Celebrating World Wetlands DayWorld Wetlands Day 2006focussed on the theme ‘Wetlands and water – supporting life, sustaining livelihoods’ and the GBRMPAhelped to celebrate by launching a range of excitingnew educational products in communities across the catchment.

Interactive touch-screen information booths highlightingthe importance of wetlands wereunveiled in Mission Beach,Mackay and Emerald on 2 February to coincide with theevent.

The ‘Exploring our wetlands’interactive display is the brainchild of the GBRMPA, with the support from the Great Barrier Reef WetlandsTaskforce.

GBRMPA Director of Water Quality and Coastal Development Hugh Yorkston said the booth, a collaborative effort between the Federal and State Governments and regional community bodies,was an important educational resource that explains the value of local wetlands.

‘Exploring our wetlands’ is an exciting interactive experience and a great way for the community to enhance their knowledge, understanding and awareness of wetlands within the Great Barrier ReefCatchment,” Hugh said.

“Wetlands are an essential part of the ecosystem, linking the catchment to the reef. The boothcontains information on their important hydrological and habitat connectivity, values, variety andthreats.”

Mackay Local Marine Advisory Committee representative Noel Whitehead said that in the tropics, wetlands were vital waterways contributing to the health of the catchment.

“The overall aim of these booths is to show the varied types and functions of wetlands; everything from protecting the coast and absorbing pollutants to purifying water and forming nurseries for fish and marine creatures.”

These booths complement other new educational resources including a new series of ‘Reef Beat’posters on wetland values, school curriculum units and a wetlands web quest.

GBRMPA Education Manager Fred Nucifora said the curriculum unit for middle school studentsin grades five to eight showed wetlands were vital to the Great Barrier Reef.

“The new curriculum unit is a fun and interesting way to show school students the valuable anddiverse role wetlands play in the ecosystem,” he said.

Issue 9 • March/April 2006

DISCLAIMERWhile all efforts have been made to verify facts, the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority takes no responsibility for the accuracy of information supplied in SeaRead.

© Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority 2006

Please note that you are welcome to photocopy SeaRead. However, if the text is reproduced separately, it must not be altered and must acknowledge the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority as the source. Illustrations must not be reused separately without permission. Please contact the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority if in doubt.

www.gbrmpa.gov.au

What’sinsideNew Local Marine Advisory Committees

Experts assess coral bleaching in southernQueensland

No anchoring areasprotect coral

Sea Country stories- A profile of Dr EvelynScott AO

Tour guides get tips on“selling” the Marine Park

Reef Guardians beginprojects for 2006

Seaweek 2006 “Footprintsfor our Future”

Wetlands – “Kidneys of the landscape”

3

The launch of the Wetland Booth at the Mackay Botanical Gardens.Front: Matt Bloor (Mackay/Whitsunday NRM), Patricia Corrie (Traditional Owner - YuiberaTribe), Stuart Fyfe (Mackay City Council) Back: Noel Whitehead (Local Marine AdvisoryCommittee/Sunfish), Clive Rogers (Mackay/Whitsunday NRM), Randall Owens (GBRMPA),Dale Arvidsson (Mackay Regional Botanical Gardens), Helen Paulsen (Mackay RegionalBotanical Gardens), Ray Allan (Mackay/Whitsunday NRM) and Chris Manning (GBRMPA)

continued on page 2

4

5

6

8

9

10

7

2The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority email: searead@gbrmpa.gov.au

END

Andrew Skeat Acting ChairmanGreat Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority

“The unit encourages students toinvestigate and explore wetlands inlocal areas, highlighting the uniqueecological mix of plants and animalsthat depend on the wetland for food,water and shelter.

“The unit is aligned to outcomes insociety and environment and scienceunits for teachers, providing themwith all the information to deliver acomprehensive and thorough examination of local wetlands.”

These educational products weredeveloped as part of activities underthe Queensland Wetlands Programmeto support the Reef Water QualityProtection Plan, a ten-year programmeto halt and reverse the decliningwater quality entering the GreatBarrier Reef. For more information,visit www.deh.gov.au/water/wetlands/qwp.

The launch of the Wetland Booth at the C4Environment Centre at Mission Beach. Left to Right:Brenda Harvey (President, C4 Environment Centre),Leonard Andy (Traditional Owner), Tony Stokes(Regional Liaison Manager, GBRMPA), Chris Gloor(Director, Coastal & Marine, Far North QueenslandNRM) and Bill Shannon (Chair Mission BeachLMAC)

We recently announced the newmembership of the Great Barrier ReefMarine Park Authority’s Local MarineAdvisory Committees. Located in various communities along the GreatBarrier Reef coast, these groups playan important role by providingadvice and feedback on Marine Parkissues at a local level.

I would personally like to congratulate the new and returningmembers and I, along with all ourstaff, look forward to working withthem over the next three years.

I cannot overstate the importancewe place on having the ability to linkin to communities on this level. Eachand every committee member brings

a depth of local knowledge andunderstanding that helps us asmanagers achieve a clear perspectiveon issues of interest to these communities.

February also saw the celebrationof World Wetlands Day whichprovided a great opportunity to focuson the important role wetlands playin the ecosystem, and how they linkthe catchment to the reef.

