Kimberley Coast Research Articles

Biogeographic patterns on Kimberley islands, Western Australia

– Australia’s islands play a significant role in the conservation of its biota. The near-pristine islands along the Kimberley coast of north-western Australia are important natural refuges that have been relatively isolated from many of the threatening processes affecting the adjacent mainland.

Taming wicked problems: towards a resolution of tourism access to Traditional Owner lands in the Kimberley region, Australia

This paper names and describes the longstanding issue of tourism access to the Kimberley coast region in northwest Australia. Tourism access is a problem because it occurs without appropriate permissions from the Traditional Owners. The granting of access permission is a fundamental component of the local Traditional Owner ontology, or concept of being. Tourism activities cannot be culturally sustainable without appropriate Traditional Owner permissions. We argue that this seemingly simple issue is a “wicked problem” and must be recognised as such to facilitate its “taming” to create a culturally sustainable local tourism industry. The paper first examines the cultural and historical context, establishing a more nuanced understanding of the problem. Framed in Rittel and Webber's definition of a wicked problem, it then describes its complex and intercultural nature, highlighting repeated and continuing efforts and failures by key parties to address it, linked to an ingrained lack of political will. We conclude that operators could take ownership of the wicked problem and contribute to taming it by proactively engaging in a direct relationship with Traditional Owners based on transformational learning. The paper contributes to tourism planning studies, to the concept of the Just Destination and to indigenous tourism understanding.

PROTECTING HERITAGE ON AUSTRALIA'S COASTS: A ROLE FOR STRATEGIC ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT?

This article examines two experiences with strategic environmental assessment (SEA) in Australia, one complete the other in progress. The first applied SEA to a plan for a liquefied natural gas hub precinct on the National Heritage listed Kimberley coast of Western Australia, and the second applies SEA to a coastal management, planning and development framework for the World Heritage listed Great Barrier Reef on the coast of Queensland. Both cases illustrate the approach of the Australian governments to SEA, highlighting the benefits of the approach yet certain flaws in application and process. The research consists of an extensive evaluation of the relevant legislation, its application and reform, together with a thorough literature review. Results highlight concerns in relation to the objective of SEA in Australia, its initiation and timing, consideration of alternatives, and governance. Conclusions are that SEA in Australia will be enhanced if the purpose is more explicitly focused on environmental protection, if SEA is applied early to a reasonable range of alternative sites, and if the Australian Government continues to play an active role in relation to matters of national environmental significance.

The avifauna of larger islands along the Kimberley coast, Western Australia

Bird observations were collected opportunistically on 24 islands along the remote Kimberley coast of Western Australia between 2007 and 2010. We present a summary of our observations, along with bird data collated from other sources, to provide baseline inventories for these islands. A total of 157 species were recorded during our survey. The inclusion of other records increased the total number of bird species known from these islands to 179, with species richness for individual islands ranging from 22 to 95 taxa. We found that, in general, more bird species were observed on larger islands. Island attributes most closely correlated with observed bird assemblages included the extent of rugged habitat, the number of habitats and temperature in the warmest month of the year. No bird species or subspecies are confi ned to the Kimberley islands. Only one threatened bird species, the northern subspecies of the Masked Owl (Tyto novaehollandiae kimberli ), is known to occur on the islands we sampled. Further surveys are required to better document the avifauna of these and other Kimberley islands and to improve our understanding of the biogeographical patterns of Kimberley island birds.

New records of non-marine, non-camaenid gastropods (Mollusca: Gastropoda) from islands off the Kimberley coast, Western Australia

New records of non-marine, non-camaenid gastropods (Mollusca: Gastropoda) from islands off the Kimberley coast, Western Australia

Occurrence of non-volant mammals on islands along the Kimberley coast of Western Australia

Occurrence of non-volant mammals on islands along the Kimberley coast of Western Australia

Descriptions of new species of the diverse and endemic land snail Amplirhagada Iredale, 1933 from rainforest patches across the Kimberley, Western Australia (Pulmonata: Camaenidae)

Descriptions of new species of the diverse and endemic land snail Amplirhagada Iredale, 1933 from rainforest patches across the Kimberley, Western Australia (Pulmonata: Camaenidae)

The Camaenid Species of the Kimberley Islands, Western Australia (Stylommatophora: Helicoidea)

