Sediment Contaminants and Infauna Associated with Recreational Boating Structures in a Multi-Use Marine Park.

Vivian X Y Sim,Katherine A Dafforn,Brendan P Kelaher,Stuart L Simpson,Emma L Johnston,Christopher W Mckindsey

doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0130537

Vivian X Y Sim, Katherine A Dafforn + Show 4 more

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https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0130537

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Abstract

Multi-use marine parks achieve conservation through spatial management of activities. Zoning of marine parks in New South Wales, Australia, includes high conservation areas and special purpose zones (SPZ) where maritime activities are concentrated. Although such measures geographically constrain anthropogenic impacts, we have limited understanding of potential ecological effects. We assessed sediment communities and contaminants adjacent to boating infrastructure (boat ramps, jetties and a marina) in a SPZ from the Clyde Estuary in Batemans Marine Park. Metal concentrations and fines content were elevated at boating structures compared to reference sites. Species richness was higher at sites with boating structures, where capitellid polychaetes and nematodes dominated the communities. Changes associated with boating structures were localised and did not extend beyond breakwalls or to reference sites outside the SPZ. The study highlights the benefits of appropriate zoning in a multi-use marine park and the potential to minimise stress on pristine areas through the application of spatial management.

Highlights

Many estuaries are extensively modified by anthropogenic activities and as a result the resident aquatic communities can be exposed to a range of stressors [1,2]
We evaluated the capacity for spatial management of environmental stressors associated with boating infrastructure in the Batemans Marine Park on the south coast of New South Wales (NSW), Australia
We evaluated the environmental and ecological changes associated with different boating infrastructure inside a special purpose zone relative to reference sites situated within habitat protection zones

Summary

Introduction

Many estuaries are extensively modified by anthropogenic activities and as a result the resident aquatic communities can be exposed to a range of stressors [1,2]. With approximately 60% of the global human population residing within 100 km of the coast [9], and populations in the coastal zone predicted to continue increasing, the associated development will intensify stress on these already modified systems [1]. This is of particular concern since estuarine ecosystems provide crucial habitat for a diverse range of flora and fauna [10].

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