Issue 28 • May/June 2009

Research reveals rapid reef recovery

What’s inside Window to the Reef provides glimpse of wild weather impacts 3 Graziers dedicate land for environmental rehabilitation 4 Coastal bird training takes flight 5 First-hand experience to make bright Reefs in the Keppels have recovered (left) from coral bleaching in 2006 (right) Ð photographs courtesy of Dr Guillermo Diaz-Pulido future decisions 6 Research has uncovered spectacular recovery of coral reefs in the Keppel Bay area of the Great Lessons from the Barrier Reef Marine Park after they were severely affected by coral bleaching in 2006. Great Barrier Reef could help other A lucky combination of rare circumstances enabled these reefs to recover from damage caused by precious corals 8 severe bleaching and being smothered by seaweed that year. The recovery is linked to an exceptional combination of previously-underestimated ecological mechanisms and the benefits of a well-protected marine area. Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA) Chairman Russell Reichelt welcomed the research that showed good coral recovery from bleaching. "This research confirms marine protected areas are beneficial in building the health of the Reef against the impacts of climate change," he said. "While this research brings good news, we are certainly not underestimating the damage climate change can cause. "We cannot afford to be complacent and we are continuing to look at ways to build the health of the Reef in all areas so that it is able to withstand the impacts of climate change." The research pinpointed three main factors for the coral recovery.

DISCLAIMER Exceptionally high re-growth of surviving coral tissue fragments combined with unusual seasonal While all efforts have been dieback in the seaweeds and the presence of a highly competitive coral species that was able to out- made to verify facts, the Great Barrier Reef Marine grow the seaweed. Park Authority takes no responsibility for the The research was funded by GBRMPA, ARC Centre of Excellence and a Pew Fellowship in Marine accuracy of information supplied in SeaRead. Conservation awarded to Dr Laurence McCook from the GBRMPA. ISSN 1834-6774 Laurence, one of the research authors, said understanding the different mechanisms of resilience Copyright Commonwealth was critical for reef management under climate change. of Please note that you are "Diversity in processes may well be critical to the overall resilience and persistence of welcome to photocopy SeaRead. However, if the ecosystems globally," he said. text is reproduced separately, it must not be altered and "This combination of circumstances provided a lucky escape for the coral reefs in Keppel Islands, must acknowledge the but is also a clear warning for the Great Barrier Reef. Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority as the "As climate change and other human impacts intensify, we need to do everything we possibly source. Illustrations must not be reused separately can to protect the resilience of coral reefs." without permission. Please contact the Great Barrier The research was published in the paper "Doom and boom on a resilient reef: Climate change, algal Reef Marine Park Authority if in doubt. overgrowth and coral recovery", in the journal PLoS ONE, by Guillermo Diaz-Pulido, Laurence J. McCook, Sophie Dove, Ray Berkelmans, George Roff, David I. Kline, Scarla Weeks, Richard D. Evans, David H. www.gbrmpa.gov.au Williamson and Ove Hoegh-Guldberg. There is no doubt this past summer extensive and persistent flooding of is great to see canegrowers and saw mixed blessings for the Reef. rivers. graziers embracing the Australian However, this month’s front page Research currently being Government’s Reef Rescue Package. Searead shows that the Reef does undertaken suggests these There has been some recent media have the amazing ability to bounce floodwaters appear to have combined about a proposal to close the Coral Sea back under the right circumstances. with moderately high water to fishing. I would like to clarify that A joint research project between temperatures to cause localised the GBRMPA is not responsible for the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park bleaching, especially in shallow management in the Coral Sea. The Authority (GBRMPA), ARC Centre of inshore reefs between and Coral Sea falls within the Australian Excellence and Pew Fellowship has Cairns. Government’s marine bioregional found coral reefs in the Keppel Bay Cyclone Hamish has also played planning process and is a matter for area have recovered in remarkable into the suite of summer stresses, the Minister for the Environment, fashion since being severely affected causing damage to many reefs in the Heritage and the Arts. There have by coral bleaching in 2006. southern Great Barrier Reef. been suggestions in the media that this proposal will reopen the Great While this is welcome news it We continue to work closely with Barrier Reef Marine Park Zoning Plan. should be remembered that this our partner organisations, including There are no plans to reopen the recovery was due to a very lucky the Department of Zoning Plan. The Act states that the combination of rare circumstances Environment and Resource Minister cannot approve a review of a which cannot be relied upon to occur Management, Australian Institute of zoning plan until the plan has been in in future years. Marine Science, James Cook operation for at least seven years. In It is more important than ever to University and the Marine and the case of the current Zoning Plan, ensure we have a healthy and Tropical Science Research Facility to while a review could not occur before resilient ecosystem to give the Reef determine the combined impacts of July 2011, it is not a mandatory the best possible chance to resist these events. We will bring you more requirement after this date and there and/or recover from the cumulative information on this research as it are no plans to reopen the zoning impacts of climate change. Good comes to hand. process. water quality is essential for the In other news, I was pleased to be proper functioning of the Reef’s invited to speak to the members of Regards ecological systems if it is to have any the Board of Mackay Canegrowers chance of enduring the impacts of recently and to hear about some of climate change. the innovative practices being While we managed to avoid the adopted by canegrowers in their catastrophic heating that was region to help improve the quality of predicted at the start of summer, the water flowing to the Great Barrier heavy monsoonal conditions that Reef. Similarly, I welcome the averted severe heating brought other initiatives by the grazing industry stresses to the region in the form of profiled in this edition of Searead. It

