reefs around the world in the spotlight in 2008€¦ · underwater world of coral reefs, and what...

2008 marks the International Year of the Reef (IYOR ’08), an activity of the International Coral ReefInitiative (ICRI) designed to continue the global focus on the importance of coral reefs to thehealth of the planet.

ICRI hopes to strengthen public awareness regarding understanding of the threats facing ourreefs, what we can do to solve these, and to take action on management strategies for conservationand sustainable use.

ICRI is an international partnership between governments, international organisations, and non-government organisations to assist in preserving coral reefs and related ecosystems.

Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA) Chairman Russell Reichelt recently attendedthe ICRI General Meeting in Washington DC, United States.

"The meeting was a great opportunity for delegates from around the world to come together anddiscuss issues affecting reefs around the world and to consider plans for IYOR," he said.

"Everything the Authority does emphasises the value and the importance of the Great BarrierReef, and we will use the IYOR as an opportunity to highlight our activities.

"In February and March we ran Reef Recollections, a series of community events taking place inregional centres along the Great Barrier Reef catchment inviting the public to share their memoriesof what it was like growing up alongside the Great Barrier Reef."

ICRI has organised worldwide events to be held all year, such as public information sessions, reefexcursions and a series of reef wildlife surveys.

The IYOR website is a useful resource, offering fun and educational resources about the amazingunderwater world of coral reefs, and what we can all do to help protect the reefs for future generations.

For more information visit www.iyor.org or www.icriforum.org.

Issue 21 • March/April 2008

DISCLAIMERWhile all efforts have been made to verify facts, the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority takes no responsibility for the accuracy of information supplied in SeaRead.

ISSN 1834-6774

Copyright Commonwealthof Australia

Please note that you are welcome to photocopy SeaRead. However, if the text is reproduced separately, it must not be altered and must acknowledge the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority as the source. Illustrations must not be reused separately without permission. Please contact the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority if in doubt.

www.gbrmpa.gov.au

What’sinsideReef Recollections

Education the focus for a sustainable Townsville

Patrols deter illegal foreign fishing vessels inthe north

A watchful eye on moorings

Executive Director leaves a long list of achievementsbehind him

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IYOR is a celebration of the unique coral reefs around the world

Reefs around the world in the spotlight in 2008

www.iyor.org

SeaRead 21 Final QXP 25/3/08 12:48 PM

2The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority email: [email protected]

To celebrate International Year of theReef the Great Barrier Reef MarinePark Authority (GBRMPA) has beenholding community events calledReef Recollections where people fromcoastal communities have beensharing their memories about livingalongside the Great Barrier Reef.

The events have been highly successful and I would like to thankall who have attended so far for sharing their stories with us. We’veheard some wonderful yarns about

how the Reef was in the past and thechanges people have seen over time.

Each year as part of our AustraliaDay celebrations GBRMPA acknowledges the fantastic efforts ofour staff. We use the event to recognise staff who have made anextraordinary contribution in theirwork.

I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate thosestaff members who received GBRMPAAustralia Day awards this year.

A special recipient was ExecutiveDirector John Tanzer who after 10years with GBRMPA is moving on tonew challenges. I wish him every success in his future endeavours.

Regards

Russell ReicheltGreat Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority

Reminder to getfree Zoning Mapsfor holiday boatingNew boaties and anglers areencouraged to familiarise themselves with zoning in theGreat Barrier Reef Marine Parkbefore heading out on the waterduring upcoming holidays andlong weekends.

Great Barrier Reef Marine ParkAuthority (GBRMPA) OperationsDirector Mick Bishop said it wasimportant for new boaties andanglers to brush up on zoning sothey knew where they could go andwhat they could do in the MarinePark.

"This way they can have a greatday out on the water and knowthey are doing the right thing," hesaid.

Free zoning maps are widelyavailable from bait and tackleshops, visitor information centres,ship chandlers and EnvironmentalProtection Agency and QueenslandBoating and Fisheries Patrol offices.

Alternatively contact GBRMPAon 1800 990 177 for a free map.

A two-year research project to studythe growth and role of sharks andother fish in inshore waters beganrecently. And fishers are being askedto help by reporting any tagged fishthey find.

Scientists from James CookUniversity’s Fishing and FisheriesResearch Centre will be collectingfish and sharks for tagging in inshorewaters between Lucinda and CapeBowling Green.

Project leader Dr Ashley Williamssaid the information would be usedto help understand how fast thesespecies grow and their important rolein inshore waters.

"We urge anyone who catches fishor sharks with white tags to help uswith this research by providing uswith tag information," Dr Williamssaid.

"When possible, people are askedto retain the frame or whole fish forcollection by researchers. There willbe a small reward for every taggedfish returned."

Dr Williams said that collectinginformation on the growth rates, lifehistory and ecology of the sharks andother fish would help with the management of inshore resources.

"It will also help us understand theeffectiveness of Conservation Park orYellow Zones in ensuring the sustainability of shark and fish populations."

The study will target grunter,threadfin salmon and queenfish, andblacktip, whaler and hammerheadsharks.

Scientists will collect the fish andsharks for tag and release using

short-set nets and multi-hookresearch lines, which will be constantly monitored.

