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National Parks Journal Volume 51 Number 6 Dec 2007 - Jan 2008 Marine Scene |
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Marine
Scene
Welcome Welcome
By Nicky Hammond, Marine Program Manager Welcome to the new look Marine Scene. Every journal edition we will now bring you 4 pages packed with marine based articles, keep you informed of NPA~Marine's activities as well as other marine issues from around the state! Our oceans are an important part of all our lives. If you dive, fish or swim the link is apparent. But even for those who don't get to the coast too often, a healthy ocean is just as essential. Its role in recycling sewage into nutrients, removing toxins from the water and converting carbon dioxide into food and oxygen means safeguarding our seas should be a priority for us all. Our role at NPA~Marine is to address key threats to NSW oceans, and to identify and act on solutions. Using the latest science and working with local communities, industries, and government, NPA~Marine offers diverse ways to help drive positive changes for a better future for our seas. A special thanks to all in the NPA network who are supporting our work. Around the state our 5000+ members and thousands of supporters are making a real difference. In this edition of our Marine Scene we are looking at some of our achievements to date. Your support has helped make this possible. In coming editions we'll be delving into the details of our campaigns' next stages, highlighting the ongoing successes of our on-ground activities as well as offering you insights into our amazing NSW marine waters and the diverse creatures that call this home. Our oceans cannot save themselves, but together we can make a difference! News
Splash!
Grey Nurse court battle lost The Nature Conservation Council recently lost a court case to get NSW's Grey Nurse Shark key habitats protected as 1,500m marine sanctuaries. Whilst the Administrative Appeals Tribunal recognised that the Grey Nurse Shark is at dire risk of extinction, they stated responsibility to act lies with the NSW Department of Primary Industries. NPA~Marine continues to campaign for sanctuary protection for the Grey Nurse Shark with NCC and other conservation groups. Increased shark finning industry continues to threaten Grey Nurse SharkFollowing NPA~Marine breaking this story to the press, media continues on this controversial issue on the NSW mid north coast. In NSW catches of large sharks have doubled in the past three years with concerns mounting over its impact on shark species, including the critically endangered Grey Nurse Shark. NSW Department of Primary Industries has stated that the commercial harvest of large shark species will be kept under ongoing review. UN report identifies crisisThe United Nations Environment Programme has released a report warning that humanity is a risk if we do not properly address environmental threats to our planet. It claims: 'The objective is not to present a dark and gloomy scenario, but an urgent call for action'. Fish stocks were identified as being in crisis with an increase, since 1987, from 15 to 30 percent of stocks classed as 'collapsed' and 30 to 40 percent as 'over-exploited'. Whilst a sixth major extinction is claimed to be underway as a result of human behaviour, a sign of progress was identified to be the continual increase in protected areas. NPA~Marine speaks at Coastal ConferenceNPA~Marine was invited to speak at the NSW Coastal Conference in November on the successes of its HarbourKeepers and CoastKeepers programs. We are also currently awaiting the national results for the Prime Minister's Award for Excellence in Community Business Partnerships following our win with Plunge Diving for HarbourKeepers in the NSW category this August. News Splash touches on just some of the marine news here in NSW. Keep up-to-date between NPA Journals with all the latest happenings on our new look website www.marine.org.au
Marine
conservation in NSW
An overview by Paul Winn, Marine Sanctuaries Campaigner It is to our collective shame that out of ignorance or apathy many of our estuaries and near-shore marine ecosystems and habitats have been damaged, degraded or destroyed. The consequences of pollution, habitat alteration and the removal of far too much of its life has led to a recognition that marine ecosystems are far more sensitive to human influences than first thought. This recognition has, however, taken its sweet time. With the impacts of the massive increase in global commercial fishery since the mid to late 1940s, it wasn't until the 1990s that people finally began discovering the oceans. Since that time, an enormous body of scientific enquiry has made the case for a greater marine conservation effort, particularly in regard to marine protected areas (MPAs). Internationally, these arguments have counted for little. Marine protected areas (MPAs), particularly 'no-take' marine sanctuaries are one of the easiest and most effective forms of marine conservation