"MCL growers have been working practices as a win-win for both the Reef health on hard to understand and improve their Reef and land managers," he said. Mackay farming environments and welcome "We recognise that many local cane the opportunity to gain a greater growers have already adopted on- Canegrowers understanding of the results of their farm practices that will improve the hard work. quality of water entering the Great radar "Mackay growers have responded Barrier Reef. enthusiastically to the Australian "The Mackay/Whitsunday cane The members of the Board of Government’s $200 million Reef farming community's involvement in Mackay Canegrowers Limited (MCL) Rescue Plan. In fact, the program has identifying best practices and in lead- welcomed Great Barrier Reef Marine been over-subscribed for this financial ing the development of tools for Park Authority (GBRMPA) year." Chairman Russell Reichelt to their recording what practices farmers are Russell said the meeting was a great Board meeting recently. implementing, has moved us a long opportunity to help strengthen the way to understanding just what can MCL Chairman Paul Schembri said relationship between the GBRMPA be achieved. Board members were very keen to and the Mackay Canegrowers. hear what Russell had to say. "We applaud the efforts so far and "The GBRMPA believes Mackay look forward to working with "We were all keen to hear his Canegrowers have a good under- Canegrowers to foster the widespread assessment of the current reef envi- standing of the links between their uptake of these practices across the ronment," he said. environment and the Reef and sees industry in the Mackay/Whitsunday improving land management region."

The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority 2 email: [email protected] "To help level out salinity in the Russell Reichelt said corals at Reef Window to the tank, we added six tonnes of salt HQ were lucky to have avoided the Reef provides over two weeks." same levels of damage experienced The six tonnes only managed to by the Reef due to their relative glimpse of wild raise the salinity by one part per protection. thousand, which is like increasing "Keeping sensitive coral alive and weather impacts the salinity of a bathtub full of well is extremely challenging and water by one teaspoon of salt. Reef HQ has a team of people It may not be the real Great working constantly to improve Barrier Reef, but the live coral But this initiative, coupled with environmental conditions and keep display at Reef HQ in a reprieve from the rain, has seen the corals as healthy as possible," Townsville certainly felt the brunt the tank bounce back. he said. of summer just like its namesake. On the real Reef, freshwater "While the real Reef can’t receive The coral at the aquarium flood plumes are extremely the same level of intensive care as suffered from summer’s warmer stressful to corals and can cause Reef HQ, there were ways to help temperatures and heavy rainfall in wide scale coral bleaching, death build the health of the reef against the same way that these events and long-term damage. climate change and extreme affected the Great Barrier Reef. This year the Reef was hit by a weather. Reef HQ Aquarium Manager triple whammy of impacts from "We can all do our bit to make Fred Nucifora said Reef HQ stifling heat in December and our homes and businesses as Aquarium felt the effect of more record rainfall in January and energy efficient as possible and than 1500 millimetres of rain in February to destructive winds from help ensure that the water carried the Townsville area since the start cyclone Hamish in March. by our creeks and rivers to the Reef of the summer. Unlike the situation on the Reef, is as clean as possible." "As the largest display of living corals at Reef HQ Aquarium made a At Reef HQ, the team plans to coral in the world, our 2.5 million quick recovery. bolster coral health by increasing litre coral tank is a partially open This was thanks to the hard work salinity, controlling temperature, system with the surface of the tank of the 22 staff and 140 volunteers ‘feeding’ calcium to corals to help exposed to the elements," he said. who monitored the tank to them build strong skeletons and "We also use water from Ross maintain control of temperature, salinity, and water quality. using clean, pollutant-free water to Creek to top up our tanks and the refill the tank. unprecedented rain lowered the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park salinity in the creek, adding to our Authority (GBRMPA) Chairman concerns.

"At Lady Elliot Island, we are The island’s Earth Hour initiatives Earth Hour marks passionate about tackling the threat will continue throughout the year the start of life for of climate change and this year we with its focus on sustainability, went one better than turning out our energy reduction and of course the Lady Elliot Island lights - we turned off the entire new solar power station which is island instead." affectionately referred to by staff as turtle hatchlings The Lady Elliot Earth Hour the ‘clean green energy machine.’ Many coastal residents know that festivities started at dusk with a tour This was just one of the many lights can be distracting to sea turtle of the island’s new hybrid solar Earth Hour activities that took place hatchlings trying to make their way power station followed by a within the Great Barrier Reef to the ocean so what better way to presentation on the island’s energy Catchment – a range of other groups, kick off life as a sea turtle than in saving initiatives and tips on what businesses and individuals also took the dark. people can do to save energy at part. home. This is just what staff and residents at Lady Elliot Island thought when Next up was a candle-lit barbeque they decided to release 25 turtle where guests brought torches and hatchlings during Earth Hour cyalume sticks along for the post recently. dinner hatchling release, crab watching, star gazing and some quiet Island manager Wayne Fox said the time to listen to the sounds of nature connection between Earth Hour, on a coral cay in all its moonlit coastal lights and the threat climate splendour. change poses to turtles made the chosen release time very appropriate. "It was a fantastic experience to have a whole island of people uniting "Releasing the hatchlings during to turn the tide on climate change Earth Hour was symbolic as these and to help start a lifetime voyage of little turtles will face a number of the next generation of reef creatures," challenges in their lifetime," he said. Wayne said. "We thought it would be a good "Earth Hour was just one of the omen to let them go during a time many ways we demonstrate our that symbolised hope for all of our commitment to the spectacularly futures. beautiful coral reef that is right here on our doorstep." A turtle makes its way to the ocean

