Seahorse relocation planenvironment.gov.au/system/files/pages/6e422e64-b48... · Dr Raphael Morgan...

Seahorse Relocation Plan HMAS PLATYPUS, NEUTRAL BAY

AUGUST 2010

Seahorse relocation plan

August 2010 i


August 2010 ii

Table of Contents

1 BACKGROUND INFORMATION ............................................................................. 1

1.1 PROPOSAL IDENTIFICATION ................................................................................................................ 1

1.2 WHITES SEAHORSE ECOLOGY .............................................................................................................. 1

1.3 SEAHORSE RELOCATION ...................................................................................................................... 1

1.4 PURPOSE OF THE PLAN ....................................................................................................................... 2

2 METHODOLOGY ................................................................................................... 3

2.1 SITES .................................................................................................................................................... 3 2.1.1 Construction site .......................................................................................................................................... 3 2.1.2 Receiver site ................................................................................................................................................. 3

2.2 RELOCATION METHODS ...................................................................................................................... 3

2.3 TIMING ................................................................................................................................................ 4

2.4 MANAGEMENT MEASURES ................................................................................................................. 4

2.5 EQUIPMENT ......................................................................................................................................... 4

2.6 PERSONNEL ......................................................................................................................................... 4

2.7 ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS ............................................................................................................. 4 2.7.1 OH&S ............................................................................................................................................................ 4 2.7.2 Permits ......................................................................................................................................................... 5

3 REFERENCES ......................................................................................................... 6

4 APPENDICES ......................................................................................................... 7

APPENDIX A SITES ........................................................................................................... 8

APPENDIX B DR RAPHAEL MORGAN CV ......................................................................... 10


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1 BACKGROUND INFORMATION

1.1 PROPOSAL IDENTIFICATION

Sydney Harbour Federation Trust (SHFT) (Commonwealth Agency) is proposing to remediate the HMAS Platypus site (Commonwealth land) in Neutral Bay to develop it as a public urban park. The proposed works would include repairs to the seawall and the 250 metre long wharf (Refer to Appendix A for site location).

Seawall repairs would include re‐pointing of existing gaps using grout. The wharf repairs would include the removal of the timber fender piles, cleaning and repair of all concrete piles and patch repair works of the concrete slab.

An aquatic flora and fauna assessment (nghenvironmental 2010) prepared for the proposed works has revealed that impacts to the marine environment are unlikely to be significant and that a referral is not required. Furthermore, management measures have been proposed to minimise potential impacts to marine biodiversity. These include the relocation of a small population of White’s seahorse (protected under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act and under the NSW Fisheries Management Act) prior to start of construction activities to an appropriate receiving site within Neutral Bay.

1.2 WHITES SEAHORSE ECOLOGY

White's Seahorse is endemic to Australia. It occurs in depths down to about 25 m in temperate marine waters along the south‐eastern and south‐western coasts of Australia. It is common in Sydney Harbour. The species occurs in a variety of habitats. It can be found in shallow protected waters in seagrass, algae beds and under wharves. It is commonly seen holding onto the mesh of swimming enclosures. In White's Seahorse, the male fertilises the eggs and cares for them for about three weeks (depending upon several factors including temperature). During this time, he aerates the pouch and nourishes the eggs through a capillary network in the pouch with his own 'placental fluids'. At the end of the 'pregnancy', the male gives birth to 100‐250 fully formed young seahorses of about 1 cm in length which are able to care for themselves. The male then 'becomes pregnant' again almost straight away. White's Seahorse is monogamous (females and males form permanent pairs) with recent studies showing that these pairs are sometimes maintained over more than one reproductive season. They breed from October to April (Australian Museum 2010).

1.3 SEAHORSE RELOCATION

Cleaning of subtidal artificial structures (eg. wharf piles, shark nets) for maintenance purposes has been shown to have an impact on seahorse populations with decreased numbers recorded following cleaning. It has been shown that it can sometimes take up to 15 months for a seahorse population to re‐establish itself at a site following cleaning. A number of management measures have been successfully employed to minimise impacts to seahorse populations during such procedures. These include:

• Relocation of seahorses to appropriate adjacent habitats

• Limiting cleaning operations and retaining some habitat on artificial surfaces (Harasti 2009).


