Reef Check Australia Season Summary Report 2013

Reef Check Foundation Ltd A. Hutchison, C. Rempel, V. Taveras, J. Loder and J. Salmond www.reefcheckaustralia.org 2013 This project was made possible by a network of dedicated volunteers, generous dive operators, wise advisors, innovative collaborators and supportive funding agencies.

Thank you to the dedicated volunteers who have contributed to survey activities: Candice Rempel, Simone Bosshart, Shary Braithwaite, Jon Doughty, Terry Farr, Alex Lea, Andrew Hutchison, Tony Isaacson, Diana Klein, Eva Kovacs, Justin Marriner, Josh Passenger, Julie Schubert, Fiona Sinnett-Smith, Douglas Stetner and Vanessa Taveras.

A special note of acknowledgement to our trainers and staff: Pete Faulkner, David Glover, Jody Kreuger, Jennifer Loder, Jodi Salmond and Chris Roelfsema.

This project was proudly funded by the the Queensland Government's Everyone’s Environment grant program, Sunshine Coast Council, the Australian Government's Caring for our Country and Air Asia. Thank you to industry supporters who provided in-kind support during this survey season for surveys, volunteer training and clean-up events, including: SEQ Catchments Ltd, Dive Noosa, Go Dive , Manta Lodge & Scuba Centre, Nautilus Scuba Centre, Point Lookout Scuba Dive Charters, Scuba World, Sunreef Scuba Diving Services, and Transit Systems. Table of Contents

1.0 Introduction 1.1 Key Findings 1.2 Regional Summary 1.3 Monitoring Sites

2.0 Fraser Coast Sites 2.1 Barolin Rocks, Site 2 2.2 Big Woody Island, Site 2 2.3 Burkitt’s Reef 2.4 ESA Park, Site 2 2.5 Gatacker’s Reef West

3.0 Sunshine Coast 3.1 Currimundi Reef, Site 1 3.2 Currimundi Reef, Site 2 3.3 Inner Gneerings, The Caves, Site 1 3.4 Jew Shoal, The Pin, Site 1 3.5 Jew Shoal, The Pin, Site 2 3.6 Kings Beach, Site 1 3.7 Mudjimba Island, The Ledge, Site 1 3.8 Mudjimba Island, The Ledge, Site 2 3.9 Mudjimba Island, The Ledge, Site 3 3.10 Mudjimba Island, North West Reef, Site 1 Table of Contents

4.0 Inshore Sites 4.1 Goat Island, Site 1 4.2 Myora Reef 4.3 Peel Island North, Site 1 4.4 Peel Island South, Site 1

Offshore Sites 4.5 Flat Rock, Shark Alley, Site 1 4.6 Flat Rock, The Nursery, Site 1 4.7 Flinders Reef, The Nursery, Site 1 4.8 Flinders Reef, The Nursery, Site 2 4.9 Flinders Reef, The Nursery, Site 3 4.10 Flinders Reef, Aladdin’s Cave, Site 1 4.11 Shag Rock, North, Site 1 4.12 Shag Rock, South, Site 1

5.0 Gold Coast Sites

5.1 Gold Coast Seaway Southwest Wall, Site 1 5.2 Palm Beach Reef, Site 1

6.0 Literature Cited 1.0 Introduction

Reef Check Australia (RCA) has been supporting volunteer reef monitoring projects on Australian reefs since 2001. For the past 12 years, our surveys have helped to collect long-term data relating to reef health at a local, national and global scale. RCA’s survey methods collect quantitative data in relation to abundance of key invertebrate species and target fish species as well as substrate cover. Additionally, natural and anthropogenic impacts affecting reef habitats are also monitored.

This report presents a summary of the findings for surveys conducted in South East Queensland (SEQ) during the 2013 season. Teams of trained volunteers monitored a total of 30 sites on 18 different reefs, which included survey sites ranging from Bundaberg on the Fraser Coast to Palm Beach on the Gold Coast. In total, an area of 12,0000m² of reef habitat was surveyed.

This survey season RCA established 7 new research sites. Three new dive sites were implemented at Mudjimba Island (Sunshine Coast) to provide enhanced representation of reef habitats and human use areas. A new site was established at Jew Shoal (Sunshine Coast) to provide additional information about this substantial reef location, which is heavily utilised for fishing and diving, and is in close proximity to the Noosa river mouth. The three new research locations in Hervey Bay (Fraser Coast) helped to build on newly established sites from 2012.

Several existing Reef Check Australia monitoring locations were not visited during the 2013 survey season due to weather conditions or funding resources. 1.0 Introduction

SEQ represents a transitional area where temperate, tropical and sub-tropical species exist within the same habitat area (Perry & Larcombe 2003). The region is of significant importance because its waterways are impacted by a rapidly increasing population, which in turn affect coastal areas. With population growth estimated to reach 4 million people in 2026, the marine ecosystem along SEQ will be further impacted. Environmental factors such as poor light, temperature, and turbidity (Fellegara & Harrison 2008) can smother living corals and prevent larval recruitment of reef-building corals. These impacts will further be compounded by stresses such as habitat loss, nutrient runoff, boating and anchoring impacts, overfishing, marine debris and climate change.

SEQ includes various coral communities with a diverse and extensive range of coral growth forms, including offshore sites like Flinders where scientists have recorded up to 119 different coral species (Harrison, Harriot, Banks & Holmes 1998). There are also many other locations with considerable historical and existing coral cover (Wallace, Fellegara, Muir, & Harrison 2009), however, long-term monitoring of these habitats is currently limited.

As habitats and species shift as a result of climate change and anthropogenic impacts, SEQ has garnered recognition as an important area to study and protect (Wallace, Fellegara, Muir, & Harrison 2009), particularly due to its unique assemblages of marine species. RCA’s monitoring program provides important long-term data to assess changing health conditions of reefs within SEQ and support appropriate management responses to ensure their long-term survival. 1.0 Introduction

1.1 Key Findings

The 2013 survey season included the monitoring of 30 survey sites. Of these, 23 were existing survey sites and 8 were new. One site, the Gold Coast seaway, is an artificial structure where hard coral growth has never been recorded. It is excluded from hard coral cover analysis in this report. As a result of time constraints, a belt survey was not conducted at Flinders Reef, The Nursery, Site 1, therefore data for only 29 belt surveys will be presented.

Substrate •Of the 23 existing sites surveyed, 12 sites (55%) experienced a decrease in hard coral cover while an increase in cover was seen at 9 sites. •Hard coral cover ranged from 1% at Barolin Rocks, Site 2 to 68% at Flinders Reef, The Nursery, Site 3. Through all the sites, there was an average hard coral cover of 24% and a median of 22%. •The most significant substrate type recorded across all 30 surveys was rock, with an average coverage of 39% per survey.

Coral bleaching •Bleaching was recorded at 80% (n=24) of the sites surveyed with an average of just under 4% of the whole coral population on transect being bleached. •Of the corals that experienced bleaching, an average of 10% of the coral colony was found to be bleached. •Moreton Bay sites had the highest regional bleaching average, with just under 7% population level impacts across all sites. 1.0 Introduction

1.1 Key Findings (Continued)

Coral damage •61 counts of other coral damage were recorded over 20 of the 29 surveys. This equates to an average of 3 counts per survey, with a maximum of 5 counts on a single survey. Five surveys recorded 5 counts of coral damage, including: Goat Island, Site 1; Jew Shoal, Site 2; Kings Beach, Site 1; Mudjimba Island, NorthWest Reef, Site 1 and Myora Reef, Site 1. •4 counts of anchor damage were recorded in total, with 2 instances at Peel Island, North, Site 1.

Coral disease •A total of 35 instances of coral disease were recorded over 11 surveys. The highest abundance (8) occurred at Mudjimba Island, The Ledge, Site 2.

Marine debris •78 counts of marine debris were recorded on surveys. The Gold Coast Seaway and Peel Island North, Site 1 had the highest counts of marine debris (n=10). •Fishing line was found on 17 of the 29 surveys with a total of 68 counts recorded. •The most significant recording of fishing line took place at South Peel Island (n=10), in contrast to the 2 counts recorded at North Peel Island, a Marine National Park zone.

Coral scarring •Of the 209 counts of coral scarring recorded, 183 were unknown scars with a maximum of 42 being recorded at Inner Gneerings, The Caves, Site 2.

Drupella sp. snails •Out of the 29 surveys, Drupella Snails were recorded on 13. A total of 96 Drupella snails were recorded, with a maximum of 38 recorded on a single survey (Barolin Rocks Reef, Site 2). •Drupella scars were observed at 8 of the 29 sites with the highest abundance (10) at Flat Rock Island, Shark Gulley, Site 1. 1.0 Introduction

1.1 Key Findings (Continued)

Invertebrate Abundance •Long spined (Diadema) urchins were the most abundant invertebrate recorded with a total of 199 counts. The highest count, 61, was recorded at Palm Beach Reef, Site 1. •12 Giant Clams were recorded over the season with 3 being recorded at both Palm Beach Reef, Site 1 and South Peel Island, Site 1. •Over the 29 surveys only 1 banded coral shrimp was seen. •No COTS or Trochus were recorded during the 2013 survey season.

