ] of this ‘Strategic Assessment’ and the fishery conservation staff working with industries u manager has a specified time frame in which and coastal communities.
s to satisfy obligations and recommendations. In this way, fishery management performance r t is monitored and reported on transparently. Ecological Risk Assessments are conducted at three year intervals to prioritise issues for y management that could infer risk, such as the adequacy of existing data.
Highly skilled and
experienced divers ensure
fish are maintained in
premium condition. 10 Navigation: Foreword | Preface | Contents | Part 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | Bibliography | Attachment 1 | 2
The Stewardship Action Plan “ ensures that the industry 1.4.3 International Framework 1.5 Industry/Government is both responsible and Liaison Strategic Assessment of the Queensland responsive. The plan has Marine Aquarium Fish Fishery, Queensland 1.5.1 Industry/Queensland demonstrated a capacity to Coral Fishery and Coral Sea Fishery under Government Liaison incorporate recent scientific the Environment Protection & Biodiversity The aquarium supply industry is directly findings in developing Conservation Act 1999 determined the engaged with Queensland Primary Industries sustainable practices. This fisheries to be “Wildlife Trade Operations”, and Fisheries in the on-going management of bodes well for the future of which enables export of products from those the Queensland Coral and Marine Aquarium the industry and the reef. fisheries. Some species, including stony corals Fish Fisheries. Representatives sit on a (Scleractinia) and Syngnathids (seahorses) are ” specialist working group that provides advice listed under Appendix II of the Convention on regarding the day-to-day management of the International Trade in Endangered Species of fisheries, research priorities and key issues Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). to be addressed to improve the efficiency of operation of the management arrangements. The purpose of Appendix II is to list ‘species The working group reports directly back to that are not necessarily now threatened with Queensland Primary Industries and Fisheries. extinction but that may become so unless Professor David Bellwood trade is closely controlled’. CITES Export [ James Cook University ] Into the future, fisheries managers will Permits are issued by the Commonwealth continue to work closely with Pro-vision Department of Environment, Water, Heritage Reef to identify and develop opportunities & Arts for the export of coral harvested for co-management of the fisheries. This Stewardship Action under the Queensland Coral Fishery. The Co-management can provide a framework for “ Plan captures the growing Strategic Assessment of the Queensland Coral government doing business with Industry; Fishery fulfils the Non Detriment Finding professionalism of the the right model may provide the opportunity as required under CITES. Of the 350 species industry; a strong level of for enhanced profitability through driving of reef building corals found on the Great adoption by industry will change to the management of the fishery. Barrier Reef, 52 genera/species are regularly strengthen the credibility of collected in the Queensland Coral Fishery. Queensland Primary Industries & Fisheries these fisheries internationally have collaboratively developed a Coral The Strategic Assessment for the fishery and provide a benchmark for Stress Response Plan, to address local scale consequently includes many more species other fisheries to follow. impacts to reefs, from stresses such as than are actually subject to trade. Harvest mass coral bleaching. Strategies outlined ” of live hard corals in the Queensland Coral in this Stewardship Action Plan have been Fishery represents a tiny fraction of what developed to integrate with the Coral Stress naturally accretes in a year on the Great Response Plan. Barrier Reef (Atkinson et al., in press). Corals collected in the Queensland Coral Fishery are Queensland Parks & Wildlife work closely with very diverse and many of the aquarium trade the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority Dr. Brigid Kerrigan species are not CITES-listed e.g. soft corals, [ Fishery Manager, Queensland to provide the day-to-day management of Primary Industries & Fisheries ] zooanthids, corallomorphs etc. Listed fish marine protected areas on the Great Barrier species collected in the Queensland Marine Reef. In this role, they have developed the Aquarium Fish Fishery and Coral Sea Fishery Reef Health & Impact Summary survey system also require CITES Export Permits. to assist managers and a range of reef users to monitor reef health. Queensland Parks & Wildlife manage this program and provide training for users. The Reef Health & Impact Coral Stress Response Plan for the Coral & Marine Summary system provides a simple objective Aquarium Fish Fisheries (left) framework to obtain consistent information, Coral Bleaching Response Plan 2008-2009 (right) regardless of the reason for using it.
11 Navigation: Foreword | Preface | Contents | Part 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | Bibliography | Attachment 1 | 2 T e h
Reef Health & Impact Summary has recently 1.5.2 Industry/Commonwealth become an integral part of the Great Barrier Government Liaison Reef Marine Park Authority’s Coral Bleaching A The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority Response Plan and is used regularly to maintains a Fisheries Reef Advisory y ly p p u S m u i r a u q monitor reef health over the summer months. Committee comprising stakeholders
More broadly, Pro-vision Reef recognizes the from a range of interest groups, including value in contributing industry expertise and commercial, charter and recreational fishing, local knowledge of reef ecosystems (over conservation groups, fishery and protected and above catch records) to managing and areas managers and indigenous community monitoring the resources they use. The Reef representatives. Currently, Pro-vision Reef Health & Impact Summary system provides a has a representative on this committee. The common metric for all users to consistently aquarium supply industry forms part of the quantify the health of the reefs they visit Harvest fisheries that includes those that or work on. This enables a time series to be target tropical rock lobster, bêche-de-mer built that provides a baseline for condition at and trochus.
We hope that this document important collection sites. Should an impact The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority occur, this methodology allows relative “ helps the public to understand coordinates the annual, integrated, multi- change to be unambiguously documented what really goes on out at jurisdictional response to mass coral and tracked at the site. Such information “The Reef”. Also that the bleaching on the Great Barrier Reef, through demonstrates that Pro-vision Reef members the Coral Bleaching Response Plan. Pro-vision utmost care is taken in are on-going partners in knowledge Reef work closely with the Great Barrier collecting and preserving gathering on the Great Barrier Reef. It also Reef Marine Park Authority to ensure that the reef for future ensures that effective site–specific responses stewardship initiatives and development can be collaboratively developed in response I generations. of any research projects identified in this
d n to particular impacts. ” Stewardship Action Plan are integrated within the broad Coral Bleaching Response Plan framework. u
In a time of increasing concern Australian Fisheries Management s “ about the overall health of our Authority conducts an annual Coral Sea r t Stakeholders meeting, which is attended by Christina Shkreli and Sonya reefs, this document clearly Ridden [ Oz Reef Connections ] representatives of all five sectors working in demonstrates the proactive the Coral Sea Fishery, including operators in y stewardship approach taken the aquarium collection sector. by our industry and also
provides transparency on our operating practices. ”
Rob Lowe [ All Marine Fish ]
12 Navigation: Foreword | Preface | Contents | Part 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | Bibliography | Attachment 1 | 2
The Stewardship Action
Plan marks a new era
of collaboration between
management agencies
and industry.