Fish and sharks collected will betagged with distinctive white tags andthen injected with a dye to markhard structures such as shark backbones or fish earbones.

The dye, which will helpresearchers to determine the age ofrecaptured animals, will be at verylow doses and poses no threat to fishor human health.

The project is funded by theMarine and Tropical Sciences Research Facility as part of a studyevaluating the effects of industry and community uses on inshore biodiversity in the Great Barrier ReefMarine Park.

Data collected from this researchwill contribute to the projects of JCUpost-graduate students Alastair Harryand Michael Kinney who are investigating the biology and ecologyof key inshore predators.

Field work will see researchersworking in General Use (Light Blue),Habitat Protection (Dark Blue) andConservation Park (Yellow) zones forthe next two years.

Marine Park users can report allcaptures of sharks and fish taggedwith white JCU tags to the Fishingand Fisheries Research Centre tagginghotline (07 4781 5973) or via email([email protected]). More information on the project is available through the Reef andRainforest Research Centrewww.rrrc.org.au/mtsrf or the Fishingand Fisheries Research Centre onwww.jcu.edu.au/ees/cffr.

Go fishing – for tags



Lights out forthe GreatBarrier ReefWith this year being hailed as theInternational Year of the Reef, theGreat Barrier Reef Marine ParkAuthority (GBRMPA) and theWorld Wildlife Fund asked peopleto turn off their lights duringEarth Hour on March 29 at 8pmas a show of support for the GreatBarrier Reef.

GBRMPA Chairman RussellReichelt said that climate changewas now widely recognised as thesingle greatest threat to coral reefsworldwide.

"We are encouraging people wholive near the Great Barrier Reef tocommit to reducing their overallclimate footprint and Earth Hourwas a great place to start," he said.

"Last year, approximately 57 percent of Sydney’s population participated in Earth Hour but webelieve that regional communitieshave the capacity to outdo bigcities due to their close connectionto important ecosystems such asthe Great Barrier Reef.

"It was great to see communitiesalong the coast participating inEarth Hour as a clear demonstration of support for thefuture of the Reef in a changing climate."

This year was the first year thatthe Earth Hour campaign wasactively promoted in regionalAustralia.

For more information on EarthHour visit www.earthhour.org. Tofind out about other ways in whichyou can help protect the GreatBarrier Reef, contact the GreatBarrier Reef Marine Park Authorityon (07) 4750 0500.

The Great Barrier Reef MarinePark Authority is in the process ofcompleting its first oral historystudy called Reef Recollections.

The oral history study is a qualitative study based on localexperts sharing their knowledgeand stories about environmentalchange on the Great Barrier Reef.

Dr Madeline Fernbach, theProject Manager who is responsiblefor the research project, said thestudy was a great way to describeenvironmental, social and culturalchange through the recollections ofindividuals who’ve lived along theGreat Barrier Reef.

"Recollections of locals can supplement both historical recordsand scientific understandings of thechanging state of the reef, and willassist in building a more comprehensive picture of thesechanges over time," she said.

"Participants in the study werechosen based on their long association with the Great BarrierReef and had stories of historicalsignificance about the region.

"The results from the study willassist the Authority in publiclyexplaining the concept of ShiftingBaselines and will highlight community contributions to natural resource management."

Shifting BaselinesShifting baselines is about taking a moment to rememberhow our oceans used to lookand how things once were.We’ve all heard the story thatbegins with ‘I remember when’and this is what the concept of‘shifting baselines’ is based on.

Many people do not considerthat any good or bad changesmay have occurred to the environment before they firstlaid eyes on it, often believingthat their initial view of theenvironment is as it has alwaysbeen. In fact, this is not the casewith many changes occurring tothe environment before theywere even born.

If this cycle continues to happen with each generationwe will not see the failinghealth of many animal speciesand habitats.

Reef Recollections

Snapshot of the coast – scientists at LowIsles in 1928 (photo from A Year on theGreat Barrier Reef by Sir Maurice Yonge)

Madeline Fernbach talks with the community atYeppoon

Geoffrey Breslin and Madeline Fernbach inGladstone

Neville Eathorne, Ses Zaro, Glenis and Harold Cislowski at the Ayr event



Townsville City Council, one of thefirst Reef Guardian Councils, transformed its Walker Streetadministration building into ashowcase of sustainability for theregion’s first Smart Home andLifestyle Sustainability Expo recently.

The two-day expo attracted morethan 5000 visitors, all keen to see thelatest in environmentally-friendly products and services, andpick up practical tips for becomingmore climate smart.

Hailed a huge success, the exhibition was a new initiativedesigned to complement TownsvilleCity Council’s list of popular community-based education programmes.

The Council’s Eco-catchment tours– run in partnership withConservation Volunteers Australia aspart of the Creek to Coral programme– are also attracting record numbersof participants.

Last year alone more than 1600school children took part in thetours, which aim to generate understanding of how local catchments and waterways interconnect.

The Creekwatch programme hasalso grown in popularity over thepast year, with nine volunteer groupsnow monitoring water quality andcatchment health in Townsville’swaterways.

