SeaRead 20 Final QXP - GBRMPA ELibrary

Woppaburra Traditional Owners came together recently to celebrate the first accredited TraditionalUse of Marine Resources Agreement (TUMRA) in the southern Great Barrier Reef.

The agreement, which applies to Dharumbal sea country around the Keppel Group of islandsnear Yeppoon, is specifically designed to ensure traditional use is ecologically-sustainable while stillmeeting Indigenous aspirations.

The Woppaburra, which in traditional language means ‘island people’, worked to develop theagreement over the past year.

Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority Executive Director John Tanzer said the agreementswere a great example of how Traditional Owner groups and government agencies can work togetherin the use, conservation and management of marine resources.

"Today is a celebration of the achievements and commitment made by the Woppaburra in developing their very own Traditional Use of Marine Resources Agreement following its accreditation by the Authority Board and the Queensland Environmental Protection Agency," hesaid.

"The fact it was simultaneously accredited by both agencies is in itself important."

Bob Muir, representing the Woppaburra Traditional Owners, said it was great to have this occasion to celebrate this historic event.

"Having the agreement accredited by government acknowledges Traditional Owners and theiraspirations to be involved in sea country management," he said.

The Woppaburra worked to develop the agreement over the past year and is accredited until 21 June 2010. It will ensure cultural practices continue to co-exist with the conservation and management of the Great Barrier Reef.

Issue 20 • January/February 2008

DISCLAIMERWhile all efforts have been made to verify facts, the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority takes no responsibility for the accuracy of information supplied in SeaRead.

ISSN 1834-6774

Copyright Commonwealthof Australia

Please note that you are welcome to photocopy SeaRead. However, if the text is reproduced separately, it must not be altered and must acknowledge the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority as the source. Illustrations must not be reused separately without permission. Please contact the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority if in doubt.

www.gbrmpa.gov.au

What’sinsideMeet the Authority’s new Chairman

Reefs named after marine park pioneers

Local hero awarded for Coastcare

Aquarium collectors’ world first climate change initiative

Eyes wide open for the odd and unusual

Predicted cooler sea temperatures good news for corals

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State Member for Keppel Paul Hoolihan, GBRMPA's John Tanzer and Woppaburra Traditional Owner Bob Muir

Traditional Owners celebrate culture andconservation

SeaRead 20 Final QXP 11/2/08 11:02 AM

2The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority email: [email protected]

The Great Barrier Reef Marine ParkAuthority is looking forward to working closely with the communityin coming months as we undertake anumber of projects aimed at understanding the past, present andfuture of the Great Barrier Reef.

There is no doubt that to protectand manage the Reef for the futurewe need to work cooperatively and inpartnership with all levels of government, industry and mostimportantly the community - fromthe Prime Minister of Australia to theoccasional recreational snorkeller orfisherman.

Our team will be working with allsectors of the community during theyear to collect information as part ofour oral history project entitled "ReefRecollections". This is the first timeGBRMPA has undertaken a project ofthis kind and we hope it will help usto create a picture of how you see theReef. This project will also feed in tothe preparation of the first OutlookReport for the Great Barrier Reef.

The Outlook Report is a significantundertaking and will be a majorfocus for us over the next two years.Workshops will be held in comingmonths where you will have anopportunity to share your views ofhow the Reef used to be, how you seeit today and what you think it mightlook like in the future. I encourageanyone with an interest in the Reefto become involved and attend theregional workshops.

2008 is the International Year ofthe Reef, an initiative to continue theglobal focus of the importance ofcoral reefs and related ecosystems tothe well-being of the planet. Ourmajor focus for 2008 continues to bebuilding the Reef’s resilience in theface of climate change. July 2008 willsee the implementation of theFederal Government’s Reef RescuePackage and the GBRMPA will continue our work with governments, stakeholders, community groups and in particularNatural Resource Management bodies

to improve the quality of water entering the Great Barrier Reeflagoon.

With just a quick look back at2007, I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the 30Reef Guardian Schools who shared in$20 000 of prize money for theirenvironmental efforts and initiativesthroughout last year.

I look forward to an exciting yearahead and to working with you all toprotect and enjoy our Reef for manyyears to come.

Regards

Russell ReicheltGreat Barrier Reef Marine ParkAuthority

Russell Reichelt has joined theGreat Barrier Reef Marine ParkAuthority after a 30-year careerspanning roles in scientificresearch and management, industry and policy developmentand lead roles in two nationalstatutory authorities.

He has spent the last 10 of thoseyears contributing at national andinternational levels to AustralianGovernment initiatives in ocean governance, fisheries policy and management, state of the environment reporting, science policy and management.