13 Navigation: Foreword | Preface | Contents | Part 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | Bibliography | Attachment 1 | 2 P o p r u Pa rt 2 Purpose of the Stewardship Action Plan
2.1 Scope 2.2 Context s
e o e The Stewardship Action Plan is voluntary This Stewardship Action Plan should be and is developed by industry for industry. read in the context of the existing fishery The industry is eager to have However, the Stewardship Action Plan also and protected areas management and “ our practices on display to develops a pathway whereby concerns and legislation. It should be identified as an f complaints can be addressed independently important component of the collaborative the public and the market.
t in a transparent and accountable manner, management tool-box for these fisheries. The We are proud of our custodial including provisions for natural justice. relevant fisheries are managed according to approach to the marine Steward r a w e t S e h Sanctions may be imposed for breaches the principles of ecosystem based fisheries environment. according to a predetermined points management; the principles of ecologically ” schedule following assessment of complaints sustainable development; and within a by an independent Complaints Assessment continuous improvement model established Committee. It is the intention that all through the Environment Protection & participants in the Queensland Marine Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. Aquarium Fish Fishery, Queensland Coral Fishery and the Coral Sea Fishery adhere In addition, two of the fisheries operate to the operational standards and strategies within the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, Brian Hose articulated herein. which was zoned under the Representative [ Australian Tropical Marines; Areas Program commencing 1st July 2004. Pro-vision Reef Life Member ] The Stewardship Action Plan outlines a vision Under that program, 33% of the Great Barrier for ‘best practice’ aimed to differentiate Reef Marine Park is assigned to no-take zones marine ornamental specimens collected and a range of restrictions apply to other
s I applaud Pro-vision Reef’s in the Queensland based fisheries from zones. No-take zones account for a minimum
initiative with the Stewardship those collected elsewhere. It defines fishery of 20% of each of 70 identified bioregions
i h “ operational standards in order to clearly and (important breeding and nursery areas such Action Plan. With their pro- transparently articulate sustainable collection as seagrass beds, mangrove communities, active approach they signal p strategies to the community and the market. deepwater shoals and coral reefs). Licensed the underlying love of nature specimen collection is allowed under permit
A that typifies the aquarium The Stewardship Action Plan provides a in some Conservation Park zones; and all trade and hobby while, at framework for regular review of best practice, Habitat Protection and General Use Zones. t c the same time, they set an and actively encourages sound research to ensure that best practice strategies are No two reefs are the same in terms of the important standard that based on the best available knowledge. communities they support. Given that an n o i other parts of the ornamental Development of best practice strategies important aspect of most collection businesses aquatic industry will be is both a proactive experience-based relates to having a diverse stock list, this then measured against. industry initiative and a practical response drives collectors to collect from a range of ” to outcomes of a recognised Ecological sites on a regular basis. This in turn spreads P Risk Assessment process for each fishery. collection effort across multiple sites. As circumstances and knowledge change, a l best practice strategies are reviewed and The Queensland Marine Aquarium Fish amended as required by a Review Committee. Fishery operates at less than 50% of the managed capacity. The table below n Svein A. Fosså demonstrates the Queensland Marine [ Marine Aquarium Council; Aquarium Fish Fishery at maximum input Ornamental Fish International; capacity and at the actual scale of fishing International Pet Advisory Council; European Pet Organization; effort. Note that the fishery management Scandinavian Pet Trade Union; strategies are designed to manage the fishery Norwegian Pet Trade Association ] when operating at maximum capacity.
14 Navigation: Foreword | Preface | Contents | Part 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | Bibliography | Attachment 1 | 2
This Stewardship Action Plan “ describes what we do in the Queensland Marine Aquarium Fish Fishery water. It will help people
in the community to better Capacity Actual
understand our industry and no. licenses (A1) 44 32 in operation
the low impact collection divers/license 3 av. 2
strategies that we adopt. dives/day e.g. 2 av. 2 ” total dives/day 264 128 no. days/year e.g. 100 av. 75
total dives/year 26,400 9,600
Hookah hose length av. 150m
dive site av. 0.0707 km2
fishery area ~ 400,000 km2 Bev Squire [ Cairns Marine ] divers/site e.g. 3 av. 2
site visits/year e.g. 2 av. 2
dive time 2 hours av. 2 hours
annual fishery coverage 311.06 km2 169. 67 km2 The Stewardship Action Plan % of fishery area fished 0.078% 0.042% “ demonstrates that collectors dive hours/site/year 12 8 are conscious of exerting
a minimal environmental
footprint and are proactive in Around 70% of commercial licenses (A1 There are 25 businesses that operate in the
our approach to events linked symbol) are active in the Queensland Marine Queensland Coral Fishery, 15 of which also Aquarium Fish Fishery. Most of the license operate in the Queensland Marine Aquarium to climate change. holders do not deploy three divers per Fish Fishery, including the two businesses ” license. Total dive effort in the Queensland that are holders of Coral Sea Fishery licenses. Marine Aquarium Fish Fishery is around 64 Most Queensland Coral Fishery businesses divers, which is around 48% of the fishery hold multiple endorsements in order to input capacity. increase their allocated pool of quota and therefore their volume of output. Output from the fishery may be viewed in terms of biomass. A study of fish The Queensland Coral Fishery businesses do Renison Bell collection activity in the Coral Sea in 2006, not deploy a diver for each endorsement; [ Pacific Marine Aquarium Fish ] in conjunction with a fishery observer from and Queensland Marine Aquarium Fish Australian Fisheries Management Authority, Fishery businesses do not deploy extra measured biomass removed from coral reef divers for Queensland Coral Fishery activity. ecosystems during the course of normal Consequently, the total dive effort for the collection activity. The study found that two Queensland Marine Aquarium Fish Fishery divers on a three day trip collected 776 fish and Queensland Coral Fishery in combination comprising 74 species with a total biomass is little more than that described for the of 10.9 kilograms. This equated to an average Queensland Marine Aquarium Fish Fishery of fewer than 130 fish weighing a total of 1.8 alone. kilograms per diver per day.
