Thirty Years of Marmion and Ningaloo Marine Parks This Year Marks 30 Years Since the First Western Australian Marine Parks Were Created – at Marmion and Ningaloo

Thirty years of Marmion and Ningaloo marine parks This year marks 30 years since the first Western Australian marine parks were created – at Marmion and Ningaloo. Their gazettal in 1987 marked a significant development in the management of Western Australia’s environment, and a milestone in protecting our marine life. by Rhianna King and Peter Barnes This year marks 30 years since the first Western Australian marine parks were created – at Marmion and Ningaloo. Their gazettal in 1987 marked a significant development in the management of Western Australia’s environment, and a milestone in protecting our marine life. estern Australia has more Previous page than 13,500 kilometres of Main The stunning Stanley Pool at Ningaloo Marine Park. coastline (about 40 per cent Photo – David Bettini W Insets (clockwise from top right) Ningaloo reef attracts a range of bird species. Photo – Parks of the continental coastline of Australia), and Wildlife; Baler shell; Marmion Marine Park is as a popular surfing spot. Photos – Ann Storrie; much of which is considered to be among Marmion Marine Park is a favourite recreational site for locals. Photo – Rhianna King/Parks and the least disturbed in the world. These Wildlife; Reefs along the coastline in Marmion Marine Park provide excellent snorkelling. Photos spectacular waters are a literal treasure – Ann Storrie; Bullseyes can be found in Burns Reef. Photo – Pam Sutton/Parks and Wildlife; Cape trove of diverse and fascinating marine life Range National Park is an ideal spot to enjoy Ningaloo Marine Park. Photo – Sally Bostwick/Parks and Wildlife – from the New Zealand fur seals that live in Walpole and Nornalup Inlets Marine Above left Cuttlefish are one of the park’s charismatic creatures. Park on the State’s south coast to the leafy Photo – Pam Sutton/Parks and Wildlife sea dragons of Ngari Capes Marine Park in the south-west; from the stromatolites Above Sunset at Marmion Marine Park. of Hamelin Pool Marine Nature Reserve Photo – Ann Storrie in Shark Bay, to the nursing humpbacks of Lalang-garram / Camden Sound Marine Park in the Kimberley; and a suite of camping and fishing site during the On 13 March 1987 the marine park, marine plants and animals along the coast warmer months. In the 1960s the which at the time was dubbed the ‘Kings that is found nowhere outside Australian natural and recreational values of the Park of the ocean’, was gazetted – waters. Marmion reef and lagoon ecosystems protecting 9,500 hectares of urban coastal The historic first steps towards WA’s were noted by the Australian Marine waters and foreshore lands from Trigg to marine reserve system occurred in 1987, Science Association. More than 20 years Burns Beach and extending 5.5 kilometres when the first two marine parks were later, a study recommended that the offshore. Thirty years later, the marine created – at Marmion in Perth and at Environmental Protection Authority park attracts as many as 1.75 million visits Ningaloo, near Exmouth – to conserve assess the Sorrento–Mullaloo reefs each year from people who enjoy the our magnificent marine species. This with the aim of establishing an ‘aquatic ocean and beaches as part of a number of visionary move began the process of reserve’. In 1985, the then Department recreational pursuits. conserving areas of marine biodiversity of Conservation and Environment Marmion Marine Park boasts beautiful and providing special places for people commissioned a study to characterise shallow lagoons perfect for wading and to enjoy, appreciate and learn about the and describe the marine environments beachcombing, stunning swimming and spectacular marine life of WA. and communities of the area and to surfing beaches, and reefs and small islands identify and evaluate present and future for divers and snorkellers to explore. DIVER’S PARADISE IN OUR impacts on the proposed marine reserve. A variety of fish live in the caves SUBURBS This research formed the basis of a draft and ledges of the reef areas, including The waters of Marmion Marine Park management plan for the marine park, western blue devils, old wives, banded were long used by the Nyoongar people, which was prepared with input from more sweep, crested and dusky morwong, with Trigg Beach being a documented than 65 community and interest groups. horseshoe leatherjackets, truncate