Manager of Council’s IntegratedSustainability Services departmentGreg Bruce said the success of theprogrammes reflected a growingawareness and understanding of theneed to reduce the impact of climatechange.

"Townsville is a city that’s committed to energy efficiency andthe principals of environmental sustainability," he said.

"Initiatives like Creek to Coral,Creekwatch, the Sustainability Expo,Citisolar, Community Greening andour Eco-catchment tours are helpingaffect long-term sustainable changein the community by giving peoplethe tools they need to begin incorporating environmentallyfriendly practices in everyday living.

"They’re also promoting a greaterunderstanding of sustainable practices which is a big plus for thefuture health of our city and ourplanet."

Great Barrier Reef Marine ParkAuthority Director of Water Qualityand Coastal Development HughYorkston commended the Council’scommitment to protecting the environment.

"Townsville’s approach to totalwater cycle management will help toimprove the quality of water enteringthe Great Barrier Reef lagoon," hesaid.

"In addition, their strong focus oneducating and involving theTownsville community helps peopleto understand the impact their ownactivities can have on the environment."

Creek to Coral is a partnershipbetween Townsville City Council andthe Environmental ProtectionAgency. For more information aboutCreek to Coral contact Council’sIntegrated Sustainability Services on(07) 4727 8660 or see www.creektocoral.org.

The Reef Guardian Council programme aims to recognise and foster environmental stewardship for the Great Barrier Reef from local governmentand the general community.

The programme seeks to raise awareness and encourage best management practice in local government, however the GBRMPA recognises that effective protection and management of the Great Barrier Reef requires partnerships atall levels of government, industry and the community.The first four Reef Guardian Councils were:

• Burdekin Shire Council • Hinchinbrook Shire Council • Livingstone Shire Council • Townsville City Council.

The first stop inyour search for wetland informationThe Queensland Wetlands Programmehas released a website that drawstogether information and wetlandmanagement tools into one location.WetlandInfo is a comprehensive information system for anyone involvedin wetland activities in Queensland.

The website was developed by theEnvironmental Protection Agencyand can be found on its website atwww.epa.qld.gov.au.

WetlandInfo is designed to assist inthe sustainable management of wetlands, particularly in the GreatBarrier Reef catchment.

Historically, wetland informationand resource materials have beenscattered among agencies and otherorganisations across Queensland,making it difficult to access usefulinformation for wetland management decision-making.

WetlandInfo was designed in consultation with regional naturalresource management bodies, all levels of government, academics,peak industry and non-governmentorganisations. WetlandInfo includes:• An explanation of what makes a

wetland, exploring wetlands values and discovering the important role they play in Queensland’s natural environment

• Maps and data to show where the wetlands are and available inventory of their physical, chemical and biological attributes

• A range of materials and tools to support wetlands assessment, management, rehabilitation and monitoring

• The best available wetland science in a range of formats

• Educational tools for students, teachers, volunteers and landholders

• Tools to help decision-makers access and understand legislation that impacts on development and land use in relation to Queensland wetlands.The Queensland Wetlands

Programme is a joint initiative of theAustralian and QueenslandGovernments to protect wetlands inthe Great Barrier Reef and throughoutQueensland. For more informationabout the Queensland WetlandsProgramme WetlandInfo project, contact Angela Reed [email protected] or (07) 3006 4621.

Education the focus for a sustainableTownsville



Australia DayAwards 2008Some of the Great Barrier ReefMarine Park Authority’s (GBRMPA) brightest stars wererecognised for their achievementsat the annual staff Australia DayAwards.

GBRMPA Chairman RussellReichelt said the awards were agreat way to highlight staff whosededication and hard work had leadto amazing results throughout theprevious year.

"The Authority is fortunate inthat we employ people with adiverse range of skills, and theAustralia Day Staff Awards allow usto recognise those who make a positive contribution to our workplace," he said.

The following staff memberswere presented with awards:

Adam Smith: for his exemplaryleadership of the EnvironmentalImpact Management group, whichhas seen increased recognition ofthe role of the staff, and his workwith key GBRMPA stakeholders.

Dirk Schmidt: for his excellentwork in the public service at both astate and federal level. Dirk’s workethic at GBRMPA has been exemplary, and he is also involvedin many community service activities on Magnetic Island.

Donna Audas: for her tirelesswork in spreading the message ofthe significant role wetlands play inimproving water quality, involving

thousands of students and their families in wetland education programmes and keeping the messages of the programme in theforefront of everyone's mind.

Leon Jackson: for his extensivework on both the Girringun andWoppaburra Traditional Use ofMarine Resources Agreements, hiscontribution to the Reef NamingStrategy and his sea country mappingskills.

Mal Turner: for his long-term workcoordinating incident responses tomarine mammal and turtle strandings, ship groundings, and oilspills, ensuring that staff are trained

Patrols deterillegal foreignfishing vessels inthe northThe Great Barrier Reef is better protected from illegal foreign fishingvessels thanks to increased patrols innorthern Australian waters.

Following increased apprehensionof offenders by the multi-agencyJoint Offshore Protection Command,there’s been a marked decrease in illegal foreign fishing vessels operating in the Marine Park.

