Ecosystems Nature’S Diversity >

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

Ecosystems Nature’S Diversity > Assessment Report Ecosystems nature’s diversity > Healthy wisely for the Healthy oceans: for the The South-east Regional Marine Plan Title: Ecosystems – Nature’s diversity The South-east Regional Marine Plan Assessment Reports Copyright: National Oceans Office 2002 Disclaimer: This report was prepared by the National Oceans Office to assist with consultation on the development of the South-east Regional Marine Plan, as part of the Commonwealth Government’s Australia’s Oceans Policy. The views expressed in this report are not necessarily those of the Commonwealth. The Commonwealth does not accept responsibility for the contents of this report. Sourcing: Copies of this report are available from: The National Oceans Office Level 1, 80 Elizabeth St, Hobart GPO Box 2139 Hobart TAS 7001 Tel: +61 3 6221 5000 Fax: +61 3 6221 5050 www.oceans.gov.au For further information about this report, contact Ester Guerzoni, Public Affairs Officer, tel (03) 6221 5000. Reproduction: Information in this report may be reproduced in whole or in part for study or training purposes, subject to the inclusion of acknowledgment of the source and provided no commercial usage or sale of the material occurs. Reproduction for purposes other than those given above requires written permission from the National Oceans Office. Requests for permission should be addressed to the Public Affairs Officer, National Oceans Office, GPO Box 2139, Hobart TAS 7001. Credits: Design: CSIRO Marine Research Prepress: Photolith Printing: Printing Authority of Tasmania Published by the National Oceans Office Photographs: Sea plant (cover), seals, starfish, seaweed © Karen Gowlett-Holmes; squid (cover) © Dave Stevenson; spray/waves (cover), microscopic sea organism © CSIRO Marine Research Division State Library Ref: Ecosystems – Nature’s diversity South-east Regional Marine Plan Assessment Reports 1-877043-14-1 Ecosystems Contents nature’s diversity nature’s Executive Summary . .ii Chapter 3: Ecosystem links and functions . .45 Preface . .iv Life in the ocean . .45 Introduction . 1 Energy sources, nutrient flows Ecosystem-based management . .2 and biological production . .45 Ecological boundaries and Energy flows and food webs . .46 the scope of this assessment . .2 Population dynamics and Structure and contents of this report . .3 life-history strategies . .47 Chapter 1: The state of knowledge . .5 Marine life history strategies . .48 Hidden and unsuspected wealth Dispersal and migration . .49 in the deep sea . .5 Structural complexity . .50 Complex seafloor topography . .5 Large-scale processes in the Region . .51 Unique and unfamiliar organisms . .6 Primary production . .51 Understanding species interactions . .7 Energy transfer . .52 Chapter 2: Ecosystems . .8 Nutrients . .52 Classifying ecosystems . .8 Food supply . .53 A matter of scale . .8 Dispersal and migration . .53 Nested structures . .9 Larval dispersal and survival . .55 Broad environment types . .10 Migration . .56 Creating manageable units . .11 Ecosystems examples . .57 Large Marine Domains . .11 Relevant terrestrial environments . .57 Interim Marine and Coastal Inshore and inner shelf . .58 Regionalisation of Australia . .12 Mid and outer shelf . .64 Interim Bioregionalisation . .13 Continental slope . .68 The seascape of the Pelagic . .72 South-east Marine Region . .18 Regional links . .83 Geological history . .18 Land-ocean links . .83 Oceanographic characteristics . .25 Seafloor-water column links . .83 Life in the South-east Marine Region . .32 Inshore-offshore links . .84 A global hot spot of marine biodiversity . .32 Chapter 4: The ecological basis for planning in the South-east High levels of endemic species . .32 Marine Region . .85 Broad-scale patterns of Appendicies species distribution and richness . .33 Marine flora . .34 Appendix A: IMCRA meso-scale bioregions in the South-east Marine Region . .89 Marine invertebrates . .37 Appendix B: Interim Bioregionalisation Vertebrates . .40 of deep water environments of the Threatened species . .42 South-east Marine Region . .96 Introduced marine species . .43 Appendix C: South-east Marine Region commercial fish species . .107 Appendix D: Species of Conservation Significance – status and ecological profile . .148 Appendix E: Working Group membership and terms of reference . .204 References . .205 i > ecosystems – nature’s diversity This assessment will help towards developing an ecosystem-based regional marine plan for the South- east Marine Region by providing an overview of the structure and function of the ecosystems of the Region. Executive Summary The focus of the assessment is on providing key inputs for developing an ecosystem-based regional marine plan. Although Australia’s history of large-scale use of marine These inputs include an Interim Bioregionalisation and resources may be short, it has nevertheless left its mark Conceptual Models of the functional links between on the ecosystems of the