14 LANDSCOPE Above Marmion Marine Park provides a perfect kayaking spot. Photo – Peter Nicholas/Parks and Wildlife

Left An aerial photo of Hillarys Boat Harbour, and its surrounds taken in 1987. Photo – State Library of WA

coralfish, bullseyes, wrasse and red-striped 2016. Humpback whales pass through cardinalfish. You may also be lucky enough the deeper waters during their annual to spot colourful nudibranches (sea slugs), migration between June and November. sponges, sea fans, hydroids, sea urchins Tours are available from Hillarys Boat and sea squirts. Green turtles also occur in Harbour to take people out to get a closer the area. look at these mammoth creatures – whose A number of diving and snorkelling fate is a far cry from those targeted by opportunities exist in the park for those whaling between 1849 and 1852 when a keen to glimpse these amazing species. whaling station operated from the beach A WATERY WONDERLAND One of Perth’s most popular dive sites, at Sorrento (just south of where the More than 1,500 kilometres north Boyinaboat Reef, is just 75 metres from Sorrento Life Saving Club now stands). of Marmion Marine Park, adjacent to the sea wall of Hillarys Boat Harbour. The station was established by Irish the Ningaloo Coast from Red Bluff in Located in a sanctuary (no-take) zone, settler Patrick Marmion, from whom the south to Bundegi in Exmouth Gulf, it lies in about six metres of water at the the park gets its name. For a century, lies Australia’s largest fringing coral reef southern end of a chain of inshore reefs. the abandoned whaling station was a – Ningaloo. This magnificent marine Alternatively, boat-based diving can be prominent landmark along the coast due environment finally became a marine park enjoyed at North Lump, Wreck Rock, Cow to the large brick chimney that formed in August 1987, after a long and hard- Rocks and Wanneroo Reef. The Centaur, part of the processing works. For decades fought journey. which was wrecked in 1874 in the southern it was used as a navigation aid for boats, Like Marmion Marine Park, the part of the park, is also a popular dive spot. until finally being demolished in 1953. Australian Marine Science Association Mettams Pool offers fantastic snorkelling Seabirds flock to the area throughout identified that Ningaloo should be close to the shore, which is perfect for kids the year and are best viewed at Little protected as a marine park in the and those building confidence. Island, Burns Rocks, Trigg Island and 1960s. This recommendation was again Bottlenose dolphins and Australian Hillarys Boat Harbour, and gannets, made in 1974 by the Conservation and sea lions can be spotted throughout the ospreys and sea-eagles are frequently seen Reserves Committee, and in 1975 the year in the park, with an unusual white diving for fish out to sea. Caspian terns, Environmental Protection Authority sea lion even recorded swimming with oystercatchers and little pied cormorants reviewed the recommendation and its darker relatives at Burns Rocks in late can often be seen along the beaches. submitted it to State Cabinet.

LANDSCOPE 15 Top Lionfish are found in the reefs of Ningaloo Marine Park Photo – Tony Howard/Parks and Wildlife

Above Five species of turtle occur in Ningaloo Marine Park, including the Hawksbill turtle. Photo – Tourism WA

Know your zones Sanctuary zones are look but don’t take zones. No extractive activities are permitted in these zones, which mean no recreational or commercial fishing or removal of marine life or habitats is allowed. Mining activities are also prohibited. Special purpose zones are managed for a particular priority purpose such as a seasonal event or type of activity. Uses that are incompatible with the priority purpose are not permitted. Recreation zones are managed for nature conservation and recreation, including recreational fishing where this is compatible with maintaining conservation values. General use zones are managed for nature conservation while allowing for sustainable commercial and recreational activities.

16 LANDSCOPE Above left The magnificent waters of Ningaloo Marine Park. “The area was Photo – Sally Bostwick/Parks and Wildlife acknowledged for its Above The waters of Ningaloo Marine Park house a raft of coral, fish and megafauna tourism, fisheries and to discover. research values and the local Photo – Tourism WA community was optimistic Left An ancient shell necklace was found, providing clues into aboriginal use of the that marine park status area. would increase visitor Photo – Parks and Wildlife numbers.”