Fish Abundance •Fish surveys were carried out on 10 of the 30 survey dives. •Of the target species, butterflyfish were the most abundant with a total of 36 counts over the 30 surveys. 22 of the 36 were recorded at Flat Rock, Shark Gulley, Site 1. •A total of 5 sweetlips, 13 snapper, 2 groupers and 17 other parrotfish were recorded over the 10 fish surveys •There was a total of 2 moray eels recorded this season, with one seen at each of the Currimundi sites.

Rare animals •Rare animals sighted during the surveys included Grey Nurse sharks (n=2), Green Sea Turtles (n=7), wobbegongs (n=5), Peacock Mantis Shrimp (n=1), a Port Jackson shark (n=1) and an Eagle Ray (n=1). •The biggest concentration of Green sea turtles on transect was seen at Flinders Reef, The Nursery, Site 2 (n=6) and the largest concentration of Wobbegongs on transect were recorded at Palm Beach Reef, site 1 (n=3). 1.0 Introduction 1.0 Introduction

1.2 Regional Summary The SEQ region is broken down into the five sub-regions Fraser Coast, Sunshine Coast, Inner Moreton Bay, Outer Moreton Bay, and the Gold Coast. All survey site locations are included in the chart below (even those not surveyed in 2014).

Fraser Coast Sunshine Coast Inner Moreton Bay Outer Moreton Bay Gold Coast Barolin Rocks Reef Currimundi Reef Goat Island Flat Rock Island Gold Coast Seaway Reefs Big Woody Island Dead Mans Reef Green Island Flinders Reef Narrowneck Reef Burkitts Reef Hancocks Shoal Macleay Island Hutchinsons Shoal Palm Beach Reef ESA Park Inner Gneerings Myora Reef Marietta Dal Gatackers Reef Jew Shoal Peel Island Shag Rock Island Kings Beach Little Halls Reef Mudjimba (Old Woman) Island

The Sunshine Coast sub-region had the highest hard coral cover at 29% compared to the average of 23% for the whole of the SEQ. The Gold Coast region had the recorded the lowest hard coral cover at 9%, when the Gold Coast Seaway is excluded from analysis (note that this is based on one other survey, at Palm Beach Reef in 2014 season).

% Cover of Substrate by Region - 2013 80% 70% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% 0% HC NIA OT RB RC RKC SC SD SI SP

Fraser Coast Sunshine Coast Inner Moreton Bay Outer Moreton Bay Gold Coast

The Inner Moreton Bay sites experienced the highest average coral bleaching per survey both at the level of individual coral colonies (18.0% average) as well as for the whole coral population (14.3% average). The Gold Coast had the lowest average bleaching (0.3% of the total population), though low coral cover and a small number of sites contributes to this outcome. When taking coral cover into account, the Sunshine Coast has the lowest average coral bleaching levels across the population (0.2%) followed closely by Outer Moreton Bay sites (0.7%). 1.0 Introduction

1.2 Regional Summary (Continued)

Average Bleaching (%) per Survey 20.0% 18.0% 16.0% 14.0% 12.0% 10.0% 8.0% 6.0% 4.0% 2.0% 0.0% Fraser Coast Sunshine Coast Inner Moreton Outer Moreton Gold Coast Bay Bay

Bleaching Total Population (%) Bleaching Colony (%)

While the Sunshine Coast surveys have recorded the highest had coral cover and the lowest average bleaching, they also exhibited the highest average count of impacts per survey at just under 19 occurrences of impacts on average. The Fraser Coast saw the lowest number of impacts with an average of just under 9 occurrences per survey. While the composition of the impacts varied by sub- region, all contained counts of Unknown Scars, Other Coral Damage and Fishing Line. 1.3 Monitoring Sites RCA monitoring sites ranged from the Woongarra Coast to the Gold Coast (See Figure 1 for map locations). Most surveys (n=14) were conducted within and Great Sandy Marine Park (n=5). Sites surveyed by RCA include varied reef habitats (such as inshore and offshore areas as well as reef flats and reef slopes. For contrast and comparison, protected (marine national park, no-take areas) and non-protected areas were surveyed. Thirteen surveys were conducted in protected areas in 2013. During the 2013 SEQ season, RCA established 8 new sites for a total of 41 sites (Table 1 and 2), out of which 30 were monitored. Other monitoring locations were not visited this season due to ongoing weather issues, team availability and/or funding restrictions.

Figure 1. Map of South East Queensland survey sites from Google Earth 1.1 Monitoring Sites

Table 2. 15 RCA SEQ monitoring locations in the Sunshine Coast, Hervey Bay and Woongarra Coast visited in the 2013 SEQ season, including site number, location, depth, year of initial survey and site designation including four zones within the Moreton Bay Marine Park: Marine National Park (MNP), Conservation Park (CP), Habitat Protection (HP) or Ramsar Wetland site status (Ramsar).

Location Site Site Depth 1st Site # (m) Survey Zoning Fraser Coast (Hervey Bay) 1 Big Woody Conservation Park 6 2012 MNP

Fraser Coast (Hervey Bay) 1 ESA Park 3 2012 CP

Fraser Coast (Hervey Bay) 2 Gataker’s Reef West 3 2013 CP

Fraser Coast (Woongarra) 2 Barolin Rocks 6 2012 MNP

Fraser Coast (Woongarra) 1 Burkitt’s Reef 6 2012 MNP

Sunshine Coast 1 Inner Gneerings, The Caves 10 2009 n/a

Sunshine Coast 2 Inner Gneerings, The Caves 9 2013 n/a

Sunshine Coast 1 Jew Shoal, The Pin 10 2009 n/a

Sunshine Coast 2 Jew Shoal, The Pin 12 2013 n/a

Sunshine Coast 1 Kings Beach 3 2009 HP

Sunshine Coast 1 Mudjimba Island, The Ledge 6 2007 n/a

Sunshine Coast 2 Mudjimba Island, The Ledge 10 2013 n/a

Sunshine Coast 3 Mudjimba Island, The Ledge 6 2013 n/a

Sunshine Coast 1 Mudjimba Island, NW Reef 9 2013 n/a 1.1 Monitoring Sites

Table 1. 14 RCA SEQ monitoring locations in Moreton Bay and Gold Coast visited in the 2013 SEQ season, including site number, location, depth, year of initial survey and site designation including four zones within the Moreton Bay Marine Park: Marine National Park (MNP), Conservation Park (CP), Habitat Protection (HP) or Ramsar Wetland site status (Ramsar).

Location Site Site Depth 1st Site # (m) Survey Zoning

Inner Moreton Bay 1 Goat Island 1 2009 CP, Ramsar Inner Moreton Bay 1 Myora Reef 3 2009 MNP, Ramsar Inner Moreton Bay 1 Peel Island, North 2 2009 MNP, Ramsar Inner Moreton Bay 1 Peel Island, South 2 2009 MNP, Ramsar Outer Moreton Bay 1 Flat Rock, Shark Gulley 9 2009 MNP

Outer Moreton Bay 1 Flat Rock, The Nursery 6 2008 MNP

Outer Moreton Bay 1 Flinders Reef, The Nursery 6 2007 MNP

Outer Moreton Bay 2 Flinders Reef, The Nursery 9 2009 MNP

Outer Moreton Bay 3 Flinders Reef, The Nursery 5 2009 MNP

Outer Moreton Bay 1 Flinders Reef, Aladdin’s 10 2008 MNP Cave Outer Moreton Bay 2 Shag Rock, North 6 2009 HP

Outer Moreton Bay 1 Shag Rock, South 6 2008 HP

Gold Coast 1 Gold Coast Southwest Wall 2 2007 n/a

Gold Coast 1 Palm Beach 9 2007 n/a Fraser Coast

The map shows the Reef Check study areas of Woongarra Coast and Hervey Bay (top right), within the larger range of subtropical reefs (left), as well as surrounding catchments, management areas and reef areas mapped in the study by Zann et al 2012 (bottom right). Map courtesy of Zann et al 2012. REEF CHECK 2.0 Fraser Coast Sites

AUSTRALIA 2.1 Barolin Rocks, Site 2 Barolin Rocks is a popular dive and snorkel site easily accessible from the shore and close to Bagarra, a small coastal town. Site 2 is located just off the shoreline at 6m depth, and is protected from wind and weather conditions due to its close proximity to the headland. Major flooding occurred in January 2013.

