Recent datasets

As part of MTSRF Project 4.8.1, this study aimed to assess the benefit of no-take (green) zones as a recruitment source. 1342 adult stripey snapper (Lutjanus carponotatus) from 3 green zones around the Keppel Islands were fin-clipped for genetic analysis and released. Microsatellite markers were used to assign juveniles to one or both parents. From the 483 juveniles collected from 16 sites in both green and blue zones, 140 (~30%) were assigned to one or both parents from the adult sample.

This dataset contains telephone (n=1743), mail (n=800), and face-to-face (n=132) survey data collected from the recreational fishing community in the Great Barrier Reef region. The surveys were aimed primarily at understanding fishers' attitudes and perceptions regarding the 2004 rezoning of the GBR and the impacts of the new zoning plan on recreational fishing activity and the spatial distribution of recreational fishing effort. Data units: Quantitative attitudinal and perception data plus extensive spatial data on recreational fishers' pre- and post-rezoning fishing locations.

This dataset contains responses from line (n=53), charter (n=40), and trawl (n=21) fishers to a face-to-face survey about the impacts of the 2004 rezoning of the GBR on commercial fishing activity and commercial fishers. Data Units: Quantitative data about fishers attitudes, perceptions, and opinions about the 2004 zoning plan plus spatial data regarding pre- and post-rezoning locations used by fishers.

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This dataset provides information about the Australian community's awareness, concern and actions regarding climate change and the GBR. It was aimed at providing a tool for developing effective engagement strategies and future climate change human dimensions research. The dataset contains data from 1,609 telephone surveys of people residing adjacent to the GBR and in the capital cities of Brisbane, Melbourne, and Sydney conducted in November 2008.

Next generation DNA sequencing was used to scan a large proportion of the transcribed coding DNA in Acropora millepora for polymorphisms. Transcribed coding DNA (messenger RNA - mRNA) was extracted from 8 colonies sampled at three thermally distinct habitats along the GBR (Wilke Island Reef in Princess Charlotte Bay, Nelly Bay at Magnetic Island, and Miall Island in the Keppel Islands). The mRNA extractions from each population were pooled and translated back to the complementary DNA (cDNA), which was sequenced using 454 pyrosequencing by the Australian Genome Research Facility.

This simulation model allows various scenarios to be run which test how different percentages of nutrient reductions (and the parallel improvement in inshore reef quality) might operate in conjunction with raised water temperatures (as a result of climate change). The model has been used for the following simulations: The beneficial impact of end-of-catchment dissolved inorganic nutrients reductions (10%, 30%, 50% and 70%) in raising the bleaching resistance (i.e. the UTBT, °C) of inshore reefs between Townsville and Cooktown.

A three-dimensional whole-of-GBR baroclinic hydrodynamic model was applied at a spatial resolution of between 1 and 4 km. The model simulations are compiled to examine the intensity, duration and frequency of different lower salinity events.

Surveys to determine abundance patterns of jellyfishes across the continental shelf were undertaken over three summers starting in December 2007 along three cross shelf transects (Cooktown, Cairns and the Palm Island Group). Sampling was done in three strata at inner, mid and outer-shelf reef or island sites and an inshore beam-trawl survey. Within each distance strata sampling was done at two sites separated by 0.7 to 3 km and at each site two replicate one hour samples were taken for abundance data.

This data set contains life history data from 46 species of coral reef fish from four families (see list below). The data and samples on which these analyses are based were collected as part of the Effects of Line Fishing Project and the East Torres Strait Coral Reef Fishery Project. Species included in this data set include: Labridae: Cheilinus undulatus, Choerodon cyanodus, C. fasciatus, C. schoenleinii, C. venustus Lethrinidae: Lethrinus atkinsoni, L. lentjan, L. nebulosus, L. olivaceus Lutjanidae: Aprion virescens, Lutjanus adetii, L. carponotatus, L. fulviflamma, L. gibbus, L.

This is data associated with MTSRF Task 4.8.4s, a MTSRF supported PhD project titled Biology and ecology of the blacktip reef shark. As part of this project, basic water quality data were collected during shark tagging trips at the study site - Cockle Bay Reef at Magnetic Island. The meta data regarding these shark catch and tagging trips are recorded in a separate data file. Basic water quality of Cockle Bay was measured at weekly to monthly intervals with handheld instruments - a YSI water quality meter (temp, salinity, condutivity, dissolved oxygen), and secchi disk depth.