In the last six months only threeforeign fishing vessels have beensighted in the Marine Park and all ofthese were intercepted.

to respond to incidents and for maintaining good relationshipswith other agencies.

Suzie Davies: is recognisednationally and internationally as aleader in knowledge management.She is the Chair of both the GBRMPA Knowledge ManagementCommittee and the Group ofExperts for Marine InformationManagement.

Executive Director John Tanzer,who leaves the Authority after morethan 10 years of service, was alsorecognised with an Australia Daymedal for his outstanding contribution to GBRMPA.

This is a major drop from the 47foreign fishing vessels detected illegally fishing in the Reef area in2006.

The crew of each vessel interceptedwere taken to Thursday Island andthe vessels destroyed, in order toreduce the threat of disease andimported pests entering Australia.

Foreign fishing vessels specificallytarget sharks for their fins. Sharks areimportant predators and scavengersthat play a very important role in thehealth of the reef ecosystem.

The increased compliance presenceis going a long way to helping protect vulnerable marine species.

The patrols are undertaken byCustoms National Marine Unit,Coastwatch, Defence, AustralianFisheries Management Authority,

Great Barrier Reef Marine ParkAuthority, Queensland Boating andFisheries Patrol and QueenslandWater Police.

Boaties and fishermen are alsoencouraged to keep an eye out andreport any illegal foreign fishingactivities to Customs Watch on 1800 061 800.

Medal recipients (back) Dirk Schmidt, John Tanzer, Adam Smith, (front) Donna Audas, Suzie Davies andMalcolm Turner

Patrols help protect the Reef from foreign fishingvessels



Farewell toChicka TurnerThe Great Barrier Reef Marine ParkAuthority (GBRMPA) would like tosay a fond farewell to Chicka Turnerwho, after five years with theAuthority, has left to pursue newopportunities as Field OperationsManager with the Torres StraitRegional Authority on ThursdayIsland.

In his role as Manager of theIndigenous Partnerships Liaison UnitChicka highlighted the importance ofdeveloping partnerships withIndigenous communities along theGreat Barrier Reef.

He played a large part in theIndigenous CommunitiesConsultation programme, an important process that took placealong the entire coast of the MarinePark before the 2004 re-zoning.

During the re-zoning, Chickapushed for new Indigenous statutoryprovisions including the developmentand accreditation of TUMRAs, thedefining of Traditional Owners inMarine Park Regulations and continuing recognition of Native Titlerights and interests in the zoning provisions.

In recognition of his achievements,in particular fostering the development of the Girringun

Chicka Turner will now work on Thursday Island

Traditional Use of Marine ResourcesAgreement (TUMRA), Chicka wasawarded a GBRMPA Australia Daymedal in 2006.

The Girringun TUMRA was the firstagreement of its kind and has generated considerable interest fromother Traditional Owners wanting todevelop similar arrangements formanaging their sea country.

Chicka’s drive and commitmentwill be missed.

Sea Country Snippets

TUMRA (Traditional Use of MarineResources Agreement)

• TUMRAs are formal agreements developed by Traditional Owner groups which can be accredited by the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority and the Environmental Protection Agencyto give both recognition and support to Traditional Owners wanting to manage sea country.

• TUMRAs describe how TraditionalOwner groups work with the Australian and Queensland Governments to manage traditional use of marine

resources activities in their sea country. Examples include how Traditional Owner groups wish to manage the harvest of turtles and dugongs, their role in complianceand education about their TUMRA, in monitoring the condition of plants and animals, and the impact of human activities in their TUMRA region.

• There are currently two accreditedTUMRAs. The Girringun Region TUMRA covers sea country between Rollingstone and MissionBeach, and the Dharumbal TUMRA-Woppaburra Section which applies to the Keppel Islands region.

A watchful eyeon mooringsIn December 2007, staff fromGreat Barrier Reef Marine ParkAuthority (GBRMPA) and theEnvironmental Protection Agency(EPA) undertook a mooringscompliance audit in theWhitsunday area.

The audit team visited popularreef and island locations including Dent and South MolleIslands and Bait, Hardy andKnuckle Reefs as part of a reef-wide programme.

GBRMPA’s Acting Director ofTourism and Recreation ChrisBriggs said most operators weredoing the right thing and kepttheir moorings up to scratch.

"If moorings are not installedand maintained properly they candamage the surrounding coral,"Chris said.

In 2008, the audit programmewill be expanded to inspect areasthroughout the Great Barrier Reefsuch as the reefs and islands nearCairns and Port Douglas.

It is a requirement that all moorings installed in the GreatBarrier Reef Marine Park meet the following standards:• Each mooring must have a

Marine Parks Permit from GRBMPA

• Moorings must be installed andmaintained in accordance with the approved drawings

• The Mooring Reference Numbermust be clearly marked on the buoy

• Moorings must not cause any damage to coral or marine life.

Failure to meet these requirements can result in a rangeof actions including removalorders, fines and withdrawal ofpermit.

For more information visitwww.gbrmpa.gov.au or take a lookat Onboard The Tourism Operator’sHandbook atwww.gbrmpa.gov.au/onboard/home.



BleachWatcherhelps keep eyeon the reefErica Larsen is a marine biologistand snorkel guide for QuicksilverCruises, which operates reef trips outof Port Douglas.