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1.4 PURPOSE OF THE PLAN

The aims of this plan are to:

• Identify a receiver site

• Describe the methodology to be used during the relocation of seahorses

• Identify personnel that will be undertaking the relocation

• Identify any additional requirements including permit requirements


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2 METHODOLOGY

2.1 SITES

2.1.1 Construction site

The seahorse population that would be relocated is located below the HMAS Platypus wharf. Three individuals were recorded amongst the sponges and other biota attached to the wharf piles on May 2010. Due to their inconspicuous nature, further specimens could be found during more extensive searches. The wharf is located on the western side of Neutral Bay, North Sydney (refer to Appendix A for location).

GPS Coordinates: Latitude (33 o 50’35”); Longitude (151o 13’3”)

2.1.2 Receiver site

Three potential receiver sites located on the eastern side of the bay were identified within Neutral Bay including:

• Australian Customs Marine Centre Wharf

• Private jetty

• Neutral Bay Ferry jetty

Of the three sites, the Neutral Bay Ferry jetty was assessed during a site survey as offering similar habitat to that located at the construction site and therefore is the most appropriate receiver site for seahorses. The site included large piles covered with biota including various sponges and macroalgae, a subtidal rocky reef with macroalgae cover closer to the shore, additional habitats in vicinity allowing dispersal and sufficient depths to minimise impacts from boats/adverse sea conidtions.

2.2 RELOCATION METHODS

• Large buckets filled with water from Neutral Bay and with a seaweed frond would be prepared in readiness for seahorses.

• Two divers would dive below the HMAS Platypus wharf and search the sponges and other attached biota of each wharf pile for seahorses. The full length of the piles would be searched.

• Seahorses located would be captured by hand and placed in a catch bag.

• At the end of each dive captured seahorses would be placed in the buckets. It is anticipated that three dives would be required to complete the searches.

• The third diver, who would stay on shore, monitor the captured seahorses for signs of stress and replace the water as required.

• At completion of the dives, captured seahorses would be transported by either car or boat to the selected receiver site.

• Seahorses would be placed in catch bags and divers would release seahorses in appropriate habitat (eg. sponges, seaweed).


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2.3 TIMING

The installation of the silt curtain required for the proposed construction works on the HMAS Platypus wharf would be undertaken some time between the end of August 2010 and September 2010. Relocation of the seahorses would be undertaken immediately before or after the installation of the silt curtain. The silt curtain would act as a barrier for any seahorses trying to move within the construction footprint.

The Whites seahorse’s reproduction period is between October and April. Relocation of the seahorses during August and/or September would minimise potential impacts to their reproduction cycle. All seahorses would be relocated at the same receiver site to minimise impacts to these monogamous species.

2.4 MANAGEMENT MEASURES

• Relocation of the seahorses would be undertaken immediately before or after the installation of a silt curtain around the construction site. This would prevent any seahorses located outside the construction site from moving to the wharf during construction activities.

• Seahorses would be relocated prior to the start of the reproductive period for the species. • Relocation would be undertaken during the winter season where seahorse numbers are not as

high as in summer. • All seahorses found would be relocated to the same site (White's seahorse is monogamous and has

been shown to maintain reproductive pairs over more than one reproductive season). • All relocation would be to the Neutral Bay Ferry jetty. This site has been selected as it provides the

most similar habitat to that at the construction site.

• Relocation would be undertaken by suitably qualified marine biologists with experience in underwater surveys and animal handling.

2.5 EQUIPMENT

• SCUBA diving equipment

• Catch bags (ie. bags made of fine and non abrasive mesh)

• Large buckets to carry seahorses from construction site to receiver site

2.6 PERSONNEL

The relocation of the seahorses would be undertaken by certified scientific divers with a marine ecology background and extensive experience in subtidal habitat surveys and animal handling.

