Parks Victoria Technical Paper Series No. 62
Victorian Subtidal Reef Monitoring
Program:
The reef biota at Marine Protected Areas
within the Twofold Shelf
Volume 3
Matt Edmunds
Kim Stewart
Katharine Pritchard
Richard Zavalas
Australian Marine Ecology Pty Ltd
June 2010
Parks Victoria Technical Series No. 62
Twofold Shelf Subtidal Reef Monitoring
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Shallow reef habitats cover extensive areas along the Victorian coast and are dominated by
seaweeds, mobile invertebrates and fishes. These reefs are known for their high biological
complexity, species diversity and productivity. They also have significant economic value
through commercial and recreational fishing, diving and other tourism activities. To effectively
manage and conserve these important and biologically rich habitats, the Victorian
Government has established a long-term Subtidal Reef Monitoring Program (SRMP). Over
time the SRMP will provide information on the status of Victorian reef flora and fauna and
determine the nature and magnitude of trends in species populations and species diversity
through time.
The subtidal reef monitoring program is established throughout Victoria for all relevant
marine protected areas (MPA). This report describes the 2009 survey of the Twofold Shelf
Bioregion sites associated with the Beware Reef Marine Sanctuary, Point Hicks Marine
National Park and Cape Howe Marine National Park.
The subtidal reef monitoring program uses standardised underwater visual census methods
to survey algae, macroinvertebrates and fish. This report aims to:
• Provide general descriptions of the biological communities and species populations at
each monitoring site in March-May 2009.
•
•
Identify any unusual biological phenomena such as interesting communities and species.
Ecologically significant temporal changes in comparison with reference areas.
•
Identify any introduced species at the monitoring locations.
The surveys were along a 200 m transect line. Each transect was surveyed for:
• Abundance and size structure of large fishes
•
•
Abundance of cryptic fishes and benthic invertebrates
Percentage cover of macroalgae
•
Density of string kelp species
There have been four surveys in the Twofold Shelf Bioregion marine sanctuaries over the
past nine years: February 2001; March 2004; February 2006; and March-May 2009. The key
observations during this time for the Beware Reef Marine Sanctuary, Point Hicks Marine
National Park and Cape Howe Marine National Park are provided below.
Key Observations for Relevant Marine Protected Areas
Beware Reef Marine Sanctuary
Beware Reef Marine Sanctuary (MS) is a unique pinnacle environment and includes features
such as a seal haulout, stands of bull kelp Durvillaea potatorum and aggregations of butterfly
perch Caesioperca lepidoptera. Key observations made at Beware Reef Marine Sanctuary
during the monitoring program are:
• The sites in the Beware Reef monitoring region had seaweed, invertebrate and fish
communities that were distinctly different to the other monitoring regions. Assemblage
differences between the Beware Reef and Pearl Point monitoring sites were maintained
over the monitoring period.
•
Algal species richness had an increasing trend at both sites.
•
Invertebrate diversity decreased at Beware Reef MS between 2004, 2006 and 2009.
•
The abundance of bull kelp Durvillaea potatorum increased by 16% between 2006 and
2009.
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Twofold Shelf Subtidal Reef Monitoring
The abundances of feather star Comanthus trichoptera increased markedly at both
Beware Reef MS and Pearl Point between 2006 and 2009.
The long spined sea urchin Centrostephanus rodgersii decreased slightly in abundance
on the transects at Beware Reef MS, however qualitative observations in deeper waters
along the northern wall indicates densities in less exposed waters may have increased.
The abundance of purple wrasse Notolabrus fucicola increased considerably at both
Beware Reef MS and Pearl Point between 2006 and 2009.
Point Hicks Marine National Park
For Point Hicks Marine National Park (MNP), the four MPA sites and two of the reference
sites are situated on the granite slopes, boulders and outcrops around the Point Hicks
headland. Two other reference sites are located several kilometres to the east on moderate
relief reefs at Müller’s Reef and Petrel Point. Key observations made at Point Hicks Marine
National Park during the monitoring program are:
•
The kelp stands in the Point Hicks region were generally a mixture of crazyweed,
Phyllospora comosa, and common kelp, Ecklonia radiata, with the proportions of these to
species varying according to the habitat and location.
•
There were generally two invertebrate assemblage types, with a Point Hicks type
(associated with higher Phyllospora abundances) and a Müller Reef/Petrel Point type
(associated with higher Ecklonia abundances) – the latter group is dominated by filter
feeders, including Comanthus trichoptera.
•
The fish assemblages in the Point Hicks region were distinct from Beware Reef and Cape
Howe, however there was no clear distinction between sites.
Each monitoring site had a characteristic seaweed and invertebrate assemblage structure
with site distinctiveness maintained between surveys.
•
•
There were considerable changes at Old Jetty Bay within the Point Hicks MNP:
o
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•
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decreasing trend in algal species diversity from 2004 to 2009 with greatly
reduced abundances of smaller thallose red algae and other significant
compositional changes,
o absence of string kelp, Macrocystis angustifolia, from 2006 to 2009.
Increased canopy coverage of Phyllospora comosa at the reference site Krafts Garden
with corresponding declines in smaller thallose red algal abundances.
Persistent abundance of bull kelp, Durvillaea potatorum, at the reference site Durvillaea
Flats.
Very high densities of feather star, Comanthus trichoptera, at the reference sites Müllers
Reef and Petrel Point (as with Pearl Point).
Increased abundance of blacklip abalone, Haliotis rubra, within the MNP sites of Hicks
Joggle and Hicks Lighthouse and at the reference sites Krafts Garden and Durvillaea
Flats (all adjacent sites).
Densities of blue throated wrasse, Notolabrus tetricus, and purple wrasse, N. fucicola,
declined between 2004 and 2006 within the MNP at Hicks Southwest and Hicks Joggle
and at the reference sites Durvillaea Flats, Müllers Reef and Petrel Reef.
•
There were large temporal variations in density of herring cale, Odax cyanomelas, at
most sites, with a substantial decline between 2006 and 2009 and a reduction in
observed sizes.
•
Densities of banded morwong, Cheilodactylus spectabilis, were generally more abundant
within Point Hicks MNP, however densities in 2009 were generally lower than observed
previously.
•
Densities of sea sweep, Scorpis aequipinnis, were generally low, with nearly all
individuals observed being within the Point Hicks MNP.
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Cape Howe Marine National Park
Cape Howe MNP is located adjacent to the NSW border. The four MPA sites are situated on
low to moderate relief reef in the northern corner of the MNP. Two reference sites are located
at Iron Prince Reef, in a 3 km2 excision from the park. Other reference sites are located on
granite reefs at Gabo Island. Key observations made at Cape Howe Marine National Park
during the monitoring program are:
•
•
The kelp stands in the Cape Howe region were large monospecific stands of crayweed
Phyllospora comosa. The canopy cover of these stands are among the highest recorded
for Victoria. There is considerable shading beneath the canopy of these stands, which
often have a high cover of sessile invertebrates on the reef substratum, particularly at
Howe West.
There were large areas of sea urchin barrens in the Cape Howe region which were
depauperate of seaweeds except for crustose coralline algae. These areas are
predominantly on Gabo and Tullaberga Islands and support unique fish assemblages.
•
Monitoring of the urchin barren areas was removed in 2009 and replaced with sites with
seaweed cover to satisfy changed statistical requirements of the program.
•
The fish fauna of the Cape Howe region was distinct from the Beware Reef and Point
Hicks regions but there was little distinction between sites within the region. Two
exceptions were Gabo Harbour and Gabo Monument, which had distinctly different
assemblages which were maintained over the monitoring period.
•
There was a marked increase in algal species richness at the two Iron Prince reference
sites from 2004 to 2009.
•
There was a marked increase in invertebrate diversity at Iron Prince West between 2006
and 2009.
•
Fish species richness and diversity within the Cape Howe MNP increased to its highest
recorded level during 2009. Fish species richness and diversity was persistently high at
the Iron Prince reference sites over the monitoring period.
•
There were persistently high covers of crazyweed, Phyllospora comosa, at the two Iron
Prince reference sites and at the adjacent two Cape Howe MNP sites, Howe West and
Howe Central.
There were considerable changes at the Howe Border site:
•
o
•
a marked decline in P. comosa cover, reducing from 70% cover in 2001 to
29% cover in 2009,
o decreases in blacklip abalone, Haliotis rubra, density and,
o increased density of long-spined urchin, Centrostephanus rodgersii.
There was a slight increase in the abundance of smaller erect seaweed species within
Cape Howe MNP, including Halopteris spp., Haliptilon roseum, Amphiroa anceps,
Carpomitra costata and Delisea pulchra.
•
Blacklip abalone, H. rubra, abundances increased at the Howe Central site from 2006 to
2009.
•
The abundances of blue throated wrasse, Notolabrus tetricus, fluctuated between 2001
and 2006 with notable increases in abundance in the Cape Howe MNP to 2009.
•
There was an increasing trend in abundance of purple wrasse, N. fucicola, in the Cape
Howe MNP from 2004 to 2006 to 2009.
The sizes of herring cale, Odax cyanomelas, were considerably smaller in 2009 than
2004.
There was an increasing trend in abundance of banded morwong, Cheilodactylus
spectabilis, within the Cape Howe MNP since 2001. There was no obvious increase in
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density of larger individuals, however there were substantially more juvenile fish observed
in 2009.
The abundance of all fishes in the 12 to 20 cm size classes was considerably higher at
Howe West, Howe Central and Iron Prince Wreck in 2009 compared with 2004.
The densities of eastern blue groper, Achoerodus viridis, were generally low during the
monitoring program. A much higher density was observed at Howe Central in 2009. Most
of these fishes were small (< 300 mm).
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Parks Victoria Technical Series No. 62
Twofold Shelf Subtidal Reef Monitoring
CONTENTS
EXECUTIVE
SUMMARY.............................................................................................II
Key Observations for Relevant Marine Protected Areas .........................................................II
Beware Reef Marine Sanctuary ............................................................................................................II
Point Hicks Marine National Park.........................................................................................................III
Cape Howe Marine National Park ....................................................................................................... IV
CONTENTS...............................................................................................................
VI
INDEX OF FIGURES AND TABLES....................................................................... VIII
1 INTRODUCTION ...................................................................................................1
1.1 Subtidal Reef Ecosystems of the Twofold Bioregion ....................................................... 1
1.2 Subtidal Reef Monitoring Program ................................................................................. 6
1.2.1 Objectives .................................................................................................................................6
1.2.2 Monitoring Protocols and Locations .........................................................................................7
1.2.3 Monitoring in the Twofold Shelf Bioregion ................................................................................7
2 METHODS.............................................................................................................8
2.1 Site Selection and Survey Times ................................................................................... 8
2.2 Census Method ........................................................................................................... 10
2.2.1 Transect Layout ......................................................................................................................10
2.2.2 Method 1 – Mobile Fishes and Cephalopods .........................................................................11
2.2.3 Method 2 – Invertebrates and Cryptic Fishes .........................................................................11
2.2.4 Method 3 – Macroalgae and Sessile Invertebrates ................................................................11
2.2.5 Method 4 – Macrocystis ..........................................................................................................11
2.3 Data Analysis .............................................................................................................. 16
2.3.1 Community Structure ..............................................................................................................16
2.3.2 Depiction of Community Differences ......................................................................................16
2.3.3 Trends in Community Structure ................................................................................ 16
2.3.4 Species Diversity ...................................................................................................... 16
2.3.5 Species Populations ................................................................................................. 17
3 REGIONAL COMMUNITY ANALYSIS ................................................................18
3.1 Biogeography .............................................................................................................. 18
3.2 Macroalgae ................................................................................................................. 18
3.3 Invertebrates ............................................................................................................... 24
3.4 Fish ............................................................................................................................. 30
4 BEWARE REEF MARINE SANCTUARY ............................................................36
4.1 Site Descriptions .......................................................................................................... 36
4.2 Macroalgae ................................................................................................................. 36
4.3 Invertebrates ............................................................................................................... 39
4.4 Fishes ......................................................................................................................... 42
5 POINT HICKS MARINE NATIONAL PARK ........................................................47
5.1 Site Descriptions .......................................................................................................... 47
5.2 Macroalgae ................................................................................................................. 48
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5.3 Invertebrates ............................................................................................................... 52
5.4 Fish .............................................................................................................................. 58
6 CAPE HOWE MARINE NATIONAL PARK .........................................................65
6.1 Site Descriptions .......................................................................................................... 65
6.2 Macroalgae ................................................................................................................. 66
6.3 Invertebrates ............................................................................................................... 69
6.4 Fish ............................................................................................................................. 73
7 REEF CONDITION INDICATORS .......................................................................82
7.1 Introduction ................................................................................................................. 82
7.2 Indicator Calculation Methods...................................................................................... 82
7.2.1 Biodiversity (B) ........................................................................................................................82
7.2.2 Ecosystem Function and Processes (EF) ..............................................................................83
7.2.3 Climate Change (C) ................................................................................................................83
7.2.4 Fishing (F) ...............................................................................................................................84
7.2.5 Environment (E) ......................................................................................................................85
7.3 Indicator Results.......................................................................................................... 86
7.3.1 Indicator Plots and Legends ...................................................................................................86
7.3.2 Biodiversity (B) ........................................................................................................................86
7.3.3 Ecosystem Function and Processes (EF) ..............................................................................91
7.3.5 Fishing (F) .................................................................................................................................95
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS .........................................................................................104
REFERENCES .......................................................................................................105
APPENDIX 1 ......................................................................................................... A1.1
A1. Site Details................................................................................................................. A1.1
A1.1 Beware Reef Marine Sanctuary .............................................................................................. A1.1
A1.2 Point Hicks Marine National Park ........................................................................................... A1.3
A1.3 Cape Howe Marine National Park......................................................................................... A1.11
APPENDIX 2 ......................................................................................................... A2.1
A2. Site Data .................................................................................................................... A2.1
A2.1 Regional Community Analysis ................................................................................................ A2.1
A2.2 Point Hicks Marine National Park ........................................................................................... A2.7
A2.3 Cape Howe Marine National Park......................................................................................... A2.17
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INDEX OF FIGURES AND TABLES
FIGURES
Figure 1.1. Examples of macroalgae, sessile invertebrates and substratum types
present on subtidal reefs in the Twofold Shelf bioregion ........................................... 2
Figure 1.2. Examples of invertebrate species present on subtidal reefs in the Twofold
Shelf bioregion ......................................................................................................... 4
Figure 1.3. Examples of fish species present on subtidal reefs in the Twofold Shelf
bioregion ................................................................................................................. 5
Figure 2.1. Location of sites for the Subtidal Reef Monitoring Program in the Twofold
Shelf bioregion. Coordinate system is Map Grid of Australia 1996 (MGA) ............. 10
Figure 2.2. Biologist diver with transect reel ........................................................................ 15
Figure 2.3. The cover of macrophytes is measured by the number of points intersecting
each species on the quadrat grid .......................................................................... 15
Figure 3.1. MDS plot of algal assemblage structure in the Twofold Shelf bioregion in
March 2004. Kruskal stress = 0.15 ........................................................................ 19
Figure 3.2. Temporal changes in algal assemblage structure at Beware Reef MS and
reference sites (data from Figure 3.1) ................................................................... 19
Figure 3.3. Temporal changes in algal assemblage structure at Point Hicks MNP and
reference sites (data from Figure 3.1) ................................................................... 20
Figure 3.4. Temporal changes in algal assemblage structure at sites in the Cape Howe
MNP and reference sites (data from Figure 3.1) .................................................... 20
Figure 3.5. Seaweed species richness index for monitoring sites in for Beware Reef
Marine Sanctuary and reference sites ................................................................... 21
Figure 3.6. Seaweed species richness index for monitoring sites in for Point Hicks
Marine National Park and reference sites .............................................................. 21
Figure 3.7. Seaweed species richness index for monitoring sites in for Cape Howe
Marine National Park and reference sites .............................................................. 22
Figure 3.8. Seaweed species diversity index (Hill’s N2) for Beware Reef Marine
Sanctuary and reference sites ............................................................................... 22
Figure 3.9. Seaweed species diversity index (Hill’s N2) for Point Hicks Marine National
Park and reference sites ....................................................................................... 23
Figure 3.10. Seaweed species diversity index (Hill’s N2) for Cape Howe Marine
National Park and reference sites ......................................................................... 23
Figure 3.11. MDS plot of invertebrate assemblage structure in the Twofold Shelf
bioregion in March 2004. Kruskal stress = 0.10 ..................................................... 25
Figure 3.12. Temporal changes in invertebrate assemblage structure at Beware Reef
MS and reference sites (data from Figure 3.11) .................................................... 25
Figure 3.13. Temporal changes in invertebrate assemblage structure at Point Hicks
MNP and reference sites (data from Figure 3.11) .................................................. 26
Figure 3.14. Temporal changes in invertebrate assemblage structure at Cape Howe
MNP and reference sites (data from Figure 3.11) .................................................. 26
Figure 3.15. Invertebrate species richness index for Beware Reef Marine Sanctuary
and reference sites ............................................................................................... 27
Figure 3.16. Invertebrate species richness index for Point Hicks Marine National Park
and reference sites ............................................................................................... 27
Figure 3.17. Invertebrate species richness index for Cape Howe Marine National Park
and reference sites ............................................................................................... 28
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Figure 3.18. Invertebrate species diversity index (Hill’s N2) for Beware Reef Marine
Sanctuary and reference site ................................................................................ 28
Figure 3.19. Invertebrate species diversity index (Hill’s N2) for Point Hicks Marine
National Park and reference sites ......................................................................... 29
Figure 3.20. Invertebrate species diversity index (Hill’s N2) for Cape Howe Marine
National Park and reference sites ......................................................................... 29
Figure 3.22. Temporal changes in fish assemblage structure at Beware Reef MS and
reference sites (data from Figure 3.21) ................................................................. 31
Figure 3.23. Temporal changes in fish assemblage structure at Point Hicks MNP and
references (data from Figure 3.21) ........................................................................ 32
Figure 3.24. Temporal changes in fish assemblage structure at Cape Howe MNP and
reference sites (data from Figure 3.21) ................................................................. 32
Figure 3.25. Fish species richness index for Beware Reef Marine Sanctuary and
reference sites ...................................................................................................... 33
Figure 3.26. Fish species richness index for Point Hicks Marine National Park and
reference sites ...................................................................................................... 33
Figure 3.27. Fish species richness index for Cape Howe Marine National Park and
reference sites ...................................................................................................... 34
Figure 3.28. Fish species diversity index (Hill’s N2) for Beware Reef Marine Sanctuary
and reference sites ............................................................................................... 34
Figure 3.29. Fish species diversity index (Hill’s N2) for Point Hicks Marine National Park
and reference sites ............................................................................................... 35
Figure 3.30. Fish species diversity index (Hill’s N2) for Cape Howe Marine National
Park and reference sites ....................................................................................... 35
Figure 4.1. Location of monitoring sites associated with Beware Reef Marine
Sanctuary. The sanctuary is shaded blue. Coordinate system is Map Grid of
Australia 1996 (MGA) ........................................................................................... 36
Figure 4.2. Abundances (percent cover) of kelp Ecklonia radiata in Beware Reef
Marine Sanctuary and at the Pearl Point reference site ......................................... 37
Figure 4.3. Abundances (percent cover) of Phyllospora comosa in Beware Reef Marine
Sanctuary and at the Pearl Point reference site ..................................................... 38
Figure 4.4. Abundances (percent cover) of crustose coralline algae in Beware Reef
Marine Sanctuary and at the Pearl Point reference site ......................................... 38
Figure 4.5. Abundances (percent cover) of Durvillaea potatorum in Beware Reef
Marine Sanctuary and at the Pearl Point reference site ......................................... 39
Figure 4.6. Densities (per 200 m²) of feather star Comanthus trichoptera in Beware
Reef Marine Sanctuary and at the Pearl Point reference site ................................ 40
Figure 4.7. Densities (per 200 m²) of long spined sea urchin Centrostephanus rodgersii
in Beware Reef Marine Sanctuary and at the Pearl Point reference site ................ 40
Figure 4.8. Densities (per 200 m²) of black lip abalone Haliotis rubra in Beware Reef
Marine Sanctuary and at the Pearl Point reference site ........................................ 41
Figure 4.9. Densities (per 200 m²) of common sea urchin Heliocidaris erythrogramma in
Beware Reef Marine Sanctuary and at the Pearl Point reference site ................... 41
Figure 4.10. Mean sizes (mm ± 25 standard error) of black lip abalone Haliotis rubra at
Beware Reef Marine Sanctuary and at the Pearl Point reference site .................... 42
Figure 4.11. Aggregation of butterfly perch Caesioperca lepidoptera .................................. 43
Figure 4.12. Densities (number per 2000 m2) of blue throated wrasse Notolabrus
tetricus in Beware Reef Marine Sanctuary and at Pearl Point reference site .......... 43
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Figure 4.13. Densities (number per 2000 m2) of purple wrasse, Notolabrus fucicola, in
Beware Reef Marine Sanctuary and at Pearl Point reference site .......................... 44
Figure 4.14. Densities (number per 2000 m2) of herring cale Odax cyanomelas in
Beware Reef Marine Sanctuary and at Pearl Point reference site .......................... 44
Figure 4.15. Densities (number per 2000 m2) of banded morwong Cheilodactylus
spectabilis in Beware Reef Marine Sanctuary and at Pearl Point reference site .... 45
Figure 4.16. Purple wrasse, Notolabrus fucicola, size-densities (number per 2000 m2)
in Beware Reef Marine Sanctuary and Pearl Point reference site .......................... 45
Figure 4.17. Blue throated wrasse Notolabrus tetricus size-densities (number per 2000
m2) in Beware Reef Marine Sanctuary and Pearl Point reference site ................... 46
Figure 4.18. Size-densities of all observed reef fishes (number per 2000 m2) in Beware
Reef Marine Sanctuary and Pearl Point reference site .......................................... 46
Figure 5.1. Location of monitoring sites associated with Point Hicks Marine National
Park. The park area is shaded blue. Coordinate system is Map Grid of
Australia 1996 (MGA) ........................................................................................... 48
Figure 5.2. Site abundances (percent cover) of crayweed Phyllospora comosa at Point
Hicks Marine National Park and reference sites .................................................... 49
Figure 5.3. Site abundances (percent cover) of common kelp Ecklonia radiata at Point
Hicks Marine National Park and reference sites .................................................... 50
Figure 5.4. Site abundances (percent cover) of brown strapweed Cystophora
moniliformis at Point Hicks Marine National Park and reference sites .................... 50
Figure 5.5. Site abundances (percent cover) of red understorey alga Rhodymenia
linearis at Point Hicks Marine National Park and reference sites ........................... 51
Figure 5.6. Site abundances (percent cover) of crustose coralline algae at Point Hicks
Marine National Park and reference sites .............................................................. 51
Figure 5.7. Abundances (percent cover) of seaweeds of interest at selected Point Hicks
Marine National Park and reference sites: string kelp Macrocystis angustifolia;
wiry brown weed Acrocarpia paniculata; and bull kelp Durvillaea potatorum.
