Agriculture,Fisheries andForestry Department of
Review of the harvest of CITES listed taxa in the Queensland Coral Fishery
2013–14 Effort Year
Wildlife Trade Operation Condition 7
© State of Queensland 2014.
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WTO Condition 7 Report for the Queensland Coral Fishery 2013–14 1
Introduction
The Queensland Coral Fishery (QCF) is a harvest (hand collection) fishery managed by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF).
This report has been compiled to meet the requirements of Condition 7 of the Wildlife Trade Operation (WTO) for the QCF which states that by 31 December each year Queensland DAFF is to: a) review the harvest of CITES-listed taxa in the Queensland Coral Fishery in the preceding fishing year b) report the results of the review to Australia’s CITES Scientific Authority for Marine Species (Department of the Environment). The report should include at a minimum: • analysis of harvest and harvest trends by species/species group • spatial analysis of harvest by species/species group Figure 1. Map of the Queensland Coral Fishery • updated risk assessments for species/ groups significant spatial diversification in recent years; most c) revise management arrangements as appropriate notably in the Mackay region. The CCAs are monitored following each review. for trends in catch and effort levels against thresholds in This report covers fishing activity during the 2013–14 the fishery Performance Measurement System. Effort in financial year. It includes a summary of all species the Keppel CCA has continued to recover from the low collected, not just CITES-listed species. effort days when the area was effectively closed through a voluntary moratorium designed to allow Fishery description recovery from flood impacts in 2010–11 (Figure 2).
The QCF is a small scale, quota managed, hand Effort in the Cairns CCA has stayed reasonable stable harvest fishery. The QCF commenced as a licenced over this period. Collection from areas outside of the fishery on 1 July 2006. two CCAs (‘Other’) has increased beyond the peak observed in 2010–11. Most of this increase in effort has The fishery extends from the tip of Cape York to the been in the Mackay region. southern extent of the (GBRMP) at a latitude of 24 degrees 30 minutes south (Figure 1). Commercial coral QCF - regional effort history harvesters can harvest from all tidal waters (under 2006-07 to 2013-14 500 Queensland jurisdiction) that are open to coral 450 harvesting under Great Barrier Reef Marine Park 400 (GBRMP) zoning. This is referred to as "roving 350 300 harvest". Two small areas south of the GBRMP are 250 Cairns open to harvesting under specific licences. 200 Keppel
Effort (no.of days) (no.of Effort 150 Other
The fishery has two Coral Collection Areas (CCA): 100 Cairns and Keppel. These CCAs encompass the 50 0 historical effort hotspots; however the fishery has seen
Figure 2. History of effort in the Coral Collection Areas and outside of these in the Queensland Coral Fishery.
WTO Condition 7 Report for the Queensland Coral Fishery 2013–14 2
Main features of the fishery in 2013–14
Feature Details
Species targeted The commercial Coral Fishery is based on the collection of a broad range of species from the classes Anthozoa and Hydrozoa. The key components of the fishery are: • Specialty live corals (includes anemones, soft and hard corals) • Ornamental corals • Live rock (i.e. dead coral skeletons with algae and other organisms living on them) • Coral rubble (i.e. coarsely broken up coral fragments) • Coral sand (i.e. finely ground up particles of coral skeleton)–only taken as incidental catch and may not be targeted within Marine Park waters.
Fishery symbol D
Current management Fisheries Act 1994 ; Fisheries Regulation 2008, Policy for the Management of the Coral Fishery regime
Gear Coral may only be taken by hand or by using hand-held non-mechanical implements, such as a hammer and chisel. Licence holders may also use underwater breathing apparatus (SCUBA or hookah) when taking coral.
Main management The following management measures are in place for the commercial fishery under legislation and policy: methods • Limited entry: 59 Commercial Harvest Fishery Licences are endorsed for the coral fishery. • Quota managed: 200 t Total Allowable Commercial Catch [split between specialty coral (30%) and other coral (70%)]. • Limits on the number of boats and collectors operating under a licence at any one time. • Collection by hand or hand-held implements only. Since 1 July 2006 the commercial coral fishery has operated under the Policy for the Management of the Coral Fishery (the Coral Policy). Queensland DAFF implemented several changes to the operation and management of the fishery on 1 July 2009 following the review of the Coral Policy in 2008.
Quota Total Allowable Commercial Catch = 200 t [split between specialty coral (30%) and other coral (70%)]
Fishing season 1 July 2013 to 30 June 2014
Commercial fishery Total number of licences in the fishery –59 licences Number of active licences – 34
Management changes None in 2013–14
Accreditation under the Part 13: accredited 27 June 2012 EPBC Act (Part 13 and Part 13A: current accreditation (Wildlife Trade Operation) expires 26 June 2015 13A)
Total annual harvest 98 t (comprised of 40 t specialty coral and 58 t other coral [including 50.5 t live rock and 7.5 t ornamental]) by sectors
GVP No estimate for 2013–14. The GVP for the Queensland Coral Fishery (QCF) and the Marine Aquarium Fish Fishery (combined) was estimated to be $10–12 million in 2008–09.
Stock status Queensland DAFF assesses the risk to species collected in the QCF at periodic Ecological Risk Assessment workshops as a proxy for stock status. The 2013 workshop found that from a total 220 species assessed, there were no high risk species, 17 species at moderate risk, and 63 species at low risk in the fishery. Species greater than negligible risk are closely monitored through the PMS.
Monitoring Real-time quota monitoring
Catch and effort data Routine – logbook data entry checks, data extraction checks and range checks validation
Complementary The fishery operates in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. Co-managed with the Great Barrier Reef
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management Marine Park Authority. Table 1: Number of individual pieces and weight of Speciality General catch statistics Coral species collected in the Queensland Coral Fishery from 2006–07 to 2013–14 (Source: Queensland DAFF CFISH Approximately 98 t (comprised of 40 t specialty coral database, 1 December 2014). and 58 t other coral [including 50.5 t live rock and 7.5 t ornamental]) was reported harvested in the QCF in Year No. of pieces Weight (kg)
2013–14 (Figure 3). This represents an overall 5 t 2006–07 71,848 14,410 increase since 2012–13. The collection of Specialty 2007–08 119,125 18,880 Coral increased by 30% (9 t) over the reporting period 2008–09 150,800 19,289 (Figure 3). This has continued the increasing trend in 2009–10 176,457 23,063 Specialty Coral collection that has been observed since 2010–11 204,321 25,729 2011–12 219,048 28,356 2006–07 (Figures 3 & 4, Table 1). The driver of this 2012–13 258,457 31,097 change appears to be increases in the number of small 2013–14 281,853 39,908 pieces of coral (reporting category LC2 and LC3 hard coral pieces).
90 2006–07 2007–08 2008–09 2009–10
80 2010–11 2011–12 2012–13 2013–14
70
60
50
40
Total harvest (t) harvest Total 30
20
10
0 Coral Products* Ornamental Specialty Coral
Figure 3: Catch composition (QCF Logbook categories) of all coral collected in the QCF for the quota years 2006–07 to 2013–14 (Source: Queensland DAFF CFISH database, 1 Dec 2014). * includes Live Rock, Coral Rubble and LC1.
180000 LC2 LC3 LC4 LC5 LC6
160000
140000
120000
100000
80000 Number of specimens 60000
40000
20000
0 2007-2008 2008-2009 2009-2010 2010-2011 2011-2012 2012-2013 2013-2014
Figure 4: Number of individual pieces of Specialty Coral categories for the quota years 2007–08 to 2013–14. Note the LC6 size category has only been in use since 2009–10 (Source: Queensland DAFF CFISH database, 1 December 2014).
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Table 2: Number of individual pieces and weight of coral species collected in the Queensland Coral Fishery for the quota years 2010–11 to 2013–14 (Source: Queensland DAFF CFISH database, 1 December 2014).
Number of individual pieces Weight (kg) Species or common name 2010–11 2011–12 2012–13 2013–14 2010–11 2011–12 2012–13 2013–14
Acanthastrea lordhowensis 13073 12050 20791 29213 2151 2258 3123 4582
Acroporidae 27313 33440 35956 49569 8145 8276 12692 14463
Actinaria 458 443 237 247 56 60 30 58
Agariciidae 1133 623 486 444 139 102 55 78
Alcyonacea 7703 7621 6927 7943 459 467 354 472
Antipathidae 19 1 6 7 0 0
Blastomussa spp 5254 5524 5271 5008 759 808 774 845
Catalaphyllia jardinei 15485 14213 15999 15937 1601 1668 1699 1977
Clavulariidae 633 660 942 631 231 200 192 192
Coral rubble 77 10 5 194 691 145
Corallimorph 5985 4761 9761 6688 425 287 395 355
Cynarina lacrymalis 3368 3025 2710 2787 272 242 258 230
Dendrophylliidae 2719 2203 2892 1922 245 195 273 199
Duncanopsammia axifuga 6993 8565 8792 8754 777 892 935 1073
Entacmaea quadricolor 2196 1378 1713 2704 143 84 139 192
Euphyllia glabrascens 5154 5599 8094 8265 582 821 817 984
Euphyllia spp 12980 15772 20186 21723 2276 2428 2737 3305
Faviidae 10929 12789 16175 15276 2174 2696 2985 3521
Fungiidae 8895 11776 12176 11785 896 970 928 1076
Goniopora/Alvepora 5468 6832 9622 9415 649 894 975 1217
Gorgonacea 832 542 399 476 63 42 56 78
Helioporidae 136 12 280 1
Hydrocorals 617 605 627 853 43 93 43 60
Living rock 8 11 87 210 39152 42825 49504 50233
Merulinidae 222 650 1224 1201 31 56 114 258
Milleporidae 41 17 207 170 6 1 18 349
Mussidae 8215 9836 13607 17003 1471 1586 2224 2685
Nephtheidae 6115 5233 5359 6981 274 227 216 342
Oculinidae 353 253 710 380 52 43 72 70
Other coral 22156 20189 17066 13595 4127 4342 3947 3427
Paralcyoniidae 50 455 13 40
Pectiniidae 2569 2328 3628 4362 307 277 480 542
Pennatulacea 8 8 24 2 1 1 2 0
Plerogyra sinuosa 3176 3789 3497 3343 481 549 421 380
Pocilloporidae 813 1005 1245 194 1316 1101 3161 1483
Poritidae 786 771 1006 637 158 256 403 177
Sarcophyton s spp 2 0
Scolymia spp 9298 16318 16651 18706 719 1120 1160 1633
Siderastreidae 1 4 0 0
Star sand 21 2
Trachyphyllia geoffroyi 6340 6188 7856 6896 448 429 586 496
Tubiporidae 768 739 657 796 79 75 78 268
Turbinaria spp 731 441 583 496 118 69 56 195
Xeniidae 6465 5673 6164 5650 262 233 251 298
Zoanthidae 1330 2338 2774 1932 149 217 250 346
Grand Total 206 866 22 4239 26 2115 28 2659 71 544 77 087 93 092 98 325
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Spatial analysis of harvest by CCA did not exceed the annual review reference points species/species group (RRP) for specialty coral, ornamental coral and live rock. The collection of live rock was above the 30% General summary - Coral Collection Areas trigger in the Keppel CCA (Table 3) but remains far Annual harvest levels are monitored for the two Coral below the RRP for the region. Collection Areas through the Performance The harvest of specialty coral has been increasing Measurement System (Table 3). Performance against since 2006–07 increased from 16 to 22 t from 2011–12 these reference points are discussed within the table. to 2013–14 in the fishery outside of the two CCAs and The majority (53 t) of the total harvest (98 t) came from the collection of coral products increased from 17 to 19 the Cairns Coral Collection Area (CCA), with 7 t from over the same period (Figure 5). The majority of this the Keppel CCA and approximately 38 t from the Other increase is coming from the Mackay region. category in 2013–14 (Figure 5). Catches in the Keppel
90000
Other Keppel Cairns 80000
70000
60000
50000
40000 Weight (kg) Weight 30000
20000
10000
0 2006-07 2007-08 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13 2013-14 2006-07 2007-08 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13 2013-14 2006-07 2007-08 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13 2013-14 Coral Products Ornamental Specialty Coral
Figure 5. Regional breakdown of QCF logbook general categories in the Queensland Coral Fishery for the quota years 2006–07 to 2013–14 (Source: Queensland DAFF CFISH database, 1 December 2014).