She is an enthusiastic participant ofthe Great Barrier Reef Marine ParkAuthority's BleachWatch programme.Erica has been one of the topBleachWatch reporters over the pastfew years.

"I have participated in theBleachWatch programme since itbegan in 2004.

Over the years I have sent in hundreds of reports and I feel like Iam doing my bit to help the GreatBarrier Reef Marine Park Authoritykeep an eye on coral bleaching," shesaid.

"I am very lucky to have visited theReef on a daily basis for the past tenyears and it is interesting to note thechanges."

If you are a regular visitor to theMarine Park and would like to participate in the BleachWatch programme please call the GreatBarrier Reef Marine Park Authority on(07) 4750 0700 and mentionBleachWatch or go to www.gbrmpa.gov.au.

After 10 years as an ExecutiveDirector of the Great Barrier ReefMarine Park Authority (GBRMPA)John Tanzer has called it a day.

On 1 February 2008 John hungup his work clothes, dusted off hisfishing boat and the last we heardwas planning a few lazy days outon the water doing a bit of fishingwith daughter Freya.

"It’s about time I introduced herto the wonders of the Great BarrierReef," he said.

John took up his role asExecutive Director in 1998 andright from the start he led manymajor reforms.

This included setting up criticalissues groups within the Authorityas a new way of doing business,reform of trawling and line fishingand playing a major part in therezoning of the Marine Park.

"The most successful task I havebeen involved with here is thedevelopment and implementationof the new Zoning Plan for thePark," he said.

"The protection afforded by theZoning Plan will not on its ownensure the long term future of theGreat Barrier Reef but I shudder tothink what its chances would bewithout it."

John was also involved in establishing two Traditional Use ofMarine Resources Agreements withTraditional Owner Groups along theGreat Barrier Reef catchment.

The first agreements of theirkind, they will ensure cultural practices continue to coexist withthe conservation and managementof the Great Barrier Reef.

"Working with TraditionalOwners along the coast has been awonderful experience and aninvolvement I hope to be able tocontinue.

"Traditional Owners have taughtme a lot. Personally getting thebroader community activelyengaged in the management oftheir Great Barrier Reef has beenmost rewarding.

"As a proud north Queenslander Iknow that the people who live andwork along the coastline are expecting the Reef to be lookedafter and are prepared to beinvolved and play their part. Thisgives me much optimism for the

future of the Great Barrier Reef.

"A well protected and managedGreat Barrier Reef will supply economic, social and environmentalbenefits for many years to come."

John said he was most passionateabout working in marine management and this was reflectedin his work history.

"Prior to working at the AuthorityI was Chairman of the QueenslandFisheries Management Authorityand I have also been involved inmany different aspects of naturalresources management atCommonwealth and State levels."

When asked what he would missmost about working at theAuthority it was the people and theteam work.

"In this job I have been supportedby great people, committed and passionate with skills and expertisethat are world leading. I will missthe friendships and advice and theproud feeling I got whenever I said Iworked for GBRMPA."

John’s hard work, dedication andpassion will be missed.

John Tanzer with his Australia Day Staff Award foroutstanding contribution to GBRMPA (top) andJohn Tanzer meets with Al Gore

Executive Director leaves a longlist of achievements behind him

Bleachwatch volunteer Erica Larsen keeps an eyeon the reef



Reef GuardianSchools kick off2008School is back and the ReefGuardian Schools for 2008 havealready kicked off the year withmany celebrating World WetlandsDay on 2 February.

Over 100 schools along theQueensland coast are registered forthe programme, which now entersits sixth year.

Reef Education CoordinatorMegan Sperring said she was

Understanding how the GreatBarrier Reef has changed over timeis the focus of research being carried out by the Great Barrier ReefMarine Park Authority (GBRMPA)as part of International Year of theReef celebrations.

James Cook University MarineScience student Sally Whatmoughworked with GBRMPA’s Research andMonitoring Co-ordination Unit as avolunteer research assistant.

Her role was to record changing perceptions of the Great Barrier Reef,through analysing past issues ofSportDiving magazine.

SportDiving is one of the oldestwatersports magazines in the worldand contains valuable historicalinformation.

"We will be looking at the emphasis of articles, comments andletters over the years," Sally said.

"So, were there more articles aboutsharks in the 1960s and 70s thanthere are today? Was there a changein what made a shark sighting positive or negative through theyears? Did the number of referencesto the Great Barrier Reef increasearound the time of the Marine Park'sinitiation in the 70s and rezoning in2004?

"As recreational divers write thearticles in the magazine, their observations are first-hand

Marine biology student Sally Whatmough at work

recollections of their experiences onthe Reef.

"Therefore these articles provideinsight into the attitudes and perceptions over time on key focusareas: sharks and rays, the GreatBarrier Reef, and Marine Parks in general."

Due to the vast number of published issues, Sally selected specific editions of the magazine toanalyse.

These were chosen to representboth a full spectrum of the magazine’s history; (1953 to 2006)and to be representative of majorevents in the Marine Park’s history –for example, when the Great BarrierReef Marine Park was first establishedin 1975.