Russell is currently a board member of the Australian MaritimeSafety Authority and has chairedthe National Oceans AdvisoryGroup since 1999. He is also aboard member of the Great BarrierReef Foundation and the Reef andRainforest Research Centre.

He has held varied private sectorroles including Director andChairman of a seafood exporting

company and Director of a biosensortechnology company.

Awarded the Australian CentenaryMedal in 2004 and the NorthQueenslander of the Year 2004,Russell has been recognised for hisrole in forging strong links betweenbusiness, community, Indigenousgroups and research institutions.

Russell served as the Chairman ofAustralia’s Fisheries Research andDevelopment Corporation from1995–2001 as well as CEO at theAustralian Institute of Marine Scienceand Chief Fisheries Research Scientistfor the Bureau of Resource Sciences.

His work as CEO of the CRC ReefResearch Centre and the Reef andRainforest Research Centre, as well asthe past five years serving asChairman on the Great Barrier ReefConsultative Committee means he isideally placed to bring contemporaryunderstanding and leadership to theAuthority. Russell Reichelt

Meet the Authority’s new Chairman



Commercial fishercaught repeatedlytrawling in Green ZoneIn the Cairns Magistrates Court latelast year, a skipper from a commercial trawling vessel underwent sentencing for illegallytrawling in protected areas of theGreat Barrier Reef Marine Park.

The Skipper pleaded guilty totrawling in a Marine National Park(Green) Zone and Habitat ProtectionZone (Dark Blue) in October 2006.

In sentencing the Skipper theCairns Magistrates Court ordered theoffender to pay a fine of $40,000 forfishing contrary to the Marine ParkZoning Plan.

Chairman of the Great Barrier ReefMarine Park Authority RussellReichelt said that breaching zoningregulations is a serious matter.

"Illegal bottom trawling in protected areas undermines the ecologically sustainable status of theGreat Barrier Reef Marine Park," saidRussell.

"It reduces the resilience of theGreat Barrier Reef’s natural systemsand has major impacts on the seabed,the communities of plants and animals that live there and the fishstocks that depend on them.

"Such illegal activity cheats thosepeople who conduct commercial orrecreational fishing in an honestmanner.

"Zoning is helping to protect plantsand animals and build the resilienceof the Great Barrier Reef, which isimportant in the face of threats likeclimate change and declining waterquality," he said.

The Great Barrier Reef Marine ParkAuthority is involved in regular vesseland aircraft patrols to detect illegalactivities including fishing in no-takezones, pollution and shippingoffences.

"Commercial trawl fishing is monitored very closely by theAuthority’s Compliance Unit. Whentrawling in closed areas is suspected,significant resources are allocated togather any evidence of illegal trawl,"said Russell.

Wally Muller - Image courtesy of John Harding David Perkins

A reef in the Great Barrier ReefMarine Park has been named inhonour of marine park pioneer David Perkins in recognition of hiscommitment and dedication to theconservation of marine species andecosystems.

David spent thirty-five years working in marine park management with QueenslandParks and Wildlife Service beforepassing away unexpectedly lastyear.

A key figure during the early daysof the Great Barrier Reef MarinePark, Mr Perkins was instrumentalin laying the foundations for theday-to-day management arrange-ments for the Great Barrier Reef.

Great Barrier Reef Marine ParkAuthority Chairman RussellReichelt said David was a highlyrespected expert in marine parksmanagement and naming a reef inhis honour was a fitting gesture.

"David was a driving forcebehind the protection of the GreatBarrier Reef and worked tirelessly inthe arena for thirty-five years,"Russell said.

Another Reef has been namedafter iconic Capricornia fishermanand surveyor Wally Muller in

Reefs named in honour of marinepark pioneers

recognition of his passion forexploring the Great Barrier Reef.

Russell said Wally was a real localpersonality with a passion for thelocal Capricorn Coast waters.

"Throughout his life Wally was akeen recreational fisherman andwas, in fact, the first person to commercially fish on the SwainsReef.

"He also spent years surveyingreefs off the Capricorn Coastincluding navigating the SurveyorGeneral’s ship to map all of theSwains Reef.

"Wally was known for namingmany of the local reefs so it is onlyfitting that there is now a MullersReef named after Wally himself."

Both reefs are in the Swains section of the Great Barrier ReefMarine Park.

Two other reefs have also beennamed in honour of people whohave contributed to the knowledgeof the Great Barrier Reef:Callum Shoal – In honour of cartographer Callum Brown andPeter Reef – In honour ofLieutenant Commander PeterRobert Jackson, Royal AustralianNavy.



The Wet Tropics ManagementAuthority (WTMA) recentlyannounced the 2007 CassowaryAward winners for those community members dedicated toconserving the Wet Tropics WorldHeritage Area.