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Table 3: Performance measures and outcomes for the Coral Collection Areas of the Queensland Coral Fishery.
Performance measure Performance
Total annual catch in high use management areas Triggered for Specialty Coral in Cairns CCA in 2013–14 (reported through logbooks)—the Review Reference Catch component Year Cairns (t) Keppel (t) Points are: 2010-11 34 2 Cairns Coral Products 2011-12 38 3 80 t live rock (inc. rubble & LC1 rock) (live rock etc.) 2012-13 43 4 13 t live coral (specialty coral) 2013-14 37 5 5 t ornamental coral 2010-11 2 <1 Keppel 2011-12 2 <1 24 t live rock (inc. rubble & LC1 rock) Ornamental 2012-13 3 <1 11 t live coral (specialty coral) 1 t ornamental coral 2013-14 1 <1 2010-11 14 1 2011-12 14 1 Specialty Coral 2012-13 13 2 2013-14 16 2
Annual catch (kg) of species of greater than negligible 1. Triggered for Keppel region ecological risk (listed below) is >30% higher or lower Live rock collection increased by 57% in the Keppel CCA and than mean catch over the previous 2 years decreased by 8% in the Cairns CCA in 2013–14. Effort in the Keppel • Live rock (Cairns and Keppel regions only) region has been increasing since the moratorium in 2010–11 so an increase of this magnitude is not unexpected. It is unlikely to indicate that unsustainable harvest is occurring in the Keppel region as collection levels are below the triggers set for the region.
Updated risk assessment for Revision to management arrangements species/groups DAFF is currently revising management measures for The 2013 ERA review found 17 species at moderate the QCF. These are in response to liaison with the risk, and 63 species at low risk in the fishery. Species fishing industry, the findings of the 2013 ERA review that are at greater than negligible risk from the fishery and recommendations of the 2012 Non Detriment will be monitored through a revised PMS to be Finding report. The intended changes include: implemented in 2015. The new measures will account • A revised PMS with improved measures that for finer levels of spatial detail to ensure local scale respond to local depletion. unsustainable depletions of these species are not • A new quota reporting system that improves on the occurring. current estimated weight system for determining quota. The peak representative body for the QCF, Provision • A revised logbook reporting system that provides Reef Inc., developed new collection standards tailored more detailed species level reporting. to the specific risk areas for the species identified at risk • A revised Policy for the Management of the Coral through the 2013 ERA. The new standards were Fishery, incorporating the improvements indicated above, and following industry consultation. operationalised thorough the Stewardship Action Plan 2013 (see http://www.provisionreef.org.au/stewardship- action-plan/stewardship-action-plan-2013/ ).
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Detailed analysis – CITES species of concern
Table 4 summarises the performance measures and outcomes for CITES species of concern in the QCF. Detailed reports for all species in the table are provided later in this document. The performance measures were developed to provide early detection of unsustainable harvest trends across the overall fishery, not the regional CCAs. Regional values (Table 5) have been included to provide a finer level of spatial analysis for these specis as required by Condition 7 and to provide important context to the overall harvest values especially where the indicator was triggered. It is important that analysis of the percentage changes also considers the magnitude of the change in collection numbers and weight to interpret the observed changes in the correct context (see Table 6).
Queensland DAFF is developing a new Performance Measurement System for the QCF that will include more appropriate indicators for species at risk and new management responses for triggered indicators. DAFF plans to implement the revised PMS on 1 July 2015.
Table 4: Summary table for performance measures and outcomes for CITES species of concern in the Queensland Coral Fishery
Performance measure Performance
1. Annual catch (kg) of species of greater than negligible ecological 1. Triggered for : risk (listed below) is >30% higher or lower than mean catch over • Acanthastrea lordhowensis (+70% weight; +78% pieces) the previous 2 years; or • Acropora spp (+38% weigh; +43% piecest) 2. Greater than 80% of the annual catch of a species of greater • Entacmea quadricolor (+72% weight; +75% pieces) than negligible ecological risk occurs in a single 6 x 6 nm logbook • Gorgonacea (+60% weight) site. • Scolymia spp (+43% weight)
Species greater than negligible risk from the QCF as determined Comment by the coral fishery 2008 ERA are: The Policy for management of the fishery is currently under • Trachyphyllia geoffroyi review. This will reform the reporting of coral collection and • Acanthastrea lordhowensis shift quota reporting from categorised estimated weights to • Blastomussa merletti actual weight. This will provide greater confidence in • Blastomussa wellsi observed changes in reported harvest. • Scolymia vitensis • Duncanopsammia axifuga There are no prescribed management actions once • Euphyllia glabrascens thresholds are triggered. The PMS for the fishery is due to be • Plerogyra spp updated before the commencement of the 2015 season. The • Catalaphyllia jardinei revised PMS will have new spatial triggers and defined • Acropora spp management responses to better deal with exceeding • Gorgoniidae spp triggers. • Entacmea quadricolor 2. Not triggered for any species
Greater than 75% of quota used in <6 months Not triggered
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Table 5. Table of percentage change against the harvest performance indicator for CITES listed corals reported in logbooks at species level and species identified at greater than low ecological risk in the QCF for 2013–14 and species of concern identified by the CITES Scientific Authority. Values highlighted in red have exceeded the +/- 30% PMS measure; values in pink exceeded the measure when applied to within and outside the regional Coral Collection Areas. Blank values indicate no harvest in 2013–14.
Species Category Cairns Keppel Other QCF All Pieces -79% 62% 91% 78% Acanthastrea lordhowensis Weight -74% 79% 79% 70% Pieces 39% 212% 51% 43% Acropora spp Weight 25% 228% 51% 38% Pieces -27% -41% -30% Blastomussa merletti Weight -13% 17% -9% Pieces -16% 19% 5% Blastomussa wellsi Weight -23% 43% 19% Pieces -10% -48% 18% 6% Catalaphyllia jardinei Weight -1% -64% 31% 17% Pieces -23% 35% -3% Cynarina lacrymalis Weight -27% 34% -8% Pieces 3% 125% -11% 1% Duncanopsammia axifuga Weight 10% 129% 17% 17% Pieces 45% -96% 161% 75% Entacmaea quadricolor Weight 36% -96% 183% 72% Pieces -47% -100% 45% 21% Euphyllia glabrascens Weight -55% -100% 43% 20% Pieces 2% 72% -14% 1% Gorgonacea Weight 61% 342% 28% 60% Pieces -46% -47% 54% -8% Plerogyra sinuosa Weight -51% -77% 32% -22% Pieces -19% 215% 14% 13% Scolymia spp (total) Weight -13% 116% 46% 43% Pieces -5% 1% -2% Trachyphyllia geoffroyi Weight -7% 3% -2%
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Table 6: Number of individual pieces and weight in kilograms (in parenthesis) for CITES listed corals reported at species level and species identified at greater than low ecological risk in the QCF for the quota years 2010–11 to 2013–14.