The GBRMPA celebrated by launching education products inTownsville and the Burnett Maryregion, and our new interactivetouch-screen information displays(Exploring our wetlands) were placed inEmerald, Mackay and Mission Beach.

The displays are an exciting andinteractive way for communitymembers to boost their knowledge,understanding and awareness of wetlands in their region. They’re fun,informative and appealing to bothadults and children alike and in myview, are certainly worth a look.

continued from page 1

Benjamin Murray learns allabout wetlands using the newinteractive wetland booth at theEmerald Science Centre

Ross Ingram (Board Member, Fitzroy Basin Association) unveils the new interactive wetland booth at the Emerald Science Centre END

3The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority email: searead@gbrmpa.gov.au

The Great Barrier Reef MarinePark Authority is delighted toannounce the new membership ofthe Local Marine AdvisoryCommittees for the next threeyears.

GBRMPA Acting ChairmanAndrew Skeat said the response to a call for nominations was overwhelming, with 158 nominations received.

"The level of interest from thecommunity to serve on the LMACswas fantastic and we sincerelythank everyone who nominated,"Andrew said.

"We have been fortunate thatmany people who have served onthe LMACs in previous years havejoined the committees for anotherthree-year term.

"In addition, we are excited tohave so many new members representing varying interests in theMarine Park."

Andrew said the LMACs played avital role in advising the GBRMPAabout the management of theMarine Park from a local perspective.

"The committees provide a forumfor representatives from local interest groups, the community,and other management agencies to

END

Beaver Reef Unpermitted Fishing (Recreational Fishing) 3 x $9501 x $1150

Marine Park offencesAs usual the Marine Park was very popular with people fishing over the holiday season and the GBRMPA was pleasedwith the response from people in making sure they knew where they could go and what they could do. Enforcementofficers on patrol throughout the Marine Park detected only six offences over the holiday period, which is a smallnumber for what is traditionally a very busy time of year. The GBRMPA continues to urge users to check zoning mapsbefore they venture out on the water and to take the maps with them. This will help to avoid possible fines. Some examples of recent court results are shown below:

Remember you can do your bit to keep the Reef great by reporting any incidents you see by emailingcompliance@gbrmpa.gov.au or phoning (07) 4726 0510 or (07) 3830 8246.

END

discuss management of the GreatBarrier Reef Marine Park," he said.

"We look forward to working inpartnership with the LMACs overthe next three years to help protectthe social, economic and environmental values of the Marine Park."

LMAC membership is voluntaryand membership renewal occursevery three years.

The committees meetapproximately six times a year andthe first meetings were held inFebruary and end in March when achairman and secretary will beelected.

There are 11 LMACs located inregions adjacent to the Marine Parkincluding Burnett, Gladstone,Capricorn Coast, Mackay,Whitsundays, Townsville,Hinchinbrook, Mission Beach,Cairns, Port Douglas and Cape York.

For more information on theLMACs please contact the RegionalLiaison Manager in your region.

New Local Marine AdvisoryCommittees to advise the GBRMPA

Operators urgedto registermooring detailsA new GBRMPA initiative makes itpossible to contact mooring ownersand make a booking to use theirmooring.

The web-based mooring registerprovides a comprehensive directoryof all permitted moorings.

The online facility can be searched toidentify who owns a mooring andwhere it can be located.

All vessel operators are encouragedto use a mooring wherever possible inthe Marine Park, and can search theregister at www.gbrmpa.gov.au under"Tourism and Recreation."

Operators who are yet to pass ontheir contact details to the GBRMPAfor inclusion in the database shouldcontact the Tourism and RecreationGroup on (07) 4750 0775.

Male seahorses give birth! Theyhave a pouch on their belly whichholds the eggs until they hatch.Seahorses are the world’s slowestfish!

Interesting Facts

END

4The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority email: searead@gbrmpa.gov.au

Coral bleaching in the southern section of the Great Barrier Reef wasinspected first-hand by leadingAustralian climate change experts.

The GBRMPA team spent threedays assessing corals off Keppel Islandnear Rockhampton with experts fromthe University of Queensland andQueensland Parks and WildlifeService.

The GBRMPA team later assessedcorals in the Mackay region as well asHeron and Lady Elliot Islands furtherdown the coast.

"The bleaching we have seen in theKeppels, by comparison, is quitesevere. Should the hot conditionsresume, it is possible this level ofbleaching could happen elsewhere inthe Great Barrier Reef."

Corals become stressed when watertemperature increases and they losethe microscopic algae that live withintheir tissue, causing them to turnbright white.

A bleached coral is still alive, andclose inspection can reveal the nearlytransparent tissue and tentacles thatcover the skeleton.

A lot of the corals’ energy andcolour comes from the algae. If hotconditions persist, then bleachedcorals are unable to regain their algaecausing starvation and death.

Corals normally range from brownand green to yellow, blue and evenpink. Bleached corals appearextremely pale or bone white.

The last mass bleaching eventsoccurred in 1998 and 2002, affectingover 60 percent of the Great BarrierReef. Up to five percent of reefssuffered greater than 50 percent coralmortality in each of these years.

Undertaking coral bleaching surveys

GBRMPA Climate Change ResponseUnit Manager Dr Paul Marshall saidthe Keppel region showed the year’sfirst evidence of severe coralbleaching.