South-east Marine Region. ecosystems, along with general background information on Pressures to use the ocean’s wealth means that we need the physical and biological characteristics of the Region. to put in place a way of managing all our interests as As well, the assessment includes a review of the state matter of increasing urgency to ensure the sustainability of of knowledge of the biological and physical characteristics marine resources. This requires an understanding of the of the Region gathered from relevant scientific literature ocean ecosystems and their responses to human uses and meetings with experts as well as a series of and our capacity to predict outcomes. commissioned projects. Despite the recent advances in understanding marine It provides useful tools and information that will assist ecosystems our knowledge of the Region is embryonic us in the next phase of the regional marine planning and this state of knowledge, combined with the complex process, as we move from the assessments phase to and dynamic nature of marine ecosystems, have developing a regional marine plan. implications for management. Ecosystem-based management is a significant shift in the management of human use of the environment. In principle, it recognises that ecosystems are complex, interconnected and dynamic and that we rely on these ecosystems for essential resources. It also recognises that our ability to accurately predict the outcomes of our use of marine resources is imperfect, and the need to develop precautionary, adapative structures to minimise the risk of irreversible change to the ecosystems. This shift is a response to the growing realisation that we need to move to a more integrated approach for assessing and managing human use of natural resources if we are to maintain healthy marine ecosystems and the benefits we derive from them. ii ecosystems – nature’s diversity Ecosystems To provide the ecological foundations for the development of ecosystem-based planning and management arrangements for the Region, the diversity nature’s biological and physical assessment is organised into three streams of work: The Interim Bioregionalisation is the first step in developing planning, management and monitoring • ecosystem structure – devising planning units based arrangements based on our current knowledge of the on the characteristics of the ecosystem. The major ecological structure of the Region. The Conceptual outcome is an Interim Bioregionalisation for the Models give an overview of our current understanding Region. A Working Group provided expert advice of the key processes that drive the dynamics of the and assistance, and eight research projects were different ecosystem types in the Region and what that commissioned to develop the bioregions. tells us about their potential vulnerability to different • ecosystem function – understanding the dynamics human activities. The synthesis of our current knowledge of the ecosystems in the Region and the physical describes the diversity of plants and animals that and ecological processes that link them. The major comprise the ecosystems of the Region, how they vary outcome of this work is a set of ecosystem Conceptual in different parts of the Region, and the current status Models – illustrative graphics and accompanying text of species of conservation or resource significance. Each – that provide a basis for developing ecosystem of these components develops our understanding of the objectives and indicators. A Working Group provided ecosystems of the Region. expert advice and assistance. The next steps in developing ecosystem-based regional • synthesising existing knowledge - gathering published marine plans for the Region are to define planning and scientific information on the structure and function management boundaries, and develop objectives and of the Region’s ecosystems. We have used this indicators for ecosystems, to be used in performance information in developing the ecosystem Conceptual assessment and management feedback. While the Models and the content for this assessment report. information obtained from this assessment will inform each of these steps, they need to be developed in conjunction with information from the other assessment streams and with the direct participation of all stakeholders. iii > ecosystems – nature’s diversity Preface Australia’s Oceans Policy and regional marine planning provides a framework for the people of Australia to explore, use, protect and enjoy our extensive marine resources. As its base, the Policy recognises the need to protect the biological diversity of the marine
Recommended publications
  • The Vocalisation of the John Dory, Zeus Faber