The present paper provides a complete overview of the camaenid land snail fauna of the 22 largest islands along the Kimberley coast, northwesternmost Western Australia, which were surveyed between 2007 and 2010. These islands were found to harbour a total of 104 species (83 new) in 15 genera (5 new), including taxa described recently. Species were essentially delimited by means of comparative analyses of shells (size, shape, sculpture, colouration), genital anatomy (in particular penial anatomy), and genetic differentiation in a mitochondrial marker (partial 16S rRNA sequences). Additionally, the radular and jaw morphology of selected species was studied but found to provide little useful information for taxonomic purposes. Species of the following genera are treated: Amplirhagada Iredale, 1933 (22 species), Carinotrachia Solem, 1985 (2 subspecies), Kimberieymelon Köhler, 2010 (1 species), Kimberleydiscus Köhler, 2010 (1 species), Australocosmica Köhler, 2011 (6 species), Kimboraga Iredale, 1939 (4 species), Xanthomelon Martens, 1860 (1 species), Globorhagada Iredale, 1933 (8 species; the name Globorhagada being removed from synonymy of Xanthomelon), Rhagada Albers, 1860 (8 species), Retroterra Solem, 1985 (3 species), Baudinella Thiele, 1931 (5 species), Setobaudinia Iredale, 1933 (14 species), Torresitrachia Iredale, 1939 (17 species or subspecies). In addition, two new genera, Molema, n. gen. (one species) and Kimberleytrachia, n. gen. (12 species), are described. The taxa Torresitrachia umbonis Solem, 1979, T. deflecta Solem, 1979, and T. crawfordi Solem, 1979, are transferred to the new genus Kimberleytrachia. Species previously assigned to Damochlora are transferred to Setobaudinia; the former genus name likely being a junior synonym of the latter. The following species are delimited differently compared to the latest available revisions: “Xanthomelon” (now: Globorhagada) prudhoensis (E. A. Smith, 1894); “Damochlora” (now: Setobaudinia) rectilabrum (E. A. Smith, 1894); “Torresitrachia” (now: Kimberleytrachia) umbonis (Solem, 1979); Torresitrachia amaxensis Solem, 1979; T. bathurstensis (E. A. Smith, 1894). Most species were found to be island endemics. The work increases the number of known camaenids in northwestern Australia considerably and highlights the region as significant hotspot of land snail diversity.

Environmental and Cultural Implications of Visitor Access in the Kimberley Region, Australia

The Kimberley coast in Australia's far north-west is the traditional country and home of a number of Indigenous groups and hosts some of the country's richest cultural heritage, most spectacular rock art, scenery and wildlife, making it an attractive tourism destination. A growing expedition cruise industry provides the main means of visitor access to remote coastal sites and offers excursions to shore-based attractions in what are mostly Aboriginal Reserve lands. In light of concerns about environmental and cultural site impacts resulting from increasing visitor numbers, this study examined biophysical site impacts along access trails to shore-based attractions and used qualitative methods to ascertain cultural impacts. The synthesis of the findings highlights that cultural concerns arising from visitor access without having sought traditional owner consent for such access, combined with a lack of traditional owner involvement in the planning, management or running of visitor activities, overshadow currently low environmental impacts of onshore expedition cruise activities. To overcome the continuing impasse regarding the issue of unsanctioned visitor access, the Kimberley urgently needs a coordinated approach by key stakeholders and the traditional owners which recognises and acknowledges the historical context. Such a process would facilitate tourism activities to become culturally sustainable.

Genetic population structure of grey mackerel Scomberomorus semifasciatus in northern Australia

This study used mtDNA sequence and microsatellite markers to elucidate the population structure of Scomberomorus semifasciatus collected from 12 widespread sampling locations in Australia. Samples (n = 544) were genotyped with nine microsatellite loci, and 353 were sequenced for the control (384 bp) and ATPase (800 bp) mtDNA gene regions. Combined interpretation of microsatellite and mtDNA data identified four genetic stocks of S. semifasciatus: Western Australia, north-west coast of the Northern Territory, Gulf of Carpentaria and the eastern coast of Queensland. Connectivity among stocks across northern Australia from the Northern Territory to the eastern coast of Queensland was high (mean F(ST) = 0·003 for the microsatellite data and Φ(ST) = 0·033 and 0·009 for control region and ATPase, respectively) leading to some uncertainty about stock boundaries. In contrast, there was a clear genetic break between the stock in Western Australia compared to the rest of northern Australia (mean F(ST) = 0·132 for the microsatellite data and Φ(ST) = 0·135 and 0·188 for control region and ATPase, respectively). This indicates a restriction to gene flow possibly associated with suboptimal habitat along the Kimberley coast (north Western Australia). The appropriate scale of management for this species corresponds to the jurisdictions of the three Australian states, except that authorities in Queensland and Northern Territory should co-ordinate the management of the Gulf of Carpentaria stock.