15 Navigation: Foreword | Preface | Contents | Part 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | Bibliography | Attachment 1 | 2 P o p r u
2.3 Professional Ethics 2.4 Aims and Objectives
The Professional Ethics set forth are 2.4.1 Aims aspirational in character and represent broad The aim of the Stewardship Action Plan is objectives towards which every Signatory to develop and document non regulatory s should strive. Perceived contravention of approaches for world’s best practices, The Stewardship Action these aspirations will not be assessed by the e o e thereby engendering community and “ Plan is extremely positive. Complaints Assessment Committee. market confidence in the marine aquarium Pro-vision Reef and the n Exercise a moral responsibility to supply industry, particularly in terms of fishing industry ought to f professional associates and the environmental performance and responding be commended on their public and to the animals under care. to the challenge of global climate change. t proactive approach to n Display the highest integrity, the
Steward r a w e t S e h encouraging best practice best judgment and ethics, and 2.4.2 Objectives and sustainable practice use professional skills for the best in the fishery. interests of all. 1. Describe ‘best practice’ collection standards in the Queensland Marine ” n Promote the interests of wildlife Aquarium Fish Fishery, Queensland conservation, biodiversity, and Coral Fishery and Coral Sea Fishery animal welfare to the public and to colleagues. 2. Detail contingency operational plans for coral bleaching events and n Aid the professional development formalise linkages with response of those who enter the aquarium plans developed by fishery and supply profession by assisting them Josh Davis [ Manager of the protected areas managers Coral Sea Fishery, AFMA ] to understand the functions, duties, and responsibilities of the profession, 3. Form a Complaints Assessment including legislative compliance. Committee to oversee the validity of complaints and severity of breaches s n Conduct business operations in 4. Form a Review Committee i h a manner that does not adversely Hopefully this document affect, or is prejudicial to, to continuously improve the Stewardship Action Plan will help the community to the concepts and ideals of p “ Pro-vision Reef. understand what happens
A below the waves. We are n Contribute to continuous
very selective and careful improvement in the aquarium supply t c industry through participation in in what we do. Also, there projects that enhance operational is myriad management efficiency and environmental n o i and assessments that the performance. community may not n Where practical seek to develop be aware. partnerships and improve ” relationships with other user groups P within their local communities. a l n
Kim Grunske [ Keppel Bay Corals ]
16 Navigation: Foreword | Preface | Contents | Part 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | Bibliography | Attachment 1 | 2 A i n i m d Pa rt 3 Administration
The Stewardship Action Plan will be administered by Pro-vision Reef Inc. s 3.1 Complaints Assessment 3.2 Review Committee
Committee r t This Stewardship Action Plan establishes a This Stewardship Action Plan establishes Review Committee. Led by Pro-vision Reef,
a Complaints Assessment Committee the Review Committee will convene on an n o i at whose sole purpose is to assess the annual basis or as new information comes to validity of complaints and determine light. The Stewardship Action Plan operates the graded severity of breaches. The alongside the Great Barrier Reef Marine Complaints Assessment Committee will Park Authority’s Coral Bleaching Response comprise individuals that have a direct Plan and Queensland Primary Industries & stake in the sustainable management of Fisheries’ Coral Stress Response Plan. The the fishery and environment; and will be Review Committee will undertake review of independently chaired. The Complaints the Stewardship Action Plan in proximity to Assessment Committee will be comprised of review of the Coral Bleaching Response Plan stakeholders who are non-industry members; and the Coral Stress Response Plan. This initiative is typical of persons who can act impartially; and that The Stewardship Action Plan is produced “ the forward thinking culture have sufficient knowledge to make fully informed judgement. Composition may vary by industry for industry and forms a critical within this group of operators. dependant upon availability and approval by step in the aspirations for a co-management The fishery is small and spread the Pro-vision Reef executive. approach to aquarium supply fisheries in widely along the Queensland Queensland held by managers and industry. coast. We all love the sea and The Complaints Assessment Committee will The Review Committee will be chaired the work we perform. have the capacity to request advice from by Pro-vision Reef and will comprise a ” industry or other relevant stakeholders in mix of industry participants and agency the decision making process. However, any representatives. industry or other advisor will not undertake a decision making role. The Review Committee will consider input from researchers from bona fide research institutions, particularly regarding research that tests the validity of collection strategies Ray Reddacliff [ Aquamarine Industries ] articulated in the Stewardship Action Plan to ensure that those strategies represent world’s best practice.
In addition, Pro-vision Reef will participate in a Review Task Force in the event of identified high risk of coral bleaching. The Review Task Force will convene in accordance with triggers stipulated in the Coral Bleaching Response Plan and Coral Stress Response Plan (see Attachment I).
Divers painstakingly
collect one fish at a time. 17 Navigation: Foreword | Preface | Contents | Part 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | Bibliography | Attachment 1 | 2 C t n i a l p m o Pa rt 4 Complaints and Sanctions
For the purpose of this Stewardship Action 4.1 Incident Reporting Plan, a complaint is defined as “an expression of dissatisfaction with compliance with the In the first instance, a complaint may be Stewardship Action Plan”. The Stewardship registered directly with the Signatory via Action Plan relates specifically to operational business contact details listed on the Pro-vision standards, including enacting contingency Reef website. Identification that the operator is a Signatory to the Stewardship Action Plan s plans in the event of coral bleaching. will be clearly visible on the operator’s vessel. a Anybody can register a complaint. Complaints Look for the Pro-vision Reef logo. should specifically identify the section of If the Signatory and complainant cannot n o i t c n a S d n the Stewardship Action Plan for which it is believed the Signatory is in breach. resolve the issue, the complaint should be Complaints that do not specify a breach of the lodged with Pro-vision Reef for referral to Stewardship Action Plan may be registered the Complaints Assessment Committee. with Pro-vision Reef for consideration when Complaints should be registered in writing, the Stewardship Action Plan is reviewed. either by post, fax or email; or via a dedicated complaints form downloadable from the Pro- vision Reef website and should include:
n Date of incident
n Precise location
n Boat mark
With its Stewardship Action n Description of the incident
“ Plan, Pro-vision Reef shows to n Section of the Stewardship Action
s read the signs of this period Plan that was breached of time. It contributes to the n Grade of breach that the complainant need for more transparency believes applies to the breach and it shows the care for the n Evidence, including photographs reef of professional collectors and/or corroborating witness of marine ornamental fish, In a globally competitive accounts corals and invertebrates in “ market, we need the All complaints referred to the Complaints Australia. Stewardship Action Plan to Assessment Committee will be addressed at ” help differentiate our product scheduled meetings and the complainant notified in writing of the outcome. from those sourced elsewhere
where the same high standards do not apply. ”
Dr Alex Ploeg [ Secretary General, Ornamental Fish International ]
Lyle Squire Snr [ Director, Cairns Marine; Pro-vision Reef Life Member ] 18 Navigation: Foreword | Preface | Contents | Part 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | Bibliography | Attachment 1 | 2
The Australian public
expects high standards
of environmental
performance from
all users of the
Great Barrier Reef.
The Stewardship Action
Plan outlines how
the aquarium supply
sector delivers on
that expectation.