Dr Raphael Morgan would be responsible for supervising and undertaking the relocation of the seahorses with two experienced scientific divers. Raphael’s CV is provided in Appendix B.

2.7 ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

2.7.1 OH&S

All field work would be undertaken under an appropriate Safe Work Method Statement and by appropriately qualified personnel. Sydney Ferries and the Harbour Master would be contacted prior to relocation.


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2.7.2 Permits

Under Part 13, Division 4, of the EPBC Act Environmental Protection of Biodiversity and Conservation Act (EPBC Act) a permit is required to do any of the following in a Commonwealth area:

• take an action that results in the death or injury of a member of a listed marine species (other than a cetacean or a member of a listed marine species that is also a listed threatened species or listed migratory species); or

• take, trade, keep or move a member of a listed marine species (other than a cetacean or a member of a listed marine species that is also a listed threatened species or listed migratory species).

Under Clause 37 of the NSW Fisheries Management Act (FM Act), a permit is required to take and possess fish or marine vegetation of any kind.

Relocation would be undertaken in compliance with a permit under the EPBC Act and NSW FM Act.


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3 REFERENCES

Australian Museum (2010). http://australianmuseum.net.au/Whites‐Seahorse‐Hippocampus‐whitei‐Bleeker‐1855. Accessed July 2010.

Harasti, D., Glasby, T.M. and Martin‐Smith, K.M (2009). Striking a balance between retaining populations of protected seahorses and maintenance of swimming nets. Final report to Sydney Aquarium Conservation fund.


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4 APPENDICES


August 2010

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Appendix A SITES


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Figure 1. Location of construction site (highlighted in yellow) and receiver site (red star – Neutral Bay ferry jetty) within Neutral Bay.

50 metres


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Appendix B DR RAPHAEL MORGAN CV

Raphael has Australian and international experience in aquatic ecology. He has completed a master’s thesis in sea urchin aquaculture and a PhD in Marine Ecology at the Universite Libre de Bruxelles, in Belgium. Additional components of his research included teaching and review of scientific papers before their publication in international journals. In Australia, Raphael has worked as a Research Assistant with the Marine Ecology Group at Macquarie University and the Marine Biology Laboratory at the University of Sydney. As a Project Officer at nghenvironmental, Raphael has been involved in a number of major environmental impact assessment projects and has knowledge of NSW and Australian Legislative requirements as they relate to EIAs. Some of the clients he has worked with include Local councils, the Roads and Traffic Authority, the Transport Infrastructure and Development Corporation, Rail Corporation NSW, Department of Agriculture, NSW Fisheries and Forestry, Silcar communications, Canberra Investment Corporation, Sydney Ferries Corporation, Baulderstone, SKM, Bilfinger Berger.

TERTIARY EDUCATION

PhD in Science (2004)

Free University of Brussels, Belgium

Marine Biology

Master in Science (2001)


Marine Biology

Bachelor of Science (Honours) (1998)


Marine Biology

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

October 2006 ‐ present Project Officer, nghenvironmental

• Manage and carry out a range of environmental projects including EIAs, EMPs, biodiversity assessments (terrestrial and aquatic) and constraints studies. Preparation of reports include Review of Environmental Factors, Environmental Assessment reports (Part 3A Major Projects), Biodiversity Assessment, Environmental Constraints Analysis, National Pollutant Inventory reporting, Waste Reduction and Purchasing Policy reporting, Consistency reports and assessments for Major Projects, Environmental Management Plans, Data Compilation Studies for Estuary Management Plans.

• Carry out terrestrial and aquatic biodiversity surveys. Aquatic surveys and monitoring include the use of SCUBA and/or Research Vessels applying methods such as transects, quadrats and underwater photography and through the use of specialised

Raphael Morgan PhD (Marine Biology), certified scientific diver

equipment (e.g. trawls, Reinecks, Van Veen grabs, Niskin bottles). Assessment of freshwater creek/wetland conditions including through the use of macroinvertebrates.