Barolin Rocks had the best visibility of all the surveyed sites in the Fraser Coast region in 2013. Site 2 at Barolin Rocks was newly established, therefore no data comparisons can be made. Soft coral (39%) and rock (34%) made up the majority of the Grouper, Barolin Rocks, Site 2 substrate, with silt (8%), sponge (6%) , other (5%) and nutrient indicator algae (5%) making up the remainder. Hard coral made up only 1% of the benthos, and were all encrusting or foliose growth forms. Turf algae and macro algae were the dominant algae recorded on the transect. Silt loading was recorded as low (despite attributing 8% to the recorded substrate).

Invertebrates recorded included five anemones, two giant clams, and one lobster. The 38 recorded Drupella were found not on the coral as usual, but were rather found in groups on rock surfaces.

NIA and silt, Barolin Rocks, Site 2 There were five incidents of fishing line and six unknown scars on the impacts survey. Coral bleaching was recorded at an average of 6% per colony and less than 1% of the coral population.

A wide diversity of nudibranchs and fish were sighted, though no formal survey was carried out.

Cover as a % of Substrate 45% 40% Nudibranch, Barolin Rocks, Site 2 35% 30% 25% SC Cover 20% 50% 50% 45% 45% 39% 15% 40% 40% 35% 30% 35% 10% 30% 30% 25% 25%

Cover 5% 20% 20%

15% 15% Average Cover 0% 10% 10% 5% 5% HC NIA OT RB RC RKC SC SD SI SP 0% 0% 18-Aug-12 10-Aug-13 18-Aug-12 10-Aug-13 Cover (%) Average Cover (%)

Soft Coral cover as a % of total substrate Cover as a % of substrate REEF CHECK 2.0 Fraser Coast Sites

AUSTRALIA 2.2 Big Woody Island, Site 2 Big Woody Island Site 2 is a new site for the 2013 season. The survey area was intentionally adjusted from the 2012 survey site to include a large notable Acropora patch. Many boats were observed in the area for fishing and recreational use. Coral collecting, anchoring and spearfishing are known to take place at or near this site. Heavy siltation was attributed to flooding in January 2013.

The Acropora on the transect exhibited both digitate and branching growth patterns, adding to the 23% of hard coral

Acropora patch, Big Woody Island, Site 2 documented on the substrate survey. Soft coral made up 9%. Sand (28%), rock (20%) and rubble (15%) made up the majority of the substrate. High silt loading was recorded, despite contributing only 3% of the recorded substrate.

There were no invertebrates recorded, although a large diversity of nudibranchs were observed.

There were two instances of fishing line, two records of coral damage, and one unknown scar. The average coral colony bleaching was 14%, with the highest amount of bleaching on one Site photo, Big Woody Island, Site 2 colony being 30%. The average bleaching of a coral population was 4%.

A fish survey was not completed.

Cover as a % of Substrate 35% 30% Hard coral bleaching, Big Woody Island, Site 2 25% 20% HC Cover 15% 50% 50% 45% 45% 40% 40% 10% 35% 35% 29% 30% 30% 25% 25% 5%

Cover 20% 20% 15% 15% Average Average Cover 0% 10% 10% 5% 5% HC NIA OT RB RC RKC SC SD SI SP 0% 0% 20-Aug-12 20-Aug-12 Cover (%) Average Cover (%)

Hard Coral cover as a % of total substrate Cover as a % of substrate REEF CHECK 2.0 Fraser Coast Sites

AUSTRALIA 2.3 Burkitt’s Reef, Site 1 Burkitt’s Reef is a popular dive and snorkel site for the region, situated approximately 1km from the Bagarra boat ramp. The site is characterised by basalt rock and soft corals. The reef extends approximately 20 metres from the shore and over 20 metres wide as it curves seawards and is surrounded by a flat sand area.

Burkitt’s Reef had heavy siltation and low visibility in 2013. The site is near a river known to have high sediment runoff, and major flooding occurred in the area in January 2013. More than 20 boats were in the water within a 5km radius during the survey.

Drupella, Burkitt’s Reef, Site 1 Hard Coral accounted for 4% (5% in 2012), and was mostly encrusting in growth. Rock made up 21% (22% in 2012) of the substrate, and soft coral attributed 19% in 2013, down from 41% in 2012. More sand (25% in 2013, 6% in 2012) and silt (up from 0% to 3% in 2013) were recorded. Turf algae and nutrient indicator algae, Lobophora, were the dominant algae at this site.

The invertebrate survey recorded six anemones and two lobster.

Coral bleaching was estimated to impact 1% of the total coral Nudibranchs, Burkitt’s Reef, Site 1 population at Burkitt’s Reef, with each coral being an average of 7% bleached. The impacts to the coral at Burkitt’s Reef included one instance of coral damage, two Drupella scars, and three unknown scars.

A fish survey was not completed.

Cover as a % of Substrate 45% 40% Lobster and silt, Burkitt’s Reef, Site 1 35% 30% 25% SC Cover 20% 50% 50% 45% 41% 45% 15% 40% 40% 35% 35% 10% 30% 30% 25% 19% 25% 5% Cover 20% 20% 15% 15% Average Average Cover 0% 10% 10% 5% 5% HC NIA OT RB RC RKC SC SD SI SP 0% 0% 19-Aug-12 10-Aug-13 19-Aug-12 10-Aug-13 Cover (%) Average Cover (%)

Soft Coral cover as a % of total substrate Cover as a % of substrate REEF CHECK 2.0 Fraser Coast Sites

AUSTRALIA 2.4 ESA Park, Site 1 The ESA Park survey site is located off the coast, out from the ESA Park sign. It is a patchy site with lots of sand and heavy siltation. The site has high anthropogenic impact s associated with artisanal/recreational fishing boats. More than five vessels where using the site during the RCA survey alone. Of note, major flooding occurred in January 2013.

Similar to the 2012 survey, the site is dominated by sand (37%) with patchy soft (3%) and hard coral (16%) areas. More rock was recorded in 2013 (33% compared to 3% in 2012) and no nutrient

Unknown coral scar, ESA Park, Site 1 indicator algae was recorded on the transect this year, compared to 24% in 2012. Nutrient indicator algae, Lobophora, was however one of the dominant algae's (along with turf algae) within the transect area. Despite a medium silt loading, coral recruits were found amongst the sand.

An invertebrate survey was carried out, yet no target invertebrates were recorded.

On the impact survey, four instances of coral damage were recorded and seven instances of unknown scars. Less than 1% of Coral damage, ESA Park, Site 1 the coral population was estimated to be bleached. An average of 20% bleaching was recorded on each bleached coral colony.

A fish survey was not completed.

Cover as a % of Substrate 40% 35% Hard coral foliose, ESA Park, Site 1 30% 25%

HC Cover 20% 50% 50% 15% 45% 45% 40% 40% 35% 35% 10% 30% 30% 25% 23% 25% 5% Cover 20% 16% 20% 15% 15% Average Average Cover 0% 10% 10% 5% 5% HC NIA OT RB RC RKC SC SD SI SP 0% 0% 19-Aug-12 11-Aug-13 19-Aug-12 11-Aug-13 Cover (%) Average Cover (%)

Hard Coral cover as a % of total substrate Cover as a % of substrate REEF CHECK 2.0 Fraser Coast Sites

AUSTRALIA 2.5 Gatacker’s Reef West, Site 2 The 2013 site surveyed at Gatacker’s Reef West is in the same vicinity as the 2012 location, but was re-mapped to encompass a large area of Goniopora hard coral. More than 50 boats were sited within 1km of the site at the time of the survey. Coral collecting and treated sewage pollution in this area is common. Major flooding occurred in the region in January 2013.

Despite high silt loading at this site, live coral made up 55% of the total substrate. Hard coral made up nearly 50of the substrate% (primarily Gonipora sp.), with soft coral attributing 6% of recorded

Hard coral bleached, Gatacker’s Reef West, reef cover. Silt accounted for 19% of the transect, and rock 18%. Site 2 turf algae and nutrient indicator algae, Lobophora, were the two dominant algae recorded in the area.

An invertebrate survey was completed, however no invertebrates were recorded at this site.

Coral bleaching was estimated to affect 13% of the coral population and 13% of each colony on average. Population bleaching was recorded at higher levels in 2013 than in 2012 (10% increase). Coral damage (2) and unknown scars (7) were Fishing line, Gatacker’s Reef West , Site 2 recorded during the impacts survey. One instance of trash (metal) was documented. Fishing debris was also found within the area, however was not within the RCA transect area.

A fish survey was not completed in 2013.

Cover as a % of Substrate 60%

50% Coral damage, Gatacker’s Reef West, Site 2 40%

HC Cover 30% 49% 50% 50% 45% 45% 20% 40% 40% 35% 35% 30% 30% 10% 25% 25%

Cover 20% 20% 15% 15% Average Average Cover 0% 10% 10% 5% 5% HC NIA OT RB RC RKC SC SD SI SP 0% 0% 11-Aug-13 11-Aug-13 Cover (%) Average Cover (%)

Hard Coral cover as a % of total substrate Cover as a % of substrate 3.0 Sunshine Coast REEF CHECK 3.0 Sunshine Coast Sites

AUSTRALIA 3.1 Currimundi Reef, Site 1 This site is comprised of an exposed rocky outcrop that is not frequented by divers, fishers or boaters.