Sally said the main reason for thisproject was to try to understand howpeople saw the Great Barrier Reefdecades ago and what this can tell usabout how the Reef has changed.

"The articles provide a window intothe past," she said.

This research project is just one ofa number of projects happeningthroughout the year that will helpthe GBRMPA understand the outlookfor the Great Barrier Reef.

The project began in December lastyear and Sally hopes to have all ofher research finalised shortly.

Sally and the research team wouldlike to thank the editors ofSportDiving for all their assistancelocating all the editions required forthe project.

looking forward to an exciting year inwhich schools would developinnovative projects and activities tohelp keep their environment sustainable.

"Most of the schools have been apart of the programme since itsinception in 2003. Each year someschools build on the projects theyhave been doing and make them bigger and better, while others takeon a completely new focus," Megansaid.

"The marine environment is facingmore and more pressure as the popu-lation increases along the Great Barrier Reef catchment.

"More and more schools are taking ownership of their local environments and are having a positive impact within their community, actively workingtowards a sustainable future for theGreat Barrier Reef."

Some new educational tools willbe rolled out in 2008 from the edu-cation team including the 2008Reef Beat series ‘yesterday, todayand tomorrow – learning about thepast, looking to the future.’

Sally dives into history lesson



Boaties and fishermen can helpprotect the Great Barrier Reef byreporting oil spills, pollution andboating accidents to the GreatBarrier Reef Marine ParkAuthority.

Day-to-Day ManagementCoordination Unit Field OperationsManager Malcolm Turner said thishelped ensure a timely response tooil spills and pollution.

"It doesn’t matter what size thevessel is – from bulk carriers toyachts to tinnies – any pollution oraccident needs to be reported to theAuthority," he said.

"Failure to report shipping incidents can result in substantialdamage to plants, animals and habitats if the spill or pollutionisn’t contained."

Boat groundings, collisions, andsinkings can also substantially damage coral reef structure and surrounding areas like seagrass.

On average 70 shipping and pollution incidents occur eachyear, with about 6000 large vesselspassing through the area.

Pollution and oil spills incidentsare managed by Maritime SafetyQueensland, the Great Barrier ReefMarine Park Authority, AustralianMaritime Safety Authority, and theQueensland EnvironmentalProtection Agency.

You can help by reporting incidents to (07) 3830 4919 (quote oil spill) or the MaritimeRescue Coordination Centre on 1800 641 792.

MV Peacock aground on Piper Reef – 1996

Great BarrierReef manager onWorld HeritageCommitteeGreat Barrier Reef Marine ParkAuthority (GBRMPA) OutlookReport Director, Jon Day, is one ofthree Australians on a delegationappointed to be part of the prestigious World HeritageCommittee for a four-year term.

Jon has been involved with WorldHeritage issues for many years, andwas selected to be part of Australia’steam because of his substantial experience in planning and managing Australia’s natural worldheritage areas, in particular the GreatBarrier Reef World Heritage Areawhich is the largest World Heritagearea on Earth.

Jon is currently one of a smallgroup of international experts working with UNESCO to develop anew ‘Periodic Reporting’ process forWorld Heritage. This is a six-yearlyreporting cycle required for all WorldHeritage properties which currentlynumber 851 sites.

"The Periodic Report is designed toassist the World Heritage Committeeto monitor the state of conservationof all World Heritage properties,including understanding the key factors affecting heritage world-wide"he said.

"Australia’s appointment on theWorld Heritage Committee is recognition of our world class management of Australia’s naturaland cultural heritage, including our17 World Heritage properties."

"The Great Barrier Reef is a significant global resource being oneof the world’s richest and most complex natural ecosystems, and noother World Heritage Area containssuch biodiversity."

The World Heritage Committeemeets once a year to monitor worldheritage and inscribe new propertieson the World Heritage List. The nextCommittee meeting will be inQuebec, Canada in July this year.

Jon will join Dr Greg Terrill fromFederal Department of theEnvironment, Water, Heritage andthe Arts, along with Dr Anita Smithfrom Latrobe University, as Australia's representatives to the Committee.

Prompt reporting protects reef from pollution

See a jellyfish up close at Reef HQAquariumVisitors to Reef HQ Aquarium cannow see a jellyfish up close.

The ‘Snotty’ or the ‘Lion’s Mane’jellyfish is on display at Reef HQ.

This jellyfish belongs to the genusCyanea but visitors viewing the newexhibit will immediately understandhow this creature got its commonname.

Reef HQ Curator Stephen Menziessaid this particular type of jellyfishwas most commonly found throughout coastal waters aroundAustralia.

"They are found in and aroundTownsville predominately during the

summer months and although notlife threatening, these jellyfish cangive a very painful sting."

Reef HQ encourage locals and visitors alike to come in and safelyview one of the marine stingers.

"The type of jellyfish that we havein Reef HQ Aquarium generally onlyhave a life span of three months," hesaid.

"The jellyfish is housed in thespecifically designed Kreisel tank. Thistank uses a particular filtration systemthat minimises the risk of damage tothese fragile creatures."

Reef HQ Aquarium is the educationcentre for the Great Barrier Reef.

This temporary exhibit representsthe Aquarium’s ongoing commitmentto improving the community’s understanding and knowledge of ourwondrous marine environment.