• Manage staff and sub‐consultants

• Prepare proposals and budget estimates

October 2005 – August 2006 Research Assistant, Marine Ecology Group, Macquarie University.

• Prepare experimental designs

• Statistical analysis of data

• Prepare progress reports

• Histology

• Aquaculture

February 2005 – October 2005

Research Assistant, Marine Biology Laboratory, Sydney University.

• Train staff and students in various laboratory techniques (larval culture, histology)

• Review of scientific papers before submission

• Histology

October 1998 – October 2004 PhD candidate, Free University of Brussels, Belgium

• PhD research involved the study of the larval development, juvenile biology and population dynamics of a gregarious brittle star, Ophiothrix fragilis, in the North Sea‐English Channel region in order to understand the biological and environmental processes involved in the maintenance of marine benthic invertebrate populations

• Involvement in a research project funded by the Belgian Ministry of Economic Affairs which aimed at understanding the impact of the extraction of sand and gravel in Belgian territorial waters on the biological, chemical and physical properties of the pelagic and benthic zones of the region. My involvement included planning and research as well as logistic support during 15 missions aboard the research vessel Belgica.

• Involvement in a research project, funded by the Federal Office for Scientific, Technical and Cultural Affair, to assess the impact and biomonitor the heavy metals and polychlorinated biphenyls associated to sediments in the North Sea macrobenthos.

• Prepare and supervise a Bachelor of Science Honours project which obtained first prize for best research project

TRAINING AND MEMBERSHIPS

SOPA Wetland Workshop – Climate Change and Wetland Adaptations

EIANZ Full Member

Marine Pests Workshop

Wetland Care Australia Workshop – Wetland Assessment Techniques applicable to freshwater and estuarine wetlands

SOPA Wetlands Workshop – Climate Change, Sea Level Rise and Wetland Adaptations

Wetlands.edu Workshop – Wetlands ecology fundamentals needed for site management

Birding Essentials Workshop

Research and Restricted Scientific diver

Rail Safety Induction training

OHS General Induction for Construction Work in NSW (Green card)

One month European (ERASMUS) training course at the marine biological station of Roscoff (France): Biodiversity in a megatidal sea – marine zoology and ecology

One week training course in Treignes (Belgium): Terrestrial ecology and ethology

One week training course at the marine biological station of Wimereux (France): Marine zoology and ecology

One week training course in Treignes (Belgium): Continental zoology and ecology

PUBLICATIONS Scientific Morgan R., Hermans, J. and Gosselin P. (2006). Substrate selection under different

hydrodynamic conditions in the brittle‐star Ophiothrix fragilis (Echinodermata) : a preliminary study. Ready for submission

Morgan R. and Jangoux, M. (2006). Population dynamics, structure, and growth of the gregarious brittle‐star Ophiothrix fragilis (Echinodermata) in the Eastern Scheldt (Netherlands): A case of density‐dependent regulation? Accepted Marine Ecology Progress Series.

Morgan R., Prince M. and Warnau M. (2005). The axial complex of the ophiuroid Ophiothrix fragilis (Echinodermata). Zoomorphology In Press.

Morgan R. and Jangoux M. (2005). Larval morphometrics and influence of adults on settlement in the gregarious ophiuroid Ophiothrix fragilis (Echinodermata). Biological Bulletin 208: 92‐99.

Morgan R. (2004). ‘Reproduction, larval development, juvenile biology and population dynamics of the gregarious ophiuroid Ophiothrix fragilis (Abildgaard, 1789) in the English Channel‐North Sea region’. PhD thesis.

Morgan R. and Jangoux M. (2004). Assessment of arm regeneration and its effect on the reproductive cycle of the gregarious brittle‐star Ophiothrix fragilis (Echinodermata) in the Oosterschelde (Netherlands). Cahiers de Biologie Marine 45(3): 277‐280.

Morgan R. and Jangoux M (2004). Juvenile‐Adult relationship in the gregarious brittle‐star Ophiothrix fragilis (Echinodermata): A morphological and behavioral study. Marine Biology 245(2), pp. 265‐276.