Species CCA 2010-2011 2011-2012 2012-2013 2013-2014
Cairns 156 (13) 657 (259) 364 (43) 108 (39) Keppel 5338 (689) 1951 (281) 7431 (969) 7621 (1118) Acanthastrea lordhowensis Other 7579 (1449) 9442 (1719) 12996 (2110) 21484 (3425) QCF All 13073 (2151) 12050 (2258) 20791 (3123) 29213 (4582) Cairns 20237 (4741) 23606 (4758) 26360 (5891) 34657 (6652) Keppel 736 (71) 246 (31) 100 (7) 540 (62) Acroporidae Other 6340 (3333) 9588 (3487) 9496 (6794) 14372 (7749) QCF All 27313 (8145) 33440 (8276) 35956 (12692) 49569 (14463) Cairns 1485 (336) 1499 (325) 1354 (279) 1036 (262) Blastomussa merletti Other 160 (13) 540 (63) 273 (27) 241 (53) QCF All 1645 (349) 2039 (388) 1627 (306) 1277 (315) Cairns 1723 (222) 1606 (165) 1318 (150) 1227 (121) Keppel 355 (24) - - 3 (<1) Blastomussa wellsi Other 1531 (164) 1879 (255) 2326 (318) 2501 (409) QCF All 3609 (410) 3485 (420) 3644 (468) 3731 (530) Cairns 7255 (643) 6036 (508) 6414 (496) 5627 (496) Keppel 373 (54) 427 (106) 188 (41) 159 (26) Catalaphyllia jardinei Other 7857 (904) 7750 (1055) 9397 (1162) 10151 (1455) QCF All 15485 (1601) 14213 (1668) 15999 (1699) 15937 (1977) Cairns 2400 (203) 2127 (168) 1613 (177) 1443 (127) Keppel - - - - Cynarina lacrymalis Other 968 (69) 898 (74) 1097 (81) 1344 (104) QCF All 3368 (272) 3025 (242) 2710 (258) 2787 (230) Cairns 3785 (421) 4462 (446) 4413 (445) 4577 (492) Keppel 510 (78) 478 (48) 102 (13) 653 (70) Duncanopsammia axifuga Other 2698 (277) 3625 (398) 4277 (477) 3524 (511) QCF All 6993 (777) 8565 (892) 8792 (935) 8754 (1073) Cairns 1509 (97) 1007 (60) 1072 (96) 1509 (106) Keppel 206 (15) - 99 (7) 4 (<1) Entacmaea quadricolor Other 481 (31) 371 (24) 542 (36) 1191 (85) QCF All 2196 (143) 1378 (84) 1713 (139) 2704 (192) Cairns 2814 (353) 2097 (236) 1524 (141) 958 (84) Keppel 4 (1) - 15 (2) - Euphyllia glabrascens Other 2336 (228) 3502 (585) 6555 (674) 7307 (900) QCF All 5154 (582) 5599 (821) 8094 (817) 8265 (984) Cairns 571 (44) 285 (25) 154 (19) 223 (35) Keppel 59 (4) 15 (1) 71 (5) 74 (12) Gorgonacea Other 202 (14) 242 (16) 174 (32) 179 (31) QCF All 832 (63) 542 (42) 399 (56) 476 (78) Cairns 2099 (304) 2406 (360) 2095 (255) 1221 (152) Keppel 170 (23) 35 (12) 3 (<1) 10 (1) Plerogyra spp Other 907 (154) 1348 (177) 1399 (165) 2112 (227) QCF All 3176 (481) 3789 (549) 3497 (421) 3343 (380) Cairns 1090 (108) 927 (76) 650 (62) 635 (60) Keppel 74 (6) 47 (4) 127 (14) 274 (19) Scolymia spp Other 8134 (605) 15344 (1041) 15874 (1084) 17797 (1554) QCF All 9298 (719) 16318 (1120) 16651 (1160) 18706 (1633) Cairns 4490 (313) 4088 (282) 3301 (233) 3525 (240) Keppel - - - - Trachyphyllia geoffroyi Other 1850 (135) 2100 (147) 4555 (353) 3371 (257) QCF All 6340 (448) 6188 (429) 7856 (586) 6896 (496)
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Detailed reports for all CITES species greater than negligible risk Acanthastrea lordhowensis
Collection summary
Reporting at the species level for Acanthastrea lordhowensis collection commenced in 2009-10. Reported collection levels have been increasing since that time, although this has always been a keenly sought after species, especially in vibrant colour morphs (Table 7). Collection outside of the CCAs dominates the harvest. Effort levels in the Keppel region declined following flooding impacts in 2010–11 (Figure 2) however collection levels are now similar to pre-flood levels. Collection from the Mackay region and from southern Queensland contributed the majority of this harvest in 2012–13. Collection of smaller pieces (LC2 and LC3) of Acanthastrea lordhowensis provided the majority of the increased harvest since 2011–12 (Figure 6).
Table 7: Number of individual pieces and weight in kilograms (in parenthesis) of Acanthastrea lordhowensis collected within the Cairns and Keppel Coral Collection Areas and outside these areas in the Queensland Coral Fishery for the quota years 2006–07 to 2013–14. Note: shaded boxes identify reporting years when logbook categories did not exist for these species.
CCA 2006-07 2007-08 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13 2013-14 Cairns 65 (5) 156 (13) 657 (259) 364 (43) 108 (39) Keppel 7473 (1095) 5338 (689) 1951 (281) 7431 (969) 7621 (1118) Other 8711 (1640) 7579 (1449) 9442 (1719) 12996 (2110) 21484 (3425) Total 16249 (2740) 13073 (2151) 12050 (2258) 20791 (3123) 29213 (4582)
Acanthastrea lordhowensis (no.s) 18000
16000
14000
12000 LC2 LC3 10000 LC4 8000 LC5
6000 LC6 LF Numberofcollected pieces 4000
2000
0 2009-2010 2010-2011 2011-2012 2012-2013 2013-2014
Figure 6: Number of individual pieces of Acanthastrea lordhowensis collected under each reporting category in the Queensland Coral Fishery from 2009–10 to 2013–14.
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Performance against harvest indicators
Harvest exceeded the +30% indicator for weight (+70%) and pieces in 2013–14 (+78%) (Figures 7 & 8). Collection outside of the CCAs has been increasing since 2010–11 and contributed to most of the increase. Changes reported in the Cairns CCA appear large; however these are small in magnitude (approx. 200kg or 500 specimens) and not of concern. There are many in-built safeguards helping ensure this harvest is sustainable. These were highlighted in the 2013 ERA and include selective harvest of colour morphs which leaves a large standing stock for replenishment, collection practices that leave portions of the colony behind for recovery, and rapid growth characteristics for this species.
Acanthastrea lordhowensis (kgs) 3500%
3000%
2500% 2010-11 2000% 2011-12 1500% 2012-13 2013-14 1000% Upper PMS trigger Lower PMS trigger 500% Percentage change from 2yr 2yr average from change Percentage 0%
-500% Cairns Keppel Other QCF All
Figure 7: Percentage changes in the collected weight of Acanthastrea lordhowensis compared to the previous two year average for the Cairns and Keppel Coral Collection Areas, outside of these areas (Other) and the overall Queensland Coral Fishery (QCF All) from 2008–09 to 2013–14.
Acanthastrea lordhowensis (no.s) 600%
500%
400% 2010-11 300% 2011-12 200% 2012-13 2013-14 100% Upper PMS trigger Lower PMS trigger 0% Percentage change from 2yr average from change Percentage -100%
-200% Cairns Keppel Other QCF All
Figure 8: Percentage changes in the collected numbers of Acanthastrea lordhowensis compared to the previous two year average for the Cairns and Keppel Coral Collection Areas, outside of these areas (Other) and the overall Queensland Coral Fishery (QCF All) from 2008–09 to 2013–14.
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Risk assessment finding 2013
ERA Rating Workshop discussion and risk justification
Very hardy coral. Moderately common but can find areas of high abundance. Wide range from Whitsundays to Sydney. Comes in thousands of colours. Brown / greens not desirable but reds, rainbows, yellows etc are very desirable. Take 40-60% of what is seen but miss a lot because habitat is dirty water. Always leave fragments the rock as collection rarely removes the entire specimen. On the CITES species of concern list. Colours are random but seem to stick to the colour they express. Current science is unsure whether colours are genetic or whether it is plasticity – studies of other species have not shown speciation at the genetic level. Crosses show no predictability in colour. Industry suggests there is low risk of depleting a colour but worth industry monitoring trends. Moderate Some collectors are moving from virgin territory and will soon be revisiting previously harvested ground – the low risk of depletion will need testing.
This species is heavily propagated so demand for wild harvest specimens may fall–one of the most ‘fragged’ corals and fast growing (e.g., 1 polyp can grow to 30/40 polyps in a month). This species has been misreported as Micromussa . Not presently harvesting in the Keppels.
ERA rating is conservative to reflect harvest levels and predicted harvest patterns.
Management responses
Queensland DAFF and the aquarium industry quickly responsded to the identified moderate risk level for Acanthastrea lordhowensis . Noting the growth characteristics for the species, a new collection standard was developed to ensure small colonies could attain maturity and that difficult to remove colonies were left to aid replenishment in areas where collection occurs. The new standard is in place and can be found in the Stewardship Action Plan 2013 at http://www.provisionreef.org.au/stewardship-action-plan/stewardship-action-plan-2013/
Species Industry Risk Mitigation Standard
Do not collect colonies <5cm Acanthastrea lordhowensis Do not collect colonies with low profile morphology
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Acropora spp
Collection summary
Acropora spp collection levels continue to increase (Table 8). This has been the harvest trend since 2010–11. Collection of small (LC2) pieces of Acropora spp, and more recently LC3 pieces, has been driving the increasing harvest trend (Figure 9). As noted in previous fishery reports, advances in the husbandry of Acroporid species have led to greater success in specimen survival during transport and has resulted in export opportunities. Acropora spp also comprise the bulk of the ornamental collection in the fishery. More than a dozen genus comprise the harvest however reporting at present is only at the species level. Queensland DAFF is investigating options for implementing e-logs in the fishery to facilitate more detailed genus level reporting in the future.
Table 8: Number of individual pieces and weight in kilograms (in parenthesis) of Acropora spp collected within the Cairns and Keppel Coral Collection Areas and outside these areas in the Queensland Coral Fishery for the quota years 2006–07 to 2013–14. Note: shaded boxes identify reporting years when logbook categories did not exist for these species.
CCA 2006-07 2007-08 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13 2013-14 Cairns 3842 (2276) 5591 (2322) 5967 (2216) 10668 (2484) 20237 (4741) 23606 (4758) 26360 (5891) 34657 (6652) Keppel 1420 (148) 1646 (207) 1265 (123) 709 (96) 736 (71) 246 (31) 100 (7) 540 (62) Other 1167 (6060) 5828 (4650) 7343 (6271) 2689 (3383) 6340 (3333) 9588 (3487) 9496 (6794) 14372 (7749) Total 6429 (8484) 13065 (7179) 14575 (8611) 14066 (5964) 27313 (8145) 33440 (8276) 35956 (12692) 49569 (14463)
Acroporidae (no.s) 30000
25000
20000 LC2 LC3 15000 LC4 LC5 10000 LC6 Number of pieces collected ofpieces Number LF 5000
0
Figure 9: Number of individual pieces of Acropora spp collected under each reporting category in the Queensland Coral Fishery from 2006–07 to 2013–14.
WTO Condition 7 Report for the Queensland Coral Fishery 2013–14 14
Performance against harvest indicators
Harvest of Acropora spp exceeded the +30% indicator for weight (+38%) and pieces (+43%) in 2013–14 (Figures 10 & 11). Collection in the Cairns CCA has been the main driver of increase increasing since 2009–10 (Table 8). Acropora spp are generally known to be highly productive and fast growing making them somewhat resilient to collection pressure. The lack of knowledge of how collection pressure is distributed across the range of species is of concern, especially with some species that are considered rare or not widespread in their distribution. Harvest of Acropora spp for aquaria purposes is colour driven with pinks and greens the most sought after. Selective harvesting of colour morphs means much of the biomass is potentially left untouched. More detailed reporting of these species and correct field indentification of species are expected to resolve many of the perceived risks for this species from the fishery.
Acroporidae (kgs) 250%
200%
150% 2010-11 100% 2011-12 50% 2012-13 2013-14 0% Upper PMS trigger Lower PMS trigger -50% Percentage change2yr fromaverage Percentage -100%
-150% Cairns Keppel Other QCF All
Figure 10: Percentage changes in the collected weight of Acropora spp compared to the previous two year average for the Cairns and Keppel Coral Collection Areas, outside of these areas (Other) and the overall Queensland Coral Fishery (QCF All) from 2008–09 to 2013–14.
Acroporidae (no.s) 250%
200%
150% 2010-11 2011-12 100% 2012-13 2013-14
50% Upper PMS trigger Lower PMS trigger
Percentage change from 2yr average change from Percentage 0%
-50% Cairns Keppel Other QCF All
Figure 11: Percentage changes in the collected numbers of Acropora spp compared to the previous two year average for the Cairns and Keppel Coral Collection Areas, outside of these areas (Other) and the overall Queensland Coral Fishery (QCF All) from 2008–09 to 2013–14.