The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority 3 email: [email protected] Bin the butt message to help protect Graziers waterways dedicate land for A Reef HQ Aquarium diver was Ecosystems and Water Quality environmental recently sent on a special mission Hugh Yorkston commended rehabilitation to fish BIG butts out of the Townsville on the initiative. Far north Queensland’s Green Aquarium’s Predator Tank. "Townsville City Council has Corridor Project got a boost recently Thankfully, they were harmless partnered with the GBRMPA though the generosity of local fake cigarette butts and the exercise through the Reef Guardian Council graziers Mark and Karen Gallo, and was promoting Townsville’s role in program to recognise and foster assistance from the Australian the national Butt Free City environmental stewardship for the Government’s Reef Rescue Plan. campaign. Great Barrier Reef," he said. The Green Corridor Project, started Townsville City Council has "The Butt Free City initiative in 2005, aims to rehabilitate the joined communities across encourages people to butt and bin entire length of the Barron River over Australia in the annual Butt Free it and is a great example of council a 20-year period and recently began City campaign to rid streets and encouraging best environmental undertaking some major works to waterways of the ubiquitous practices within our community." help improve the quality of water cigarette butt. Butt Free City is an initiative of flowing to the Great Barrier Reef. A major focus of the Townsville the Townsville City Council in Green Corridor Manager Penny campaign is a call for people to partnership with the Butt Littering Scott said Mark and Karen Gallo had PLEASE BUTT IT, THEN BIN IT®. Trust, an independent body dedicated five hectares of their The aim is to help reduce the established to help local govern- grazing property to environmental impact of cigarette butt littering on ment, business and organisations rehabilitation. manage butt littering. the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park "Some of the work that will be and surrounding beaches. Executive Director of the Butt undertaken includes the redirection Townsville City Council’s Littering Trust Wendy Jones said of a storm water drain, which has Environment and Sustainable most people weren’t aware of the caused major bank erosion, to a Development Committee chair huge and unnecessary impacts a natural Bluegum wetland. small butt can have on our fragile Cr Vern Veitch said an estimated "This will contribute to the environment. seven billion cigarette butts rehabilitation of the wetland and became litter every year. "Cigarette butts don’t just go repair the eroded bank which will be "The Council has a major street away. The filters are made from undertaken through engineering. cleaning program, but even so, it’s synthetic fibre and, depending on "These actions, coupled with five estimated that one in 10 butts conditions, can take anywhere from hectares of Mabi forest rehabilitation, escape through drains into local many months and 15 years to break will produce impressive water quality beaches and the Marine Park area," down," she said. and biodiversity results." he said. "Our experience shows positive Mabi is one of Australia’s most "It’s important everyone makes education can help people change endangered forest types. Of its an effort to keep butts off our their behaviour. original Pre-European extent, less streets. "We congratulate Townsville City than five per cent remains. "People should also understand Council for recognising butt Penny said 11 500 Mabi forest that throwing away a cigarette butt littering as the serious issue it is, trees would be planted, including in public is littering and can incur and for addressing it so approximately 4000 during two a fine." comprehensively as part of this community planting days following national effort." Great Barrier Reef Marine Park significant work carried out by Authority Director of Coastal volunteers. "Before we could undertake any planting we had to slash and spray to remove walls of lantana and guinea grass," she said. "We are now ready to get down to work and replant this Mabi forest that will not only assist water quality outcomes for the Great Barrier Reef but also provide vital habitat for iconic species like tree kangaroo." Penny thanked the couple for their commitment to this incredible habitat and ecosystem. Since the Green Corridor Project started almost 70 000 trees have been planted and maintained. The rehabilitation of the Gallo site will

Reef HQ diver Claire Bisseling collects giant cigarette butts from the Predator Tank take that total to around 80 000 trees.

