New South Wales Coast Research Articles

Spatially varying impacts of pacific and southern ocean climate modes on tidal residuals in New South Wales, Australia

Still water levels along the New South Wales (NSW) coast often vary from those predicted by harmonic analysis based purely on astronomical forcing. This variation can lead to unexpected inundation episodes along the coast and in estuaries. This study investigates the large-scale ocean-atmosphere drivers that can contribute to these unexpected water levels. Time series regressions and cross- and coherence-wavelet transforms were used to investigate relationships between six tidal residual datasets from NSW ocean gauges and three indices of large-scale climate modes: canonical El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO), ENSO Modoki, and Southern Annular Mode (SAM). Significant relationships were identified between canonical ENSO and SAM and the tidal residual datasets; however, ENSO Modoki did not have a significant impact. Collectively, SAM and canonical ENSO account for up to 45% of the variance in tidal residuals along the NSW coast, with impacts increasing southwards. Wavelet coherences showed that tidal residuals covary significantly with SAM and ENSO, with the largest peaks in the two- and eight-year frequency bands. These results demonstrate a strong dependence of tidal residuals on the phasing of SAM and canonical ENSO. With continued improvements in seasonal forecasts of climate modes, including canonical ENSO and SAM, this research presents important new insights that may contribute to improved management of inundation along the NSW coast. The research also provides a baseline of natural variability on which climate change projections can be considered, given that inundation events are projected to become more frequent.

Visualising Daily PM10 Pollution in an Open-Cut Mining Valley of New South Wales, Australia—Part II: Classification of Synoptic Circulation Types and Local Meteorological Patterns and Their Relation to Elevated Air Pollution in Spring and Summer

Abstract: The Upper Hunter Valley is a major coal mining area in New South Wales (NSW), Australia. Due to the ongoing increase in mining activities, PM10 (air-borne particles with an aerodynamic diameter less than 10 micrometres) pollution has become a major air quality concern in local communities. The present study was initiated to quantitatively examine the spatial and temporal variability of PM10 pollution in the region. An earlier paper of this study identified two air quality subregions in the valley. This paper aims to provide a holistic summarisation of the relationships between elevated PM10 pollution in two subregions and the local- and synoptic-scale meteorological conditions for spring and summer, when PM10 pollution is relatively high. A catalogue of twelve synoptic types and a set of six local meteorological patterns were quantitatively derived and linked to each other using the self-organising map (SOM) technique. The complex meteorology–air pollution relationships were visualised and interpreted on the SOM planes for two representative locations. It was found that the influence of local meteorological patterns differed significantly for mean PM10 levels vs. the occurrence of elevated pollution events and between air quality subregions. In contrast, synoptic types showed generally similar relationships with mean vs. elevated PM10 pollution in the valley. Two local meteorological patterns, the hot–dry–northwesterly wind conditions and the hot–dry–calm conditions, were found to be the most PM10 pollution conducive in the valley when combined with a set of synoptic counterparts. These synoptic types are featured with the influence of an eastward migrating continental high-pressure system and westerly troughs, or a ridge extending northwest towards coastal northern NSW or southern Queensland from the Tasman Sea. The method and results can be used in air quality research for other locations of NSW, or similar regions elsewhere.

Mixed stock analysis identifies natal origins of green turtles at foraging grounds in southeastern Australia

IntroductionIdentifying critical habitats for marine turtles and connectivity between genetic stocks and the foraging grounds they use is a conservation priority worldwide. Green turtles (Chelonia mydas) are impacted by a wide range of anthropogenic threats that can vary by geographic region and the ontogenetic stage of the individual. In Australia, the strengthening of the East Australian Current due to climate change is increasing ocean temperatures, particularly in southern New South Wales (NSW), which is having large-scale impacts on the distribution and abundance of marine resources. Green turtles are frequently observed in temperate southern NSW waters, but our knowledge of their habitat use, migration patterns and the impact of threatening processes is limited.MethodsTo assess the origins of green turtles from foraging grounds in southeastern Australia, samples were obtained from green turtles of all size classes (post-hatchlings to adults) that had stranded along an ~870 km expanse of the NSW coast and Lord Howe Island between 1997 and 2021. Mitochondrial DNA control region sequences for 283 individuals were compared to 25 potential source genetic stocks in the Indo-Pacific using mixed-stock analysis.ResultsA total of 26 haplotypes were identified in NSW, of which 14 had been previously observed at a rookery, eight had been identified previously, but not at a rookery (i.e. orphan haplotypes), and four were previously undescribed. Mixed-stock analysis revealed that NSW waters support multiple genetic stocks but are dominated by those of the southern Great Barrier Reef and New Caledonia genetic stocks. A small proportion of green turtles originated from more distant stocks in the Indo-Pacific region.DiscussionUnderstanding the connectivity between green turtle rookeries and foraging grounds provides an opportunity to assess the impact of anthropogenic threats to turtle stocks, and in turn, prioritize management actions for the conservation of green turtles across regional, national and international jurisdictions.