available. In spite of the accepted benefits, and with recent evidence that about 30 per cent of global fish stocks are classed as 'collapsed' and a further 40% described as 'over-exploited', a mere 0.5% of the world's oceanic area is protected in MPAs. Australia, on the other hand has a proud history of marine conservation, largely due to the dedication of marine conservationists such as Judith Wright who helped put Australia at the forefront of the international effort to halt marine ecosystem decline with the introduction of the Great Barrier Reef Act that established the Marine Park and its Authority. However, this was not the first marine protected area in Australia. Indeed the first MPA in the world was established in NSW with the creation of the Royal National Park in 1879, which includes a small area (1.6 ha) of estuarine wetlands along the intertidal zone of the Hacking River. Dredging, the removal of sand, rocks and plants, the use of net-fishing, and commercial harvesting of oysters, have been prevented in this area ever since. Four years ago, with the patronage of another great Australian marine conservationist, Valerie Taylor, NPA~Marine was launched. It embarked on a concerted campaign to establish at least 20% of marine and estuarine habitats in sanctuaries. However, NPA's role in the creation of MPAs in NSW started much earlier. Over 30 years ago NPA was involved in the campaign to protect Jervis Bay. For over 15 years the South Sydney Branch of NPA has been campaigning to protect the marine and estuary areas adjacent to the Royal National Park. Indeed NPA has been involved in all the major MPA conservation outcomes in NSW, from lobbying the NSW Government for the Marine Parks Act in 1977, to the efforts to preserve the NSW grey nurse shark population. Most recently NPA~Marine took the lead in the development of the zoning plans for the Batemans and Port Stephens-Great Lakes Marine Parks that led to almost a doubling of area within sanctuaries in NSW from 3.5% to 6.5%. These additions gave NSW the second highest proportion of marine waters in sanctuary area of any Australian marine jurisdiction, after Queensland. This is, however, by no means a cause for celebration. With most of the major fish stocks in NSW assessed as fully- or over-exploited, new marine species being recommended to be listed as threatened, and climate change set to take a terrible toll on the marine environment of NSW, we are a long way from securing the future of the NSW marine ecosystems and its enormous diversity.  Figure1: NSW progress in area of marine sanctuaries from 2001. Area required to meet IUCN target of 10% sanctuary protection by 2012 projected from 2007 to 2012.
by DAVID ROE, HarbourKeepers and CoastKeepers Coordinator With the launch this issue of the new look 'Marine Scene', it is fitting to review some of HarbourKeepers and CoastKeepers achievements during 2007. This has been a busy year with conservation work and education events happening all along the NSW coast. Bush regeneration is an important HarbourKeepers and CoastKeepers activity in which volunteers remove non-native plants—many of them backyard escapees—so that native species can regrow to provide the correct food and shelter for native animals. HarbourKeepers have accumulated almost 400 hours of volunteer time in Sydney Harbour alone while CoastKeepers have been busy in Muogamarra Nature Reserve. The mid-north coast branch of NPA has worked hard around Gogleys Lagoon, Dunbogan. HarbourKeepers bush regeneration along the Hermitage Foreshore in the Sydney Harbour National Park was launched in 2007. Over four events our HarbourKeepers have donated over 160 hours and cleared a large area of a horrendous asparagus weed infestation. This has also been a busy year for cleanups. Scout groups, corporate groups and individual volunteers have completed cleanups on beaches and underwater. With marine debris recognised as a Key Threatening Process able to severely impact on threatened species, the importance of a cleanup cannot be overstated. HarbourKeepers and CoastKeepers have spent over 220 hours on cleanups this year. Underwater cleanups may not be as visually satisfying as a land-based cleanup but they are equally important. The CoastKeepers clean up at Illawong Bay, also started in 2007, has removed over 200 kg of fishing tackle and other debris. This event went from a one-off to a long-term project due to the sheer volume of rubbish in the water. The Fish Survey has grown significantly in 2007. Fish Survey dive groups have been established in Jervis Bay, Coffs Harbour, Port Stephens, Manly, Narooma and even land-locked Canberra! Over 150 volunteer divers have been trained to complete Fish Surveys and surveys have been submitted from over 50 locations in four NSW marine bioregions. These surveys provide information that informs marine management decisions and results in a healthier coastal environment. Education plays a major role in conservation and HarbourKeepers and CoastKeepers has created two marine education programs this year.