    RESEARCH ARTICLE Barking mad: The vocalisation of the John Dory, Zeus faber 1 1 1,2 Craig A. RadfordID *, Rosalyn L. PutlandID , Allen F. Mensinger 1 Leigh Marine Laboratory, Institute of Marine Science, University of Auckland, Warkworth, New Zealand, 2 Biology Department, University of Minnesota Duluth, Duluth, MN, United States of America * [email protected] a1111111111 a1111111111 Abstract a1111111111 a1111111111 Studies on the behavioural function of sounds are very rare within heterospecific interac- a1111111111 tions. John Dory (Zeus faber) is a solitary, predatory fish that produces sound when cap- tured, but has not been documented to vocalize under natural conditions (i.e. in the wild). The present study provides the first in-situ recordings of John Dory vocalisations and corre- lates them to behavioural response of snapper (Pagrus auratus) a common species found OPEN ACCESS through New Zealand. Vocalisations or `barks', ranged between 200±600 Hz, with a peak frequency of 312 10 Hz and averaged 139 4 milliseconds in length. Baited underwater Citation: Radford CA, Putland RL, Mensinger AF ± ± (2018) Barking mad: The vocalisation of the John video (BUV) equipped with hydrophones determined that under natural conditions a John Dory, Zeus faber. PLoS ONE 13(10): e0204647. Dory vocalization induced an escape response in snapper present, causing them to exit the https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0204647 area opposite to the position of the John Dory. We speculate that the John Dory vocalisation Editor: Dennis M. Higgs, University of Windsor, may be used for territorial display towards both conspecifics and heterospecifics, asserting CANADA dominance in the area or heightening predatory status.
    [Show full text]
  • Conservation of Handfish and Their Habitats – Annual Report Tim Lynch, Tyson Bessell, Alexander Hormann, Carlie Devine and Neville Barrett
    Conservation of handfish and their habitats – annual report Tim Lynch, Tyson Bessell, Alexander Hormann, Carlie Devine and Neville Barrett Project A10 – Conservation of spotted handfish 28 February 2019 Milestone 4– Research Plan 4 (2018) www.nespmarine.edu.au Enquiries should be addressed to: Dr Tim P. Lynch Senior Research Scientist CSIRO Castray Esplanade [email protected] Project Leader’s Distribution List Derwent Estuary Program Ursula Taylor Zoo and Aquarium Association (ZAA) Craig Thorburn Natural Resource Management (NRM) Nepelle Crane South MAST Ian Ross Royal Yacht Club of Tasmania Nick Hutton Derwent Sailing Squadron Shaun Tiedemann The Handfish Recovery Team (HRT) See list below Marine and Freshwater Species Conservation Section Wildlife, Heritage and Marine Division Department of the Environment and Energy (DoEE) Threatened Species Policy and Andrew Crane Conservation Advice Branch Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment (DPIPWE) Office of the Threatened Species Commissioner (DoEE) The project will also report its findings on a semi-annual basis to the National Handfish Recovery Team (NHRT) – see below. This is a governance body that is constituted between the Tasmanian State and the Commonwealth government with other interested parties: Department of the Environment and Energy (Commonwealth) Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Andrew Crane Environment (Tas) CSIRO scientist, running current surveys and substrate trials Tim Lynch (Chair) University of Tasmania, handfish research Neville
    [Show full text]
  • Demersal and Epibenthic Assemblages of Trawlable Grounds in the Northern Alboran Sea (Western Mediterranean)
    SCIENTIA MARINA 71(3) September 2007, 513-524, Barcelona (Spain) ISSN: 0214-8358 Demersal and epibenthic assemblages of trawlable grounds in the northern Alboran Sea (western Mediterranean) ESTHER ABAD 1, IZASKUN PRECIADO 1, ALBERTO SERRANO 1 and JORGE BARO 2 1 Centro Oceanográfico de Santander, Instituto Español de Oceanografía, Promontorio de San Martín, s/n, P.O. Box 240, 39080 Santander, Spain. E-mail: [email protected] 2 Centro Oceanográfico de Málaga, Instituto Español de Oceanografía, Puerto Pesquero s/n, P.O. Box 285, 29640 Fuengirola, Málaga, Spain SUMMARY: The composition and abundance of megabenthic fauna caught by the commercial trawl fleet in the Alboran Sea were studied. A total of 28 hauls were carried out at depths ranging from 50 to 640 m. As a result of a hierarchical clas- sification analysis four assemblages were detected: (1) the outer shelf group (50-150 m), characterised by Octopus vulgaris and Cepola macrophthalma; (2) the upper slope group (151-350 m), characterised by Micromesistius poutassou, with Plesionika heterocarpus and Parapenaeus longirostris as secondary species; (3) the middle slope group (351-640 m), char- acterised by M. poutassou, Nephrops norvegicus and Caelorhincus caelorhincus, and (4) the small seamount Seco de los Olivos (310-360 m), characterised by M. poutassou, Helicolenus dactylopterus and Gadiculus argenteus, together with Chlorophthalmus agassizi, Stichopus regalis and Palinurus mauritanicus. The results also revealed significantly higher abundances in the Seco de los Olivos seamount, probably related to a higher food availability caused by strong localised cur- rents and upwellings that enhanced primary production. Although depth proved to be the main structuring factor, others such as sediment type and food availability also appeared to be important.
