KEY: Researcher / Supervisor, Project title ($ awarded) Description of project

Andrew Baird / Dr B Willis & Dr T Hughes,

The length of the larval phase in corals: new insights into patterns of reef connectivity ($1000) Andrew lists the main objectives of this project as being: 1) to determine the likelihood of localised recruitment by quantifying the number of larvae settling over time from single cohorts from a range of coral species; and 2) by quantifying the capacity of coral larvae to delay metamorphosis, to establish if they can disperse long distances. Andrew believes that data produced from this project will enable Reef managers to determine ecologically relevant boundaries for marine reserves, identify reefs which are vulnerable to human impact due to their distance from regular larval replenishment, and identify probable sources and sinks of larval recruits.

Andrew also received a grant in 1997 to support this work. Preliminary results indicate that patterns in the geographic distribution of the scleractinia suggest that the species found in remote locations, such as the Hawaiian Archipelago, are not a random subset of the species pool. Andrew states that in the case of the Acroporidae this pattern can be explained by differences in the capacity of species to delay metamorphosis. Andrew now plans to continue this work with other species.

Michelle Horne / Dr P Southgate,

Reproductive seasonality and culture techniques of Hippocampus sp. throughout the Townsville region of the Great Barrier Reef ($900) Seahorse and seadragon species (Sygnathidea) are marketed world-wide for the aquarium trade and traditional medicine culture in South-east Asian countries. Some parts of the world have experienced localised declines in stock sizes due to uncontrolled export and excessive consumption of sygnathids (Vincent 1994). Of the 220 known sygnathid species half are found in Australian waters. Without stringent control of the Australian sygnathid fishery and the development of captive culture techniques, Michelle predicts that Australian species may follow a similar decline to those in other parts of the world. The main objectives of this study are: 1) to identify the seahorse species taken by commercial fishing vessels in the Townsville region; 2) to examine the reproductive biology of Hippocampus kuda and Hippocampus hystrix; and 3) to develop culture techniques for tropical seahorse species. Results from this study will be invaluable during the development of management strategies for sygnathids in the Great Barrier Reef region.
Vincent, A 1994, The improbable seahorse, National Geographic 186: 126-140.

Jacob Kritzer / Prof. JH Choat & Dr CR Davies,

Determinants of variation in life history strategies among lutjanid fishes on the Great Barrier Reef and their implications for exploitation ($1400) Jacob states that a lot of research has been directed toward the life history traits of adults of exploited coral reef fish species, while less attention has been paid to post-settlement individuals during the first year of life. He aims to conduct a mark-recapture study of newly recruited (0+ age class) lutjanids (primarily Lutjanus carponotatus) at Orpheus Island, near Ingham, Queensland, Australia. This study will enable Jacob to investigate the habitat preferences of settlers and to estimate growth and mortality rates during the early stages of development. Jacob believes that via this study, reef habitats that might be important refuges for young fish could be identified, monitored and protected. Also, empirically derived juvenile mortality rates could be estimated. These rates could then be used in quantitative models that predict the responses of populations to exploitation.

Michael Pido / P Valentine & M Fenton,

Evaluation of resource management in small-scale tropical marine fisheries: A comparison of marine reserves/parks in the Philippines and Australia ($1000) Michael was awarded a grant in 1997 for this project to evaluate the performance and outcomes of resource management in small-scale tropical marine fisheries. Michael's main objectives were to: 1) develop performance and outcome indicators that cover the relevant facets of management of small-scale fisheries; 2) use performance and outcome indicators in a comparative evaluation of selected small-scale marine fisheries sites under marine reserves/parks in the Philippines and Australia; and 3) evaluate the core findings in terms of relevance to the broader fisheries management issues. Michael reports that in-depth interviews have been carried out dealing with objective 1) while a second survey, which deals with perceptions of the performance of fisheries management regimes is currently being carried out. This second social survey targets commercial fishers in the Townsville (Queensland, Australia) region and small-scale fishers in the reef areas of the Philippines. The survey of fishers in the Philippines has been completed and results are being analysed. This research will generate information on people-resource interactions as they relate to the management of inshore fisheries.

Mary Power / Dr E Gyuris & Dr S Turton,

Impact of visitor disturbance on nesting seabird colonies on Michaelmas Cay ($1000) Mary reports that over the last decade, a significant decrease (> 40%) has been observed in population levels of several species of nesting seabirds at Michaelmas Cay, Cairns Section of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. While the exact cause of this decline is unknown, the cay is subject to high levels of commercial and recreational tourism. With the aid of video camera observations, Mary aims to measure the ecological consequences of the presence and activities of visitors on the seabird populations of the Cay. She also aims to identify visitation management arrangements which minimises on-site anthropogenic impacts and to design and implement a cost effective monitoring program that maximises the ability to detect and understand population trends of nesting seabirds of Michaelmas Cay.