Sites: (3204) Old Jetty Bay; and (3216) Durvillaea Flats ....................................... 52
Figure 5.8. Site abundances (per 200 m2) of the feather star Comanthus trichoptera at
Point Hicks Marine National Park and reference sites ........................................... 53
Figure 5.9. Site abundances (per 200 m2) of the seastar Meridiastra calcar at Point
Hicks Marine National Park and reference sites .................................................... 54
Figure 5.10. Site abundances (per 200 m2) of the trumpet shell Cabestana spengleri at
Point Hicks Marine National Park and reference sites ........................................... 54
Figure 5.11. Site abundances (per 200 m2) of blacklip abalone Haliotis rubra at Point
Hicks Marine National Park and reference sites .................................................... 55
Figure 5.12. Mean sizes (mm ± standard error) of blacklip abalone Haliotis rubra at
Point Hicks Marine National Park and reference sites ........................................... 55
Figure 5.13. Site abundances (per 200 m2) of the common sea urchin Heliocidaris
erythrogramma at Point Hicks Marine National Park and reference sites ............... 56
Figure 5.14. Site abundances (per 200 m2) of the red bait crab Plagusia chabrus at
Point Hicks Marine National Park and reference sites ........................................... 56
Figure 5.15. Site abundances (per 200 m2) of the long spined sea urchin
Centrostephanus rodgersii at Point Hicks Marine National Park and reference
sites ...................................................................................................................... 57
Figure 5.16. Site abundances (per 200 m2) of the turban shell Turbo undulatus at Point
Hicks Marine National Park and reference sites .................................................... 57
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Figure 5.17. Banded morwong Cheilodactylus spectabilis at Sensation Reef, Point
Hicks Marine National Park .................................................................................... 59
Figure 5.18. Site abundances (number per 2000 m2) of blue throated wrasse
Notolabrus tetricus at Point Hicks Marine National Park and reference sites .......... 59
Figure 5.19. Size density (number per 2000 m2) of blue throated wrasse Notolabrus
tetricus at Point Hicks Marine National Park and reference sites ............................ 60
Figure 5.20. Site abundances (number per 2000 m2) of purple wrasse Notolabrus
fucicola at Point Hicks Marine National Park and reference sites ........................... 60
Figure 5.21. Size density (number per 2000 m2) of purple wrasse Notolabrus fucicola at
Point Hicks Marine National Park and reference sites ............................................ 61
Figure 5.22. Site abundances (number per 2000 m2) of herring cale Odax cyanomelas
at Point Hicks Marine National Park and reference sites ........................................ 61
Figure 5.23. Size density (number per 2000 m2) of herring cale Odax cyanomelas at
Point Hicks Marine National Park and reference sites ............................................ 62
Figure 5.24. Site abundances (number per 2000 m2) of banded morwong
Cheilodactylus spectabilis at Point Hicks Marine National Park and reference
sites ....................................................................................................................... 62
Figure 5.25. Size density (number per 2000 m2) of banded morwong Cheilodactylus
spectabilis at Point Hicks Marine National Park and reference sites ....................... 63
Figure 5.26. Size density (number per 2000 m2) of all observed reef fishes at Point
Hicks Marine National Park and reference sites ..................................................... 63
Figure 5.27. Site abundances (number per 2000 m2) of eastern kelpfish Aplodactylus
lophodon at Point Hicks Marine National Park and reference sites ......................... 64
Figure 6.1. Location of monitoring sites at Cape Howe Marine National Park. Marine
National Park is indicated in shaded grey. Coordinate system is Map Grid of
Australia 1996 (MGA) ............................................................................................ 66
Figure 6.2. Percent cover of crayweed Phyllospora comosa at Cape Howe Marine
National Park and reference sites .......................................................................... 67
Figure 6.3. Percent cover of crustose coralline algae at Cape Howe Marine National
Park and reference sites ........................................................................................ 67
Figure 6.4. Percent cover of small brown algae Halopteris spp. at Cape Howe Marine
National Park and reference sites .......................................................................... 68
Figure 6.5. Percent cover of small brown algae Halopteris spp. at Cape Howe Marine
National Park and reference sites .......................................................................... 68
Figure 6.6. Abundance (individuals per 200 m2) of long spined sea urchin
Centrostephanus rodgersii at Cape Howe Marine National Park and reference
sites ....................................................................................................................... 70
Figure 6.7. Abundance (individuals per 200 m2) of turban shell Turbo undulatus at
Cape Howe Marine National Park and reference sites ........................................... 70
Figure 6.8. Abundance (individuals per 200 m2) of black lip abalone Haliotis rubra at
Cape Howe Marine National Park and reference sites ........................................... 71
Figure 6.9. Mean sizes (mm ± standard error) of blacklip abalone Haliotis rubra at Cape
Howe Marine National Park and reference sites ..................................................... 71
Figure 6.10. Abundance (individuals per 200 m2) of common sea urchin Heliocidaris
erythrogramma at Cape Howe Marine National Park and reference sites ............... 72
Figure 6.11. Abundance (individuals per 200 m2) of trumpet shell Cabestana spengleri
at Cape Howe Marine National Park and reference sites ....................................... 72
Figure 6.12. Site abundances (number per 2000 m2) of blue throated wrasse
Notolabrus tetricus at Cape Howe Marine National Park and reference sites ......... 74
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Figure 6.13. Size density (number per 2000 m2) of blue throated wrasse Notolabrus
tetricus at Cape Howe Marine National Park and reference sites ........................... 75
Figure 6.14. Site abundances (number per 2000 m2) of purple wrasse Notolabrus
fucicola at Cape Howe Marine National Park and reference sites........................... 75
Figure 6.15. Size density (number per 2000 m2) of purple wrasse Notolabrus fucicola at
Cape Howe Marine National Park and reference sites ........................................... 76
Figure 6.17. Site abundances (number per 2000 m2) of herring cale Odax cyanomelas
at Cape Howe Marine National Park and reference sites ....................................... 76
Figure 6.18. Size density (number per 2000 m2) of herring cale Odax cyanomelas at
Cape Howe Marine National Park and reference sites ........................................... 77
Figure 6.19. Site abundances (number per 2000 m2) of banded morwong
Cheilodactylus spectabilis at Cape Howe Marine National Park and reference
sites ....................................................................................................................... 77
Figure 6.20. Size density (number per 2000 m2) of banded morwong Cheilodactylus
spectabilis at Cape Howe Marine National Park and reference sites ...................... 78
Figure 6.21. Size density (number per 2000 m2) of all fishes at Cape Howe Marine
National Park and reference sites .......................................................................... 78
Figure 6.22. Site abundances (number per 2000 m2) of eastern kelpfish Aplodactylus
lophodon at Cape Howe Marine National Park and reference sites ........................ 79
Figure 6.23. Site conditions and example photographs of typical fauna observed at Site
11, Gabo Island Harbour, 24 May 2009.................................................................. 80
Figure 6.24. Site conditions and example photographs of typical flora and fauna
observed at Site 25, Gabo Island Northeast Gulch, 23 May 2009 ........................... 81
Figure 7.1. Key to time series plots for Figures 7.2 to 7.19................................................... 88
Figure 7.2. Biodiversity condition indicators – species richness (B2): (a) fishes,
including cryptic fishes; (b) mobile invertebrates; and (c) seaweeds ....................... 88
Figure 7.3. Biodiversity condition indicators – species diversity (B2): (a) fishes,
including cryptic fishes; (b) mobile invertebrates; and (c) seaweeds ....................... 89
Figure 7.4. Biodiversity condition indicators – total abundance of individuals (B2): (a)
fishes, number per 2000 m2; (b) mobile invertebrates, number per 200 m2; and
(c) seaweeds, sum of percentage covers ............................................................... 90
Figure 7.5. Ecosystem function condition indicators – total abundance of individuals
(EF1): (a) canopy-forming brown seaweeds, sum of percentage covers; (b)
smaller brown seaweeds, sum of percentage covers; and (c) thallose red
seaweeds, sum of percentage covers .................................................................... 91
Figure 7.5 (continued). Ecosystem function condition indicators – total abundance of
individuals (EF1): (d) green seaweeds, sum of percentage covers; and (e)
erect coralline seaweeds, sum of percentage covers ............................................. 92
Figure 7.6. Climate condition indicators – proportion of Peronian biogeographic
province species (C1): (a) fishes, percent; (b) invertebrates, percent; and (c)
and seaweeds, percent .......................................................................................... 93
Figure 7.7. Climate condition indicators – proportion of Peronian biogeographic
province individuals (C2): (a) fishes, percent; (b) invertebrates, percent; and
(c) and seaweeds, percent ..................................................................................... 94
Figure 7.8. Climate condition indicators – abundance of selected species (C3): (a)
string kelp Macrocystis angustifolia, percent cover; (b) bull kelp Durvillaea
potatorum, percent cover; and (c) and long-spined sea urchin
Centrostephanus rodgersii, number per 200 m2 ..................................................... 95
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Figure 7.9. Fishing condition indicators – blacklip abalone Haliotis rubra (F1-F3): (a)
mean size, mm; (b) mean density of legal sized abalone, number per 200 m2;
and (c) mean abundance proportion of legal sized abalone.................................... 97
Figure 7.10. Fishing condition indicators – packhorse lobster Jasus verreauxi (F4-F6):
(a) mean size, mm; (b) mean density of legal sized lobster, number per 200
m2; and (c) mean abundance proportion of legal sized lobster ............................... 98
Figure 7.11. Fishing condition indicators – fish size spectra (F7-F8): (a) mean slope of
spectra; and (b) mean half-height of spectra .......................................................... 99
Figure 7.12. Fishing condition indicators – large fish biomass and abundance (F9-F10):
(a) mean biomass of selected species, individuals ≥ 300 mm; and (b) mean
proportion of selected fished species individuals of all fishes ≥ 300 mm ................. 99
Figure 7.13. Fishing condition indicators – banded morwong Cheilodactylus spectabilis
(F11): (a) mean densities of individuals ≥ 300 mm, number per 2000 m2; and
(b) mean size, mm ................................................................................................100
Figure 7.14. Fishing condition indicators – bastard trumpeter Latridopsis forsteri (F12):
(a) mean densities of individuals ≥ 300 mm, number per 2000 m2; and (b)
mean size, mm .....................................................................................................100
Figure 7.15. Fishing condition indicators – blue throated wrasse Notolabrus tetricus
(F13): (a) mean densities of individuals ≥ 300 mm, number per 2000 m2; and
(b) mean size, mm ................................................................................................101
Figure 7.16. Fishing condition indicators – purple wrasse Notolabrus fucicola (F14): (a)
mean densities of individuals ≥ 300 mm, number per 2000 m2; and (b) mean
size, mm ...............................................................................................................101
Figure 7.17. Fishing condition indicators – crimson banded wrasse Notolabrus
gymnogenis (F15): (a) mean densities of individuals ≥ 300 mm, number per
2000 m2; and (b) mean size, mm ..........................................................................102
Figure 7.18. Fishing condition indicators – eastern blue groper Achoerodus viridis
(F16): (a) mean densities of individuals ≥ 300 mm, number per 2000 m2; and
(b) mean size, mm ................................................................................................102
Figure 7.19. Environment condition indicators – dominance of selected components (E1E3): (a) relative proportion of canopy browns (CB) and green and red seaweeds
(GR); (b) relative proportion of canopy browns (CB) and crustose
coralline algae (CCA); and (b) cover of sand .........................................................103
TABLES
Table 2.1. Subtidal reef monitoring sites and survey times in the Twofold Shelf
bioregion .................................................................................................................. 9
Table 2.2. Mobile fish (Method 1) surveyed in the Twofold bioregion ................................... 12
Table 2.3. Invertebrates and cryptic fish (Method 2) surveyed on the in the Twofold
Shelf bioregion ...................................................................................................... 13
Table 2.4. Macroalgae (Method 3) surveyed on the in the Twofold Shelf bioregion ............. 14
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1 INTRODUCTION
1.1 Subtidal Reef Ecosystems of the Twofold Bioregion
The Twofold Shelf bioregion extends from east of Wilsons Promontory to Tathra in southern
New South Wales. The western portion of the Twofold Shelf bioregion is largely comprised of
long sandy beaches (Ninety Mile Beach) with extensive areas of inshore and offshore sandy
beds with some small offshore reefs. The sandy habitats of the far eastern coastline are
punctuated by rocky headlands and localised outcrops of granite and metamorphic rocks,
such as at Cape Conran, Point Hicks, Rame Head, Gabo Island and Iron Prince at Cape
Howe. Sea temperatures are warmer in the Twofold Shelf region compared to elsewhere in
Victoria because of incursions of the East Australia current bringing warmer water down the
east coast of the continent. The continental slope is quite close to the far eastern Victorian
shore and cold-water upwellings are frequent. These upwellings provide nutrients to the
inshore ecosystems, contributing to high productivity. The biota of this region has a high
component of eastern temperate species, in addition to many southern temperate and
cosmopolitan species.
A prominent biological component of all Victorian shallow reefs is kelps and other seaweeds
(Figure 1.1). Large species of brown algae, such as the common kelp, Ecklonia radiate, and
crazyweed, Phyllospora comosa, are usually present along the open coast in dense stands.
The production rates of dense seaweed beds are equivalent to the most productive habitats
in the world, including seagrass beds and terrestrial grasslands, with approximately 2 kg of
plant material produced per square metre per year. These stands may have 10-30 kg of plant
material per square metre. The biomass of seaweeds is greater where giant species such as
string kelp, Macrocystis angustifolia, and bull kelp, Durvillaea potatorum, occur.
Seaweeds provide important habitat structure for other organisms on the reef. This habitat
structure varies considerably, depending on the type of seaweed species present. Tall
vertical structures in the water column are formed by Macrocystis angustifolia, which
sometimes forms a dense layer of fronds floating on the water surface. Other species with
large, stalk-like stipes, such as Ecklonia radiata, Phyllospora comosa and Durvillaea
potatorum, form a canopy 0.5-2 m above the rocky substratum. Lower layers of structure are
formed by: foliose macroalgae typically 10-30 cm high, such as the green Caulerpa and red
Plocamium species; turfs (to 10 cm high) of red algae species, such as Pterocladia
capillacea; and hard encrusting layers of pink coralline algae. The nature and composition of
these structural layers varies considerably within and between reefs, depending on the
biogeographical region, depth, exposure to swell and waves, currents, temperature range,
water clarity and presence of sand.
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a. Coralline algae Amphiroa anceps.
b. Peacock-weed Lobophora variegata.
c. Soft coral Capnella gaboensis.
d. Mixed red and brown algae.
e. Caulerpa trifaria.
f. Urchin barren.
Figure 1.1. Examples of macroalgae, sessile invertebrates and substratum types present on subtidal
reefs in the Twofold Shelf bioregion.
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Grazing and predatory mobile invertebrates are prominent animal inhabitants of the reef
(Figure 1.2). An important invertebrate of the eastern Twofold Shelf bioregion is the longspined sea urchin, Centrostephanus rodgersii. Centrostephanus forms large grazing
aggregations which denude the reef of erect algal species, forming ‘sea urchin barrens’.
Removal of large seaweeds by Centrostephanus causes substantial changes to subtidal reef
community structure on reefs in eastern temperate Australia.
Other common invertebrate grazers found at Twofold Shelf reefs include blacklip abalone
Haliotis rubra, the eastern temperate gastropod, Astralium tentoriformis, warrener, Turbo
undulates, and sea urchin, Heliocidaris erythrogramma. Predatory invertebrates include
dogwhelks, Dicathais orbita, eastern rock lobster ,Jasus verreauxi, octopus, Octopus
moarum and a wide variety of seastar species. Other large reef invertebrates include mobile
filter feeding animals such as feather stars, Comanthus trichoptera and sessile (attached)
species such as sponges, corals, bryozoans, hydroids and ascidians.
Fish are also a dominant component of reef ecosystems, in terms of both biomass and
ecological function (Figure 1.3). Reef fish assemblages include roaming predators such as
blue-throated wrasse, Notolabrus tetricus, herbivores such as herring cale, Odax
cyanomelas, planktivores such as sea sweep, Scorpis aequipinnis, and picker-feeders such
as six-spined leatherjacket, Meuschenia freycineti. The type and abundance of each fish
species varies considerably, depending on exposure to swell and waves, depth, currents,
reef structure, seaweed habitat structure and many other ecological variables. Many fish
species play a substantial ecological role in the functioning and shaping of the ecosystem.
For example, breeding aggregations of herring cale, Odax cyanomelas, at certain times of
the year can increase patchiness in algal assemblages by concentrating herbivory on kelps
in small areas for short periods of time.
Although shallow reef ecosystems in Victoria are dominated by seaweeds, mobile
invertebrates and fishes, in terms of biomass and production, there are many other important
biological components to the reef ecosystem. These include small species of crustaceans
and molluscs from 0.1 to 10 mm in size, occupying various niches as grazers, predators or
foragers. At the microscopic level, films of microalgae and bacteria on the reef surface are
also very important.
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a. Sea urchin Heliocidaris erythrogramma.
b. Sea urchin Centrostephanus rodgersii.
c. Nudibranch Hypselodoris bennetti.
d. Pencil urchin Phyllacanthus parvispinus.
e. Black-lipped abalone Haliotis rubra.
f. Feather star Comanthus trichoptera.
Figure 1.2. Examples of invertebrate species present on subtidal reefs in the Twofold Shelf bioregion.
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a. Six-spined Leatherjacket
Meuschenia freycineti.
b. W hite-ear Parma microlepis.
c. Maori wrasse Ophthalmolepis lineolatus,
Blue-throat wrasse Notolabrus tetricus (rear).
d. Purple wrasse Notolabrus fucicola (left),
banded morwong Cheilodactylus spectabilis
(right).
e. Eastern hulafish Trachinops taeniatus.
f. Trevally Pseudocaranx georgianus.
Figure 1.3. Examples of fish species present on subtidal reefs in the Twofold Shelf bioregion.
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Victoria’s shallow reefs are a very important component of the marine environment because
of their high biological complexity, species diversity and productivity. Subtidal reef habitats
also have important social and cultural values, which incorporate aesthetic, recreational,
commercial and historical aspects. Shallow subtidal reefs also have significant economic
value, through commercial fishing of reef species such as wrasses, morwong, rock lobster,
abalone and sea urchins, as well as recreational fishing, diving and other tourism activities.
1.2 Subtidal Reef Monitoring Program
1.2.1 Objectives
An important aspect of the management and conservation of Victorian marine natural
resources and assets is assessing the condition of the ecosystem and how this changes over
time. Combined with an understanding of ecosystem processes, this information can be used
to manage any threats or pressures on the environment to ensure ecosystem sustainability.
Consequently, the Victorian Government has established a long-term Subtidal Reef
Monitoring Program (SRMP). The primary objective of the SRMP is to provide information on
the status of Victorian reef flora and fauna (focussing on macroalgae, macroinvertebrates
and fish). This includes monitoring the nature and magnitude of trends in species
abundances, species diversity and community structure. This is achieved through regular
surveys at locations throughout Victoria, encompassing both representative and unique
habitats and communities.
Information from the SRMP allows managers to better understand and interpret long-term
changes in the population and community dynamics of Victoria’s reef flora and fauna. As a
longer time series of data is collected, the SRMP will allow managers to:
•
•
•
•
Compare changes in the status of species populations and biological communities
between highly protected marine national parks and marine sanctuaries and other
Victorian reef areas (e.g. Edgar and Barrett 1997, 1999).
Determine associations between species and between species and environmental
parameters (e.g. depth, exposure, reef topography) and assess how these associations
vary through space and time (e.g. Edgar et al. 1997; Dayton et al. 1998; Edmunds et al.
2000).
Provide benchmarks for assessing the effectiveness of management actions, in
accordance with international best practice for quality environmental management
systems (Holling 1978; Meredith 1997).
Determine the responses of species and communities to unforeseen and unpredictable
events such as marine pest invasions, mass mortality events, oil spills, severe storm
events and climate change (e.g. Ebeling et al. 1985; Edgar 1998; Roob et al. 2000;
Sweatman et al. 2003).
A monitoring survey gives an estimate of population abundance and community structure at
a small window in time. Patterns seen in data from periodic surveys are unlikely to exactly
match changes in the real populations over time or definitively predict the size and nature of
future variation. Plots of changes over time are unlikely to match the changes in real
populations because changes over shorter time periods and actual minima and maxima may
not be adequately sampled (e.g. Figure 1.4). Furthermore, because the nature and
magnitude of environmental variation is different over different time scales, variation over
long periods may not be adequately predicted from shorter-term data. Sources of
environmental variation can operate at the scale of months (e.g. seasonal variation,
harvesting), years (e.g. el Niño), decades (e.g. pollution, extreme storm events) or even
centuries (e.g. tsunamis, global warming). Other studies indicate this monitoring program will
begin to adequately reflect average trends and patterns as the surveys continue over longer
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Parameter
periods (multiple years to decades). Results of this monitoring need to be interpreted within
the context of the monitoring frequency and duration.
Time
Figure 1.4 An example plot depicting change in an environmental, population or community variable
over time (days, months or years) and potential patterns from isolated observations.
1.2.2 Monitoring Protocols and Locations
The SRMP uses standardised underwater visual census methods based on an approach
developed and applied in Tasmania by Edgar and Barrett (1997). Details of standard
operational procedures and quality control protocols for Victoria’s SRMP are described in
Edmunds and Hart (2003).
The SRMP was initiated in May 1998 with 15 sites established on subtidal reef habitats in the
vicinity of Port Phillip Heads Marine National Park. In 1999 the SRMP was expanded to reefs
in the vicinity of the Bunurong Marine National Park, Phillip Island, and Wilsons Promontory
Marine National Park.
In 2003 and 2004, the Subtidal Reef Monitoring Program was expanded to include Marine
National Parks and Marine Sanctuaries throughout Victoria.
1.2.3 Monitoring in the Twofold Shelf Bioregion
This report describes the subtidal reef monitoring program and results from surveys of
subtidal reefs in the Twofold Shelf bioregion, including at Point Hicks and Cape Howe Marine
National Parks and Beware Reef Marine Sanctuary. The objectives of this report were to:
1.
Provide an overview of the methods used for the SRMP.
2.
Provide general descriptions of the biological communities and species populations at
each monitoring site up to February 2009.
3.
Describe changes and trends that have occurred over the monitoring period.
4.
Identify any unusual biological phenomena such as interesting or unique communities
or species.
5.
Identify any introduced species at the monitoring locations.
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2 METHODS
2.1 Site Selection and Survey Times
Subtidal reefs were quantitatively surveyed in the Cape Howe and Point Hicks regions in
2001, before the current marine protected areas were gazetted (Edmunds et al. 2001).
These sites were located on available subtidal reefs inside and outside the current marine
protected area boundaries. Consequently, it was considered appropriate to incorporate these
surveyed sites into the formal subtidal reef monitoring program that commenced in 2004
(data courtesy of Australian Marine Ecology).
In 2001, seven sites were surveyed at the Point Hicks region and eight sites in the Cape
Howe region (Edmunds et al. 2001). Although the objectives of the earlier study were
different to this one, the same survey method was used and many of these sites were
appropriate for the Parks Victoria long-term monitoring program. Some of the sites were
unsuitable for the SRMP because of their depth or representativeness. Nine of these sites
were selected as part of the long-term subtidal reef monitoring program.
Since the commencement of the SRMP, two sites at Beware Reef Marine Sanctuary, eight
sites Point Hicks Marine National Park and at least eight sites at Cape Howe have been
surveyed on three occasions:
1.
March 2004,
2.
February 2006, and
3.
March-May 2009 (Figure 2.1; Table 2.1).
At Beware Reef, one site was located inside the marine sanctuary and one site outside the
marine sanctuary. At Point Hicks, four sites inside and four sites outside the marine national
park were surveyed (Figure 2.1).
At Cape Howe, four sites inside and four sites outside the marine national park were
surveyed in 2004 and 2006. In 2009, three of these sites were discontinued and three new
sites were established. Under the direction of Parks Victoria, two reference sites dominated
by sea urchin barrens were substituted for two sites with seaweeds. One site in the MNP was
deemed too close to the others so this was replaced by a more distant, but deeper site. A
non-SRMP site, Site 11 Gabo Harbour, was resurveyed opportunistically during the 2009
survey, being previously surveyed in 2001 (Table 2.1).
Descriptions of the monitoring sites are presented in the following sections of each marine
protected area.
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Table 2.1. Subtidal reef monitoring sites and survey times in the Twofold Shelf bioregion.
Site
No.
MPA/
Reference
Site Name
Depth
(m)
Survey 1
Survey 2
Survey 3
Survey 4
Beware Reef MS
3223
Beware Reef
MPA
10
25-03-04
12-02-06
20-03-09
3224
Pearl Point
Reference
8
25-03-04
12-02-06
20-03-09
17-03-04
08-02-06
20-03-09
Point Hicks MNP
3204
Old Jetty Bay
MPA
4
06-02-01
3221
Hicks Southwest
MPA
8
25-03-04
12-02-06
19-03-09
3222
Hicks Joggle
MPA
5
25-03-04
12-02-06
19-03-09
3206
Hicks Lighthouse
MPA
5
10-02-01
19-03-04
15-02-06
19-03-09
3207
Krafts Garden
Reference
5
10-02-01
17-03-04
15-02-06
22-03-09
3216
Durvillaea Flats
Reference
4
17-03-04
15-02-06
22-03-09
3217
Müller Reef
Reference
7
19-03-04
16-02-06
22-03-09
3218
Petrel Point
Reference
8
19-03-04
15-02-06
22-03-09
MPA
10
21-03-04
14-02-06
MPA
14
Cape Howe MNP
3227
Howe
1
Perpendicular
2
Howe Outer
3213
Howe West
MPA
7
09-02-01
20-03-04
09-02-06
18-03-09
3214
Howe Central
MPA
8
09-02-01
20-03-04
09-02-06
18-03-09
3215
Howe Border
18-03-09
3220
05-05-09
MPA
10
11-02-01
20-03-04
09-02-06
3
Reference
7
07-02-01
23-03-04
14-02-06
3
Reference
6
07-02-01
23-03-04
14-02-06
Reference
5
07-02-01
Reference
7
23-03-09
Reference
9
24-03-09
3212
Gabo NE Gulch
Gabo Boulder
5
Bay
Iron Prince West
Reference
5
3219
Prince Wreck
Reference
6
3208
3210
3211
3225
3226
Tullaberga Deep
Gabo Monument
Gabo Harbour
4
5
09-02-01
24-03-09
21-03-04
16-02-06
23-03-09
21-03-04
12-02-06
23-03-09
Notes: (1) discontinued as deemed too close to other sites; (2) replacement MPA site offshore and
deeper than other sites; (3) discontinued as sea urchin barrens deemed not representative enough for
statistical analysis purposes; (4) not part of the SRMP but opportunistically resurveyed because of
high conservation values; and (5) new reference sites with seaweed rather than urchin barren
communities.
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Cape Howe
MNP
Beware
Reef MS
Point Hicks MNP
Figure 2.1. Location of sites for the Subtidal Reef Monitoring Program in the Twofold Shelf bioregion.
Coordinate system is Map Grid of Australia 1996 (MGA).
2.2 Census Method
2.2.1 Transect Layout
The visual census methods of Edgar and Barrett (Edgar & Barrett 1997, 1999; Edgar et al.
1997) are used for this monitoring program. These are non-destructive and provide
quantitative data on a large number of species and the structure of the reef communities.
The Edgar-Barrett method is also used in Tasmania, New South Wales, South Australia and
Western Australia. The adoption of this method in Victoria provides a systematic and
comparable approach to monitoring reefs in southern Australia. The surveys in Victoria are in
accordance with a standard operational procedure to ensure long-term integrity and quality of
the data (Edmunds and Hart 2003).
At most monitoring locations in Victoria, surveying along the 5 m depth contour is considered
optimal because diving times are not limited by decompression schedules and these reefs
are of interest to natural resource managers. However, the actual depth that can be surveyed
varies with reef extent, geomorphology and exposure. Monitoring sites in the Twofold Shelf
Bioregion vary between 4 and 14 metres. Monitoring sites were established in deeper water
in this area because many sites were exposed to large swells and turbulent conditions.
Each site is located using a differential GPS and marked with a buoy or the boat anchor. A
100 m numbered and weighted transect line is run along the appropriate depth contour either
side of the central marker. The resulting 200 m of line is divided into four contiguous 50 m
sections (T1 to T4). The orientation of transect is the same for each survey, with T1 generally
toward the north or east (i.e. anticlockwise around the coast).
For each transect, four different census methods were used to obtain adequate descriptive
information on reef communities at different spatial scales. These involved the census of: (1)
the abundance and size structure of large fishes; (2) the abundance of cryptic fishes and
benthic invertebrates; (3) the percent cover of macroalgae and sessile invertebrates; and (4)
the density of string kelp Macrocystis angustifolia plants (where present). Over 100 species
were observed during the monitoring program in the Twofold Shelf bioregion (Tables 2.2 to
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2.4). The depth, horizontal visibility, sea state and cloud cover are recorded for each site.
Horizontal visibility is gauged by the distance along the transect line to detect a 100 mm long
fish. All field observations are recorded on underwater paper.
2.2.2 Method 1 – Mobile Fishes and Cephalopods
The densities of mobile large fishes and cephalopods are estimated by a diver swimming up
one side of a 50 m section of the transect, and then back along the other. The diver records
the number and estimated size-class of fish, within 5 m of each side of the line (Figure 2.2).
The size-classes for fish are 25, 50, 75, 100, 125, 150, 200, 250, 300, 350, 375, 400, 500,
625, 750, 875 and 1000+ mm. Each diver has size-marks on their underwater slate to enable
calibration of their size estimates. A total of four 10 x 50 m sections of the 200m transect are
censused for mobile fish at each site. The data for easily sexed species are recorded
separately for males and female/juveniles. Such species include the blue-throated wrasse
Notolabrus tetricus, herring cale Odax cyanomelas, barber perch Caesioperca rasor, rosy
wrasse Pseudolabrus rubicundus and some leatherjackets.
2.2.3 Method 2 – Invertebrates and Cryptic Fishes
Cryptic fishes and megafaunal invertebrates (non-sessile: e.g. large molluscs, echinoderms,
crustaceans) are counted along the transect lines used for the fish survey. A diver counts
animals within 1 m of one side of the line (a total of four 1 x 50 m sections of the 200 m
transect). A known arm span of the diver is used to standardise the 1 m distance. The
maximum length of abalone is measured in situ using vernier callipers whenever possible.
Selected specimens are photographed or collected for identification and preservation in a
reference collection.
2.2.4 Method 3 – Macroalgae and Sessile Invertebrates
The area covered by macroalgal and sessile invertebrate species is quantified by placing a
0.25 m2 quadrat at 10 m intervals along the transect line and determining the percent cover
of the all plant species (Figure 2.3). The quadrat is divided into a grid of 7 x 7 perpendicular
wires, giving 50 points (including one corner). Cover is estimated by counting the number of
times each species occurs directly under the 50 positions on the quadrat (1.25 m2 for each of
the 50 m sections of the transect line). Selected specimens are photographed or collected for
identification and preservation in a reference collection.
2.2.5 Method 4 – Macrocystis
Where present, the density of Macrocystis angustifolia plants is estimated. While swimming
along the 200 m transect line, a diver counts all observable plants within 5 m either side of
the line, for each 10 m section of the transect (giving counts for 100 m2 sections of the
transect).
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Table 2.2. Mobile fish (Method 1) surveyed in the Twofold bioregion.
Method 1
Cephalopoda
Octopus maorum
Sharks and Rays
Heterodontus portusjacksoni
Parascyllium ferrugineum
Cephaloscyllium laticeps
Orectolobus maculatus
Dasyatis brevicaudata
Myliobatis australis
Urolophus cruciatus
Urolophus paucimaculatus
Trygonoptera testacea
Mobile Bony Fishes
Scorpaena papillosa
Caesioperca lepidoptera
Caesioperca rasor
Hypoplectrodes maccullochi
Trachinops taeniatus
Dinolestes lewini
Pseudocaranx georgianus
Trachurus novaezelandiae
Trachurus declivis
Arripis georgianus
Arripis spp.
Parequula melbournensis
Pagrus auratus
Mobile Bony Fishes
Upeneichthys lineatus
Upeneichthys vlaminghii
Pempheris multiradiata
Kyphosus sydneyanus
Girella tricuspidata
Girella elevata
Girella zebra
Scorpis aequipinnis
Scorpis lineolata
Atypichthys strigatus
Enoplosus armatus
Pentaceropsis recurvirostris
Parma victoriae
Parma microlepis
Chromis hypsilepis
Chironemus marmoratus
Aplodactylus arctidens
Aplodactylus lophodon
Cheilodactylus fuscus
Cheilodactylus nigripes
Cheilodactylus spectabilis
Nemadactylus douglasii
Dactylophora nigricans
Latridopsis forsteri
Sphyraena novaehollandiae
Achoerodus viridis
Ophthalmolepis lineolata
12
Mobile Bony Fishes
Dotalabrus aurantiacus
Eupetrichthys angustipes
Notolabrus gymnogenis
Notolabrus tetricus
Notolabrus fucicola
Pseudolabrus rubicundus
Pseudolabrus luculentus
Pictilabrus laticlavius
Odax acroptilus
Odax cyanomelas
Neoodax balteatus
Bovichtus angustifrons
Cristiceps australis
Acanthaluteres vittiger
Meuschenia australis
Meuschenia flavolineata
Meuschenia freycineti
Meuschenia hippocrepis
Eubalichthys bucephalus
Eubalichthys mosaicus
Contusus brevicaudus
Tetractenos glaber
Diodon nichthemerus
Mammals
Arctocephalus pusillus
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Table 2.3. Invertebrates and cryptic fish (Method 2) surveyed on the in the Twofold Shelf
bioregion.
Method 2
Polychaete Worms
Sabellastarte australiensis
Molluscs
Chitons
Haliotis rubra
Scutus antipodes
Phasianotrochus eximius
Phasianella australis
Phasianella ventricosa
Turbo undulatus
Turbo jourdani
Astralium tentoriformis
Charonia lampas rubicunda
Cabestana spengleri
Cabestana tabulata
Argobuccinium vexillum
Ranella australasia
Dicathais orbita
Penion maxima
Cominella lineolata
Tambja verconis
Neodoris chrysoderma
Hypselodoris bennetti
Octopus berrima
Octopus tetricus
Octopus spp.