"Sea temperatures have been one toone and a half degrees Celsius abovethe January average in the southernGreat Barrier Reef, triggering severecoral bleaching around the KeppelIslands," he said.

"Over three days we visited 10 sitesaround the Keppel Islands, findingsevere bleaching at most sites.

"While this is certainly not yet aswidespread or significant as the massbleaching that occurred four yearsago, any further increases intemperatures could lead to morebleaching throughout the Reef."

Paul said the GBRMPA had alsoreceived Bleachwatch reports fromReef operators about minor bleachingfurther north in the Marine Park latelast year.

"There was some minor bleachingin the northern section of the GreatBarrier Reef earlier in the season butcloud-cover and a cooling of centraland northern Great Barrier Reef watersoffered some reprieve," he said.

Help celebratethe Year of theTurtle

around Australia, and all six arefound within the Great Barrier ReefWorld Heritage Area," she said.

"All six of these turtle species arethreatened and the IOSEA ‘Year of theTurtle - 2006’ provides us with a focusfor protecting and conserving turtlesin our own back yard."

Kirstin said one of the best thingsabout the IOSEA ‘Year of the Turtle’was that everyone could get involved.

"There are so many waysindividuals, communities andorganisations can become involved inthe ‘Year of the Turtle’.

"By logging onto the ‘Year of theTurtle’ website you can find ways tocontribute. You can also help ensureyou look after turtles in our GreatBarrier Reef Marine Park by learningmore about them."

There are five main objectives tothe ‘Year of the Turtle’ campaign thatwe can all play a part in. These are to:

• Celebrate marine turtles: Organise and host events that celebrate marine turtles, and help raise awareness and funds for their conservation.

END

• Ensure a future: Put in place and apply best practices that ensure the long-term survival of turtles, while involving and benefiting local communities.

• Save a marine turtle habitat: Identify sites that are important for turtles and lobby for their inclusion in the proposed IOSEA Site Network.

• Reduce turtle mortality: Actively promote policies and technologies that reduce the accidental death of marine turtles.

• Study your turtles: Support or take part in ongoing research.

If you have a ‘Year of the Turtle’activity, SeaRead would love to hearabout it. Please email us atsearead@gbrmpa.gov.au. The ‘Year ofthe Turtle’ campaign will run throughto the end of 2006.

For more information about the ‘Year of the Turtle’ go to www.ioseaturtles.org. For furtherinformation about turtles in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park see thefollowing website -www.gbrmpa.gov.au/corp_site/key_issues/conservation/threatened_species/turtles/index.html.

We can all help celebrate and protectour marine turtles during the IndianOcean – South-East Asian (IOSEA)‘Year of the Turtle - 2006’.

GBRMPA’s Species ConservationManager Dr Kirstin Dobbs said theofficial ‘Year of the Turtle’ campaignwas launched on 1 March 2006 andprovided us all with an opportunityto celebrate marine turtles and tosupport their conservation in ourlocal communities.

"Six of the world’s seven species ofmarine turtle live in the waters

Experts assess coral bleaching in southern Queensland

END

5The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority email: searead@gbrmpa.gov.au

A special visitor, who receivednational media attention, arrived inthe tanks of Reef HQ early this yearin the form of a baby leopard shark.

Reef HQ Aquarist Paul Groves saidthe female shark entered the world inquite unusual circumstances.

"This particular shark is unique inthat its casing was damaged before ithatched, which meant Reef HQ staffhad to place it in an artificial casing,something that has never been doneby any other aquarium in Australiafor a shark of this type," Paul said.

"Most sharks give birth to livesharks, however the leopard shark isone of only a few egg-laying sharks."

What are therules for noanchoringareas?When you are visiting a reef or baythat has a no anchoring area, youcan help protect the coral reefs ofthat area by following a few simplerules:• You cannot anchor inside a no

anchoring area or inshore of the line of buoys.

• You can enter no anchoring areas when approaching or leaving moorings or beaches, if safe navigation allows.

• You cannot attach your vessel or aircraft to a reef protection marker.

Anchoring is not restricted if it isnecessary for the safety of life or if avessel is threatened.

No anchoringareas protectcoralNo anchoring areas protect thefragile coral communities atpopular diving and snorkellingspots Manta Ray Bay, Hook Islandand Bait Reef Whitsundays.

Generally, no anchoring areasare designated by reef protectionmarkers (white pyramid shapedbuoys with blue Marine Parkslabels).

Anchoring is not allowed inshoreof the line of buoys except whenanchoring on adjacent beach areas.

Manta Ray Bay (as shown on themap) and Bait Reef are no anchoring areas, however they areunmarked. Operators must use coordinates and landmarks toensure they do not anchor withinthe no anchoring area.

A name is yet to be decided for theshark and people have been calling infrom around Australia to suggestnames.

It is the first born to Reef HQPredator Tank residents Leo and Leoniand may have some brothers andsisters in the coming months as others from the same parents areborn.

The leopard shark is now on display at Reef HQ Aquarium, 2-68 Flinders Street, Townsville.

Reef HQ is open from 9.30am to5.00pm, seven days a week, everydayof the year except Christmas Day.