The hard coral cover of 32% at Currimundi Reef Site 1 remained relatively stable compared with coral cover of 29% recorded in 2012. Of the hard coral, nearly 70% was recorded as the general hard coral category (including digitate and submassive forms), 28% was encrusting, and 2% was recorded as foliose. Rock (including rock with turf algae and rock with coralline algae) accounted for 34% of the survey area. This year’s survey showed Moray Eel, Currimundi Reef, Site 1 no nutrient indicator algae (NIA) present in comparison to the 2012 survey where nutrient indicator algae was recorded (6%). Ascidians and Halimeda made up the entirety of the “Other” category on the substrate survey.

The invertebrate survey included 15 anemones, one lobster and one Drupella snail.

No coral bleaching was found at Currimundi Reef, Site 1. One Drupella scar and three unknown scars were recorded.

Anemone, Currimundi Reef, Site 1 A fish survey was carried out and resulted in observations of two butterflyfish, one grouper (>60cm), one moray eel, one parrotfish, seven snapper, and two sweetlips.

Triton, Currimundi Reef, Site 1

Hard Coral cover as a % of total substrate Cover as a % of substrate, by year, for Reef Check categories REEF CHECK 3.0 Sunshine Coast Sites

AUSTRALIA 3.2 Currimundi Reef, Site 2

This site is comprised of an exposed rocky outcrop that is not frequented by divers, fishers or boaters.

Recorded hard coral cover at Currimundi Reef, Site 2 increased from last survey season (34%) to this year (45%). The hard coral cover was comprised of 99% in encrusting growth form with the remaining 1% being foliose. Soft coral accounted for 6% of substrate cover. 33% of the substrate was recorded as rock.

The invertebrate survey recorded 17 anemones (none with Anemone, Currimundi Reef, Site 2 anemone fish).

No coral bleaching was observed. There was one incidence of disease, three unknown scars, and one instance of trash (fishing sinker).

There were six butterflyfish, one moray eel and one snapper recorded on the fish survey.

Soft coral, Currimundi Reef, Site 2

Site photo, Currimundi Reef, Site 2

Hard Coral cover as a % of total substrate Cover as a % of substrate, by year, for Reef Check categories REEF CHECK 3.0 Sunshine Coast Sites

AUSTRALIA 3.3 Inner Gneerings, The Caves, Site 1

This reef is situated off shore from Mooloolaba and covers a wide area of depths from 10 to 25m. This site is popular for recreational fishing and diving with some usage of boating.

The substrate at Inner Gneerings Site 1 has been of a relatively consistent composition since 2009, with rock (46%), hard coral (26%) and sand (11%) making up the majority of the site. Hard coral encrusting is still the main hard coral growth form , making up 70% , and hard coral foliose at approximately 25%. The most dominant algae type and the only macro algae recorded on the Site photo, The Caves, Site 1 survey was Asparagopsis, with 47 counts.

One giant clam was the only invertebrate found.

The recorded impacts at this site include14 counts of unknown scars, 4 counts of fishing line and 1 count of coral disease. Bleaching was recorded on the third (10% of the colony) and fourth (15% of the colony) transects only.

A fish survey was completed with only three butterflyfish recorded. Encrusting hard coral, The Caves, Site 1

Cover as a % of Substrate

70% 60% Asparagopsis, The Caves, Site 1 50% 40% HC Cover 30% 50% 50% 45% 45% 40% 40% 20% 35% 35% 30% 25% 26% 30% 10% 23% 25% 22% 25% Cover 20% 20% 20% 0% 15% 15% Average Cover 10% 10% HC NIA OT RB RC RKC SC SD SI SP 5% 5% 0% 0% 18-Jul-09 19-Sep-10 24-Jun-11 5-Aug-12 15-Sep-13 18-Jul-09 19-Sep-10 24-Jun-11 5-Aug-12 15-Sep-13 Cover (%) Average Cover (%)

Hard Coral cover as a % of total substrate Cover as a % of substrate, by year, for Reef Check categories REEF CHECK 3.0 Sunshine Coast Sites

AUSTRALIA 3.4 Jew Shoal, Pinnacles, Site 1

Close to the Noosa River, the site consists of a large pinnacle with a wall along one edge. This is a popular recreational boating and fishing location. Hard coral cover has recovered from 15% in 2012 to 24% this year, which is a return to the cover recorded in 2009.

The substrate that makes up Site 1 at Jew Shoal, is consistent with the substrate make up since 2011. Rock (33%) and hard coral (24%) make up the majority of the site. Hard coral encrusting is the main hard coral growth form (50%), followed by Fish abundance, Pinnacles, Site 1 the general hard coral category (25%) and foliose (15%). The “Other” substrate category accounted for 21% of substrate cover, most of which was ascidians.

A single Drupella snail was the only invertebrate found.

Three incidents of unknown coral damage and two incidents of disease were recorded. Of the bleaching colonies, an average bleaching of 25% was observed and 1% of the total coral population was recorded as bleached.

Coral Disease photo, Pinnacles, Site 1 A fish survey was completed, however no target species were seen.

Cover as a % of Substrate

50%

Hard coral foliose growths, Pinnacles, Site 1 40%

30% HC Cover 50% 50% 20% 45% 45% 40% 40% 35% 35% 10% 30% 30% 24% 24% 25% 25%

Cover 20% 16% 15% 20% 0% 15% 15% Average Cover 10% 10% HC NIA OT RB RC RKC SC SD SI SP 5% 5% 0% 0% 5-Sep-09 16-Oct-11 10-Nov-12 29-Sep-13 5-Sep-09 16-Oct-11 10-Nov-12 29-Sep-13 Cover (%) Average Cover (%)

Hard Coral cover as a % of total substrate Cover as a % of substrate, by year, for Reef Check categories REEF CHECK 3.0 Sunshine Coast Sites

AUSTRALIA 3.5 Jew Shoal, Pinnacles, Site 2

Site 2 at Jew Shoal is a new site for 2013. It is located close to Site 1, and runs at a similar depth, almost Parallel to Site 1. Combined, Site 1 and 2 covers a significant proportion of this popular reef structure. The site expansion will help to offer additional information about this ecologically important and heavily utilized reef area.

Hard coral made up 36% of the substrate cover while soft coral and rock made up 21% and 24% respectively. Almost 75% of the hard coral recorded was encrusting hard coral. Leathery soft coral Site photo, Pinnacles, Site 2 made up more than 75% of the soft coral cover at the site.

No invertebrates were recorded here.

Of bleached coral colonies, the average surface bleaching observed was 27%. Though the bleaching of individual colonies was high, the coral population was less than 1% bleached. Five incidents of coral damage and four incidents of disease were recorded. One incidence of fishing line was observed.

Ascidians, Pinnacles, Site 2 No target fish were observed at this site during the fish abundance survey.

Cover as a % of Substrate 40% 35% Hard coral bleaching, Pinnacles, Site 2 30% 25% HC Cover 20% 50% 50% 45% 45% 15% 40% 36% 40% 35% 35% 10% 30% 30% 25% 25% Cover 5% 20% 20% 15% 15% Average Cover 0% 10% 10% 5% 5% HC NIA OT RB RC RKC SC SD SI SP 0% 0% 29-Sep-13 29-Sep-13 Cover (%) Average Cover (%)

Hard Coral cover as a % of total substrate Cover as a % of substrate, by year, for Reef Check categories REEF CHECK 3.0 Sunshine Coast Sites

AUSTRALIA 3.6 Kings Beach, Site 1

The site is located just 50m offshore, adjacent to a regularly utilized boat ramp and near to Caloundra’s beachfront area. In 2011, this location was exposed to the resulting flood plume from the major SEQ flooding event. A survey in March 2011 showed a dramatically reduced hard coral population (14% to 2%) which continued into 2012. Hard coral encrusting comprised 100% of the hard coral recorded. The “other” category accounted 15% of the recorded substrate and consisted primarily of ascidians and Halimeda. Nutrient indicator algae (34%), rock (23%), and silt (11%) make up the majority of the site.

Hard coral encrusting, Kings Beach, Site 1 Drupella snails (4) were the only invertebrates recorded on site.

Impacts recorded at this site consisted of five counts of other coral damage. Less than 1% of the total coral population was bleached. Bleaching was recorded on the second (1% of the colony) and third (1% of the colony) transects. Medium silt loading was recorded.

No fish survey was completed at this site.