Crustacea
Jasus edwardsii
Jasus verreauxi
Paguristes frontalis
Strigopagurus strigimanus
Nectocarcinus tuberculatus
Plagusia chabrus
Pagurid spp.
Echinoderms
Comanthus trichoptera
Comanthus tasmaniae
Tosia magnifica
Tosia australis
Nectria ocellata
Nectria multispina
Meridiastra calcar
Coscinasterias muricata
Astrostole scabra
Goniocidaris tubaria
Phyllacanthus parvispinus
Heliocidaris erythrogramma
Centrostephanus rodgersii
Amblypneustes spp.
Holopneustes inflatus
Holopneustes purpurascens
13
Cryptic Fishes
Cephaloscyllium laticeps
Orectolobus maculatus
Urolophus cruciatus
Heterodontus portusjacksoni
Lotella rhacina
Pseudophycis bachus
Pseudophycis barbata
Scorpaena papillosa
Centropogon australis
Helicolenus percoides
Hypoplectrodes maccullochi
Pempheris multiradiata
Pempheris compressa
Parma victoriae
Parma microlepis
Gymnothorax prasinus
Chromis hypsilepis
Chironemus marmoratus
Eupetrichthys angustipes
Bovichtus angustifrons
Trinorfolkia clarkei
Heteroclinus perspicillatus
Contusus brevicaudus
Diodon nichthemerus
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Table 2.4. Macroalgae (Method 3) surveyed on the in the Twofold Shelf bioregion.
Method 3
Chlorophyta (green algae)
Ulva spp.
Chaetomorpha sp.
Chaetomorpha coliformis
Codium duthieae
Codium galeatum
Caulerpa scalpelliformis
Caulerpa trifaria
Caulerpa hodgkinsoniae
Phaeophyta (brown algae)
Halopteris spp.
Cladostephus spongiosus
Dictyota dichotoma
Dictyota diemensis
Dilophus spp.
Dilophus marginatus
Dictyopteris acrostichoides
Dictyopteris muelleri
Padina sp.
Homeostrichus sinclairii
Zonaria angustata
Zonaria crenata
Zonaria spp.
Zonaria turneriana
Distromium spp.
Exallosorus olsenii
Lobophora variegata
Carpomitra costata
Sporochnus sp.
Colpomenia peregrina
Colpomenia sinuosa
Ecklonia radiata
Macrocystis angustifolia
Durvillaea potatorum
Phaeophyta (brown algae)
Phyllospora comosa
Cystophora moniliformis
Cystophora monilifera
Cystophora retorta
Cystophora siliquosa
Acrocarpia paniculata
Sargassum spp.
Sargassum verruculosum
Sargassum vestitum
Brown algal turf
Rhodophyta (red algae)
Galaxaura marginata
Pterocladia lucida
Gelidium australe
Gelidium spp.
Pterocladia capillacea
Pterocladiella capillacea
Nizymenia australis
Peyssonelia novaehollandiae
Halymenia plana
Grateloupia filicina
Polyopes constrictus
Polyopes tasmanicus
(S. tasmanica)
Callophyllis lambertii
Callophyllis rangiferina
Plocamium angustum
Plocamium mertensii
Plocamium patagiatum
Phacelocarpus complanatus
Phacelocarpus peperocarpos
Acrotylus australis
Plocamium cartilagineum
14
Rhodophyta (red algae)
Plocamium dilatatum
Plocamium leptophyllum
Plocamium costatum
Mychodea acanthymenia
Asparagopsis armata
Delisea pulchra
Gracilaria secundata
Curdiea angustata
Amphiroa anceps
Corallines unidentified
Arthrocardia wardii
Haliptilon roseum
Rhodymenia australis
Rhodymenia leptophylla
Rhodymenia linearis
Rhodymenia obtusa
Rhodymenia stenoglossa
Rhodymenia wilsoni
Cordylecladia furcellata
Champia viridis
Ballia callitricha
Ceramium spp.
Griffithsia sp.
Hemineura frondosa
Dictymenia harveyana
Dictymenia tridens
Lenormandia marginata
Other thallose red alga
Red turfing algae
Encrusting corallines
Filamentous red algae
Lophurella periclados
Nemastoma feredayae
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Figure 2.2. Biologist diver with transect reel.
Figure 2.3. The cover of macrophytes is measured by the number of points intersecting each species
on the quadrat grid.
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2.3 Data Analysis
2.3.1 Community Structure
Community structure is a function of both the species present and the abundance of each
species. The community structure between pairs of samples was compared using the BrayCurtis dissimilarity coefficient. This index compares the abundance of each species between
two samples to give a single value of the difference between the samples, expressed as a
percentage (Faith et al. 1987; Clarke 1993).
Prior to analysis, the data were log transformed to weight down the influence of highly
abundant species in describing community structure, giving a more even weighting between
abundant and rarer species (following abundance transformations by Sweatman et al. 2000).
The Bray-Curtis dissimilarity index was calculated for all possible combinations of sites. This
resulted in a matrix of pair-wise comparisons known as a dissimilarity matrix. The
dissimilarity matrix is also termed a distance matrix as it effectively represents distances
between samples in hyper-dimensional space. The dissimilarity matrix was used for all
analyses of community structure in this study.
2.3.2 Depiction of Community Differences
The hyper-dimensional information in the dissimilarity matrix was simplified and depicted
using non-metric multidimensional scaling (MDS; Clarke 1993). This ordination method finds
the representation in fewer dimensions that best depicts the actual patterns in the hyperdimensional data (i.e. reduces the number of dimensions while depicting the salient
relationships between the samples). The MDS results were then depicted graphically to show
differences between the replicates at each location. The distance between points on the MDS
plot is representative of the relative difference in community structure.
Kruskall stress is an indicator statistic calculated during the ordination process and indicates
the degree of disparity between the reduced dimensional data set and the original hyperdimensional data set. A guide to interpreting the Kruskal stress indicator is given by Clarke
(1993): (< 0.1) a good ordination with no real risk of drawing false inferences; (< 0.2) can
lead to a usable picture, although for values at the upper end of this range there is potential
to mislead; and (> 0.2) likely to yield plots which can be dangerous to interpret. These
guidelines are simplistic and increasing stress is correlated with increasing numbers of
samples. Where high stress was encountered with a two-dimensional data set, threedimensional solutions were sought to ensure an adequate representation of the higherdimensional patterns.
2.3.3 Trends in Community Structure
Trends in community structure will be examined when additional surveys have been
completed at each location.
2.3.4 Species Diversity
Species diversity involves the consideration of two components: species richness and
evenness. Species richness is the number of species present in the community while
evenness is the degree of similarity of abundances between species. Species diversity is a
combination of species richness and the relative abundance of each species, and is often
referred to as species heterogeneity. Measures of diversity give an indication of the likelihood
that two individuals selected at random from a community are different species.
Species richness (S) was enumerated by the total species count per site. This value was
used for calculation of evenness and heterogeneity statistics. Species diversity (i.e.
heterogeneity among species) was described using the reciprocal of Simpson’s index
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(1/DSimpson = Hill’s N2). This value describes species diversity as a combination of species
richness (i.e. the number of species) and species evenness (i.e. the equitability of the
abundances of the species). The value varies between 1 and s (i.e. the total number of
species in the sample) with higher values indicating higher diversity. In general, Hills N2
gives an indication of the number of dominant species within a community. Hills N2 provides
more weighting for common species, in contrast to indices such as the Shannon-Weiner
Index (Krebs 1999), which weights the rarer species. The weighting of common species was
considered more appropriate for this study because the sampling regime is designed to
target the more common species.
2.3.5 Species Populations
The abundance of each species was summarised by calculating total counts of fish and
invertebrates and total percentage cover of macroalgae, for each site. Changes, trends and
patterns were represented by locally-weighted regression (LOWESS) lines on the plots. The
population size structure for blacklip abalone Haliotis rubra was assessed by calculating
median lengths and the interquartile range (25 and 75 percentiles).
The size structure of the common larger fishes was examined using length-frequency
histograms. the species examined were blue-throated wrasse Notolabrus tetricus, purple
wrasse Notolabrus fucicola, banded morwong Cheilodactylus spectabilis and herring cale
Odax cyanomelas. The size-frequency distributions (size spectra) was also plotted for all
fishes combined. These plots compared the size distributions between the latest survey and
the first survey of all sites (Survey 2).
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3 REGIONAL COMMUNITY ANALYSIS
3.1 Biogeography
Victoria’s marine environment has been classified into five bioregions. These bioregions
reflect differences in physical processes such as ocean currents and geology, which in turn
influence the distribution of ecosystems and diversity over scales of 100-1000 km. Beware
Reef Marine Sanctuary, Point Hicks Marine National Park and Cape Howe Marine National
Park are within the Twofold Shelf bioregion. This bioregion is in eastern Victoria and extends
from Wilsons Promontory to Tathra in southern New South Wales.
The biota of the Twofold Shelf bioregion comprises both southern and eastern Australian
temperate species. Characteristic Twofold Shelf invertebrate species include the sea urchins
Centrostephanus rodgersii and Phyllacanthus parvispinus, tent shell Astralium tentoriformis
and the packhorse lobster Jasus verreauxi. The fish fauna are the most distinguishing
component of the bioregion, including species such as eastern blue groper Achoerodus
viridis, eastern kelp fish Aplodactylus lophodon, eastern goatfish Upeinichthys lineatus,
eastern hulafish Trachinops taeniatus and white ear Parma microlepis. The Twofold Shelf
bioregion seaweeds are characterised by the general absence of green algal and
filamentous brown and red turf species. The algal assemblages are typified by the common
presence of the thallose red species Rhodymenia obtusa, R. linearis and Lophurella
periclados. There have been limited studies on seaweeds in the region, but a considerable
number of rare and new species have been documented (Edmunds et al. 2001; Kraft 2001)
Although assemblages were generally comprised of species characteristic of the bioregion,
there is also substantial site-to-site variation in accordance with the reef environment,
particularly depth and exposure.
3.2 Macroalgae
There were distinct and consistent differences in algal assemblage structure between the
Beware Reef, Point Hicks and Cape Howe regions (Figure 3.1). Differences were principally
in the species composition of the algal canopy and the relative contribution to the
understorey of fleshy algal species and encrusting coralline algae. At Cape Howe, the algal
canopy generally consisted of monospecific stands of crayweed Phyllospora comosa. The
algal understorey at Cape Howe was dominated by encrusting coralline algae, with only
sparse cover of erect fleshy understorey species. Sites at Beware Reef and Point Hicks were
similar in that they had a mixed algal canopy of Phyllospora comosa and common kelp
Ecklonia radiata. These areas also generally had a higher cover of fucalean species, such as
Cystophora spp. and Sargassum spp., and fleshy thallose red algae. Encrusting coralline
algae were less abundant at Point Hicks and Beware Reef.
Each site tended to have a characteristic algal assemblage structure. Although there was
variation in algal assemblage structure over time, the differences between sites and between
regions were relatively maintained (Figures 3.2 to 3.4). The greatest degree of algal
assemblage variation was in the cape Howe region (Figure 3.4), which can be attributed to
the low and variable abundances of understorey species, and changes in Phyllospora
canopy cover.
Algal species richness had an increasing trend at the two Beware Reef region sites (Sites 23
and 24; Appendix Figure A2.1). There was a marked increase in algal species richness at the
two Iron Prince sites between 2004, 2006 and 2009 (Sites 12 and 16; Appendix Figure A1.1).
Algal species diversity (Hill’s N2) decreased between the surveys of 2004, 2006 and 2009 at
Old Jetty Bay (Site 4; Appendix Figure A2.2). There were no obvious changes in algal
diversity at the other sites.
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e Beware Reef MPA
▲ Beware Reef Reference
S21
e Point Hicks MPA
▲ Point Hicks Reference
S16
e Cape Howe MPA
▲ Cape Howe Reference
S17
S18
S7
S24
S23
S4
S22
S6
S19
S12
S20
S13
S8
S26
S14
S15
S11
S10
S25
S27
Figure 3.1. MDS plot of algal assemblage structure in the Twofold Shelf bioregion in
March 2004. Kruskal stress = 0.15.
S24
S23
SITE
3223 MPA
3224 Ref
Figure 3.2. Temporal changes in algal assemblage structure at Beware Reef MS and
reference sites (data from Figure 3.1).
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S21
S16
S17
S18
S7
S4
S22
S6
SITE
3204 MPA
3206 MPA
3207 Ref
3216 Ref
3217 Ref
3218 Ref
3221 MPA
3222 MPA
Figure 3.3. Temporal changes in algal assemblage structure at Point Hicks MNP and
reference sites (data from Figure 3.1).
S19
S12
S20
S13
S8
S26
S14
S15
S11
S25
S27
SITE
3208 Ref
3210 Ref
3211 Ref
3212 Ref
3213 MPA
3214 MPA
3215 MPA
3219 Ref
3220 MPA
3225 Ref
3226 Ref
3227 MPA
Figure 3.4. Temporal changes in algal assemblage structure at sites in the Cape Howe
MNP and reference sites (data from Figure 3.1).
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Twofold Shelf Subtidal Reef Monitoring
Algae Species Richness - Beware Reef
20
Marine Sanctuary
10
0
Species Count
30
20
Reference
10
0
2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010
Year
Figure 3.5. Seaweed species richness index for monitoring sites in for Beware Reef
Marine Sanctuary and reference sites.
Species Count
30
Algae Species Richness - Point Hicks
20
Marine National Park
10
0
Species Count
30
20
Reference
10
0
2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010
Year
Figure 3.6. Seaweed species richness index for monitoring sites in for Point Hicks Marine
National Park and reference sites.
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Algae Species Richness - Cape Howe
20
Marine National Park
10
0
Species Count
30
20
Reference
10
0
2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010
Year
Figure 3.7. Seaweed species richness index for monitoring sites in for Cape Howe
Marine National Park and reference sites.
Hill N2
12
Algae Species Diversity - Beware Reef
8
Marine Sanctuary
4
0
Hill N2
12
8
Reference
4
0
2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010
Year
Figure 3.8. Seaweed species diversity index (Hill’s N2) for Beware Reef Marine
Sanctuary and reference sites.
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Hill N2
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Twofold Shelf Subtidal Reef Monitoring
Algae Species Diversity - Point Hicks
8
Marine National Park
4
0
Hill N2
12
8
Reference
4
0
2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010
Year
Figure 3.9. Seaweed species diversity index (Hill’s N2) for Point Hicks Marine National
Park and reference sites.
Hill N2
12
Algae Species Diversity - Cape Howe
8
Marine National Park
4
0
Hill N2
12
8
Reference
4
0
2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010
Year
Figure 3.10. Seaweed species diversity index (Hill’s N2) for Cape Howe Marine National
Park and reference sites.
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3.3 Invertebrates
There are approximately four invertebrate assemblage types observed in the Twofold Shelf
Region:
•
•
•
•
A Phyllospora-Ecklonia habitat group that includes sites from Beware Reef, Pearl Point,
Muller Reef and Petrel Point (centre of Figure 3.11).
An urchin barren group including sites from Gabo and Tullaberga Islands (upper right of
Figure 3.11).
A Point Hicks group (lower centre of Figure 3.11).
A Cape Howe seaweed group, including sites at the Iron Prince and Cape Howe (middle
left of Figure 3.11).
In general, reference sites at Point Hicks were characterised by high abundances of the
predatory gastropod Cabestana spengleri, the seastar Meridiastra calcar and moderate
abundances of blacklip abalone Haliotis rubra and the red bait crab Plagusia chabrus. There
were typically higher abundances of large herbivorous invertebrates at Cape Howe. These
included the sea urchin Centrostephanus rodgersii, blacklip abalone Haliotis rubra, the
periwinkle Turbo undulatus and another turban shell Astralium tentoriformis.
Components of the Beware Reef sites were similar to both the Point Hicks and Cape Howe
reefs. For example, large numbers of the feather star Comanthus trichoptera were observed
at both Beware Reef and Point Hicks sites. High densities of C. rodgersii and abalone H.
rubra at Beware Reef sites was a characteristic similar to Cape Howe reefs.
There were characteristics of the invertebrate assemblages distinctive to each site and this
distinctiveness was maintained throughout the survey period (Figures 3.12 to 3.14).
There were no major changes in invertebrate species richness over the monitoring period.
There was an apparent decreasing trend at Hicks Joggle (Site 22; Appendix Figure A2.3).
Notable changes in invertebrate species diversity occurred at Beware Reef MS, with a
decreasing trend between 2004, 2006 and 2008 (Site 23; Appendix Figure A2.4). There was
a rapid increase in diversity at Iron Prince West between 2006 and 2009 (Site 12; Appendix
Figure A2.4).
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S11
S8
S23
S15
S24
S27
S25
S26
S10
S18
S14
S17
S19
S20
S12
S13
S7
e Beware Reef MPA
▲ Beware Reef Reference
S21
S6
S4
S22
S16
e Point Hicks MPA
▲ Point Hicks Reference
e Cape Howe MPA
▲ Cape Howe Reference
Figure 3.11. MDS plot of invertebrate assemblage structure in the Twofold Shelf
bioregion in March 2004. Kruskal stress = 0.10.
S23
S24
SITE
3223 MPA
3224 Ref
Figure 3.12. Temporal changes in invertebrate assemblage structure at Beware Reef MS
and reference sites (data from Figure 3.11).
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S18
S17
SITE
S7
S21
S6
S4
S22
S16
3204 MPA
3206 MPA
3207 Ref
3216 Ref
3217 Ref
3218 Ref
3221 MPA
3222 MPA
Figure 3.13. Temporal changes in invertebrate assemblage structure at Point Hicks MNP
and reference sites (data from Figure 3.11).
S11
S8
S15
S27
S25
S26
S14
S19
S20
SITE
3208
3210
3211
3212
3213
3214
3215
3219
3220
3225
3226
3227
S12
S13
Figure 3.14. Temporal changes in invertebrate assemblage structure at Cape Howe
MNP and reference sites (data from Figure 3.11).
26
Ref
Ref
Ref
Ref
MPA
MPA
MPA
Ref
MPA
Ref
Ref
MPA
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Invertebrate Species Richness - Beware Reef
15
Marine Sanctuary
10
5
0
Species Count
20
15
Reference
10
5
0
2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010
Year
Figure 3.15. Invertebrate species richness index for Beware Reef Marine Sanctuary and
reference sites.
Species Count
20
Invertebrate Species Richness - Point Hicks
15
Marine National Park
10
5
0
Species Count
20
15
Reference
10
5
0
2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010
Year
Figure 3.16. Invertebrate species richness index for Point Hicks Marine National Park
and reference sites.
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Species Count
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Invertebrate Species Richness - Cape Howe
15
Marine National Park
10
5
0
Species Count
20
15
Reference
10
5
0
2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010
Year
Figure 3.17. Invertebrate species richness index for Cape Howe Marine National Park
and reference sites.
8
Invertebrate Species Diversity - Beware Reef
Hill N2
6
Marine Sanctuary
4
2
0
8
Hill N2
6
Reference
4
2
0
2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010
Year
Figure 3.18. Invertebrate species diversity index (Hill’s N2) for Beware Reef Marine Sanctuary
and reference site.
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Invertebrate Species Diversity - Point Hicks
8
Hill N2
6
Marine Sanctuary
4
2
0
8
Hill N2
6
Reference
4
2
0
2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010
Year
Figure 3.19. Invertebrate species diversity index (Hill’s N2) for Point Hicks Marine
National Park and reference sites.
8
Invertebrate Species Diversity - Cape Howe
Hill N2
6
Marine Sanctuary
4
2
0
8
Hill N2
6
Reference
4
2
0
2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010
Year
Figure 3.20. Invertebrate species diversity index (Hill’s N2) for Cape Howe Marine
National Park and reference sites.
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3.4 Fish
The fish assemblages found within the monitoring sites were typical of both eastern and
southern temperate waters. Common species such as the mado Atypichthys strigatus,
banded morwong Cheilodactylus spectabilis, rock cale Aplodactylus lophodon and purple
wrasse Notolabrus fucicola were regularly observed at most of the monitoring sites.
There were distinct differences in fish assemblage structure between the Beware Reef, Point
Hicks and Cape Howe regions (Figure 3.21). Fish assemblages at Point Hicks were
dominated by increased densities of blue throated wrasse Notolabrus tetricus and purple
wrasse Notolabrus fucicola. The overall abundance of wrasses was lower at Cape Howe,
however there was a greater variety of wrasse species present, including the Maori wrasse
Ophthalmolepis lineolata. Fish that were more abundant in the Cape Howe region included
herring cale Odax cyanomelas, six spined leatherjacket Meuschenia freycineti, striped mado
Atypichthys strigatus and the damselfishes Parma microlepis and Chromis hypsilepis.
Unlike the algal and invertebrate assemblages, the sites within each region were less
distinctive in terms of the fish fauna, with considerable overlap in assemblage structures
between sites over time (Figures 3.23 and 3.24). Sites with distinctive assemblages
maintained through time were Beware Reef MS and Pearl Point (Sites 23 and 24; Figure
3.22) and Gabo Monument and Gabo Harbour (Sites 10 and 11; Figure 3.24).
Fish species diversity was highest during the 2009 surveys at Howe West, Howe Central,
Iron Prince West and Iron Prince Wreck (Sites 13, 14, 12 and 19; Appendix Figure A2.6).
Beware Reef is an isolated offshore reef. The principal difference between this site and
others were the very high densities of butterfly perch Caesioperca lepidoptera. High densities
of this fish are generally associated with reefs of high relief with extension into deep water,
such as at Beware Reef. The Beware Reef reference site grouped relatively closely to the
Point Hicks sites (Figure 3.21). It should be noted the diversity statistic for Beware Reef
fishes was apparently low, with a dominance of butterfly perch Caesioperca lepidoptera.
Aside from the dominance of this species, the diversity of the remaining species was
considered high.
Fish species richness was highest within the Cape Howe MNP during 2009 (Sites 13, 14 and
15; Appendix Figure A2.5). Species richness was sustained at a relatively high level from
2004 to 2009 at Iron Prince Wreck (Site 19; Appendix Figure A2.5).
There were no consistent differences in fish species richness between locations surveyed. In
general, fish species diversity was higher at Point Hicks than Cape Howe. This reflects the
more even abundance of a few dominant species at Point Hicks, particularly Notolabrus
tetricus and N. fucicola, Odax cyanomeles and Atypichthys strigatus. In contrast, sites at
Cape Howe tended to be dominated (at least numerically) by a single species – typically
striped mado Atypichthys strigatus, species of damselfish, eastern hulafish Trachinops
taeniatus or yellow tail mackerel Trachurus novaezelandiae.
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S11
e Point Hicks MPA
▲ Point Hicks Reference
S10
S15
e Beware Reef MPA
▲ Beware Reef Reference
S13
S27
e Cape Howe MPA
▲ Cape Howe Reference
S20
S26
S14
S25
S19
S8
S12
S23
S21
S4
S18
S6
S22
S24
S17
S7
S16
Figure 3.21. MDS plot of fish assemblage structure in the Twofold Shelf bioregion in March 2004.
Kruskal stress = 0.18.
S23
S24
SITE
3223 MPA
3224 Ref
Figure 3.22. Temporal changes in fish assemblage structure at Beware Reef MS and
reference sites (data from Figure 3.21).
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Parks Victoria Technical Series No. 62
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S21
S4
S18
SITE
S6
S22
S17
3204 MPA
3206 MPA
3207 Ref
3216 Ref
3217 Ref
3218 Ref
3221 MPA
3222 MPA
S7
S16
Figure 3.23. Temporal changes in fish assemblage structure at Point Hicks MNP and
references (data from Figure 3.21).
S11
S15
S13
S27
S20
S26
S19
S25
S14
S8
SITE
S12
3208 Ref
3210 Ref
3211 Ref
3212 Ref
3213 MPA
3214 MPA
3215 MPA
3219 Ref
3220 MPA
3225 Ref
3226 Ref
3227 MPA
Figure 3.24. Temporal changes in fish assemblage structure at Cape Howe MNP and
reference sites (data from Figure 3.21).
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Parks Victoria Technical Series No. 62
Species Count
25
Twofold Shelf Subtidal Reef Monitoring
Fish Species Richness - Beware Reef
20
Marine Sanctuary
15
10
5
0
Species Count
25
20
Reference
15
10
5
0
2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010
Year
Figure 3.25. Fish species richness index for Beware Reef Marine Sanctuary and
reference sites.
Species Count
25
Fish Species Richness - Point Hicks
20
Marine National Park
15
10
5
0
Species Count
25
20
Reference
15
10
5
0
2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010
Year
Figure 3.26. Fish species richness index for Point Hicks Marine National Park and
reference sites.
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Parks Victoria Technical Series No. 62
Fish Species Richness - Cape Howe
25
Species Count
Twofold Shelf Subtidal Reef Monitoring
20
Marine National Park
15
10
5
0
Species Count
25
20
Reference
15
10
5
0
2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010
Year
Figure 3.27. Fish species richness index for Cape Howe Marine National Park and
reference sites.
10
Fish Species Diversity - Beware Reef
Hill N2
8
Marine Sanctuary
6
4
2
0
10
Hill N2
8
Reference
6
4
2
0
2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010
Year
Figure 3.28. Fish species diversity index (Hill’s N2) for Beware Reef Marine Sanctuary
and reference sites.
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Parks Victoria Technical Series No. 62
Twofold Shelf Subtidal Reef Monitoring
Fish Species Diversity - Point Hicks
10
Hill N2
8
Marine National Park
6
4
2
0
10
Hill N2
8
Reference
6
4
2
0
2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010
Year
Figure 3.29. Fish species diversity index (Hill’s N2) for Point Hicks Marine National Park
and reference sites.
10
Fish Species Diversity - Cape Howe
Hill N2
8
Marine National Park
6
4
2
0
10
Hill N2
8
Reference
6
4
2
0
2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010
Year
Figure 3.30. Fish species diversity index (Hill’s N2) for Cape Howe Marine National Park
and reference sites.
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Parks Victoria Technical Series No. 62
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4 BEWARE REEF MARINE SANCTUARY
4.1 Site Descriptions
Beware Reef Marine Sanctuary is a small isolated reef located approximately 4 km offshore
from Cape Conran. The central position is located on the eastern side of an emergent rock,
with transects 1 and 2 along the northern side of the island and transects 3 and 4 along the
southern side (forming a ‘v’). The Beware Reef monitoring site (Site 23) was positioned along
the 8 m isobath over small gullies and flats. The reef profile in the shallower water consists of
small gullies, slopes and flats down to the ten meter isobath, where the reef generally drops
off steeply into deeper water.
A reference monitoring site was located at Pearl Point (Figure 4.1). The habitat structure at
Pearl Point was similar to Müller’s Reef and Petrel Point, consisting of ridges of reef 1-2 m
high with gullies in between. The Pearl Point monitoring site is at 7-8 m depth.
Pearl
Point
Cape
Conran
Beware Reef Marine
Sanctuary
Figure 4.1. Location of monitoring sites associated with Beware Reef Marine Sanctuary. The
sanctuary is shaded blue. Coordinate system is Map Grid of Australia 1996 (MGA).
4.2 Macroalgae
The algal composition of Beware Reef reflects the submaximally exposed conditions. The
major canopy species are bull kelp Durvillaea potatorum and crayweed Phyllospora comosa,
with a lesser contribution by the common kelp Ecklonia radiata.
Between the 2006 and 2009 surveys, there was a slight decrease in abundance of common
kelp E. radiata at Beware Reef, corresponding with a slight increase in P. comosa
abundance (Figure 4.2 and 4.3). The opposite pattern was observed at the Pearl Point
reference site: there was an increase in E. radiata abundance corresponding with a decrease
in P. comosa abundance.
At Beware Reef, crustose coralline algae increased from 5% to 24% during 2006 and
subsequently decreased to 2% cover in 2009. There was no corresponding trend at Pearl
Point (Figure 4.4).
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Parks Victoria Technical Series No. 62
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Durvillaea potatorum, was only present at Beware Reef (Figure 4.5). This is a large robust
species adapted to living in highly exposed conditions. Durvillaea potatorum had increased in
abundance between 2006 to 2009 by 16%. This coincided with decreases in the abundance
of E. radiata.
There were no obvious trends or changes in the understorey algae, which included
Rhodymenia wilsonii, Plocamium dilatatum and R. linearis.
Percent Cover
80
Ecklonia radiata- Beware Reef
60
Marine Sanctuary
40
20
0
Percent Cover
80
60
Reference
40
20
0
2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010
Year
Figure 4.2. Abundances (percent cover) of kelp Ecklonia radiata in Beware Reef Marine Sanctuary
and at the Pearl Point reference site.