Michelle Ramsey / W Shipton & R Hill,

Influence of oil and bioremediation strategies on mangrove microbial communities ($1500) Fortunately, large oil spills rarely occur in Australian waters but on a smaller scale the marine and estuarine environments are faced with oil pollution from a variety of sources such as urban and agricultural run-off, vessels and pipelines. There is a real need to apply effective clean-up strategies in marine and estuarine environments to control the pollution spills cause and reduce the loss of habitat. Existing techniques for cleaning mangroves contaminated by oil include digging trenches and low pressure flushing but these methods can be quite destructive. Michelle states that a more effective management strategy needs to be developed to ensure the integrity of the mangrove environment for generations. Through this research, Michelle aims to assess the effects of oil and bioremediation strategies (specifically the addition of oxygen and nutrients) on the microbial community in mangrove sediments from Port Curtis, Gladstone, Queensland.

Janine Sheaves / Dr J Collins & Dr B Molony,

Ontogeny of diet of sesarmid crabs inhabiting mangrove forests ($1000) Adult sesarmid crabs play a very important role in nutrient recycling in mangrove forests as by capturing and consuming fallen mangrove leaves, they prevent important nutrients from being lost to coastal waters and, in effect, enhance mangrove forest productivity. Although juvenile sesarmid crabs are common in mangrove forests, information on their diet or role in mangrove ecosystems is scarce. Janine will investigate the development and selection of diet in sesarmid crabs and aims to determine the ecological roles that sesarmid crabs play at various life-history stages and their dietary requirements. Janine states that an understanding of the role of juvenile sesarmids in nutrient recycling and consequent enhancement of primary productivity must lead to more informed planning and management of these important nursery areas. In 1997 Janine received an award to determine the importance of mangrove leaves and seagrasses to the diet of alpheid shrimps. Janine reports that the abundance of alpheids and their aggressive capture of mangrove leaves suggests that, like sesarmid crabs, alpheids could play a very important role in nutrient recycling in the mangrove forests.

James True / Dr B Willis,

Tissue layer thickness variation in massive Porites corals as a response to environmental changes ($1000) In order to develop a technique for monitoring coral health, James will examine short-term acclimation and survivorship of scleractinian corals exposed to environmental stress. He states that by improving our understanding of how environmental factors influence growth of scleractinian corals, this study will also validate assumptions which underlie models of coral growth. Among other things, James will document natural variation in the tissue thickness of Porites corals and investigate the mechanisms which cause tissue uplift and control its timing. He will also identify the potential for Porites corals to acclimate to chronic low-magnitude stress. James says that knowledge of coral survivorship and acclimation potential when exposed to both acute and chronic stress (natural or anthropogenic) will be of benefit to management authorities interested in the sustainable use of coral reefs worldwide. The Authority also supported James with this project in 1997.

Sikandar Khan Khatri / Prof. IR Young,

Development of a shallow water wave prediction model ($1000) Sikandar aims to develop a shallow water wave prediction model which, contrary to the approach of using deep water wave models, takes into account the sound physics of wave generation and evolution. This model will serve as a useful tool for coastal engineers for practical applications such as the design of coastal structures and sediment movement studies. The development of this model will increase the knowledge of wave modelling and allow engineers to provide a more accurate assessment of the wave climate of the Great Barrier Reef.

John Platten / Dr IR Tibbetts & Dr S Blaber,

The feeding, growth and reproduction of the labrid fish, Choerodon venustus (De Vis) ($1200) John states that Choerodon venustus (venus tuskfish) appears to be one of the most common demersal species taken by recreational fishers on offshore reefs south of Mackay, Queensland. However, very little information, if any, has been published on the biological characteristics of the species. John aims to:

1. estimate the age and growth characteristics of the species in the Capricorn Bunker group and Swain reefs;
2. establish any apparent breeding season and reproductive cycle characteristics with regard to size at first maturity, potential fecundity, sex ratio and protogynous hermaphroditism;
3. investigate the effects of varying fishing pressure on these characteristics;
4. establish the major food items of the species; and
5. investigate the relative importance of the food items.

Knowledge of the species' biology will be necessary to ensure that catch rates remain at a sustainable level.