Morgan R. and Jangoux M (2002). Reproductive cycle and spawning induction in the gregarious brittle star Ophiothrix fragilis (Echinodermata) in the Oosterschelde (Netherlands). Invertebrate reproduction and development 42(2‐3), pp. 145‐155.

Morgan R. (2001). Comparative study of the recruitment modalities in two brittle‐stars of the North Sea‐English Channel region. Master’s thesis.

Vaitilingon D., Morgan R., Grosjean Ph., Gosselin P. and Jangoux M. (2000) Effect of delayed metamorphosis and food rations on the perimetamorphic events in the echinoid Paracentrotus lividus (Lamarck 1816) (Echinodermata). Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology 262 (2001) 41‐60

Morgan R. (1998). Effect of the larval trophic environment on the postlarval period of the edible sea urchin Paracentrotus lividus (Echinodermata). Honours thesis.

Environmental ‐ Aquatic URS

Proposed powerplant at SEFE chip mill site, Eden, Part 3A project (2009). Marine Biodiversity Assessment

Baulderstone Hornibrook

Seagrass Specialist for the expansion of Sydney Ports, Port Botany (2008‐2011)

RTA

Alfords Point Bridge Duplication: Temporary rock jetty and works area (2007). Addendum Review of Environmental Factors.

Underwater bridge inspections on 30 bridges in the RTA southern region (2007). Desktop Aquatic Ecological Assessment.

Proposed rehabilitation of the Sackville Ferry Southern Approach Ramp (2008). Review of Environmental Factors.

Proposed duplication of Camden Valley Way (2009). Biodiversity Impact Assessment.

Proposed drainage works as part of the Great Western Highway duplication, Lawson (2009). Addendum Review of Environmental Factors

Spit Bridge Drive system Upgrade (2010). Aquatic Biodiversity Impact Assessment and Review of Environmental Factors.

Wisemans Ferry ramp upgrade, Wisemans Ferry (2010). Review of Environmental Factors.

Silcar communications

Proposed Telstra submarine communication cable, Port Stephens (2007). Aquatic Ecological Assessment.

Parsons Brinkerhoff

Southern Sydney Freight line, ARTC (2007). Aquatic environmental management sub‐plan.

Baulkham Hills Shire Council

Proposed Fish Friendly Passage at Cattai Creek, Baulkham Hills (2007). Review of Environmental Factors, DPI permit application, Environmental Management Plan.

Waterway Rehabilitation at Harry Carr Reserve, Baulkham Hills Shire Council. Review of Environmental Factors.

Ryde City Council

Proposed stormwater harvesting and reuse (2008). Review of Environmental Factors.

Sydney Ferries Corporation

Proposed upgrade of the Balmain Shipyards (2008). Aquatic Constraints Study

Bilfinger Berger

Fish Monitoring Program for the Albury Bypass Maintenance Project (2008‐2012).

SKM

Proposed creek crossing at quarry site as part of Hume Highway bypass (2008). Environmental assessment.

Canberra Investment Corporation

Proposed Tathra River Estate Development, Tathra, Part 3A Project (2008). Aquatic Biodiversity Constraints Study.

Bega Valley Shire Council

Data Compilation Study for the Pambula Lake Estuary Management Plan(2008)

Rehabilitation of two jetties and boat ramp in Merimbula. Aquatic Biodiversity Assessment and Review of Environmental Factors (2009)

Shell

Clyde Refinery Wetlands Baseline Assessment and Management Plan (2008).

Commonwealth Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry

Panel of experts member for the national system for the prevention and management of marine pest incursions. In association with Elgin Pty Ltd. (2007‐2009)

Pittwater Council

Proposed unleashed dog swimming area at Station Beach, Palm Beach. Biodiversity Assessment and REF (2008)

NSW Maritime

Proposed redevelopment of Wentworth Point, Sydney, Part 3A Project (2009). Flora and Fauna Assessment.