Reef HQ welcomes a new addition

END

The baby leopard shark can be seen in the tanks of Reef HQ

GDA94 datum

Marine turtles travel vast distancesthroughout the year, but usuallyreturn to lay their eggs in the same region where they themselves were born.

Interesting Facts

There are public moorings availablethat can be used according to the tags.

To find out about other no anchoring areas please call the GBRMPA on (07) 4750 0700.

END

END

A detailed map of the no anchoring area at Mantaray Bay

The joint long-term vision is tohave Indigenous people owning,operating and being involved intourism operations in the MarinePark, and to have Indigenous participation in the way tourism ismanaged.

“There is a range of opportunitiesand permits available throughout theMarine Park for Indigenouscommunities that are interested inoperating their own tourismventure,” Andrew said.

“In addition, the GBRMPA hasspecifically identified 13 Indigenousmarine tourism permits allowingeveryday operation within theWhitsundays, Hinchinbrook andCairns Planning Areas.”

Andrew said the permits were asmall but significant part of the bigger picture of Indigenous marinetourism.

“Tourism is a very real avenue forlong-term economic development inIndigenous communities” he said.

“The permits are an opportunityfor Indigenous people to buildexciting and viable marine tourismbusinesses, and build relationshipswith existing operators.”

Information sessions are takingplace in the region to provide adviceon general tourism permits availablefor Indigenous enterprises, and toscope Indigenous community interests and aspirations for participating in marine tourism.

For more information contactGBRMPA on (07) 4750 0700 or visitthe website at www.gbrmpa.gov.au.

6The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority email: searead@gbrmpa.gov.au

Dr Evelyn Scott AO is one of the fourmembers of the Marine ParkAuthority Board, and is the longestserving of the current Boardmembers since her initial Ministerialappointment in December 1996.

Evelyn was the first appointee tothe Board to represent the interests ofAboriginal communities adjacent tothe Marine Park, as is required by theGreat Barrier Reef Marine Park Act.

Evelyn grew up in Ingham andnow lives in Cairns. She is passionateabout the environment and isconcerned about the overuse ofsea country and the disturbance ofimportant environments, such asseagrass beds, due to a general lack ofawareness of their value.

In her role on the Board, Evelynhas participated in the decision-making process for major issues andlegislative changes including theRepresentative Areas Programme andthe protection of a range ofthreatened species, and hasprogressed the profile of sea countryissues.

More recently, Evelyn was involvedin the official signing of the firstaccredited Traditional Use of MarineResources Agreement (TUMRA) for

the Girringun Region - a history-making agreement that she believes isjust the beginning of things to comefor Indigenous people looking aftertheir sea country.

"I am thrilled about what theTUMRA stands for, it is the best thingthat has happened in my lifetime. Igot very emotional about it," she said.

"There has been a major shift inthe recognition of Traditional Ownergroups, and their sea country over thepast 10 years I have been on theBoard. This has been due in part tothe increasing strength of partnershiparrangements between the GBRMPAand Traditional Owner groups."

Evelyn believes the progress ofIndigenous issues in sea country willcontinue through an ongoingeducational process within the broader community.

A profile of Dr Evelyn Scott AOMarine Park Authority Board Member

Dr Evelyn Scott AO is in her 10th year ofserving on the Marine Park Authority Board

END

RedefiningIndigenousTourismThe opportunities for Indigenousparticipation in tourism and itsmanagement are being highlighted ina positive new approach by the GreatBarrier Reef Marine Park Authority,Tourism Queensland and theQueensland Parks and WildlifeService.

GBRMPA Acting Chairman AndrewSkeat said that for years there hadbeen a common misconception thatIndigenous tourism meant the mainstream industry communicatingIndigenous stories and other aspectsof cultural life.

“We are now working collaboratively with Indigenousgroups, government agencies, industry and volunteer tourism operators to foster broader Indigenousparticipation in tourism in the GreatBarrier Reef Marine Park,” he said. END

Indigenous groups are being encouraged to participate in tourism in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park

7The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority email: searead@gbrmpa.gov.au

Tour guides gettips on "selling"the Marine ParkA publication produced regularlyby the Great Barrier Reef MarinePark Authority gives tourismoperators and guides useful tipson how to "sell" the Great BarrierReef Marine Park to their customers.

Reef Facts for tour guides, containsfacts on all facets of the MarinePark.

GBRMPA Acting ChairmanAndrew Skeat said it aimed toensure all operators were up-to-date with the latest information on the World HeritageArea.

"Reef Facts engages directly withtourism operators and guides,encouraging them to give key messages about the reef," he said.

"Tourism in the Great BarrierReef catchment is a major industry, contributing $5.1 billion each yearto the Australian economy."

Andrew said the first editionfocused on a "big picture" view onthe Great Barrier Reef Marine Park,with subsequent editions set tocover everything from sharks toIndigenous sea country.

"Reef Facts provides accurate information on the Great BarrierReef Marine Park in an interestingformat so visitor satisfaction, understanding and connectionwith the Great Barrier Reef and itsvalues are enhanced," he said.

"Our Tourism and Recreation Reef Advisory Committee supportsthe GBRMPA giving local operatorsthe information and tools to more effectively promote the MarinePark."