Characterising continental shelf waves and their drivers for the southeast coast of Australia

Low-lying, developed areas in New South Wales (NSW) are susceptible to extended periods of inundation, which cannot be attributed to tides or local synoptic conditions. This inundation is often associated with relatively small water level anomalies but is persistent enough to damage the built environment. Due to their long duration, continental shelf waves (CSWs) are one of the mechanisms of concern associated with extended coastal inundation. These waves are caused by a range of synoptic disturbances occurring along the mid-latitudes and they travel anticlockwise along the coast (in the southern hemisphere), reaching low latitudes of NSW. This study investigates the characteristics of CSWs that travel along the NSW coast, their generation and propagation mechanisms in relation to local synoptic and oceanic conditions, and their potential modulation by two major large-scale climate modes: the El Niño/Southern Oscillation and the Southern Annular Mode (SAM). We used time series of daily tidal residuals from 1994 to 2015 from nine locations along the NSW coast and used a peak over threshold approach to identify 29 waves which had an average amplitude of 0.3 m, mean period of 15 days (ranging from 8 to 20 days), and a highest occurrence in autumn and winter. The generation of CSWs is tightly coupled to the subpolar jet, the belt of westerlies, and the subtropical ridge, confirming that large-scale atmospheric circulation is a key element in the generation and propagation of CSWs. Through analyses of the inverse barometer, we found that CSWs propagate freely up to the north coast of NSW, independent of local weather conditions. We also found that CSWs are more frequent during the positive phase of SAM combined with La Niña and during neutral SAM combined with El Niño events. This study provides the longest database to date of CSWs for NSW, alongside new insights into their characteristics and timing and frequency of occurrence. Importantly, this information can be used to monitor their occurrence and forecast their impact, including the number of days taken for a wave to reach different locations along the NSW coast.

GUIDELINES FOR INSTALLING MULTI-USE AND ECO-FEATURES DURING BREAKWATER UPGRADES

Many breakwaters along the New South Wales (NSW) coastline that train river entrances or form armoured harbours were designed and built more than 100 years ago. They were built to support coastal shipping, transport and trade which was important in European settlement along coastal NSW prior to the construction of rail and road networks. Breakwater construction was undertaken without rigorous environmental impact assessment and often caused unintended, and lasting, estuary-wide hydrological impacts and interruptions to sand movement. The structures themselves also replaced and fragmented natural ecosystems. A decision-making framework (Mamo et al, 2022) and guidelines (Dwyer and Dengate, 2021) have been developed to inform the planning of upgrade works. The framework and guidelines promote adoption of elements that can maximise multi-use opportunities and incorporate eco-features to add environmental value. They can inform decision-making for an individual breakwater or an organization’s portfolio of structures.

Marine Vegetation Management Strategies: a framework for estuary wide prioritization of protection and rehabilitation

Intertidal systems are constrained by landscape morphology. Where these systems do occur, they often experience a wide range of anthropogenic impacts, further exacerbated by sea‐level rise (SLR). By mapping natural morphological constraints, anthropogenic impacts and modeled SLR, at an estuary‐wide scale the Marine Vegetation Management Strategies (MVMS) identify and prioritize sites and interventions that could address key threats and risks to the system enabling rehabilitation. Development of MVMS is part of an initiative within the broader New South Wales (NSW) state government's Marine Estate Management Strategy to deliver healthy coastal habitats. The MVMS are being developed to take a policy of “no net loss of key fish habitats” toward more active management of intertidal systems that maximize and sustain the ecosystem values and services. Spatial indicators were developed for a pilot estuary (Tweed River) to map and quantify “macrophyte potential” which is defined as the capacity for macrophytes (mangrove and saltmarsh) to deliver ecosystem services now and into the future (under scenarios of SLR). The approach incorporates datasets which indicate the geophysical nature of the landscape, anthropogenic exposure, and vulnerability to SLR. This strategic science‐based approach is being rolled out across coastal NSW, with the mapping products and associated resources identified as key tools to assist in the adopting of a more integrated approach to managing coastal wetlands.