Sydney Harbour Federation Trust

Rehabilitation of the HMAS Platypus site , Neutral Bay (2010). Aquatic Flora and Fauna Assessment.

KBR on behalf of Sydney Water

Sewer Pipe repair works, Oatlands (2009). Aquatic Biodiversity Assessment.

Environmental ‐ Terrestrial

RTA

Proposed intersection upgrades Princes Highway, Broughton Village (2006). Review of Environmental Factors.

SCA Bulk Water Road upgrades at the Blue Mountains Catchment (2007). Review of Environmental Factors.

Proposed duplication of MR217 from Fennell Bay to Booragul, Lake Macquarie (2007). Preliminary Biodiversity Investigation.

Proposed bus priority treatment Windsor Road, Sydney (2007). Review of Environmental Factors.

Proposed bus priority treatment Anzac Parade, Sydney (2007). Review of

Environmental Factors.

Proposed bus priority treatment Warringah Road, Sydney (2007). Review of Environmental Factors.

Proposed bus priority treatment Talavera Road, Sydney (2007). Review of Environmental Factors.

Proposed bus priority treatment File notes (13 treatments) (2007‐2008)

Proposed pedestrian bridge over Silverwater Road, Ermington (2007). Review of Environmental Factors and Project Environmental Management Plan.

Proposed pedestrian bridge over Anzac Parade at Moore Park (2007). Review of Environmental Factors.

Alfords Point Bridge Duplication: Bridge pier 1 foundation works (2007). Addendum Review of Environmental Factors.

Alfords Point Bridge Duplication: compound, stockpile and access track (2008). Addendum Review of Environmental Factors.

Proposed blast cleaning and repainting of the Darling Harbour bridges, Sydney (2007‐2009). Review of Environmental Factors.

Proposed safety screens at signal post locations, Sydney (2007). Review of Environmental Factors.

Proposed Statue of New Zealand Soldier at Anzac Bridge, Sydney (2007). File Note.

Proposed upgrade of the Great Western Highway, Bullubura (2007‐2008). Review of Environmental Factors, Fauna and Flora Assessment.

Proposed Bus Priority Treatment General Holmes Drive (2007). Review of Environmental Factors, Fauna and Flora Assessment.

Proposed rehabilitation of Endeavour Bridge, Kyeemagh (2007). Review of Environmental Factors.

Proposed rehabilitation of Tarban Creek Bridge (2008). Review of Environmental Factors.

Slope stabilisation treatments, Old Pacific Highway (2008). Review of Environmental Factors.

Proposed duplication of the Great Western Highway, Bullaburra East (2007‐2008) Review of Environmental Factors.

Proposed realignment of the Flinders Road intersection, South Nowra (2009). Constraints analysis.

Proposed realignment of the Princes Highway/ intersection, South Nowra (2009). Biodiversity Constraints Analysis.

Proposed Bus Priority Treatment along Victoria Road (2009). Minor Works Review of Environmental Factors.

Proposed Canal Road Tidal Flow Replacement System, St Peters (2009). Minor Works Review of Environmental Factors.

Bus priority treatments in the Sydney CBD (2010). Minor Works Review of Environmental Factors.

Proposed Bus priority treatment at Darcy Road, Wentworthville (2010). Minor

Works Review of Environmental Factors.

Proposed Bus priority treatment at President Avenue, Kogarah (2010). Minor Works Review of Environmental Factors.

Proposed Bus priority treatment at Victoria Road, Ermington (2010). Minor Works Review of Environmental Factors.

RailCorp

RailCorp Waste Reduction and Purchasing Policy Report 2005‐2007.

RailCorp National Pollutant Inventory Report 2006‐2007.

TIDC

Beecroft Substation Mural (2007). Consistency Report and Assessment.

RailCorp electrical distribution and communications maintenance depot and access road, Chatswood (2007). Review of Environmental Factors and Consistency Report

Transfield

F3 Stockpile, Old Pacific Highway, Cowan (2006). Management Plan.

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