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Parks Victoria Technical Series No. 62
Percent Cover
80
Twofold Shelf Subtidal Reef Monitoring
Phyllospora comosa - Beware Reef
60
Marine Sanctuary
40
20
0
Percent Cover
80
60
Reference
40
20
0
2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010
Year
Figure 4.3. Abundances (percent cover) of Phyllospora comosa in Beware Reef Marine Sanctuary
and at the Pearl Point reference site.
Percent Cover
50
Crustose Coralline Algae - Beware Reef
40
Marine Sanctuary
30
20
10
0
Percent Cover
50
40
Reference
30
20
10
0
2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010
Year
Figure 4.4. Abundances (percent cover) of crustose coralline algae in Beware Reef Marine Sanctuary
and at the Pearl Point reference site.
38
Parks Victoria Technical Series No. 62
Percent Cover
60
Twofold Shelf Subtidal Reef Monitoring
Durvillaea potatorum- Beware Reef
40
Marine Sanctuary
20
0
Percent Cover
60
40
Reference
20
0
2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010
Year
Figure 4.5. Abundances (percent cover) of Durvillaea potatorum in Beware Reef Marine Sanctuary
and at the Pearl Point reference site.
4.3 Invertebrates
A distinctive feature of both the Beware Reef and Pearl Point sites was the exceptionally high
abundances of Comanthus trichoptera. The abundances were much higher (more than 10
times) at Pearl Point, however, the temporal changes had a similar pattern at both sites
(Figure 4.6). The greatest changes were from 2006 to 2009, with densities of 1153 and 7812
per 200 m² at Beware Reef and Pearl Point respectively (Figure 4.6).
There was an apparent increase in abundance of abalone Haliotis rubra at Beware Reef to
the latest survey in 2009 (Figure 4.8). This change was not evident at the reference site.
There was no detected change in size of H. rubra at either site (Figure 4.10).
The change in abundance over time of the common sea urchin Heliocidaris erythrogramma
were inconsistent between the two sites. At Pearl Point, there was an apparent decline from
93 to 24 per 200 m² between 2004 and 2009 (Figure 4.9).
The tent shell Astralium tentoriformis was notably abundant at Pearl Point during 2004 (55
per 200 m²), however few individuals were observed in 2009.
39
Parks Victoria Technical Series No. 62
Abundance
2000
Twofold Shelf Subtidal Reef Monitoring
Comanthus trichoptera - Beware Reef
1500
Marine Sanctuary
1000
500
0
Abundance
8000
6000
Reference
4000
2000
0
2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010
Year
Figure 4.6. Densities (per 200 m²) of feather star Comanthus trichoptera in Beware Reef Marine
Sanctuary and at the Pearl Point reference site.
Abundance
200
Centrostephanus rodgersii - Beware Reef
150
Marine Sanctuary
100
50
0
Abundance
200
150
Reference
100
50
0
2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010
Year
Figure 4.7. Densities (per 200 m²) of long spined sea urchin Centrostephanus rodgersii in Beware
Reef Marine Sanctuary and at the Pearl Point reference site.
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Parks Victoria Technical Series No. 62
Abundance
200
Twofold Shelf Subtidal Reef Monitoring
Haliotis rubra- Beware Reef
150
Marine Sanctuary
100
50
0
Abundance
200
150
Reference
100
50
0
2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010
Year
Figure 4.8. Densities (per 200 m²) of black lip abalone Haliotis rubra in Beware Reef Marine
Sanctuary and at the Pearl Point reference site.
Abundance
150
Heliocidaris erythrogramma- Beware Reef
100
Marine Sanctuary
50
0
Abundance
150
100
Reference
50
0
2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010
Year
Figure 4.9. Densities (per 200 m²) of common sea urchin Heliocidaris erythrogramma in Beware Reef
Marine Sanctuary and at the Pearl Point reference site.
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Parks Victoria Technical Series No. 62
Length (mm)
180
Twofold Shelf Subtidal Reef Monitoring
Haliotis rubra sizes - Beware Reef
140
Marine Sanctuary
100
60
Length (mm)
180
140
Reference
100
60
2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010
Figure 4.10. Mean sizes (mm ± 25 standard error) of black lip abalone Haliotis rubra at Beware Reef
Marine Sanctuary and at the Pearl Point reference site.
4.4 Fishes
A distinctive feature of the fish assemblage at Beware Reef is the high abundance of butterfly
perch Caesioperca lepidoptera. This reflects the presence of their preferred habitat: steep,
high profile reef that extends up from deeper water. The rosy wrasse Pseudolabrus
rubicundus, also typical of higher relief reefs, was observed in low numbers during the 2004
and 2006 surveys. The abundance of blue throated wrasse Notolabrus tetricus halved
between 2004 and 2006 but was relatively stable between 2006 and 2009. The abundance
of purple wrasse N. fucicola approximately doubled between 2006 and 2009 (Figure 4.12
and 4.13).
At Pearl Point, the abundances of blue throated wrasse Notolabrus tetricus fluctuated
between surveys: 40 to 10 to 37 per 200m² in 2004, 2006 and 2009 respectively (Figure
4.12). There was also a large increase in purple wrasse N. fucicola abundance between
2006 and 2009 (Figure 4.13). This coincided with decreased observations of sweep Scorpis
lineolata, white-ear Parma microlepis and herring cale Odax cyanomelas.
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Parks Victoria Technical Series No. 62
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Figure 4.11. Aggregation of butterfly perch Caesioperca lepidoptera.
There was little difference in the modes and ranges of the size distributions of N. tetricus and
N. fucicola at both Beware Reef and Pearl Point between the 2004 and 2009 surveys (Figure
4.16). There was a notable absence of medium sized N. tetricus at Beware Reef during 2009
(Figure 4.17). There was no apparent change in the size spectra of all fishes at the two sites
(Figure 4.18).
Abundance
50
Notolabrus tetricus- Beware Reef
40
Marine Sanctuary
30
20
10
0
Abundance
50
40
Reference
30
20
10
0
2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010
Year
2
Figure 4.12. Densities (number per 2000 m ) of blue throated wrasse Notolabrus tetricus in Beware
Reef Marine Sanctuary and at Pearl Point reference site.
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Parks Victoria Technical Series No. 62
Abundance
60
Twofold Shelf Subtidal Reef Monitoring
Notolabrus fucicola- Beware Reef
40
Marine Sanctuary
20
0
Abundance
60
40
Reference
20
0
2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010
Year
2
Figure 4.13. Densities (number per 2000 m ) of purple wrasse, Notolabrus fucicola, in Beware Reef
Marine Sanctuary and at Pearl Point reference site.
Abundance
30
Odax cyanomelas - Beware Reef
20
Marine Sanctuary
10
0
Abundance
30
20
Reference
10
0
2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010
Year
2
Figure 4.14. Densities (number per 2000 m ) of herring cale Odax cyanomelas in Beware Reef Marine
Sanctuary and at Pearl Point reference site.
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Parks Victoria Technical Series No. 62
Cheilodactylus spectabilis- Beware Reef
30
Abundance
Twofold Shelf Subtidal Reef Monitoring
20
Marine Sanctuary
10
0
Abundance
30
20
Reference
10
0
2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010
Year
2
Figure 4.15. Densities (number per 2000 m ) of banded morwong Cheilodactylus spectabilis in
Beware Reef Marine Sanctuary and at Pearl Point reference site.
Notolabrus fucicloasizes - Beware Reef
Abundance
35
28
Marine Sanctuary
21
14
7
0
Abundance
35
28
Reference
21
14
Survey
7
2006
2009
0
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
45
50
Length (cm)
2
Figure 4.16. Purple wrasse, Notolabrus fucicola, size-densities (number per 2000 m ) in Beware Reef
Marine Sanctuary and Pearl Point reference site.
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Parks Victoria Technical Series No. 62
Notolabrus tetricussizes - Beware Reef
35
Abundance
Twofold Shelf Subtidal Reef Monitoring
28
Marine Sanctuary
21
14
7
0
Abundance
35
28
Reference
21
14
Survey
7
2006
2009
0
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
45
50
Length (cm)
2
Figure 4.17. Blue throated wrasse Notolabrus tetricus size-densities (number per 2000 m ) in Beware
Reef Marine Sanctuary and Pearl Point reference site.
Reef fish sizes - Beware Reef
Abundance
80
60
Marine Sanctuary
40
20
0
Abundance
80
60
Reference
40
Survey
20
2006
2009
0
0
10
20
30
40
Length (cm)
50
60
2
Figure 4.18. Size-densities of all observed reef fishes (number per 2000 m ) in Beware Reef Marine
Sanctuary and Pearl Point reference site.
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5 POINT HICKS MARINE NATIONAL PARK
5.1 Site Descriptions
The reef substratum within the Point Hicks Marine National Park consisted of granite slopes,
boulders and outcrops. There are four sites within the Point Hicks Marine National Park: Old
Jetty Bay (Site 4), Hicks Southwest (Site 21), Hicks Joggle (Site 22) and Hicks Lighthouse
(Site 6).
Old Jetty Bay (Site 4; Figure 5.1) is located on the western side of the point where it is
relatively sheltered and shallow and consists of flat rock slabs with low boulders with
occasional bombies. Some areas of boulders and cobble were interspersed with sand.
The three other sites within the Marine National Park were highly exposed to swell and seas.
Hicks Southwest (Site 21) has both low and moderate relief (1-1.5 m), with steps, bombies
and reef flats. There are patches of sand in the rock gullies and over rock flats.
Hicks Joggle (Site 22) is situated beneath the lighthouse and is highly exposed, but has a
small barrier reef in front of it which breaks up smaller swell waves. Larger waves continue
over this reef and break on the steep shore. While the barrier reef protects the inner reef to
some extent, a current frequently flows along the coast, between the barrier reef and the
shore. This interacts with swells and backwash from the shore to make it a turbulent area
(hence the name). The site is characterised by moderate to high granite boulders and
outcrops (1.5-2 m) with low relief boulder habitat in the western end, where there are also
large sand patches.
Hicks Lighthouse (Site 6) is situated on the eastern side of the point and is fully exposed to
easterly swells. Although the aspect of this site is sheltered from westerly swells, the waves
refract around the point and break over the site.
The reference sites for Point Hicks Marine National Park are all situated to the east, where
the closest suitable reefs were present. Kraft’s Garden and Durvillaea Flats (Sites 7 and 16)
are close together along a rocky reef outcrop immediately to the east of Point Hicks. Both
sites consisted of gently sloping low-profile reef punctuated by bombies and outcrops 1-2 m
high and interspersed with sandy patches. Ground swell surge is particularly strong at these
sites, with sand continually being resuspended in the water column, reducing visibility.
The habitats at Müller’s Reef and Petrel Point (Sites 17 and 18) were similar to that observed
at Pearl Point (and also similar to Bemm River reef). These reefs consisted of reef with 1-2 m
high ridges with gullies in between. Some areas of low-profile reef were also observed. Both
these sites are prone to strong ground surge and high wave action.
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Parks Victoria Technical Series No. 62
Twofold Shelf Subtidal Reef Monitoring
Petrel
Point
Point
Hicks
Point Hicks
Marine National
Park
Figure 5.1. Location of monitoring sites associated with Point Hicks Marine National Park. The park
area is shaded blue. Coordinate system is Map Grid of Australia 1996 (MGA).
5.2 Macroalgae
Crayweed Phyllospora comosa is the dominant canopy former at the two eastern sites within
Point Hicks MNP, Hicks Joggle and Hicks Lighthouse (Sites 22 and 6), as well as at the two
adjacent reference sites, Krafts Garden and Durvillaea Flats (Sites 7 and 16). Abundances
were in the order of 60% cover at these sites. Phyllospora comosa was also abundant at the
other monitoring sites (10-30% cover), where there tended to be dominance of common kelp
Ecklonia radiata. Ecklonia was particularly abundant at the reference sites Müllers Reef and
Petrel Point (Sites 17 and 18).
The time trends for all seaweed species were quite different between sites within and outside
the MNP. It was noted that particular reference sites had trends matching those of sites
within the MNP. This was most evident for Phyllospora comosa (Figure 5.2; Appendix Figure
A2.7): Old Jetty Bay (Site 4) c.f. Krafts Garden (Site 7); Hicks Southwest and Hicks Joggle
(Sites 21 and 22) c.f. Durvillaea Flats (Site 16); and Hicks Light (site 6) c.f. Petrel Point (Site
18). These apparent site relationships were also reflected in the abundance of other algal
species, but to a weaker extent. These relationships will be scrutinised further following
additional surveys to establish whether this indicates linked ecological processes or is mere
coincidence.
Old Jetty Bay (Site 4) had considerable changes in seaweed abundances over the
monitoring period. In 2001, this site was initially dominated by stands of crayweed P. comosa
and string kelp Macrocystis angustifolia, but also low profile boulder habitat with a mixture of
thallose red algae interspersed by sand. The Macrocystis angustifolia had disappeared by
2006 and was not present in 2007 (Figure 5.7). By 2009, the boulder habitat was more sand
scoured with few thallose algae present. Concurrent changes included increased
abundances of the brown strap weed Cystophora moniliformis, red alga Rhodymenia linearis
and crustose coralline algae (Figures 5.4 to 5.6). The abundances of Ecklonia radiata and
brown alga Acrocarpia paniculata peaked and declined at Old Jetty Bay over the monitoring
period (Figure 5.7 and Appendix Figures A2.8 and A2.12).
Low profile reef at Krafts Garden (Site 7) in 2001 was generally sand affected with high
species richness of thallose red algae. The coverage of Phyllospora comosa has
48
Parks Victoria Technical Series No. 62
Twofold Shelf Subtidal Reef Monitoring
subsequently increased with a corresponding decrease in abundances and species richness
of thallose red algal species.
Other notable seaweed changes were:
• Increasing trend in Phyllospora comosa at Krafts Garden (Site 7) and decreasing trend at
Müllers Reef (Site 17; Appendix Figure A2.7).
•
Increased abundance of Ecklonia radiata in 2009 at Hicks Southwest (Site 21; Appendix
Figure A2.8) and sustained abundances of Rhodymenia linearis at this site (Appendix
Figure A2.10).
•
Persistence of bull kelp Durvillaea potatorum at Durvillaea Flats (Site 16; Figure 5.7),
which can be considered a sentinel species for climate change.
Percent cover
100
Phyllospora comosa- Point Hicks
80
Marine National Park
60
40
20
0
Percent cover
100
80
Reference
60
40
20
0
2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010
Year
Figure 5.2. Site abundances (percent cover) of crayweed Phyllospora comosa at Point Hicks Marine
National Park and reference sites.
49
Parks Victoria Technical Series No. 62
Percent cover
80
Twofold Shelf Subtidal Reef Monitoring
Ecklonia radiata- Point Hicks
60
Marine National Park
40
20
0
Percent cover
80
60
Reference
40
20
0
2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010
Year
Figure 5.3. Site abundances (percent cover) of common kelp Ecklonia radiata at Point Hicks Marine
National Park and reference sites.
Percent cover
15
Cystophora moniliformis- Point Hicks
10
Marine National Park
5
0
Percent cover
15
10
Reference
5
0
2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010
Year
Figure 5.4. Site abundances (percent cover) of brown strapweed Cystophora moniliformis at Point
Hicks Marine National Park and reference sites.
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Parks Victoria Technical Series No. 62
Percent cover
15
Twofold Shelf Subtidal Reef Monitoring
Rhodymenia linearis- Point Hicks
10
Marine National Park
5
0
Percent cover
15
10
Reference
5
0
2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010
Year
Figure 5.5. Site abundances (percent cover) of red understorey alga Rhodymenia linearis at Point
Hicks Marine National Park and reference sites.
Percent cover
15
Crustose Coralline Algae - Point Hicks
10
Marine National Park
5
0
Percent cover
15
10
Reference
5
0
2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010
Year
Figure 5.6. Site abundances (percent cover) of crustose coralline algae at Point Hicks Marine National
Park and reference sites.
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Parks Victoria Technical Series No. 62
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Percent cover
8
6
Macrocustis angustifolia
Site 3204 - Point Hicks MNP
4
2
0
Percent cover
5
4
Acrocarpia paniculata
Site 3204 - Point Hicks MNP
3
2
1
0
Percent cover
5
4
Durvillaea potatorum
Site 3216 - Reference
3
2
1
0
2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010
Year
Figure 5.7. Abundances (percent cover) of seaweeds of interest at selected Point Hicks Marine
National Park and reference sites: string kelp Macrocystis angustifolia; wiry brown weed Acrocarpia
paniculata; and bull kelp Durvillaea potatorum. Sites: (3204) Old Jetty Bay; and (3216) Durvillaea
Flats.
5.3 Invertebrates
The most abundant invertebrate observed during the surveys was the feather star
Comanthus trichoptera. This species was a prevalent component of an Ecklonia filter feeding
assemblage observed at Müllers Reef and Petrel reef (Sites 17 and 18), as well as at Pearl
Point (as described in the previous section). This community is also known to occur in deep
water at Bemm River reef (Edmunds et al. 2001). The reef substratum in these communities
typically has a high cover of sponges and C. trichoptera arms protruding from numerous
interstices created by the reef, sponges and Ecklonia holdfasts. The density of C. trichoptera
occurs in the thousands per 200 m2 in these habitats (Figure 5.8). There was a notable
increase in C. trichoptera abundance at Hicks Southwest (Site 21; Appendix Figure A2.13).
The seastar Meridiastra calcar also occurred in relatively high densities, particularly on sandy
reefs such as Old Jetty Bay (Site 4), Hicks Southwest (Site 21) and Hicks Lighthouse (Site 7;
Appendix Figure A2.14). This species was highly variable between survey times with no
apparent patterns or trends (Figure 5.9).
The trumpet shell Cabestana spengleri was abundant on the more exposed Phyllospora
habitat, from Hicks Southwest (Site 21) in the west to Durvillaea Flats (Site 16) to the east.
The abundances were highly variable between surveys (Figure 5.10).
Since declaration of the Point Hicks MNP, the abundance of blacklip abalone Haliotis rubra
have increased at the two eastern sites of Hicks Joggle (Site 22) and Hicks Lighthouse (Site
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Parks Victoria Technical Series No. 62
Twofold Shelf Subtidal Reef Monitoring
7), but not at Old Jetty Bay or Hicks Southwest (Sites 4 and 21; Appendix Figure A2.16).
There has also been an apparent increase in abundances at the reference sites Krafts
Garden and Durvillaea Flats (Sites 7 and 16; Appendix Figure A2.16). There were no marked
changes in sizes of H. rubra over time, although there was a slight decrease in the median
size at Hicks Southwest and a slight increase at Hicks Joggle (Sites 21 and 22; Appendix
Figure A2.17). Median sizes were generally slightly lower at Müllers Reef and Petrel Point
(Sites 17 and 18; Appendix Figure A2.17).
The common sea urchin Heliocidaris erythrogramma is not a predominant assemblage
component within the Point Hicks MNP, but is at the reference sites, excepting Durvillaea
Flats (Figure 5.13; Appendix Figure A2.18). Temporal patterns were similar between Krafts
Garden and Müllers Reef, however there was a relatively large decline in density between
2006 and 2009 at Petrel Point (Appendix Figure A2.18).
The abundances and temporal changes of other common invertebrates was highly variable
between sites and times with few recognisable patterns at this stage (e.g. Figures 5.15 and
5.16).
Abundance
500
Comanthus tricoptera - Point Hicks
400
Marine National Park
300
200
100
0
Abundance
5000
4000
Reference
3000
2000
1000
0
2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010
Year
2
Figure 5.8. Site abundances (per 200 m ) of the feather star Comanthus trichoptera at Point Hicks
Marine National Park and reference sites.
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Parks Victoria Technical Series No. 62
Abundance
2600
Twofold Shelf Subtidal Reef Monitoring
Meridiastra calcar- Point Hicks
1950
Marine National Park
1300
650
0
Abundance
2600
1950
Reference
1300
650
0
2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010
Year
2
Figure 5.9. Site abundances (per 200 m ) of the seastar Meridiastra calcar at Point Hicks Marine
National Park and reference sites.
Abundance
220
Cabestana spengleri- Point Hicks
165
Marine National Park
110
55
0
Abundance
220
165
Reference
110
55
0
2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010
Year
2
Figure 5.10. Site abundances (per 200 m ) of the trumpet shell Cabestana spengleri at Point Hicks
Marine National Park and reference sites.
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Parks Victoria Technical Series No. 62
Abundance
200
Twofold Shelf Subtidal Reef Monitoring
Haliotis rubra- Point Hicks
150
Marine National Park
100
50
0
Abundance
200
150
Reference
100
50
0
2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010
Year
2
Figure 5.11. Site abundances (per 200 m ) of blacklip abalone Haliotis rubra at Point Hicks Marine
National Park and reference sites.
Length (mm)
180
Haliotis rubrasizes - Point Hicks
140
Marine National Park
100
60
Length (mm)
180
140
Reference
100
60
2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010
Year
Figure 5.12. Mean sizes (mm ± standard error) of blacklip abalone Haliotis rubra at Point Hicks Marine
National Park and reference sites.
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Parks Victoria Technical Series No. 62
Abundance
120
Twofold Shelf Subtidal Reef Monitoring
Heliocidaris erythrogramma- Point Hicks
80
Marine National Park
40
0
Abundance
120
80
Reference
40
0
2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010
Year
2
Figure 5.13. Site abundances (per 200 m ) of the common sea urchin Heliocidaris erythrogramma at
Point Hicks Marine National Park and reference sites.
Abundance
30
Plagusia chabrus- Point Hicks
20
Marine National Park
10
0
Abundance
30
20
Reference
10
0
2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010
Year
2
Figure 5.14. Site abundances (per 200 m ) of the red bait crab Plagusia chabrus at Point Hicks
Marine National Park and reference sites.
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Parks Victoria Technical Series No. 62
Abundance
100
Twofold Shelf Subtidal Reef Monitoring
Centrostephanus rodgersii - Point Hicks
80
Marine National Park
60
40
20
0
Abundance
100
80
Reference
60
40
20
0
2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010
Year
2
Figure 5.15. Site abundances (per 200 m ) of the long spined sea urchin Centrostephanus rodgersii at
Point Hicks Marine National Park and reference sites.
Abundance
40
Turbo undulatus- Point Hicks
30
Marine National Park
20
10
0
Abundance
40
30
Reference
20
10
0
2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010
Year
2
Figure 5.16. Site abundances (per 200 m ) of the turban shell Turbo undulatus at Point Hicks Marine
National Park and reference sites.
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5.4 Fish
The fish fauna was dominated by the blue throated wrasse Notolabrus tetricus and purple
wrasse N. fucicola, with the abundance of N. fucicola being approximately double that of N.
tetricus (Figures 5.18 to 5.21). The time trends for both species were relatively similar at
Hicks Southwest and Hicks Joggle within the MNP (Sites 21 and 22) and at Durvillaea Flats,
Müllers Reef and Petrel Reef reference sites (Sites 16 to 18). These sites had a decline in
abundance between 2004 and 2006, with minor changes to 2009 (Appendix Figures A2.22
and A2.23). There was a decreasing trend in abundance of both N. tetricus and N. fucicola at
Hicks Lighthouse between 2004 and 2009 (Appendix Figures A2.22 and A2.23). Abundances
of N. tetricus were very low at Krafts Garden during the 2009 survey (Appendix Figure
A2.22).
Considerably fewer small N. tetricus were observed at Old Jetty Bay in 2009 compared with
2004. Densities of smaller N. tetricus were lower at Müller Reef and Petrel Point in 2009. The
size structure of N. fucicola was generally similar at most sites between 2004 and 2009.
There were more large individuals observed at Krafts Garden in 2009.
The kelp feeding species herring cale Odax cyanomelas was abundant at all sites with the
exception of Old Jetty Bay (Site 4). Abundances at all sites, except Old Jetty Bay, increased
between 2004 and 2006, followed by a substantial decline to 2009 (Figure 5.22). Few large
fish were observed in 2009 compared with 2004 (Figure 5.23).
Banded morwong Cheilodactylus spectabilis also occurred at all sites but was generally more
abundant within the Point Hicks MNP (Figure 5.24). Abundances during 2009 were generally
lower than observed previously at each site. Although abundances were low in 2009, there
was little indication of any differences in size structure between 2004 and 2009 (Figure 5.25).
The size spectra for all fishes at each site were generally similar between 2004 and 2009,
although there appeared to be fewer larger fish at Old Jetty Bay and Hicks Southeast (Figure
5.26).
The eastern kelpfish Aplodactylus lophodon was moderately abundant at most sites during
2004 or 2006. Abundances were generally low in 2001 and 2009 (Figure 5.27). Abundances
at Hicks Lighthouse (Site 6) followed an opposite trend, with higher abundances in 2001 and
2009 and a dip in abundance in 2004 (Appendix Figure A2.26).
A similar kelpfish, Chironemus marmoratus, was observed for the first time during the 2009
surveys at all sites within the MNP (2-4 individuals per 2000 m2) and one fish was observed
at Petrel Point (Site 18). It is possible this species may have been present in previous years
and misidentified as A. lophodon, however the increased prevalence in 2009 is considered to
be real.
Sea sweep Scorpis aequipinnis is present in low abundances (1-6 individuals per 2000 m2) at
most sites on nearly all survey occasions within Point Hicks MNP. Few were observed
outside the MNP, with three observed at Krafts Garden (Site 7) during 2004.
Aggregations of Port Jackson sharks Heterodontus portusjacksoni are occasionally observed
at Hicks Southwest (2004; Site 21) and Müllers Reef (2006; Site 17), with smaller
aggregations observed at Old Jetty Bay (2004, 2006; Site 4).
The schooling species Trachurus novaezelandiae, T. declivis, Arripis spp. and Pseudocaranx
dentex were also sporadically observed during the monitoring period, with the highest
frequencies and largest schools at Hicks Joggle (2004, 2006; Site 22).
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Figure 5.17. Banded morwong Cheilodactylus spectabilis at Sensation Reef, Point Hicks
Marine National Park.
Abundance
50
Notolabrus tetricusi- Point Hicks
40
Marine National Park
30
20
10
0
Abundance
50
40
Reference
30
20
10
0
2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010
Year
2
Figure 5.18. Site abundances (number per 2000 m ) of blue throated wrasse Notolabrus tetricus at
Point Hicks Marine National Park and reference sites.
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Parks Victoria Technical Series No. 62
Notolabrus tetricussizes - Point Hicks
50
Abundance
Twofold Shelf Subtidal Reef Monitoring
40
Marine Sanctuary
30
20
10
0
Length (mm)
50
40
Reference
30
20
Survey
10
2006
2009
0
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
45
50
Length (cm)
2
Figure 5.19. Size density (number per 2000 m ) of blue throated wrasse Notolabrus tetricus at Point
Hicks Marine National Park and reference sites.
Abundance
120
Notolabrus fucicola- Point Hicks
80
Marine National Park
40
0
Abundance
120
80
Reference
40
0
2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010
Year
2
Figure 5.20. Site abundances (number per 2000 m ) of purple wrasse Notolabrus fucicola at Point
Hicks Marine National Park and reference sites.
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Parks Victoria Technical Series No. 62
Notolabrus fucicloasizes - Point Hicks
90
Abundance
Twofold Shelf Subtidal Reef Monitoring
60
Marine National Park
30
0
Length (mm)
90
60
Reference
30
Survey
2006
2009
0
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
45
50
Length (cm)
2
Figure 5.21. Size density (number per 2000 m ) of purple wrasse Notolabrus fucicola at Point Hicks
Marine National Park and reference sites.
Abundance
30
Odax cyanomelas- Point Hicks
20
Marine National Park
10
0
Abundance
30
20
Reference
10
0
2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010
Year
2
Figure 5.22. Site abundances (number per 2000 m ) of herring cale Odax cyanomelas at Point Hicks
Marine National Park and reference sites.
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Parks Victoria Technical Series No. 62
Odax cyanomelassizes - Point Hicks
35
Abundance
Twofold Shelf Subtidal Reef Monitoring
28
Marine Sanctuary
21
14
7
0
Length (mm)
35
28
Reference
21
14
Survey
7
2006
2009
0
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
45
50
Length (cm)
2
Figure 5.23. Size density (number per 2000 m ) of herring cale Odax cyanomelas at Point Hicks
Marine National Park and reference sites.
Abundance
40
Cheilodactylus spectabilis - Point Hicks
30
Marine National Park
20
10
0
Abundance
40
30
Reference
20
10
0
2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010
Year
2
Figure 5.24. Site abundances (number per 2000 m ) of banded morwong Cheilodactylus spectabilis at
Point Hicks Marine National Park and reference sites.
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Twofold Shelf Subtidal Reef Monitoring
Cheilodactylus spectabilissizes - Point Hicks
25
Abundance
20
Marine Sanctuary
15
10
5
0
Length (mm)
25
20
Reference
15
10
Survey
5
2006
2009
0
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
45
50
55
60
Length (cm)
2
Figure 5.25. Size density (number per 2000 m ) of banded morwong Cheilodactylus spectabilis at
Point Hicks Marine National Park and reference sites.