The GBRMPA’s focus of using thebest science to guide management decisions, means that its researchneeds are constantly changing andevolving.

The GBRMPA has recently implemented a new online database,which highlights its key researchneeds and presents them in a structured and user-friendly format.

The Research Information Systemallows the GBRMPA to present itsresearch needs and determine howwell these needs are met. It also helpsdetermine how well national researchpriorities and legislative/policyrequirements relating to the MarinePark are being addressed.

Dr Fergus Molloy, from theGBRMPA’s Research and MonitoringCoordination unit, said it was a valuable tool for managing and coordinating research relevant to theMarine Park.

“The system is a one-stop shopwhere the research community canexplore present and past research relevant to the management of the

Tourism in the Great Barrier Reef catchment contributes $5.1 billion each year to theAustralian economy

END

Interesting Facts

Col McKenzie from theAssociation of Marine Park TourismOperators said the publication contained interesting informationfor marine tourism operators todeliver to their customers.

"Reef Facts is a fantastic resourcefor marine tourism operators whonot only want to get the information they provide totourists correct, but to make itinteresting as well," he said.

Reef Facts is available online atwww.gbrmpa.gov.au under‘Tourism and Recreation’ – ‘Publications’.

Marine Park and easily identify whereresearch opportunities exist,” he said.

“The database also assists theGBRMPA to determine the researcheffort in specific areas and to identifythose areas that need attention.”

The system is organised into twosections: information on researchneeds and information on researchactivities.

The information on research needsis presented in broad categories called‘themes.’

Under this are more specific‘research questions’ that aim to guideresearchers into areas of research thatwill help improve the management ofthe Marine Park.

Information on research activitiesincludes details of current and pastresearch projects that address theresearch needs.

The database has three main searchoptions: a themes browser that issimilar to flicking through a book, aquestions search, and a similar searchon research activities.

These searches employ a variety ofcriteria to make it as easy as possiblefor the user to extract the requiredinformation.

The Research Information Systemcan be found at: www.gbrmpa.gov.au/corp_site/info_services/science/research_priorities/database.

END

Research needs in the spotlight

Whales, dolphins and dugongs areall marine mammals. Dugongs cangrow up to three metres long andweigh up to 400 kilograms! Theyare closely related to elephants.

8The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority email: searead@gbrmpa.gov.au

The Reef Guardian Schools programme for 2006 has kicked offthe year with a range of new teacherand student resources to help makea difference in their communitiesand keep the Great Barrier ReefMarine Park great.

Reef Guardian Schools ProgrammeManager Angela Colliver said thatthere was very strong interest in theprogramme once again this year andall schools were being encouraged tosubmit their action plan in order tohave access to the many great educational resources available.

"Schools receive calico bags, astamp, aqua clics and Bleachwatchwristbands when an action plan isreceived”, Angela said.

“We now also offer a range of newand exciting teaching resources."

"This includes a new set of 10 ReefBeat posters along with anaccompanying activity book coveringall aspects of wetlands, a wetland webquest for online learning, and a ReefGuardian promotional CD that highlights the many excellent opportunities and activities ReefGuardian Schools can get involvedin."

Central State School in Townsvillehas already begun their ReefGuardian activities for this year.Students were some of the first to test-drive the new ‘Exploring Wetlands’web quest on World Wetlands Day.The web quest is available at www.reefed.edu.au/students.

Communicationand Educationvital when working towardsa shared goalGreat Barrier Reef Marine ParkAuthority’s Reef Guardian SchoolsProgramme Manager Angela Colliverwas a keynote speaker at theYokohama International Workshopfor the Revival of the Tokyo BayEcosystems late last year.

“Having more than 30 millionpeople living in the coastal zone,Tokyo Bay has been contributing tothe Japanese economy by providingports. This has led to the decline ofthe bay, however due to the efforts ofgovernments and communities, thewater quality of Tokyo Bay has beenimproved extensively,” Angela said.

Angela presented a paper titled The challenge of using education,training and communication for thepreservation and protection of theGreat Barrier Reef Marine Park.

GBRMPA’s Fred Nuciforashows School students thenew Exploring Wetlands WebQuest

Central State School Principal Anthony Ryan,GBRMPA’s Donna Audas and Fred Nucifora celebrate World Wetland Day 2006 with CentralState School students

GBRMPA’s Reef Guardian Schools ProgrammeManager Angela Colliver tours Tokyo Bay

The water quality in Tokyo Bay will continue to improve due the efforts of the government and communities

“The paper focussed on howimportant communication andeducation activities are when tryingto get a collective group of peopleworking towards a common goal,”Angela said.

“Unlike the Great Barrier ReefMarine Park, there is no eelgrass (seagrass) left to maintain in TokyoBay, so the conference was moreabout how they were going to revivethe eelgrass and continue to maintainit.”

The first day of the conference wasspent touring Tokyo Bay and gettinga chance to look at the work that hadalready been done.

“Students and community members were recognised for theirwork in replanting the Bay with eelgrass by the Emperor and Empressof Japan, with more than 50 Japandignitaries in attendance,” Angelasaid.

“The Japanese Government in conjunction with attendees to theconference will now devise a strategyon how to address land-based activities in order to improve thequality of water leading out to thebay.