WTMA board director TomGilmore said the Cassowary Awardsare our chance to give a pat on theback and heartfelt thanks to the WetTropics Community.

"Their passion, knowledge andhard work are the backbone ofWorld Heritage conservation and wecouldn’t do it without them," Tomsaid.

Two of the winners, Tim Andersonand Bruce Corcoran, are members ofthe Great Barrier Reef Marine ParkAuthority’s (GBRMPA) Cairns LocalMarine Advisory Committee andreceived awards for their outstanding contribution to conserving the local World HeritageArea.

Tim won the Unsung Hero awardfor being the visionary behind theBarron Green Corridor Project to

Reef GuardianCouncil newsCongratulations to Townsville CityCouncil, for winning NorthQueensland’s Cleanest Beach 2007Award. The Strand recently won thetitle of Cleanest North QueenslandBeach at the regional awards forKeep Australia BeautifulQueensland’s Clean Beach Challenge2007.

The Clean Beach Challenge is afun, competitive programme to helpkeep Queensland's beaches litter free,

rejuvenate the banks of the mightyBarron River while Bruce won theCommunity Conservation awardfor his work in sustainable farming practices and rehabilitating theMulgrave River catchment.

Bruce Corcoran with Tom Gilmore

Local heroawarded forCoastcareWhitsunday Local MarineAdvisory Committee ChairmanTony Fontes and his wife Beverlyhave been awarded a CoastcareLocal Hero medal for their workwith the Order of UnderwaterCoral Heroes (OUCH).

Tony said it was fantastic toreceive the award.

"It is a privilege and honour toreceive it and we really appreciate it," he said.

"We have been working veryhard and this award is for all ofthe OUCH volunteers, not justmyself and Beverley."

OUCH is a group of volunteersdedicated to the protection ofcoral reefs in the Whitsundays.

They are currently involved infour major projects including theReef Protection Program, seagrasssurveys, mangrove monitoringand community education.

"This award will raise awareness of our group, our projects and the need to betterprotect our natural resources,"Tony said.

The awards were handed outas part of Coastcare Week toexceptional local heroes for theirtireless work in protecting localcoastal environments.

Dedicated conservationists winCassowary Awards

Tim Anderson with Tom Gilmore

and to encourage local governmentsand their communities to worktogether.

Run by Keep Australia BeautifulQueensland the competition challenges Queensland's coastal communities to prove they have theState's cleanest beach. For more information see: www.keepaustraliabeautiful.org.au

The judge’s noted that the Strand isin every way impressive, clean andwelcoming and its many thousands oflocal and visiting users pay daily testimony to its success and popularity.

Beverly and Tony Fontes with their LocalHero medal

The award winning Strand



Licensed Queensland aquarium fishcollectors have moved to save ‘Nemo’from the ravages of climate changeby calling a moratorium on collection of the tomato clownfish inthe Keppel region, which has sufferedcoral bleaching events in recentyears.

"The moratorium is a precautionarymeasure by industry to allow habitats, affected by bleaching, thebest chance to recover," says LyleSquire, president of Pro-vision Reef,adding "the measure compliments ourindustry Code of Conduct whichdetails strategies to meet the challenges of global climate changeacross our entire fishery."

Pro-vision Reef is an association oflicensed aquarium fish and coral collectors whose mission is to engender community and marketconfidence in the industry throughdemonstration of the highest standards of operational efficiencyand environmental performance.Membership accounts for more than80 per cent of landed product in the aquarium fisheries on the GreatBarrier Reef.

The Keppel region has experiencedseveral coral bleaching events affecting some shallow reef areasincluding those that are frequentedby snorkel tours and some withinGreen Zones. Licensed aquarium fishcollectors have operated in the area

for more than 30 years and believethat all users of the marine environment have an obligation towork responsibly.

"Our environment is increasinglysusceptible to natural events linked toclimate change, including coralbleaching, cyclones and coastal flooding. Our Code of Conductdetails strategies to minimise stress onstressed environments," says Mr Squire.

An important feature of the moratorium is the intensive gatheringof population data, regarding allspecies of clownfish and anemone,which will be voluntarily undertakenby the licensed operators.

"Under the moratorium, collectorswill not collect shallow water clownfish or their anemone habitatand will not collect any clowns oranemones at three popular snorkelsites," added Mr Squire.

Department of Primary Industriesand Fisheries (DPI&F) Acting GeneralManager, Fisheries ResourceManagement Dr Brigid Kerriganapplauds the industry’s commitmentand co-operative approach to promoting ecological sustainability.

