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The Conversation

19 September 2013

The growing demand for shark fin as an ingredient in Chinese cuisine has caused an explosion in the number of shark fisheries in recent decades. But sharks are important members of ocean food chains, and removing them can have unintended consequences. Our new study, conducted off the coast of northwest Australia, shows that killing sharks isn’t just bad for sharks; it can also harm coral reefs.

What do sharks have to do with coral? Read more

 

Scientists recently published research in the international journal, Marine Pollution Bulletin that reinforces the need for improved land management practices in order to prevent unnecessary sediment runoff that is affecting the health of the Great Barrier Reef.

The study used a variety of new and improved techniques to analyse ten years of satellite data of the water clarity in the reef waters off the Burdekin coast. By removing the variability in water clarity caused by waves and other physical forces, the researchers were able to detect what particular influence river run-off has on reef.

"The study shows that large river flood events have a large impact on water quality, reaching very far off the coast and lasting several months," said AIMS Research Program Leader, Dr Schaffelke.

The photosynthetic algae that live on corals and which gives coral reefs their vibrant colours are reliant on the sun to survive. Sea grasses – important food for mammals and fish - are also dependent on the sun and a high level of sediment in the water can damage them or kill them by blocking the sun's rays. Sedimentation can also physically block other marine organism's ability to breathe. Marine plants and animals are highly sensitive to changes in water quality.

"This study shows that improved land management practices can result in a win-win outcome. The retention of nutrients, clays and fine silts in the catchments near the Burdekin River on the East coast of Australia would not only safe-guard the long-term productivity of farms, but also improve water clarity and ecosystem health in the central GBR, during the wet and dry seasons" added Dr Britta Schaffelke.

The research provides a vital link between the understanding of how land use influences river loads of nutrients and fine sediments and the current scientific knowledge of the importance of water clarity for marine organisms.

The study conducted by a team of scientists from the Australian Institute of Marine Science, James Cook University and the University of Queensland.

The published paper can be accessed at http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0025326X14002902

For more information, contact Dr. Britta Schaffelke (b.schaffelke@aims.gov.au)

The Conversation

22 August 2013

The Coalition will instate a Commissioner for Threatened Species should it form government, according to shadow environment minister Greg Hunt. The minister says that, while management plans for threatened species exist, they are not being enacted thoroughly enough.

For many the announcement is the first sign of relief in a campaign, from both major parties, that has been almost devoid of positive environmental policies. Most Australians do not want more of our species to become extinct, even if it does mean some constraints on development. Read more

 

The Newsport Daily

13 June 2013

Passengers on board Port's Poseidon catamaran yesterday had the thrill of a lifetime yesterday, with a Dwarf Minke Whale performing belly rolls within metres of snorkellers.

The five metre whale voluntarily approached the boat at the Agincourt Ribbon Reefs. Read more