The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority 4 email: [email protected] Coastal bird training takes flight A field training program aimed at "Seabirds play an important role in As part of the training further field- ensuring marine managers have the the health of ecosystems on the reef’s work was also undertaken at Heron skills to identify and count seabirds islands and cays where they are Island, another key site often visited in the Great Barrier Reef World responsible for the dispersal of some by Department of Environment and Heritage Area took place recently. plant species and for providing Resource Management Rangers who Twenty-one participants attended nutrients in their droppings. submit regular reports on the status two separate training sessions at key "We are particularly concerned with of the birds. breeding sites in the northern and seabirds in the face of threats like This latest training assists with southern Great Barrier Reef. climate change. ongoing observations undertaken It covered everything from bird "Climate change can impact on under the GBRMPA’s Field identification to fieldwork estimating their ability to find bait fish to feed Management Program. the number of birds in flocks, their themselves and their chicks. age and the stage of nesting. "The rise in sea levels could cover Course trainer Malcolm Turner the low-lying islands and cays, with from the Field Management Program the water providing a reduction in at the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park the area available for nesting." Authority (GBRMPA) said observing The training covered important and recording seabird populations theoretical elements, with was an important part of participants then able to put their understanding overall ecosystem knowledge to the test during field health. visits. "Given the geographic area of the "Many seabirds nest at places like Marine Park and the need for regular Michaelmas Cay that are popular bird counts at priority sites, it is with visitors so it is important to helpful to have a range of people ensure that visitation is having a trained with these skills," he said. minimal impact on nesting sites," "Keeping a close eye on seabird Malcolm said. populations is important in helping "Participants counted about 15 000 us get a good understanding of their birds at this location which suggests numbers, any threats and whether it remains an important site for protection measures are working. Participants counted thousands of seabirds at nesting birds." Michaelmas Cay in the northern part of the Marine Park Ship master fined for breaching Marine Park regulations The master of a Hong Kong- Australian Federal Police takes very board vessels above 70 metres long registered bulk carrier appeared in seriously and the AFP has a role in or loaded chemical tankers) in the the Gladstone Magistrates Court detecting and enforcing laws designed Whitsunday Island Compulsory recently for breaching shipping to protect our environment," Pilotage Area due to the navigational regulations in the environmentally Commander Saunders said. complexity, traffic density, and high sensitive Whitsunday area of the GBRMPA Chairman Russell Reichelt environmental value of the area. Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. said that shipping was a legitimate The navigational task within the The man pleaded guilty to use of the Marine Park and it was Whitsunday Island regions is travelling in the Whitsunday’s carefully managed to ensure vessels demanding because of numerous Compulsory Pilotage Area without a travelling close to coral reefs don’t reefs, including fringing reefs and pilot on-board and travelling outside harm the marine environment. continental islands. the designated shipping lane, "The Whitsundays are an The principal risks of not having a breaching mandatory requirements environmentally sensitive area within pilot onboard relate to the potential in the Marine Park. the World Heritage listed Great for ship grounding, ship collision He was charged with offences Barrier Reef Marine Park and a and chemical and oil pollution. A committed against Section 59B(1) of popular tourism area. It is important 2001 oil spill risk assessment by the the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Act all shipping activities are carried out GBRMPA and Maritime Safety 1975 and received a fine of $6,500 appropriately and without harm or Queensland identified the with $71.20 court costs. potential harm to the environment or Whitsunday Island region as was one Australian Federal Police National visitors," he said. of the four highest risk areas Manager of Economic and Special "Fortunately, the action of the identified in the study. Operations Justine Saunders said that master of the ship did not cause The Australian Government has a the appearance of the master of the major damage to the marine range of requirements in place to aid ship before the court sent an environment on this occasion. safe navigation of these vessels and important message to all owners of However, in the face of threats like to protect the marine environment. bulk carrier ships entering Australian climate change, it is important that Ships can access designated waters that they must take their all reef users comply with regulations Shipping Areas and the General Use environmental responsibilities to help ensure the Reef remains (Light Blue) Zone without a permit seriously. healthy and is not damaged." when transiting the Marine Park. "The protection of the Australian Marine Park regulations stipulate it However, to access all other areas, environment is an issue the is mandatory to have a pilot (on- ships require a permit.

The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority 5 email: [email protected] First-hand experience to Sharing sea country "The students chosen to attend the make bright three-day program were selected by information with their schools due to their keen future decisions interest in developing careers related students Students from two Palm Island to the Great Barrier Reef and we were Traditional Owners and marine park schools visited Reef HQ Aquarium happy to provide them with the managers shared information about recently to get an insight into reef- information to further develop their working together to manage sea related careers during a special career interests." country with an Innisfail Reef behind-the-scenes tour of the facility. Over the course of the three days Guardian School. The tour was one of several students attended: The students from Innisfail State activities planned for the ten students • A careers tour at Reef HQ to see High School legal studies class heard from Bwgcolman Community School first-hand the work that’s involved about the development of the and Palm Island Kirwan Campus in being an aquarist and marine Traditional Use of Marine Resources during a three-day educational trip to biologist Agreement (TUMRA) for Mamu Townsville. • The Barrier Reef Institute of TAFE’s Traditional Owners. Made possible thanks to funding Hospitality and Tourism They also heard how the TUMRA by the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Department for careers advice and program brings benefits for all Authority (GBRMPA), the trip was a tour of the tourism and stakeholders. organised to help students learn hospitality section The presentation followed a special about sustainable reef practices and • The Australian Indigenous Tourism request from the class teacher to the possible career paths in the Conference - Youth Day to learn coincide with a curriculum unit on environment, tourism and hospitality about the increasing demand for legal issues such as Native Title and sectors. culturally-authentic Indigenous conservation. GBRMPA General Manager Peter tourism products and development, Tony Kyle from the GBRMPA said it McGinnity said the trip provided training and employment was particularly relevant for the students with a firm base to choose opportunities in the tourism sector students to hear about the Mamu their future career and also provided • A Reef Check activity to learn how TUMRA given it relates to the sea the students with the opportunity to to identify coral under stress and country near Innisfail. learn how to look after the Great coral damage "We have developed a close Barrier Reef. • A catchment tour with Townsville partnership with many Traditional "We’re happy to support the City Council staff to learn about Owners along the coast and it’s great students’ trip to Townsville while water quality and its affect on the to be able to share our experience utilising our partnerships to offer a marine environment. with school students," he said. comprehensive program of valuable "This helps them begin to form an activities for them to participate in," understanding of cultural values. he said. "In particular, we were able to provide these students with information on matters relating to the accreditation of TUMRAs and other legal issues such as Native Title in the Marine Park area. "TUMRAs are just one of the ways that marine managers and Traditional Owners work together and it’s an effective way to ensure the Marine Park is used sustainably." TUMRAs are a suite of management arrangements, developed by Traditional Owners in consultation with GBRMPA, to ensure traditional use of marine resources is ecologically sustainable and cultural practices can continue. There are currently four accredited TUMRAs with the Girringun, Mamu, Woppaburra and Wuthathi Students from Bwgcolman Community School and Palm Island Kirwan Campus attend the Australian Traditional Owners. Indigenous Tourism Conference - Youth Forum in Townsville