Hard coral encrusting, Kings Beach, Site 1

Cover as a % of Substrate 70% 60% Zoanthids, Kings Beach, Site 1 50% 40% HC Cover 50% 50% 30% 45% 45% 40% 40% 20% 35% 35% 30% 30%

25% 25% 10% Cover 20% 14% 20%

15% 15% Average Cover 0% 10% 6% 10% 5% 2% 2% 5% HC NIA OT RB RC RKC SC SD SI SP 0% 0% 6-Nov-09 26-Mar-11 6-Oct-12 17-Oct-13 6-Nov-09 26-Mar-11 6-Oct-12 17-Oct-13 Cover (%) Average Cover (%)

Hard Coral cover as a % of total substrate Cover as a % of substrate, by year, for Reef Check categories REEF CHECK 3.0 Sunshine Coast Sites

AUSTRALIA 3.7 Mudjimba Island, The Ledge, Site 1

Mudjimba Island is close to the mainland and the Maroochydore and Mooloolah River mouths. This location is a popular location for water activities.

Hard coral cover has increased from 21% in 2012 to 36% in 2013. The hard coral category was made of mostly encrusting growth forms. Soft coral cover decreased from 14% in 2012 to 6% in 2013. In 2012, the ‘other’ category accounted less than 4 percent of the reef benthos, in 2013 it made up 7%. Rock accounted for the other notable substrate category (42%). There was no record of macro algae in the site and siltation was low. The dominant Sponge and hard corals, The Ledge, Site 1 algae was turf algae, Dictyota and Halimeda.

Although no consistent trend has been recorded for invertebrates at Mudjimba Island, there seems to be a presence of some key species, as the survey recorded five anemone with fish, six Drupella snails, one collector urchin and two Diadema.

No bleaching was recorded at the site. Four counts of unknown coral damage were observed. There was also one count of coral disease, seven counts of Drupella snail scars and 15 unknown scars. Five fishing lines and two fishing nets were observed throughout the survey. Hard coral encrusting, The Ledge, Site 1 The fish survey counted five butterfly fish and one parrot fish.

Cover as a % of Substrate 70% 60% Sea star, The Ledge, Site 1 50% 40% HC Cover 50% 50% 30% 45% 45% 40% 36% 40% 20% 35% 35% 30% 26% 26% 30%

25% 23% 21% 25% 10% Cover 20% 14% 20%

15% 15% Average Cover 0% 10% 10% 5% 5% HC NIA OT RB RC RKC SC SD SI SP 0% 0% 3-Dec-07 25-Jul-09 19-Sep-10 24-Jun-11 5-Aug-12 18-Aug-13 3-Dec-07 25-Jul-09 19-Sep-10 24-Jun-11 5-Aug-12 18-Aug-13 Cover (%) Average Cover (%)

Hard Coral cover as a % of total substrate Cover as a % of substrate, by year, for Reef Check categories REEF CHECK 3.0 Sunshine Coast Sites

AUSTRALIA 3.8 Mudjimba Island, The Ledge, Site 2

This is a new site for Reef Check Australia and the second site at The Ledge, Mudjimba Island. The site is placed parallel to Site 1, but on the deeper edge of the steep slope of the Island. This deeper location represents a different habitat type than the long- established research Site 1.

The substrate at The Ledge Site 2 is primarily composed of rock (39%), “other” (18%, made up of mostly ascidians and crustose algae) and hard coral (16%). Encrusting hard coral was the main hard coral recorded at 54%. Nutrient indicator algae (15%), Hard coral photo, The Ledge, Site 2 mostly made up of Dictyota. Massive hard coral represented 31%. The most dominant algae recorded was turf algae. Medium silt loading was recorded on the site.

Two anemones and one Diadema were the only invertebrates found. A number of nudibranchs including two Spanish dancers were also observed.

Impacts recorded at this site were eight counts of coral disease, two counts of unknown scars and six counts of fishing line.

Coral disease photo, The Ledge, Site 2 The fish survey was completed with one snapper and one sweetlips recorded.

Cover as a % of Substrate 45% 40% Nudibranch photo, The Ledge, Site 2 35% 30% 25% OT Cover 20% 50% 50% 45% 45% 15% 40% 40% 35% 35% 10% 30% 30% 25% 25% 5%

Cover 18% 20% 20%

15% 15% Average Cover 0% 10% 10% 5% 5% HC NIA OT RB RC RKC SC SD SI SP 0% 0% 15-Sep-13 15-Sep-13 Cover (%) Average Cover (%)

Other cover as a % of total substrate Cover as a % of substrate, by year, for Reef Check categories REEF CHECK 3.0 Sunshine Coast Sites

AUSTRALIA 3.9 Mudjimba Island, The Ledge, Site 3

This site was another new location set up in 2013. This site was set up between the shallow Site 1 and the deep Site 2, just on the reef crest. The expansion at this location is intended to help better understand habitats and trends at this well-loved location.

Hard coral cover for the site was high, at 31%. Soft coral cover made up 8% of the reef benthos. Sponge cover was low, at 2% and the ‘other’ category accounted for 20% (made up mostly of ascidians and crustose algae). Hard coral cover was dominant across the site, followed by rock (22%) and the ‘other’ category Spiny Lobster, The Ledge, Site 3 (20%). The main algae types were turf algae and crustose algae.

The invertebrate survey recorded one anemone with fish, one lobster, six Drupella snails and one Diadema.

This site showed less than 1% bleaching, although four counts of unknown coral damage were recorded. Three counts of diseases were recorded, as well as five counts of unknown scars. Five fishing lines were observed on the transect.

Hard coral, The Ledge, Site 3 Rare animals sighted included one octopus.

Cover as a % of Substrate 35% 30% Unknown damage, The Ledge, Site 3 25% 20% HC Cover 50% 50% 15% 45% 45% 40% 40% 10% 35% 31% 35% 30% 30% 25% 25% 5%

Cover 20% 20%

15% 15% Average Cover 0% 10% 10% 5% 5% HC NIA OT RB RC RKC SC SD SI SP 0% 0% 8-Nov-13 8-Nov-13 Cover (%) Average Cover (%)

Hard Coral cover as a % of total substrate Cover as a % of substrate, by year, for Reef Check categories REEF CHECK 3.0 Sunshine Coast Sites

AUSTRALIA 3.10 Mudjimba Island, North West Reef, Site 1

In 2013, North West Reef around Mudjimba Island was included as part of new SEQ surveyed sites. Mudjimba Island is close to the mainland, and this particular site faces the North West side of the island. This site varies substantially from the southern area already surveyed, offering new insights to this culturally and ecologically important location.

Hard coral cover made up 29% of the reef benthos, and soft coral cover 2%. Sponge cover was also low at 2% and the ‘Other’ category accounted for 6% of the substratum. Other substrate Coral disease, North West Reef, Site 1 types included rock (29%) and nutrient indicator algae (19%). Nutrient indicator algae was mostly Dictyota. There were no counts of macro algae.

Invertebrates recorded included 19 Drupella snails and one lobster.

The site showed less than 2% bleaching. There were also five counts of unknown coral damage, six counts of coral disease, two Drupella snail scars and six fishing lines.

Anemone with fish, North West Reef, Site 1 No fish survey was carried out.

Cover as a % of Substrate 35% 30% Drupella Snail, North West Reef, Site 1 25% 20% HC Cover 50% 50% 15% 45% 45% 40% 40% 10% 35% 29% 35% 30% 30% 25% 25% 5%

Cover 20% 20%

15% 15% Average Cover 0% 10% 10% 5% 5% HC NIA OT RB RC RKC SC SD SI SP 0% 0% 8-Nov-13 8-Nov-13 Cover (%) Average Cover (%)

Hard Coral cover as a % of total substrate Cover as a % of substrate, by year, for Reef Check categories Moreton Bay REEF CHECK 4.0 Inshore Moreton Bay Sites

AUSTRALIA 4.1 Goat Island, Site 1

A shallow sandy reef fringes Goat Island. This site is exposed to regular traffic, including surge from the nearby boat channel, where the North Stradbroke Island ferries travel.

Hard coral abundance decreased from last year (29% in 2013 down from 41% in 2012). Soft coral makes up a large portion of substrate cover at this site (15%) and has been relatively consistent over time. Recently killed coral was recorded this year (6% of the substrate), but was not seen in previous surveys.

Hard coral bleaching, Goat Island, Site 1 There were no invertebrates found on this survey.

The impact survey showed one incidence of boat anchor damage, four incidences of other coral damage, and one unknown scar. There was one fishing line and one fish net. Coral bleaching was high at this site with the average percent of coral surface being 54% bleached. The entire coral population was estimated to be 52% bleached.