The Reef Check Australia monitoring program acts as an early warning system for coral community health. Annual surveys provide long-term data that can reveal patterns over time. Trained community volunteers collect quantitative data on the Great Barrier Reef and in the Southeast Queensland coral habitats. Data include substrate percent cover, abundance of key invertebrate species and target fish species. Data on natural and anthropogenic impacts on coral community health are also recorded.

A baseline survey of green (no-take) zoned sites and blue (open to fishing) sites in adjacent areas of the northern Great Barrier Reef Marine Park was carried out in December 2006. Three paired sites were surveyed in the Cairns region on deepwater shoals in the vicinity of Green Island and Michaelmas Reef (one green, one blue site off each), and Hastings (Green) and Oyster (blue) Reefs. Assessment of the fish communities was enumerated using baited underwater video sets (BRUVS) and habitat was characterised by towed video.

Abundance and size of the sponge Coscinoderma matthewsi was surveyed at 5 island groups in November 2006: Ugar (Stephen Island) and Erub (Darnley Island) in eastern Torres Strait; and Masig (Yorke Island), Poruma (Coconut Island) and Warraber (Sue Island) in central Torres Strait. These island groups are on average, 66 km apart.Surveys were carried out at 7 or 8 randomly selected locations in each island group with each location at least 2 km apart, averaging 8 km. Each location was divided into 2 sites, approximately 200 m apart.

During August 2005, sediment was collected from four reefs in the Whitsunday Islands and two adjacent midshelf reefs, situated along a previously studied water quality gradient. The reefs at Repulse and Lindeman Islands are influenced by discharge generated by the Proserpine and O'Connell Rivers. In the outer Whitsunday Islands, Hook and Edward Islands reefs, are subject to terrestrial influence, which is largely derived from the islands themselves. The midshelf reefs, Barb Reef and Reef 19-138 are essentially unaffected by terrestrial discharge.

In March 2007, November 2007 and May 2008, between 6 and 11 sites were surveyed on the coral reefs at Keats Island and Yorke Islands (Masig Island and Kodall Island), in central Torres Strait, to determine the abundance and size frequency patterns of Coscinoderma matthewsi. Sites were located at least 1 km apart and at each site, surveys were conducted at both shallow (4-6 m) and deep (10-12 m) depths, with the former generally on the reef flat. Three 20 x 1 m transects were examined at each depth, with transects separated by at least 20 m to retain independence.

This experimental study of larval settlement behaviour of Coscinoderma mathewsi, undertaken in December 2009, explored some specific aspects of recruitment behaviour raised from the Torres Strait recuritment study.Research was conducted in tanks at Orpheus Island under controlled conditions to complement field recruitment studies in the Torres Strait (see separate metadata record).

A one-off study of the effects of handling on Coscinoderma mathewsi around Masig (Yorke) and Kodall (off Masig) Islands. Experimental work was carried out in 2009.Measurements of growth (cm) and survival were made to determine how handling might affect sponge growth and survival under aquaculture conditions. To determine how handling under aquaculture condiditons might affect sponge growth and survival in Coscinoderma mathewsi.

Owner

Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS)

Publisher

Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS)

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A study of recruitment of marine invertebrates around Masig Island and Marsden Island, in central Torres Strait commenced in November 2006 and ended in November 2008.Terracotta settlement plates (11 cm x 11 cm) with well pitted surfaces were deployed at three locations on the northern side of each island, with locations two hundred metres apart. Each location was further divided into three sites, each twenty metres apart. At each site, five plates were deployed, roughly one metre apart, at both six metres and twelve metres depth.

This record details the TUMRAs that were in effect in 2009. Since then the number of TUMRAs has significantly increases. For the latest agreements refer to GBRMPA. A more recent version of this dataset is available on the eAtlas: https://eatlas.org.au/data/u...c94977e6b Traditional use activities in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park are managed under the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Act 1975, and the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Regulations 1983.

This dataset is consists of modelled habitat suitability of coastal seagrass distribution in the wet and dry seasons along the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area coastline. A Bayesian belief network was used to quantify the relationship (dependencies) between seagrass and eight environmental drivers: relative wave exposure, bathymetry, spatial extent of flood plumes, season, substrate, region, tidal range and sea surface temperature. We found that at the scale of the entire GBRWHA, the main drivers of inshore seagrass presence are tidal range and relative exposure.