The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority 6 email: [email protected] New water wise project reaping "There will also be benefits for the rewards natural environmental as the water Reef Guardians flowing to swamps and rivers will be St Frances Catholic Primary School cleaner." in action at Tannum Sands is taking an innovative approach to being water The water is collected in a main Our Reef Guardian Schools are wise by using collected stormwater to drainage area that has two 900mm doing some fantastic work in their irrigate their school grounds. diameter pipes running the full school communities to help length of the school property and The Reef Guardian School is protect the Reef. We are so flowing into a three mega-litre storage inspired by their efforts that we collecting stormwater from the area. 30-hectare catchment encompassing decided to start showcasing their run-off from their school and The water storage area consists of good work. adjacent land to irrigate their oval. trapezoidal structure 85 metres long, Reef Guardian Schools program 1.2 metres deep with a weir and is an education initiative of the By collecting and reusing run-off, crossing. the school is expected to save 275,000 Great Barrier Reef Marine Park litres of reticulated water and several They will store 300,000 litres of Authority. Currently in its seventh hundred dollars each year. water at any one time and still allow year, over 60 000 students in more stormwater flows to run in to natural than 150 schools across School Principal Andy Nicholls said water system via an earth drain into Queensland are involved in the the environmental benefits were a the mangroves and Boyne River. program. great spin-off from this educational initiative. The weir is designed to accommodate a flowing structure that Habitat heroes in Hermit Park "We’re really proud of being able to allows continual filling during storm The grounds of Hermit Park help ensure the efficient use of and rain. State School in Townville have stormwater flows while ensuring the The water in storage is undergone a makeover as part of flow of clean water into the Boyne the school’s innovative approach River system and the Reef," he said. automatically pumped into a system of ten 22,000 litre tanks and a series to environmental education. "The students are having a great of pipes and filters will process the The Reef Guardian School is time seeing this project unfold and in water in the remainder of the system. doing some great work in the process are learning a lot about The cost of this water conservation transforming their school grounds the benefits of on-ground into habitat sanctuaries for native environmental projects. is $80,000, made possible thanks to a range of Australian Government water wildlife. "Not only are we saving water but grants. Not only is this beautifying their we’re also saving money on the cost surrounds, but it’s providing new of irrigating our grounds and in the St Frances Catholic Primary School has been recognised for their habitat for the iconic native bush long-term this is going to be quite a stone-curlew that calls the area substantial cost saving. environmental ingenuity by winning the Reef Guardian School’s Bright home. "It will also mean in times of Sparks Award from the Great Barrier The school is working in drought that there will be enough Reef Marine Park Authority for this partnership with Townsville City water to fully irrigate the oval and project. Council and Greencorp volunteers surrounding gardens for one year. to restore curlew habitat at the back of the school. Native bush stone-curlews were previously very common through- out Australia but have declined in many areas due to habitat loss and predation by feral cats. Projects like this that restore habitats are very important for the health and protection of catch- ments and the Great Barrier Reef. Hermit Park School also main- tains a butterfly enclosure that houses Australia’s largest butterfly, the Cairns birdwing butterfly, and the school has a native frog pond. This school is setting an excel- lent and inspiring example of how we can all do our bit to help the Students showcase their project environment.