Reef fish sizes - Point Hicks
Abundance
300
200
Marine National Park
100
0
Abundance
300
200
Reference
100
Survey
0
2006
2009
0
10
20
30
40
Length (cm)
2
50
60
Figure 5.26. Size density (number per 2000 m ) of all observed reef fishes at Point Hicks Marine
National Park and reference sites.
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Parks Victoria Technical Series No. 62
Abundance
25
Twofold Shelf Subtidal Reef Monitoring
Aplodactylus lophodon- Point Hicks
20
Marine National Park
15
10
5
0
Abundance
25
20
Reference
15
10
5
0
2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010
Year
2
Figure 5.27. Site abundances (number per 2000 m ) of eastern kelpfish Aplodactylus lophodon at
Point Hicks Marine National Park and reference sites.
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6 CAPE HOWE MARINE NATIONAL PARK
6.1 Site Descriptions
Three sites, Sites 13, 14 and 15, were positioned over much of the shallow reef within the
Cape Howe Marine National Park, present only in the north eastern region of the park
(Figure 6.1). These sites were slightly different in substratum structure, with lower relief reef
present in the western area (Howe West) and larger bombies, holes and drop-offs present at
Howe Border. The monitoring program stipulated four sites within the MNP, however the
limited reef area within shallow waters meant any fourth site could not be well separated from
the others. For 2004 and 2006, Site 20 was established perpendicular to, and crossing the
Howe West Site. This was later deemed statistically inappropriate so, in 2009, this site was
replaced by Site 27 parallel to Howe Central, 75 m apart. This new site was considerably
deeper (10-12 m).
Two of the original reference sites for the Cape Howe Marine National Park were located on
sea urchin barrens on the west coasts of Tullaberga and Gabo Islands (Figure 6.1). These
sites were selected as they represent an alternative state of reef habitat within the region, as
opposed to kelp bed habitat. The Gabo Island site was also recognised as having
conservation value in terms of the fish assemblage. These sites provided a relative reference
in terms of assessing the direction of community changes within the marine protected area,
and whether there is a succession toward urchin barrens within the park. The substratum at
Tullaberga Deep (although only 5-7 m it is called deep because there has also been a survey
at 2 m depth at that site) was characterised by moderate to high relief bedrock outcrops at
the southern end, to lower relief rock slabs at the northern end. There were occasional
patches of boulders and rubble, providing interstitial spaces. Much of the Tullaberga site was
sea urchin barren habitat with high abundances of Centrostephanus rodgersii and encrusting
coralline algae. Crayweed Phyllospora comosa was present on occasional boulder tops. The
Gabo Monument site (near the pump house) was all sea urchin barren on a substratum of
large granite boulders with a large amount of interstitial space. Small P. comosa clumps were
present on the tops of occasional large boulders. At both island sites, a predominant feature
was the high abundance of white ear damselfish Parma microlepis and one spot puller
Chromis hypsilepis.
Two other reference sites were positioned on the Iron Prince reef. These two sites have
similar reef substrata to that observed at sites within the Cape Howe Marine National Park:
Larger boulders of moderate relief (1-2 m) with patches of relatively flat, slab reef.
Occasional steps/ledges, dropoffs/wall and cavern habitat are also present. The Iron Prince
and Cape Howe sites were dominated by a tall canopy of Phyllospora comosa.
The two urchin barren reference sites on Tullaberga and Gabo Islands were later deemed
inappropriate for statistical purposes, with a preference for reference sites with similar habitat
types to those present at the sites inside the Marine National Park. In 2009, these sites were
substituted by two sites on the eastern side of Gabo Island. Representative Phyllospora
habitat was not found, with the two new reference sites being dominated by a mixture of
Phyllospora comosa, Acrocarpia paniculata, smaller brown algae such as Halopteris and
Zonaria spp., erect coralline algae and crustose coralline algae. The substratum at these
sites consisted of steep dropoffs from the shore to 7 m depth with boulder fields, rocky
outcrops and steps at the base.
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Twofold Shelf Subtidal Reef Monitoring
Cape Howe
Cape Howe
Marine National
Park
Tullaberga Island
Gabo Island
Figure 6.1. Location of monitoring sites at Cape Howe Marine National Park. Marine National
Park is indicated in shaded grey. Coordinate system is Map Grid of Australia 1996 (MGA).
6.2 Macroalgae
Sites within the Cape Howe MNP were dominated by monospecific stands of crayweed
Phyllospora comosa (Figure 6.2). There were persistently high densities at Howe West,
Howe Central, as well as at the two Iron Prince reference sites, of 60-90 percent cover
(Figure 6.2; Appendix Figure A2.27). The dense canopy caused considerable shading of the
substratum and there was a considerable coverage of sponges and other sessile
invertebrates underneath, particularly at Howe West (Site 13). There was a considerable
decline in P. comosa cover at Howe Border (Site 15), reducing from 70% cover in 2001 to
only 29% cover in 2009 (Figure 6.2; Appendix Figure A2.27). This change was concordant
with reductions in abundances of black lip abalone Haliotis rubra and increases in
Centrostephanus rodgersii (discussed below).
The coverage of crustose coralline algae was considerably higher at Howe Border (Site 15;
Appendix Figure A2.28), in accordance with the larger area and number of urchin barren
patches at this site. There were no obvious trends in abundance over the survey period.
The algal understorey in the Cape Howe region was generally sparse and depauperate of
species. Common species included the brown alga Carpomitra costata and the red algae
Delisea pulchra, Rhodymenia linearis, Plocamium angustum and Phacelocarpus
peperocarpos. More open patches of reef tended to include the smaller brown algae
Halopteris spp. and Zonaria turneriana and the erect coralline algae Haliptilon roseum,
Amphiroa anceps and Arthrocardia wardii. The red alga Galaxaura marginata was notably
abundant only at Howe Perpendicular (Site 20), with 5% and 10% cover in 2004 and 2006.
There was a notable increase in abundance of the smaller thallose algae between 2006 and
2009, particularly for Halopteris spp. and Haliptilon roseum (Figures 6.4 and 6.5). Highest
abundances were also recorded in 2009 for Amphiroa anceps, Carpomitra costata and
Delisea pulchra.
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Parks Victoria Technical Series No. 62
Percent cover
100
Twofold Shelf Subtidal Reef Monitoring
Phyllospora comosa - Cape Howe
80
Marine National Park
60
40
20
0
Percent cover
100
80
Reference
60
40
20
0
2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010
Year
Figure 6.2. Percent cover of crayweed Phyllospora comosa at Cape Howe Marine National
Park and reference sites.
Percent cover
40
Crustose Coralline Algae - Cape Howe
30
Marine National Park
20
10
0
Percent cover
40
30
Reference
20
10
0
2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010
Year
Figure 6.3. Percent cover of crustose coralline algae at Cape Howe Marine National Park and
reference sites.
67
Parks Victoria Technical Series No. 62
Percent cover
20
Twofold Shelf Subtidal Reef Monitoring
Halopterisspp - Cape Howe
15
Marine National Park
10
5
0
Percent cover
20
15
Reference
10
5
0
2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010
Year
Figure 6.4. Percent cover of small brown algae Halopteris spp. at Cape Howe Marine National
Park and reference sites.
Percent cover
15
Haliptilon roseum- Cape Howe
10
Marine National Park
5
0
Percent cover
15
10
Reference
5
0
2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010
Year
Figure 6.5. Percent cover of small brown algae Halopteris spp. at Cape Howe Marine National
Park and reference sites.
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6.3 Invertebrates
There were relatively few invertebrate species at the Cape Howe monitoring sites.
The most abundant invertebrate in the region was the long spined sea urchin
Centrostephanus rodgersii. Within the Cape Howe MNP, abundances were particularly high
at Howe Border (265-437 per 200 m2). Abundances at the other sites within the MNP were
generally less than 140 per 200 m2. At Howe Border, abundances increased from 265 in
2001 to remain above 359 per 200 m2 between 2004 and 2009. Abundances at Howe
Central in 2009 were triple that observed previously. These changes were not reflected at the
Iron Prince Phyllospora-dominated reference sites, with a minor increase at one and a
decreasing trend at the other (Sites 12 and 19; Figure 6.6; Appendix Figure A2.31). The new
reference site at Gabo Gulch (Site 26) has a high density of C. rodgersii, similar to Howe
Border (Figure 6.6; Appendix Figure A2.31).
The urchin barrens at Tullaberga Deep (Site 3208) and Gabo Monument (Site 3210) had
very high densities of C. rodgersii, of 800-1200 per 200 m2. Moderate abundances of
Astralium tentoriformis, blacklip abalone Haliotis rubra and common sea urchin Heliocidaris
erythrogramma were associated with these barrens habitats. Other species of large mobile
invertebrates were uncommon at these sites.
The abundance of blacklip abalone Haliotis rubra was generally in the range of 30-100
individuals per 200 m2 inside the Cape Howe MNP (Sites 13, 14 and 15) and at the
representative Iron Prince Reference sites (Sites 12 and 19; Figure 6.8; Appendix Figure
A2.33). There was a marked decline in abundance at Howe Border (Site 15) between 2001
and 2004. There was an equally marked increase in abundance at Howe Central (Site 14)
from 2006 to 2009. There was a minor increase in abundance from 2006 to 2009 at Howe
Border (Figure 6.8). Abalone sizes appear to have increased slightly at Howe West (Site 13;
Figure 6.9; Appendix Figure A2.34).
Other notable invertebrate changes were:
• Persistent increased abundance in common sea urchin Heliocidaris erythrogramma at
Iron Prince West between 2004 and 2006 (Site 12; Figure 6.10; Appendix Figure A2.35).
• Increasing trend in abundance of trumpet shell Cabestana spengleri at Iron Prince West
(Site 12) and decreasing trend at Iron Prince Wreck (Site 19; Figure 6.11; Appendix
Figure A2.36).
• Persistent moderately high abundances (17-25 individuals per 200 m2) of dogwhelk
Dicathais orbita at Iron Prince Wreck (Site 19).
•
Persistently higher abundances (5-11 individuals per 200 m2) of red bait crab Plagusia
chabrus at Iron Prince West (Site 12) compared with other sites.
69
Parks Victoria Technical Series No. 62
Abundance
450
Twofold Shelf Subtidal Reef Monitoring
Centrostephanus rodgersii- Cape Howe
360
Marine National Park
270
180
90
0
Abundance
450
360
Reference
270
180
90
0
2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010
Year
2
Figure 6.6. Abundance (individuals per 200 m ) of long spined sea urchin Centrostephanus
rodgersii at Cape Howe Marine National Park and reference sites.
Abundance
400
Turbo undulatus- Cape Howe
300
Marine National Park
200
100
0
Abundance
400
300
Reference
200
100
0
2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010
Year
2
Figure 6.7. Abundance (individuals per 200 m ) of turban shell Turbo undulatus at Cape Howe
Marine National Park and reference sites.
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Parks Victoria Technical Series No. 62
Abundance
200
Twofold Shelf Subtidal Reef Monitoring
Haliotis rubra- Cape Howe
150
Marine National Park
100
50
0
Abundance
200
150
Reference
100
50
0
2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010
Year
2
Figure 6.8. Abundance (individuals per 200 m ) of black lip abalone Haliotis rubra at Cape
Howe Marine National Park and reference sites.
Length (mm)
180
Haliotis rubrasizes - Cape Howe
140
Marine National Park
100
60
Length (mm)
180
140
Reference
100
60
2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010
Year
Figure 6.9. Mean sizes (mm ± standard error) of blacklip abalone Haliotis rubra at Cape Howe
Marine National Park and reference sites.
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Parks Victoria Technical Series No. 62
Abundance
120
Twofold Shelf Subtidal Reef Monitoring
Heliocidaris erythrogramma- Cape Howe
80
Marine National Park
40
0
Abundance
120
80
Reference
40
0
2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010
Year
2
Figure 6.10. Abundance (individuals per 200 m ) of common sea urchin Heliocidaris
erythrogramma at Cape Howe Marine National Park and reference sites.
Abundance
50
Cabestana spengleri- Cape Howe
40
Marine National Park
30
20
10
0
Abundance
50
40
Reference
30
20
10
0
2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010
Year
2
Figure 6.11. Abundance (individuals per 200 m ) of trumpet shell Cabestana spengleri at Cape
Howe Marine National Park and reference sites.
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6.4 Fish
The abundances of the blue throated wrasse Notolabrus tetricus tended to fluctuate at all
sites between surveys from 2001 to 2006 (Figure 6.12). There was a general increase in
abundance in the Cape Howe MNP between 2006 and 2009, with the highest recorded
abundances being in 2009 at Sites 13 to 15 (Appendix Figure A2.37). This increase was not
reflected at any of the reference sites with time-series data (Sites 12 and 19 in Appendix
Figure A2.37, but also Sites 8 and 10). There was little evidence fish size increasing between
2009 and 2004 (Figure 6.13).
The abundances of purple wrasse N. fucicola had an increasing trend between 2004 and
2009 within Cape Howe MNP, with the highest densities occurring in 2009 (Figure 6.14).
There was also a marked increase in density between 2006 and 2009 at the reference site
Iron Prince Wreck (Site 19) but not at Iron Prince West, where none were observed in 2009
(Site 12; Appendix Figure A2.38). Observed abundances in 2004 were too low to compare
changes in size structure over time (Figure 6.15).
The abundance of herring cale Odax cyanomelas was highly variable between times, there
being a notable peak in abundance at most sites in 2004 (Figure 6.17). Abundances have
been persistently higher at Iron Prince Wreck (Site 19; Appendix Figure A2.40). The sizes of
O. cyanomelas observed in 2009 were considerably smaller than those observed in 2004
(Figure 6.18).
There has been an increasing trend in abundance of banded morwong Cheilodactylus
spectabilis within the Cape Howe MNP since 2001 (Sites 13 to 15; Appendix Figure A2.41).
There is no marked increase in density of larger morwong at these sites, however there was
a higher number of juveniles observed at Howe Central in 2009 (Figure 6.20). A slightly
higher density of larger fish was observed at the new Howe Deep site in 2009. The density at
the Iron Prince reference sites remained relatively similar over time (Sites 12 and 19;
Appendix Figure A2.41). This species can grow up to 1 metre in length.
The abundance of all fishes in the 12 to 20 cm size classes was considerably higher at Howe
West, Howe Central and Iron Prince Wreck in 2009 compared with 2004 (Figure 6.21).
There was a marked increase in the abundance of kelp fish Aplodactylus lophodon in the
Cape Howe MNP between 2006 and 2009 (Sites 14 and 15, Figure 6.22). This increase was
from 1-6 fish to 22-24 fish per 2000 m2. Abundances were persistently high at Iron Prince
Wreck over the monitoring period (Site 19; 21-28 individuals per 2000 m2; Appendix Figure
A2.42) and variable at Iron Prince West (Site 12; Appendix Figure A2.42). This species eats
seaweeds and the increases may be related to the increased abundance of smaller thallose
seaweeds at these sites.
The eastern blue groper Achoerodus viridis was sporadically observed at sites throughout
the Cape Howe region in low abundances, of generally three or less individuals per 2000 m2.
Nineteen individuals per 2000 m2 were observed at Howe Central (Site 14) in 2009. These
individuals were comparatively small, mostly in the 150 and 200 mm size classes with some
in the 250 and 300 mm size classes. Larger individual females and males were observed
(approximately 400-450 mm long), but not within the survey transects. This species can grow
to over 1 m in size.
The contribution of other species to the fish assemblages varied between sites. The damsel
fishes, white ear Parma microlepis and the one-spot puller Chromis hypsilepis occurred
together on the reefs Howe Central (Site 14) and Howe Border (Site 15). These fish occurred
predominantly in the open barrens habitat created by the urchin Centrostephanus rodgersii.
Parma microlepis was also present at Howe Perpendicular (Site 20) but in lower numbers.
Some large individuals of long-finned pike Dinolestes lewini occurred at all sites with highest
numbers occurring at Howe Perpendicular (Site 20) during the second survey.
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Stripey mado Atypichthys strigatus occurred at all sites and was the most abundant species,
but fluctuated greatly in abundance between sites and times. The highest densities were at
Gabo Monument (Site 10) and Prince Wreck (Site 19).
The large area of urchin barren habitat at Gabo Monument (Site 10) and Tullaberga Deep
(Site 8) had distinctive fish assemblages. Few individuals of the kelp feeding herring cale
Odax cyanomelas occurred at these barrens sites. The urchin barren habitat at the island
sites also supported the highest densities of the damselfishes Parma microlepis and Chromis
hypsilepis and the eastern hulafish Trachinops taeniatus.
Occasional schools of jack mackerel Trachurus novaezelandiae and trevally Pseudocaranx
dentex were observed at sites in the Cape Howe region.
Abundance
100
Notolabrus tetricusi- Cape Howe
80
Marine National Park
60
40
20
0
Abundance
100
80
Reference
60
40
20
0
2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010
Year
2
Figure 6.12. Site abundances (number per 2000 m ) of blue throated wrasse Notolabrus tetricus at
Cape Howe Marine National Park and reference sites.
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Notolabrus tetricussizes - Cape Howe
50
Abundance
Twofold Shelf Subtidal Reef Monitoring
40
Marine Sanctuary
30
20
10
0
Abundance
50
40
Reference
30
20
Survey
10
2006
2009
0
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
45
50
Length (cm)
2
Figure 6.13. Size density (number per 2000 m ) of blue throated wrasse Notolabrus tetricus at Cape
Howe Marine National Park and reference sites.
Abundance
100
Notolabrus fucicola- Cape Howe
80
Marine National Park
60
40
20
0
Abundance
100
80
Reference
60
40
20
0
2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010
Year
2
Figure 6.14. Site abundances (number per 2000 m ) of purple wrasse Notolabrus fucicola at Cape
Howe Marine National Park and reference sites.
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Notolabrus fucicloasizes - Cape Howe
60
Abundance
Twofold Shelf Subtidal Reef Monitoring
40
Marine National Park
20
0
Abundance
60
40
Reference
20
Survey
2006
2009
0
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
45
50
Length (cm)
2
Figure 6.15. Size density (number per 2000 m ) of purple wrasse Notolabrus fucicola at Cape Howe
Marine National Park and reference sites.
Abundance
80
Odax cyanomelas- Cape Howe
60
Marine National Park
40
20
0
Abundance
80
60
Reference
40
20
0
2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010
Year
2
Figure 6.17. Site abundances (number per 2000 m ) of herring cale Odax cyanomelas at Cape Howe
Marine National Park and reference sites.
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Odax cyanomelassizes - Cape Howe
35
Abundance
Twofold Shelf Subtidal Reef Monitoring
28
Marine Sanctuary
21
14
7
0
Abundance
35
28
Reference
21
14
Survey
7
2006
2009
0
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
45
50
Length (cm)
2
Figure 6.18. Size density (number per 2000 m ) of herring cale Odax cyanomelas at Cape Howe
Marine National Park and reference sites.
Abundance
30
Cheilodactylus spectabilis- Cape Howe
20
Marine National Park
10
0
Abundance
30
20
Reference
10
0
2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010
Year
2
Figure 6.19. Site abundances (number per 2000 m ) of banded morwong Cheilodactylus spectabilis at
Cape Howe Marine National Park and reference sites.
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Cheilodactylus spectabilis sizes - Cape Howe
25
Abundance
Twofold Shelf Subtidal Reef Monitoring
20
Marine Sanctuary
15
10
5
0
Abundance
25
20
Reference
15
10
Survey
5
2006
2009
0
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
45
50
Length (cm)
2
Figure 6.20. Size density (number per 2000 m ) of banded morwong Cheilodactylus spectabilis at
Cape Howe Marine National Park and reference sites.
Reef fish sizes - Cape Howe
Abundance
450
360
Marine National Park
270
180
90
0
Abundance
450
360
Reference
270
180
Survey
90
2006
2009
0
0
10
20
30
40
Length (cm)
2
50
60
Figure 6.21. Size density (number per 2000 m ) of all fishes at Cape Howe Marine National Park and
reference sites.
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Abundance
30
Twofold Shelf Subtidal Reef Monitoring
Aplodactylus lophodon- Cape Howe
20
Marine National Park
10
0
Abundance
30
20
Reference
10
0
2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010
Year
2
Figure 6.22. Site abundances (number per 2000 m ) of eastern kelpfish Aplodactylus lophodon at
Cape Howe Marine National Park and reference sites.
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a. Yellowtail mackerel Trachurus
novazelandiae.
b. Eastern hula Trachinops taeniatus.
c. Sea urchin Centrostephanus rodgersii.
d. Maori wrasse Ophthalmolepis lineolatus.
e. Trevally Pseudocaranx georgianus.
f. Urchin barren and red morwong
Cheilodactylus fuscus.
Figure 6.23. Site conditions and example photographs of typical fauna observed at Site 11, Gabo
Island Harbour, 24 May 2009.
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a. Urchin barren, Sea urchin
Centrostephanus rodgersii.
c. Soft coral Capnella gaboensis.
Twofold Shelf Subtidal Reef Monitoring
b. Mixed red and brown algae.
d. Seastar Fromia polypora.
Figure 6.24. Site conditions and example photographs of typical flora and fauna observed at Site 25,
Gabo Island Northeast Gulch, 23 May 2009.
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7 REEF CONDITION INDICATORS
7.1 Introductio
n
The previous sections of this report provide a description of the monitoring data for each site
over the monitoring period. It also identifies any important changes at the species and site
scales. These data were combined in various ways to provide indicators of reef quality and
changes at the marine protected area and regional spatial scales. Seven areas were
assessed using the Twofold Shelf monitoring data:
•
Beware Reef Marine Sanctuary
•
Beware Reef reference areas
•
Point Hicks Marine National Park
•
Point Hicks reference areas
•
Cape Howe Marine National Park
•
Cape Howe reference areas
•
Twofold Shelf bioregion (all sites)
Reef quality indicators were developed to encompass key features of marine protected area
performance assessment and general management concern. The indicators are grouped into
the categories: biodiversity; ecosystem function; climate change; fishing and environment.
The development of reef quality indicators using data from the standardised SRMP methods
was initiated in Tasmania by the Tasmanian Aquaculture and Fisheries Institute (StuartSmith et al. 2008). These indices were generally applicable for the Victorian SRMP, although
some were adjusted to suit the circumstances.
This chapter provides plots of means and standard errors for each of the univariate reef
quality indicators and seven areas. This is to provide:
• An initial assessment of reef qualities with respect to marine protected areas and
bioregions.
• An initial basis for the development of any formal indicator and reporting system of reef
condition.
7.2 Indicator Calculation Methods
7.2.1 Biodiversity (B)
B1 Community Change
A multivariate index of community change is presently being developed. Various methods of
indication and graphic representation of changes are being tested. The Tasmanian method is
not used here as it does not translate well to multiple time series measurements and there is
inconsistency with the dissimilarity indices used. Recently developed methods such as
multivariate control charting and principal response curves are being examined for their
suitability.
B2 Species Richness and Diversity
Species richness is given as the number of species observed at each site. Some species
have been pooled within genera. The species richness indicator was given as the mean of
species richness across all sites for each species group (fishes, invertebrates and algae).
Cryptic fishes are included in fish species richness, despite being recorded on invertebrate
transects. Pelagic, non-resident fishes and squids are excluded but octopuses are included.
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Species diversity was indicated using Hill’s N2. The mean was calculated for across sites for
each species group (fishes, invertebrates and algae). Species diversity indices are generally
more responsive, but also noisier, than species richness indices.
Total individuals was calculated as the sum of the abundance of all species within each
species group and averaged across sites. This index is used to show any simultaneous
depression of abundances across all species.
B3 Introduced Species
Percentage introduced species of the total number of species at each site for each species
group. The mean percentage is calculated using only those sites where at least one
introduced species was found in at least one of the surveys. The index is calculated for fish
and invertebrates combined. For algae, Undaria pinnatifida is not included in this indicator
because cover measurements would not be representative due to the timing of surveys. It is
included as a separate indicator, B5.
B4 Introduced Individuals
Percentage calculated similarly to B3 but expressed as the number of individuals for fish and
invertebrates and as percentage cover for algae.
B5 Occurrence of Undaria.
Percentage of sites with Undaria pinnatifida known to be present. Presence absence may be
determined from other sources of information where the monitoring sites are normally
surveyed outside the growth period. This index is additional to the Tasmanian set.
7.2.2 Ecosystem Function and Processes (EF)
EF1 Habitat and Production.
Biogenic habitat and standing stocks of primary producers was indicated by the average
percent cover of the pooled seaweed groups:
• Canopy browns – defined here as Ecklonia radiata, Undaria pinnatifida, Lessonia
corrugata, Macrocystis angustifolia, M. pyrifera, Durvillaea potatorum, Phyllospora
comosa, Seirococcus axillaris, Acrocarpia paniculata, Cystophora platylobium, C.
moniliformis, C. pectinata, C. monilifera, C. retorta and C. retroflexa
•
•
Smaller browns (all other brown species except Ectocarpales)
Reds (except filamentous species)
•
Green
s
•
Erect coralline algae
Other indicators of ecosystem functioning, including grazers, habitat modifiers, filer feeders,
etc., are being developed.
7.2.3 Climate Change (C)
C1 Species from Adjacent Biogeographic Region – Proportion of Species
For Twofold Shelf, this was calculated as the percentage of species at the site that are
typically from the Peronian biogeographic province.
This index differs from the Tasmanian index which has a focus on percentage of cold water
species. In Victoria, there is expected to be an influx of species associated with
strengthening of warmer current flows, such as the East Australia Current and the Leeuwin
Current (which becomes the South Australia Current). For Twofold Shelf – the strongest
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indicator is likely to be from an influx of Peronian (NSW) province species. For other areas,
the strongest indicator is likely to be a combination of:
• Influx of warmer water eastern and western species, particularly fishes.
•
•
Change in range extents (e.g. many seaweeds have their eastern range at particular
headlands across central Victoria).
Proportion of cold water species.
C2 Species from Adjacent Biogeographic Region – Proportion of Individuals
For Twofold Shelf, this was calculated as the percentage of individuals at the site that are
typically from the Peronian biogeographic province species. Variations on this index as are
considered for C1 above.
C3 Macrocystis
The mean percent cover of string kelp Macrocystis spp. (using Methods 3 and 4) across
sites. Method 3 data are used where Method 4 data are unavailable.
C4 Centrostephanus
The mean density of the long-spined sea urchin Centrostephanus rodgersii (using Method 2),
across sites.
C5 Durvillaea
The mean percent cover of bull kelp Durvillaea potatorum (using Method 3), across sites.
This index is additional to the Tasmanian set. Durvillaea potatorum is potentially two species
– having genetically and morphologically distinct eastern and southern forms. The eastern
form has reduced in range along the NSW coast by approximately 80 km.
7.2.4 Fishing (F)
F1 to F3 Abalone.
The blacklip abalone Haliotis rubra was assessed for Twofold Shelf. The parameters
assessed were:
• F1 - mean size.
•
•
F2 - mean density of legal individuals, calculated as the proportion of legal sized
individuals from the size measurements multiplied by the density estimate of abalone.
F3 - the proportion of legal sized individual, expressed as a percentage of the number of
individuals measured.
The greenlip abalone Haliotis laevigata is also assessed for the Central Victoria bioregion.
F4 to F6 Rock Lobster.
The packhorse lobster Jasus verreauxi was assessed for Twofold Shelf. The parameters
assessed were:
• F4 - mean size.
•
•
F5 - mean density of legal individuals, calculated as the proportion of legal sized
individuals from the size measurements multiplied by the density estimate.
F6 - the proportion of legal sized individual, expressed as a percentage of the number of
individuals measured.
The southern rock lobster Jasus edwardsii is assessed for the other bioregions of Victoria.
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F7-F8 Size Spectra of Fishes
The size spectrum of all fishes at a site is centred and linearised:
• Size frequencies for each field size class are aggregated into classes centred on 87.5
mm (classes 1-6), 200 mm (class 7), 275 mm (classes 8-9), 356.25 mm (classes 10-11),
400 mm (class 12), 500 mm (class 13), 625 mm (class 14), and 750 mm (class 15).
•
•
Both frequencies (abundances) and size classes are logged (loge +1).
The size classes are centred by subtracting the mean.
Linear regression is used to estimate the slope and intercept (which is also the half-height of
the slope). F4 is given as the mean slope across sites. F5 is given as the mean intercept
across sites.
This differs from the Tasmanian calculations which use logs to the base 10 and lengths are
expressed in inches, to be consistent with SI units and conventional exponential curves.