Having been given the brief to beautify their school, 14 studentsfrom the Ravenshoe High SchoolArty Culture class chose an underwater reef theme to create a 14metre-long mural.

The Arty Culture students are dedicated to beautifying their schoolenvironment. This was the largestproject they have undertaken.

The idea of a sea theme for themural resulted from a visit made bysome of the Ravenshoe students tothe Great Barrier Reef. It is part of anoverall school project to raise awareness of environment impacts onthe Reef.

In memory:Dr Isobel Bennett1909-2008

Pioneering marine scientist andwriter Dr Isobel Bennett, whose lifelong passion for the sea was aninspiration for others, died 14 January 2008 in Sydney, aged 98.

Isobel Bennett was born inBrisbane in 1909 and left school at 16to work as a secretary. In 1933, Isobelaccompanied her sister on a cruise to

The completed mural at the school

Portrait of Australian marine biologist Dr IsobelBennett (image courtesey of Alex Ozolins, NationalLibrary of Australia, 23208017)

Under the expert guidance of artteacher Bron Greenhalgh the studentsbegan the creative process in May2007. Most of the students had littleexperience in painting prior to thisproject, and many discovered previously unknown skills and talentsduring the process.

Using posters and brochures supplied by the Great Barrier ReefMarine Park Authority for inspiration,each student selected a reef animal orscene to paint.

The paintings covered six largewooden panels, which were thenjoined together and bolted onto thewall. The mural was completed in

late October 2007, and its locationcarefully chosen so that the muralcould be seen from as many class-rooms in the school as possible.

Deputy Principal Peter O’Brien saidthere was a great deal of energy andenthusiasm around this project andthe response from the rest of theschool had been very positive.

"The mural is a great tool to usewhen reminding kids not only of thebeauty of the Reef but also of theimpact that our actions up here canhave on the Reef."

Ravenshoe State High School – Reef Mural

Norfolk Island, where she had a cabinnext to William Dakin, a marine professor.

He offered her a position as aresearch assistant at the University ofSydney, plotting shipmasters' loggedpositions of whales for a book he waswriting. She continued to assistProfessor Dakin in his work until hisdeath in 1950, and in 1952 completed his book on Australianbeaches.

Isobel went on to work for theUniversity for 40 years as a secretary,departmental librarian, research assistant, and demonstrator. In 1966she was awarded an honorary masterof science from the University ofSydney, in recognition of her work inthe marine sciences. In 1995 shereceived an honorary doctor of science from the University ofSydney.

Her extensive field experience bothalong the east coast and in the laboratory meant Isobel was uniquelypositioned to assist the university’sstudents, many of who went on tobecome leading scientists. She wasone of the first females in her field totravel widely, paving the way forother women in the marine sciences.

Her first solo book Fringe of the Seawas published in 1966, followed by

several others throughout the 60sand 70s about her studies of coralreefs. She received the RoyalZoological Society Whitley Award forseveral of the books she authored.

In 1982 the Australian and NewZealand Association for Advancementof Science awarded Isobel the MuellerMedal, and this was followed in 1984by her recognition as an Officer ofthe Order of Australia for her servicesto marine biology.

After her retirement, Isobel ensuredthat all of her books, resources andresearch materials were made available to the public for teachingand research purposes. The bulk ofher collection was donated to theNational Library, and the QueenslandMuseum also received some of herwork. Other resources were donatedto Pittwater Council, aiding the construction of the Long Reef interpretative facilities.

Isobel Bennett’s impact onAustralian marine science cannot be underestimated, and one genus, fivespecies of marine animal and onecoral reef were named after her. Hercontribution to our understanding ofcoral reefs was immense, and she willbe greatly missed.


11The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority email: [email protected] Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority email: [email protected]

Profile of Regional Liaison Officer for Rockhampton

Di SchaafDi Schaaf is back for round twowith the Great Barrier Reef MarinePark Authority (GBRMPA), havingpreviously worked for theAuthority in Canberra as thePersonal Assistant to ExecutiveDirector Richard Kenchington 10years ago.

"I consider myself very fortunatethat I’ve been chosen to work withGBRMPA again and have no doubtthat my time here will be just aschallenging, exciting and fulfillingas it was the first time around."

In her present role as RegionalLiaison Officer for GBRMPA’sRockhampton Office, Di is responsible for networking, building relationships and assistingin the management of stakeholder

partnerships, as well as managing theregional office.

"I am looking forward to buildingcloser relationships with the publicand ensuring the southern office ishighly regarded by members of thelocal community and other government agencies," she said.

Di was originally based inCanberra, where she raised her familyand was involved with the publicservice in various roles includingexecutive officer, personal assistantand project officer.

Before this, she co-owned a financial consultancy for a number ofyears and has worked in a voluntarycapacity with disadvantaged community members.

Creature Feature Doing your bit to look after it!

Dugong protectionWe're very lucky to still be able to see the dugong or 'sea cow' in its naturalhabitat, and to have one of the world's largest dugong populations right hereon our doorstep. Yet, it's a sight that can't be taken for granted. The southernGreat Barrier Reef has seen a dramatic decline in dugong numbers since the1960s - to the point where the Queensland Government has listed it as 'vulnerable to extinction'. Dugongs are protected in the Great Barrier ReefMarine Park.