"This strategy is an important steptowards effective co-management ofthis small but economically valuablefishery. DPI&F will continue to work

Aquarium collectors’ world first climate change initiative

Top accolade forGreat BarrierReef tourismpartnershipAn innovative sustainable tourismpartnership helping protect theGreat Barrier Reef Marine Parkscooped another top accolade latelast year.

The Great Barrier Reef MarinePark Authority (GBRMPA) receivedthe Public Sector ManagementAward in the 2007 Tourism andTransport Forum (TTF) CorporateLeadership Awards.

The peak body for the tourism,transport and infrastructure sectorsrecognised GBRMPA for its robustsustainable partnership with thetourism industry and Queenslandcoastal communities.

with the industry to achieve the bestoutcomes for sustainability and economic productivity."

Bruce Wallner, Director of theFisheries Issues Group at the GreatBarrier Reef Marine Park Authoritycommended the initiative.

"The moratorium is a proactivestep by industry and forms part of awider industry strategy to adapt tothe effects of climate change. Suchan initiative is probably a world firstin addressing this growing problem.Importantly, data gathered under theinitiative will be independently validated and will underpin futuremanagement decisions," he explains.

David Windsor, Executive Directorof the Association of Marine ParkTourism Operators says his organisation supports any measurethat protects the Great Barrier Reefand congratulates aquarium collectors on this important initiative.

GBRMPA Tourism and RecreationDirector Lisha Mulqueeny said theaward was recognition of the outstanding commitment of the partners in achieving environmentalsustainability on the Great BarrierReef.

"We’re proud of our close partnership with the tourism industry and community and thatthis partnership has been recognisedfor its role in fostering sustainabletourism in the World Heritage listedGreat Barrier Reef," she said.

"This natural treasure belongs toall of us and we all have a role toplay in protecting it for the future.

"The effectiveness of management arrangements is closely linked to the effectiveness ofthe partnership with the tourismindustry and the community."

The award recognises theAuthority’s work involving industryand the community in policy development, rewarding high standard tourism operations andinvolving industry in monitoringreef health.



Eyes wide openfor the odd andunusualGreat Barrier Reef Marine Parktourism operators and crew, out onthe reef every day, are in an excellentposition to observe and record inter-esting and unusual wildlife sightingsand natural phenomenon in theMarine Park.

Great Barrier Reef Marine ParkAuthority (GBRMPA) Director ofTourism and Recreation, LishaMulqueeny, said this is valuable information and can help managersand researchers better understand theWorld Heritage listed Great BarrierReef.

"The Sightings Network is an innovative tool that allows tourismoperators, researchers and managersto work in partnership to increaseunderstanding of the Marine Parkand its values," Lisha said. One of the many unusual sightings - an olive sea snake

Dominique Casley and Jane McAuliffe enjoy themorning tea

Part of the Pink Morning Tea organising committee

Staff create asea of pink toraise awarenessof breast cancerGreat Barrier Reef Marine ParkAuthority (GBRMPA) staff recently turned the TownsvilleCultural Centre pink in a bid toraise money and awareness ofbreast cancer.

Coinciding with Breast CancerWeek at the end of October, GBRMPA staff raised a total of$4600 with proceeds going to theNational Breast Cancer Foundationand the Queensland CancerCouncil.

The Sightings Network, developedby the GBRMPA and trialled withtourism operators and crew in June2007, has resulted in hundreds ofsightings sheets being returned. Thesehave included sightings of pilotwhales, hammerhead sharks, olive seasnakes and spinner dolphins, naturalevents such as coral spawning, andunusual inter-species interactions,such as a sailfish being chased by greyreef whaler sharks!

This information is being incorporated into research,

management and education programmes.

"We would like to take this opportunity to thank all the dedicated crew members who havealready provided us with sightingsheets – and we encourage everyoneout on the Reef to get involved,"Lisha said.

For more information on theSightings Network, contact FionaMerida in the Tourism and RecreationGroup on (07) 4750 0788.

The money was raised through staffselling raffle tickets and holding aPINK morning tea, as well as BHPBilliton donating $1000.

GBRMPA staff member and eventorganiser Jane McAuliffe said mostpeople know someone that is or hasbeen affected by breast cancer.

"This is a fantastic opportunity tohelp raise awareness of and help finda cure for breast cancer, which affects13 000 Australian women each year,"she said.

"Organisations such as the NationalBreast Cancer Foundation have donea great job in raising awareness aboutolder women developing breast cancer.

"But it’s now time to get the wordout there that young women also get

breast cancer and men, althoughnot as common, can also developthe disease.

"It is quite often the case that if ayoung women is diagnosed withbreast cancer it is an aggressive formof the disease and therefore earlydetection is key to survival. Womenof all ages (and men) should bedoing self-examinations once amonth.

"We’ve had wonderful supportfrom staff at the GBRMPA, CulturalCentre and Museum of TropicalQueensland.

