Australian Marine Park Research Articles

Recreational fishers’ support for no-take marine reserves is high and increases with reserve age

No-take marine reserves are essential for scientific monitoring, likely to contribute to the sustainability of targeted species, help to buffer biodiversity loss due to climate change impacts, and provide public education, tourism and diverse economic benefits to local communities. However, the establishment of no-take marine reserves has been a contentious policy in several countries because of a perception that recreational fishers are opposed to reserves. Nevertheless, it is unclear whether negative perceptions about reserves are widespread amongst recreational fishers, and whether perceptions change after the reserve has been created. In this study, recreational fishers were surveyed in ten Australian marine parks to determine levels of support and beliefs about the benefits and costs of no-take marine reserves. A ‘space-for-time’ approach was used to explore whether support is higher in older reserves. The results suggest that most recreational fishers who fish in established marine parks are supportive of the no-take marine reserves within them. On average, 63.3% of fishers support no-take marine reserves in their marine park, and 17.8% are opposed. Further, recreational fishers’ support for no-take marine reserves increases markedly with reserve age. This research indicates that most recreational fishers are supportive of no-take marine reserves within marine parks and that support increases over time.

Composition, diversity and biogeographic affinities of the deep-sea (200–3000 m) fish assemblage in the Great Australian Bight, Australia

The deepest systematic collection of benthic fishes in Australian waters (108 species from 48 families in 200–3000 m depths) was taken by beam trawl during two surveys in the central Great Australian Bight (GAB) in 2015. All samples were on sediment habitats, but some were in close proximity to volcanic seamounts and outcropping rocky seabed in submarine canyons. The great majority of species were previously recorded from Australian waters (90%), and the GAB (75%). A markedly lower proportion of recorded species occurred at greater depths (1700–3000 m) where there had been virtually no previous sampling: 74% in Australian waters, and 30% in GAB waters. The fauna is dominated by families that typify many areas of the global deep sea: rattails (Macrouridae), cut-throat eels (Synaphobranchidae), morid cods (Moridae), oreo dories (Oreosomatidae), slickheads (Alepocephalidae), cusk-eels (Ophidiidae) and halosaurs (Halosauridae). The Macrouridae was most diverse, occurred most frequently, was most abundant (density) in 400 m and all deeper strata, and top ranked by biomass and density in standardised data. The predominant patterns of biogeographical affinities were strongly influenced by depth. Endemic species were most prevalent in shelf break and upper to mid-slope depths (both 52%), and declined with increasing depth (upper to mid-slope species 25%; lower slope/rise 4%), consistent with a general pattern in the Australian ichthyofauna. Fish biomass (gm−2) was significantly related to depth, being relatively very low (~0.5 gm−2) at 200 m depth, highest at 400 m (~3.4 gm−2), then steadily declining with increasing depth to about 0.4 gm−2 at 3000 m depth. Depth was the main factor explaining assemblage structure. There was no clear distinction of assemblages at sites close to structured habitats, and no longitudinal pattern across a gradient of productivity (higher in the east due to summertime upwelling). The GAB is presently being considered for oil and gas exploration in areas extending from the shelf break (200 m) to beyond 4000 m depths. The current data set has the potential to inform biodiversity management in the GAB, including the design of an ecological monitoring program prior to oil and gas exploration, because it includes samples from within and immediately adjacent to the Great Australian Bight Australian Marine Park (GAB AMP) and six active lease blocks. The data set outlined provides a quality assured inventory of fishes, mapping species distributions and associations with habitats in the area of interest, and identifies potential sites of impact and suitable control sites inside and outside marine parks.

Determining the variables that influence SCUBA diving impacts in eastern Australian marine parks

Understanding the underlying causes of SCUBA diver contact with sensitive benthic organisms is critical for designing targeted strategies to address and manage diver impacts. For the marine tourism industry to maintain or expand current levels of recreational diving practices, ecologically sustainable management of dive sites is required. This study surveyed 400 SCUBA divers engaged in recreational diving in the subtropical reefs off eastern Australia. A combination of in-water observational research was conducted, with post-dive questionnaires. Linear regression techniques were employed to identify the variables that correlate the frequency of diver contacts with reef biota. Of the 17 variables tested, nine were found to significantly influence contact frequency. These were: the number of days since a diver's last dive, location of original certification, awareness and understanding of marine park zoning (3 variables), site selection, use of photographic equipment, total number of dives logged and diving depth. These results show that while a diver's long-term and recent experience can play a role, awareness of marine park regulations and unidentified differences in prior training (related to location) are also important, suggesting that education and training may provide viable alternatives to limiting diver access at sensitive locations.