WTO Condition 7 Report for the Queensland Coral Fishery 2013–14 15
Risk assessment finding 2013
Species Genus ERA Rating Workshop discussion and risk justification
Fast growing, widespread and abundant. Ornamental collectors focus on Acropora . Number of pieces has been going up. Very popular for aquarists – easily propagated in tanks. Identification very hard (even for experts) so may be Acropora spp General misidentification going on. Only report to genus level for US Fish and Wildlife so spp not misidentified and rejected (they are not qualified taxonomists). Time taken to tank-harden varies with area the coral was collected from – inshore Acropora is a lot hardier and responds more quickly (used to environmental variation).
Easiest Acropora to ID – a broken piece on the boat goes black. Researchers indicate it is moderately common on the GBR. Collected inshore and offshore. Acropora acuminata Low Mostly live collection but often found in dull colouration so not much is collection worthy. Considered rare to find in a decent colour by industry. Not right shape and too brittle for ornamental coral collection.
Common. Found in shallow water. Not a popular live collection coral because of Acropora aspera Low colour (browns and greens). Not a popular ornamental coral because of growth form – grows interwoven so half shaded. Good specimens hard to find.
Easy to misidentify – hard to distinguish from A. digitifera . Found inshore in central region in different colours. Restricted in its distribution. Very hardy. Acropora bushyensis Low Collected for ornamental use but not targeted. Industry suggest the species is being collected but noting the ID issues, and that this species is rare, scientists suggest that this is unlikely to be the case.
Easy to misidentify. Moderately common on GBR but more offshore and restricted Acropora chesterfieldensis Low distribution. Also found on Lord Howe Island. Probably not collected live (likely to be a different species).
Considered common by industry and science. High growth rate. May be collected Acropora digitifera Low but easy to misidentify as A. bushyensis . Not collected in large numbers. Collection methods – may take fragments (live) or whole colonies (curio).
Moderately common – on reef and inshore islands. No ID issues with this species. Found at large number of sites. Blue colour morph is targeted. Colonies are large. Acropora horrida Low Collect by pruning around the edges (anecdotally colonies haven’t been affected over the short to long term). Industry reports that have been taking from same colony for more than 5 years with no change
Common species inshore and offshore. Commonly collected for live coral – not ornamental. Tabular coral. Can take portions and it regrows or whole smaller Acropora hyachinthus Low colonies (live). One collector reports that about 80% of the specimens they collect are small (fist) sized. Similar to A. prostata (which has been lumped in with another species) but industry has reasonable confidence in ID.
Considered uncommon by industry and science on GBR but not restricted to any Acropora listeri Low areas. Not commonly collected. Ornamental – may be collected but may be ID issues. Not targeted for live use.
WTO Condition 7 Report for the Queensland Coral Fishery 2013–14 16
Collected extensively by industry due to bright colours. Considered common by industry and science. Target small perfect colonies but if large, take small frags Acropora millepora Low (live). Targeting small colonies is more biologically sound than big colonies due to larger fecund colonies remaining intact.
Considered uncommon by industry and science – more common southern to Acropora multiacuta Moderate central areas of the GBR. Collected for aquaria. Not commonly collected for ornamental. ID issues (confused with A. loripes ).
Not common but reported around Mackay and Northern regions. Only comes in a couple of colours – only collect colourful variants (live). Very similar to Acropora Acropora nana Moderate aculeus and there may be ID issues. Need to discuss whether collector’s reports of inshore abundance are correct or whether there are ID issues (drives ERA moderate level).
Uncommon in general but found on exposed reef fronts (may be ID issues with A. robusta ). An encrusting coral. Individual corals about fist size. Pink colour Acropora palmerae Low specimens collected live (individual colonies) on smallest piece of substrate possible (peels off along line of coralline algae). Performs well in aquaria. Good survival after collection.
Uncommon in the wild but is locally common around Mackay (in 20-30m). Found Acropora paniculata Low in deep water. Not collected for ornamental trade. Traded live but not commonly collected at present.
Common inshore. Commonly collected (live) but not for curios. Been Acropora prostrata Low synonymised with another species (A. millepora). Scores for this species used here.
Moderately common but restricted distribution. Not a good coral for long haul transportation and not collected much as live coral. Ornamental collect a Acropora subglabra Low bottlebrush coral that may be this species but there are ID issues. This could mean it is exported as A. echinata .
Common. Hard to ID. May be ID issues in collection data (i.e., confused with A. Acropora verweyi Low formosa ). Targeted for live and ornamental trade.
Management responses
Queensland DAFF is addressing the triggered PMS measure by developing new methods for providing more detail through e-logbooks. Collection of this information from 1 July 2015 will help identify if any particular species warrants further management attention or monitoring.
No new collection standards were developed by industry for the range of Acropora spp. The industry recognised that a lack of ‘proper understanding of the species biology, distribution and abundance or correct taxonomic identification’ is the main issue that needs to be addressed. They committed to work with researchers to help resolve some of the taxonomic issues that presently exist. Once the knowledge is attained, more relevant assessments of risk can be made for each species. Pro-vision Reef Inc., the peak representative body, gave a commitment to provide samples to the relevant people or institutions for analysis, including determining correct taxonomic identification. Acropora spp have been identified in the industry Research Plan (below) and that can be found in the new Stewardship Action Plan 2013 at http://www.provisionreef.org.au/stewardship-action-plan/stewardship-action-plan-2013/
WTO Condition 7 Report for the Queensland Coral Fishery 2013–14 17
Species Knowledge gap
Acropora multiacuta Need to validate high abundance inshore, which contradicts scientific opinion
Acropora nana Taxonomic identification issues
Acropora bushyensis Taxonomic identification issues. Confused with Acropora digitifera
Acropora prostrata Taxonomic identification issues. Synonymised with Acropora millepora
Acropora chesterfieldensis Taxonomic identification issues
Acropora plana Taxonomic identification issues
Acropora subglabra Taxonomic identification issues
Acropora verweyi Taxonomic identification issues
.
WTO Condition 7 Report for the Queensland Coral Fishery 2013–14 18
Blastomussa merletti
Collection summary
Reporting at the species level for Blastomussa merletti collection commenced in 2009-10 (Table 9). Collection levels have been variable since that time. The species is not collected in the Keppel CCA. The majority of specimens were collected from the Cairns region. Collection of smaller pieces (LC2) of Blastomussa merletti peaked in 2011–12 and now equals LC3 as the most sought after sizes (Figure 12).
Table 9: Number of individual pieces and weight in kilograms (in parenthesis) of Blastomussa merletti collected within the Cairns Collection Area and outside this area in the Queensland Coral Fishery for the quota years 2006–07 to 2013–14. Note: shaded boxes identify reporting years when logbook categories did not exist for these species.
CCA 2006-07 2007-08 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13 2013-14 Cairns 1170 (307) 1485 (336) 1499 (325) 1354 (279) 1036 (262) Keppel - - - - - Other 175 (17) 160 (13) 540 (63) 273 (27) 241 (53) Total 1345 (324) 1645 (349) 2039 (388) 1627 (306) 1277 (315)
Blastomussa merletti (no.s) 1400
1200
1000
LC2 800 LC3 LC4 600 LC5 LC6
Number of piecescollected of Number 400
200
0 2009-2010 2010-2011 2011-2012 2012-2013 2013-2014
Figure 12: Number of individual pieces of Blastomussa merletti collected under each reporting category in the Queensland Coral Fishery from 2009–10 to 2013–14.
WTO Condition 7 Report for the Queensland Coral Fishery 2013–14 19
Performance against harvest indicators
Harvest did not exceed the +/-30% indicator for weight or pieces in 2013–14 (Figures 13 & 14). Collection outside of the CCAs increased beyond the indicator in 2011–12 however this was in relatively small weights (29 kg) and low numbers (155 pieces) and are not of concern. The 2013 ERA identified this species as at low risk from the fishery.
Blastomussa merletti (kgs) 350%
300%
250% 2010-11 200% 2011-12 150% 2012-13 2013-14 100% Upper PMS trigger Lower PMS trigger 50% Percentage change from 2yr average from change Percentage 0%
-50% Cairns Other QCF All
Figure 13: Percentage changes in the collected weight of Blastomussa merletti compared to the previous two year average for the Coral Collection Areas, outside of these areas (Other) and the overall Queensland Coral Fishery (QCF All) from 2008–09 to 2013–14.
Blastomussa merletti (no.s) 250%
200%
150% 2010-11
100% 2011-12 2012-13 50% 2013-14 Upper PMS trigger 0% Lower PMS trigger
Percentage change from 2yr average change from Percentage -50%
-100% Cairns Other QCF All
Figure 14: Percentage changes in the collected numbers of Blastomussa merletti compared to the previous two year average for the Coral Collection Areas, outside of these areas (Other) and the overall Queensland Coral Fishery (QCF All) from 2008–09 to 2013–14.
WTO Condition 7 Report for the Queensland Coral Fishery 2013–14 20
Risk assessment finding 2013
ERA Rating Workshop discussion and risk justification
Found in large colonies. Mostly on hard substrate but forms bommies on soft sediment. Common. Found on inshore Low reefs and inner barrier reefs in turbid areas. Ranges from at least Mackay, north to Cape York. Not seen in the south. Some collection but market is very colour dependent. Not as popular as B. wellsi so collection levels lower.
Management responses
No trigger was exceeded for this species and it was identified as low risk in the 2013 ERA workshop. A standard for Blastomussa merletti was not developed given the low risk from the fishery. The industry has committed to supplying information on this species to confirm high abundances.
Species Knowledge gap
Blastomussa wellsi Need to validate high abundance inshore, which contradicts scientific opinion
WTO Condition 7 Report for the Queensland Coral Fishery 2013–14 21
Blastomussa wellsi
Collection summary
Reporting at the species level for Blastomussa wellsi collection commenced in 2009-10 (Table 10). Collection levels have been steady since that time. The majority of specimens were collected from the Cairns region and outside the CCAs. Collection of smaller pieces (LC2) of Blastomussa wellsi dominates the harvest (Figure 15).
Table 10: Number of individual pieces and weight in kilograms (in parenthesis) of Blastomussa wellsi collected within the Cairns and Keppel Coral Collection Area and outside these areas in the Queensland Coral Fishery for the quota years 2006–07 to 2013–14. Note: shaded boxes identify reporting years when logbook categories did not exist for these species.