A fish survey was not carried out. Hard coral foliose, Goat Island, Site 1

Cover as a % of Substrate 45% 40% Site photo, Goat Island, Site 1 35% 30% 25% HC Cover 20% 50% 50% 45% 41% 45% 15% 40% 40% 34% 35% 33% 35% 29% 10% 30% 26% 30% 25% 25%

Cover 5% 20% 20% 15% 15% Average Cover 0% 10% 10% 5% 5% HC NIA OT RB RC RKC SC SD SI SP 0% 0% 24-Nov-09 16-Nov-10 2-Feb-12 20-Jan-13 19-Dec-13 24-Nov-09 16-Nov-10 2-Feb-12 20-Jan-13 19-Dec-13 Cover (%) Average Cover (%)

Hard Coral cover as a % of total substrate Cover as a % of substrate, by year, for Reef Check categories REEF CHECK 4.0 Inshore Moreton Bay Sites

AUSTRALIA 4.2 Myora Reef, Site 1

Hard coral cover recorded in 2013 (24%) was down from relatively consistent levels in previous years (ranging from 45% in 2009 to 40% in 2012). Of the hard coral, 90% was recorded as hard coral (exclusively Acropora sp.) and 10% as branching hard coral. Rock was the most abundant substrate type (36%), followed by rubble (21%). No soft coral was found.

There were four Drupella snails found on the survey and 59 Diadema urchins. This was the highest urchin abundance of all SEQ sites in 2013. Site photo, Myora Reef, Site 1 The impact survey showed five incidents of coral damage, four incidents of disease, ten unknown scars, and three records of fishing line. Silt loading was recorded as high. The average bleaching of a coral surface was 25% and the entire coral population was 19% bleached.

A fish survey was not carried out.

Mantis shrimp, Myora Reef, Site 1

Cover as a % of Substrate 50%

Diadema urchin, Myora Reef, Site 1 40%

30% HC Cover

50% 45% 50% 20% 45% 45% 39% 40% 40% 40% 40% 35% 35% 30% 30% 10% 24% 25% 25% Cover 20% 20% 15% 15% Average Cover 0% 10% 10% 5% 5% HC NIA OT RB RC RKC SC SD SI SP 0% 0% 21-Oct-09 27-Oct-10 2-Feb-12 20-Jan-13 19-Dec-13 21-Oct-09 27-Oct-10 2-Feb-12 20-Jan-13 19-Dec-13 Cover (%) Average Cover (%)

Hard Coral cover as a % of total substrate Cover as a % of substrate, by year, for Reef Check categories REEF CHECK 4.0 Inshore Moreton Bay Sites

AUSTRALIA 4.3 Peel Island North, Site 1

This is a shallow inshore site in Moreton Bay. The northern area of Peel Island is an established MNP (green) zone, but this area is close to a deeper channel and would experience heavy boat traffic.

This site has shown fluctuations in hard coral cover over time, with15% cover recorded in 2013 (down from 18% in 2012). The umbrella hard coral (HC) category is the main hard coral growth form at 58% with hard coral encrusting at approximately 29%. Soft coral cover has also fluctuated (16% in 2013, down from 25% in Site photo, Peel Island North, Site 1 2012) with an average cover of 20% over the five years of monitoring. Rubble accounted for 29% of the substrate. Nutrient indicator algae accounted for 15%. The majority of the nutrient indicator algae recorded at the site was Lobophora, much of which was covered in silt. The two most dominant algae recorded were Padina and Sargassum.

Three Drupella snails were the only invertebrates found.

The recorded impacts at this site were two counts of anchor damage, five counts of unknown scars, two counts of fishing line Bleaching photo, Peel Island North, Site 1 and one count of general trash. Bleaching was recorded on the first (75% of the colony) and third (10% of the colony) transects, accounting for an estimated 1% of the population. Medium silt loading was recorded at the site.

No fish survey was completed at this site.

Cover as a % of Substrate 50%

Unknown scar, Peel Island North, Site 1 40%

30% HC Cover 50% 50% 20% 45% 45% 40% 40% 35% 35% 30% 26% 30% 10% 25% 25%

Cover 18% 18% 15% 20% 20% 12% 15% 15% Average Cover 0% 10% 10% 5% 5% HC NIA OT RB RC RKC SC SD SI SP 0% 0% 16-Aug-09 8-Sep-10 2-Feb-12 20-Jan-13 23-Oct-13 16-Aug-09 8-Sep-10 2-Feb-12 20-Jan-13 23-Oct-13 Cover (%) Average Cover (%)

Hard Coral cover as a % of total substrate Cover as a % of substrate, by year, for Reef Check categories REEF CHECK 4.0 Inshore Moreton Bay Sites

AUSTRALIA 4.4 Peel Island South, Site 1

This is a shallow site inshore Moreton Bay. The Southern area of Peel Island is an area with heavy boat traffic and fishing.

Hard coral accounted for 13% of the substrate. This site has shown fluctuations in recorded hard coral cover since establishment in 2009, with an average cover of 14% (max. 20%, min. 9%). Most of the hard coral growth forms were in the main hard coral category recorded (33%) with hard coral massive (29%) and foliose coral (24%). Soft coral cover has been relatively consistent with an average cover of 11% over the past Christmas tree worms, Peel Island South, Site 1 5 years, and 10% cover recorded in 2013. Sand (26%), rock (25%) and nutrient indicator algae (21%) made up the other notable components of the survey area in 2013. The majority of the nutrient indicator algae recorded at the site was Lobophora. The three dominant algae recorded were Sargassum, Padina and turf algae. There were 15 counts of macro algae recorded.

Two giant clams less than10cm in size, one 10-20cm in size and one anemone were the invertebrates recorded.

The recorded impacts at this site were ten counts of fishing line Unknown scar, Peel Island South, Site 1 and seven counts of unknown scars. No bleaching was recorded on any of the transects. Medium silt loading was recorded at the site.

No fish survey was completed at this site.

Cover as a % of Substrate 40% 35% Fishing line, Peel Island South, Site 1 30% 25%

HC Cover 20% 50% 50% 15% 45% 45% 40% 40% 35% 35% 10% 30% 30% 25% 20% 25% 5% Cover 20% 20% 13% 13%

15% 15% Average Cover 9% 0% 10% 10% 5% 5% HC NIA OT RB RC RKC SC SD SI SP 0% 0% 17-Sep-09 16-Nov-10 15-Feb-12 23-Oct-13 17-Sep-09 16-Nov-10 15-Feb-12 23-Oct-13 Cover (%) Average Cover (%)

Hard Coral cover as a % of total substrate Cover as a % of substrate, by year, for Reef Check categories REEF CHECK 4.0 Offshore Moreton Bay Sites

AUSTRALIA 4.5 Flat Rock, Shark Alley, Site 1

Shark Alley was declared a Marine National Park (MNP) zone in 2009. The alley is located on the eastern edge of the Flat Rock Reef and is a popular recreational diving and boating area due to its Grey Nurse Shark population. The dive sites contains two large sand bottom channels that run parallel to each other, separated by rocky reef.

Hard coral cover made up 19% of the reef benthos, down slightly when compared to the previous year (23%). Corals were mostly branching or encrusting growth forms . Soft coral cover increased Diadema urchin, Shark Alley, Site 1 by 2%, and made up 6% of the reef area. Nutrient indicator algae decreased from 11% in 2012 to 5% in 2013. The dominant algae at this site were Lobophora, Asparagopsis, and Turtle Weed algae.

Invertebrates recorded included two anemone with fish, 14 anemones without fish, 3 lobsters, and 19 Diadema.

Two counts of ‘other’ coral damage were observed, as well as 10 counts of Drupella scars and 3 unknown scars. No coral bleaching was recorded. Anemone with fish, Shark Alley, Site 1

The fish surveyed showed 22 butterfly fish, 8 parrotfish and 1 sweetlips. Two Grey Nurse sharks were also observed.

Cover as a % of Substrate 80% 70% Transect line, Shark Alley, Site 1 60% 50%

HC Cover 40% 50% 50% 45% 45% 30% 40% 40% 35% 35% 20% 30% 30% 23% 25% 19% 25% 10% Cover 20% 15% 16% 20%

15% 15% Average Cover 0% 10% 10% 5% 5% HC NIA OT RB RC RKC SC SD SI SP 0% 0% 20-Aug-09 27-Nov-11 14-Oct-12 25-Aug-13 20-Aug-09 27-Nov-11 14-Oct-12 25-Aug-13 Cover (%) Average Cover (%)

Hard Coral cover as a % of total substrate Cover as a % of substrate, by year, for Reef Check categories REEF CHECK 4.0 Offshore Moreton Bay Sites

AUSTRALIA 4.6 Flat Rock, The Nursery, Site 1

This site is within a fully protected marine park, with a no-fishing zone within 1.2km radius of the reef. It is also a Grey Nurse Shark Protection area.

Hard coral cover decreased by 9% from 2012, accounting for 9% of the benthos in 2013. All recorded hard coral was encrusting growth forms. Soft coral cover accounted for 2% cover, which is relatively consistent with previous surveys. Sponge covered 4% of the reef benthos, relatively consistent with recent previous surveys. The “other” category (described as mostly calcareous Green Sea Turtle, The Nursery, Site 1 algae) decreased from 19% in 2012 to just 1% in 2013.

Macro algae increased from last year (from 0 to 26 counts), with the main dominant macro algae being Asparagopsis.