    [Show full text]
  • J. Mar. Biol. Ass. UK (1958) 37, 7°5-752
    J. mar. biol. Ass. U.K. (1958) 37, 7°5-752 Printed in Great Britain OBSERVATIONS ON LUMINESCENCE IN PELAGIC ANIMALS By J. A. C. NICOL The Plymouth Laboratory (Plate I and Text-figs. 1-19) Luminescence is very common among marine animals, and many species possess highly developed photophores or light-emitting organs. It is probable, therefore, that luminescence plays an important part in the economy of their lives. A few determinations of the spectral composition and intensity of light emitted by marine animals are available (Coblentz & Hughes, 1926; Eymers & van Schouwenburg, 1937; Clarke & Backus, 1956; Kampa & Boden, 1957; Nicol, 1957b, c, 1958a, b). More data of this kind are desirable in order to estimate the visual efficiency of luminescence, distances at which luminescence can be perceived, the contribution it makes to general back• ground illumination, etc. With such information it should be possible to discuss. more profitably such biological problems as the role of luminescence in intraspecific signalling, sex recognition, swarming, and attraction or re• pulsion between species. As a contribution to this field I have measured the intensities of light emitted by some pelagic species of animals. Most of the work to be described in this paper was carried out during cruises of R. V. 'Sarsia' and RRS. 'Discovery II' (Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom and National Institute of Oceanography, respectively). Collections were made at various stations in the East Atlantic between 30° N. and 48° N. The apparatus for measuring light intensities was calibrated ashore at the Plymouth Laboratory; measurements of animal light were made at sea.
    [Show full text]
  • Low Plastic Ingestion Rate in Atlantic
    bioRxiv preprint doi: https://doi.org/10.1101/080986; this version posted October 14, 2016. The copyright holder for this preprint (which was not certified by peer review) is the author/funder, who has granted bioRxiv a license to display the preprint in perpetuity. It is made available under aCC-BY-NC-ND 4.0 International license. 1 Low plastic ingestion rate in Atlantic Cod (Gadus morhua) from 2 Newfoundland destined for human consumption collected 3 through citizen science methods 4 5 Max Liboiron*1,2, 3, 5, France Liboiron4, 5, Emily Wells4, 5, Natalie Richárd2, 5, Alexander Zahara2, 5, Charles 6 Mather2, 5, Hillary Bradshaw2,5, Judyannet Murichi1, 5 7 8 1 Department of Sociology, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, Newfoundland, A1C 5S7, 9 Canada 10 2 Department of Geography, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, Newfoundland, A1B 11 3X9, Canada 12 3 Program in Environmental Sciences, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, Newfoundland, 13 A1C 5S7, Canada 14 4 Department of Biology, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's, Newfoundland, A1B 3X9, 15 Canada 16 5 Civic Laboratory for Environmental Action Research (CLEAR), Memorial University of Newfoundland, 17 St. John's, Newfoundland, A1B 3X9, Canada 18 19 20 *Corresponding author. 21 E-mail: [email protected] 22 Address: AA4057, Memorial University of Newfoundland, 230 Elizabeth Avenue, St. John's, NL, A1C 23 5S7 24 25 Abstract 26 27 Marine microplastics are a contaminant of concern because their small size allows ingestion by a 28 wide range of marine life. Using citizen science during the Newfoundland recreational cod 29 fishery, we sampled 205 Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) destined for human consumption and 30 found that 5 had eaten plastic, an ingestion prevalence rate of 2.4%.