The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority 7 email: [email protected] Lessons from the Great Barrier Reef Recent graduates could help other precious corals get hands on skills in marine management For the first time, the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA) has welcomed four recent university graduates to the organisation as part a formalised graduate program. The graduates with qualifications in environmental studies, marine science and law will undertake a structured work based learning and development Coral reefs around the world are set reef managers around the world and program. to benefit from a partnership welcomes the partnership with IUCN. GBRMPA Chairman Russell between the Great Barrier Reef "Over more than 30 years of Reichelt said the program aimed to Marine Park Authority and the managing the Great Barrier Reef, assist the graduates with making International Union for we’ve had wins and losses but overall the transition from study into the Conservation of Nature (IUCN). we learned important lessons that workforce. The partnership aims to help the now position us at the forefront of "It’s great to have these world’s reefs cope with climate coral reef management," he said. graduates on-board and be able to change by sharing information and "If we can transfer tools and help them gain useful experience experience across continents. expertise from Australia to other in the varied aspects of marine Dr Ameer Abdulla from the IUCN nations, we may be able to help the management," he said. is a conduit between Australia’s world’s reefs avert the worst case "Our aim is to give them the world-leading marine managers and scenarios predicted under climate opportunity to gain practical work their counterparts in developing change." experience that will assist with countries. For places like the Indian Ocean building their skill base in marine Having grown up on the Egyptian which lost 50 to 90 per cent of their management. coast and completed a PhD in coral reefs in 1998, time is of the essence. "GBRMPA is internationally- reef ecology in Australia, Ameer is In the Red Sea many countries rely recognised as a leader in marine well-placed to work across cultures on coral reef tourism as a major conservation so this experience and is aware of what Australia has to contribution to their economy, with will see them well-placed to offer the world’s reef managers. individual reef sites attracting up to continue a career in this field." "In this race against time, many 300,000 visitors each year. The program was designed to countries are struggling to keep up "These countries are dealing with build management and future with the growing threats to their some very serious pressures and at leadership capability by coral reefs and learning from marine the same time are also responsible for developing the knowledge, skills managers in Australia could be managing some of the world’s most and networks of the graduates. instrumental in helping to protect unique coral reef systems," Ameer The graduates will undertake a the world’s reefs," he said. said. 24-month work based learning and "The world has already lost 19 per "For example, the Red Sea is development program. cent of its reefs since 1950 and particularly special because the corals This includes work based stands to lose another 35 per cent in there have evolved to tolerate the learning through four six-month the next 40 years. highest temperatures known for coral rotations with various work groups "Most coral reefs occur in survival in nature." within the agency, providing developing countries and these reefs Ameer believes that many of the mentoring, and structured face the most uncertain future. coral reef systems the IUCN are learning and development. "Australia’s Great Barrier Reef, on focusing their efforts on are of the other hand, is the largest and international significance for healthiest reef system in the world. conservation. "We hope to use lessons learned on He intends to feature GBRMPA the Great Barrier Reef to develop climate change initiatives like coral strategies to manage the impacts of bleaching monitoring protocols, climate change where they are adaptation strategies, vulnerability needed most." assessments, volunteer observer Great Barrier Reef Marine Park programs, sustainable tourism Authority Director of Climate initiatives, and sea temperature Change Dr Paul Marshall believes monitoring systems as existing tools that Australia is well-placed to assist for developing countries to quickly Elise Godwin, Jake Hennessey, Lisa Perrett tackle climate impacts on reefs. and Zoe Robinson

The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority 8 email: [email protected] Recognising Grazier signs up for Reef Rescue A young grazier is one of the first in "The steep river banks are very achievements the Bundaberg area to sign up to the prone to erosion and the cattle tracks Australian Government’s new Reef get quite boggy, so you get extra The Honourable Virginia Rescue Plan. sediment and nutrient in the water." Chadwick AO received an Honorary Doctorate at James Twenty-eight-year-old Joe Lyons Under the Reef Rescue grant, over Cook University’s graduation operates a 980 hectare grazing and two kilometres of fencing will be ceremony recently. cropping property adjacent to the installed to prevent direct stock access Burnett River at Pine Creek, 25km to the river, and alternative watering The former Chair of the Great south-west of Bundaberg. points will be created. Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority was recognised for her outstanding After growing up near Glenmorgan Joe said a property management service to the community and for in Queensland’s Western Downs and plan would also be prepared to help her commitment to the completing university study, in 2002 with strategic weed and fire conservation of the Great Barrier Joe and his parents moved to the management. Reef with an Honorary Doctorate Pine Creek property known as ‘Fig "There’s a big problem with of Science. Tree Park’. noxious water weeds in the river like Following her retirement from Joe said grazing was an important water hyacinth and salvinia," he said. politics, Virginia was Chair of the part of the farming operation. "Once we restrict the cattle, it will GBRMPA from 1999 – 2007. "We run about 250 head of Braham reduce the chance of these weeds During this time, she instrumented cross cattle, and grow about 200 acres getting into our stock dams." and directed the implementation of fruit trees including bananas, In time, the steep banks of the river of the Great Barrier Reef Marine macadamias and avocadoes," he said. will recover. Park Zoning Plan (RAP). He said the property had around "Once the ground cover comes The project involved two of the two kilometres of direct frontage to back, they should hold well and help largest community consultation the Burnett River and that cattle had reduce the sediment and nutrient efforts ever conducted in Australia caused erosion problems in the past. load," he said. and set international benchmarks "There’s no doubt cattle can have "That has to help the river and in marine conservation. an impact on water quality in the ultimately the Great Barrier Reef – it’s river," he said. all about sustainability."