CCA 2006-07 2007-08 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13 2013-14 Cairns 1491 (204) 1723 (222) 1606 (165) 1318 (150) 1227 (121) Keppel 43 (5) 355 (24) - - 3 (<1) Other 1276 (162) 1531 (164) 1879 (255) 2326 (318) 2501 (409) Total 2810 (371) 3609 (410) 3485 (420) 3644 (468) 3731 (530)
Blastomussa wellsi (no.s) 3000
2500
2000 LC2 LC3 1500 LC4 LC5 1000 LC6 Number of pieces collected pieces of Number
500
0 2009-2010 2010-2011 2011-2012 2012-2013 2013-2014
Figure 15: Number of individual pieces of Blastomussa wellsi collected under each reporting category in the Queensland Coral Fishery from 2009–10 to 2013–14.
WTO Condition 7 Report for the Queensland Coral Fishery 2013–14 22
Performance against harvest indicators
Harvest did not exceed the +/-30% indicator for the overall fishery in weight or pieces in 2013–14 (Figures 16 & 17). Collection in the Keppel CCA has been highly variable and increased beyond the indicator in 2010–11 (weight and pieces) and below the indicator in 2011–12 and 2012–13 (weight only). Yields in this CCA are quite small and the variations are not of concern. Collection levels of Blastomussa wellsi were below the indicator in 2013–14. The 2013 ERA identified this species as a low risk from the fishery.
Blastomussa wellsi (kgs) 500%
400%
300% 2010-11
200% 2011-12 2012-13 100% 2013-14 Upper PMS trigger 0% Lower PMS trigger
Percentage change from 2yr 2yr average from change Percentage -100%
-200% Cairns Keppel Other QCF All
Figure 16: Percentage changes in the collected weight of Blastomussa wellsi compared to the previous two year average for the Coral Collection Areas, outside of these areas (Other) and the overall Queensland Coral Fishery (QCF All) from 2008–09 to 2013–14.
Blastomussa wellsi (no.s) 800%
700%
600%
500% 2010-11 400% 2011-12 300% 2012-13 2013-14 200% Upper PMS trigger 100% Lower PMS trigger 0% Percentage change from 2yr average from change Percentage -100%
-200% Cairns Keppel Other QCF All
Figure 17: Percentage changes in the collected numbers of Blastomussa wellsi compared to the previous two year average for the Coral Collection Areas, outside of these areas (Other) and the overall Queensland Coral Fishery (QCF All) from 2008–09 to 2013–14.
WTO Condition 7 Report for the Queensland Coral Fishery 2013–14 23
Risk assessment finding 2013
ERA Rating Workshop discussion and risk justification
Literature says uncommon. Industry report it is found in deep, turbid, high current and high wave action areas (hard to access and not dived by science). Observed as occurring in big colonies. A by- product species. Leave lots behind because of colour and size selectivity dictated by the market. Found in coastal areas at shallower depths. On the reef there is more found at depth. Found on solid sunstrate. Place frags back on strata and regrows. Low Industry have self-imposed minimum size. Fragments readily in aquaria and medium-fast growers. Appears to be different growth habits/rates between north and south. Polyps may fall off and then regrow if left.
One operator in Cairns areas reports the species is becoming harder to find in the areas he frequents. This is disputed by other operators who collect in similar areas.
Management responses
No trigger was exceeded for this species and it was identified as a low risk in the 2013 ERA workshop. A standard for Blastomussa wellsi was not developed given the low risk from the fishery.
WTO Condition 7 Report for the Queensland Coral Fishery 2013–14 24
Catalaphyllia jardinei
Collection summary
Overall collection levels for Catalaphyllia jardinei have been steady since 2008–09 (Table 11). Collection from the Keppel CCA has been decreasing since 2008–09 while outside of CCA collection has increased since 2009–10. The majority of specimens were collected from the Cairns region. Collection of smaller pieces (LC2) dominates the harvest (Figure 18).
Table 11: Number of individual pieces and weight in kilograms (in parenthesis) of Catalaphyllia jardinei collected within the Cairns and Keppel Coral Collection Area and outside these areas in the Queensland Coral Fishery for the quota years 2006–07 to 2013–14.
CCA 2006-07 2007-08 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13 2013-14 Cairns 2542 (268) 3024 (254) 3236 (297) 4072 (397) 7255 (643) 6036 (508) 6414 (496) 5627 (496) Keppel 2378 (407) 2102 (326) 1979 (239) 1264 (203) 373 (54) 427 (106) 188 (41) 159 (26) Other 844 (235) 6582 (769) 8481 (845) 8709 (842) 7857 (904) 7750 (1055) 9397 (1162) 10151 (1455) Total 5764 (911) 11708 (1349) 13696 (1381) 14045 (1442) 15485 (1601) 14213 (1668) 15999 (1699) 15937 (1977)
Catalaphyllia jardinei (no.s) 12000
10000
8000 LC2 LC3 6000 LC4 LC5 4000 LC6 Number of pieces collected pieces of Number
2000
0 2006-2007 2007-2008 2008-2009 2009-2010 2010-2011 2011-2012 2012-2013 2013-2014
Figure 18: Number of individual pieces of Catalaphyllia jardinei collected under each reporting category in the Queensland Coral Fishery from 2006–07 to 2013–14.
WTO Condition 7 Report for the Queensland Coral Fishery 2013–14 25
Performance against harvest indicators
Harvest did not exceed the +/-30% indicator for the fishery overall in weight or pieces in 2013–14 (Figures 19 & 20). Collection outside of the CCAs increased beyond the indicator (+50%) in 2013–14. The 2013 ERA identified this species as a low risk from the fishery.
Catalaphyllia jardinei (kgs) 40%
20%
0% 2010-11
-20% 2011-12 2012-13 -40% 2013-14 Upper PMS trigger -60% Lower PMS trigger
Percentage change2yr fromaverage Percentage -80%
-100% Cairns Keppel Other QCF All
Figure 19: Percentage changes in the collected weight of Catalaphyllia jardinei compared to the previous two year average for the Coral Collection Areas, outside of these areas (Other) and the overall Queensland Coral Fishery (QCF All) from 2008–09 to 2013–14.
Catalaphyllia jardinei (no.s) 120%
100% 80%
60% 2010-11 40% 2011-12 20% 2012-13 0% 2013-14 -20% Upper PMS trigger -40% Lower PMS trigger
Percentage change from 2yr average from change Percentage -60%
-80%
-100% Cairns Keppel Other QCF All
Figure 20: Percentage changes in the collected numbers of Catalaphyllia jardinei compared to the previous two year average for the Coral Collection Areas, outside of these areas (Other) and the overall Queensland Coral Fishery (QCF All) from 2008–09 to 2013–14.
WTO Condition 7 Report for the Queensland Coral Fishery 2013–14 26
Risk assessment finding 2013
ERA Rating Workshop discussion and risk justification
Common to abundant in appropriate habitats – not found on reef top areas. Harvested in purple tip, pink tips and other forms. Collectors can predict where to find it based on sea bed contours.
Southern region occur quite different assemblages to the North – similar habitat to Ducanopsammia . Found in large beds hundreds of metres long in the South – almost nothing in these areas except continuous Catalaphyllia .
Central region collectors report that it often occurs in barren sandy areas. Noted that it rolls around on soft sand, easily disturbed and displaced by storms.
Northern region collectors report abundant near the coast, with larger specimens found inshore. Some beds Low repeatedly worked for close to 15 years with no signs of depletion. Try to spread effort and leave areas close to Cairns alone, only harvesting these in periods of poorer weather which limits access to further offshore areas. One operator can collect 500 pieces in 2 x 20 min dives.
Now have 5 years of GPS logbook data to corroborate industry reports of distribution, abundance and resilience. Holds well in shore facilities so can collect spasmodically. Beds can be revisited after 6 months. Can also be found off edge of reef in 10-12 m with huge beds of little else. Purple tip and pink tip colour variants most common so look for other colour variants. Can live near the mouth of rivers which flood regularly. Industry finds it very hardy. Wide range of habitats and depth..
Management responses
No trigger was exceeded for this species and it was identified as low risk in the 2013 ERA workshop. Despite the species being identified as at low risk from the fishery, a standard for Catalaphyllia jardinei was developed by industry in recognition of the international concern for the species plus the species had been singled out for mention in the CITES Non-detriment Finding in the Arlington/Vlassof Complex in the Cairns Coral Collection Area. The industry has also committed to supplying information on this species to answer some of the key knowledge gaps.
Species Industry Risk Mitigation Standard
Catalaphyllia jardinei Do not collect colonies <5cm in the Arlington/Vlassof Complex in the Cairns Coral Collection Area
Knowledge gap
Need to determine reproductive size and growth rate
Does colour and growth form have a genetic basis?
Need to understand how they reproduce
Need monitoring data for abundance
WTO Condition 7 Report for the Queensland Coral Fishery 2013–14 27
Cynarina lacrymalis
Collection summary
Collection levels for Cynarina lacrymalis steadied in 2013–14 following a slow decline from 2007–08 to 2012–13 (Table 12). The majority of specimens are collected from the Cairns region. Virtually no collection occurs in the Keppel CCA. Collection of smaller pieces (LC2) dominates the harvest (Figure 21).
Table 12: Number of individual pieces and weight in kilograms (in parenthesis) of Cynarina lacrymalis collected within the Cairns and Keppel Coral Collection Area and outside these areas in the Queensland Coral Fishery for the quota years 2006–07 to 2013–14.
CCA 2006-07 2007-08 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13 2013-14 Cairns 1758 (174) 2410 (214) 1378 (103) 1839 (157) 2400 (203) 2127 (168) 1613 (177) 1443 (127) Keppel - - 5 (<1) - - - - - Other 122 (11) 1304 (101) 2044 (162) 1693 (130) 968 (69) 898 (74) 1097 (81) 1344 (104) Total 1880 (185) 3714 (315) 3427 (265) 3532 (287) 3368 (272) 3025 (242) 2710 (258) 2787 (230)
Cynarina lacrymalis (no.s) 3500
3000
2500
LC2 2000 LC3 LC4 1500 LC5 LC6
Number of pieces collected pieces of Number 1000
500
0 2006-2007 2007-2008 2008-2009 2009-2010 2010-2011 2011-2012 2012-2013 2013-2014
Figure 21: Number of individual pieces of Cynarina lacrymalis collected under each reporting category in the Queensland Coral Fishery from 2006–07 to 2013–14.
WTO Condition 7 Report for the Queensland Coral Fishery 2013–14 28
Performance against harvest indicators
Harvest did not exceed the +/-30% indicator for the fishery overall in weight or pieces in 2013–14 (Figures 22 & 23). The 2013 ERA identified this species as at moderate risk from the fishery largely because of selective colour harvest in the Cairns CCA proporting to be depleting local supplies. This has yet to be substantiated.