F9 Biomass of Large Fished Species
Mean of the sum of biomass of selected species ≥ 300 mm. Biomass was calculated by
converting lengths to weights using published conversion factors for the power relationship:
weight(grams)=a*Length(cm)^b. The weight estimations used the coefficients compiled by
Lyle and Campbell (1999). For Twofold Shelf, the selected species were the most common
species under heaviest fishing pressure:
•
•
Banded morwong Cheilodactylus spectabilis (a = 0.0629, b = 2.881)
Bastard trumpeter Latridopsis forsteri (a = 0.0487, b = 3.14)
•
Blue throated wrasse Notolabrus tetricus (a = 0.0539, b = 2.17)
•
Purple wrasse Notolabrus fucicola (a = 0.0539, b = 2.17)
•
Crimson banded wrasse Notolabrus gymnogenis (a = 0.0539, b = 2.17)
•
Eastern blue groper Achoerodus viridis (a = 0.0539, b = 2.17)
This index differs from the Tasmanian F6 index in the type of species included and the
addition of the 300 mm size class.
F10 Proportion of Large Fished Individuals
This is given by the number of large fished individuals (as listed for F6) ≥ 300 mm divided by
the total number of fishes ≥ 300 mm. The mean proportion is then calculated across sites.
This index differs from the Tasmanian index in that includes the 300 mm size class.
F11-F12 Abundance and Size of Large Fished Fishes
For each of the selected fish species (listed in F6), the indices are: (F8) mean of the number
of individuals ≥ 300 mm; and (F9) mean of the mean size across sites.
7.2.5 Environment (E)
E1 Kelp Canopy to Green and Red Seaweed Dominance (CB to G&R).
The relative proportion of cover of canopy brown (CB) seaweeds to red and green algae
(G&R) cover. The index is scaled such that values from 50 to 100 indicate increasing
dominance of canopy browns and values from 50 to 1 indicate an increasing dominance of
G&R. The index is calculated by first truncating the data such that values < 1% cover are
assigned a 1% cover. The index is then given by the proportion of CB cover over the sum of
CB and G&R cover, expressed as a percentage, where either CB or G&R is > 1.
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This differs from the Tasmanian P1 index, which uses ratios that are asymmetric and difficult
to plot and interpret.
E2 Canopy Browns to Crustose Coralline Algae Dominance (CB to CCA)
The relative proportion of cover of canopy brown (CB) seaweeds to crustose coralline algae
(CCA) cover. The index is scaled such that values from 50 to 100 indicate increasing
dominance of canopy browns and values from 50 to 1 indicate an increasing dominance of
CCA. The index is calculated by first truncating the data such that values < 1% cover are
assigned a 1% cover. The index is then given by the proportion of CB cover over the sum of
CB and CCA cover, expressed as a percentage, where either CB or CCA is > 1.
This differs from the Tasmanian P2 index, which uses ratios that are asymmetric and difficult
to plot and interpret.
E3 Sediment Cover
Percentage cover of sand and sediment on the survey transect (Method 3). This differs from
the P3 Tasmanian index in that this index does not differentiate between sand on reef or
sand between reef. This would show any changes in sediment dynamics on the reef, which
may or may not be human related.
7.3 Indicator Results
7.3.1 Indicator Plots and Legends
The plots represent the mean of the indicator for each of the seven areas. Standard errors
are presented for areas/surveys with more than two sites. The error bars are staggered
between areas to prevent overlap. All plots have the same legend for each area – this is
presented in Figure 7.1.
It should be noted that there are some biases because of site changes during the program –
this is particularly pertinent for the Cape Howe areas between Surveys 1 and 2 and between
Surveys 3 and 4. Likely influences of these site changes are indicated in the text.
7.3.2 Biodiversity (B)
B1 Community Change.
Indicators for community change, involving multivariate methods, are under development.
B2 Species Richness and Diversity
There was an apparent increase in fish species richness in the Cape Howe MNP between
2006 and 2009 (Figure 7.2a).
There was a general tendency for increased algal richness in most areas (Figure 7.2c). The
recent, rapid increase of algal species richness at the Howe reference sites (Figure 7.2c) is
because of the addition of two new reference sites during 2009.
There was a marked increase in fish species diversity in the Cape Howe reference and MNP
areas, between 2006 and 2009 (Figure 7.3a).
There was a notable decreasing trend in invertebrate diversity between 2004 and 2009
(Figure 7.3c).
The recent, rapid increase of algal diversity at the Howe reference sites (Figure 7.3c) is
because of the addition of two new reference sites during 2009.
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There was a notable increase in invertebrate total abundance in the Hicks reference area
(Figure 7.4b). Changes in fish and algal total abundances at the Howe reference area are
confounded by site changes during monitoring.
B3 Introduced Species
There were no introduced species observed during the Twofold Shelf surveys.
B4 Introduced Individuals
There were no introduced species observed during the Twofold Shelf surveys.
B5 Occurrence of Undaria.
Undaria pinnatifida is presently not known to occur in the Twofold Shelf region.
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All sites (whole bioregion)
Beware Reef MS
Beware Reef reference
Point Hicks MNP
Point Hicks reference
Cape Howe MNP
Cape Howe reference
Figure 7.1. Key to time series plots for Figures 7.2 to 7.19.
Figure 7.2. Biodiversity condition indicators – species richness (B2): (a) fishes, including cryptic
fishes; (b) mobile invertebrates; and (c) seaweeds.
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Figure 7.3. Biodiversity condition indicators – species diversity (B2): (a) fishes, including cryptic fishes;
(b) mobile invertebrates; and (c) seaweeds.
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Figure 7.4. Biodiversity condition indicators – total abundance of individuals (B2): (a) fishes, number
2
2
per 2000 m ; (b) mobile invertebrates, number per 200 m ; and (c) seaweeds, sum of percentage
covers.
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7.3.3 Ecosystem Function and Processes (EF)
EF1 Habitat and Production.
The cover of canopy browns increased slightly at Beware Reef MS and the Beware
reference site (Figure 7.5a), with a corresponding decrease in smaller browns (Figure 7.5b).
There was an apparent increase in cover of canopy browns in the Hicks MNP and reference
areas between 2001 and 2004 (Figure 7.5a), with a corresponding decrease in red
seaweeds in the Hicks reference area (Figure 7.5c).
There was a notable increase in green algal abundance in the Howe MNP and reference
areas between 2006 and 2009 (Figure 7.5d). This increase may be exaggerated in the Howe
reference area by the inclusion of the two new Gabo Island sites.
Figure 7.5. Ecosystem function condition indicators – total abundance of individuals (EF1): (a) canopyforming brown seaweeds, sum of percentage covers; (b) smaller brown seaweeds, sum of percentage
covers; and (c) thallose red seaweeds, sum of percentage covers.
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Figure 7.5 (continued). Ecosystem function condition indicators – total abundance of individuals
(EF1): (d) green seaweeds, sum of percentage covers; and (e) erect coralline seaweeds, sum of
percentage covers.
7.3.4 Climate Change (C)
C1 Species from Adjacent Biogeographic Region – Proportion of Species
There is a trend, since 2004, of increased proportion of Peronian fishes at all areas except
the Beware reference site (Figure 7.6a).
C2 Species from Adjacent Biogeographic Region – Proportion of Individuals
There was a trend of increasing Peronian fish and invertebrate individuals at Cape Howe
MNP (Figure 7.7a and 7.7b).
C3 Macrocystis
Macrocystis was present in Old Jetty Bay at Point Hicks MNP during 2001 and 2004, but has
not been observed there since (Figure 7.8a).
C4 Centrostephanus
There were no obvious trends for Centrostephanus – the apparent decline in the Howe
reference area to 2009 (Figure 7.8c) is a function of the monitoring site changes.
C5 Durvillaea
Durvillaea, where present, appeared to have a slight increasing trend in abundance (Figure
7.8b).
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Figure 7.6. Climate condition indicators – proportion of Peronian biogeographic province species (C1):
(a) fishes, percent; (b) invertebrates, percent; and (c) and seaweeds, percent.
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Figure 7.7. Climate condition indicators – proportion of Peronian biogeographic province individuals
(C2): (a) fishes, percent; (b) invertebrates, percent; and (c) and seaweeds, percent.
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Figure 7.8. Climate condition indicators – abundance of selected species (C3): (a) string kelp
Macrocystis angustifolia, percent cover; (b) bull kelp Durvillaea potatorum, percent cover; and (c) and
2
long-spined sea urchin Centrostephanus rodgersii, number per 200 m .
7.3.5 Fishing (F)
F1 to F3 Abalone.
The mean size of abalone appears to have increased considerably in the Beware Reef MS
and Point Hicks MNP areas between 2001 and 2004 (Figure 7.9a).
The abundance of legal sized abalone appears to have increased in each of the Beware,
Hicks and Howe marine protected areas since declaration (Figure 7.9b).
The proportion of legal sized abalone appears to have increased at both Hicks MNP and
reference areas, as well as the Howe MNP area, since declaration (Figure 7.9c).
F4 to F6 Rock Lobster.
The number of observations of rock lobster were too low to infer any trends. The data are
presented here (Figure 7.10) to indicate the status of the data for future comparisons.
F4-F5 Size Spectra of Fishes
There were no clear trends in fish size spectra (Figure 7.11).
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F6 Biomass of Large Fished Species
The biomass of large, fished fishes remained low at all areas (Figure 7.12a).
F7 Proportion of Large Fished Individuals
The proportion of large fishes, ≥ 300 mm, that were selected fished species appeared to
increase at most areas between 2004 and 2009 (Figure 7.12b).
F8-F9 Abundance and Size of Large Fished Fishes
The densities of all selected larger fishes were generally low, making the indices ‘noisy’.
The abundance of larger banded morwong C. spectabilis appeared to decrease between
2004 and 2009 at Beware Reef MS, Hicks MNP and Hicks reference area (Figure 7.13).
Abundances of bastard trumpeter L. forsteri were too low to interpret any trends (Figure
7.14).
There were variations in the density of larger blue throated wrasse N. tetricus over the survey
period, with these trends being consistent between all areas (Figure 7.15).
There was a notable decrease in the density of larger purple wrasse N. fucicola after 2004
(Figure 7.16).
Abundances of crimson banded wrasse N. gymnogenis and blue groper A. viridis were too
low to interpret any trends (Figures 7.17 and 7.18).
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Figure 7.9. Fishing condition indicators – blacklip abalone Haliotis rubra (F1-F3): (a) mean size, mm;
2
(b) mean density of legal sized abalone, number per 200 m ; and (c) mean abundance proportion of
legal sized abalone.
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Figure 7.10. Fishing condition indicators – packhorse lobster Jasus verreauxi (F4-F6): (a) mean size,
2
mm; (b) mean density of legal sized lobster, number per 200 m ; and (c) mean abundance proportion
of legal sized lobster.
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Figure 7.11. Fishing condition indicators – fish size spectra (F7-F8): (a) mean slope of spectra; and
(b) mean half-height of spectra.
Figure 7.12. Fishing condition indicators – large fish biomass and abundance (F9-F10): (a) mean
biomass of selected species, individuals ≥ 300 mm; and (b) mean proportion of selected fished
species individuals of all fishes ≥ 300 mm.
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Figure 7.13. Fishing condition indicators – banded morwong Cheilodactylus spectabilis (F11): (a)
2
mean densities of individuals ≥ 300 mm, number per 2000 m ; and (b) mean size, mm.
Figure 7.14. Fishing condition indicators – bastard trumpeter Latridopsis forsteri (F12): (a) mean
2
densities of individuals ≥ 300 mm, number per 2000 m ; and (b) mean size, mm.
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Figure 7.15. Fishing condition indicators – blue throated wrasse Notolabrus tetricus (F13): (a) mean
2
densities of individuals ≥ 300 mm, number per 2000 m ; and (b) mean size, mm.
Figure 7.16. Fishing condition indicators – purple wrasse Notolabrus fucicola (F14): (a) mean
2
densities of individuals ≥ 300 mm, number per 2000 m ; and (b) mean size, mm.
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Figure 7.17. Fishing condition indicators – crimson banded wrasse Notolabrus gymnogenis (F15): (a)
2
mean densities of individuals ≥ 300 mm, number per 2000 m ; and (b) mean size, mm.
Figure 7.18. Fishing condition indicators – eastern blue groper Achoerodus viridis (F16): (a) mean
2
densities of individuals ≥ 300 mm, number per 2000 m ; and (b) mean size, mm.
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7.3.6 Environment (E)
E1 Kelp Canopy to Green and Red Seaweed Dominance (CB to G&R).
There was an apparent increase in dominance of canopy browns to green and red seaweeds
at both Beware MS and Beware reference areas (Figure 7.19a).
E2 Canopy Browns to Crustose Coralline Algae Dominance (CB to CCA)
There were no obvious trends in the dominance of canopy browns to crustose coralline algae
(Figure 7.19b).
E3 Sediment Cover
An increase in sand cover was evident in the Hicks MNP and Hicks reference areas and the
Howe MNP area (Figure 7.19b).
Figure 7.19. Environment condition indicators – dominance of selected components (E1-E3): (a)
relative proportion of canopy browns (CB) and green and red seaweeds (GR); (b) relative proportion of
canopy browns (CB) and crustose coralline algae (CCA); and (b) cover of sand.
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ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
This project was funded by Parks Victoria and supervised by Steffan Howe. We are grateful
for the field assistance and technical support of Reinhart Strauss and crew from Wilderness
Coast Charters.
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REFERENCES
Clarke K., R. (1993) Non-parametric multivariate analyses of changes in community
structure. Australian Journal of Ecology 18, 117-143.
Dayton P. K., Tegner M. J., Edwards P. B. and Riser K. L. (1998) Sliding baselines, ghosts,
and reduced expectations in kelp forest communities. Ecological Applications 8, 309-322.
Ebeling A. W., Laur D. R. & Rowley R. J. (1985) Severe storm disturbances and reversal of
community structure in a southern California kelp forest. Marine Biology 84, 287-294.
Edgar G. J. (1998) Impact on and recovery of subtidal reefs. In: Iron Barron Oil Spill, July
1995: Long Term Environmental Impact and Recovery. Tasmanian Department of Primary
Industries and Environment, Hobart, 273-293.
Edgar G. J. & Barrett N. S. (1997) Short term monitoring of biotic change in Tasmanian
marine reserves. Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology 213, 261-279.
Edgar G. J. & Barrett N. S. (1999) Effects of the declaration of marine reserves on
Tasmanian reef fishes, invertebrates and plants. Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and
Ecology 242, 107-144.
Edgar G. J., Moverly J., Barrett N. S., Peters D., & Reed C. (1997) The conservation-related
benefits of a systematic marine biological sampling program: the Tasmanian reef
bioregionalisation as a case study. Biological Conservation 79, 227-240.
Edmunds M. & Hart S. (2003) Parks Victoria Standard Operating Procedure: Biological
Monitoring of Subtidal Reefs. Parks Victoria Technical Series No. 9, Parks Victoria,
Melbourne.
Edmunds M., Roob R. & Ferns L. (2000) Marine Biogeography of the Central Victoria and
Flinders Bioregions – a Preliminary Analysis of Reef Flora and Fauna. In: L. W. Ferns and D.
Hough (eds). Environmental Inventory of Victoria’s Marine Ecosystems Stage 3 (Volume 2).
Parks, Flora and Fauna Division, Department of Natural Resources and Environment, East
Melbourne. Australia.
Edmunds M., Roob R., & Ferns L. (2001) Biological Assessment of Proposals for Marine
Protected Areas in the Twofold Shelf Bioregion. Report to Abalone Fishermens Cooperative
Ltd. Australian Marine Ecology Report 122. Melbourne.
Faith D., Minchin P. & Belbin L. (1987) Compositional dissimilarity as a robust measure of
ecological distance. Vegetation 69, 57-68.
Holling C. S. (1978) Adaptive Environmental Assessment and Management. Wiley,
Chichester.
Kraft G. T. (2001) A Survey of Subtidal Marine Benthic Algae from the Point Hicks Region of
East Gippsland. Report prepared for the Abalone Fishermens Cooperative Ltd, Mallacoota.
School of Botany, University of Melbourne.
Krebs C. J. (1999) Ecological Methodology, Second Edition. Benjamin/Cummings, Menlo
Park.
Lyle J. M. & Campbell D. A. (1999). Species and Size Composition of Recreational Catches,
with Particular Reference to Licensed Fishing Methods. Final Report to the Marine
Recreational Fishery Advisory Committee. Tasmania Aquaculture and Fisheries Institute,
Hobart.
Meredith C. (1997) Best Practice in Performance Reporting in Natural Resource
Management. Department of Natural Resources and Environment, Melbourne.
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Twofold Shelf Subtidal Reef Monitoring
Roob R., Edmunds M. & Ball D. (2000) Victorian Oil Spill Response Atlas: Biological
resources. Macroalgal Communities in Central Victoria. Unpublished report to Australian
Marine Safety Authority, Australian Marine Ecology Report No. 19, Melbourne.
Stuart-Smith R., Barrett N., Crawford C., Edgar G. & Frusher S. (2008) Condition of Rocky
Reef Communities: A Key Marine Habitat around Tasmania. NRM/NHT Final Report.
Tasmanian Aquaculture and Fisheries Institute, Hobart.
Sweatman H., Cheal A., Coleman G., Fitzpatrick B., Miller I., Ninio R., Osborne K., Page C.,
Ryan D., Thompson A. & Tomkins P. (2000) Long-term Monitoring of the Great Barrier Reef.
Status Report Number 4. Australian Institute of Marine Science, Townsville.
Sweatman H., Abdo D., Burgess A., Cheal G., Coleman S., Delean S., Emslie M., Miller I.,
Osborne K., Oxley W., Page C. & Thompson A. (2003) Long-term Monitoring of the Great
Barrier Reef. Status Report Number 6. Australian Institute of Marine Science, Townsville.
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APPENDIX 1
A1. Site Details
A1.1 Beware Reef Marine Sanctuary
Beware Reef – Site 3223
Site Description
Beware Reef marine sanctuary is a small isolated reef located approximately 4 km offshore
from Cape Conran. The reef profile in the shallower water consists of small gullies, slopes
and flats down to the ten meter isobath, where the reef generally drops off steeply into
deeper water.
Transect Layout
The Beware Reef monitoring site (Site 23) was positioned along the 8 m isobath over small
gullies and flats. The central position is located on the eastern side of an emergent rock, with
transects 1 and 2 along the northern side of the island and transects 3 and 4 along the
southern side (forming a ‘v’).
Latest Survey Notes
Latest survey: 20 March 2009. Algal species richness had increased and invertebrate
diversity decreased at Beware Reef MS between 2006 and 2009.
Since 2006, the cover of bull kelp Durvillaea potatorum had increased by 16%. Abundance of
the long spined sea urchin Centrostephanus rodgersii had decreased slightly, however
qualitative observations in deeper waters along the northern wall indicates densities in less
exposed waters may have increased. The abundances of feather star Comanthus trichoptera
and purple wrasse Notolabrus fucicola increased markedly between 2006 and 2009.
Figure A1.1. Site dive transects for Beware Reef (site 3223) in Beware Reef Marine Sanctuary.
A1.1
Parks Victoria Technical Series No. 62
Twofold Shelf Subtidal Reef Monitoring
Table A1.1. Site details for Beware Reef (site 3223) in Beware Reef Marine Sanctuary.
GDA
latitude
GDA
longitude
Zone
-37.820251
148.78686
55
MGA
Easting
657270
MGA
Northing
5812624
Depth
(m)
10
Ab100
MPA/Ref
N
MPA
Pearl Point – Site 3224
Site Description
Pearl Point is a reference site for Beware Reef Marine Sanctuary. The habitat structure at
Pearl Point was similar to Müller’s Reef and Petrel Point, consisting of ridges of reef 1-2 m
high with gullies in between.
Transect Layout
The Pearl Point reference site is at 7-8 m depth. T2 and T1 head in a straight line to the
northeast from the marker, and T3 and T4 in a southwest direction.
Latest Survey Notes
Latest survey: 20 March 2009. Algal species richness increased at Pearl Point. This site had
a high density of feather star Comanthus trichoptera in 2004 and 2006; this had increased
markedly in 2009. The abundances of purple wrasse Notolabrus fucicola also increased.
Figure A1.2. Site dive transects for Pearl Point (site 3224), the reference site for Beware Reef Marine
Sanctuary.
Table A1.2. Site details for Pearl Point (site 3224), the reference site for Beware Reef Marine
Sanctuary.
GDA
latitude
GDA
longitude
Zone
-37.794192
148.88321
55
MGA
Easting
665809
A1.2
MGA
Northing
5815349
Depth
(m)
8
Ab100
MPA/Ref
N
Ref
Parks Victoria Technical Series No. 62
Twofold Shelf Subtidal Reef Monitoring
A1.2 Point Hicks Marine National Park
Old Jetty Bay – Site 3204
Site Description
Old Jetty Bay is located within the MNP, on the western side of Point Hicks, and is relatively
sheltered and shallow. The substratum consists of flat rock slabs with low boulders and
occasional bombies. Some areas of boulders and cobble were interspersed with sand.
Transect Layout
T2 and T1 head in a straight line to the south from the marker, and T3 and T4 in a northerly
direction, parallel to shore.
Latest Survey Notes
Latest survey: 20 March 2009. There were considerable changes observed at Old Jetty Bay
in 2009. There was a decrease in algal species diversity, with the boulder habitat more sand
scoured and fewer thallose algae were present. The abundances of Ecklonia radiata and
brown alga Acrocarpia paniculata had also decreased since 2006. Concurrent changes
included increased abundances of the brown strap weed Cystophora moniliformis, red alga
Rhodymenia linearis and crustose coralline algae. String kelp Macrocystis angustifolia has
been absent at this site since the 2004 survey. There was high abundance of the seastar
Meridiastra calcar.
Figure A1.3. Site dive transects for Old Jetty Bay (site 3204) in Point Hicks Marine National Park.
Table A1.3. Site details for Old Jetty Bay (site 3204) in Point Hicks Marine National Park.
GDA
latitude
GDA
longitude
Zone
-37.795762
149.26623
55
MGA
Easting
699533
A1.3
MGA
Northing
5814426
Depth
(m)
4
Ab100
MPA/Ref
N
MPA
Parks Victoria Technical Series No. 62
Twofold Shelf Subtidal Reef Monitoring
Hicks Southwest – Site 3221
Site Description
Hicks Southwest is highly exposed to swell and has both low and moderate relief reef (11.5 m), with steps, bombies and reef flats. There are patches of sand in the rock gullies and
over rock flats.
Transect Layout
The areas of reef is short, so the transect curves to fit. T2 heads east from the marker,
curving south in to T1. T3 heads west and T4 in a south-southwest direction.
Latest Survey Notes
Latest survey: 19 March 2009. Ecklonia radiata had increased in abundance in 2009 and
Rhodymenia linearis had maintained relatively high abundance at this site. There was a
notable increase in Comanthus trichoptera abundance. Meridiastra calcar also occurred in
relatively high densities. The abundance of blue throated wrasse Notolabrus tetricus and
purple wrasse N. fucicola increased between 2006 and 2009.
Figure A1.4. Site dive transects for Hicks Southwest (site 3221) in Point Hicks Marine National Park.
Table A1.4. Site details for Hicks Southwest (site 3221) in Point Hicks Marine National Park.
GDA
latitude
GDA
longitude
Zone
-37.800317
149.26602
55
MGA
Easting
699502
A1.4
MGA
Northing
5813921
Depth
(m)
8
Ab100
MPA/Ref
N
MPA
Parks Victoria Technical Series No. 62
Twofold Shelf Subtidal Reef Monitoring
Hicks Joggle– Site 3222
Site Description
Hicks Joggle (Site 22) is situated beneath the lighthouse and is highly exposed, but has a
small barrier reef in front of it which breaks up smaller swell waves. Larger waves continue
over this reef and break on the steep shore. While the barrier reef protects the inner reef to
some extent, a current frequently flows along the coast, between the barrier reef and the
shore. This interacts with swells and backwash from the shore to make it a turbulent area
(hence the name). The site is characterised by moderate to high granite boulders and
outcrops (1.5-2 m) with low relief boulder habitat in the western end, where there are also
large sand patches.
Transect Layout
The transect follows the curve of the bay. T2 and T1 head southeast from the marker, and T3
and T4 curve from northwest at the marker to southwest at the end of T4.
Latest Survey Notes
Latest survey: 19 March 2009. Crayweed Phyllospora comosa is the dominant canopy
former at this site. The abundance of blacklip abalone Haliotis rubra had increased between
2006 and 2009. Densities of blue throated wrasse Notolabrus tetricus and purple wrasse N.
fucicola remained relatively stable after declining between 2004 and 2006.
Figure A1.5. Site dive transects for Hicks Joggle (site 3222) in Point Hicks Marine National Park.
Table A1.5. Site details for Hicks Joggle (site 3222) in Point Hicks Marine National Park.
GDA
latitude
GDA
longitude
Zone
-37.803567
149.27414
55
MGA
Easting
700208
A1.5
MGA
Northing
5813543
Depth
(m)
5
Ab100
MPA/Ref
N
MPA
Parks Victoria Technical Series No. 62
Twofold Shelf Subtidal Reef Monitoring
Hicks Lighthouse – Site 3206
Site Description
Hicks Lighthouse (Site 6) is situated on the eastern side of the point and is fully exposed to
easterly swells. Although the aspect of this site is sheltered from westerly swells, the waves
refract around the point and break over the site.
Transect Layout
T2 and T1 head northeast from the marker, meandering parallel to the shoreline and offshore
from a submerged bombie. T3 and T4 head in a southerly direction, also parallel to shore.
Latest Survey Notes
Latest survey: 19 March 2009. Crayweed Phyllospora comosa is the dominant canopy
former at this site. The seastar Meridiastra calcar occurred in relatively high densities. There
was an increase in the abundance of blacklip abalone Haliotis rubra between 2006 and 2009.
Figure A1.6. Site dive transects for Hicks Lighthouse (site 3206) in Point Hicks Marine National Park.
Table A1.6. Site details for Hicks Lighthouse (site 3206) in Point Hicks Marine National Park.
GDA
latitude
GDA
longitude
Zone
-37.802027
149.27735
55
MGA
Easting
700495
A1.6
MGA
Northing
5813707
Depth
(m)
5
Ab100
MPA/Ref
Y
MPA
Parks Victoria Technical Series No. 62
Twofold Shelf Subtidal Reef Monitoring
Krafts Garden – Site 3207
Site Description
Krafts Garden in a reference site for Point Hicks Marine National Park. Situated along a
rocky reef outcrop immediately to the east of Point Hicks, Krafts Garden consists of gently
sloping low-profile reef punctuated by bombies and outcrops 1-2 m high and interspersed
with sandy patches. This site is particularly exposed to ground swell surge and sand
continually being resuspended in the water column, reducing visibility.
Transect Layout
The marker is located within a sand patch. T2 and T1 head to the northeast from the marker,
curving to the east on T1. T3 and T4 head in a southwest direction.
Latest Survey Notes
Article I.
Latest survey: 22 March 2009. There was an increase in the
canopy coverage of Phyllospora comosa at this site, with corresponding
declines in smaller thallose red algal abundances. Blacklip abalone Haliotis
rubra increased in abundance. Abundances of N. tetricus were very low at
Krafts Garden during the 2009 survey
Figure A1.7. Site dive transects for Krafts Garden (site 3207), a reference site for Point Hicks Marine
National Park.
Table A1.7. Site details for Krafts Garden (site 3207), a reference site for Point Hicks Marine National
Park.
GDA
latitude
GDA
longitude
Zone
-37.79748
149.28785
55
MGA
Easting
701432
A1.7
MGA
Northing
5814189
Depth
(m)
5
Ab100
MPA/Ref
N
Ref
Parks Victoria Technical Series No. 62
Twofold Shelf Subtidal Reef Monitoring
Durvillaea Flats – Site 3216
Site Description
Durvillaea Flats is a reference site for Point Hicks Marine National Park. The site is on rocky
reef outcrop on the eastern side of Point Hicks. The gently sloping low-profile reef is
punctuated by bombies and outcrops 1-2 m high and interspersed with sandy patches. There
is strong ground swell surge at this site, with sand continually being resuspended in the
water column, reducing visibility.
Transect Layout
The transects are situated on the inshore side of the reef following the shape of the reef
outcrop. T2 heads north-northeast from the marker and then T1 curves to the west, and T3
and T4 in a west-southwest direction.
Latest Survey Notes
Latest survey: 22 March 2009. Crayweed Phyllospora comosa is the dominant canopy
former. The bull kelp Durvillaea potatorum persisted in shallower, exposed areas of the reef.
The abundance of blacklip abalone Haliotis rubra increased slightly.
Figure A1.8. Site dive transects for Durvillaea (site 3216), a reference site for Point Hicks Marine
National Park.