19 Navigation: Foreword | Preface | Contents | Part 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | Bibliography | Attachment 1 | 2 C t n i a l p m o
4.2 Assessment of Severity of a breach is determined by a Complaints three point grading system where Grade 1 is the least severe. Penalty points allocated The Complaints Assessment Committee to grades reflect the determination that a will assess the validity or otherwise of the Grade 2 breach is twice as severe as a Grade complaint based on evidence presented. 1 breach; and that a Grade 3 breach is three times as severe as a Grade 1 breach. If in the opinion of the Complaints Assessment Committee, a prima facie1 case exists, the Complaints Assessment Committee 4.3 nOn Compliance will then grade the severity of the breach. Sanctions Schedule s The Signatory subject to complaint will be
a granted opportunity to respond, either in To ensure consistency and fairness, sanctions person, in writing or via teleconference. are allocated according to a pre-determined points system. Each 50 penalty points n o i t c n a S d n This Stewardship Action If in the opinion of the Complaints received by a Signatory to the Stewardship “ Plan demonstrates that the Assessment Committee, a prima facie case Action Plan will result in an incremental does not exist, the Complaints Assessment Australian corals enjoyed by progression up the scale of serious breaches Committee will then dismiss the case. aquarium hobbyists the world and subsequent sanctions (see Table).
over are collected according Following assessment of the complaint, the For example, a penalty of 180 points will to a well thought out strategy Complaints Assessment Committee will refer result in a Signatory receiving a Level 3 designed to minimise the their recommendation to Pro-vision Reef. The sanction (150 points), with the remaining impacts on our marine sanction that applies to the determination of 30 points staying on the Signatory’s record the Complaints Assessment Committee will environment. for two years as 'carry-over points'. Carry over be taken from the Non Compliance Sanctions points will be added to points resulting ” Schedule described in Section 4.3. Pro-vision from subsequent breaches within that two Reef has no subjective role in assessing year period. complaints or determining sanctions. If a Signatory to the Stewardship Action Plan Sanctions for non compliance are articulated s has no history of breaches of the Stewardship in the Non Compliance Sanctions Schedule. Action Plan, the Signatory is entitled to a Russell Kelley [ Coral Scientist The grades of penalty are commensurate and Author of the Indo-Pacific reduction equivalent to 20 per cent of the Coral Finder ] with the grade of breach as determined base penalty points applied to the breach. by the Complaints Assessment Committee and will reflect the nature and seriousness A Signatory is entitled to full cancellation of of the breach. The Complaints Assessment penalty points carried-over from a breach Committee will be guided by a non after two years if no further breaches are compliance scale, depicted below. recorded. If further breaches are recorded, cancellation of points will occur two years after the last breach. Grade 3
Signatories must ensure that company
Grade 2 employees and contractors are aware of the content of the Stewardship Action Plan. This is an ongoing task due to staff turnover. Pro- Grade 1 vision Reef will issue periodic reminders to Severity of Penalty (Points) Signatories to this effect. Severity of Breach (Grade)
1 Evidence that is sufficient to raise a presumption of fact or to establish the fact in question unless rebutted.
20 Navigation: Foreword | Preface | Contents | Part 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | Bibliography | Attachment 1 | 2
I think the Stewardship “ Action Plan takes our fishery and associated industry in Level Sanction Points Consequence Carry Over
the right direction. 1 Warning 50 No external consequence 51-99 ” 2 Exposure 100 Identified in Pro-vision Reef Inc member 101-149 newsletter
3 150 Same as Level 2 plus… 151-199 n Identified in ‘Searead2’
4 200 Same as Level 3 plus… 201-249 n Identified on the Pro-vision Reef Inc website
5 Expulsion 250 Same as Level 4 plus… 251-299 Russell Snook n Six months expulsion from [ Snook’s Marine Fish ] Pro-vision Reef Inc n Remove Pro-vision Reef Inc logo from vessel
6 300 Same as Level 5 plus… 301+ n Twelve months expulsion from carried Pro-vision Reef Inc forward if n Must re-apply for membership readmitted
4.4 Mechanism for Appeal 4.5 Data Collection
As the second generation of In the event that conclusions reached by Data will be collected that reflect the origins “ a family that has harvested the Complaints Assessment Committee are and causes of complaints in relation to not to the satisfaction of the complainant adherence to this Stewardship Action Plan for coral since 1957, I have seen or defendant, and/or that new information the identification of systemic and recurring this fishery develop into one comes to light after the assessment, there problems that the industry should address. that operates with world's is an avenue for appeal to a designated These data will assist the Review Committee best practice collection Independent Decision Maker, which will be in the production of an annual report on the methods. Strong collaboration recruited from outside of the industry for the operation of the Stewardship Action Plan between industry, fishery purpose by Pro-vision Reef at the cost to the and will aid continuous improvement of the
managers and coral reef appellant. Stewardship Action Plan. Data collected will include details regarding: scientists has achieved a The Independent Decision Maker will management regime that assess the grounds for appeal against n Complainant works exceedingly well. the Complaints Assessment Committee’s n Signatories complained about ” handling of the complaint. Grounds for appeal should be submitted to Pro-vision n Type and frequency of complaint
Reef in writing, either by post, fax or email n How the complaint was resolved by no later than 5:00pm 14 days after n Time taken to deal with the the assessment of the complaint by the complaint Complaints Assessment Committee. n Type of sanction(s) imposed The decision of the Independent Decision David Paterson [ Marine Arts ] Maker is final and no further correspondence will be entered into.
21 2 Periodical magazine published by the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority. Navigation: Foreword | Preface | Contents | Part 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | Bibliography | Attachment 1 | 2 D y to o t ay Pa rt 5 Day to Day Operations
Part 5 of the Stewardship Action Plan exposes Signatories to complaint and the complaints handling process, including the allocation
of sanctions, that is described in Part 4 of this Stewardship Action Plan. Signatories agree to abide by the strategies outlined herein.
Complainants must identify a numbered section within this Part when reporting an alleged breach. D ay
Divers in the Queensland Marine Aquarium Barrier nets are used to capture fish that
Fish Fishery, Queensland Coral Fishery and the collector herds into them. An industry
O Coral Sea Fishery typically collect at a range specific Dive Code that satisfies all Workplace of depths within any given dive. Physical Health and Safety legislative requirements is e p constraints are applied according to the currently under development. The Stewardship Action Plan length of the Hookah hose employed; and The objectives of Part 5 of this Stewardship tion o i at r “ complements the modern physiological constraints are applied whereby time spent at depth is limited and the diver Action Plan are to: fisheries and protected areas must graduate a dive to shallower water. management within which we n Ensure that abiding by the law Consequently, any dive is constrained to a already operate. It is hoped establishes the minimum operational designated horizontal diameter and limited standard for Signatories. that all licensed operators time at various depths. Weather is the sign up and that a uniform greatest restraint with collectors’ ability to n Ensure that Signatories adopt a high standard of operation embark on, and to sustain, a voyage at the custodial approach to public relations mercy of the elements at all times.
s can be set. n Ensure that ‘best practice’ collection standards apply in the Queensland ” Collecting fish and corals commercially Marine Aquarium Fish Fishery, requires diving skills and experience far in Queensland Coral Fishery and Coral excess of those held by recreational divers Sea Fishery. and tourist divers. Control of buoyancy and fin position and movement are highly advanced in this gear intensive activity that 5.1 Fisheries & Protected John Ford [ Keppel Bay Corals ] is practiced and refined in all manner of Areas Management conditions. Most diving activity is conducted Fisheries and protected areas management using surface air supply via a Hookah hose. is incorporated in legislation and/or The hose floats and does not pose any risk subordinate legislation, including regulations to substrate. Barrier nets are deployed in a and management plans. Compliance is static fashion and do not come into contact enforced by the Boating and Fisheries with coral, which damages the fine mesh. Patrol at Queensland Primary Industries & Fisheries; and by Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority and Australian Fisheries Management Authority.