New faces at Reef HQ Training is now underway for the Additional training sessions are new recruits who have joined the also provided for volunteers in volunteer contingent at Reef HQ customer service, public speaking and Thank you Aquarium in Townsville. how to interpret Reef HQ Aquarium’s to past Over 60 people applied for this exhibits to visitors. year’s intake, and 42 successful Since its inception in 1987, the volunteers applicants are now undergoing Reef HQ Volunteers Association has Fifty-two Reef HQ Volunteers training to become official Reef HQ trained over 1000 volunteers. enjoyed a themed dinner with- Aquarium volunteers. They have collectively contributed in Reef HQ Aquarium recently The new intake of volunteers will over 285,000 hours of voluntary as part of a thank you for officially graduate in June this year. service, which is valued in excess of their voluntary contribution Reef HQ Manager Fred Nucifora $4 million dollars. over the past year. said it was great to see so many Volunteers are aged 20 to 84 and Hosted by Reef HQ staff, the enthusiastic volunteers joining the are from a variety of backgrounds, themed evening included a program. including international university dinner and entertainment by "Volunteers are essential to the students and retirees. Reef HQ staff and is part of an running of Reef HQ Aquarium and Some volunteers from the first annual event to show we are really privileged to have volunteer intake in 1987 are still appreciation for the great people involved in our volunteering with Reef HQ contribution of volunteers. program," he said. Aquarium, 22 years on. As part of the evening, "The new volunteers are very individuals were recognised for keen and their enthusiasm helps milestones in their voluntary ensure visitors to the Aquarium service hours. Volunteers are have a great experience." recognised at 200, 500, and The basic training course runs for 1000 hours and every 1000 seven weeks part-time. hours onwards. It covers how Reef HQ Aquarium Each year, the 140 Reef HQ was constructed, how reefs are volunteers collectively formed, as well as interactive contribute on average 12,500 workshops on fish, corals, hours of voluntary service to invertebrates and marine reptiles. Reef HQ Aquarium.

The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority 9 email: [email protected] "We need to retrieve the freshest Volunteers hit Play it safe - tissue samples possible from dead marine fin fish so we can the beach for report but don't successfully analyse them. Fish that touch dead fish are too decayed will not be suitable another for sampling." clean-up An investigation is underway Queensland Health advises it is following the discovery of two dead safe to catch and eat grunter and A war will be waged on rubbish grunter in Trinity Inlet found to other fish in the area as long as the as Conservation Volunteers have a blood poisoning disease. fish were cooked properly. Australia take to the beaches Primary Industries and Fisheries Queensland Health reminded near Mackay over the coming Biosecurity Queensland general months. fishers to take care with any cuts, manager Allison Crook said it was abrasions and penetration wounds The clean-ups are part of a too early to say if a link existed from fish spines they received series of beach projects initiated between the grunter and the when handling fish. These wounds by the Great Barrier Reef Marine Queensland gropers found dead last could become infected. Park Authority’s regional office in year. Mackay. All wounds should be cleaned "We´re appealing to members of promptly and thoroughly and an The group will target beach the public to let us know antiseptic solution applied if areas near Salonika and Louisa immediately if they find sick or available. Creek as part of coordinated unhealthy fish washing up on the clean-ups that began last year. beaches or in waterways of north It is not wise to touch the dead Queensland," she said. fish, especially if they are Conservation Volunteers decomposed - just call Biosecurity Australia Regional Manager "This includes any anglers who Queensland as soon as possible on Wendy Eiteneuer said they were see or catch an unhealthy fish. 13 25 23. looking forward to hitting the beach and giving it a makeover. "Our volunteers are passionate Reef fish working group formed to about the environment and are pleased to be able to help assist industry clean-up their own backyard," she said. Queensland Government Primary Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority, Industries and Fisheries Minister Queensland Seafood Industry "The group began their Tim Mulherin recently announced a Association, marketers, and affected clean-ups last year and, thanks to working group to look at fisheries fishers. their efforts, various types of issues post cyclone Hamish. rubbish has been removed from "This group will look at short and our environment. The group has been established to long term initiatives to assist the assist the commercial fishing industry industry. "Some of the unusual things in the wake of damage caused to volunteers collected in their last "These will be developed and reefs, and in turn fish populations, by clean-up near Christmas included refined over the coming weeks. cyclone Hamish. a discarded Christmas tree and "This particular event has not trig- electrical appliances. "Industry is telling me that there gered the Natural Disaster Relief has been a reduction in the catch of "We hope these clean-ups set a Arrangements under the joint coral trout from Bowen south," he good example and encourage the state/commonwealth scheme." said. rest of the community to dispose That scheme focuses on the loss of of their rubbish carefully and "This is expected to persist for 12 public and private infrastructure such collect any rubbish they come to 18 months. as that which occurred in the across." "The Working Group will include Victorian bushfires and the Gulf Conservation Volunteers representatives from Primary floods. Australia is a national Industries and Fisheries, the Great organisation that has approximately 10,000 volunteers Interesting Facts involved in 2000 conservation programs nationally. The volunteers’ good work for the up-coming projects will be Whales are iconic species that hold a special significance for many users of the supported through Conservation Great Barrier Reef. For some Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, such Volunteers’ partnership with as the Woppaburra people of the Keppel Islands, the whale (Mugga Mugga) is BMA Hay Point Services. the clan totem that connects them to their ancestral land and sea country as well as to their ancestors. The next clean-up is scheduled for 15 and 17 June 2009. Anyone Whales will soon be sighted in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park as they make interested in participating in their annual migration from the colder southern oceans to warmer northern these projects can contact the waters. This presents an excellent opportunity for people to observe these Mackay office by on amazing animals, but don’t forget to take care around whales and abide by (07) 4951 0933 or email mackay approach distances. @conservationvolunteers.com.au. More information is online at www.gbrmpa.gov.au

The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority 10 email: [email protected] Doing your bit to look after it! Creature Feature