Next year we will be enlarging the programs to encompass greater areas of the NSW coast. The success of HarbourKeepers and CoastKeepers is a testament to the dedication of our volunteers to improving our coastal environment. Get involved by registering on our websites or contact Dave to discuss organising an event:  HarbourKeepers at Hermitage foreshore removing a mat of Asparagus weed. Photo: David Roe Our Fishy Friends!The Striped Anglerfish
Well it may not win the beauty pageant, but as far as an unusual fish award goes, there is no disputing the Striped Anglerfish (Antennarius Striatus) would be a serious contender. These quirky looking creatures are masters of camouflage, mimicking the algae and sponges they live in. Ranging from red, orange, yellow, white, green, brown to black, their ability to change colour within a matter of days or weeks means they can adjust their 'wardrobe' depending on their surrounds! Add to the disguise mix, their small size (max 20cm) and clever stripes, spots and appendages, and you've got one fish that's hard to spot! One of the most remarkable aspects of this fish is its modified first dorsal fin that acts as a lure for its prey. This 'fishing rod' appendage consists of a stalk (the illicium) and its bait (the esca). Staying motionless hidden amongst its surroundings, the Striped Anglerfish uses a complex series of wiggling movements to make its esca appear as a worm. As other fish move to investigate this potential prey, the anglerfish moves at lightning speed to engulf this predator-turned-prey. In fact this movement is so fast that its occurrence can only been seen on replay using a high speed video camera!! Their large mouths and extendable stomachs mean that this 'lie-in-wait' predation technique can be well worth a bit of patience. Anglerfish can consume fish as big as themselves! Their motionless behaviour also helps them avoid predation. They are, in fact, so well evolved they have hidden gill openings that pump water rhythmically through their gills without the fish appearing to move at all! When it does move, the Anglerfish actually 'gallops' across the sand using its feet-like fins. It can also propel itself forward quickly by sucking in large amounts of water through its mouth and forcing it out of its gills in a jet-like movement. The Striped Anglerfish is found in waters from 1m to 200m deep. Here in NSW you can frequently find them in areas such as Sydney Harbour and Port Stephens—if you look hard enough! In each Marine Scene issue, Our Fishy Friends will highlight one of the amazing creatures we have here in NSW. View more of our diverse marine life on our online gallery www.marine.org.au/photos Marine
debris: Killers in our oceans
By DAVID ROE, HarbourKeepers and CoastKeepers Coordinator
The little Green Sea Turtle starved to death. The autopsy found 76 pieces of plastic and fishing line blocking its stomach. The Bryde's whale died after beaching itself. Its stomach was completely congested with a massive six square metres of plastic bags. The Giant Petrel was granted a last minute reprieve when rescuers pulled 30cm of ribbon from its stomach through its mouth. Attached to the end of the ribbon was a party balloon.
