Article
Oceanography
Scott G. Smithers, John L. Dawson
Summary: Raine Island, a significant protective area on the Northern Great Barrier Reef, is facing a decline in turtle hatchling production. To address this issue, the Raine Island Recovery Project was established, aiming to restore the nesting habitat and increase turtle hatchling output. Geomorphological investigations revealed that sand losses reduced the elevation of nesting beaches, and strategic movements of beach sand successfully boosted hatchling production. Despite this success, the future remains challenging due to the ongoing impact of anthropogenic climate change.
OCEAN & COASTAL MANAGEMENT
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Colin Creighton, Jane Waterhouse, Jon C. Day, Jon Brodie
Summary: Coastal and marine ecosystems worldwide face increasing threats from human influences, requiring active restoration to support their values. Australia's Great Barrier Reef is suffering from water quality, climate change, and wetland loss, leading to a decline in its ecological condition. Success in management requires community leadership, a systems approach, targeted investments, and building knowledge while maintaining consensus and political commitment.
MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Marites M. Canto, Katharina E. Fabricius, Murray Logan, Stephen Lewis, Lachlan I. W. McKinna, Barbara J. Robson
Summary: The article highlights the weak correlation between current water quality metrics and ecological outcomes in the Great Barrier Reef, and introduces a new water quality index based on benthic irradiance. This index is sensitive to changes in light availability and has the potential to complement existing water quality metrics.
MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN
(2021)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Bradley K. Woodworth, Richard A. Fuller, Graham Hemson, Andrew McDougall, Bradley C. Congdon, Matthew Low
Summary: The study reveals declining trends in seabird populations on the Great Barrier Reef, with different species and sites showing varying changes, some increasing while others decreasing. The stability of certain species at key sites plays a crucial role in the overall trends, highlighting the importance of long-term conservation efforts at these locations.
CONSERVATION BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Jennifer Skerratt, Mark E. Baird, Mathieu Mongin, Robin Ellis, Rachael A. Smith, Melanie Shaw, Andy D. L. Steven
Summary: Pesticides from urban and agricultural runoff are causing pollution in the Great Barrier Reef, with concentrations of the pesticide diuron exceeding water quality guidelines. The diuron load entering the reef waters and its dispersal patterns have been quantified using models. The highest concentrations of diuron were found in the Mackay-Whitsunday region, posing a risk to coral and seagrass habitats. This study provides valuable information for the understanding and management of pesticide pollution in the Great Barrier Reef.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Ian M. McLeod, Margaux Y. Hein, Russ Babcock, Line Bay, David G. Bourne, Nathan Cook, Christopher Doropoulos, Mark Gibbs, Peter Harrison, Stewart Lockie, Madeleine J. H. van Oppen, Neil Mattocks, Cathie A. Page, Carly J. Randall, Adam Smith, Hillary A. Smith, David J. Suggett, Bruce Taylor, Karen J. Vella, David Wachenfeld, Lisa Bostrom-Einarsson
Summary: Australia has been implementing innovative intervention and restoration actions to address the decline in coral cover in its reefs. This article outlines the various approaches taken, including in-water programs, research to enhance coral resilience, and investigations into socio-economic perspectives. The progress in coral restoration in Australia demonstrates the increasing urgency to confront the coral reef crisis and the development of new tools for reef management.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Chris M. Roelfsema, Mitchell B. Lyons, Carolina Castro-Sanguino, Eva M. Kovacs, David Callaghan, Magnus Wettle, Kathryn Markey, Rodney Borrego-Acevedo, Paul Tudman, Meredith Roe, Emma Kennedy, Manuel Gonzalez-Rivero, Nicholas Murray, Stuart R. Phinn
Summary: The geomorphic and benthic composition of Australia's Great Barrier Reef are understudied, but crucial for understanding disturbance impacts and recovery potential. Through new research methods and high-resolution maps, there is now a more comprehensive understanding of the spatial extent and ecological characteristics of the Great Barrier Reef.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Lapo Doni, Caterina Oliveri, Aide Lasa, Andrea Di Cesare, Sara Petrin, Jaime Martinez-Urtaza, Frank Coman, Anthony Richardson, Luigi Vezzulli
Summary: This study examined the effects of the 2016 Marine Heatwave on the plankton communities in the Great Barrier Reef. Analysis of plankton samples collected from November 2014 to August 2016 revealed an increase in Planctomycetes and bacteria belonging to the Vibrio and Synechococcus genus during and after the heatwave. Additionally, potential pathogenic Vibrio species associated with diseases in aquatic animals were detected four months after the heatwave, indicating a spread of potentially harmful bacteria across the reef.
MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Cameron Do, Georgia Elizabeth Saunders, Yuriy Kuleshov
Summary: This study attempts to expand the methodology of tropical cyclone risk assessment by focusing on coral reefs and to understand the risk to Australia's natural environment. The study found that the northern Ningaloo Reef and southern Great Barrier Reef regions had the highest risk values. However, the limitations in data quality mean that these results are only estimates at best.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Apolline Mariotti, Jacky Croke, Rebecca Bartley, Samuel E. Kelley, Jay Ward, Reka-Hajnalka Fulop, Anna H. Rood, Dylan H. Rood, Alexandru T. Codilean, Klaus Wilcken, Keith Fifield
Summary: This study utilized cosmogenic 10Be data to investigate sediment delivery to the Great Barrier Reef, presenting background sediment yields for 11 catchments and calculating an Accelerated Erosion Factor to identify denudation hotspots. The results showed that 58% of basins have higher modern sediment yields compared to long-term values, indicating potential changes in sediment delivery dynamics.
MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Lesley A. Clementson, Kadija Oubelkheir, Phillip W. Ford, David Blondeau-Patissier
Summary: Distinct absorption peaks were observed in the UV region of water samples collected in Keppel Bay during the presence of sporadic Trichodesmium colonies. The largest absorption coefficients were observed in near-surface samples, indicating the impact of Trichodesmium blooms. The accuracy of satellite retrieved estimates of ocean colour products related to CDOM and particulate absorption coefficients can be significantly affected.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Kelsey E. Roberts, Carly N. Cook, Jutta Beher, Eric A. Treml
Summary: Research indicates that Australia's MPA system is not a single network but rather numerous smaller networks delineated by natural breaks outside the Great Barrier Reef and Ningaloo Reef. Depending on the dispersal capacity of the taxa of interest, there may be between 25 and 47 individual ecological networks distributed across the Australian marine environment.
CONSERVATION BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Ecology
Venugopal Bhagyalekshmi, Appukuttannair Biju Kumar
Summary: Bycatch of batoid fishes in commercial trawl fishery of India is a global concern, with many non-commercial species not included in fishery data, even though some are listed as 'Data Deficient' in IUCN red list. A survey conducted in south India from July 2018 to June 2019 revealed a high abundance of non-commercial batoid species in trawl bycatch, highlighting the need for conservation strategies to protect these threatened species.
REGIONAL STUDIES IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Zoology
John J. McCormack, Darko D. Cotoras
Summary: The study conducted the first survey of beetle diversity on Lizard Island group, revealing differences in beetle family diversity compared to mainland Australia. The most diverse families on the island group were consistent with global patterns in diversity, while some families showed less diversity than on the mainland. The study highlights the importance of habitat complexity and vegetation diversity in influencing beetle diversity on the islands.
ZOOLOGICAL STUDIES
(2021)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Suman Nama, Ashna Shanmughan, Binaya Bhusan Nayak, Shashi Bhushan, Karankumar Ramteke
Summary: Coral reefs, as the most spectacular underwater creation, play crucial roles in ecosystem functioning and coastal community livelihood. However, marine debris poses a severe threat to these sensitive habitats and their associated organisms. Despite scientific attention, data regarding the sources, abundance, distribution, and potential consequences of marine debris on reef ecosystems are lacking. This review aims to provide an overview of the current status and impacts of marine debris, with emphasis on sources, distribution, affected species, and management strategies, as well as highlighting the adhesion mechanisms and diseases caused by microplastics to coral polyps.
MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN
(2023)
Review
Ecology
Vanessa Pirotta, Alana Grech, Ian D. Jonsen, William F. Laurance, Robert G. Harcourt
FRONTIERS IN ECOLOGY AND THE ENVIRONMENT
(2019)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Harvey B. Lillywhite, Coleman M. Sheehy, Mark R. Sandfoss, Jenna Crowe-Riddell, Alana Grech
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Vivitskaia Tulloch, Alana Grech, Ian Jonsen, Vanessa Pirotta, Rob Harcourt
CONSERVATION BIOLOGY
(2020)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Vivitskaia Tulloch, Vanessa Pirotta, Alana Grech, Susan Crocetti, Michael Double, Jason How, Catherine Kemper, Justin Meager, Victor Peddemors, Kelly Waples, Mandy Watson, Robert Harcourt
BIODIVERSITY AND CONSERVATION
(2020)
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
Vanessa Pirotta, Wayne Reynolds, Geoffrey Ross, Ian Jonsen, Alana Grech, David Slip, Robert Harcourt
MARINE MAMMAL SCIENCE
(2020)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Rodolphe Devillers, Robert L. Pressey, Trevor J. Ward, Alana Grech, John N. Kittinger, Graham J. Edgar, Reg A. Watson
AQUATIC CONSERVATION-MARINE AND FRESHWATER ECOSYSTEMS
(2020)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Victoria Graham, Jonas Geldmann, Vanessa M. Adams, Alana Grech, Stefanie Deinet, Hsing-Chung Chang
Summary: Protected areas aim to conserve nature by providing safe havens for biodiversity, and our study found that adequate financial and human resourcing are important determinants in achieving good biodiversity outcomes. Management resourcing, national government transparency, and body size collectively explain 29% of the variation in animal population trends.