Eastern king prawn Penaeus plebejus stock enhancement-Genetic evidence that hatchery bred prawns have survived in the wild after release.

Eastern king prawn (Penaeus plebejus) is endemic to eastern Australia and is of high commercial and recreational value. As part of a recreational fisheries enhancement initiative, hatchery reared juveniles from Queensland were released into two, more Southern New South Wales (NSW) estuaries between 2014 and 2015. Responsible stock enhancement programs rely on knowledge of the population structure of the released species. Previously, in consideration of fisheries data, it was assumed the king prawn populations in Australia are one single breeding stock. In the present study, our first aim was to test this posit of no genetic differentiation using mtDNA control region (mtCR) sequences from the wild samples collected from four estuaries ranging from Queensland/NSW border (source of the stocked animals) to Southern NSW. The second objective was to test for signals of hatchery-released animals in the two stocked estuaries. All four surveyed populations had an extremely high level of haplotype diversity (average h = 99.8%) and low level of haplotype sharing between populations. Estimates of PhiPT values were <0.01 or close to zero and AMOVA test did not indicate any significant differences among populations. Further, phylogenetic analysis and principal coordinate analysis did not support division of samples by population. Collectively these results suggest that eastern king prawn populations along the NSW coast can be considered as a single stock and stocking from the Queensland samples will not necessarily impact the genetic composition of the overall stock. After stocking of two estuaries, sharing of haplotypes was moderate to very high in the stocked sites (>80% in some collections) but negligible in the two unstocked estuaries (≤2%, which is assumed to be background coancestry unrelated to the hatchery). Moreover, some haplotypes present in the hatchery broodstock were detected in stocked sites, but not in unstocked sites. The highest stocking signal was detected in the estuary which becomes isolated from the sea by sand barrier suggesting such "lakes" maybe more favourable for stocking than estuaries directly open to the sea. Findings in the current study should assist in designing and implementation of future prawn stocking programs.

Factors affecting seabird abundance and interaction with the nearshore ‘for hire’ recreational charter fishery in New South Wales, Australia

Abstract Bycatch in fishing gear is a threat to the conservation of seabird populations globally. Factors affecting interactions with commercial fisheries are well documented; however, little comparable information exists for recreational fisheries. High participation rates in many recreational fisheries globally mean that interactions with seabirds may have population‐level impacts. This study specifically assessed factors affecting seabird interactions with a recreational hook‐and‐line fishery in New South Wales (NSW), Australia. Observers on ‘for hire’ nearshore charter vessels collected data on seabird abundance, interactions and various fishing and environmental variables which could affect the numbers of seabirds in attendance at vessels. In 2017/18, observers were present on 135 fishing trips spanning ~33–36°S off coastal NSW recording 3,183 seabirds, including 10 species from seven families. The majority consisted of shearwaters (Procellariidae; 76%), albatrosses (Diomedeidae; 8%) and gulls/terns (Laridae; 10%), including several species of conservation concern. Significant seasonal variation in the abundances of the three main seabird families were recorded; however, none of the fishing or environmental variables influenced abundances of seabirds (except for the positive effect of inclement weather on shearwaters). Eleven direct interactions and a single incidence of (shearwater) bycatch were recorded in over 630 h of observed fishing (1.74 and 0.16 per 100 h fishing, respectively); these rates were likely due to the active fishing methods used which allows fisher behaviour to minimize interactions. Despite this, these rates indicate that the nearshore charter fishery does have the potential to present a threat to the conservation of seabird populations in this region. Furthermore, globally, for regions with high recreational fishing participation rates, increased and ongoing monitoring of seabird interactions with recreational fisheries is required. This study also highlights that such interactions are likely to be rare events and future monitoring may require utilization of existing broadscale recreational fisheries monitoring programmes, as well as the development of new or enhanced programmes.