Cynarina lacrymalis (kgs) 80%
60%
40%
20% 2010-11 0% 2011-12 -20% 2012-13 2013-14 -40% Upper PMS trigger -60% Lower PMS trigger -80% Percentage change2yr fromaverage Percentage -100%
-120% Cairns Keppel Other QCF All
Figure 22: Percentage changes in the collected weight of Cynarina lacrymalis compared to the previous two year average for the Coral Collection Areas, outside of these areas (Other) and the overall Queensland Coral Fishery (QCF All) from 2008–09 to 2013–14.
Cynarina lacrymalis (no.s) 60%
40%
20%
0% 2010-11 2011-12 -20% 2012-13 -40% 2013-14
-60% Upper PMS trigger Lower PMS trigger -80% Percentage change from 2yr average from change Percentage -100%
-120% Cairns Keppel Other QCF All
Figure 23: Percentage changes in the collected numbers of Cynarina lacrymalis compared to the previous two year average for the Coral Collection Areas, outside of these areas (Other) and the overall Queensland Coral Fishery (QCF All) from 2008–09 to 2013–14.
WTO Condition 7 Report for the Queensland Coral Fishery 2013–14 29
Risk assessment finding 2013
ERA Rating Workshop discussion and risk justification
Collected in North (live) on inshore GBR. Collectors target specific desirable colours only (eg red). Red is less common (usually found inshore) and may be becoming harder to find around Cairns. This is disputed by another Moderate operator who has not observed any local depletion. Moderate risk rating applied until this is resolved. In the Central region, lots of colours are available and red is more common offshore than inshore.
Management responses
No trigger was exceeded for this species. It was identified as moderate risk in the 2013 ERA workshop based on perceived local depletions of the red colour morph in the Cairn Coral Collection Area. The industry developed a collection standard for Cynarina lacrymalis in recognition of this local issue. The industry has also committed to supplying information on this species to answer some of the key knowledge gaps.
Species Industry Risk Mitigation Standard
Cynarina lacrymalis Do not collect colonies <5cm in the Arlington/Vlassof Complex in the Cairns Coral Collection Area
Knowledge gap
Need to determine reproductive size and growth rate
Does colour have a genetic basis?
Need monitoring data for abundance
WTO Condition 7 Report for the Queensland Coral Fishery 2013–14 30
Duncanopsammia axifuga
Collection summary
Collection levels for Duncanopsammia axifuga increased from 2006–07 to 2010–11 and have remained relatively stable since (Table 13). The majority of specimens were collected from the Cairns region, while collection outside the CCAs increased sharply in 2012–13. Collection of smaller pieces (LC2) has been dominating the harvest in recent years (Figure 24).
Table 13: Number of individual pieces and weight in kilograms (in parenthesis) of Duncanopsammia axifuga collected within the Cairns and Keppel Coral Collection Area and outside these areas in the Queensland Coral Fishery for the quota years 2006–07 to 2013–14.
CCA 2006-07 2007-08 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13 2013-14 Cairns 1329 (197) 2536 (284) 2300 (272) 2343 (366) 3785 (421) 4462 (446) 4413 (445) 4577 (492) Keppel 1614 (278) 1296 (158) 1316 (145) 513 (74) 510 (78) 478 (48) 102 (13) 653 (70) Other 414 (62) 1693 (195) 1524 (164) 2262 (227) 2698 (277) 3625 (398) 4277 (477) 3524 (511) Total 3357 (536) 5525 (637) 5140 (581) 5118 (667) 6993 (777) 8565 (892) 8792 (935) 8754 (1073)
Duncanopsammia axifuga (no.s) 7000
6000
5000
LC2 4000 LC3
3000 LC4 LC5 2000 LC6 Number of pieces collected pieces of Number LF 1000
0
Figure 24: Number of individual pieces of Duncanopsammia axifuga collected under each reporting category in the Queensland Coral Fishery from 2006–07 to 2013–14.
WTO Condition 7 Report for the Queensland Coral Fishery 2013–14 31
Performance against harvest indicators
Harvest did not exceed the +/-30% indicator for the fishery overall in weight or pieces in 2013–14 (Figures 25 & 26). Collection in the Keppel CCA increased beyond the indicator for weight (+129%) and pieces (+125%) in 2013–14 although the quantities coming from this area are not high (<700 pieces). The 2013 ERA identified this species as a moderate risk from the fishery largely because of the overall perceived rarity by scientific literature and lower abundances in the Keppel region.
Duncanopsammia axifuga (kgs) 150%
100%
2010-11 50% 2011-12 2012-13 2013-14 0% Upper PMS trigger Lower PMS trigger -50% Percentage change2yr fromaverage Percentage
-100% Cairns Keppel Other QCF All
Figure 25: Percentage changes in the collected weight of Duncanopsammia axifuga compared to the previous two year average for the Coral Collection Areas, outside of these areas (Other) and the overall Queensland Coral Fishery (QCF All) from 2008–09 to 2013–14.
Duncanopsammia axifuga (no.s) 150%
100%
2010-11 50% 2011-12 2012-13 2013-14 0% Upper PMS trigger Lower PMS trigger -50% Percentage change from 2yr average from change Percentage
-100% Cairns Keppel Other QCF All
Figure 26: Percentage changes in the collected numbers of Duncanopsammia axifuga compared to the previous two year average for the Coral Collection Areas, outside of these areas (Other) and the overall Queensland Coral Fishery (QCF All) from 2008–09 to 2013– 14.
WTO Condition 7 Report for the Queensland Coral Fishery 2013–14 32
Risk assessment finding 2013
ERA Rating Workshop discussion and risk justification
Reported to be globally rare but industry reports that it is not rare in areas where they collect. Not found in areas where researchers tend to dive. Usually only find isolated pieces on the reef proper. Larger colonies tend to be found on the sand off the reef so easily missed if swimming only over reef. Prefers turbid water. Propagated by aquarists overseas. Two growth habits – has been discussion about hybridisation with Turbinaria but industry report plasticity in captivity as an alternative hypothesis (they have found same growth morph on single colony). Inshore ~ Turbinaria- Moderate like with tightly packed polyps, offshore ~ more branching form. Appears to be ID confusion in Asia. Can harvest compact bits over time from the same large clump (farm-able). Grows back from collection after a year fallow. One operator stated they have worked the same spot for 12-15 years. Responds well to aquarium lighting (tough, hardy and green fluoro). Demand varies amongst collectors but catch trend increasing (Keppel catch and effort decreasing). Limited colour range.
Management responses
Collection outside the CCAs triggered the measure. Duncanopsammia axifuga was identified as a moderate risk in the 2013 ERA workshop based on perceived rarity throughout its distribution area. The lack of scientific validation for aspects of the biology for this species also raised the risk level. The industry developed a collection standard for Duncanopsammia axifuga in recognition that collection could be having greater pressure on stocks in the Keppel CCA. The industry has also committed to supplying information on this species to answer some of the key knowledge gaps.
Species Industry Risk Mitigation Standard
Duncanopsammia axifuga Do not collect from colonies that are <10cm in the Keppel Coral Collection Area
Knowledge gap
Need to determine reproductive size and growth rate
Need validation of widespread distribution
Is it all one species?
Need evidence to corroborate or refute growth and reproduction post disturbance
WTO Condition 7 Report for the Queensland Coral Fishery 2013–14 33
Entacmaea quadricolor
Collection summary
Collection levels for Entacmaea quadricolor have been variable since reporting began for this species in 2009–10, although catch levels in the Cairns CCA increased in 2013–14 (Table 14). The majority of specimens are collected from the Cairns region in 2012–13. Collection of smaller pieces (LC2) has dominated the harvest in recent years (Figure 27). Sea anemones of this species are typically collected at these small sizes.
Table 14: Number of individual pieces and weight in kilograms (in parenthesis) of Entacmaea quadricolor collected within the Cairns and Keppel Coral Collection Area and outside these areas in the Queensland Coral Fishery for the quota years 2006–07 to 2013–14. Note: shaded boxes identify reporting years when logbook categories did not exist for these species.
CCA 2006-07 2007-08 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13 2013-14 Cairns 1190 (121) 1509 (97) 1007 (60) 1072 (96) 1509 (106) Keppel - 206 (15) - 99 (7) 4 (<1) Other 456 (32) 481 (31) 371 (24) 542 (36) 1191 (85) Total 1646 (153) 2196 (143) 1378 (84) 1713 (139) 2704 (192)
Entacmaea quadricolor (no.s) 2000
1800
1600
1400
1200 LC2 LC3 1000 LC4 800 LC5 LC6 600 Number of pieces collected pieces of Number
400
200
0 2009-2010 2010-2011 2011-2012 2012-2013 2013-2014
Figure 27: Number of individual pieces of Entacmaea quadricolor collected under each reporting category in the Queensland Coral Fishery from 2009–10 to 2013–14.
WTO Condition 7 Report for the Queensland Coral Fishery 2013–14 34
Performance against harvest indicators
Harvest exceeded the +/-30% indicator for the fishery overall in weight (+72%) and pieces (+75%) in 2013–14 (Figures 28 & 29). Collection outside of the CCAs showed the greatest increase, exceeding the indicator for weight (+183%) and pieces (+161%) in 2013–14. While collection levels in this region were low, they are now approaching the Cairns CCA collection levels. Collection levels in the Keppel CCA exceeded the indicators in pieces (-96%) and weight (-96%) in 2013–14 however these quantities are very low due to the voluntary moratorium on anemone collection in the region.
Entacmaea quadricolor (kgs) 200%
150%
100% 2010-11
50% 2011-12 2012-13 0% 2013-14 Upper PMS trigger -50% Lower PMS trigger
Percentage change2yr fromaverage Percentage -100%
-150% Cairns Keppel Other QCF All
Figure 28: Percentage changes in the collected weight of Entacmaea quadricolor compared to the previous two year average for the Coral Collection Areas, outside of these areas (Other) and the overall Queensland Coral Fishery (QCF All) from 2008–09 to 2013–14.
Entacmaea quadricolor (no.s) 200%
150%
100% 2010-11
50% 2011-12 2012-13 0% 2013-14 Upper PMS trigger -50% Lower PMS trigger
Percentage change from 2yr average from change Percentage -100%
-150% Cairns Keppel Other QCF All
Figure 29: Percentage changes in the collected numbers of Entacmaea quadricolor compared to the previous two year average for the Coral Collection Areas, outside of these areas (Other) and the overall Queensland Coral Fishery (QCF All) from 2008–09 to 2013–14.
WTO Condition 7 Report for the Queensland Coral Fishery 2013–14 35
Risk assessment finding 2013
ERA Rating Workshop discussion and risk justification
Shows susceptibility to bleaching (particularly in shallow waters). Have been depleted in areas overseas. Not important to fishery in quantity but very important in other ways within the industry. Has been seen bleached at 30 m Moderate in Indonesia although this area is subject to deep warm water currents (phenomenon not usually seen in GBR). Not the key focus of collection on any given dive. Collectors try to avoid diving same locations for this species so effort is spread.