An investigation of benthic sediments and macrofauna within pearl farms of Western Australia

The pearl oyster ( Pinctada maxima) aquaculture industry in the Kimberley region of Western Australia has been established for decades. However, investigation of benthic sediments and macrobenthic communities within pearl farms for this region has not taken place until now. Pearl oysters may have the potential to foul the benthic layer under the farms through the deposition of feces and pseudo-feces from the cultured oysters and fouling organisms, and the fallout of debris from the longlines that suspend the pearl oysters. This organic waste and debris can accumulate in the sediments below the oyster longlines and potentially lead to organic enrichment and even eutrophication. Other aquacultures (such as some finfish and other shellfish) have caused eutrophication of marine sediments and a concurrent change in benthic macrofauna. For two years we sampled the sediments below three P. maxima pearl oyster farms in remote regions of the Kimberley coast. Sediment core samples were taken to measure physico-chemical variables (redox potential, nutrients loads and total organic matter) while grab samples collected the benthic macrofauna (> 1 mm in size). Each farm was compared to four control locations (total = 12 control locations) within the same region. At all three pearl farms there was no indication of eutrophication (nutrient enrichment). We concluded that the variability in benthic physico-chemistry beneath pearl farms was within the bounds of natural variability at reference locations. There were also no consistent differences in the benthic macrofauna assemblages below the pearl oyster farms when compared to control locations. There was considerable natural variability of the benthic macrofauna among all locations, but especially among the reference locations. The reference locations were as different from one another as they were from the farm locations, indicating that the diversity of benthic macrofauna taxa, and their relative abundances within sediments underlying the farms fell within the range of natural variability found at these spatial scales. The importance of robust assessment of potential environmental impact of aquaculture facilities is stressed.

Australocosmica,A New Genus of Land Snails from the Kimberley, Western Australia (Eupulmonata, Camaenidae)

The Western Australian Kimberley region harbours a diverse fauna of camaenid land snails characterised by marked patterns of narrow range endemism. A recent survey of previously poorly known areas along the Kimberley coast has resulted in the discovery of a number of further, yet undeschbed camaenid taxa. One of these, the genus Australocosmica, is newly described herein based on comparative studies of genital anatomy, shell and radular morphology, and analyses of partial sequences of the mitochondrial marker 16S rRNA. Australocosmica is characterised by a broadly conical to semi-globose shell with moderately elevated spire, well-rounded, convex whorls that are separated by a deeply incised suture, and a sculpture of dense, regularly spaced axial ribs. The most distinguishing feature of the inner penial anatomy is the presence of a furrowed, collar-like vergic papillum forming the entrance of the vas deferens into the lumen of the penial chamber. Three new species, Australocosmia augustae, A. sanctumpatriciusae, and A. vulcanice, are described based mainly on differences in penial anatomy. All species are well differentiated by uncorrected pair-wise p-distances of 15% to 20% in the 16S rRNA gene. Similar to most camaenids in the Kimberley region, species of Australocosmica are narrow-range endemics being restricted to single islands, sometimes including the immediately adjacent mainland coast.

Uncovering local endemism in the Kimberley, Western Australia: description of new species of the genus Amplirhagada Iredale, 1933 (Pulmonata: Camaenidae)

In this work twenty-six species of the camaenid land snail Amplirhagada, which is endemic to the Kimberley region in Western Australia, are newly described. In addition, the anatomy of two further species, A. katerana and A. combeana, is described and a further, yet undescribed species is reported from Boongaree Island based on dry shell material. Most of these species occur on islands of the Bonaparte Archipelago off the mainland coast. The patterns of distribution and differentiation of these island species are comparable, however, with those found on the mainland. Mainland species are usually restricted to single rainforest patches. Frequently, single patches harbour only one or two congeneric species. Similarly, smaller islands usually support one endemic Amplirhagada species whereas on larger islands up to four species are found to occur in sympatry. Species are distinguishable particularly by the characteristic anatomy of the inner penial wall. Sympatric species generally exhibit marked morphological differences in shells and genital anatomy. A molecular phylogeny based on partial sequences of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase unit 1 gene (COI) reveals a basal polytomy among species of the genus, which are generally genetically well differentiated. Relationships among species in the molecular tree mainly reflect geographical patterns. kohler, Frank, 2010. Uncovering local endemism in the Kimberley, Western Australia: description of new species of the genus Amplirhagada Iredale, 1933 (Pulmonata: Camaenidae). Records of the Australian Museum 62(2): 217–284. Camaenid land snails of the genus Amplirhagada Iredale, 1933, are endemic to the Kimberley region of Western Australia, where they have radiated extensively. Thirty species are currently considered valid, most of which usually occupy small distributional ranges along the Kimberley coast from the Buccaneer Archipelago in the south to Kalumburu in the north as well as in inland areas of the Napier, Harding, and King Leopold Ranges, the Drysdale River Reserve, Mt Elizabeth Station and the region south of Wyndham (Solem, 1981a, 1988). Many of these species are restricted to single localities, such as rainforest patches or more open woodlands (Solem, 1991). Supposed exceptions, with species occupying larger ranges, are likely to result from the inadequate delimitation of morphologically cryptic species (Solem, 1981a). Earlier accounts were predominantly based on dry shells (e.g., Smith, 1894; Iredale, 1933,