"The community and local business have been incredibly generous in getting onboard withthe event and assisting us throughdonations."


Reef protectionagainst climatechange receivesa boostThe future of the Great BarrierReef has received a boost with thedevelopment of a new climatechange certification module fortourism operators.

The Great Barrier Reef MarinePark Authority (GBRMPA) is one oftwo major partners, along with theSouth Australian TourismCommission, supporting the development of a Climate ChangeCertification Module, which willensure operators take actions toreduce their climate change footprint.

GBRMPA Tourism and RecreationDirector Lisha Mulqueeny said thatthe certification module for tourismoperators will be a great way to

Lower than average sea temperatures projected for the summer could provide a reprieve forcorals on the Great Barrier Reef.

Great Barrier Reef Marine ParkAuthority (GBRMPA) Climate ChangeGroup Director Dr Paul Marshall saidthe best weather and climate information currently available indicated that it was unlikely theGreat Barrier Reef would suffer thisyear from the type of widespread bleaching experienced in 1998 and2002, the two hottest summers onrecord.

"Australia is now in a La-Niña cycleso we are currently experiencinglower than average ocean temperatures which are a welcomerelief.

"There are a few localised warmpatches in northern areas which havelead to some minor bleaching, butnothing too worrying. We will bekeeping a close eye on conditions upnorth over the coming weeks," Paulsaid.

The risk of sea temperaturesincreasing to levels which are stressfulfor corals depends on a complexinteraction of regional water temperatures, local air temperatures,cloud cover, winds and rainfall.

Increasing summer temperaturesassociated with climate change

remain a concern for corals in thefuture.

While the threat of mass bleachingthis year is low, the GBRMPA willcontinue to closely monitor sea surface temperatures and weatherconditions using state-of-the art technology including climate models,reef-based weather stations, and asatellite-based monitoring tool calledReefTemp designed to assess the riskof bleaching on a daily basis.

Coral bleaching is also monitoredthroughout the summer by a networkof observers participating inGBRMPA’s community-based‘BleachWatch’ programme where volunteer observers report signs ofcoral bleaching.

"This wide network of observersprovides information on coral conditions throughout the GreatBarrier Reef and works to alert us ofany signs of coral bleaching," he said.

"So far this summer, BleachWatchobservers have reported some slightpaling of corals."

If you have seen bleaching on thereef you can download and submitBleachWatch monitoring forms fromthe GBRMPA websitewww.gbrmpa.gov.au

Predicted cooler sea temperaturesgood news for corals

provide operators with practicalknowledge on how to assist in building the Reef’s resilience againstclimate change.

"This is an innovative opportunity to provide tourism operators with practical approachesthey can take to reduce their effecton the Great Barrier Reef," she said.

"The Climate Change CertificationModule will be targeted at all operators in the marine tourismindustry including accommodation,tours, attractions, transport and otherservices and will guide operators onhow to reduce their ecological footprint within their operations.

"Through this module tourismoperators will learn how they can offset and minimise the effects theiractivities have on the Great BarrierReef. For example they will learnhow to reduce their carbon emissions through design, equipmentand changes in their operationalpractices," Lisha said.

The new climate change certification module will enhancethe GBRMPA’s existing HighStandard Tourism Programme,which ensures best practice inimproving both tourism standardsand protected area conservation.

A healthy and vibrant reef



Winning schoolsReef Guardian Champions Awardfor mentoring or facilitating higher learningHambledon State School

Hambledon State School were recognised for their work in mentoring other schools. Two Cairnsprimary schools were invited toHambledon to learn about alternativeenergy from the school’s ‘EnergyTrailer’ – a travelling display used topromote awareness of energy conservation. In addition, they painted another mural in their community promoting the importance of the Reef.

Sea 'Stars' Awardfor youth directed and owned activitiesWondai State School

Wondai students have taken environmental initiatives into theirown hands with the ‘Rocking Frogs’,‘Rocking Tadpoles’ and ‘Best inBusiness’ environmental groups. Thelatest is ‘Boss Gardeners’, a group thatplants and cares for the school’s vegetable garden. The students wererecognised with the Sea ‘Star’ Awardfor their initiative, dedication andcommitment to protecting the Reef.

Schools rewardedfor protecting theGreat Barrier ReefThirty schools from acrossQueensland have been recognised for their environmental efforts to protectthe Great Barrier Reef.

Great Barrier Reef Marine ParkAuthority Reef Guardian SchoolsProgramme Manager, MeganSperring, said the schools werechosen from more than 130 ReefGuardian Schools and were beingrecognised for creativity and fordemonstrating a strong commitment to safeguarding theReef.