    [Show full text]
  • Transactions
    A NEW PLATYDORIS (GASTROPODA: NUDIBRANCHIA) FROM THE GALAPAGOS ISLANDS DAVID K. MULLINER AND GALE G. SPHON TRANSACTIONS OF THE SAN DIEGO SOCIETY OF NATURAL HISTORY VOL. 17, NO. 15 12 APRIL 1974 A NEW PLATYDORIS (GASTROPODA; NUDIBRANCHIA) FROM THE GALAPAGOS ISLANDS DAVID K. MULLINER AND GALE G. SPHON ABSTRACT.—Platydoris carolynaen. sp. is described from the Galapagos Islands and compared with the two eastern Pacific species of Platydoris and with P. scabra, the only member of this genus with wide distributional limits. Platydorids are rasping sponge feeders that live in tropical and temperate oceans. The distribution and nomenclature of the 36 known species is reviewed briefly. The nudibranch fauna of the Galapagos Islands has been neglected by previous workers. Apparently, only two species, Doris peruviana Orbigny 1837 and Onchidium lesliei Stearns 1893, have been reported (Pilsbry and Vanatta, 1902: 556; Stearns, 1893: 383). Yet, in March 1971 members of the Ameripagos Expedition to the Galapagos Islands collected at least 15 species of nudibranchs, some of them fairly common, at various localities in the islands (Sphon and Mulliner, 1972). Included among these was a previously undescribed species of Platydoris that was found at several localities, and which may be endemic to these islands. In this paper, we describe this new species, and briefly review the distribution and nomenclature of Platydoris. BIOGEOGRAPHY Members of the genus Platydoris are sluggish, retiring invertebrates that cling tightly to crevices on the underside of rocks and coral heads. They are found in tropical and temperate waters from 40° N latitude to 32° S latitude. All but one of the thirty-six known species have limited ranges, usually consisting of one shoreline, one island chain, or one location (Fig.
    [Show full text]
  • Grazing by Pyrosoma Atlanticum (Tunicata, Thaliacea) in the South Indian Ocean
    MARINE ECOLOGY PROGRESS SERIES Vol. 330: 1–11, 2007 Published January 25 Mar Ecol Prog Ser OPENPEN ACCESSCCESS FEATURE ARTICLE Grazing by Pyrosoma atlanticum (Tunicata, Thaliacea) in the south Indian Ocean R. Perissinotto1,*, P. Mayzaud2, P. D. Nichols3, J. P. Labat2 1School of Biological & Conservation Sciences, G. Campbell Building, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Howard College Campus, Durban 4041, South Africa 2Océanographie Biochimique, Observatoire Océanologique, LOV-UMR CNRS 7093, BP 28, 06230 Villefranche-sur-Mer, France 3Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), Marine and Atmospheric Research, Castray Esplanade, Hobart, Tasmania 7001, Australia ABSTRACT: Pyrosomas are colonial tunicates capable of forming dense aggregations. Their trophic function in the ocean, as well as their ecology and physiology in general, are extremely poorly known. During the ANTARES-4 survey (January and February 1999) their feeding dynamics were investigated in the south Indian Ocean. Results show that their in situ clearance rates may be among the highest recorded in any pelagic grazer, with up to 35 l h–1 per colony (length: 17.9 ± 4.3 [SD] cm). Gut pigment destruction rates, estimated for the first time in this tunicate group, are higher than those previously measured in salps and appendiculari- ans, ranging from 54 to virtually 100% (mean: 79.7 ± 19.8%) of total pigment ingested. Although individual colony ingestion rates were high (39.6 ± 17.3 [SD] µg –1 The pelagic tunicate Pyrosoma atlanticum conducts diel pigment d ), the total impact on the phytoplankton vertical migrations. Employing continuous jet propulsion, its biomass and production in the Agulhas Front was rela- colonies attain clearance rates that are among the highest in tively low, 0.01 to 4.91% and 0.02 to 5.74% respec- any zooplankton grazer.
