Assessing the condition of natural values within priority temperate Australian Marine Parks to evaluate management effectiveness

This project will survey the continental shelf within four AMPs to:

• collect data on natural values (including the size of fish and invertebrates on rocky reefs) at priority monitoring locations; and
• trial protocols to report on the condition and trend of natural values and pressures (in association with Project 4.7 and Project 4.20).

The surveys will provide a scientific understanding of biodiversity and conservation. This will underpin assessments of management effectiveness and decisions on future investments in park management.

In several parks, the project will involve partnerships and collaborations with Traditional Owners of Sea Country.

Approach

The surveys will take place at long-term monitoring locations proposed in Parks Australia’s draft science plan. These locations (in Geographe AMP, Beagle AMP, South-west Corner AMP and Hunter AMP) are biogeographically representative of southern Australia. They offer the ability to:

• evaluate ecosystems and species relevant to management;
• understand potential impacts of established and emerging pressures (such as offshore renewable energy);
• capture the impact of climate change; and
• make comparisons with previously collected data.

Monitoring gear will be deployed according to the Field manuals for marine sampling to monitor Australian waters developed under the Marine Biodiversity Hub (a forerunner of the Marine and Coastal Hub) and following protocols to be developed in Project 4.20. A suite of gear types will be used to survey demersal fishes (baited remote underwater stereo-video and remotely operated vehicles), mobile invertebrates (traps), sessile invertebrates, seagrass and macroalgal communities (remotely operated vehicles and drop cameras).

Geographe AMP (2024)

This survey will collect data on habitat forming vegetation and sessile invertebrates, demersal fish and mobile invertebrates across shallow reefs, seagrass and shelf unvegetated sediment ecosystems.

Beagle AMP (2024)

This survey will collect data on habitat forming sessile invertebrates and demersal fish (including sharks) across mesophotic (mid-light) rocky reefs and shelf unvegetated sediments.

South-west corner AMP (2025)

This survey will collect data on habitat forming vegetation and sessile invertebrates, demersal fish and mobile invertebrates across mesophotic rocky reefs and rariphotic (low light) reefs.

Hunter AMP (2025)

This survey will collect data on habitat forming sessile invertebrates and demersal fish across mesophotic rocky reefs and rariphotic reefs.

Indigenous engagement

The project will benefit from guidance and logistical support provided by Traditional Owners and Cultural Rangers. This will involve working with the Wadandi Ranger program via the Undalup Association and the Karri Karrak Aboriginal Corporation (Geographe Marine Park and South-west Corner Marine Park). Collaborations will also be established with Traditional Owners for Beagle and Hunter marine parks.

Steering group

A steering group will be formed for this project and Project 4.20 to provide advice and ensure they remain aligned with Parks Australia’s needs. The group will include representatives from partner institutions and Parks Australia.

Expected outcomes

The findings of the project will enhance Parks Australia’s ability to assess the management effectiveness of Australian Marine Parks in temperate Australia and decisions on future investments in park management. It will ensure Traditional Owner guidance and knowledge is considered in managing the South-west Marine Parks Network. Traditional Owners, western scientists and park managers will have benefited from two-way skills transfer and knowledge exchange.

Project location

Geographe, Beagle, South-west corner and Hunter AMPs