Opportunities for modelling tools to support management decision-making in Australian Marine Parks

ABSTRACTMarine protected areas (MPAs) are an important marine conservation strategy; however, managing MPAs is challenging due to threats such as coastal development, non-compliance and recreational pressures. We conducted semi-structured interviews with MPA managers and rangers in Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria to discuss the opportunity to apply models to support management decision-making in MPAs. The utilisation of models for risk analyses, social learning and forecasting was considered of high relevance for decision makers. However, the utility of a tool depends on the nature of the management problem at hand. For instance, conceptual models can bring a systems perspective to management whereas probabilistic models may indicate the likelihood of a management outcome. We recommend selecting a tool based on decision support requirements. Furthermore, participating MPA managers recommended the need to collaborate with scientists to develop and apply decision support tools to address routine as well as complex management issues in protected areas.

Exploring recreational fishers' perceptions, attitudes, and support towards a multiple-use marine protected area six years after implementation

This study assessed the acceptance and awareness of an Australian MPA (Port Stephens-Great Lakes Marine Park) post implementation by recreational fishers using the MPA, and identified factors that influenced the perception of this group towards the MPA. Recreational fishers were interviewed in a multiple-use MPA to investigate their perceptions, attitudes, and support towards the MPA six years after implementation. Almost two thirds of recreational fishers supported the MPA and had positive attitudes towards the concept of MPAs. This is a key result since a similar pre-implementation survey of recreational fishers found only 12% would support the creation of PSGLMP due to fears the MPA would negatively impact their fishing activities and ability to catch fish. However, there was a sub-group of fishers who opposed the MPA and were more inclined to have negative attitudes towards the rationale behind MPAs, despite the common perception that no-take zones were for fisheries management purposes and could increase fish stocks in the MPA. More experienced fishers were inclined to oppose the MPA, as well as fishers who believed management zones did not provide clear rules for activities, penalties for non-compliance were too harsh, or that no-take zones did not increase fish stocks. An important perceived threat to the MPA was from commercial fishing due to perceptions of over-exploitation and issues of non-compliance. In contrast, the majority of recreational fishers did not believe the collective actions of recreational fishers negatively impacted the marine environment and fish stocks, or the number of fish available for capture in the future. An improved understanding of these social aspects is important to target ongoing management in order to increase acceptance, success and long-term existence of MPAs.

MORBILLIVIRUS INFECTION IN LIVE STRANDED, INJURED, TRAPPED, AND CAPTIVE CETACEANS IN SOUTHEASTERN QUEENSLAND AND NORTHERN NEW SOUTH WALES, AUSTRALIA

We report serologic evidence of cetacean morbillivirus (CMV) infection in five of eight cetacean species found live stranded, injured, or trapped along the coast of southeastern Queensland and northern New South Wales, Australia between December 2005 and January 2011. Antibody to CMV was detected in 13 of 27 (48%) wild cetaceans sampled. Antibody prevalence was significantly higher in clinically diseased (69%) compared to nondiseased (18%) animals (P=0.018). There was high antibody prevalence (83%, n=6) in melon-headed whales (Peponocephala electra). Two of 13 (15%) captive cetaceans sampled between November 2005 and January 2011 had CMV antibodies and, as infection was unlikely to have occurred while in captivity, CMV infection appears to have been present in Australian wild cetaceans since at least 1985. These results indicate that morbillivirus infection is occurring without widespread cetacean mortality in this region. However, as the deaths of two immature Australian offshore bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) were attributed to CMV infection, morbillivirus infection should be included in the differential diagnosis of disease in cetaceans in Australia. Captive cetacean populations may be prone to significant mortality as a result of CMV introduction, so strict quarantine procedures should be enforced when injured or stranded cetaceans are hospitalized and rehabilitated at Australian zoos and marine parks.

Are Speed Restriction Zones an effective management tool for minimising impacts of boats on dolphins in an Australian marine park?

