Northern Brisbane coral reefs get clean bill of health

Diamonds in the rough: Coast coral reefs get clean bill of health
Greg Swain Sydney Morning Herald 18 Sep 10;

Amid gloomy forecasts for the future of the Great Barrier Reef due to global carbon emissions, coral reefs just north of Brisbane have received a clean bill of health from scientists.

In the first major marine biodiversity survey of Sunshine Coast inshore reefs since 1993, good and bad news has emerged on its underwater natural assets - conservatively worth tens of millions of dollars annually to the region.

Noosa Integrated Catchment Association's (NICA) Marine Biodiversity Assessment of inshore reefs from Caloundra to Noosa has found rich, healthy and "surprisingly diverse" species of corals, molluscs and other marine life.

At a public meeting in Coolum this week, an audience of around 100 people was given its first glimpse of the findings of NICA's biodiversity assessment, undertaken by specialist marine scientists in July.

In stark contrast to the glowing report on Sunshine Coast reefs, the news was far less positive about the region's current fishing stocks, adding momentum to a push for protection from overfishing through the declaration of a new marine park.

"Targeted fish species, including both food and ornamental species, are noticeably low in abundance," the meeting was told by Fish ecologist David Williamson of James Cook University in Townsville, a member of NICA's assessment team.

Dr Williamson identified recreational fishing as placing the greatest pressure on Sunshine Coast fish stocks, particularly snapper species.

"There has been an exponential rise in numbers of recreational fishing boats along the Queensland coast over the past few decades and these are taking a toll on pink snapper stocks in particular," he said.

"This species is near the northern end of its range here, and has recently been listed as overfished by the Queensland Government.

"We found just one small snapper in 14 dives, and while larger snappers are still caught further offshore, the rapidly increasing fishing pressure on the Coast will cause further depletion if we're not careful."

Studies by Dr Williamson and colleagues on the Great Barrier Reef and elsewhere around the world have demonstrated the value to fisheries of setting aside relatively small areas for conservation of stocks.

Recent research by CSIRO and EPA Queensland in Moreton Bay, where 16 per cent of the area is closed for fishing, found between four and 11 times more legal-sized male mudcrabs in sanctuary zones, a trend also shown by fishes.

These protected stocks can contribute to continued replenishment of nearby areas open to fishing, through reproduction and "spill-over", a crucial element of sustainability, and a key strategy of local, state and federal governments.

NICA Education Officer Catherine Cheung said there was a misconception that marine parks were all "no take no go" areas.

"Only a small proportion of these areas are closed to fishing," she said.

"Combined with effective fishery management and education, marine parks will provide for sustainable fishery in the long term."

Another member of NICA's assessment team was Dr Lyndon DeVantier, a long-term Noosa resident and coral ecologist with more than 25 years' experience in Great Barrier Reef and international coral survey work.

"The NSW and Queensland and federal governments have already taken significant steps in developing a multiple-us network on marine parks along our east coast, although a large gap presently exists off the Sunshine Coast," Dr Devantier said.

"But for coral species, we're happy to report that they're in pretty good shape on the Sunshine Coast.

"There's no sign of coral bleaching and little sign of coral predators or diseases."

Dr DeVantier said the assessment team was "particularly thrilled" that local dive enthusiasts had discovered a previously unrecorded species of mollusc off Mooloolaba.

"The Sunshine Coast forms part of a biological transition zone along the East Australian coast, with a dynamic mix of species from both tropical and temperate regions," he said.

"There are indications that species preferring cooler waters are becoming rarer, and tropical species more common, as our coastal waters have warmed over recent decades. A trend that is predicted to continue.

"With this (Sunshine Coast) work, we have established a baseline from which future changes can be assessed."

Information collected during the survey, which was supported by the Sunshine Coast Regional Council and Norman Wettenhall Foundation, will be made available to governments and the general public through the South East Queensland Catchments organisation database.

The information will also help inform the work of the Sunshine Coast Marine Conservation Alliance, comprised of 15 different community organisations.

Leigh Warneminde from Coolum Coastcare said: "The alliance has made submissions to both state and federal governments for establishment of a multiple use marine park between Caloundra and Double Island Point, and is working towards long-term sustainability of the coast's marine environment."