"All Reef Guardian Schoolsmake an outstanding contributiontowards protecting, preservingand understanding the GreatBarrier Reef and are helping ourorganisation to achieve theseimportant environmental goals.

"We are very pleased to recognise the many teachers, students, schools and communities who have made thisprogramme so successful," shesaid.

Megan said the winning schoolsshowed outstanding commitmentto Reef Guardianship.

"It is amazing to see the sheervolume of great, innovative workschools are doing to help protectthe Reef."

The winners each received$1000 to go towards ReefGuardian activities in 2008. A further 20 schools received‘Ripples of Change’ support funding of $500 each.

Hambledon State School students have some fun while working

Waste Watchers Awardfor reducing, reusing and recyclingTaranganba State School

Taranganba State School’s recyclingprogramme saw them take out theWaste Watchers Award for initiativesincluding aluminium can recycling,recycling ink cartridges, worm farms,chooks and ducks that eat foodscraps, wetlands week, permaculturegarden, clean up days, litter excursions to clean up local beachesand a water wise programme withLivingstone Shire Council.

Water Warriors Awardfor water conservation or water quality improvementWoree State School

The ‘Woree Sustainability Warriors’are keeping staff and students atWoree State School on the ball whenit comes to their water conservationinitiatives. They have installed watersaving devices on water taps, set uprainwater tanks, developed stormwater management systems,built waterless urinals and installedrubbish traps on their stormwaterdrains to prevent litter from makingits way into the local creek and GreatBarrier Reef.

Cannonvale State School students haveadopted their local beach area



Learning Legends Awardfor outstanding education in the classroom arenaCannonvale State School

Cannonvale State School receivedtheir award for greening up their curriculum. They have integrated theReef Guardian programme into allyear levels and incorporated environmental education into everyclass.

Action and Adventures Awardfor action in the fieldTownsville Central State School

Townsville Central State School students’ action in the field saw themundertake a wetlands catchmentadventure to learn first hand aboutthe connectedness of local waterwaysand the impact of land-based practices on the Reef. The project culminated in canoe trips down Rossand Stuart Creeks where students collected water samples.

Community Connection Awardfor reaching out to your local communitySt Patrick’s College

The students from St Patrick’s Collegeused the media to educate the community on best environmentalpractices. They produced a series ofcommunity announcements on ABCradio where they performed songs toencourage water conservation and litter prevention. The students alsoshared their messages through anappearance on a Nickelodeon specialon climate change.

Habitat Heroes Awardfor outstanding improvement in yourlocal environmentAloomba State School

Aloomba State School have dramatically improved their surrounding environment by eradicating more than 2549 invasivefish as part of the school’s TilapiaTerminators Fishing Challenge. Theyalso designed t-shirts and hats withconservation messages about invasivespecies.

'r-Amp It Down' Awardfor reducing your ecological footprintthrough energy conservationKalkie State School

Kalkie State School were recognisedfor their ‘Go Green, Flick the switch’campaign. The students participatedin initiatives such as the use of energy monitors, a buddy-pair of ayear seven and year two student whoconduct daily surveys and leave calling cards to remind others to‘flick the switch’.

Bright Sparks Awardfor creativeness, inventiveness and innovationsSt Francis Catholic Primary SchoolTannum Sands

The ‘Bright Sparks’ at St FrancisCatholic Primary School have workedclosely with their community and inparticular the local Indigenous group,the Gooreng Gooreng. Together theyhave developed an environmentalwalk and incorporated localIndigenous knowledge about theenvironment into their education.The students have also implementeda stormwater recovery and reuse strategy.

St Patricks College students and teachers accept their cheque from GBRMPA's David Osborn and MeganSperring

Winners of the"Ripples of Change"support fundingInnisfail State High Schoolfor energy conservation buddy-programmeCairns State High Schoolfor environmentally friendly litterbinsEmerald State High School forwater and energy conservationcommunity education programmesHeatley Secondary Collegefor monitoring local creeksWonga Beach State Schoolfor a fishing campWartburg State Schoolfor community educationKelso State Schoolfor environmental monitoring andcommunity engagementClare State Schoolfor nets and water testing kits toestablish a barramundi aquaculture facilitySeaforth State Schoolfor a worm farm and compostingareaEdge Hill State Schoolfor an environmental interpretivecentreEast Palmerston State Schoolfor community education and interpretive signageTin Can Bay State Schoolfor community education and interpretive signageSt Colman’s Schoolfor expansion of the gardeningclub, composting and worm farmsBeaconsfield State Schoolfor Bedford Road paddock, SandflyCreek and Turtlewatch projectsGympie State High Schoolfor Tozer Oval – stage 2 – fencing,mulching and mappingWhitsundays PCYCfor community environmental awareness campaignThe Hall State Schoolfor an improved recycling area, chicken pen and mosaic made ofnon-recyclable materialsWillows State Schoolfor a Global Warming Warriors projectBurdekin Christian Collegefor a water testing kitSt Francis Xavier’s Schoolfor a sustainable garden and promotion


Minty still makinga differenceMinty will still contribute to theplight of turtles, despite his deathlast September, through the sale oflimited edition Minty turtle toys.