“The need for a maintenance planwas also discussed, and the JapaneseGovernment believed enough goodadvice and guidance came out of theconference for them to feel confidentof finding a way forward and revivingTokyo Bay and keeping it sustainablefor the future.”

END

Reef Guardian projects begin for 2006

END

9The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority email: searead@gbrmpa.gov.au

March 5 to 12 is SeaWeek 2006 and this year’s theme is ‘Footprints for ourFuture - The choices we make’. In support of the UNESCO ‘Decade ofEducation for Sustainable Development’, SeaWeek celebrates the manyways we can all learn to live more sustainably for the future, and focus ona different theme each day.

Recently new to Reef ED:

• Explore a wetland as if you are there with the new ‘Exploring Wetlands’ web quest. You can choose from a variety of wetlands to explore and complete different tests at each site to monitor the state of your chosen site.

• Check out the 10 new colourful Wetland Reef Beat posters and accompanying activity booklet to learn all about how wetlands help protect our Great Barrier Reef Marine Park and plenty more.

"Footprints for our Future"The choices we make

SeaWeek is an initiative of the Marine Education Society of Australasia(MESA). For great educational material and links to useful information about sustainable living and other information visit www.mesa.edu.au/seaweek.asp.

GBRMPA staffreceive AustraliaDay awardsSix GBRMPA staff were presentedwith Australia Day achievementawards recently for their dedicationand hard work towards helping toprotect the Great Barrier Reef.

• Chris Briggs, Manager of Industry Engagement, Tourism and Recreation Group, received theAustralia Day award for his hard work within the tourism industry.

• Kathy Rossini, Office Services Manager within the Corporate Services Group, was awarded for her work in assisting the Day-to-Day Management team.

• Chicka Turner, Manager of the Indigenous Partnerships Liaison Unit, was recognised for his work in getting the first Traditional Use of Marine Resources Agreement (TUMRA) signed off in the Girringun Region.

• James Monkivitch, Project Manager for Environmental Impact Management, was given the award for his expert contribution in the area of environmental impact assessment and recent work on artificial reefs.

• John Baldwin, Manager for International Business, received the Australia Day award for his dedication to the Authority over the years and his work with the International Coral Reef initiative.

• Margie Atkinson, Project Manger within the Fisheries Group, was recognised for her hard work and contribution toward the coral collecting policy.

Australia Day medal recipients (from left) ChickaTurner, James Monkivitch, John Baldwin andChris Briggs

END

END

Sunday 5 March 2006 Clean up Australia Day

Monday 6 March 2006 Sustainable Biodiversity

Tuesday 7 March 2006 Sustainable Water use

Wednesday 8 March 2006 Sustainable Energy use

Thursday 9 March 2006 Sustainable Tourism

Friday 10 March 2006 Sustainable Fisheries

Saturday 11 March 2006 Sustainable Recycling

Volunteers win Australia DayAwardEighteen years and 250,000 hoursof service have earnt the Reef HQVolunteer Association theAchievement Award at the 2006Townsville City Council AustraliaDay Awards.

Ranging in age from 15 to 82years, Reef HQ Volunteers comefrom various backgrounds, and theassociation currently has sevenhusband and wife teams, one family team and 18 student volunteers.

The Townsville City CouncilAustralia Day Achievement Award is presented to a person ororganisation that has made asignificant contribution orexceptional achievement in a chosen field.

The annual recruiting of newReef HQ Volunteers commencedin February. For further information please phone Reef HQon (07) 4750 0800.

END

Wetland diversityFrom extensive mudflat areas to mangrove forests to freshwater lakes, Queensland hasat least 39 wetland types, making it the most diverse wetlands location in Australia.Wetlands can be divided into two broad groups:• saltwater wetlands• freshwater wetlands (including farm and urban wetlands).

Saltwater and freshwater wetlands each have their own unique characteristics and functions

CE6

99

Coral reefs – are masses of limestonemade from skeletons of millions uponmillions of tiny marine animals and

plants.There are three main types ofreefs found on the Great Barrier Reef:Ribbon, Platform and Fringing reefs.

Lakes and dams – are large still waterbodies and can help to prevent flooding

after significant rain events.They arealso a great water supply.

Rivers – are flowing bodies of waterthat are generally quite large. It is

important that a connection alwaysremains between rivers and saltwater

wetlands, as many fish species willmigrate between the two to breed.

Creeks – are flowing bodies of waterthat are generally smaller compared to

rivers and can be permanent,temporary or temporal.

Billabongs, lagoons and marshland –are overflows from creeks and rivers

and therefore occur only aftersignificant rain events.They are still

water wetlands.Saltmarshes and Mudflats – develop inestuaries (a partially-enclosed body ofwater formed where freshwater from

rivers and streams flows into the ocean,mixing with the salty sea water) and

are particularly important because theyare among the most productive habitatson earth and are home to a wealth of

plant and wildlife species.

Seagrass meadows - are marine plantswith the same basic structure as landplants.They have tiny flowers and ovalleaves.They form meadows in estuariesand shallow coastal waters with sandy

or muddy bottoms.

Mangrove estuaries – are woody plants orplant communities that live between thesea and the land and have the ability to

survive in salt water. Many fish spend timein mangroves or have been dependent onfood chains traced back to these coastalforests. Mangroves protect the coastline

from waves and wind.