Management responses
The indicator for this species triggered for the fishery overall. The species was identified as a moderate risk in the 2013 ERA workshop based on its susceptibility to bleaching and sensitivity to collection pressure. The industry developed a collection standard for Entacmaea quadricolor in recognition that collection could be having greater pressure on stocks in the Keppel CCA.
Species Industry Risk Mitigation Standard
Entacmaea quadricolor Do not collect more than 1/3 of any colony in the Keppel Coral Collection Area
Do not collect more than 2/3 of any colony elsewhere in the fishery
Do not collect visibly harvested colonies
WTO Condition 7 Report for the Queensland Coral Fishery 2013–14 36
Euphyllia glabrascens
Collection summary
Collection levels for Euphyllia glabrascens have increased since 2006–07 (Table 15). The majority of specimens were collected from outside the CCAs in 2013–14. Collection of smaller pieces (LC2) dominates the harvest (Figure 30).
Table 15: Number of individual pieces and weight in kilograms (in parenthesis) of Euphyllia glabrascens collected within the Cairns and Keppel Coral Collection Area and outside these areas in the Queensland Coral Fishery for the quota years 2006–07 to 2013–14.
CCA 2006-07 2007-08 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13 2013-14 Cairns 1783 (256) 2532 (254) 2881 (287) 2921 (373) 2814 (353) 2097 (236) 1524 (141) 958 (84) Keppel 245 (37) 93 (13) 10 (1) - 4 (1) - 15 (2) - Other 609 (100) 1098 (213) 1267 (141) 1724 (218) 2336 (228) 3502 (585) 6555 (674) 7307 (900) Total 2637 (393) 3723 (479) 4158 (428) 4645 (591) 5154 (582) 5599 (821) 8094 (817) 8265 (984)
Euphylllia glabrascens (no.s) 7000
6000
5000
LC2 4000 LC3 LC4 3000 LC5 LC6
Number of pieces collected pieces of Number 2000
1000
0 2006-2007 2007-2008 2008-2009 2009-2010 2010-2011 2011-2012 2012-2013 2013-2014
Figure 30: Number of individual pieces of Euphyllia glabrascens collected under each reporting category in the Queensland Coral Fishery from 2006–07 to 2013–14.
WTO Condition 7 Report for the Queensland Coral Fishery 2013–14 37
Performance against harvest indicators
Harvest did not exceed the +/-30% indicator for the fishery overall in weight or pieces in 2013–14 (Figures 31 & 32). Collection in the Keppel CCA decreased beyond the indicator for weight and pieces in 2013–14, although the quantities coming from this area are minor and not of concern.
Euphylllia glabrascens (kgs) 300%
250%
200%
150% 2010-11 2011-12 100% 2012-13 50% 2013-14
0% Upper PMS trigger Lower PMS trigger -50% Percentage change from 2yr 2yr average from change Percentage -100%
-150% Cairns Keppel Other QCF All
Figure 31: Percentage changes in the collected weight of Euphyllia glabrascens compared to the previous two year average for the Coral Collection Areas, outside of these areas (Other) and the overall Queensland Coral Fishery (QCF All) from 2008–09 to 2013–14.
Euphylllia glabrascens (no.s) 300%
250%
200%
150% 2010-11 2011-12 100% 2012-13 50% 2013-14
0% Upper PMS trigger Lower PMS trigger -50% Percentage change from 2yr 2yr average from change Percentage -100%
-150% Cairns Keppel Other QCF All
Figure 32: Percentage changes in the collected numbers of Euphyllia glabrascens compared to the previous two year average for the Coral Collection Areas, outside of these areas (Other) and the overall Queensland Coral Fishery (QCF All) from 2008–09 to 2013–14.
WTO Condition 7 Report for the Queensland Coral Fishery 2013–14 38
Risk assessment finding 2013
ERA Rating Workshop discussion and risk justification
Common. Found on inshore reefs and not inter-reefal, except as juveniles. Popular live coral and is highly targeted. Popular for export and high demand is expected to continue. Not an inter-reefal species– found mostly on the reefs. Found in the form of small colonies, so operators harvest the whole thing. A lot of brown colour morph specimens Moderate present in the fishery area which aren't collected. As a result collectors believe they won’t ever collect everything. Operators also don’t take the bigger specimens (although still pretty small), because they break in transport. Leave larger colonies alone. Not all colours are marketable so leave a lot. No recent harvest in the Keppels but AIMS LTMP found no Euphyllia recruitment in the Keppels in 2011.
Management responses
The species was identified as a moderate risk in the 2013 ERA workshop based on the rating for the Keppel CCA where scientific surveys have indicated low abundances. No new standard was developed for the species as it is believed it is better to tackle the risk level by supplying better information for the species. The industry committed to supplying information on this species to answer some of the key knowledge gaps.
Species Knowledge gap
Euphyllia glabrascens Need to determine reproductive size and growth rate
Need evidence to corroborate or refute growth and reproduction post disturbance
WTO Condition 7 Report for the Queensland Coral Fishery 2013–14 39
Gorgonacea
Collection summary
Overall collection levels for Gorgonacea have been decreasing since 2009–10 (Table 16). The majority of specimens were collected from the Cairns CCA in 2012–13. Collection of smaller pieces (LC2) dominates the harvest (Figure 33).
Table 16: Number of individual pieces and weight in kilograms (in parenthesis) of Gorgonacea collected within the Cairns and Keppel Coral Collection Area and outside these areas in the Queensland Coral Fishery for the quota years 2006–07 to 2013–14. Note: shaded boxes identify reporting years when logbook categories did not exist for these species.
CCA 2006-07 2007-08 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13 2013-14 Cairns 1036 (230) 1174 (128) 1238 (147) 713 (75) 571 (44) 285 (25) 154 (19) 223 (35) Keppel 284 (12) 175 (9) 405 (17) 23 (1) 59 (4) 15 (1) 71 (5) 74 (12) Other 230 (206) 98 (36) 301 (24) 215 (14) 202 (14) 242 (16) 174 (32) 179 (31) Total 1550 (447) 1447 (173) 1944 (188) 951 (90) 832 (63) 542 (42) 399 (56) 476 (78)
Gorgonocea (no.s) 900
800
700
600 LC2 500 LC3 LC4 400 LC5 300 LC6 Number of pieces collected pieces of Number 200
100
0 2006-2007 2007-2008 2008-2009 2009-2010 2010-2011 2011-2012 2012-2013 2013-2014
Figure 33: Number of individual pieces of Gorgonacea collected under each reporting category in the Queensland Coral Fishery from 2009–10 to 2013–14.
WTO Condition 7 Report for the Queensland Coral Fishery 2013–14 40
Performance against harvest indicators
Harvest exceeded the +/-30% indicator for the fishery overall for weight only (+61%) in 2013–14 (Figures 34 & 35). This was mainly due to increased collection in the Keppel however quantities were very low and not of concern.
Gorgonocea (kgs) 400%
350%
300%
250% 2010-11 200% 2011-12 150% 2012-13 2013-14 100% Upper PMS trigger 50% Lower PMS trigger 0% Percentage change from 2yr 2yr average from change Percentage -50%
-100% Cairns Keppel Other QCF All
Figure 34: Percentage changes in the collected weight of Gorgonacea compared to the previous two year average for the Coral Collection Areas, outside of these areas (Other) and the overall Queensland Coral Fishery (QCF All) from 2008–09 to 2013–14.
Gorgonocea (no.s) 120%
100% 80%
60% 2010-11 40% 2011-12 20% 2012-13 0% 2013-14 -20% Upper PMS trigger -40% Lower PMS trigger
Percentage change from 2yr 2yr average from change Percentage -60%
-80%
-100% Cairns Keppel Other QCF All
Figure 35: Percentage changes in the collected numbers of Gorgonacea compared to the previous two year average for the Coral Collection Areas, outside of these areas (Other) and the overall Queensland Coral Fishery (QCF All) from 2008–09 to 2013–14.
WTO Condition 7 Report for the Queensland Coral Fishery 2013–14 41
Risk assessment finding 2013
ERA Rating Workshop discussion and risk justification
Gorgonian corals require specialist food so there is a small domestic and export market. Overfeeding of specialist food can pollute tank – for specialist hobbyists only. Widely available worldwide in ornamental coral – not known Low where this product is sourced as it is not from Queensland. Hard to ship live but some species are very resilient in the wild. Mainly for the ornamental/curio market, not live. Found in a depth range from 5 to 50m+. Propagation of gorgonians is getting more common overseas further reducing demand for Queensland product.
Management responses
The species was identified as low risk in the 2013 ERA workshop based on lack of interest in the fishery in its collection. No new industry collection standard was developed for the species given its low risk.
WTO Condition 7 Report for the Queensland Coral Fishery 2013–14 42
Plerogyra sinuosa
Collection summary
Collection levels for Plerogyra sinuosa have been reasonably steady since reporting began in 2009–10 (Table 17). The majority of specimens were collected from areas outside of the CCAs in 2013–14. Collection of smaller pieces (LC2) dominates the harvest (Figure 36).
Table 17: Number of individual pieces and weight in kilograms (in parenthesis) of Plerogyra sinuosa collected within the Cairns and Keppel Coral Collection Area and outside these areas in the Queensland Coral Fishery for the quota years 2006–07 to 2013–14. Note: shaded boxes identify reporting years when logbook categories did not exist for these species.
CCA 2006-07 2007-08 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13 2013-14
Cairns 2059 (246) 2099 (304) 2406 (360) 2095 (255) 1221 (152) Keppel 364 (58) 170 (23) 35 (12) 3 (<1) 10 (1) Other 473 (96) 907 (154) 1348 (177) 1399 (165) 2112 (227) Total 2896 (400) 3176 (481) 3789 (549) 3497 (421) 3343 (380)
Plerogyra sinuosa (no.s) 2500
2000
1500 LC2 LC3 LC4 1000 LC5 LC6 Number of pieces collected pieces of Number
500
0 2009-2010 2010-2011 2011-2012 2012-2013 2013-2014 Figure 36: Number of individual pieces of Plerogyra sinuosa collected under each reporting category in the Queensland Coral Fishery from 2009–10 to 2013–14.
WTO Condition 7 Report for the Queensland Coral Fishery 2013–14 43
Performance against harvest indicators
Harvest did not exceed the +/-30% indicator for the fishery overall in weight or pieces in 2013–14 (Figures 37 & 38). Collection in the Keppel and Cairns CCAs decreased beyond the indicator for weight and pieces in 2013–14, while it increased beond the indicator for weight and pieces outside the CCAs.