From the sale of each of the fluffywhite toy turtles five per cent of thepurchase price will go towards ReefHQ Aquarium’s Turtle RehabilitationCentre.

Great Barrier Reef Marine ParkAuthority Acting DirectorCommunication and Education FredNucifora said the production of thecommemorative toys was a fantastic way to honour the much-loved turtle.

"Minty touched the hearts andminds of not only our staff but thepeople of the Thuringowa andTownsville community so it onlymakes sense that we would honourhim in this way," he said.

"While only with the aquarium for18 months Minty provided an outstanding opportunity to raise theplight of the green sea turtle.

"Local, national and internationalvisitors were attracted to the aquarium because of Minty’s uniqueness, which contributed toincreased awareness and educationabout the vulnerability of the greensea turtle species and the need fortheir protection," said Fred.

Minty, the white turtle was foundas a hatchling by Turtle WatchVolunteers at Black’s Beach inMackay.

The turtle arrived at Reef HQAquarium at just one day old andlived in the aquarium for 18 months.

Minty was a green sea turtle with arare genetic condition called leucism,which made it appear white.

Science Snippet

Arty party in Port

Port Douglas’ historic old sugarwharf came alive again recently foran art exhibition to celebrate andraise money for the beautiful LowIsles.

The gala opening night was a sell-out, attended by over 300 peoplewho enjoyed a blessing by an elder ofthe Kuku Yalanji Tribe, presentationby ABC’s Pat Morrish, followed by anauction, sumptuous food and greatlocal music.

Twelve artists, including leadingpainters, sculptors, environmental,glass and fashion artists displayedtheir work that was inspired by manythings including the historiclighthouse, the plants and animals ofthe region and the people who havevisited and lived at Low Isles.

All artwork was for sale and a percentage of the proceeds wasshared by Arthouse Port Douglas andthe Low Isles Preservation Society.

Turtle mania inReef HQA new freshwater turtle exhibit hasbeen unveiled at Reef HQ Aquarium.Come and meet our 3 Krefft’s riverturtles in their new exhibit by theWaterside Café and wetlands exhibit.Learn about the important connection between our freshwaterenvironments and the Marine Parkand how you can help protect thesemarvellous critters. The exhibition isfor a limited time only.

A Krefft's river turtle

Tania Heben painting Low Isles' historic lighthouse

Tegan Merry with the new Minty turtle toys

New research suggests that coralsmay be able to ‘see’ moonlight,and that moonlight triggers themass coral spawning seen on theGreat Barrier Reef. They have anancient light sensitive gene calleda "cryptochrome" that functionslike a primitive eye.

Corals in the Great Barrier Reefspawn in a synchronised massspawning event each year. Whilescientists know that temperatureand tide provide cues for corals tospawn, the fact that corals spawnedat the same time on the same nightwas difficult to explain.

The discovery of cryptochromesin corals and the fact that they aremost active under blue moonlightsuggests that corals may use thesegenes to trigger coral spawning atthe same time on the same night.

Research carried out by theUniversity of Queensland in collaboration with the ARC Centreof Excellence at James CookUniversity.

Abstract of Science paperhttp://www.sciencemag.org/cgi/content/abstract/sci;318/5849/467

Coral spawning


Doing your bit to look after it!

Some facts you might not know about the computers in your office…

• Simply leaving a computer running consumes electricity and adds to computing costs.

• The use of screen savers does not save energy and therefore costs.• It is estimated that a typical desktop PC with a 17-inch flat panel LCD

monitor requires about 100 watts – 65 watts for the computer and 35 watts for the monitor.

• If left on 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for one year, this same system will consume 874 kilowatt hours of electricity – enough to release 340 kilogramsof carbon dioxide in to the atmosphere and the equivalent of driving 1320 kilometres in an average car.

• According to the Columbia University Guide to Green Computing, if the paper used each year for personal computing were laid end to end, it would circle the Earth more than 800 times.

How can you help…

• Turn your computer and monitor off at the end of every day.• Use the monitor off power saving function instead of a screen saver.• If you have a laptop turn off the power adapter at the wall outlet at the end

of the day.• Conserve paper: only print what is necessary and double side whenever

possible. • Recycle your printer cartridges.