Predicting habitat suitability for wild deer in relation to threatened ecological communities in south-eastern New South Wales, Australia

Context High density deer populations can cause ecological damage, yet their distribution and impacts are poorly known across much of Australia. As a result, land managers rely on anecdotal reports to make decisions about management and control measures. Aims We aimed to model habitat suitability for deer in the South Coast of New South Wales (NSW), Australia, to be used as a baseline for future management and identify which threatened ecological communities (TECs) in the region are at greatest current risk of being occupied by deer. Methods We compiled 678 presence-only records of wild deer from online databases, observations made by National Parks and Wildlife Service field staff and field-based surveys. We combined these observations with eight environmental variables to model and map habitat suitability for deer across our study area using maximum entropy. Three spatial models of habitat suitability across our study area were produced: one for all deer species; and two species-specific models for fallow and sambar deer. Key results Our models indicate that suitable habitat for deer exists throughout much of the South Coast of NSW. Of the TECs examined, Coastal Saltmarsh, Themeda Grassland, and Swamp Sclerophyll Forest had the highest proportion of area likely to be extremely suitable for deer and thus should be prioritised for protection within our study area. Conclusions Further systematic field-based surveys are needed to improve the quality of models in this region. Implications We recommend that areas having high habitat suitability but are not yet occupied by deer be identified as sites where deer occupancy could be prevented.

Modelling and mapping soil organic carbon stocks under future climate change in south-eastern Australia

Soil organic carbon (SOC) plays a key role in the sequestration of carbon that could otherwise be warming the atmosphere. Climate change including increased temperature and changed rainfall will greatly impact the global SOC cycle. There are still significant gaps in our knowledge of the size of the global SOC pool and how future climate will affect SOC stocks and flows in many parts of the world, including Australia. In this study, we used SOC data in a Digital Soil Mapping framework to predict current and future SOC stocks across the state of New South Wales (NSW) in south-eastern Australia. In the first phase of the study we estimated the current SOC stock using multiple linear regression (MLR) and random forest (RF) modelling, and in the second phase we projected the change of SOC stocks in the near future (2050s) and far future (2090s) under two Shared Socio-economic Pathways (SSPs) scenarios based on 25 global climate models (GCMs) from the Coupled Model Inter-comparison Project Phase 6 (CMIP6). Our spatial modelling showed that estimated current SOC stocks in NSW decreased from east to west. Multi-GCM ensemble means suggested SOC stocks would decrease by 7.6–12.9% under SSP2-4.5 and 9.1–20.9% under SSP5-8.5 across NSW under future climate. The extent of change in SOC stocks varied spatially with the largest mean decrease of SOC stocks occurring in the North Coast and South East (alpine) regions of NSW. Our findings can support decision-making in land management and climate change mitigation strategies in NSW at the regional level. Furthermore, the modelling methods can be applied to other areas where edaphic and landscape properties, land use, and climate data are available.

Quantitative Mapping of the East Australian Current Encroachment Using Time Series Himawari‐8 Sea Surface Temperature Data

AbstractThe East Australian Current (EAC) is a highly dynamic western boundary current that exerts significant influences on the marine ecosystem off southeast margin of Australia. For the first time, a quantitative mapping of the EAC system was conducted using Himawari‐8 sea surface temperature data and a Topographic Position Index (TPI)‐based image processing technique. The validation using Bluelink ReANalysis data suggested good reliability of our mapping results. Subsequent quantitative examination provides new insights into the EAC's cross‐shelf movement which is a driving force of adjacent slope‐shelf circulations. Along the coast of New South Wales (NSW), large‐scale and high‐frequency EAC encroachment was observed, being every 60–80 days upstream (30–32°S) and every 90–100 days downstream (33–35°S), which is associated with the EAC's intrinsic oscillation and eddy shedding. Downstream, the EAC encroachment exhibits a 20‐day longer period and a double amplitude. Such dephasing is most likely due to the abrupt change of regime at the EAC separation point (32–33°S). Upstream, the EAC encroachment also exhibits seasonality, being 10–15 km closer to the coast in austral summer, which is due to the seasonal EAC broadening. Higher‐frequency (16–32 days) and smaller‐magnitude EAC intrusion was observed along the entire NSW coast (28–37°S), which is possibly associated with EAC's meanders and frontal eddies. In the extension zone (37.30–44°S), we observed maximum EAC encroachment in summer, which is an expression of the seasonal boundary flow off eastern Tasmania. A data set of EAC encroachment (2015–2017) is available (see Data Availability Statement).