Abstract The small, genetically distinct population of Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins ( Tursiops aduncus ) in Port Stephens, New South Wales (NSW), is the target of the largest dolphin-watching industry in Australia and falls within the recently created Port Stephens—Great Lakes Marine Park. The effectiveness of Speed Restriction Zones (SRZs) as a management tool in this area was investigated during their second year of implementation by comparing dolphin usage and behaviour to adjacent Control Zones (CZs) of similar habitat. For this purpose, boat-based surveys and focal follows of dolphin groups were carried out in the zones between August 2008 and August 2009. Results showed that SRZs were more intensely used by dolphin-watching boats in summer. There was no change in dolphins’ behaviour and group structure in the presence of dolphin-watching boats in SRZs when compared to dolphin groups within CZs in any season. Dolphin groups including calves used SRZs less during summer. The latter may indicate a shift in area utilisation for those groups during intense boat traffic by dolphin-watching operators. CZs were more important than SRZs as foraging grounds for dolphins in summer. This indicates that SRZs as specified are not effective at minimising boating impacts and that the location of these zones should in time be revised. This is important information for management of dolphin-watching within this marine park and an example of adaptive management in progress. Moreover these results are relevant for conservation of dolphins and the management of dolphin-watching industries elsewhere, particularly new industries, where management strategies may incorporate marine protected areas including zoning plans.

Marine Park Planning and Recreational Fishing: Is the Science Lost at Sea? Case Studies from Australia

“No take” marine parks are widely advocated and increasingly utilised as a tool aimed at protecting marine biodiversity, and they may also be used as a fisheries management tool. In Australia a national system of no-take marine parks is being established to protect marine biodiversity. The creation of this network of no-take marine parks that exclude the public from recreational fishing in large areas of the ocean is extremely contentious. Nearly one quarter of the Australian population goes recreational fishing at least once a year, and it is a $2 billion industry. The motivations for, and aspirations of these recreational anglers are extremely diverse. While there is a clearly documented and accepted need to engage stakeholders through consultation and participation, there has been little focus in considering how the marine science associated with marine parks is communicated to, and interpreted by, recreational fishers. It is generally presented as value neutral information when in fact it can be demonstrated to frequently be value laden and the underlying values are increasingly inconsistent with many recreational fishers’ observations of the natural environment which they interact with. The application of marine science in the context of marine parks has significant social and economic impact, and it is contested that these impacts are rarely understood clearly by most scientists active within the discipline, however views on them are offered that are frequently unchallenged by decision makers. In this paper, a number of Australian marine park case studies from urban and rural areas are used to examine identified contentions in detail. Potential solutions to challenges and contentions that have been encountered are presented.

Environmental Discontinuities: The Production and Regulation of an Eco-experience

The paper examines the socio-ecological effects of formal and infor mal regulatory strategies in and around a South Australian Marine Park. It discusses some of the problematic dichotomies these regulations are founded on and help to perpetuate. The paper employed a single case study methodology and relied particularly on the data derived through qualitative field work. Data sources for the study included legislation, field notes, media promotions, photographs, brochures and phone inter views. Data was obtained directly from the principle research site and from key agencies involved in regulating activities at this site. A key con clusion of the study is that Park infrastructures and prescriptions help reinforce the idea that 'humans' and 'nature' are discrete entities rather than part of a continuous flow of matter-energy. In addition, it was con cluded that this delineation has serious implications for the way human/environment interactions are regulated 'outside' these areas.

Seals, Seal Trainers, and Mycobacterial Infection

In 1986, three seals died in a marine park in Western Australia; culture of postmortem tissue suggested infection with Mycobacterium bovis. In 1988, a seal trainer who had been employed at the Western Australian marine park until 1985 developed pulmonary tuberculosis caused by M. bovis while working in a zoo 3,000 km away on the east coast of Australia. Culture characteristics, biochemical behavior, sodium dodecyl sulphate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, and restriction endonuclease analysis suggested that the strains of M. bovis infecting the seals and trainer were identical but unique and differed from reference strains and local cattle strains of M. bovis. The infection in both the seals and the trainer had a destructive but indolent course. This is the first time that M. bovis has been observed in seals and the first time that tuberculous infection has been documented to be transmitted from seals to humans. Further investigation of the extent of tuberculous infection in seal populations elsewhere in the world seems warranted, and those working with seals and other marine animals should be monitored for infection.