Visitor management practices and operational sustainability: Expedition cruising in the Kimberley, Australia

The expedition cruise industry along the remote 3000km Kimberley coast in Australia’s northwest draws on the area’s environmental and cultural assets for its tourism product and provides the main means of access for visitors. Cruises involve frequent on-shore excursions to attractions including rock pools, rock art and historic sites. This study used visitor observations and stakeholder interviews to examine potential impacts on environmental and cultural site assets, and visitor safety and experience. Visitor management practices varied strongly between operators, with vast room for improvement by some operations. Inconsistent visitor management practices contributed to a high level of avoidable risks in terms of visitor safety and negative cultural and environmental impacts. Findings from this study highlight the central role of tour guides and operational procedures for improving visitor management practices.

Descriptions of new serpulid polychaetes from the Kimberleys of Australia and discussion of Australian and Indo-West Pacific species of Spirobranchus and superficially similar taxa

In 1988 Pat Hutchings of the Australian Museum, Sydney, undertook an extensive polychaete collection trip off the Kimberley coast of Western Australia, where such a survey had not been conducted since Augener's (1914) description of some polychaetes from the region. Serpulids were well represented in the collection, and their present study revealed the existence of two new genera, and new species belonging to the genera Protula, Vermiliopsis, Hydroides, Serpula and Spirobranchus. The synonymy of the difficult genera Spirobranchus, Pomatoceros and Pomatoleios is also dealt with. Certain difficult taxa currently referred to as "species complexes" or "species groups" are discussed. For this purpose it was considered necessary to undertake a comparison of apparently similar species, especially of Spirobranchus, from other locations in Australia and the Indo-West Pacific region. It revealed the existence of many more new species, which are also described and discussed below.

Age estimation and otolith characteristics of an unusually old, red emperor snapper (Lutjanus sebae) captured off the Kimberley coast of north-western Australia

In October 2006, an unusually old, red emperor snapper, Lutjanus sebae, was captured using fish traps off the north coast of Western Australia. Despite being very old the specimen was not exceptionally large, measuring 516 mm fork length. Of particular note was the fact the specimen was female, as female L. sebae do not attain the large sizes at age of male fish. Interpretation of the sectioned sagittal otolith was used to estimate an age of approximately 40 years. This is the oldest recorded age for an individual L. sebae and further contributes towards the knowledge of the demography of this species. The advanced age recorded for this specimen also confirms the low rates of natural mortality for L. sebae and therefore low population productivity and supports the precautionary management arrangements for this species in north-western Australia.

Impacts on Aboriginal spirituality and culture from tourism in the coastal waterways of the Kimberley region, North West Australia

The Kimberley coast in Australia’s far northwest stretches from Broome, Western Australia, for over 3000 km to the Northern Territory border. The largely undeveloped and remote area has gained increasing popularity in recent years for its spectacular scenery, Aboriginal rock art and native wildlife that forms the platform for a strong and uniquely Australian ecotourism experience. This paper examines the cultural impacts of tourism on the area, with focus on the expedition cruise industry. Visitors to the area access many land-based attractions of significance to Traditional Owners. Unlike at other tourist destinations, non-indigenous cruise operators offer the indigenous experience, without any contact with the Traditional Owners of the areas visited. This project worked in close consultation with representatives from the four native title groups, expedition cruise operators and other stakeholders to assess cultural and environmental management practices and identification of current and potential impacts of ecotourism activities. The study found that the issue of cultural and spiritual impacts on sites of Aboriginal significance, coupled with issues of on-site visitor management, requires urgent attention. Impacts included lack of consultation with Traditional Owners, permission not being sought for access and cultural protocols not being followed resulting in a perceived lack of respect for traditional custodians. There are currently considerable variations in operational practices that should be addressed through the development and implementation of good practice guidelines and operational standards. There is also a need for an improved governance framework and the development of appropriate statutory and non-statutory mechanisms to facilitate sustainability in coastal planning and development of the Kimberley coastal area. The appointment of an adequately equipped body to oversee and drive the regional planning and development process, including the development of a coastal planning strategy, could provide the capacity for such a process.