Saltwater Wetlands are generallyfound in coastal areas and arepermanent water bodies.

Freshwater Wetlands can be broadly divided intotwo categories: flowing or still water bodies.Theycan also be broadly defined as permanent (alwayscontaining water), temporary (containing water ona seasonal basis) or temporal (containing wateronly after significant rain events).

10The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority email: searead@gbrmpa.gov.au

Wetlands –‘Kidneys of thelandscape’The Great Barrier Reef Marine ParkAuthority recently helped celebrateWorld Wetlands Week by launchinga range of educational productsstressing the importance of wetlands,particularly to the Great Barrier ReefMarine Park.

Wetlands are often described as‘the kidneys of the landscape’ becauseof their ability to filter and removesome pollutants from runoff watersand improve water quality.

There are many different types ofwetlands and their functions vary,depending on factors such as thewater source, water quality (fresh orsalt), geographical location and thetype of vegetation surrounding thewetland.

The structure of a wetland alsodepends on the amount andfrequency of flooding in the area. Largely, wetlands can be categorised

A recent oil spill in GladstoneHarbour highlighted the confusionsome people have about how theGreat Barrier Reef Marine Parkdiffers from the Great Barrier ReefWorld Heritage Area.

GBRMPA’s Conservation,Heritage and IndigenousPartnerships Director Jon Day saidthe World Heritage Area coverd alarger area, and included all theislands and their surroundingwaters.

"Unless it is a Commonwealthisland, the Great Barrier ReefMarine Park only extends up to lowwater mark, both around islandsand along the mainland coast," Jonsaid.

The Marine Park comprises 99.3percent of the World Heritage Area.

into two main types: saltwaterwetlands and freshwater wetlands.

A total of 79 fish species have beenidentified as using both freshwaterand saltwater habitats along theGreat Barrier coast within the last15 years. Therefore, it is importantthat the connection remains betweenthese wetlands to encourage fishbreeding.

Wetlands offer a variety of valuesto the community and theenvironment, however theimportance of wetlands has onlyrecently been recognised andunderstood. Aside from improvingwater quality, wetlands offer manyother economic, social and ecologicalbenefits.

Saltwater and freshwater wetlandsare of high cultural importance toAboriginal and Torres Strait Islandpeople. They offer significant sourcesof food and are places of ceremony,meeting and teaching.

Our wetlands are disappearing,however there are many groups inQueensland that are doing their bitto revegetate and restore theseamazing and complex ecosystems.

How does the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park differ from the World Heritage Area?

To find out more about wetlandsand for a free copy of 10 colourfulwetland Reef Beat posters phone theGBRMPA on (07) 4750 0700.

An educational poster describing the types of wetlands in Queensland

The Great Barrier Reef Marine Parkdiffers from the World Heritage Areain that it does not include:

• Most islands (Commonwealth-owned islands are part of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park).

• Internal waters of Queensland (e.g. some deep bays, narrow inlets or channels between islands; many of which are State Marine Parks).

• A number of small exclusion areas (called State waters) around major ports/urban centres; these areas have not been proclaimed as part of the Marine Park following agreement with the Queensland Government.

"The recent oil spill in Gladstoneoccurred within the Great Barrier ReefWorld Heritage Area, but not withinthe Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, asthe port is an exclusion area and notpart of the Marine Park," Jon said.

Along much of the mainland coast,the Marine Park and the WorldHeritage Area both share low watermark as the boundary, but there aredifferences as highlighted above. Offshore, the seaward, or outerboundary of both areas is the same.

"All Great Barrier Reef islands,and their surrounding tidal waters,are therefore part of the WorldHeritage Area, but onlyCommonwealth islands form partof the Great Barrier Reef MarinePark," Jon said.

"Even developed islands, likeHamilton Island or MagneticIsland, including the urban areas,are part of the World HeritageArea."

Most intertidal areas are not partof the federal Marine Park. AroundQueensland islands, the tidal landsand tidal waters have been declaredpart of the (Queensland) GreatBarrier Reef Coast Marine Parkwhich has complementary zoningto the federal Marine Park. That isvirtually identical zoning provisions and zone types apply.

"From a user’s point of view,anywhere seaward of high watermark is probably part of either theState or Federal Marine Park, socomplying with Marine Park zoning requirements is essential."

END

END

Hamilton Island is within the World Heritage Areahowever does not form part of the Great BarrierReef Marine Park

11The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority email: searead@gbrmpa.gov.au

Profile of Regional Liaison Officer, Central

Cath Maclean

Cath Maclean is the RegionalLiaison Officer – Central, based inMackay and covering the areafrom Bowen to St Lawrence.

Cath was attracted to her current position because of thechallenge she faced of establishingsomething new in the region forthe Great Barrier Reef Marine ParkAuthority, and meeting and working with a range of people.

“We have managed to establisha friendly, personal presence forthe GBRMPA in the region,” Cathsaid.

“We have been working withthe central region communitymembers to achieve cooperativeoutcomes that are of benefit toboth the Great Barrier Reef WorldHeritage Area and the region.”