Plerogyra sinuosa (kgs) 80%
60%
40%
20% 2010-11 0% 2011-12 -20% 2012-13 2013-14 -40% Upper PMS trigger -60% Lower PMS trigger -80% Percentage change from 2yr 2yr average from change Percentage -100%
-120% Cairns Keppel Other QCF All
Figure 37: Percentage changes in the collected weight of Plerogyra sinuosa compared to the previous two year average for the Coral Collection Areas, outside of these areas (Other) and the overall Queensland Coral Fishery (QCF All) from 2008–09 to 2013–14.
Plerogyra sinuosa (no.s) 150%
100%
50% 2010-11 2011-12 0% 2012-13 2013-14
-50% Upper PMS trigger Lower PMS trigger
Percentage change from 2yr average from change Percentage -100%
-150% Cairns Keppel Other QCF All
Figure 38: Percentage changes in the collected numbers of Plerogyra sinuosa compared to the previous two year average for the Coral Collection Areas, outside of these areas (Other) and the overall Queensland Coral Fishery (QCF All) from 2008–09 to 2013–14.
WTO Condition 7 Report for the Queensland Coral Fishery 2013–14 44
Risk assessment finding 2013
ERA Rating Workshop discussion and risk justification
Reported as uncommon but industry believe more common than this. Found north of the Keppels to Cape York. Where it occurs, it is highly abundant. Market demands green and that colour is not common (comes in green and brown). Take small colonies, not large ones. Predominantly a domestic species. Mainly collected around Cairns – Low Keppel only minor. Found both inshore (even in dirty bays) and at the reef. Growth habits vary across range. Slow growth to maturity reported but disputed by collectors – this will need to be validated. Disparity between export records and logbook records (potential that WA corals may be being exported under Qld WTO).
Management responses
Collection of Plerogyra sinuosa did not trigger the measure for the fishery overall in 2013–14. The species was identified as low risk in the 2013 ERA workshop based on lack of corroboration between scientific knowledge on abundance and industry anecdotal information. No new industry collection standard was developed for the species given its low risk.
WTO Condition 7 Report for the Queensland Coral Fishery 2013–14 45
Scolymia spp
Collection summary
Collection levels for Scolymia spp have increased sharply since 2008–09 largely as a result of increases in collection outside of the CCAs (Table 18). Collection of smaller pieces (LC2) dominates the harvest (Figure 39). Two species comprise the harvest – Scolymia australis and Scolymia vitensis .
Table 17: Number of individual pieces and weight in kilograms (in parenthesis) of Scolymia spp collected within the Cairns and Keppel Coral Collection Area and outside these areas in the Queensland Coral Fishery for the quota years 2006–07 to 2013–14.
CCA 2006-07 2007-08 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13 2013-14 Cairns 536 (198) 769 (109) 846 (76) 1422 (142) 1090 (108) 927 (76) 650 (62) 635 (60) Keppel 107 (8) 328 (32) 533 (53) 142 (10) 74 (6) 47 (4) 127 (14) 274 (19) Other 497 (49) 2475 (243) 5344 (490) 11119 (863) 8134 (605) 15344 (1041) 15874 (1084) 17797 (1554) Total 1140 (255) 3572 (384) 6723 (619) 12683 (1015) 9298 (719) 16318 (1120) 16651 (1160) 18706 (1633)
Scolymia spp (no.s) 18000
16000
14000
12000 LC2 10000 LC3 LC4 8000 LC6 6000 LF Number of pieces collected pieces of Number 4000
2000
0 2006-20072007-20082008-20092009-20102010-20112011-20122012-20132013-2014
Figure 39: Number of individual pieces of Scolymia spp collected under each reporting category in the Queensland Coral Fishery from 2006–07 to 2013–14.
WTO Condition 7 Report for the Queensland Coral Fishery 2013–14 46
Performance against harvest indicators
Harvest exceeded the +/-30% indicator for the fishery overall in weight (+43%) only in 2013–14 (Figures 40 & 41). Collection in the Keppel CCA increased beyond the indicator for weight (+116%) and pieces (+215%) in 2013–14 although the quantities coming from this area remain small and not of concern. The overall harvest in areas outside the CCAs has been increasing in recent years and requires closer scrutiny in the future.
Scolymia spp (kgs) 250%
200%
150% 2010-11
100% 2011-12 2012-13 50% 2013-14 Upper PMS trigger 0% Lower PMS trigger
Percentage change2yr fromaverage Percentage -50%
-100% Cairns Keppel Other QCF All
Figure 40: Percentage changes in the collected weight of Scolymia spp compared to the previous two year average for the Coral Collection Areas, outside of these areas (Other) and the overall Queensland Coral Fishery (QCF All) from 2008–09 to 2013–14.
Scolymia spp (no.s) 250%
200%
150% 2010-11
100% 2011-12 2012-13 50% 2013-14 Upper PMS trigger 0% Lower PMS trigger
Percentage change from 2yr average from change Percentage -50%
-100% Cairns Keppel Other QCF All
Figure 41: Percentage changes in the collected numbers of Scolymia spp compared to the previous two year average for the Coral Collection Areas, outside of these areas (Other) and the overall Queensland Coral Fishery (QCF All) from 2008–09 to 2013–14.
WTO Condition 7 Report for the Queensland Coral Fishery 2013–14 47
Risk assessment finding 2013
Species Genus ERA Rating Workshop discussion and risk justification
Moderately common. Find it as shallow as 3 m and down past 32 m. Widespread but better colours, size and numbers in some areas. Largest concentrations found in turbid areas. Where it is it found, can be in big numbers and unpopular colours are left behind. Lower value now so has become a by-product. Collectors are becoming more selective. Start as a little spat and grow out. Some grow as Scolymia australis Moderate extremely flat pancakes on rocks and can’t be harvested, so they have to be left regardless of colour. Relatively hardy. Slow maturing. Avoid taking ones from hard to extract areas. Don’t tend to get good colours around Keppels historically. Industry would like to flag this as a species for attention in the Stewardship Action Plan.
ID issues with Acanthaphyllia deshayesiana . Inter-reefal soft bottom, 15—30m. Small monocentric (solitary) colonies (lawn bowl sized - smaller ones not valuable). Find most nice ones in turbid waters. Not sought after by collectors. Scolymia vitiensis Low Less common in the Keppels. Moderately common in ideal habitat (around 20m depth). Selected for colour, not size. Varieties of colours occur together. Typically byproduct. No observed detriment from collection over 10+yrs.
Management responses
Collection of Scolymia spp trigger the measure (weight) for the fishery overall in 2013–14. Industry developed a new collection standard for Scolymia australis amidst concerns that smaller specimens were being targeted. Scolymia vitiensis did not require a standard given it is a low risk.
Species Industry Risk Mitigation Standard
Scolymia australis Do not collect colonies <4cm skeleton
WTO Condition 7 Report for the Queensland Coral Fishery 2013–14 48
Trachyphyllia geoffroyi
Collection summary
Overall collection levels for Trachyphyllia geoffroyi has been reasonably steady since the fishery commenced in 2006–07 (Table 19). The species has not been harvested in the Keppel CCA since 2009–10 as Trachyphyllia geoffroyi traditionally is not collected from that region. Collection of smaller pieces (LC2) dominates the harvest (Figure 42).
Table 19: Number of individual pieces and weight in kilograms (in parenthesis) of Trachyphyllia geoffroyi collected within the Cairns and Keppel Coral Collection Area and outside these areas in the Queensland Coral Fishery for the quota years 2006–07 to 2013–14.
CCA 2006-07 2007-08 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13 2013-14 Cairns 2739 (188) 2666 (183) 1593 (116) 2834 (192) 4490 (313) 4088 (282) 3301 (233) 3525 (240) Keppel 104 (27) 39 (8) 95 (6) - - - - - Other 118 (10) 4321 (289) 3775 (270) 3603 (248) 1850 (135) 2100 (147) 4555 (353) 3371 (257) Total 2961 (224) 7026 (480) 5463 (392) 6437 (441) 6340 (448) 6188 (429) 7856 (586) 6896 (496)
Trachyphyllia geoffroyi (no.s) 8000
7000
6000
5000
4000 LC2
3000 LC3 LC4 2000 Number of piecesNumber of collected
1000
0
Figure 42: Number of individual pieces of Trachyphyllia geoffroyi collected under each reporting category in the Queensland Coral Fishery from 2006–07 to 2013–14.
WTO Condition 7 Report for the Queensland Coral Fishery 2013–14 49
Performance against harvest indicators
Harvest did not exceed the +/-30% indicator for the fishery overall in weight or pieces in 2013–14 (Figures 43 & 44). The overall harvest in areas outside the CCAs decreased in 2013–14.
Trachyphyllia geoffroyi (kgs) 200%
150%
100% 2010-11
50% 2011-12 2012-13 0% 2013-14 Upper PMS trigger -50% Lower PMS trigger
Percentage change2yr fromaverage Percentage -100%
-150% Cairns Keppel Other QCF All
Figure 43: Percentage changes in the collected weight of Trachyphyllia geoffroyi compared to the previous two year average for the Coral Collection Areas, outside of these areas (Other) and the overall Queensland Coral Fishery (QCF All) from 2008–09 to 2013–14.
Trachyphyllia geoffroyi (no.s) 150%
100%
50% 2010-11 2011-12 0% 2012-13 2013-14
-50% Upper PMS trigger Lower PMS trigger
Percentage change from 2yr 2yr average from change Percentage -100%
-150% Cairns Keppel Other QCF All
Figure 44: Percentage changes in the collected numbers of Trachyphyllia geoffroyi compared to the previous two year average for the Coral Collection Areas, outside of these areas (Other) and the overall Queensland Coral Fishery (QCF All) from 2008–09 to 2013–14.
WTO Condition 7 Report for the Queensland Coral Fishery 2013–14 50
Risk assessment finding 2013
ERA Rating Workshop discussion and risk justification
Moderately common but not in the southern part of the fishery. Not traditionally being collected around Keppels. Getting harder to find around Cairns although there is conflict in industry reports and requires further investigation. Moderate No resource issues in more remote northern areas. Catch as a by-product of Catalaphyllia collection. Only take bright colours. Don’t harvest around Mackay - north catch higher.
Management responses
Collection of Trachyphyllia geoffroyi did not trigger the measure for the fishery overall in 2012–13. Industry developed a new collection standard for Trachyphyllia geoffroyi amidst concerns that the species was under collection pressure in the Cairns region.
Species Industry Risk Mitigation Standard
Trachyphyllia geoffroyi Do not collect colonies <5cm in the Arlington/Vlassof Complex in the Cairns Coral Collection Area
Information compiled by
Anthony Roelofs
Acknowledgements
Anna Garland, Prasadini Salgado, Michelle Winning
WTO Condition 7 Report for the Queensland Coral Fishery 2013–14 51