Frigatebirds The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park is Household tips for a healthy Reef home to a range of plants and animals, including unique and Its easy being green – and often you’ll find it’s also easy on the hip-pocket. interesting seabirds birds such as By reducing the amount of energy you use around your home, you can frigatebirds that nest on islands. personally contribute to the climate change solution and help build the health of our Great Barrier Reef. • Frigatebirds are the most aerial of tropical seabirds, spending most of • Replace incandescent lights with compact fluorescent lights – they last their time soaring high in search of longer and are cheaper to run prey. • Choose energy efficient products • Their alternative name - 'man-of- • Turn off TVs, DVD players, stereos, game consoles and other equipment at war' - stems from their habit of the wall chasing other seabirds. • Turn off unnecessary lights around the house • Frigatebirds never land on the water • Set your air-conditioner between 25 degrees and feed by snatching up surface • Wash your clothes in cold water using cold water detergents to save energy marine food and scraps or harassing on heating other seabirds until they disgorge • Hang washing on the line rather than putting it in the dryer – your their catch. They are also known to electricity bill will thank you prey on unguarded eggs or young • Switch to ‘green’ electricity produced from renewable sources by contacting chicks from nesting colonies of your energy provider other seabirds. • Consider signing up for the Queensland Government’s Climate Smart • They nest close to other seabird program where, for $50, a contractor will come to your home to provide colonies so they can harass them advice on and install energy saving devices like light bulbs and a low flow for food. The nests are untidy, built showerhead. from sticks, feathers and other For more environmental tips visit www.gbrmpa.gov.au or material. Both parents build the www.climatesmart.qld.gov.au nest. • Chicks are naked when born and later covered in grey down. It can take four to five months to fly but the period of dependence on the adult for food may take longer.

These voluntary community-based New recruits to committees were established in 1999 to enable the GBRMPA to get local marine first-hand advice on local issue and advisory ensure local communities have effective input into the management committees of the Marine Park. Composition of each LMAC varies A wave of new recruits will help depending on local interests and advise the Great Barrier Reef Marine industries, but members are Park Authority (GBRMPA) on Interesting Facts volunteers who have traditionally marine management and issues represented a range of stakeholders affecting the Reef. groups, including commercial Sea snakes breathe air and have Members of the 11 new Local fishing, recreational fishing, valved nostrils so that when they Marine Advisory Committees government, environmental groups, dive down they do not get a nose (LMACs), which span the length of tourism, and farming. the Great Barrier Reef coastline, full of water. They usually stay LMACs provide both an advisory officially started their three-year down for about 20 or 30 minutes and a communication role between terms last month following the before coming up for another the community and the GBRMPA. expiration of the previous breath of air. To find out more about the LMAC in committees’ terms last year. your region visit www.gbrmpa.gov.au

The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority 11 email: [email protected] Calendar of events A profile of Margaret Johnson 03 – 09 May International Composting General Manager Awareness Week Communication and Policy Coordination 15 May Walk Safely to School Day 22 May International Day for It’s a long way from a rural cattle property in northern Australia to the Biological Diversity nation’s capital but Margaret Johnson feels equally at home in these contrasting places. 23 May While the new General Manager for Communication and Policy World Turtle Day Coordination now calls Canberra home, she has fond memories of 01 June spending time in regional Australia. Start of National Oceans Month "I’ve lived in Canberra for a number of years now but had a wonderful 05 June time growing up on my family’s property in Queensland," she said. "Living in regional areas and large cities has been quite useful in my World Environment Day professional life because it helps me understand the issues confronting 08 June Australians from rural and urban backgrounds." World Ocean Day Margaret’s family moved to Australia from England when she was just 17 June four-years-old and, after spending time on the cattle property, they moved to the Southern Highlands in New South Wales. World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought The move to Canberra was initially for university, but the city opened many doors for Margaret professionally and led to a challenging career in the public sector. After a stint living and working in New South Wales, Margaret joined the staff of the then Minister for Education, Training and Youth Affairs, the Hon Dr David Kemp MP, in Canberra. GBRMPA contacts Margaret spent eight years with Minister Kemp, as he changed portfolios and she changed roles, providing her with a remarkable insight into government. "I think developing and implementing public policy is an interesting process – it’s really about seeing a problem and then working out the most practical options to solve it on the ground. "I’ve been fortunate to work for a number of departments and agencies where I’ve been able to acquire in-depth knowledge of political 2-68 Flinders Street processes, policy development, program management and government PO Box 1379 communications." Townsville Qld 4810 Before joining the GBRMPA Margaret was the Director of the Commonwealth Environment Research Facilities (CERF) program for the Phone: (07) 4750 0700 Department of the Environment, Heritage, Water and the Arts. Fax: (07) 4772 6093 A major part of the CERF program is the north Queensland-based Email: [email protected] Marine and Tropical Sciences Research Facility which focuses on improving the health of the Reef, the Wet Tropics and Torres Strait. If you do not wish to receive this newsletter in the future or if you would like to receive this "I was attracted to the GBRMPA because I had been involved in some newsletter via email instead of as a hard copy, of its activities while I was working in ministerial offices and as Director please email [email protected] or phone of the CERF program," she said. the GBRMPA on (07) 4750 0700. "The Reef is such an amazing natural treasure and when this role came up, I jumped at the opportunity to join an organisation charged with protecting it. "I enjoy working with like-minded people and taking a strategic approach to managing the Reef for all to enjoy."

The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority 12 email: [email protected]