South-west Corner Marine Park Post Survey Report

South-west Corner Marine Park Post Survey Report
Abstract:

The South-west Corner Marine Park survey used standardised methods to characterise seabed habitats and fish populations to support the ongoing monitoring of the marine park. Several small isolated high-profile reefs exist in depths of ~30-50 m in the south-east of the National Park Zone, with the majority of mid-shelf habitat consisting of flat pavement reefs interspersed with sand sediments. Both reef types supported diverse assemblages of macroalgae, seagrass, soft corals and sponges. Further offshore, ledge features at ~100 m depth support diverse filter feeders dominated by hard bryozoans, hydroids, black and octocorals and sponges. Dense filter feeding assemblages on the edge of the shelf break down to 250 m depth were populated by aggregations of hapuka (Polyprion oxygeneios). A potential aggregation site for grey nurse sharks (Carcharias taurus) within the National Park Zone was also found. Additional image annotation and analysis aims to provide further details on assemblages.

Document type: 
Document
Availability: 
Available

Assessing the feasibility of restoring giant kelp forests in Tasmania - Final Report

Assessing the feasibility of restoring giant kelp forests in Tasmania - Final Report
Abstract:

This report examines whether warm water tolerant giant kelp (Macrocystis pyrifera) exists among remnant Tasmanian giant kelp habitat, and if so, assesses their use in restoration trials. Giant kelp forests were previously common in Tasmanian waters, but ~95% declines of giant kelp cover over recent decades led to Federal listing as an endangered community. This decline is related to changes in regional oceanography and ocean warming, and while restoration is one possible conservation approach, any intervention must consider these ongoing threats. Using spores from remnant giant kelp we established a collection of 48 unique kelp cultures or ‘family-lines’. Thermal tolerance experiments found ~10% of the family-lines showed significant warm water tolerance. These ‘super kelp’ were then used in restoration trials, with several hundred juvenile giant kelp now established at two field sites. This project has progressed selective breeding of kelp and innovative restoration interventions.

Document type: 
Document
Availability: 
Available

Layton, Cayne

Title 
Postdoctoral Researcher
Partner Organisation 
Address 

Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, Hobart, Tasmania

Email 
cayne.layton@utas.edu.au

Current activities

Flukes, Emma

Title 
Data manager
Partner Organisation 
Address 

University of Tasmania, Private Bag 129, Hobart, TAS 7001

Email 
Emma.Flukes@utas.edu.au

Current activities

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