    [Show full text]
  • Stomach Content Analysis of Short-Finned Pilot Whales
    f MARCH 1986 STOMACH CONTENT ANALYSIS OF SHORT-FINNED PILOT WHALES h (Globicephala macrorhynchus) AND NORTHERN ELEPHANT SEALS (Mirounga angustirostris) FROM THE SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA BIGHT by Elizabeth S. Hacker ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT LJ-86-08C f This Administrative Report is issued as an informal document to ensure prompt dissemination of preliminary results, interim reports and special studies. We recommend that it not be abstracted or cited. STOMACH CONTENT ANALYSIS OF SHORT-FINNED PILOT WHALES (GLOBICEPHALA MACRORHYNCHUS) AND NORTHERN ELEPHANT SEALS (MIROUNGA ANGUSTIROSTRIS) FROM THE SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA BIGHT Elizabeth S. Hacker College of Oceanography Oregon State University Corvallis, Oregon 97331 March 1986 S H i I , LIBRARY >66 MAR 0 2 2007 ‘ National uooarac & Atmospheric Administration U.S. Dept, of Commerce This report was prepared by Elizabeth S. Hacker under contract No. 84-ABA-02592 for the National Marine Fisheries Service, Southwest Fisheries Center, La Jolla, California. The statements, findings, conclusions and recommendations herein are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Marine Fisheries Service. Charles W. Oliver of the Southwest Fisheries Center served as Contract Officer's Technical Representative for this contract. ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT LJ-86-08C CONTENTS PAGE INTRODUCTION.................. 1 METHODS....................... 2 Sample Collection........ 2 Sample Identification.... 2 Sample Analysis.......... 3 RESULTS....................... 3 Globicephala macrorhynchus 3 Mirounga angustirostris... 4 DISCUSSION.................... 6 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS.............. 11 REFERENCES.............. 12 i LIST OF TABLES TABLE PAGE 1 Collection data for Globicephala macrorhynchus examined from the Southern California Bight........ 19 2 Collection data for Mirounga angustirostris examined from the Southern California Bight........ 20 3 Stomach contents of Globicephala macrorhynchus examined from the Southern California Bight.......
    [Show full text]
  • Flinders Island Tourism and Business Inc. /Visitflindersisland
    Flinders Island Tourism and Business Inc. www.visitflindersisland.com.au /visitflindersisland @visitflindersisland A submission to the Rural & Regional Affairs and Transport References Committee The operation, regulation and funding of air route service delivery to rural, regional and remote communities with particular reference to: Background The Furneaux Islands consist of 52 islands with Cape Barren and Flinders Island being the largest. The local Government resident population at the 2016 census was 906 and rose 16 % between the last two censuses. The Flinders Island Tourism & Business Inc. (FITBI)represents 70 members across retail, tourism, fishing and agriculture. It plays a key role in developing the visitor economy through marketing to potential visitors as well as attracting residents to the island. In 2016, FITBI launched a four-year marketing program. The Flinders Island Airport at Whitemark is the gateway to the island. It has been owned by the Flinders Council since hand over by the Commonwealth Government in the early 1990’s. Being a remote a community the airport is a critical to the island from a social and economic point of view. It’s the key connection to Tasmania (Launceston) and Victoria. The local residents must use air transport be that for health or family reasons. The high cost of the air service impacts on the cost of living as well as discouraging visitors to visit the island. It is particularly hard for low income families. The only access via sea is with the barge, Matthew Flinders 11, operated by Furneaux Freight out of Bridport. This vessel has very basic facilities for passengers and takes 8hours one way.