Failure to abide by the fishery management arrangements for the Queensland Marine Aquarium Fish Fishery, Queensland Coral Fishery and Coral Sea Fishery; Queensland and/or Commonwealth fisheries legislation and license conditions; and Queensland Divers select only perfect and/or Commonwealth marine protected
coral specimens that suit areas legislation and permit conditions,
the market. incurs penalties including fines imposed by government authorities. 22 Navigation: Foreword | Preface | Contents | Part 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | Bibliography | Attachment 1 | 2
Serious offences are referred to the judicial Signatories will refer to their participation system and convictions are placed on the in the Stewardship Action Plan on their public record. Signatories to this Stewardship stationary, packaging, company branding,
Aquarium fisheries have Action Plan that record a conviction for advertising material and websites. Such “ a bad reputation in some breaches of fishery and marine protected identification on company branding material areas laws face sanctions imposed under and vessels will include reference to the parts of the world. The this Stewardship Action Plan for bringing the Pro-vision Reef website, whereupon the Stewardship Action Plan industry into disrepute. Stewardship Action Plan can be viewed and will help to separate the downloaded. Great Barrier Reef and Coral Signatories that record a conviction under
Sea fisheries from those fishery and protected areas laws face an Identification that a fishery operator is a automatic penalty of 240 points under Signatory to the Stewardship Action Plan will that employ destructive the Stewardship Action Plan. This will not be clearly visible on the operator’s vessel. fishing practices. be referred to the Complaints Assessment The dimensions of the Pro-vision Reef logo3, ” Committee as the judicial system will have which is the indication that the operator made the necessary assessment. is a Stewardship Action Plan Signatory, should conform with that stipulated for boat marks in s.229 “Requirements for placing 5.2 Consideration of boat mark on an authorised boat” of the Other Stakeholders Fisheries Regulations 2008 (p146). These requirements do not alter obligations relating Signatories to the Stewardship Action Plan Rene Jenson to identification codes for boats specified in [ Northern Barrier Marinelife ] are licensed operators, most of whom the Commonwealth Fisheries Management conduct a permitted activity in the Great Regulations 1992 for Coral Sea Fishery permit Barrier Reef Marine Park. The Stewardship holders. Action Plan compels Signatories to observe strategies that consider other licensed or permitted stakeholders and the broader community. These provisions are aimed at ensuring and enhancing the continued use and enjoyment of a shared resource by other user groups.
Code Stipulation Penalty Points Breach Grade 1 2 3
5.2.i Signatories will not undertake collection at sites4 that are, at 70 140 210 that time, in use by bona fide tour operators5 as at the date of implementation of this Stewardship Action Plan.
3 Logo use will be subject to a license 5.2.ii Signatories will not collect clownfish or anemones at sites6 70 140 210 agreement, which will be a condition of that are within a 50 metre radius from legal tourist moorings membership. This is to ensure that there registered in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park; or, in the are legal consequences for unauthorized Cairns Area Plan of Management area, within a 200 metre use by non-members. radius from a pontoon.
4 A site is defined as the area designated by 5.2.iii Signatories processing collected fish in a public place will 70 140 210 the radius of the operator’s hookah hose, display an explanatory sign based on a template produced which is determined by the position of the by Pro-vision Reef.7 vessel.
5 Bona fide tour operators are defined as those permitted to operate by management agencies such as the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority & Queensland Parks & Wildlife.
6 A site is defined as the area designated by the radius of the operator’s hookah hose, which is determined by the position of the vessel.
7 Explanatory signage will include reference 23 to this Stewardship Action Plan, fishery management, best practice etc. Navigation: Foreword | Preface | Contents | Part 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | Bibliography | Attachment 1 | 2 D y to o t ay
5.3 Collecting Fish in the Collectors of fish in the Queensland Marine Queensland Marine Aquarium Fish Fishery and Coral Sea Fishery We feel confident that the Aquarium Fish Fishery are limited in their collection capacity “ Stewardship Action Plan & Coral Sea Fishery because fish are hand collected and possess greater mobility than any diver. Many coral reassures the community The dynamics of market demand dictates reef fishes, including anemonefish, are cryptic that we, as harvest divers the nature of the species distribution of
D and some are never seen by divers; and many are moving forward to help collected fish. The market demands species others are unsuitable for market demand. The ay protect “the reef” for variety and there are up to 1,500 species of primary limitation on fish collection overall is fish that may be collected with no single everyone to enjoy!! outlined in Section 2.2 Context. species outstanding as a targeted species.
” Damsel fish species are the most commonly Collection strategies in this Stewardship O encountered species and are consequently Action Plan apply to collection of the most commonly collected, particularly e p fish for supply of domestic retail and Chromis spp and Chrysiptera spp. international wholesale custom, which is the overwhelming majority of collection activity. Seven species of anemone fish are now farmed tion o i at r Public display supply activity is sporadic and David Shkreli and Brad Jolly successfully in Australia by several providers. [ Oz Reef Connections ] can involve larger animals collected under Currently, around 80% of anemonefish in the special permit. The strategies listed below do aquarium trade from Australia are sourced not apply when collection is for the purpose in this way. Licensed Queensland Marine of supplying larger animals for public display. Aquarium Fish Fishery and Coral Sea Fishery collectors supply anemonefish broodstock Collection strategies are based on the best Making my living from the to fish farmers. Some collectors also provide available information and will be reviewed ocean I am always conscious broodstock of high value species to the s “ as new information becomes available. Australian Institute of Marine Science for the of what I am collecting and Strategies apply to reefs that are not development of captive breeding technology, that the collecting itself does subject to stress determined by the with a view to commercialisation. Reference to not deplete the resources in situ assessment tabled in Part 6 of this anemonefish in this Stewardship Action Plan Stewardship Action Plan. ability to restore and maintain pertains to Amphiprion spp. itself! My love of the ocean
and my ability to be in a Code Stipulation Penalty Points job I love, gives me a huge Breach Grade 1 2 3 incentive to make sure there 5.3.i Signatories will target primarily juvenile and sub-adult fish 70 140 210 is always enough for my specimens of long lived species, e.g. Pomacanthus spp8 tomorrow and my children’s (except anemonefish – see 5.3.iii).
tomorrows. 5.3.ii When fish species live in schools and larger groups e.g. 70 140 210 Pseudanthias spp. and Chromis spp., Signatories will collect ” no more than half of the fish from the group. 5.3.iii Signatories will only collect mated pairs of anemonefish 70 140 210 from large solitary anemones,9 such as Heteractis magnifica.