The recommendation was endorsed in when Ningaloo Reef was awarded World with commercial rock lobster fishing also February 1976; however, in the absence Heritage status. carried out. During the 1970s and 1980s of legislation to create an ‘aquatic national Of course these events have occurred the area became a drawcard for visiting park’, the area was managed under in the relatively recent history of the recreational fishers, an activity still popular the Fisheries Act by the Department area, with Aboriginal people inhabiting today. Fortunately, the marine park of Fisheries and Wildlife. The area the Cape Range Peninsula for at least affords protection to the area’s vast array was acknowledged for its tourism, 30,000 years. Deposits of marine shells; of marine plants and animals while still fisheries and research values and the the remains of crabs, sea urchins, turtles, offering visitors the opportunity to catch a local community was optimistic that turtle eggs and dugongs; and even an fish for their dinner in most of the park. marine park status would increase visitor ancient shell necklace were found in Beneath the idyllic turquoise waters numbers. Finally in 1987, Ningaloo Marine the area and have provided clues into lies a riot of up to 500 fish species including Park was proclaimed by the State and Aboriginal culture. Clark’s anemonefish, convict surgeonfish, Commonwealth governments with more European pastoralists arrived in the beaked leatherjackets, blue angelfish, blue than 5,000 square kilometres protected. area in the 1880s but pressure on the spotted rays, lionfish, blue-green chromis The park boundaries were amended in ocean and its marine life began as early and yellow boxfish and as many as 200 1992, and were extended in 2004 to as 1792 when American whalers began coral species. Many of these can be viewed cover the whole 300-kilometre reef operating off the coast, with commercial just metres from the beaches along the system with no-take ‘sanctuary zones’ whaling occurring in the area up until entire coast with Lakeside, Turquoise Bay, increased from eight to 34 per cent of the 1963. Commercial turtle harvesting Gnaraloo Bay, Sandy Point and Coral Bay marine park. In 2011, the significance of began in the 1960s and many thousands being some of the most popular areas. this area was internationally recognised of turtles were harvested from the area, Those looking for a bit more adventure

LANDSCOPE 17 can combine snorkelling with kayaking at food webs to flourish, attracting the large Above left The opportunity to swim with the moorings at Bundegi Beach, Coral Bay, filter feeders including the whale sharks whale sharks draws thousands of visitors to Osprey Bay and Tantabiddi (see ‘Adventure and manta rays. Visitors also have the Ningaloo Marine Park each year. Photos – Danielle Robb/Parks and Wildlife out: Kayaking on Ningaloo Coast’, opportunity to watch turtles nesting – LANDSCOPE, Winter 2014). the unforgettable sight of tiny hatchlings Above top Yellow polyps (Tubastrea sp.) is one The charismatic megafauna found erupting from their nests on the beaches is species that occurs in the park. at Ningaloo have led it to be considered one to behold. People can also learn about Photo – Tony Howard/Parks and Wildlife the marine megafauna capital of the the species that occur in the marine park Above Unique and spectacular marine life for world. Where else can people encounter – loggerhead, green, flatback, leatherback divers and snorkellers to discover is abundant several species of dolphins (including the and hawksbill – at the Jurabi Turtle Centre. at Ningaloo and Marmion Marine Parks. newly recognised Australasian humpback Ningaloo Marine Park receives more Photo – Doug Coughran/Parks and Wildlife. dolphin), three species of threatened than 500,000 visits a year. Since its turtles, dugongs, giant manta rays, the gazettal in 1987, significant works have largest population of migrating humpback been undertaken to support nature- whales in the world, as well as killer whales, based tourism in the marine park and being developed by the Commonwealth minke whales, pilot whales, pygmy blue the adjacent Cape Range National Park. and all of the Australian States and whales and of course whale sharks. Recent upgrades to the national park the Northern Territory. Central to this Visitors can join one of the organised provide opportunities for people to camp work – and similar to that underpinning charters from April to July each year to at Kurrajong and Osprey Bay while the terrestrial reserve system – is the experience the whale sharks. These gentle providing easy access to the nearby idea of a comprehensive, adequate giants can grow up to 16 metres long and marine environment. and representative (CAR) reserve weigh 11 tonnes. They are thought to live system. In WA, this seeks to ensure that for up to 100 years and only reach sexual FORWARD FLOW where possible marine conservation is maturity after 30 years. Swimming with In the years since Marmion and ‘comprehensive’ (that WA has marine them is simply amazing and for many Ningaloo marine parks were created, 15 reserves within each of its 19 marine visitors is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. other marine parks have followed. Like the bioregions); ‘adequate’ (that reserves are Tour operators in the area also take visitors originals, these were created to protect of the necessary number, size and tenure to view the coral from glass-bottom boats, natural features, and cultural and aesthetic status to provide effective long-term as well as on dive charters, swimming with values, while allowing sustainable protection); and ‘representative’ of plants manta rays and marine wildlife, and whale recreational and commercial uses to and animals found in Western Australian watching tours. Mass coral spawning continue. To meet their obligations in waters. occurs each year after the full moon in national and international agreements and The Western Australian March or April and is a further drawcard conventions, a National Representative marine reserve system followed the for visitors. The spawning allows coastal System of Marine Protected Areas is recommendations outlined in the Wilson