Table A1.8. Site details for Durvillaea (site 3216), a reference site for Point Hicks Marine National
Park.
GDA
latitude
GDA
longitude
Zone
-37.795994
149.28778
55
MGA
Easting
701430
A1.8
MGA
Northing
5814354
Depth
(m)
4
Ab100
MPA/Ref
N
Ref
Parks Victoria Technical Series No. 62
Twofold Shelf Subtidal Reef Monitoring
Müller Reef – Site 3217
Site Description
Müller Reef is a reference site for Point Hicks Marine National Park. Müller Reef is rocky reef
with 1-2 m high ridges with gullies in between. Some areas of low-profile reef were also
observed. This site is prone to strong ground surge and high wave action.
Transect Layout
T2 and T1 head in a straight line to the north-northeast from the marker, and T3 and T4 in a
south-southwest direction.
Latest Survey Notes
Latest survey: 22 March 2009. Ecklonia radiata was particularly abundant and was the
dominant canopy former at this site. There were very high densities of feather star
Comanthus trichoptera.
Figure A1.9. Site dive transects for Müller Reef (site 3217), a reference site for Point Hicks Marine
National Park.
Table A1.9. Site details for Müller Reef (site 3217), a reference site for Point Hicks Marine National
Park.
GDA
latitude
GDA
longitude
Zone
-37.78607
149.32244
55
MGA
Easting
704509
A1.9
MGA
Northing
5815380
Depth
(m)
7
Ab100
MPA/Ref
N
Ref
Parks Victoria Technical Series No. 62
Twofold Shelf Subtidal Reef Monitoring
Petrel Point – Site 3218
Site Description
Petrel Point is a reference site for Point Hicks Marine National Park. It is situated on rocky
reef with 1-2 m high ridges with gullies in between. Some areas of low-profile reef were also
observed. This site is prone to strong ground surge and high wave action.
Transect Layout
T2 and T1 head in a straight line to the north-northeast from the marker, and T3 and T4 in a
south-southwest direction.
Latest Survey Notes
Latest survey: 22 March 2009. Ecklonia radiata was the dominant canopy former. This
site had very high densities of feather star Comanthus trichoptera. There was a relatively
large decline in the density of common sea urchin Heliocidaris erythrogramma
between 2006 and 2009 at Petrel Point.
Figure A1.10. Site dive transects for Petrel Point (site 3218), a reference site for Point Hicks Marine
National Park.
Table A1.10. Site details for Petrel Point (site 3218), a reference site for Point Hicks Marine National
Park.
GDA
latitude
GDA
longitude
Zone
-37.782085
149.38478
55
MGA
Easting
710011
A1.10
MGA
Northing
5815684
Depth
(m)
8
Ab100
MPA/Ref
N
Ref
Parks Victoria Technical Series No. 62
Twofold Shelf Subtidal Reef Monitoring
A1.3 Cape Howe Marine National Park
Howe Perpendicular – Site 3220
Site Description
Howe Perpendicular was situated on low relief reef with 02.m to 0.5 m steps and ridges.
There were areas of flat reef and sand patches. The transect ran perpendicular to shore,
consequently depth ranged from 5 m at the near-shore end to 12 m at the offshore end of the
transect.
Transect Layout
T2 heads in a straight line to the northwest from the marker, and T1 heads slightly west of
north from the end of T2. T3 and T4 head in a southerly direction from the shot.
Latest Survey Notes
This site was not surveyed in 2009.
Figure A1.11. Site dive transects for Howe Perpendicular (site 3220) in Cape Howe Marine National
Park.
Table A1.11. Site details for Howe Perpendicular (site 3220) in Cape Howe Marine National Park.
GDA
latitude
GDA
longitude
Zone
-37.510074
149.97356
55
MGA
Easting
762829
A1.11
MGA
Northing
5844386
Depth
(m)
10
Ab100
MPA/Ref
N
MPA
Parks Victoria Technical Series No. 62
Twofold Shelf Subtidal Reef Monitoring
Howe Outer – Site 3227
Site Description
This site was a new site in 2009. Located within the Cape Howe Marine National Park, it is
situated parallel to, and further offshore from, Howe Central (site 3214). These two sites are
approximately 75 m apart. This new site was considerably deeper (10-12 m).
Transect Layout
T2 and T1 head in a straight line to the northeast from the marker, and T3 and T4 in a
southwest direction.
Latest Survey Notes
Latest survey: 5 May 2009. This site had patches of Phyllospora comosa interspersed with
thallose red algae and sand. Crustose coralline algae was abundant. Macroinvertebrate
abundance was low, with the exceptions of moderate densities of urchins Centrostephanus
rodgersii and Blacklip abalone Haliotis rubra, which were abundant on T3 and T4. Fish
species diversity and richness was high.
Table A1.12. Site details for Howe Outer (site 3227) in Cape Howe Marine National Park.
GDA
latitude
GDA
longitude
Zone
-37.50853
149.976.10
55
MGA
Easting
763059
A1.12
MGA
Northing
5844551
Depth
(m)
14
Ab100
MPA/Ref
N
MPA
Parks Victoria Technical Series No. 62
Twofold Shelf Subtidal Reef Monitoring
Howe West – Site 3213
Site Description
Howe West was on moderate relief reef with gullies and depressions. Dense beds of
Phyllospora comosa were present on reef tops and there were patches of urchin barren.
Transect Layout
T2 and T1 head in a straight line to the northeast from the marker, and T3 and T4 in a
southwest direction.
Latest Survey Notes
Latest survey: 18 March 2009. There was persistently high abundance of crayweed
Phyllospora comosa. There is considerable shading beneath the canopy of these stands,
which have a high cover of sessile invertebrates on the reef. This site had high fish species
diversity.
Figure A1.12. Site dive transects for Howe W est (site 3213) in Cape Howe Marine National Park.
Table A1.13. Site details for Howe West (3213) in Cape Howe Marine National Park.
GDA
latitude
GDA
longitude
Zone
-37.509868
149.97349
55
MGA
Easting
762823
A1.13
MGA
Northing
5844409
Depth
(m)
7
Ab100
MPA/Ref
Y
MPA
Parks Victoria Technical Series No. 62
Twofold Shelf Subtidal Reef Monitoring
Howe Central – Site 3214
Site Description
Howe central was on low to moderate relief reef with some gullies and ridges. Dense beds of
Phyllospora comosa were present on reef tops and there were several areas of urchin
barren.
Transect Layout
T2 and T1 head in a straight line to the northeast from the marker, and T3 and T4 in a
southwest direction.
Latest Survey Notes
Latest survey: 18 March 2009. There were persistently high covers of crayweed Phyllospora
comosa. Blacklip abalone H. rubra abundances increased at the Howe Central site between
2006 and 2009. Centrostephanus rodgersii abundances at Howe Central in 2009 were triple
those observed previously. Relatively high densities of eastern blue groper Achoerodus
viridis were observed at Howe Central in 2009. Most of these fishes were small (< 300 mm).
A high number of juvenile banded morwong Cheilodactylus spectabilis observed at Howe
Central in 2009.
Figure A1.13. Site dive transects for Howe Central (site 3214) in Cape Howe Marine National Park.
Table A1.14. Site details for Howe Central (3214) in Cape Howe Marine National Park.
GDA
latitude
GDA
longitude
Zone
-37.507847
149.97609
55
MGA
Easting
763060
A1.14
MGA
Northing
5844626
Depth
(m)
8
Ab100
MPA/Ref
Y
MPA
Parks Victoria Technical Series No. 62
Twofold Shelf Subtidal Reef Monitoring
Howe Border – Site 3215
Site Description
There was moderate relief reef, with some larger bombies, holes and drop-offs present at
Howe Border. This site initially had a high cover of crayweed Phyllospora comosa, but in
recent surveys the area and number of urchin barren patches has increased.
Transect Layout
T2 and T1 head in a straight line to the northeast from the marker, and T3 and T4 in a
southwest direction.
Latest Survey Notes
Latest survey: 18 March 2009. There were considerable changes at the Howe Border site.
There was a marked decline in P. comosa cover, reducing from 70% cover in 2001 to 29%
cover in 2009. Blacklip abalone Haliotis rubra decreased in density. Long-spined urchin
Centrostephanus rodgersii density was particularly high at Howe Border, with 265-437 per
200 m2. White-ear Parma microlepis and the one-spot puller Chromis hypsilepis were both
abundant in urchin barren patches.
Figure A1.14. Site dive transects for Howe Border (site 3215) in Cape Howe Marine National Park.
Table A1.15. Site details for Howe Border (site 3215) in Cape Howe Marine National Park.
GDA
latitude
GDA
longitude
Zone
-37.507127
149.97857
55
MGA
Easting
763282
A1.15
MGA
Northing
5844699
Depth
(m)
10
Ab100
MPA/Ref
Y
MPA
Parks Victoria Technical Series No. 62
Twofold Shelf Subtidal Reef Monitoring
Tullaberga Deep – Site 3208
Site Description
This site was 5-7 m deep and was characterised by moderate to high relief bedrock outcrops
at the southern end, with lower relief rock slabs at the northern end. There were occasional
patches of boulders and rubble, providing interstitial spaces. Much of the Tullaberga site was
sea urchin barren habitat with high abundances of Centrostephanus rodgersii and encrusting
coralline algae. Crayweed Phyllospora comosa was present on occasional boulder tops.
A predominant feature was the high abundance of white ear damselfish Parma microlepis
and one spot puller Chromis hypsilepis.
Transect Layout
T2 and T1 head south from the marker, and T3 and T4 in a northerly direction.
Latest Survey Notes
This site was not surveyed in 2009
Table A1.16. Site details for Tullaberga Deep (site 3208), a reference site for Cape Howe Marine
National Park.
GDA
latitude
GDA
longitude
Zone
-37.557676
149.84232
55
MGA
Easting
751066
A1.16
MGA
Northing
5839462
Depth
(m)
7
Ab100
MPA/Ref
N
Ref
Parks Victoria Technical Series No. 62
Twofold Shelf Subtidal Reef Monitoring
Gabo Monument – Site 3210
Site Description
Gabo Monument site (near the pump house) was all sea urchin barren on a substratum of
large granite boulders with a large amount of interstitial space. Small Phyllospora comosa
clumps were present on the tops of occasional large boulders.
Transect Layout
T2 and T1 head in a straight line to the south-southwest from the marker, and T3 and T4 in a
northwest direction.
Latest Survey Notes
This site was not surveyed in 2009
Figure A1.15. Site dive transects for Gabo Monument (site 3210), a reference site for Cape Howe
Marine National Park.
Table A1.17. Site details for Gabo Monument (site 3210), a reference site for Cape Howe Marine
National Park.
GDA
latitude
GDA
longitude
Zone
-37.564001
149.90485
55
MGA
Easting
756569
A1.17
MGA
Northing
5838591
Depth
(m)
6
Ab100
MPA/Ref
N
Ref
Parks Victoria Technical Series No. 62
Twofold Shelf Subtidal Reef Monitoring
Gabo Harbour – Site 3211
Site Description
A non-SRMP site, Site 11 Gabo Harbour, was resurveyed opportunistically during the 2009
survey, being previously surveyed in 2001. This site was shallow and protected from swell. It
was all urchin barren on granite boulder reef.
Transect Layout
T2 and T1 head in a straight line to the south-southwest from the marker, and T3 and T4 in a
northwest direction.
Latest Survey Notes
Latest survey: 24 March 2009. Macroalgae cover was very low, as the site was
predominantly urchin barren. Long spined urchins Centrostephanus rodgersii was the most
abundant macroinvertebrate. Some pencil urchins Phyllacanthus parvispinus were also
present. White ear damselfish Parma microlepis eastern hulafish Trachinops taeniatus and
one spot puller Chromis hypsilepis were all abundant. Eastern blue groper Achoerodus viridis
were also relatively abundant at the Gabo Harbour site.
Figure A1.16. Site dive transects for Gabo Harbour (site 3211), a reference site for Cape Howe
Marine National Park.
Table A1.18. Site details for Gabo Harbour (site 3211), a reference site for Cape Howe Marine
National Park.
GDA
latitude
GDA
longitude
Zone
MGA
Easting
MGA
Northing
Depth
(m)
-37.5556
149.9076
55
756844
5839511
5
A1.18
Ab100
MPA/Ref
N
Ref
Parks Victoria Technical Series No. 62
Twofold Shelf Subtidal Reef Monitoring
Gabo NE Gulch – Site 3225
Site Description
This site was a new site in 2009 and is a reference site for Cape Howe Marine National Park.
It is located on the eastern side of Gabo Island.
The substratum at is site consisted of a steep drop-off from the shore to 7 m depth with
boulder fields, rocky outcrops and steps at the base. At the end of transect 4 there were
patches of urchin barren.
Transect Layout
The transect ran parallel to shore. T2 and T1 headed in a straight line to the northwest from
the marker, and T3 and T4 in a southeast direction, finishing just past a steep dropoff.
Latest Survey Notes
Latest survey: 23 March 2009. The site is dominated by a mixture of Phyllospora comosa,
Acrocarpia paniculata, smaller brown algae such as Halopteris and Zonaria spp., erect
coralline algae and crustose coralline algae. This site has a high density of Centrostephanus
rodgersii, particularly at the T4 end of the transect. Fish species richness was high and there
were relatively high abundances of wrasses, including senator wrasse Pictalabrus laticlavius.
Table A1.19. Site details for Gabo NE Gulch (site 3225), a reference site for Cape Howe Marine
National Park.
GDA
latitude
GDA
longitude
Zone
MGA
Easting
MGA
Northing
Depth
(m)
-37.5532
149.912
55
757234
5839776
7
A1.19
Ab100
MPA/Ref
N
Ref
Parks Victoria Technical Series No. 62
Twofold Shelf Subtidal Reef Monitoring
Gabo Boulder Bay – Site 3226
Site Description
This site was a new site in 2009 and is a reference site for Cape Howe Marine National Park.
It is located on the eastern side of Gabo Island.
Similar to Gabo NE Gulch (site 3225), it is dominated by a mixture of Phyllospora comosa,
Acrocarpia paniculata, smaller brown algae, erect coralline algae and crustose coralline
algae. The substratum consisted of steep dropoffs from the shore with boulder fields and
rocky outcrops.
Transect Layout
T2 and T1 curved parallel to shore, from north at the marker to northwest at the end of T1.
and T3 and T4 headed in a southerly direction.
Latest Survey Notes
Latest survey 24 March 2009. Similar to Gabo NE Gulch (site 3225), it is dominated by a
mixture of Phyllospora comosa, Acrocarpia paniculata, smaller brown algae, erect coralline
algae and crustose coralline algae. Blacklip abalone Haliotis rubra were relatively abundant,
as were banded morwong Cheilodactylus spectabilis.
Table A1.20. Site details for Gabo Boulder Bay (site 3226), a reference site for Cape Howe Marine
National Park.
GDA
latitude
GDA
longitude
Zone
MGA
Easting
MGA
Northing
Depth
(m)
-37.564
149.9179
55
757722
5838557
9
A1.20
Ab100
MPA/Ref
N
Ref
Parks Victoria Technical Series No. 62
Twofold Shelf Subtidal Reef Monitoring
Iron Prince West – Site 3212
Site Description
Larger boulders of moderate relief (1-2 m) with patches of relatively flat, slab reef.
Occasional steps/ledges, dropoffs/wall and cavern habitat are also present. The Iron Prince
sites are dominated by a tall canopy of Phyllospora comosa.
Transect Layout
T2 heads east from the marker, with T1 curving northeast from the end of T2. T3 and T4
head in a southwest direction.
Latest Survey Notes
Latest survey: 23 March 2009. This site had a canopy of Phyllosora comosa. There was an
increase in invertebrate diversity at Iron Prince West between 2006 and 2009. The trumpet
shell Cabestana spengleri decreased in abundance. Red bait crabs Plagusia chabrus were
persistently higher abundances of at Iron Prince West compared with other sites.
Figure A1.21. Site dive transects for Iron Prince West (site 3212), a reference site for Cape Howe
Marine National Park.
Table A1.21. Site details for Iron Prince W est (site 3212), a reference site for Cape Howe Marine
National Park.
GDA
latitude
GDA
longitude
Zone
-37.519333
149.96295
55
MGA
Easting
761858
A1.21
MGA
Northing
5843388
Depth
(m)
5
Ab100
MPA/Ref
Y
Ref
Parks Victoria Technical Series No. 62
Twofold Shelf Subtidal Reef Monitoring
Prince Wreck – Site 3219
Site Description
Larger boulders of moderate relief (1-2 m) with patches of relatively flat, slab reef.
Occasional steps/ledges, dropoffs/wall and cavern habitat are also present. The Iron Prince
sites are dominated by a tall canopy of Phyllospora comosa.
Transect Layout
T2 and T1 head in a straight line to the northwest from the marker, and T3 and T4 in a
southeast direction.
Latest Survey Notes
Latest survey: 23 March 2009. This site had a tall canopy of crayweed Phyllospora comosa.
There was a decrease in the abundance of trumpet shell Cabestana spengleri, and
persistent moderately high abundances of dogwhelk Dicathais orbita at Iron Prince Wreck.
This site had high fish abundance and richness. Purple wrasse N. fucicola had increased in
abundance and herring cale Odax cyanomelas have been persistently high. Stripey mado
Atypichthys strigatus are also relatively very abundant.
Figure A1.22. Site dive transects for Prince Wreck (site 3219), a reference site for Cape Howe Marine
National Park.
Table A1.22. Site details for Prince W reck (site 3219), a reference site for Cape Howe Marine National
Park.
GDA
latitude
GDA
longitude
Zone
-37.52067
149.96428
55
MGA
Easting
761971
A1.22
MGA
Northing
5843236
Depth
(m)
6
Ab100
MPA/Ref
N
Ref
Parks Victoria Technical Series No. 62
Twofold Shelf Subtidal Reef Monitoring
APPENDIX 2
A2. Site Data
A2.1 Regional Community Analysis
Macroalgae
Algae Species Richness
Species Richness
30
3223
a. Beware MS
20
10
0
Species Richness
30
3224
b. Beware Refs
20
10
0
Species Richness
30
Species Richness
3221
3222
30
30
20
20
20
10
10
10
10
0
0
0
0
3207
30
3216
3217
30
30
20
20
20
20
10
10
10
10
0
0
0
0
30
Species Richness
30
20
30
3227
30
3213
3214
30
30
20
20
20
20
10
10
10
10
0
0
0
0
30
Species Richness
3204
3225
30
3226
3212
30
30
20
20
20
20
10
10
10
10
0
2001
2004
2007
Year
2010
0
2001
2004
2007
2010
0
2001
2004
Year
2007
Year
2010
0
2001
3206
c. Hicks MNP
3218
d. Hicks Refs
3215
e. Howe MNP
3219
f. Howe Refs
2004
2007
2010
Year
Figure A2.1. Seaweed species richness index for monitoring sites in the Twofold Shelf
bioregion.
A2.1
Parks Victoria Technical Series No. 62
Twofold Shelf Subtidal Reef Monitoring
Algae Species Diversity
10
3223
a. Beware MS
Hills N2
8
6
4
2
0
10
3224
b. Beware Refs
Hills N2
8
6
4
2
0
Hills N2
10
Hills N2
3221
3222
10
10
8
8
6
6
6
6
4
4
4
4
2
2
2
2
0
0
0
0
3207
10
3216
3217
10
10
8
8
8
8
6
6
6
6
4
4
4
4
2
2
2
2
0
0
0
0
10
Hills N2
10
8
10
3227
10
3213
3214
10
10
8
8
8
8
6
6
6
6
4
4
4
4
2
2
2
2
0
0
0
0
10
Hills N2
3204
8
3225
10
3226
3212
10
10
8
8
8
8
6
6
6
6
4
4
4
4
2
2
2
2
0
0
0
2001
2004
2007
Year
2010
2001
2004
2007
2010
3206
c. Hicks MNP
3218
d. Hicks Refs
3215
e. Howe MNP
3219
f. Howe Refs
0
2001
2004
Year
2007
Year
2010
2001
2004
2007
2010
Year
Figure A2.2. Seaweed species diversity index (Hill’s N2) for monitoring sites in the
Twofold Shelf bioregion.
A2.2
Parks Victoria Technical Series No. 62
Twofold Shelf Subtidal Reef Monitoring
Invertebrates
Invertebrate Species Richness
Species Richness
20
3223
a. Beware MS
15
10
5
0
Species Richness
20
3224
b. Beware Refs
15
10
5
0
Species Richness
20
Species Richness
3221
3222
20
20
15
15
15
10
10
10
10
5
5
5
5
0
0
0
0
3207
20
3216
3217
20
20
15
15
15
15
10
10
10
10
5
5
5
5
0
0
0
0
20
Species Richness
20
15
20
3227
20
3213
3214
20
20
15
15
15
15
10
10
10
10
5
5
5
5
0
0
0
0
20
Species Richness
3204
3225
20
3226
3212
20
20
15
15
15
15
10
10
10
10
5
5
5
5
0
2001
2004
2007
Year
2010
0
2001
2004
2007
2010
0
2001
2004
Year
2007
Year
2010
0
2001
3206
c. Hicks MNP
3218
d. Hicks Refs
3215
e. Howe MNP
3219
f. Howe Refs
2004
2007
2010
Year
Figure A2.3. Invertebrate species richness index for monitoring sites in the Twofold Shelf
bioregion.
A2.3
Parks Victoria Technical Series No. 62
8
3223
Twofold Shelf Subtidal Reef Monitoring
Invertebrate Species Diversity
a. Beware MS
Hills N2
6
4
2
0
8
3224
b. Beware Refs
Hills N2
6
4
2
0
3204
Hills N2
8
Hills N2
3222
8
8
6
6
6
4
4
4
4
2
2
2
2
0
0
0
0
3207
8
3216
3217
8
8
6
6
6
6
4
4
4
4
2
2
2
2
0
0
0
0
3227
8
Hills N2
3221
6
8
8
3213
3214
8
8
6
6
6
6
4
4
4
4
2
2
2
2
0
0
0
0
3225
8
Hills N2
8
8
3226
3212
8
8
6
6
6
6
4
4
4
4
2
2
2
2
0
0
0
2001
2004
2007
Year
2010
2001
2004
2007
2010
3206
c. Hicks MNP
3218
d. Hicks Refs
3215
e. Howe MNP
3219
f. Howe Refs
0
2001
2004
Year
2007
Year
2010
2001
2004
2007
2010
Year
Figure A2.4. Invertebrate species diversity index (Hill’s N2) for monitoring sites in the
Twofold Shelf bioregion.
A2.4
Parks Victoria Technical Series No. 62
Twofold Shelf Subtidal Reef Monitoring
Fish
Fish Species Richness
Species Richness
25
3223
a. Beware MS
20
15
10
5
0
Species Richness
25
3224
b. Beware Refs
20
15
10
5
0
Species Richness
25
Species Richness
3221
3222
25
25
20
20
20
15
15
15
15
10
10
10
10
5
5
5
5
0
0
0
0
3207
25
3216
3217
25
25
20
20
20
20
15
15
15
15
10
10
10
10
5
5
5
5
0
0
0
0
25
Species Richness
25
20
25
3227
25
3213
3214
25
25
20
20
20
20
15
15
15
15
10
10
10
10
5
5
5
5
0
0
0
0
25
Species Richness
3204
3225
25
3226
3212
25
25
20
20
20
20
15
15
15
15
10
10
10
10
5
5
5
5
0
2001
0
2001
0
2001
2004
2007
Year
2010
2004
2007
2010
2004
Year
2007
Year
2010
0
2001
3206
c. Hicks MNP
3218
d. Hicks Refs
3215
e. Howe MNP
3219
f. Howe Refs
2004
2007
2010
Year
Figure A2.5. Fish species richness index for monitoring sites in the Twofold Shelf
bioregion.
A2.5
Parks Victoria Technical Series No. 62
Twofold Shelf Subtidal Reef Monitoring
Fish Species Diversity
10
3223
a. Beware MS
Hills N2
8
6
4
2
0
10
3224
b. Beware Refs
Hills N2
8
6
4
2
0
Hills N2
10
Hills N2
3221
3222
10
10
8
8
6
6
6
6
4
4
4
4
2
2
2
2
0
0
0
0
3207
10
3216
3217
10
10
8
8
8
8
6
6
6
6
4
4
4
4
2
2
2
2
0
0
0
0
10
Hills N2
10
8
10
3227
10
3213
3214
10
10
8
8
8
8
6
6
6
6
4
4
4
4
2
2
2
2
0
0
0
0
10
Hills N2
3204
8
3225
10
3226
3212
10
10
8
8
8
8
6
6
6
6
4
4
4
4
2
2
2
2
0
0
0
2001
2004
2007
Year
2010
2001
2004
2007
2010
3206
c. Hicks MNP
3218
d. Hicks Refs
3215
e. Howe MNP
3219
f. Howe Refs
0
2001
2004
Year
2007
Year
2010
2001
2004
2007
2010
Year
Figure A2.6. Fish species diversity index (Hill’s N2) for monitoring sites in the Twofold
Shelf bioregion.
A2.6
Parks Victoria Technical Series No. 62
Twofold Shelf Subtidal Reef Monitoring
A2.2 Point Hicks Marine National Park
Macroalgae
Phyllosporacomosa
Percent Cover
100
100
3222
100
100
80
80
80
80
60
60
60
60
40
40
40
40
20
20
20
20
0
0
0
0
100
Percent Cover
3204
3221
3207
100
3216
3217
100
100
80
80
80
80
60
60
60
60
40
40
40
40
20
20
20
20
0
2001
2004
2007
2010
0
2001
2004
Year
2007
2010
0
2001
2004
Year
2007
2010
0
2001
3206
a. MNP
3218
b. Refs
2004
Year
2007
2010
Year
Figure A2.7 Site abundances (percent cover) of crayweed Phyllospora comosa at Point Hicks Marine
National Park and reference sites. Sites: (3204) Old Jetty Bay; (3221) Hicks Southwest; (3222) Hicks
Joggle; (3206) Hicks Lighthouse; (3207) Krafts Garden; (3216) Durvillaea Flats; (3217) Muller Reef;
and (3218) Petrel Point.
Ecklonia radiata
Percent Cover
80
80
3221
80
3222
80
60
60
60
60
40
40
40
40
20
20
20
20
0
0
0
0
80
Percent Cover
3204
3207
80
3216
80
3217
80
60
60
60
60
40
40
40
40
20
20
20
20
0
2001
2004
2007
Year
2010
0
2001
2004
2007
2010
0
2001
Year
2004
2007
Year
2010
0
2001
3206
a. MNP
3218
b. Refs
2004
2007
2010
Year
Figure A2.8 Site abundances (percent cover) of common kelp Ecklonia at Point Hicks Marine National
Park and reference sites. Sites: (3204) Old Jetty Bay; (3221) Hicks Southwest; (3222) Hicks Joggle;
(3206) Hicks Lighthouse; (3207) Krafts Garden; (3216) Durvillaea Flats; (3217) Muller Reef; and
(3218) Petrel Point.
A2.7
Parks Victoria Technical Series No. 62
Twofold Shelf Subtidal Reef Monitoring
Cystophoramoniliformis
Percent Cover
15
15
3221
3222
15
15
10
10
10
10
5
5
5
5
0
0
0
0
15
Percent Cover
3204
3207
15
3216
3217
15
15
10
10
10
10
5
5
5
5
0
2001
2004
2007
2010
0
2001
2004
Year
2007
2010
0
2001
2004
Year
2007
2010
0
2001
3206
a. MNP
3218
b. Refs
2004
Year
2007
2010
Year
Figure A2.9. Site abundances (percent cover) of brown strapweed Cystophora moniliformis at Point
Hicks Marine National Park and reference sites. Sites: (3204) Old Jetty Bay; (3221) Hicks Southwest;
(3222) Hicks Joggle; (3206) Hicks Lighthouse; (3207) Krafts Garden; (3216) Durvillaea Flats; (3217)
Muller Reef; and (3218) Petrel Point.
Rhodymenialinearis
Percent Cover
15
15
3221
15
3222
15
10
10
10
10
5
5
5
5
0
0
0
0
15
Percent Cover
3204
3207
15
3216
15
3217
15
10
10
10
10
5
5
5
5
0
2001
2004
2007
Year
2010
0
2001
2004
2007
2010
0
2001
Year
2004
2007
Year
2010
0
2001
3206
a. MNP
3218
b. Refs
2004
2007
2010
Year
Figure A2.10. Site abundances (percent cover) of red understorey alga Rhodymenia linearis at Point
Hicks Marine National Park and reference sites Sites: (3204) Old Jetty Bay; (3221) Hicks Southwest;
(3222) Hicks Joggle; (3206) Hicks Lighthouse; (3207) Krafts Garden; (3216) Durvillaea Flats; (3217)
Muller Reef; and (3218) Petrel Point.