Growth, Age Validation, Mortality, and other Population Characteristics of the Red Emperor Snapper, Lutjanus sebae (Cuvier, 1828), off the Kimberley Coast of North-Western Australia

Red emperor, Lutjanus sebae, were examined from commercial catches in the Northern Demersal Scalefish Fishery (NDSF) of north-western Australia from 1997 to 1999. Specimens ranged from 183 to 728mm fork length (FL); males had a mean FL of 509mm, and were significantly larger than females that had a mean FL of 451mm. Ages were estimated from thin sections of sagittal otoliths. Marginal increment analysis of sagittal otoliths showed a single annual minimum during September and October and indicated that one annulus is formed each year. Male L. sebae (n=977; 211–728mm FL) ranged from age 2 to 30 years and females (n=1384; 183–584mm FL) ranged from age 1 to 34 years. Sagittal otolith weight and height were significantly correlated with age for each sex. There was significant differential growth between sexes. The relationship of observed fork length at age was described by the von Bertalanffy growth equation for males, Lt=627·8 {1−exp [−0·151 (t+0·595)]} and females, Lt=482·6 {1−exp [−0·271 (t−0·065)]}. The slow growth, long life span and large size and age at maturity of L. sebae indicate that this species has a low production potential and hence spatial area closures are vulnerable to over-exploitation. The instantaneous rate of natural mortality (M) ranged from 0·104 to 0·122. The optimum rate of fishing mortality was estimated to be 0·052–0·061. The instantaneous rate of total mortality (Z) estimated from catch at age data for fully recruited ages, was 0·374 in 1997/98 and 0·242 in 1998/99. Hence, the NDSF population of L. sebae is exploited above optimum levels. Given their low production potential, populations of L. sebae in north-western Australia and elsewhere in the Indo-Pacific region require prudent management. Furthermore, fishery managers need to consider as part of any harvest strategy for these fish to preserve significant levels of the spawning stock.

Spatial genetic subdivision between northern Australian and southeast Asian populations of Pristipomoides multidens: a tropical marine reef fish species

Nucleotide sequence polymorphism in the left domain of the control region of the mitochondrial genome of over 700 goldband snapper ( Pristipomoides multidens) was surveyed using both direct sequencing and innovative restriction enzyme cleavage analysis techniques. Southeast Asian populations were sampled adjacent to western Irian Jaya, northern Papua New Guinea and western Timor. Six Australian populations were sampled from adjacent to Exmouth in western Australia to Weipa in the northern Gulf of Carpentaria. The results show that significant genetic structure occurs among Indonesian and Australian waters along national boundaries; 14% of the total molecular variance among restriction site haplotypes was due to genetic distinction between Indonesian and Australian samples. Several lines of evidence suggest that gene flow does not occur freely along the northern and western Australian coastline, particularly on the northwestern Kimberley coast. Australian fisheries managers need to be alerted to the possibility of at least one genetically distinct population of this important commercial species which should be protected from over-harvesting that may otherwise lead to localised extinction and the erosion of genetic diversity. There is no convincing biological argument for the observed genetic disjunction in the Kimberley area. It may be due to the combined effect of past sea-level changes, sampling error or patterns of exploitation.

Tidal mixing near the Kimberley coast of NW Australia

A complex of reefs and islands atop raised topography that is 140 km long and up to 35 km wide extends roughly westward from the Kimberley coast of NW Australia. The surrounding seafloor has depths of 60–80 m. Satellite images of sea surface temperature in spring, summer and autumn suggest that tides commonly mix sub-thermocline waters to the surface along this ridge, particularly along its western half, which includes Adele Island and Churchill, Albert, Beagle and Mavis reefs. The cool surface waters (~3˚C cooler than surroundings) are seen where the depths are less than ~50 m, such that they closely reflect the bottom topography. The semi-diurnal tides have a maximum daily range of ~10 m and it is when the range exceeds ~3 m that mixing to the surface occurs. Thus, the mixing can cease during some neap periods. Historical data from the shelf show the sub-thermocline water to be nutrient-rich (nitrate concentrations of 6.0 µM), so the mixing is likely to be important for the marine ecosystem. As winter approaches, the distinctive cool mixed region around the Adele–Mavis banks is overwhelmed by surface cooling, and historical ship data reveal that the stratification on the surrounding shelf disappears.