18 LANDSCOPE Explore Marine Parks WA on your phone

Marine Parks WA is a free Parks and Wildlife app that Explore provides users with Marine Parks WA an easy-to-use guide to the State’s marine parks as well as information about common and unusual marine species. The ‘Explore Marine Parks’ section gives users access to maps to help them plan their routes and check their Report headed by Dr Barry Wilson. The WA’s waters, of which 2.4 per cent are location. Detailed park maps provide report was the result of seven years’ work in sanctuary (no-take) areas. This is information about what activities can in which Dr Wilson and his colleagues complemented by fisheries regulations, be carried out (including fishing) in considered the State’s 12,500-kilometre which also apply in all marine parks. different zones. coastline and identified areas which By working together to reduce human A ‘Wildlife’ section describes a few were to be investigated for their marine impacts on the marine environment we key species that can be found in each conservation values and possible can preserve it for the enjoyment of future area and provides information about dedication as conservation reserves. generations and protect our precious some of the State’s most interesting Within each marine park there may marine life for years to come. and iconic marine species, which you be four types of management zones that can search for by name or location. cater for a range of activities. These are Because you download the data recreation zones, general use zones, onto your iPhone or iPad, you can ‘no-take’ areas known as sanctuary zones access the information whenever you and special purpose zones. WA also has need it, even if you’re out of range. one ‘marine nature reserve’ at Hamelin The Marine Parks WA app was Pool, a ‘look but don’t take’ area created developed by Parks and Wildlife with primarily for conservation and scientific support from Department of Fisheries research to protect a particular significant and ExxonMobil Australia and is ecosystem or habitat, in this case the available for free for iPhones and iPads. marine stromatolites. Search for ‘Marine Parks WA’ on the As we look back on the past 30 years, app store. we can be proud that what started as two pioneering marine parks is now part of a statewide system of marine parks and reserves. Together our marine Rhianna King is a LANDSCOPE editor and can be contacted on (08) 9219 9903 parks conserve about 18 per cent of by email ([email protected]). Peter Barnes is a Parks and Wildlife marine program coordinator based in Exmouth. He can be contacted on Above Kitesurfing is popular at a number (08) 9947 8000 or by email of spots along the WA coast. ([email protected]). Photo – Parks and Wildlife For more information about marine parks in Western Australia, visit www.dpaw.wa.gov. Right Yellow box fish. au/management/marine/marine-parks-wa. Photo – Johnny Gaskell

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