One lobster was recorded on the transect.

Impacts included two Drupella scars and one unknown scar. Bleaching was estimated to impact less than 1% of the coral, and no coral diseases were observed. Spotted Wobbegong, The Nursery, Site 1 Fish surveys recorded four butterflyfish, two parrotfish, one snapper and one sweetlip. Rare animals sighted included one turtle, one eagle ray and one wobbegong.

Cover as a % of Substrate 90% 80% Coral Bleaching, The Nursery, Site 1 70% 60% 50% HC Cover 40% 50% 50% 45% 45% 30% 40% 40% 35% 35% 20% 30% 24% 24% 30% 25% 23% 25% 10% Cover 20% 16% 18% 20%

15% 9% 15% Average Cover 0% 10% 10% 5% 5% HC NIA OT RB RC RKC SC SD SI SP 0% 0% 5-Oct-08 25-Jun-09 22-Aug-1027-Nov-11 14-Oct-12 25-Aug-13 5-Oct-08 25-Jun-09 22-Aug-10 27-Nov-11 14-Oct-12 25-Aug-13 Cover (%) Average Cover (%)

Hard Coral cover as a % of total substrate Cover as a % of substrate, by year, for Reef Check categories REEF CHECK 4.0 Offshore Moreton Bay Sites

AUSTRALIA 4.7 Flinders Reef, The Nursery, Site 1

Flinders Reef is an established Marine National Park (Green) zone. It is a popular diving location. This site has been surveyed annually by Reef Check since 2007.

Hard coral cover decreased from last year, with 18% in 2013 compared with 30% in 2012. Relative to coral growth form composition from other years, there was a reduction in the branching hard coral. Soft coral decreased slightly from 23% in 2012 to 16% in 2013 (soft coral was mostly leathery growth forms). The “Other” substrate category accounted for 16% cover, Lobster, The Nursery, Site 1 consisting mostly of corallimorphs.

An invertebrate and impact survey were not completed at this site, due to time constraints.

No fish survey was completed at this site.

Site photo, The Nursery, Site 1

Cover as a % of Substrate 40% 35% Site photo, The Nursery, Site 1 30% 25%

HC Cover 20% 50% 50% 45% 45% 15% 40% 40% 10% 35% 30% 35% 30% 30% 24% 24% 25% 20% 21% 25% 5%

Cover 18% 20% 20% 13%

15% 15% Average Cover 0% 10% 10% 5% 5% HC NIA OT RB RC RKC SC SD SI SP 0% 0% 12-Feb-07 30-Nov-08 25-Jul-09 8-Aug-10 19-Nov-11 16-Sep-12 27-Oct-13 12-Feb-07 30-Nov-08 25-Jul-09 8-Aug-10 19-Nov-11 16-Sep-12 27-Oct-13

Cover (%) Average Cover (%)

Hard Coral cover as a % of total substrate Cover as a % of substrate, by year, for Reef Check categories REEF CHECK 4.0 Offshore Moreton Bay Sites

AUSTRALIA 4.8 Flinders Reef, The Nursery, Site 2

This site is close to Site 2 within the Marine National Park at popular dive site, Flinders Reef. A large patch of branching Acropora makes up the majority of the survey area.

This site has shown a high and relatively consistent hard coral cover with an average cover of 61% over the 4 years of monitoring. Hard coral accounted for 68% of the survey cover in 2013. Most of the “Other” category recorded at this site (7%), as similar to The Nursery Site 1, were corallimorphs. The dominant algae at this site was Asparagopsis followed by coralline algae Green sea Turtle, The Nursery, Site 2 and lastly turf algae.

Two Diadema long spined urchins and one anemone (with a resident anemone fish) were the only invertebrates recorded.

One boat anchor, three incidences of coral damage, six unknown scars and one instance of fishing line were recorded. One percent of the coral population was estimated to be impacted by bleaching, affecting mostly one small area of the transect.

Acropora patch, The Nursery, Site 2 A fish survey was not carried out.

Of the rare animals seen, four were turtles, two were wobbegongs and two were moray eels.

Cover as a % of Substrate 80% 70% Anemone with fish, The Nursery, Site 2 60% 50%

HC Cover 40% 80% 80% 68% 30% 70% 63% 70% 58% 60% 56% 60% 20% 50% 50% 40% 40% 10% Cover 30% 30% 20% 20% Average Cover 0% 10% 10% HC NIA OT RB RC RKC SC SD SI SP 0% 0% 25-Jul-09 23-Oct-10 13-Nov-11 20-Oct-13 25-Jul-09 23-Oct-10 13-Nov-11 20-Oct-13 Cover (%) Average Cover (%)

Hard Coral cover as a % of total substrate Cover as a % of substrate, by year, for Reef Check categories REEF CHECK 4.0 Offshore Moreton Bay Sites

AUSTRALIA 4.9 Flinders Reef, The Nursery, Site 3

This site is within the same general area on the northern side of Marine National Park, Flinders Reef. It runs northeast from the end of the turtle cleaning station area.

This site has shown a decline in hard coral cover over past three years of surveys, from 36% in 2009 to 15% in 2013. Of hard coral growth forms, hard coral encrusting made up more than 75% in 2013 (greater than previously recorded) and representation of branching coral growth had declined. Soft coral cover increased from 8% to 20% over the same period. The “Other” category of Drupella, The Nursery, Site 3 substrate observed at this site was primarily corallimorphs; consistent to all Flinders Reef nursery sites. The dominant algae at this site was Asparagopsis, calcareous algae and Caulerpa.

One banded coral shrimp was found on the invertebrate survey along with four Drupella snails and one triton shell.

The impact survey showed 16 unknown scars, 2 incidences of disease and 3 recordings of other coral damage. An estimated 4% of the entire coral population was recorded as bleached. The average bleaching of a coral colony was estimated to be 20%. Soft coral leathery, The Nursery, Site 3

The fish survey showed four butterflyfish, one grouper of 50-60 cm, five parrotfish and one snapper.

Cover as a % of Substrate 45% 40% Butterfly fish, The Nursery, Site 3 35% 30% 25% HC Cover 20% 50% 50% 45% 45% 15% 40% 36% 40% 35% 35% 10% 30% 25% 30%

25% 25% 5% Cover 20% 15% 20% 15% 15% Average Cover 0% 10% 10% 5% 5% HC NIA OT RB RC RKC SC SD SI SP 0% 0% 17-Oct-09 16-Sep-12 27-Oct-13 17-Oct-09 16-Sep-12 27-Oct-13 Cover (%) Average Cover (%)

Hard Coral cover as a % of total substrate Cover as a % of substrate, by year, for Reef Check categories REEF CHECK 4.0 Offshore Moreton Bay Sites

AUSTRALIA 4.10 Flinders Reef, Aladdin’s Cave, Site 1

Flinders Reef is a MNP zone, but is a frequented diving and boating location and there are reports of fishers utilising the area. This southerly site tends to be more exposed to prevailing ocean swell than the protected Nursery area on the other side of the reef.

Hard coral accounted for 39% of benthic cover in 2013, increasing from a low of 23% in 2012. Encrusting hard coral makes up the majority of the hard coral type (75%). “Other” substrate category accounted for 18% of benthic cover (made up mostly of Giant clam, Aladdin’s Cave, Site 1 corallimoprhs). Of particular interest is that a large section of the transect line contained recently killed corallimorphs. Soft coral cover accounted for 6% of survey substrate in 2013, down from 13% in 2012.

At this site, one giant clam of size 20-30cm was recorded. Nine Diadema urchins were recorded.

Approxiately 1% of the coral population was estimated to be impacted by bleaching. The majority of this bleaching was seen in soft coral zooanthids (SCZ) . There were 4 incidences of unknown Recently killed corallimorphs, Aladdin’s scars and 2 incidences of other coral damage. Cave, Site 1

A fish survey was not carried out.

Cover as a % of Substrate 45% 40% site photo, Aladdin’s Cave, Site 1 35% 30% 25% HC Cover 20% 50% 50% 45% 39% 45% 15% 40% 40% 34% 35% 35% 10% 30% 26% 26% 30% 25% 23% 25% 5% Cover 20% 20%

15% 15% Average Cover 0% 10% 10% 5% 5% HC NIA OT RB RC RKC SC SD SI SP 0% 0% 30-Nov-08 14-Nov-09 17-Oct-10 19-Nov-11 20-Oct-13 30-Nov-08 14-Nov-09 17-Oct-10 19-Nov-11 20-Oct-13 Cover (%) Average Cover (%)

Hard Coral cover as a % of total substrate Cover as a % of substrate, by year, for Reef Check categories REEF CHECK 4.0 Offshore Moreton Bay Sites

AUSTRALIA 4.11 Shag Rock North, Site 1

This site is located on the northern, more exposed side of Shag Rock. Fishing and boating are commonly observed at this site and divers visit regularly.