Predicting changes in distribution of a large coastal shark in the face of the strengthening East Australian Current

In the face of accelerating climate change, conservation strategies will need to consider how marine animals deal with forecast environmental change as well as ongoing threats. We used 10 yr (2009-2018) of data from commercial fisheries and a bather protection program along the coast of New South Wales (NSW), southeastern Australia, to investigate (1) spatial and temporal patterns of occurrence in bull sharks and (2) environmental factors affecting bull shark occurrence along the coast of NSW. Predicted future distribution for this species was modelled for the forecast strengthening East Australian Current. Bull sharks were mostly harvested in small to larger estuaries, with average depth and rainfall responsible for contrasting patterns for each of the fisheries. There was an increase in the occurrence of bull sharks over the last decade, particularly among coastal setline fisheries, associated with seasonal availability of thermal gradients &gt;22°C and both westward and southward coastal currents stronger than 0.15 and 0.60 m s-1, respectively, during the austral summer. Our model predicts a 3 mo increase in the availability of favourable water temperatures along the entire coast of NSW for bull sharks by 2030. This coastline provides a uniquely favourable topography for range expansion in the face of a southerly shift of warmer waters, and habitat is unlikely to be a limiting factor for bull sharks in the future. Such a southerly shift in distribution has implications for the management of bull sharks both in commercial fisheries and for mitigation of shark-human interactions.

The heterobranch sea slugs of Lord Howe Island, NSW, Australia (Mollusca: Gastropoda)

The distribution of heterobranch sea slugs is generally poorly documented at a regional scale. Thus, it is currently difficult to quantify biodiversity, identify endemic and invasive species, and track range shifts at scales relevant to conservation management. For Lord Howe Island, which lies ~600 km east of the New South Wales (NSW) mid-north coast, data from a range of taxa indicate high biodiversity and endemism, but this has not been examined for heterobranch sea slugs. To address this deficit, we collated occurrence data on sea slugs from both private and public sources, including museum records, scientific literature, field guides and citizen science activities. A total of 186 nominal (formally described) species in 82 genera and 31 families were identified from intertidal and subtidal habitats. Of these, two species are endemic to Lord Howe Island, two have not been recorded elsewhere in Australia, and 28 have not been recorded on the mainland coast of NSW. These results support studies of other taxa suggesting that the relative isolation of the island has facilitated the development of diverse and unique assemblages. However, this isolation is moderated by larval transport from surrounding regions, resulting in considerable overlap of the species pool with the mainland coast of NSW and tropical areas to the north.

Stock structure of dusky flathead (Platycephalus fuscus) to inform stocking management

Delineating stocks and quantifying population structure are critical for the management of exploited populations, but the stock structure of many species remains unclear. In New South Wales (NSW), Australia, a marine stock enhancement program for dusky flathead (Platycephalus fuscus) is developing, and knowledge of stock structure is required to inform enhancement strategies, as well as to support broader fisheries management. A combination of mitochondrial and microsatellite markers was used in this study to evaluate structuring among fish from eight estuaries, spanning the majority of the NSW coast. Pairwise comparisons of mitochondrial haplotypes revealed that seven of the eight estuaries were genetically homogeneous (St Georges Basin was distinct). Moreover, analysis of molecular variance showed that 97% of sequence diversity occurred within estuaries. The results from microsatellite markers were almost identical to those for mitochondrial DNA, with St George’s Basin having the only distinct genotype, and within estuary variation accounting for 99% of the genotype variation. Isolation by distance analysis showed that &amp;lt;5% of genetic variation was due to distance. These results indicate that dusky flathead forms a single stock across NSW, where mixing most likely occurs during early life phases and through limited adult migration. The outlying estuary, St Georges Basin, likely suffers from limited connectivity due to a constricted entrance, and it is possible that stocking may improve local genetic diversity.

The habitat and management of hairy jointgrass (Arthraxon hispidus, Poaceae) on the north coast of New South Wales, Australia

Ecological information about threatened species is required to guide strategic management approaches for effective biodiversity conservation in Australia. Arthraxon hispidus (hairy jointgrass) is a listed threatened species in New South Wales (NSW), but there is limited information on its habitat preferences and native vegetation associations, as well as the impact of historical and ongoing anthropogenic disturbance on its distribution and abundance. In the present study, populations of A. hispidus on the north coast of NSW were surveyed to investigate the habitat characteristics associated with various occurrences of the species. Its preferred habitat was found to be dense ground-cover formations in high-moisture, low-canopy conditions. Cover was highest in moisture-associated assemblages in and around wetlands, drainage lines and groundwater seepages, often in association with native grasses, sedges and herbs. These findings suggest that naturally open freshwater wetland communities comprise the most plausible native habitat niches for A. hispidus populations on the north coast of NSW. A. hispidus also occurs widely among introduced pastures and weeds in previously forested areas, demonstrating the species’ potential to exploit derived habitat. Results indicate that, although ongoing disturbance continues to promote A. hispidus in these exotic-dominated landscapes where historical clearing has created potential habitat opportunities, anthropogenic disturbance (slashing or cattle grazing) is not necessary to sustain A. hispidus within native-dominated wetland communities. Findings suggest more scope for integrated management of A. hispidus within broader native vegetation conservation strategies rather than a single species approach.