Responsible Reef Practices:You can be part of the effort to helpreverse this worrying trend, particularly when you are boating.Dugongs are particularly at risk ofbeing hit by speeding vessels, andboating activities in dugong feedingand breeding areas may drive themaway and disrupt their social system.

• Be on the look out for dugong when you're in areas that they are known to inhabit or feed (for example, shallow seagrass beds)

• Slow down your vessel to a speed of less than 10 knots in these areas• Use the voluntary speed limits and transit lanes in the Hinchinbrook area• Do not approach within 50 metres of a dugong - if a dugong appears closer

than 50 metres, move away from it very slowly• Disengage your propeller, whenever possible, if a dugong appears near your

boat• Do not swim, dive or get in the water with a dugong• Do not feed, touch, grab, chase or harass a dugong• Never separate a female dugong from her calf, with a vessel or any other

object• Please report entangled, stranded or dead dugong to the EPA Hotline

number on 1300 130 372.

Di has been living inRockhampton for almost five years,and says that she loves the laidbackattitude and lifestyle in this part ofQueensland.

"I have made some excellentfriends and I feel as though Ibelong to this community."

Di has two sons, based inCanberra and England, and inAugust this year will become agrandmother – something she isvery excited about.

Both Di and her husband arekeen fishers, relishing the chance toget out and explore the coastalregions by boat – weather permitting.

Crown-of-thorns starfish• The crown-of-thorns starfish is one

of the most commonly known sea stars in the Great Barrier Reef, and one of the few coral-eating animals found throughout the Indian and Pacific Oceans.

• Most starfish have five arms – the crown-of-thorns starfish can have up to 21 arms.

• The local crown-of-thorns starfish iscoloured a dull greyish green with pale tinges of red, which helps the young starfish to blend in and hide from predators. Other varieties suchas the South-east Asian can be a bright blue or purple.

• A single female crown-of-thorns starfish can produce up to 100 million eggs per year.

• A species of crab called Trapezia cymodoce protects the coral Pocillopora damicornis against the crown-of-thorns starfish, by breaking the starfish’s spines off.

• For more information: www.gbrmpa.gov.au/corp_site/info_services/publications/sotr



Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority2-68 Flinders StreetPO Box 1379Townsville Qld 4810

Phone: (07) 4750 0700Fax: (07) 4772 6093Email: [email protected]

If you do not wish to receive this newsletter in thefuture or if you would like to receive this newsletter via email instead of as a hard copy, please [email protected], or phone the GBRMPA on(07) 4750 0700.

GBRMPA

Calendar of

Mark Stoneman has been involved in coastal managementand planning for the past 23 years, and in April last yearadded Chair of the Burdekin Solutions Board of Directors tohis resume.

Mark is the formal link between the Board and theCompany operational activities, working towards improvinglinks with other scientific, industry, and community-basedorganisations, as well as communicating natural resourcemanagement issues to the wider community.

In this role, Mark hopes to support a cohesive companystructure that will work towards enhancing sustainable natural resource management through on-ground projectsthroughout the Burdekin Dry Tropics region.

"My personal goal is to utilise my experience to increaseunderstanding of the practical issues involved in managingthe whole landscape between general community, scientists,government agencies and land managers, so that moreachievable and supported outcomes are possible."

Mark’s love for the job stems from the opportunities it provides to enhance the sustainable economic managementof natural resources in this region, through a combination ofpractical, personal, and professional life experiences.

As well as his involvement with the Burdekin Dry Tropicsand Natural Resource Management, Mark is the co-founderand Hon. Executive Director of the Wetlands and GrasslandsFoundation.

This not-for-profit Foundation currently has an "option topurchase" over a 1700-hectare property attaching to theBowling Green Bay National Park, containing a significantwetland and marine habitat area.

"The principle objective of the Foundation is to enhanceunderstanding of wetlands, grasslands and associated areasthrough research, education and management as a way toensure these resources will be sustained for future generations."

Prior to moving to the coast, Mark was involved full-timein sheep and cattle pastoral industries in western Queensland,and also spent 15 years as a Member of the QueenslandParliament representing the mixed rural and urban electorateof Burdekin, retiring in 1998.

Mark has lived in coastal north Queensland for 28 years,and says that the area’s weather, incredibly diverse flora andfauna, and friendly local community are a strong attraction.

"Like many people who have travelled extensively withinAustralia and overseas, I recognise just how dynamic and special this region is."

21 March 2008Forestry DayGood Friday

World Water Day

contacts

A profile of

Mark Stoneman

eventsevents

22 March 2008

Easter Sunday24 March 2008

National Parks DayReef Recollections Community Event –Bundaberg

27 March 2008

Earth Hour29 March 2008 – 8.00pm

Prevention of Animal Cruelty MonthApril

Planning Institute Australia 2008 Conference:A Climate for Change

13 – 16 April 2008

World Heritage Day18 April 2008

Earth Day22 April 2008


reefs around the world in the spotlight in 2008€¦ · underwater world of coral reefs, and what...

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