BIOLOGICAL CONSERVATION
(2021)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Brayden Cockerell, Robert L. Pressey, Alana Grech, Jorge G. Alvarez-Romero, Trevor Ward, Rodolphe Devillers
BIOLOGICAL CONSERVATION
(2020)
Article
Limnology
Alex B. Carter, Skye A. McKenna, Michael A. Rasheed, Catherine Collier, Len McKenzie, Roland Pitcher, Rob Coles
Summary: The text discusses the significant seagrass resources in the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area in Queensland, Australia, and mentions a spatial database with 35 years of data and its applications. It also emphasizes the risks facing seagrass meadows and mentions the reliability and accuracy assurance of the database.
LIMNOLOGY AND OCEANOGRAPHY LETTERS
(2021)
Article
Ecology
Samantha J. Tol, Jessie C. Jarvis, Paul H. York, Bradley C. Congdon, Robert G. Coles
Summary: The study investigated the impact of marine mega-herbivores on seed germination of Zostera muelleri in the Great Barrier Reef. Excreted seeds showed higher germination probability and faster germination compared to seeds from the plant. Marine mega-herbivores play a vital role in seagrass resilience and metapopulation connectivity by dispersing seeds and enhancing germination.
Article
Computer Science, Interdisciplinary Applications
Jodie Schlaefer, Alexandra Carter, Severine Choukroun, Robert Coles, Kay Critchell, Jonathan Lambrechts, Michael Rasheed, Samantha Tol, Alana Grech
Summary: This study presents a framework to measure the optimal number of particles required to capture variability in dispersal and connectivity of marine plants (seagrasses). It found that the optimal release particle numbers varied with seagrass habitat type, season, and physical parameters. The study also provides guidance on important factors to consider when determining the optimal number of particles required to predict dispersal and connectivity in biophysical models of marine plants.
ENVIRONMENTAL MODELLING & SOFTWARE
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
A. Saint-Amand, A. Grech, S. Choukroun, E. Hanert
Summary: This article examines the environmental impact of a major coal mine project near the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area in Queensland, Australia. The results show that the sediments released by this project could have a detrimental effect on important marine ecosystems.
MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN
(2022)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Ketki Jog, Dipani Sutaria, Amy Diedrich, Alana Grech, Helene Marsh
Summary: Interactions between marine mammals and fisheries, such as bycatch and depredation, are common in commercial and small-scale fisheries. This systematic review examines the management responses to these interactions. The study finds that bycatch of marine mammals is a major conservation concern, followed by depredation of fishing gear. The research also observes a concentration of studies on commercial fisheries in high-income countries, with an increase in studies on small-scale fisheries in low to middle-income countries. Social dimensions and uncertainties in animal and human behaviors pose challenges to effective management. The study suggests integrating social dimensions into fisheries to prioritize conservation efforts based on critical knowledge gaps, and using area-specific adaptive management frameworks to reduce risks to marine mammals.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Alex B. Carter, Rob Coles, Jessie C. Jarvis, Catherine V. Bryant, Timothy M. Smith, Michael A. Rasheed
Summary: Report cards that monitor environmental trends are effective communication tools, as they are easily understood and accessible to the general public, scientists, managers, and policy makers. In this study, a report card method for seagrass was developed using long-term monitoring data, incorporating spatial and temporal variability in three metrics. This framework provides reliable comparisons of seagrass condition and was applied to an industrial port in the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area in northeastern Australia.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Meeting Abstract
Regional & Urban Planning
Victoria Graham, John B. Baumgartner, Linda J. Beaumont, Manuel Esperon-Rodriguez, Alana Grech
JOURNAL OF PLANNING LITERATURE
(2022)