Pathways to Diagnosis and Treatment of Patients With Oropharynx, Oral Cavity, and Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma in New South Wales, Australia

Background: Early cancer diagnosis is a critical component of comprehensive cancer control, however more than 50% of head and neck cancers (HNCs) are diagnosed at advanced stage. HNC patients from regional/remote areas are less likely to use radiotherapy during treatment and have poorer survival outcomes than metropolitan patients. Aim: The aim of this study was to examine pathways to treatment of patients with HNC in New South Wales (NSW) and associations between duration of components of the pathway with survival. Methods: Patients diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the oral cavity, oropharynx, or cutaneous SCC from 1st July 2008 to 30th June 2013 were identified from a prospectively maintained database. Data were extracted and supplemented by a retrospective audit of medical records at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital and specialists' records. Results: Two hundred and fifty eligible patients were identified (78% male) with mean (SD) age at diagnosis 64.5 (13.5) years. At diagnosis, 75%, 24% and 1% lived in metropolitan, regional and remote areas of NSW, respectively. Twelve per cent of patients lived &gt; 100 km from a hospital with a HNC multidisciplinary team (median [IQR] 7.5 km [25.1]). More than two-thirds (69%) of tumors were diagnosed as advanced stage, and mean follow-up time was 3.5 years. We will present additional findings quantifying intervals along the pathway to treatment (from symptom onset, first specialist visit, diagnosis and treatment), and the associations with survival, and compare findings to those from a second regional site on the mid north coast of NSW. Conclusion: An increasing proportion of the NSW population resides outside major cities. This study is the first step in understanding patient and health system factors that facilitate and impede early diagnosis of HNC. Findings from this study may be used to develop interventions aimed at improving early HNC diagnosis.

Application of non-destructive methods for assessing rock pool fish assemblages on Lord Howe Island, Australia

Rock pool fish assemblages can be highly diverse, though are poorly studied in many locations. Where rock pool fishes have been studied, sampling has often been undertaken using destructive techniques, causing fish mortality and damage to pool ecosystems. There is, therefore, a need for greater understanding of non-destructive methods for evaluating rock pool fish assemblages. To improve knowledge in this area, we tested three non-destructive techniques: mini baited remote underwater videos (mini-BRUVs) which utilised a stationary video camera to record fish, visual censuses (VCs) where a roving observer recorded fish using a slate and observer operated videos (OOVs) where fish were recorded by an observer using a video camera.These methods were tested for their effectiveness in assessing fish assemblages, using data from rock pools on Lord Howe Island (LHI), in New South Wales (NSW), Australia. VCs and OOVs required significantly less total survey time than mini-BRUVs, whereas mini-BRUVs provided advantages in the detection of fishes in small pools (<25 m3). Examination of mini-BRUVs’ data, for 30 min samples, identified that the vast majority of fish species were detected within 15 min and indicated that a shorter 15 min sampling period would generally be suitable for collecting fish data from rock pools. The base-line data collected on fishes in LHI rock pools demonstrated the uniqueness of LHI assemblages, which were significantly different from those on the NSW coast. This study demonstrates that non-destructive sampling methods can be used in rock pool environments, making these methods suitable for sampling in inter-tidal habitats, especially within marine protected areas.