5.3.iv Signatories will only collect juvenile and sub-adult 70 140 210 anemonefish10 from anemones that arrange in beds, such as Entacmaea quadricolor subject to 5.3.v.
John Daymond 5.3.v Signatories will not collect anemonefish from an anemone 70 140 210 [ John Daymond Marines ] that the collector assesses as stressed.
8 Natural mortality through predation appears high in these age cohorts relative to adult specimens. Consequently collection is more easily absorbed in these cohorts.
9 Mated pairs of anemonefish are collected and the majority of juveniles are often left in the anemone. This allows the largest juveniles to protect the anemone and does not adversely affect recruitment to the population.
10 Except when the anemone is also collected. When the anemone is left in situ, some fish will be left within the anemone. 24 Navigation: Foreword | Preface | Contents | Part 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | Bibliography | Attachment 1 | 2
5.4 Collecting Coral Strategies apply specifically to species in the Queensland identified in Queensland Primary Industries Coral Fishery & Fisheries’ Species Vulnerability Assessment and Ecological Risk Assessment that feature The market demands high quality coral in the aquarium trade. This response is part specimens. Australian operations have high of the integrative approach to managing the overhead costs and must present premium use of resources in the fisheries between quality specimens to the market. There are industry and the fishery and protected areas relatively few perfect pieces of suitable size management agencies. for the market and very few of any particular
species that are suitable for collection. Queensland Primary Industries & Fisheries’ Collectors additionally vary collection areas “Policy for the Management of the Coral to include deeper water and inter-reefal areas Fishery” refers to all corals not belonging to where dive time is extremely limited. the families Pocilloporidae or Acroporidae as ‘Speciality Coral’. These corals are mostly Collection strategies are based on the best collected live for display in aquaria and available information, gathered from both account for 30% of the Total Allowable Catch collectors’ knowledge and formal research, for the fishery. The majority of corals targeted and will be reviewed as new information for ornamental products are the fast-growing becomes available. The strategies outlined and abundant species that belong to the in this section are designed for collection families Pocilloporidae and Acroporidae. from healthy reef systems (refer to Part 6 for These are referred to as “Other Coral” strategies for reefs exhibiting stress from and form part of the balance of the Total coral bleaching). Allowable Catch along with Live Rock, which is the major component, and Coral Rubble.
Code Stipulation Penalty Points Breach Grade 1 2 3
5.4.i Wherever possible, Signatories collecting Specialty Coral 70 140 210 that arrange in beds will primarily11 target specimens that are smaller than 30cm. This includes those that occur in inter-reefal areas e.g. Goniopora spp., Duncanopsamia spp., Catalaphyllia spp. and Trachyphyllia spp. Divers typically use surface 5.4.ii Wherever possible, Signatories collecting Specialty Coral 70 140 210 air supply while collecting. that arrange singularly or in a roughly uniform manner will primarily12 target specimens that are smaller than 30cm. This includes Euphyllia spp. and Goniopora spp. and Plerogyra spp.
5.4.iii Wherever possible, Signatories collecting Other Coral will 70 140 210 primarily13 target specimens that are smaller than 45cm.
5.4.iv Where anemones arrange in beds, such as Entacmaea 70 140 210 quadricolor, Signatories will not collect anemones from beds that the collector assesses as stressed or bleached.
5.4. v Where anemones arrange individually, such as Heteractis 70 140 210 magnifica, Signatories will not collect large to extra large specimens14 within Special Management Areas.
11 “primarily” refers to more than 50% of collected specimens.
12 “primarily” refers to more than 50% of collected specimens.
13 “primarily” refers to more than 50% of collected specimens.
14 These species are elastic and may expand and contract to a very large extent. It is not feasible to nominate a specific linear measurement. “Large to extra large” is an industry standard based on the size of the 25 anemone when it is not responding to a stimulus, such as feeding or in defence. Navigation: Foreword | Preface | Contents | Part 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | Bibliography | Attachment 1 | 2 C te e at m i l Pa rt 6 Responding to Climate Change
Part 6 of the Stewardship Action Plan exposes Signatories to complaint and the complaints handling process, including the allocation
of sanctions, that is described in Part 4 of this Stewardship Action Plan. Signatories agree to abide by the strategies outlined herein.
Complainants must identify a numbered section within this Part when reporting an alleged breach. C
a h Manifestation of global climate change in Reef Health & Impact Summary surveys the region of the Great Barrier Reef and provide a mechanism for Signatories to The Stewardship Action Plan Coral Sea is expected to include an increased continue with reduced levels (low risk
e g n “ will help hobbyists to choose frequency and severity of coral bleaching; species and low impact activities only) of increased frequency and intensity of tropical collecting at low or moderately stressed sites. the animals they buy at the storms, including cyclones; and increased The surveys provide managers with site- shop on the basis of the least coastal flooding. specific information (often from places not impact on the environment. visited by others) to better inform decision- ” Coral bleaching is the main stress indicator making as an event progresses. The level of used for this Stewardship Action Plan as stress determined by doing the survey also storm damaged and flood affected reefs are triggers the appropriate harvest response for not favourable for viable collection activity. Signatories.
Signatories assist with general monitoring Signatories to this Stewardship Action Plan and management of the Great Barrier Reef by will be guided by the principles outlined completing Reef Health & Impact Summary Cadel Squire [ Cairns Marine ] in Section 6.1 in adjusting collection surveys to provide an annual baseline of reef practices according to the occurrence and health at key collection sites. Completion of severity of the bleaching events. Detailed Reef Health & Impact Summary by Signatories and enforceable strategies are described in is triggered by degrees of risk outlined in the Section 6.2. Coral Bleaching Response Plan and the Coral Stress Response Plan. The objectives for Part 6 of the Stewardship Action Plan are to: Reef Health & Impact Summary surveys collect information on key health parameters n Ensure that Signatories register such as algal and coral cover, physical the location and assessment of damage and coral disease. Surveys also the severity of coral bleaching provide a means of capturing information on encountered. the extent and severity of coral bleaching. n Ensure that Signatories report Reef Health & Impact Summary surveys are the location and assessment of the standard tool used by managers for the severity of coral bleaching to defining the level of stress on a given reef. the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority. Once an area has been clearly impacted, commonsense prevails and Signatories n Ensure that Signatories adopt routinely review their options and seek stipulated collection strategies potential alternative sites to collect from to commensurate with the degree of ensure they do not reduce the resilience of coral bleaching assessed at the site. an impacted area. However, bleaching does not always affect an entire site. For example, Scientists predict that global under some circumstances it may be very climate change will result in greater patchy, it may affect only a few species frequency of coral bleaching. present or it may be limited to shallow waters. 26 Navigation: Foreword | Preface | Contents | Part 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | Bibliography | Attachment 1 | 2
Climate change
presents many
challenges to our
Great Barrier Reef.
