parks victoria technical series marine natural values study vol 2 ...

Parks Victoria Technical Series No. 79
Flinders and Twofold Shelf Bioregions Marine Natural Values Study
Shelf bioregion. Limitations to this work include the relatively short time since declaration
and the corresponding small data set (Keough and Carnell 2009). All algae analysed had
similar percentage cover between MPA and reference sites (Keough and Carnell 2009). The
purple sea urchin Heliocidaris erythrogramma and dogwelk Dicathais orbita showed a
greater abundance at reference sites compared to MPA sites (Keough and Carnell 2009).
The triton Cabestana spengleri, red bait crab Plagusia chabrus and H. erythrogramma had
significant differences in abundance between the various MPAs (Keough and Carnell 2009).
The abundance of dominant fish species varied, but were generally similar between MPA
and reference sites over time (Keough and Carnell 2009). Mado, purple wrasse and bluethroated
wrasse were particularly variable but differences were not related to MPAs (Keough
and Carnell 2009). A clear MPA effect is unlikely to be detected until sometime after
declaration. Nationally and internationally it has taken well over a decade since declaration
to detect changes in fauna size classes and abundance in MPAs (Edgar et al. 2009; Edgar
and Stuart-Smith 2009). A major benefit of MPA declaration, apart from recovery from fishing
pressure, is to ensure the protection of the MPA area against future threats to biodiversity
and natural processes.
A targeted analysis of monitoring data in relation to conservation outcomes for the park will
be done by 2013. The subtidal reef monitoring program will continue to be implemented
every two years in Beware Reef MS. The major directions for monitoring include
implementing an expanded and improved monitoring program following a review of the major
findings taking into account knowledge generated since park declaration and conservation
outcomes developed for the MNPs (Keough et al. 2007; Power and Boxshall 2007; Keough
and Carnell 2009).
Figure 55. Southern peacock weed Distromium flabellatum in Beware Reef Marine Sanctuary. Photo
taken by Friends of Beware Reef Marine Sanctuary.
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