Selling surf and turf: throwntogetherness and real estate advertising on the suburbanising east Australian coastline

New residential development is transforming coastal places in Australia. This paper untangles perceptions of coastal change by analysing representations of nature and lifestyles in marketing new residential developments on the New South Wales (NSW) coastline. We focus specifically on master-planned estates (MPEs). In this context MPEs are primarily a consequence of housing affordability and supply dilemmas in capital cities. Their form and character is derided as ‘suburbanisation by the sea’: vandalism of ‘authentic’ coastal cultures. We draw on Massey’s theorisation of place as ‘event’ and a relational politics termed ‘throwntogetherness’ to understand the role of real estate advertising in blending coastal places and MPEs. Our insights are drawn from visits to 19 MPEs for sale on the NSW coast, and discourse analysis of 76 advertisements collected in situ (billboards, signs, banners and brochures). Advertising narratives for new MPEs both sustain and contradict the idea of coastal suburbanisation: portraying permanent settlement by young families as a culture shift and implicating ‘sea change’ configurations of coastal places to do so. This makes lifestyle expectations with coastal nature perplexing. In the throwntogetherness of contemporary coastlines, marked by landscape change and development pressures, real estate advertisements are pivotal in establishing, grounding and guiding change.

FIELD MEASUREMENTS OF BEACH-DUNE DYNAMIC PROFILES TO ASSESS EROSION HAZARD ON THE COAST OF NSW, AUSTRALIA

The coast of New South Wales (NSW), Australia is about 2000 km long and consists of 721 sandy beaches (68%), rock coastline (32%), and more than 185 estuaries. It is most populated in Australia and one of the NSW greatest assets with significant economic, social and environmental values. The NSW coast has epsodically been ravaged by severe storms together with large ocean waves and high water levels, resulting in severe dune-beach erosion/recession, damaging coastal infrastructure and properties and degrading coastal ecosystems. With potential changes to storm-wave climate and rising sea level, coastal erosion hazards on the NSW coast are likely to worsen in the future. This study was undertaken to collect essential field data on beach-dune profiles and sediment grain-size distributions over more than 200 sandy beaches to assess NSW coastal erosion hazard. For each of the selected beaches, three beach-dune profiles of shore-normal transects at 50m apart were surveyed by RTK-GPS, and three sediment samples only on the first transect line were also colleced from the dune, dry beach/berm and swash zone by using a simple hand grabbing method. A sediment grain size analyzer, Malvern Mastersizer 2000E, was used to obtain sediment grain size distributions. It is found that the 618 sediment samples analysed consist of fine sand (10%), medium sand (82%) and coarse sand (8%), and that the dune sand d50 correlates well with the dry-beach sand d50 and is about 8% smaller, but less well correlates with the swash sand d50 and is about 15% smaller. The beach orientation was estimated from the direction of the shore-normal transect lines and generally ranges from 90o to 150o. The beaches surveyed are found to have erosion problems when they were directly exposed to predominant waves in the south-east direction and also when the dune toe elevations were lower than 3~3.5m (AHD). A conceptual model is also developed to assess likelihood storm erosion of a beach-dune system.

Rainfall variations in south‐eastern Australia part 2: a comparison of documentary, early instrumental and palaeoclimate records, 1788–2008

ABSTRACTIn part 1 of this study, Fenby and Gergis (Fenby C, Gergis J. 2012. A rainfall history of south‐eastern Australia Part 1: comparing evidence from documentary and palaeoclimate records, 1788–1860. International Journal of Climatology) established a documentary chronology of droughts and wet years in south‐eastern Australia (SEA) from first European settlement in 1788 until widespread meteorological observations begin in 1860. We now compare this newly developed documentary record to a five‐station network of historical instrumental rainfall observations from the Sydney region for 1832–1859, and a 45‐station rainfall network from a broader range of SEA locations over the 1860–2008 period. After assessing geographical biases in the documentary and instrumental record due to population settlement, we identify eastern New South Wales (NSW) as the subregion of SEA that is capable of providing a continuous record of wet and dry years back to 1788. Documentary, historical instrumental and modern rainfall observations are then combined to develop an eastern NSW drought and wet year index over the 1788–2008 period. The eastern NSW drought and wet year index is compared to palaeoclimate reconstructions of SEA rainfall and El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) since 1788. We investigate the relationship between droughts and wet years in eastern NSW and ENSO back to 1788, noting that the coastal NSW rainfall–ENSO relationship is not as pronounced as in inland areas of eastern Australia. While it is clear that ENSO influences rainfall variability in the broader SEA region, the signal recorded in coastal NSW is weak. This is most likely reflecting local orographic rainfall effects and deficiencies in the wet phase of the documentary record. Nonetheless, this study is the first of its kind in the Australasian region to combine documentary, early instrumental and modern meteorological rainfall observations using internationally comparable techniques, a significant advance in historical climatology for the region. The results of this study provide an opportunity for Australia to be included in cross‐regional drought comparisons from the Indo–Pacific regions of the Southern Hemisphere.