    [Show full text]
  • 1. Leg 189 Summary1
    Exon, N.F., Kennett, J.P., Malone, M.J., et al., 2001 Proceedings of the Ocean Drilling Program, Initial Reports Volume 189 1. LEG 189 SUMMARY1 Shipboard Scientific Party2 ABSTRACT The Cenozoic Era is unusual in its development of major ice sheets. Progressive high-latitude cooling during the Cenozoic eventually formed major ice sheets, initially on Antarctica and later in the North- ern Hemisphere. In the early 1970s, a hypothesis was proposed that cli- matic cooling and an Antarctic cryosphere developed as the Antarctic Circumpolar Current progressively thermally isolated the Antarctic continent. This current resulted from the opening of the Tasmanian Gateway south of Tasmania during the Paleogene and the Drake Pas- sage during the earliest Neogene. The five Leg 189 drill sites, in 2463 to 3568 m water depths, tested, refined, and extended the above hypothesis, greatly improving under- standing of Southern Ocean evolution and its relation with Antarctic climatic development. The relatively shallow region off Tasmania is one of the few places where well-preserved and almost-complete marine Cenozoic carbonate-rich sequences can be drilled in present-day lati- tudes of 40°–50°S and paleolatitudes of up to 70°S. The broad geological history of all the sites was comparable, although there are important differences among the three sites in the Indian Ocean and the two sites in the Pacific Ocean, as well as from north to south. In all, 4539 m of core was recovered with an excellent overall recov- ery of 89%, with the deepest core hole penetrating 960 m beneath the seafloor. The entire sedimentary sequence cored is marine and contains a wealth of microfossil assemblages that record marine conditions from the Late Cretaceous (Maastrichtian) to the late Quaternary and domi- nantly terrestrially derived sediments until the earliest Oligocene.
    [Show full text]
  • Proposed Development Information to Accompany
    ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT TO ACCOMPANY DRAFT AMENDMENT NO.6 TO D’ENTRECASTEAUX CHANNEL MARINE FARMING DEVELOPMENT PLAN FEBRUARY 2002 PROPONENT: TASSAL OPERATIONS PTY LTD Glossary ADCP Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler AGD Amoebic Gill Disease ASC Aquaculture Stewardship Council BAP Best Aquaculture Practices BEMP Broadscale Environmental Monitoring Program CAMBA China-Australia Migratory Bird Agreement CEO Chief Executive Officer COBP Code of Best Practice CSER corporate, social and environmental responsibility CSIRO Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation DAFF Depart of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry dBA A-weighted decibels DMB Dry matter basis DO dissolved oxygen DPIW Department of Primary Industries and Water DPIPWE Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and the Environment EDO Environmental Defenders Office ENGOs environmental non-governmental organisations EIS Environmental Impact Statement EMS Environmental Management System EPA Environmental Protection Authority EPBCA Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 FCR Feed Conversion Ratio FHMP Fish Health Management Plan FSANZ Food Standards Australia New Zealand g gram GAA Global Aquaculture Alliance ha hectare HAB Harmful Algal Bloom HOG head on gutted HVN Huon Valley News IALA International Association of Lighthouse Authorities IMAS Institute of Marine and Antarctic Studies i JAMBA Japan-Australia Migratory Bird Agreement kg kilogram km kilometre L litre LED light-emitting diode m metre mm millimetre MAST Marine and Safety
    [Show full text]
  • Biodiversity Journal, 2020, 11 (4): 861–870
    Biodiversity Journal, 2020, 11 (4): 861–870 https://doi.org/10.31396/Biodiv.Jour.2020.11.4.861.870 The biodiversity of the marine Heterobranchia fauna along the central-eastern coast of Sicily, Ionian Sea Andrea Lombardo* & Giuliana Marletta Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences - Section of Animal Biology, University of Catania, via Androne 81, 95124 Catania, Italy *Corresponding author: [email protected] ABSTRACT The first updated list of the marine Heterobranchia for the central-eastern coast of Sicily (Italy) is here reported. This study was carried out, through a total of 271 scuba dives, from 2017 to the beginning of 2020 in four sites located along the Ionian coasts of Sicily: Catania, Aci Trezza, Santa Maria La Scala and Santa Tecla. Through a photographic data collection, 95 taxa, representing 17.27% of all Mediterranean marine Heterobranchia, were reported. The order with the highest number of found species was that of Nudibranchia. Among the study areas, Catania, Santa Maria La Scala and Santa Tecla had not a remarkable difference in the number of species, while Aci Trezza had the lowest number of species. Moreover, among the 95 taxa, four species considered rare and six non-indigenous species have been recorded. Since the presence of a high diversity of sea slugs in a relatively small area, the central-eastern coast of Sicily could be considered a zone of high biodiversity for the marine Heterobranchia fauna. KEY WORDS diversity; marine Heterobranchia; Mediterranean Sea; sea slugs; species list. Received 08.07.2020; accepted 08.10.2020; published online 20.11.2020 INTRODUCTION more researches were carried out (Cattaneo Vietti & Chemello, 1987).
    [Show full text]