Mates are greatwhen matesdonateGreat Barrier Reef Marine ParkAuthority (GBRMPA) staff encouraged city workers and visitorsto follow their lead and roll up theirsleeves to help the Australian RedCross Blood Service (ARCBS).

The ARCBS Donor Mobile made aspecial stop outside the Reef HQAquarium complex in Flinders Streetas part of their Mates Donate cam-paign.

Among those people who joinedthe GBRMPA staff was Vice Captainof the Toyota North QueenslandCowboys Aaron Payne, a keen recreational fisherman and regularblood donor.

GBRMPA staff member and eventorganiser Sally Harman said this wasa great opportunity for people to helpboost much-needed blood stocks.

"Staff at the GBRMPA really supported this idea and we hoped toinspire others to follow our lead andhelp," she said.

"We contacted our friends at ReefHQ Aquarium, the Museum ofTropical Queensland, Cultural Centre,Sunferries, Townsville Enterprise andFlinders Mall supporters to get themonboard."

ARCBS Liaison Officer Bruce Mullersaid the Mates Donate campaign wasproving successful in boosting bloodstocks and raising awareness.

"We’re delighted the GBRMPA gotonboard with the Mates Donate campaign and encouraged organisa-tions near them to be involved aswell," he said.

"It is a fantastic example of thepower of this campaign – great thingscan happen when people get togetherand inspire others to give blood.

Creature Feature

Blacktip reef shark• This is one of the most common sharks found in the Great Barrier Reef.• These sharks are easily recognisable by their rounded snout, lemon-brown to

grey back and very distinctive black fin tips.• It is sometimes seen swimming slowly around the reef flats and shallow

lagoon with its dorsal and tail fins sticking out of the water, and ventures into mangroves

• Blacktip reef sharks are generally a timid species and remain within a home range of just a few kilometres.

• Around the world, the blacktip reef shark is regularly caught in inshore fisheries and is utilised for its fins and meat, but has limited market value due to its small size. This species is important for dive tourism.

Bruce Muller, Aaron Payne and Sally Harman

Image courtesy of Triggerfish Images



Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority2-68 Flinders StreetPO Box 1379Townsville Qld 4810

Phone: (07) 4750 0700Fax: (07) 4772 6093Email: [email protected]

If you do not wish to receive this newsletter in thefuture or if you would like to receive this newsletter via email instead of as a hard copy, please [email protected], or phone the GBRMPA on(07) 4750 0700.

GBRMPA

Calendar of

Phil Laycock joined the Great Barrier Reef Marine ParkAuthority’s (GBRMPA) Cairns office in September 2007 in theposition of Regional Liaison Officer.

Before joining the GBRMPA, Phil spent most of his lifeinvolved in either studying the biology and ecology of theReef and its animals or applying this knowledge to ensureenvironmental sustainability within reef tourism operations.

A true local, Phil has lived in the region all his life and saidhe can’t imagine living anywhere else.

"It’s such a beautiful area and you never have to travel farto find your own bit of pristine paradise," he said.

Phil is passionate about fishing and snorkelling and as aresult has spent much of his life on the Reef.

"I love to fish, in fact I live to fish so I am out there asoften as I can wetting a line.

"One of my earliest childhood memories is snorkelling withmy Dad at Green Island. The wonder of that first experiencehas never dimmed and it is why I can never go too long without getting in the water and embracing the Reef."

Phil’s vision for his work is to bring the community andthe GBRMPA closer together.

"My role involves facilitating and fostering partnerships,and identifying community concerns and opinions to helpthe GBRMPA better manage and protect the Reef togetherwith the community.

"What I love about it is the diversity and there is plenty ofthat in what I do."

26 February 2008

02 March 2008

2008 – International Year of the Reef

Business Clean up Day

Clean up Australia Day

Seaweek

contacts

A profile of

Phil LaycockSenior Regional Liaison Officer – Community Partnerships Group

eventsevents

29 February 2008Schools’ Clean up Day

02 – 08 March 2008

Earth Hour - Make your 60minutes count for the Reef.

Join the globe in turning offyour lights for one hour at8pm on 29 March 2008 andshow your support for theneed to take global action on climate change. For more information watch out for theMarch/April edition ofSeaRead or visit www.earthhour.org

Coming in March ….

Reef Recollections Community Workshops

19 February 2008Gladstone

20 February 2008Yeppoon

28 February 2008Sarina

2 March 2008Bowen

6 March 2008Ayr

9 March 2008Cardwell

11 March 2008Innisfail

13 March 2008Port Douglas

16 March 2008Cairns

18 March 2008Cooktown

27 March 2008Bundaberg

SeaRead 20 Final QXP - GBRMPA ELibrary

Documents

Transcript of SeaRead 20 Final QXP - GBRMPA ELibrary