A2.8
Parks Victoria Technical Series No. 62
Twofold Shelf Subtidal Reef Monitoring
CrustoseCorallineAlgae
3204
Percent Cover
15
3222
15
15
10
10
10
10
5
5
5
5
0
0
0
0
3207
15
Percent Cover
15
3221
15
3216
3217
15
15
10
10
10
10
5
5
5
5
0
2001
2004
2007
2010
0
2001
2004
Year
2007
2010
0
2001
2004
Year
2007
0
2001
2010
Year
3206
a. MNP
3218
b. Refs
2004
2007
2010
Year
Figure A2.11. Site abundances (percent cover) of crustose coralline algae at Point Hicks Marine
National Park and reference sites Sites: (3204) Old Jetty Bay; (3221) Hicks Southwest; (3222) Hicks
Joggle; (3206) Hicks Lighthouse; (3207) Krafts Garden; (3216) Durvillaea Flats; (3217) Muller Reef;
and (3218) Petrel Point.
M. angustifolia
Percent Cover
10
A. paniculata
3204
5
D. potatorum
3204
5
8
4
4
6
3
3
4
2
2
2
1
1
0
2001
0
2004
2007
Year
2010
2001
3216
0
2004
2007
Year
2010
2001
2004
2007
2010
Year
Figure A2.12. Abundances (percent cover) of seaweeds of interest at predominant sites at Point Hicks
Marine National Park and reference sites: string kelp Macrocystis angustifolia; wiry brown weed
Acrocarpia paniculata; and bull kelp Durvillaea potatorum. Sites: (3204) Old Jetty Bay; and (3216)
Durvillaea Flats.
A2.9
Parks Victoria Technical Series No. 62
Twofold Shelf Subtidal Reef Monitoring
Invertebrates
Comanthus trichoptera
3204
Density
250
3222
250
3206
250
200
200
200
200
150
150
150
150
100
100
100
100
50
50
50
0
3216
250
200
200
4000
150
150
3000
100
100
2000
50
50
1000
0
3217
5000
a. MNP
50
0
0
3207
250
Density
3221
250
3218
2000
b. Refs
1500
1000
0
2001
2004
2007
2010
0
2001
Year
2004
2007
2010
500
0
2001
Year
2004
2007
2010
0
2001
2004
Year
2007
2010
Year
2
Figure A2.13. Site abundances (per 200 m ) of the feather star Comanthus trichoptera at Point Hicks
Marine National Park and reference sites. Note scale changes for Sites 17 and 18. Sites: (3204) Old
Jetty Bay; (3221) Hicks Southwest; (3222) Hicks Joggle; (3206) Hicks Lighthouse; (3207) Krafts
Garden; (3216) Durvillaea Flats; (3217) Muller Reef; and (3218) Petrel Point.
Meridiastracalcar
Density
2600
3204
2600
2600
3222
2600
1950
1950
1950
1950
1300
1300
1300
1300
650
650
650
650
0
2600
Density
3221
0
3207
2600
0
3216
2600
3217
2600
1950
1950
1950
1300
1300
1300
1300
650
650
650
650
2004
2007
Year
2010
0
2001
2004
2007
2010
0
2001
Year
2004
2007
Year
2
a. MNP
0
1950
0
2001
3206
2010
0
2001
3218
b. Refs
2004
2007
2010
Year
Figure A2.14. Site abundances (per 200 m ) of the seastar Meridiastra calcar at Point Hicks Marine
National Park and reference sites. Sites: (3204) Old Jetty Bay; (3221) Hicks Southwest; (3222) Hicks
Joggle; (3206) Hicks Lighthouse; (3207) Krafts Garden; (3216) Durvillaea Flats; (3217) Muller Reef;
and (3218) Petrel Point.
A2.10
Parks Victoria Technical Series No. 62
Twofold Shelf Subtidal Reef Monitoring
Cabestanaspengleri
Density
220
220
3221
220
3222
220
165
165
165
165
110
110
110
110
55
55
55
55
0
0
0
0
220
Density
3204
3207
220
3216
220
3217
220
165
165
165
165
110
110
110
110
55
55
55
55
0
2001
2004
2007
2010
0
2001
2004
Year
2007
2010
0
2001
2004
Year
2007
2010
0
2001
3206
a. MNP
3218
b. Refs
2004
Year
2007
2010
Year
2
Figure A2.15. Site abundances (per 200 m ) of the trumpet shell Cabestana at Point Hicks Marine
National Park and reference sites. Sites: (3204) Old Jetty Bay; (3221) Hicks Southwest; (3222) Hicks
Joggle; (3206) Hicks Lighthouse; (3207) Krafts Garden; (3216) Durvillaea Flats; (3217) Muller Reef;
and (3218) Petrel Point.
Haliotis rubra
Density
120
120
3221
120
3222
120
80
80
80
80
40
40
40
40
0
0
0
0
120
Density
3204
3207
120
3216
120
3217
120
80
80
80
80
40
40
40
40
0
2001
2004
2007
Year
2010
0
2001
2004
2007
2010
0
2001
Year
2004
2007
Year
2
2010
0
2001
3206
a. MNP
3218
b. Refs
2004
2007
2010
Year
Figure A2.16. Site abundances (per 200 m ) of blacklip abalone Haliotis rubra at Point Hicks Marine
National Park and reference sites. Sites: (3204) Old Jetty Bay; (3221) Hicks Southwest; (3222) Hicks
Joggle; (3206) Hicks Lighthouse; (3207) Krafts Garden; (3216) Durvillaea Flats; (3217) Muller Reef;
and (3218) Petrel Point.
A2.11
Parks Victoria Technical Series No. 62
Twofold Shelf Subtidal Reef Monitoring
Sizes
Length (mm)
180
180
Haliotis rubra
3221
180
3222
180
160
160
160
160
140
140
140
140
120
120
120
120
100
100
100
100
80
2001
180
Length (mm)
3204
2004
2007
2010
3207
80
2001
180
2004
2007
2010
3216
80
2001
180
2004
2007
2010
3217
80
2001
180
160
160
160
160
140
140
140
140
120
120
120
120
100
100
100
100
80
2001
2004
2007
2010
80
2001
2004
Year
2007
2010
80
2001
2004
Year
2007
2010
80
2001
3206
a. MNP
2004
2007
2010
3218
b. Refs
2004
Year
2007
2010
Year
Figure A2.17. Median sizes (mm ± 25%iles) of blacklip abalone Haliotis rubra at Point Hicks Marine
National Park and reference sites. Sites: (3204) Old Jetty Bay; (3221) Hicks Southwest; (3222) Hicks
Joggle; (3206) Hicks Lighthouse; (3207) Krafts Garden; (3216) Durvillaea Flats; (3217) Muller Reef;
and (3218) Petrel Point.
Heliocidaris erythrogramma
Density
120
120
3221
120
3222
120
80
80
80
80
40
40
40
40
0
0
0
0
120
Density
3204
3207
120
3216
120
3217
120
80
80
80
80
40
40
40
40
0
2001
2004
2007
Year
2010
0
2001
2004
2007
2010
0
2001
Year
2004
2007
Year
2
2010
0
2001
3206
a. MNP
3218
b. Refs
2004
2007
2010
Year
Figure A2.18. Site abundances (per 200 m ) of the common sea urchin Heliocidaris at Point Hicks
Marine National Park and reference sites. Sites: (3204) Old Jetty Bay; (3221) Hicks Southwest; (3222)
Hicks Joggle; (3206) Hicks Lighthouse; (3207) Krafts Garden; (3216) Durvillaea Flats; (3217) Muller
Reef; and (3218) Petrel Point.
A2.12
Parks Victoria Technical Series No. 62
Twofold Shelf Subtidal Reef Monitoring
Plagusiachabrus
3204
Density
30
30
3222
30
20
20
20
10
10
10
10
0
0
0
0
3207
3216
30
3217
30
20
20
20
10
10
10
10
2004
2007
2010
0
2001
Year
2004
2007
2010
0
2001
2004
Year
a. MNP
3218
30
20
0
2001
3206
30
20
30
Density
3221
2007
2010
0
2001
b. Refs
2004
Year
2007
2010
Year
2
Figure A2.19. Site abundances (per 200 m ) of the red bait crab Plagusia chabrus at Point Hicks
Marine National Park and reference sites. Sites: (3204) Old Jetty Bay; (3221) Hicks Southwest; (3222)
Hicks Joggle; (3206) Hicks Lighthouse; (3207) Krafts Garden; (3216) Durvillaea Flats; (3217) Muller
Reef; and (3218) Petrel Point.
Centrostephanus rodgersii
Density
100
3222
100
3206
100
3217
100
80
80
80
80
60
60
60
60
40
40
40
40
20
20
20
20
0
0
0
0
3218
2
Figure A2.20. Site abundances (per 200 m ) of the long spined sea urchin Centrostephanus rodgersii
at Point Hicks Marine National Park and reference sites. Sites: (3222) Hicks Joggle; (3206) Hicks
Lighthouse; (3217) Muller Reef; and (3218) Petrel Point.
Turboundulatus
Density
40
3204
40
3206
40
3207
40
30
30
30
30
20
20
20
20
10
10
10
10
0
0
0
0
2
3216
Figure A2.21. Site abundances (per 200 m ) of the turban shell Turbo undulatus at Point Hicks Marine
National Park and reference sites. Sites: (3204) Old Jetty Bay; (3206) Hicks Lighthouse; (3207) Krafts
Garden; and (3216) Durvillaea Flats.
A2.13
Parks Victoria Technical Series No. 62
Twofold Shelf Subtidal Reef Monitoring
Fish
Notolabrus tetricus
3204
Density
50
3222
50
50
40
40
40
40
30
30
30
30
20
20
20
20
10
10
10
10
0
0
0
0
3207
50
Density
50
3221
50
3216
3217
50
50
40
40
40
40
30
30
30
30
20
20
20
20
10
10
10
10
0
2001
2004
2007
2010
0
2001
Year
2004
2007
2010
0
2001
2004
Year
2007
2010
0
2001
3206
a. MNP
3218
b. Refs
2004
Year
2007
2010
Year
2
Figure A2.22. Site abundances (per 2000 m ) of blue throated wrasse Notolabrus tetricus at Point
Hicks Marine National Park and reference sites. Sites: (3204) Old Jetty Bay; (3221) Hicks Southwest;
(3222) Hicks Joggle; (3206) Hicks Lighthouse; (3207) Krafts Garden; (3216) Durvillaea Flats; (3217)
Muller Reef; and (3218) Petrel Point.
Notolabrus fucicola
Density
120
120
3221
120
3222
120
80
80
80
80
40
40
40
40
0
0
0
0
120
Density
3204
3207
120
3216
120
3217
120
80
80
80
80
40
40
40
40
0
2001
2004
2007
Year
2010
0
2001
2004
2007
2010
0
2001
Year
2004
2007
Year
2
2010
0
2001
3206
a. MNP
3218
b. Refs
2004
2007
2010
Year
Figure A2.23. Site abundances (per 2000 m ) of purple wrasse Notolabrus fucicola at Point Hicks
Marine National Park and reference sites. Sites: (3204) Old Jetty Bay; (3221) Hicks Southwest; (3222)
Hicks Joggle; (3206) Hicks Lighthouse; (3207) Krafts Garden; (3216) Durvillaea Flats; (3217) Muller
Reef; and (3218) Petrel Point.
A2.14
Parks Victoria Technical Series No. 62
Twofold Shelf Subtidal Reef Monitoring
Odax cyanomelas
Density
30
30
3221
30
3222
30
20
20
20
20
10
10
10
10
0
0
0
0
30
Density
3204
3207
30
3216
30
3217
30
20
20
20
20
10
10
10
10
0
2001
2004
2007
2010
0
2001
2004
Year
2007
2010
0
2001
2004
Year
2007
2010
0
2001
3206
a. MNP
3218
b. Refs
2004
Year
2007
2010
Year
2
Figure A2.24. Site abundances (per 2000 m ) of herring cale Odax cyanomelas at Point Hicks Marine
National Park and reference sites. Sites: (3204) Old Jetty Bay; (3221) Hicks Southwest; (3222) Hicks
Joggle; (3206) Hicks Lighthouse; (3207) Krafts Garden; (3216) Durvillaea Flats; (3217) Muller Reef;
and (3218) Petrel Point.
Cheilodactylus spectabilis
Density
40
40
3221
40
3222
40
30
30
30
30
20
20
20
20
10
10
10
10
0
0
0
0
40
Density
3204
3207
40
3216
40
3217
40
30
30
30
30
20
20
20
20
10
10
10
10
0
2001
2004
2007
Year
2010
0
2001
2004
2007
2010
0
2001
Year
2004
2007
Year
2
2010
0
2001
3206
a. MNP
3218
b. Refs
2004
2007
2010
Year
Figure A2.25. Site abundances (per 2000 m ) of banded morwong Cheilodactylus spectabilis at Point
Hicks Marine National Park and reference sites. Sites: (3204) Old Jetty Bay; (3221) Hicks Southwest;
(3222) Hicks Joggle; (3206) Hicks Lighthouse; (3207) Krafts Garden; (3216) Durvillaea Flats; (3217)
Muller Reef; and (3218) Petrel Point.
A2.15
Parks Victoria Technical Series No. 62
Twofold Shelf Subtidal Reef Monitoring
Aplodactylus lophodon
Density
25
25
3221
25
3222
25
20
20
20
20
15
15
15
15
10
10
10
10
5
5
5
5
0
0
0
0
25
Density
3204
3207
25
3216
25
3217
25
20
20
20
20
15
15
15
15
10
10
10
10
5
5
5
5
0
2001
2004
2007
Year
2010
0
2001
2004
2007
2010
0
2001
Year
2004
2007
Year
2
2010
0
2001
3206
a. MNP
3218
b. Refs
2004
2007
2010
Year
Figure A2.26. Site abundances (per 2000 m ) of eastern kelpfish Aplodactylus lophodon at Point
Hicks Marine National Park and reference sites. Sites: (3204) Old Jetty Bay; (3221) Hicks Southwest;
(3222) Hicks Joggle; (3206) Hicks Lighthouse; (3207) Krafts Garden; (3216) Durvillaea Flats; (3217)
Muller Reef; and (3218) Petrel Point.
A2.16
Parks Victoria Technical Series No. 62
Twofold Shelf Subtidal Reef Monitoring
A2.3 Cape Howe Marine National Park
Macroalgae
Phyllosporacomosa
Percent Cover
100
100
100
3214
100
80
80
80
80
60
60
60
60
40
40
40
40
20
20
20
20
0
0
0
0
100
Percent Cover
3227
3213
3225
100
3226
100
3212
100
80
80
80
80
60
60
60
60
40
40
40
40
20
20
20
20
0
2001
2004
2007
0
2001
2010
2004
Year
2007
2010
0
2001
2004
Year
2007
2010
0
2001
3215
a. MNP
3219
b. Refs
2004
Year
2007
2010
Year
Figure A2.27. Percent cover of crayweed Phyllospora comosa at Cape Howe Marine National
Park and reference sites. Sites are Howe Offshore (3227), Howe West (3213), Howe Central
(3214), Howe Border (3215), Gabo Gulch (3225), Gabo Boulder Bay (3226), Iron Prince W est
(3212) and Prince Wreck (3219).
CrustoseCorallineAlgae
Percent Cover
40
40
3213
40
3214
40
30
30
30
30
20
20
20
20
10
10
10
10
0
0
0
0
40
Percent Cover
3227
3225
40
3226
40
3212
40
30
30
30
30
20
20
20
20
10
10
10
10
0
2001
2004
2007
Year
2010
0
2001
2004
2007
2010
0
2001
Year
2004
2007
Year
2010
0
2001
3215
a. MNP
3219
b. Refs
2004
2007
2010
Year
Figure A2.28. Percent cover of crustose coralline algae at Cape Howe Marine National Park
and reference sites. Sites are Howe Offshore (3227), Howe West (3213), Howe Central (3214),
Howe Border (3215), Gabo Gulch (3225), Gabo Boulder Bay (3226), Iron Prince West (3212)
and Prince Wreck (3219).
A2.17
Parks Victoria Technical Series No. 62
Twofold Shelf Subtidal Reef Monitoring
Halopteris
Percent Cover
20
20
3213
20
3214
20
15
15
15
15
10
10
10
10
5
5
5
5
0
0
0
0
20
Percent Cover
3227
3225
20
3226
20
3212
20
15
15
15
15
10
10
10
10
5
5
5
5
0
2001
2004
2007
2010
0
2001
2004
Year
2007
2010
0
2001
2004
Year
2007
2010
0
2001
3215
a. MNP
3219
b. Refs
2004
Year
2007
2010
Year
Figure A2.29. Percent cover of small brown algae Halopteris spp. at Cape Howe Marine
National Park and reference sites. Sites are Howe Offshore (3227), Howe West (3213), Howe
Central (3214), Howe Border (3215), Gabo Gulch (3225), Gabo Boulder Bay (3226), Iron Prince
West (3212) and Prince Wreck (3219).
Haliptilonroseum
Percent Cover
15
15
3213
15
3214
15
10
10
10
10
5
5
5
5
0
0
0
0
15
Percent Cover
3227
3225
15
3226
15
3212
15
10
10
10
10
5
5
5
5
0
2001
2004
2007
Year
2010
0
2001
2004
2007
2010
0
2001
Year
2004
2007
Year
2010
0
2001
3215
a. MNP
3219
b. Refs
2004
2007
2010
Year
Figure A2.30. Percent cover of small brown algae Halopteris spp. at Cape Howe Marine
National Park and reference sites. Sites are Howe Offshore (3227), Howe West (3213), Howe
Central (3214), Howe Border (3215), Gabo Gulch (3225), Gabo Boulder Bay (3226), Iron Prince
West (3212) and Prince Wreck (3219).
A2.18
Parks Victoria Technical Series No. 62
Twofold Shelf Subtidal Reef Monitoring
Invertebrates
Centrostephanus rodgersii
3227
Density
450
3214
450
3215
450
360
360
360
360
270
270
270
270
180
180
180
180
90
90
90
0
450
Density
3213
450
0
3225
450
450
90
0
0
3226
3212
450
360
360
360
360
270
270
270
270
180
180
180
180
90
90
90
90
0
2001
2004
2007
2010
0
2001
2004
Year
2007
2010
0
2001
a. MNP
2004
Year
2007
2010
0
2001
3219
b. Refs
2004
Year
2007
2010
Year
2
Figure A2.31. Abundance (individuals per 200 m ) of long spined sea urchin Centrostephanus
rodgersii in the vicinity of Cape Howe Marine National Park and reference sites. Sites are Howe
Offshore (3227), Howe West (3213), Howe Central (3214), Howe Border (3215), Gabo Gulch
(3225), Gabo Boulder Bay (3226), Iron Prince W est (3212) and Prince Wreck (3219).
Turboundulatus
Density
400
3227
400
400
3214
400
300
300
300
300
200
200
200
200
100
100
100
100
0
400
Density
3213
0
3225
400
0
3226
400
3212
400
300
300
300
200
200
200
200
100
100
100
100
2004
2007
Year
2010
0
2001
2004
2007
2010
0
2001
Year
2004
2007
Year
2
a. MNP
0
300
0
2001
3215
2010
0
2001
3219
b. Refs
2004
2007
2010
Year
Figure A2.32. Abundance (individuals per 200 m ) of turban shell Turbo undulatus at Cape
Howe Marine National Park and reference sites. Sites are Howe Offshore (3227), Howe West
(3213), Howe Central (3214), Howe Border (3215), Gabo Gulch (3225), Gabo Boulder Bay
(3226), Iron Prince West (3212) and Prince Wreck (3219).
A2.19
Parks Victoria Technical Series No. 62
Twofold Shelf Subtidal Reef Monitoring
Haliotis rubra
Density
200
200
3213
200
3214
200
150
150
150
150
100
100
100
100
50
50
50
50
0
0
0
0
200
Density
3227
3225
200
3226
200
3212
200
150
150
150
150
100
100
100
100
50
50
50
50
0
2001
2004
2007
2010
0
2001
2004
Year
2007
2010
0
2001
2004
Year
2007
2010
0
2001
3215
a. MNP
3219
b. Refs
2004
Year
2007
2010
Year
2
Figure A2.33. Abundance (individuals per 200 m ) of blacklip abalone Haliotis rubra at Cape
Howe Marine National Park and reference sites. Sites are Howe Offshore (3227), Howe West
(3213), Howe Central (3214), Howe Border (3215), Gabo Gulch (3225), Gabo Boulder Bay
(3226), Iron Prince West (3212) and Prince Wreck (3219).
Sizes
Length (mm)
160
160
Haliotis rubra
3213
160
3214
160
140
140
140
140
120
120
120
120
100
100
100
100
80
80
80
80
60
2001
60
2001
60
2001
160
Length (mm)
3220
2004
2007
2010
3225
160
2004
2007
2010
3226
160
2004
2007
2010
3212
60
2001
160
140
140
140
140
120
120
120
120
100
100
100
100
80
80
80
80
60
2001
60
2001
60
2001
2004
2007
Year
2010
2004
2007
2010
Year
2004
2007
Year
2010
60
2001
3215
a. MNP
2004
2007
2010
3219
b. Refs
2004
2007
2010
Year
Figure A2.34 Median sizes (mm ± 25%iles) of blacklip abalone Haliotis rubra at Cape Howe
Marine National Park and reference sites. Sites are Howe Offshore (3227), Howe West (3213),
Howe Central (3214), Howe Border (3215), Gabo Gulch (3225), Gabo Boulder Bay (3226), Iron
Prince West (3212) and Prince Wreck (3219).
A2.20
Parks Victoria Technical Series No. 62
Twofold Shelf Subtidal Reef Monitoring
Heliocidaris erythrogramma
Density
100
100
3213
3214
100
100
80
80
80
80
60
60
60
60
40
40
40
40
20
20
20
20
0
0
0
0
100
Density
3227
3225
100
3226
3212
100
100
80
80
80
80
60
60
60
60
40
40
40
40
20
20
20
20
0
2001
2004
2007
2010
0
2001
2004
Year
2007
2010
0
2001
2004
Year
2007
2010
0
2001
3215
a. MNP
3219
b. Refs
2004
Year
2007
2010
Year
2
Figure A2.35. Abundance (individuals per 200 m ) of common sea urchin Heliocidaris
erythrogramma at Cape Howe Marine National Park and reference sites. Sites are Howe
Offshore (3227), Howe West (3213), Howe Central (3214), Howe Border (3215), Gabo Gulch
(3225), Gabo Boulder Bay (3226), Iron Prince W est (3212) and Prince Wreck (3219).
Cabestanaspengleri
Density
50
50
3213
50
3214
50
40
40
40
40
30
30
30
30
20
20
20
20
10
10
10
10
0
0
0
0
50
Density
3227
3225
50
3226
50
3212
50
40
40
40
40
30
30
30
30
20
20
20
20
10
10
10
10
0
2001
2004
2007
Year
2010
0
2001
2004
2007
2010
0
2001
Year
2004
2007
Year
2
2010
0
2001
3215
a. MNP
3219
b. Refs
2004
2007
2010
Year
Figure A2.36. Abundance (individuals per 200 m ) of trumpet shell Cabestana spengleri at
Cape Howe Marine National Park and reference sites. Sites are Howe Offshore (3227), Howe
West (3213), Howe Central (3214), Howe Border (3215), Gabo Gulch (3225), Gabo Boulder
Bay (3226), Iron Prince West (3212) and Prince Wreck (3219).
A2.21
Parks Victoria Technical Series No. 62
Twofold Shelf Subtidal Reef Monitoring
Fish
Notolabrus tetricus
Density
100
100
3213
3214
100
100
80
80
80
80
60
60
60
60
40
40
40
40
20
20
20
20
0
0
0
0
100
Density
3227
3225
100
3226
3212
100
100
80
80
80
80
60
60
60
60
40
40
40
40
20
20
20
20
0
2001
2004
2007
2010
0
2001
2004
Year
2007
2010
0
2001
2004
Year
2007
2010
0
2001
3215
a. MNP
3219
b. Refs
2004
Year
2007
2010
Year
2
Figure A2.37. Site abundances (per 2000 m ) of blue throated wrasse Notolabrus tetricus at Cape
Howe Marine National Park and reference sites. Sites are Howe Offshore (3227), Howe West (3213),
Howe Central (3214), Howe Border (3215), Gabo Gulch (3225), Gabo Boulder Bay (3226), Iron Prince
West (3212) and Prince Wreck (3219).
Notolabrus fucicola
Density
100
100
3213
100
3214
100
80
80
80
80
60
60
60
60
40
40
40
40
20
20
20
20
0
0
0
0
100
Density
3227
3225
100
3226
100
3212
100
80
80
80
80
60
60
60
60
40
40
40
40
20
20
20
20
0
2001
2004
2007
Year
2010
0
2001
2004
2007
2010
0
2001
Year
2004
2007
Year
2
2010
0
2001
3215
a. MNP
3219
b. Refs
2004
2007
2010
Year
Figure A2.38. Site abundances (per 2000 m ) of purple wrasse Notolabrus fucicola at Cape Howe
Marine National Park and reference sites. Sites are Howe Offshore (3227), Howe West (3213), Howe
Central (3214), Howe Border (3215), Gabo Gulch (3225), Gabo Boulder Bay (3226), Iron Prince W est
(3212) and Prince Wreck (3219).
A2.22
Parks Victoria Technical Series No. 62
Twofold Shelf Subtidal Reef Monitoring
Odax cyanomelas
Density
80
80
3213
80
3214
80
60
60
60
60
40
40
40
40
20
20
20
20
0
0
0
0
80
Density
3227
3225
80
3226
80
3212
80
60
60
60
60
40
40
40
40
20
20
20
20
0
2001
2004
2007
2010
0
2001
2004
Year
2007
2010
0
2001
2004
Year
2007
2010
0
2001
3215
a. MNP
3219
b. Refs
2004
Year
2007
2010
Year
2
Figure A2.40. Site abundances (per 2000 m ) of herring cale Odax cyanomelas at Cape Howe Marine
National Park and reference sites. Sites are Howe Offshore (3227), Howe West (3213), Howe Central
(3214), Howe Border (3215), Gabo Gulch (3225), Gabo Boulder Bay (3226), Iron Prince W est (3212)
and Prince Wreck (3219).
Cheilodactylus spectabilis
Density
30
30
3213
30
3214
30
20
20
20
20
10
10
10
10
0
0
0
0
30
Density
3227
3225
30
3226
30
3212
30
20
20
20
20
10
10
10
10
0
2001
2004
2007
Year
2010
0
2001
2004
2007
2010
0
2001
Year
2004
2007
Year
2
2010
0
2001
3215
a. MNP
3219
b. Refs
2004
2007
2010
Year
Figure A2.41. Site abundances (per 2000 m ) of banded morwong Cheilodactylus spectabilis at Cape
Howe Marine National Park and reference sites. Sites are Howe Offshore (3227), Howe West (3213),
Howe Central (3214), Howe Border (3215), Gabo Gulch (3225), Gabo Boulder Bay (3226), Iron Prince
West (3212) and Prince Wreck (3219).
A2.23
Parks Victoria Technical Series No. 62
Twofold Shelf Subtidal Reef Monitoring
Aplodactylus lophodon
Density
30
30
3213
30
3214
30
20
20
20
20
10
10
10
10
0
0
0
0
30
Density
3227
3225
30
3226
30
3212
30
20
20
20
20
10
10
10
10
0
2001
2004
2007
Year
2010
0
2001
2004
2007
2010
0
2001
Year
2004
2007
Year
2
2010
0
2001
3215
a. MNP
3219
b. Refs
2004
2007
2010
Year
Figure A2.42. Site abundances (per 2000 m ) of eastern kelpfish Aplodactylus lophodon at Cape
Howe Marine National Park and reference sites. Sites are Howe Offshore (3227), Howe West (3213),
Howe Central (3214), Howe Border (3215), Gabo Gulch (3225), Gabo Boulder Bay (3226), Iron Prince
West (3212) and Prince Wreck (3219).
A2.24
Parks Victoria is responsible for managing the Victorian protected
area network, which ranges from wilderness areas to metropolitan
parks and includes both marine and terrestrial components.
Our role is to protect the natural and cultural values of the parks
and other assets we manage, while providing a great range of
outdoor opportunities for all Victorians and visitors.
A broad range of environmental research and monitoring activities
supported by Parks Victoria provides information to enhance park
management decisions. This Technical Series highlights some of
the environmental research and monitoring activities done within
Victoria’s protected area network.
Healthy Parks Healthy People
For more information contact the Parks Victoria Information Centre
on 13 1963, or visit www.parkweb.vic.gov.au