This initiative assists
those charged with
its protection to
more effectively
monitor changes to
reef condition.
27 Navigation: Foreword | Preface | Contents | Part 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | Bibliography | Attachment 1 | 2 R e
s 6.1 Assessing Bleached As the structure and dynamics of coral reefs Environments vary according to a range of environmental o t g n i d n o p parameters, the guide table below is Signatories to the Stewardship Action Plan deliberately broad and is designed to assist will assess the extent of stress that collection Signatories to determine which designated environments are subject to following a collection strategy to adopt. Note that the bleaching event by completing Reef Health bleaching indicators are consistent with & Impact Summary surveys and forwarding those detailed in Great Barrier Reef Marine these to the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Park Authority’s BleachWatch Program. Authority. The frequency of surveys will be determined by agreement with the Queensland Primary Industries & Fisheries Task Force.
Stress Depth Indicator
Light <10% of corals impacted C <2m Patchily bleached corals
i l 2-5m No apparent stress
>5m No apparent stress te e at m Moderate 10%-50% of corals impacted
<2m Light or yellowish bleached corals
2-5m Patchily bleached corals
>5m No apparent stress
Heavy >50% of corals impacted
<2m Totally bleached white corals/dead coral with algae C 2-5m Light or yellowish bleached corals a h >5m Patchily bleached corals e g n 6.2 Response Plan (see Attachment I). If the risk is assessed as for Bleached high by this early warning system, the Coral Environments Bleaching Response Plan will be triggered. At this point, Signatories will conduct Reef Class of stress upon bleached reef Health & Impact Summary surveys (see environments will be determined by a visual Attachment II) to provide a baseline of reef assessment by the Signatory in accordance health at their key collection sites that fall in with the table in Section 6.1. the predicted high risk area.
Coral bleaching is triggered by prolonged In recognition that coral bleaching may be The BleachWatch program helps increased sea surface temperatures. Prior patchily distributed within a reef complex reef managers to monitor bleaching to each summer an assessment is made as or even within a site15, Signatories will adopt part of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park through community participation. the following collection strategies. Note Authority’s Coral Bleaching Response Plan that collectors will generally start to look at Early Warning System (http://poama.bom.gov. minimising their business risks and look for a au/) and Queensland Primary Industries range of other locations when an area show & Fisheries’ Coral Stress Response Plan signs of being impacted.
15 A site is defined as the area designated by the radius of the operator’s hookah hose, which is determined by the position of the vessel. 28 Navigation: Foreword | Preface | Contents | Part 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | Bibliography | Attachment 1 | 2
Our fisheries add value to
“ conservation of marine Signatories may decide to continue to sites, Signatories provide the Coral Stress life through education and collect in sites assessed as impacted by Response Plan Taskforce with case-by-case
awareness. Monitoring coral bleaching, subject to the limitations decision making information that will guide outlined below. By participating in Reef management action, if any, for that site. and reporting through the Health & Impact Summary surveys at these Stewardship Action Plan
indicates that that value
begins to be added at the very 6.2.1 Light Stress Penalty Points start of the supply chain. ” Breach Grade 1 2 3 6.2.1.i Reef sites assessed as lightly stressed from coral bleaching 50 50 50 should be reported as quickly as possible to the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority. Reef Health & Impact Summary surveys should be completed to document relative reef health at the site.
6.2.1.ii Signatories should not collect whole or part colonies of 60 120 180 coral that exhibit signs of stress.
6.2.1.iii Signatories should not collect any specimens in depths less 60 120 180 Ben Thompson than two metres at these sites. [ Marine Life Queensland ] 6.2.1.iv Signatories should not collect anemonefish from stressed 60 120 180 anemones at any depth.
This is the only fishery 6.2.2 Moderate Stress Penalty Points “ anywhere that has proactively Breach Grade 1 2 3 devised operating strategies 6.2.2.i Reef sites assessed as moderately stressed from coral 60 60 60 bleaching should be reported as quickly as possible to and monitoring and reporting the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority. Reef Health protocols for events linked to & Impact Summary surveys should be completed to document relative reef health at the site. climate change. 6.2.2.ii Signatories should not collect whole or part colonies of 80 160 240 ” coral that exhibit signs of stress. 6.2.2.iii Signatories should not collect any specimens in depths less 80 160 240 than five metres at these sites.
6.2.2.iv Signatories should not collect anemonefish from stressed 80 160 240 anemones at any depth.
6.2.2.v Signatories should not collect herbivorous/grazing species 80 160 240 that control algal growth in coral habitats (e.g. parrot fish, rabbit fish, surgeon fish, and urchins)16 at any depth. Tracy Bell [ Pacific Marine Aquarium Fish ]
6.2.3 Heavy Stress Penalty Points
Breach Grade 1 2 3
6.2.3.i Reef sites assessed as heavily stressed from coral bleaching 70 70 70 should be reported as quickly as possible to the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority17.
6.2.3.ii Signatories should not collect from sites that are heavily 100 200 300 stressed from coral bleaching
16 Strategy may be reviewed following research into the roaming behaviour of herbivores in the event of coral bleaching.
17 Signatories may choose to contribute to 29 monitoring at such sites, for information purposes only. Navigation: Foreword | Preface | Contents | Part 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | Bibliography | Attachment 1 | 2 T e h Pa rt 7 The Role of Pro-vision Reef Inc R o e l o The role of Pro-vision Reef will be to identify 7.2 Address Localised opportunities for continuous improvement Issues in operational efficiency and environmental Pro-vision Reef will implement appropriate performance in the fisheries. This will include: voluntary action in response to localised environmental concerns, such as those addressed in Part 6 – Coral Bleaching.
f 7.1 Collaboration Such voluntary action may include, at the
Pro-vision Reef will work collaboratively with discretion of the Pro-vision Reef executive P officers from Queensland Primary Industries in consultation with local operators and
o r & Fisheries, Great Barrier Reef Marine Park fishery & protected areas managers, Authority, Queensland Parks & Wildlife and Memoranda of Understanding that entail Australian Fisheries Management Authority spatial and temporal closure; industry led
i v - to ensure that fishery management and monitoring programs with relevant data to be fishery operations are responsive to changes independently stored at the Great Barrier Reef in environmental and market conditions. Marine Park Authority to be made publicly Pro-vision Reef will continue to facilitate available following collaborative analysis and s industry involvement in the development reporting; and other conditions as deemed
o i I love working in the sea and I of a co-management model for the suitable. “ take pride in undertaking my Queensland Marine Aquarium Fish Fishery and Queensland Coral Fishery.
n work at the highest standards 7.3 Third Party of environmental stewardship. Pro-vision Reef will collaborate with bona fide Accreditation of I hope the Stewardship Action R research institutions to validate stipulated Fishery Operations Plan encourages other collection strategies to ensure that the e e Pro-vision Reef will facilitate third party fisheries both in Australia Stewardship Action Plan continuously accreditation for Signatories to the and elsewhere to define improves worlds best practice aquarium Stewardship Action Plan to ensure that specimen supply. f best-practice and to there is a discernible and tangible point of
implement it. differentiation between Signatories and non- I Signatories; and that Signatories’ collection
c n ” standards are maintained over time.
