October 1995 Newsletter

NEW TASKS APPROVED BY BOARD

Seven new research tasks approved in September at the CRC Reef Research Centre Ltd's Board meeting have been added to the Centre's program. They include:

Valuable species and their management -

PART 1. Ecological impacts of visitors on seabird populations

(Chief Investigator, Dr Emma Gyuris, Department of Tropical Environmental Studies and Geography, JCU)

Part one of this project will determine the ecological and physiological effects by visitors on different seabird populations in the Reef region. Population modelling techniques will be developed to predict trends in seabird populations resulting from visitor interaction. The project will then advise the tourist industry and resource managers how to minimise any impact visitors may have on seabirds. It will also investigate the effect pontoons have on seabird populations and associated business costs to industry.

PART 2. Strategies to reduce the impact of gill-netting on dugong in the Reef region

(Chief Investigators, Prof Helene Marsh and Dr Tony Preen, Department of Tropical Environmental Studies and Geography, JCU)

Part two of this project will assess the distribution overlap of dugong populations and gill-netting effort, using arial surveys and fishing log book returns, in cooperation with GBRMPA and QFMA.

The project will also study dugong movement and habitat use in Shoalwater Bay, using satellite tracking and QDEH arial surveillance techniques, to determine the appropriateness of netting closures.

Evaluation and design of Reef interpretation.

(Chief Investigator, Prof Phil Pearse, Department of Tourism, JCU)

This project will assemble, review and evaluate the range current interpretive practices provided to Reef visitors. It will then design new interpretive products, trialed and evaluated in field settings, to better enhance visitor understanding, modify behaviour and reduce certain visitor impacts.

Deposits of pesticides in Herbert and Burdekin river sediments as agricultural indicators - $76 000

(Chief Investigator, Greg Brunskill, AIMS)

This is a jointly funded project with CRC Sugar to determine the degree of change in mangrove sedimentation from agriculture. The project will compare coastal zone sediments before 1850 with accumulation rates during rapid agricultural expansion in the 1900s to the present day.

Mercury and heavy metal tracers in coastal sediments - $60 000

(Chief Investigators, Stewart Walker, CRC, Cathy Burns and Gregg Brunskill, AIMS)

This is a jointly funded project with JCU, measuring levels of mercury from agriculture and mining activities as a tracer, to detect changes caused by land use in Reef lagoon areas. In addition to other pesticide and radioactive tracers, mercury, carried downstream and deposited offshore in flood plumes, can help map coastal sediments patterns and add valuable information to land management agencies on catchment use.

Long term sea temperature monitoring - $33 000

(Chief Investigators, Ray Berkelmans and Steve Hillman, GBRMPA)

To better understand the effect of water temperature changes on coral bleaching and monitor global warming. The project, expanding previous sea temperature monitoring at Magnetic and Orpheus Islands, will establish test stations along five cross-shelf transects. It will help predict the future severity and duration of coral deaths from bleaching.

Development of cost-effective local crown of thorns starfish control strategies - $35 000

(Chief Investigators, David Fisk, Reef Research & Information Services, Lyle Vail and Anne Hoggett, Lizard Island Research Station)

A range of surveys and small scale control trials will be carried out around Lizard Island reefs to determine the most cost-effective starfish control options to protect corals. The trials will compare whether frequent, low level controls are more effective than periodic high intensity efforts. It will also determine how large an area the control operation should cover. The research team will update the COTS control manual and incorporate their findings into training programs for Reef tourism operators.

Allocation of reef sites for future commercial use of moorings - $97 000

(Chief Investigator, Zena Dinesen, GBRMPA)

This project will investigate options and develop an improved policy and legal framework to allocate sites for tourism purposes, especially those requiring moorings for commercial uses. The study, carried out by consultants working with GBRMPA and QDEH staff, will examine case studies mainly offshore Cairns and the Whitsunday's, recommending management options for both agencies.

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