This site has shown a decline in hard coral cover over the past five years of monitoring from 18% in 2009 to 4% in 2013. The hard coral cover in 2013 consisted of plates and general hard coral growth forms (no branching, foliose, or massive growth forms, as found in previous surveys). Soft coral cover has fluctuated over time with an average cover of 6%, though cover in Diadema and collector urchin, Shag Rock 2013 was at its lowest ever level of 1% (down just slightly from North, Site 1 2% in 2012). Much of the sites benthos was made up of rock (50%) and nutrient indicator algae (34%), which was mostly Lobophora.

Three anemones, 4 collector urchins and 45 Diadema urchins were recorded.

The average estimated bleaching of the coral population throughout the site was 1%. There were 4 observations of coral damage and 1 recorded incidence of coral disease. One Drupella Hard coral plates and wobbegong, Shag scar was recorded and 7 unknown scars were recorded on the Rock North, Site 1 transect.

Cover as a % of Substrate 60%

50% Anemone, Shag Rock North, Site 1 40%

HC Cover 30% 50% 50% 45% 45% 20% 40% 40% 35% 35% 30% 30% 10% 25% 25%

Cover 18% 20% 15% 20%

15% 15% Average Cover 11% 9% 0% 10% 4% 10% 5% 5% HC NIA OT RB RC RKC SC SD SI SP 0% 0% 16-Jul-09 7-Oct-10 26-Nov-11 13-Oct-12 24-Aug-13 16-Jul-09 7-Oct-10 26-Nov-11 13-Oct-12 24-Aug-13 Cover (%) Average Cover (%)

Hard Coral cover as a % of total substrate Cover as a % of substrate, by year, for Reef Check categories REEF CHECK 4.0 Offshore Moreton Bay Sites

AUSTRALIA 4.12 Shag Rock South, Site 1

This site is situated in a relatively sheltered cove on the more southern area of Shag Rock. Fishing and boating are commonly observed at this site and divers visit regularly.

This site has shown minimal fluctuations in hard coral cover with an average cover of 15% in previous years and 13% cover recorded in 2013. Hard coral encrusting was recorded as the most common growth form, accounting for more than 40% of growth form composition. Soft coral cover has fluctuated with an average cover of 9% over the past six years of monitoring and Site photo, Shag Rock South, Site 1 12% recorded in 2013. Nutrient indicator algae (mostly Lobophora) was abundant at this site (24%).

The invertebrate survey was not carried out at this site due to time restraints.

An average of 1% of the coral population was estimated to be impacted by bleaching, impacting 13% of each colony on average. There were records of coral damage (2), disease (2), unknown scars (12), and fishing line (5).

NIA competition, Shag Rock South, Site 1 Fish counts were not completed at this site.

Cover as a % of Substrate 70% 60% Hard coral foliose, Shag Rock South, Site 1 50% 40% HC Cover 50% 50% 30% 45% 45% 40% 40% 20% 35% 35% 30% 30% 25% 25% 10% 20% 19% Cover 20% 16% 20% 13% 15% 11% 11% 15% Average Cover 0% 10% 10% 5% 5% HC NIA OT RB RC RKC SC SD SI SP 0% 0% 14-Dec-08 16-Jul-09 22-Aug-1026-Nov-11 13-Oct-12 24-Aug-13 14-Dec-08 16-Jul-09 22-Aug-10 26-Nov-11 13-Oct-12 24-Aug-13 Cover (%) Average Cover (%)

Hard Coral cover as a % of total substrate Cover as a % of substrate, by year, for Reef Check categories Gold Coast REEF CHECK 5.0 Gold Coast Sites

AUSTRALIA 5.1 Gold Coast Seaway, Southwest Wall, Site 1

This is a shallow, sheltered site in the Gold Coast Seaway (built in 1971). Rocks on the constructed sea wall have created available hard substrate for settlement. There is substantial silt loading, but numerous unique marine species are reported by divers and it is a popular dive location. There are high levels of boat traffic and urban influences.

Consistent with other years of surveys, the substrate at Southwest Wall site 1 was primarily comprised of rock (72%), sand (18%) and nutrient indicator algae (8%). No hard coral has been Surveyor photo, Southwest Wall, Site 1 recorded at this site since established in 2007. There were 67 counts of macro algae recorded, all of which were Padina.

No target invertebrates were recorded during the survey, although 3 octopus were recorded in the survey area.

In line with the 2012 survey, the recorded impacts at this site were eight counts of fishing line and two counts of general trash. Medium silt loading was recorded at the site which is down from the high silt loading recorded in the previous two years.

Fishing line and Padina, Southwest Wall, Site 1 No fish survey was completed at this site.

Cover as a % of Substrate 100%

Octopus photo, Southwest Wall, Site 1 80%

60% NIA Cover 50% 50% 40% 45% 45% 40% 40% 35% 35% 30% 30% 20% 25% 22% 25% Cover 20% 15% 20%

15% 11% 15% Average Cover 0% 10% 10% 4% 5% 5% 2% 5% HC NIA OT RB RC RKC SC SD SI SP 0% 0% 14-Oct-07 17-Aug-08 26-Jul-09 29-Aug-10 15-Jan-12 4-Nov-12 14-Oct-07 17-Aug-08 26-Jul-09 29-Aug-10 15-Jan-12 4-Nov-12 Cover (%) Average Cover (%)

NIA cover as a % of total substrate Cover as a % of substrate, by year, for Reef Check categories REEF CHECK 5.0 Gold Coast Sites

AUSTRALIA 5.2 Palm Beach Reef, Site 1

This is a fringing reef made up of numerous ridges and gullies, close to the beach (800 to 1000m offshore). The site was not surveyed in 2012.

The substrate at Palm Beach Reef site 1 has seen a steady decline in hard coral cover from 21% in 2008 to 9% in 2013. Encrusting growth forms made up most of the hard coral recorded. Soft coral cover dropped from 18% in 2011 to 3% in 2013, but soft coral cover averages 8% cover over the years of surveys. Sponge cover more than doubled from 6% in 2011 to 14% in 2013. The three dominant algae recorded were turf, Lobophora and Turtle Weed.

Site photo, Palm Beach Reef, Site 1 Anemones have continued their decline from the 201 recorded in 2011 to 19 recorded this year. None of the anemones recorded have resident anemone fish. Note that this is still higher anemone abundances than many sites surveyed by RCA in SEQ. Overall, this site has tended to have high numbers of Diadema urchins and pencil urchins with 61 and 24 recorded respectively in 2013. Three Giant Clams (10-20cm) and 15 Drupella snails were recorded at the site.

The recorded impacts at this site were two counts of other coral damage, two counts of Drupella scars, three counts of unknown scars and one count of fishing line. One count of coral disease was recorded on hard coral foliose. Low levels of coral bleaching were estimated to affect 1% Drupella snails, Palm Beach Reef, Site 1 of the coral population Bleaching was recorded on the second transect (5% of the colony). Low silt loading was recorded.

No fish survey was completed at this site due to visibility restrictions.

Cover as a % of Substrate 70% 60% Spotted Wobbegong, Palm Beach Reef, Site 1 50% 40% HC Cover 50% 50% 30% 45% 45% 40% 40% 20% 35% 35% 30% 30% 10% 25% 21% 25% Cover 20% 18% 20% 13%

15% 15% Average Cover 9% 9% 0% 10% 10% 5% 5% HC NIA OT RB RC RKC SC SD SI SP 0% 0% 1-Oct-07 3-Aug-08 22-Dec-09 12-Oct-11 22-Nov-13 1-Oct-07 3-Aug-08 22-Dec-09 12-Oct-11 22-Nov-13 Cover (%) Average Cover (%)

Hard Coral cover as a % of total substrate Cover as a % of substrate, by year, for Reef Check categories 6.0 Literature Cited

Fellegara, I., & Harrison, P. L. (2008). Status of the subtropical scleratinian coral communities in the turbid environment of Moreton Bay, south east Queensland. Memoirs of the Queensland Museum--Nature , 54 (1), pp. 277-291.

Harrison, P., Harriot, V., Banks, S., & Holmes, N. (1998). The coral communities of Flinders Reef and Myora Reef in the Moreton Bay Marine Park, Queensland, Australia. In I. Tibbits, N. Hall, & W. Dennison, Moreton Bay and Catchment (pp. 525-536). St Lucia: School of Marine Science, University of Queensland.

Perry, C., & Larcombe, L. (2003). Marginal and non-reef building coral environments. Coral Reefs, 22, pp. 427-432.

Wallace, C. C., Fellegara, I., Muir, P. R., & Harrison, P. L. (2009). The scleratinian coral of Moreton Bay. eastern Australia: high latitude, marginal assemblages with increasing coral richness. In P. Davie, & J. Phillips, Proceedings of the 13th International Marine Biological Workshop, The Marine Flora and Fauna of Moreton Bay, Queensland. Memoirs of the Queensland Museum--Nature 54(2) (pp. 1-118).