Alex Tindall [ Tindall Marine ]
30 Navigation: Foreword | Preface | Contents | Part 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | Bibliography | Attachment 1 | 2
7.4 Implement 7.6 Implement a Environmental Communication Management System Strategy
The Stewardship Action Plan will be Pro-vision Reef will develop a communication complemented by an Environmental plan to inform the community and the market Management System that will identify both Australia wide and internationally of the Careful management of the environmental risk through all aspects of provenance model within which Signatories “ aquarium fishery will ensure operation from frontline management and to the Stewardship Action Plan operate. The key enterprise personnel to skippers, vessel communication plan will promote consumer that future generations will owners, deckhands and divers. choice in favour of product sourced through always be able to view these Stewardship Action Plan Signatories and will wonderful creatures in their The Environmental Management System will name Signatories such that those operators natural habitat. Marine establish individual benchmarks that can be receive a market advantage over those species that are collected improved upon and measured. It does not that choose not to become Signatories. In responsibly will allow people favour operations of a certain scale more than addition the communication plan will alert another, thereby enabling each participant an who are unable to dive to the community adjacent the fishery area opportunity to contribute to the positioning of the standards practiced by Stewardship continue enjoying them in of the fishery in the market and in the minds Action Plan Signatories, a benefit that will not their home aquariums or in of the community. be accessible to non-Signatories. public displays. ” Participants in these fisheries are vastly disparate in terms of capital investment, 7.7 Community and staffing and the areas within the market Consumer Awareness they supply. However, the Environmental Management System is equally applicable. Copies of the Stewardship Action Plan will The Environmental Management System be distributed to the community through will document and record information in the regional Natural Resource Management an industry recognised reporting format to organisations that are adjacent to the fishery Barrie Monkman [ Aquarium fish collector ] facilitate internal review or third party audit. area. Copies of the Stewardship Action Plan will also be distributed to the major consumer organisation for products arising 7.5 Develop an Industry from this fishery. Signatories are urged to Specific Dive Code refer the Pro-vision Reef website to retail clients, drawing attention to the Stewardship In addition to the Environmental Action Plan. It is incumbent on everyone Management System, the Stewardship Action Plan will also be complemented by an “ to respond to the challenge Aquarium Supply Diving Code of Practice that of global climate change. is specific to the aquarium supply industry. As an industry, we have an The Dive Code will feature best practice in obligation to contribute equipment choice and deployment and to the resilience of the reefs in situ animal husbandry, including the
from which we make treatment of barotrauma. The Dive Code
our living. will supplement the Workplace Health and ” Safety requirements and will be tailored more specifically towards the marine aquarium supply industry.
Heath, Bruce and John Bezuidenhaut [ Salty Pets ] 31 Navigation: Foreword | Preface | Contents | Part 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | Bibliography | Attachment 1 | 2 i B b Bibliography y h p a r g o i l
Atkinson, M., Kerrigan, B., Roelofs, A. and Smith, T. 2008. Non-Detriment Finding for CITES-listed corals in the Queensland Coral Fishery. A case study presented to the International Expert Workshop on CITES Non-Detriment Findings, Cancun, Mexico, November 17th to 22nd, 2008.
Bartley, D. 2000. Responsible Ornamental Fisheries. FAO Aquaculture Newsletter, Issue 24.
Dr. Alex Ploeg, pers. comm., 2009. Secretary General, Ornamental Fish International Fazantenkamp 5, NL-3607 CA Maarssen, The Netherlands.
Falk, J.H., Reinhard, E.M., Vernon, C.L., Bronnenkant, K., Deans, N.L. & Heimlich, J.E. 2007. Why Zoos & Aquariums Matter: Assessing the Impact of a Visit. Association of Zoos & Aquariums. Silver Spring, MD.
Hill, M. 2006. Contribution of the Pet Care Industry to the Australian Economy (6th edition). A report by BIS Shrapnel Pty Ltd for the Australian Companion Animal Council Incorporated.
Roelofs, A & Silcock, R 2008. A sustainability assessment of marine fish species collected in the Queensland marine aquarium trade, Queensland Primary Industries and Fisheries, Brisbane.
Roelofs, A & Silcock, R 2008. A vulnerability assessment of coral taxa collected in the Queensland Coral Fishery, Queensland Primary Industries and Fisheries, Brisbane.
Roelofs, A 2008. Ecological Risk Assessment of the Queensland Coral Fishery, Queensland Primary Industries and Fisheries, Brisbane.
Roelofs, A 2008. Ecological Risk Assessment of the Queensland Marine Aquarium Fish Fishery, Queensland Primary Industries and Fisheries, Brisbane.
32 Navigation: Foreword | Preface | Contents | Part 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | Bibliography | Attachment 1 | 2 A achment n e m h c ta t
Attachment 1. Integrated Coral Stress Monitoring and Response
REPLACE
33 Navigation: Foreword | Preface | Contents | Part 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | Bibliography | Attachment 1 | 2 A achment n e m h c ta t
Attachment 2. Reef Health & Impact Summary
34 Navigation: Foreword | Preface | Contents | Part 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | Bibliography | Attachment 1 | 2 Keeping and caring for ornamental fish is a global phenomenon. Freshwater specimens account for the overwhelming majority of species involved in the trade. However, the availability of inexpensive self-contained saltwater filtration systems has seen significant growth in the popularity of keeping marine specimens in colourful mini-reef displays.
The global trade in marine specimens accounts for about 10% of the total ornamental fish trade with the vast majority of specimens sourced from the archipelagos of Indonesia and the Philippines. However, it is in the supply of marine species that Australia can announce its credentials as a supplier of quality specimens collected according to the highest standards of resource stewardship.
This Stewardship Action Plan complements the comprehensive and continuously improving fisheries management and regulation that applies in Australia. It establishes a uniform standard of operational efficiency and environmental performance in aquarium specimen supply.
Importantly, it links with Australian government efforts to reduce the impacts of global climate change on our iconic Great Barrier Reef and Coral Sea. This custodial approach to marine resource use establishes Australia’s marine aquarium industry as a world leader in this field.
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