Blue-spotted fantail rayTaeniura lymma• This is the most commonly

seen stingray on the Great Barrier Reef.

• They grow to about 70 centimetres in total length.

• They move in schools into shallow, sandy areas during the high tide to feed.

• At low tide they can be found sheltering in caves and under ledges.

• The blue-spotted fantail ray has one or two needle-sharp tail spines coated with poisonous mucus which can cause extreme pain if knelt or stood on.

Cath loves that the central regionis diverse and has a good communityfeel about it.

“I like working with the peopleassociated with theMackay/Whitsunday NaturalResource Management group. I amcontinually learning new things and I feel I am getting a clear understanding of the people and thechallenges they face much betternow.”

Before joining the GBRMPA inAugust last year, Cath worked withthe Australian Customs Service as anEnforcement Officer which involveddoing patrols on land and water andliaising with stakeholders and othergovernment departments.

“I was able to travel a lot withinthe job, including terms in Sydney,Cairns, Canberra and Mackay. It wasboth an interesting and challenging

job involving a diverse range of activities,” Cath said.

“I spent six years in the role andthis year I was awarded anAustralia Day award from Customsand the National Australia Daycouncil for the ‘HelicopterBoarding at Sea Initiative.”

Cath loves living in the coastalregion and would one day like toget down to Mon ReposConservation Park to visit first-hand the hatchling season.

Cath is step-mum to threeactive, outdoor boys which includetwins Kyle and Dylan, 11 and Josh14, and is happy to have survivedthe entire school holiday periodwith only one trip to the hospital.

END

Creature Feature Doing your bit to look after it!

When boating in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park you can do your bitto help look after it by following these responsible reef practices:

Be on the look out for marine animals and travel slowly in areas wherethey are known to be present.

Use the voluntary speed limits and transit lanes in the Hinchinbrook area.

Look out for shallow coral, or other environmental hazards, and take intoaccount tidal changes. Leave at least 30 centimetres clearance between thepropeller and seabed.

Slow down to minimise the wake when you’re approaching reef edges,shorelines and beaches.

Take all litter (for example, rubbish, food scraps and cigarette butts) withyou and responsibly dispose of it onshore.

Be considerate of others when motoring or anchoring near them (e.g. avoid wakes and do not anchor too close).

Keep noise levels low to minimise animal disturbance.

12The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority email: searead@gbrmpa.gov.au

Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority2-68 Flinders StreetPO Box 1379Townsville Qld 4810

Phone: (07) 4750 0700Fax: (07) 4772 6093Email: info@gbrmpa.gov.au

If you do not wish to receive this newsletter in thefuture or if you would like to receive this newsletter via email instead of as a hard copy, please emailsearead@gbrmpa.gov.au or phone the GBRMPA on(07) 4750 0700.

GBRMPA

Calendar ofevents

Matthew Bloor loves his position as the Coastal and MarineCoordinator for the Mackay Whitsunday Natural ResourceManagement group because it is diverse, challenging andpushes him to learn more about the things he is passionateabout.

Matthew’s role incorporates the Shorebird Programme, withthe aim of conducting comprehensive monitoring of hightide shorebird roosts in the region.

"I recommend and prioritise habitat for best managementpractice based on condition and status," Matthew said.

"I also support the monitoring of seagrass, mangroves andcoral in the region and work with the community to raiseawareness of marine and coastal management issues anddevelop regional solutions."

Matthew’s goal whilst in this position is to engage the community to take a greater role in participating in activitiesthat protect important habitats.

"I want to emphasise the link between our catchments andthe Great Barrier Reef. There is so much that we can do toimprove the condition of our waterways, soils and nativehabitats that will improve the reef and near-shore habitats."

Matthew says his job is extremely rewarding because hegets to work with so many great people in the communityand spends lots of time in the field.

"There are so many great places in our region worthy ofprotection," Matthew said.

"I love the climate in the region, the mountainous ClarkeRange and its large swathes of rainforest, the offshore islands,beaches and coral reefs. It hasn’t undergone the massivegrowth of South-East Queensland and other places aroundAustralia’s coast."

Matthew has been in his current role since September 2005,however he has worked in various coastal/resourcemanagement roles since he first moved to theMackay/Whitsunday region in 1999 from Tasmania.

"In the past seven years, I have worked with QueenslandParks and Wildlife Service, Environmental Protection Agency,local catchment groups, and WWF-Australia (World WildlifeFund) on various biodiversity and coastal-related projects."

Matthew has recently been nominated to represent theMackay Whitsunday Natural Resource Management group onthe Mackay Local Marine Advisory Committee. The new committee has not yet convened, however Matthew says he islooking forward to working with the group.

05 – 11 March 2006

07 March 2006

07 March 2006

08 March 2006

08 March 2006

09 March 2006

22 March 2006

14 April 2006

Seaweek: Footprints for our Future

Hinchinbrook LMAC meeting

Mackay LMAC meeting

Mission Beach LMAC meeting

Gladstone Beach LMAC meeting

Burnett Mary LMAC meeting

World Water Day:Water and Culture

Good Friday

contacts

A profile of

Matthew BloorCoastal and Marine Coordinator

Mackay Whitsunday Natural Resource Management Group

17 April 2006

Easter Monday

25 April 2006

Anzac Day

END