The problem of wildlife ingesting or being entangled in marine debris was recognised as a Key Threatening Process in 2004 under the NSW Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995. This listing recognises the potential of marine debris to threaten the survival of marine species, populations and ecological communities. A scientific committee established under the Act found that many threatened species in NSW have ingested marine debris or become entangled. This list includes, but is not limited to, three species of marine turtle, Wandering Albatross, Southern Giant Petrels, Australian Fur-seals, Humpback Whales, Sperm Whales and the Little Penguin population in Manly. Most debris enters the marine environment by being blown from the land or washed through stormwater drains. Stormwater drains discharge directly into creeks, streams, rivers and oceans and in most instances do not have a structure to filter out items of rubbish before they enter the water. When gross pollutant traps are installed they are unlikely to trap smaller items such as plastic lids and cigarette butts. A 2006 study by the Department of Environment and Climate Change found the greatest littered item by volume to be beverage-related, including plastic and glass bottles, plastic caps, drinking straws and tetra boxes. However the most common item of litter is cigarette-related, including cigarette butts, packets and tobacco. Plastics are the most damaging of marine debris and the longest lasting in marine environments; plastic bottles will take 450 years to break down. To compound the problem plastics are 'serial killers'. Animals that die from ingesting plastic or becoming entangled in plastics such as a drink collar decompose or are eaten by other animals. In this process the plastic is released back into the marine environment and is free to kill again. This cycle can be repeated many times before the plastic finally breaks down. Plastic bags pose one of the most disturbing threats to wildlife, especially considering the number of bags released in the environment and the ease with which they find their way into the oceans. Nearly four billion plastic bags are used in Australia every year and over 3.7 billion will be dumped in landfill sites. However this is not the end of the journey for many plastic bags as 47% of items blown from landfill sites are plastic, predominantly plastic bags. These bags can be carried hundreds of miles before settling. Added to these landfill escapees are the 50 million plastic bags littered in Australia every year. Once a plastic bag enters the water it drifts with the currents and its capacity to kill is fully realised. Plastic bags, with their pale colouration and gently undulating form, fool turtles and seals into mistaking them for jellyfish and making the fatal error of eating them. Once plastic bags are swallowed they cannot be digested and cause a slow and painful death. Cigarette butts are the most commonly found item of litter and are easily washed through stormwater drains into the marine environment. Dropping a cigarette butt may seem innocuous to smokers who wish to rid themselves of the evidence of their habit, but cigarettes contain thousands of chemicals, including cadmium, arsenic and lead that leach into the waterways. It may seem improbable that a few cigarette butts can pollute the ocean until the scale of the problem is considered. A staggering 4.5 trillion cigarette butts are littered worldwide each year and seven billion are littered in Australia alone. Cigarette butts take five years to break down in seawater and in that time add their toxic chemicals to the 'pollution soup' that our waterways are becoming. Cigarette butts also pose a direct health threat to marine wildlife as marine turtles, birds and other marine animals have been found with them in their stomachs having mistaken them for food. It's true that smoking kills, but the death toll is not restricted to smokers. The definition of marine debris used by the scientific committee included fishing gear as commercial and recreational fishing gear has a tendency to keep on fishing, and killing, after being discarded into the environment. Ghost nets are fishing nets that have been accidentally lost or purposefully abandoned at sea and are having a devastating impact on marine wildlife worldwide. Ghost nets drift on ocean currents held upright by floats and indiscriminately catch fish, turtles, dolphins, dugongs and any other animal unfortunate enough to get too close. Eventually the weight of dead animals will cause a net to sink. But as the animals decompose, buoyancy is restored and the nets continue their grisly journey. Ghost nets found in the Gulf of Carpentaria have been measured at four kilometres long. Discarded recreational fishing line also poses a threat to marine animals. Sea birds become entangled in fishing line when foraging along the shoreline. Land birds use discarded fishing line for nesting materials with disastrous results for hatching chicks that become entangled before they leave the nest. And contrary to popular belief fishing hooks do not rust away after a few days but last for a year in seawater. However not all seabird injuries come from discarded fishing line. A 2004 study by Australian Seabird Rescue found that the majority of injuries to pelicans are due to entanglement with fishing line currently in use. The ASB have worked extensively with recreational fishers to address this problem. Marine debris is having a devastating effect on marine species worldwide. It is placing an even greater strain on marine ecosystems already stressed by overfishing, coastal developments and land-based pollutant run off. We can help reduce the toll by carefully disposing of our rubbish, tying knots in plastic bags before disposing, joining clean up events and stopping to think of the one million sea birds and 100,000 marine mammals and turtles that die every year whenever we see plastics on the ground - and pick them up. References
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National
Parks Association of NSW, P.O.Box A96, Sydney South, NSW 1235
Phone: (02) 9299 0000 Fax: (02) 9290 2525 Email: |