From 1 - 6 / 6
  • This record provides an overview of the scope and research output of NESP Marine Biodiversity Hub Project A8 - "Exploring the status of Western Australia’s sea snakes". For specific data outputs from this project, please see child records associated with this metadata. -------------------- All sea snakes are listed marine species under the EPBC Act and three Australian endemic species are listed as Critically Endangered or Endangered, and as such are a national conservation priority. This project examines existing data from the northwest marine region to define sea snake relative abundance and distribution patterns, including within CMRs, to refine species status. Synthesis of existing data will be useful to DOE, DPaW, Parks Australia and others. This analysis will help establish baseline data, guide future research, define abundance in and use of CMRs and refine EPBC listings and recovery plans. Planned Outputs • A report outlining the presence and relative abundance of sea snakes in northwestern Australia with a focus on reef and shoal habitats including identification of BIAs or key habitats where possible. Research and management priorities will be highlighted. • Presentation of results to key stakeholders and end users • Presentation of recommendations at scientific conferences • Communication of findings to the broader community via social media

  • This record provides an overview of the scope and research output of NESP Marine Biodiversity Hub Project A11 - "Shark action plan". -------------------- Conservation of elasmobranch species (sharks and rays) is an increasing priority globally, including Australia, as evidence of overexploitation of some species becomes apparent. Common issues and threats among elasmobranch species may improve management if considered holistically. This project will produce a Shark Action Plan assessing requirements for improved management including a summary of current status across the taxa, guidelines for reducing impacts and improving management, and identification of key knowledge gaps impeding conservation and management. This Plan will help guide policy for Australian elasmobranchs developed by DoEE and fishery managers. On-ground conservation will be developed from recommendations in this plan. Planned Outputs • Shark Action Plan relevant to management of Australian elasmobranchs including an assessment of current threats, prioritised conservation and management actions for at-risk species and guidance on future management and data needs • Integrated Conservation Advices for multiple species with similar threats • Significant Impact Guidelines for Australian elasmobranchs • Discussion paper outlining a framework for how to apply conservation strategies for fished (Conservation Dependent) species • Presentation of results to key stakeholders and end users • Manuscripts for scientific journals outlining the results of project components (eg, Conservation Dependent species framework)

  • This record provides an overview of the NESP Marine and Coastal Hub small-scale study - "Microplastics in South Eastern Australian coastal waters: synthesising current data and identifying key knowledge gaps for the management of plastic pollution". For specific data outputs from this project, please see child records associated with this metadata. -------------------- Plastic pollution is pervasive in coastal environments globally and in Australia. Due to their small size, microplastics (pieces <5mm) are readily ingested by marine organisms and potentially accumulate across food webs, raising concerns for biota, ecosystem services and human health. Yet, to define guidelines and support policy actions that curb microplastic pollution, managers and decision-makers lack clear, synthesised information on this multifaceted issue, including on occurrence, sources, and pathways of microplastics in coastal and marine environments. This project produces a synthesis of current data on microplastics in South Eastern Australian coastal waters (i.e. South Australia, Victoria and New South Wales) and identify key knowledge gaps for the management of plastic pollution. Outputs • List of compiled datasets relating to microplastics in SE Aus waters [spatial dataset] • Scoping document synthesising the information available on the presence of microplastics in coastal marine environments in South Eastern Australia, its potential sources and pathways [written]

  • This record provides an overview of the scope and research output of NESP Marine Biodiversity Hub Project A5 - "Defining connectivity of Australia’s hammerhead sharks". For specific data outputs from this project, please see child records associated with this metadata. -------------------- Hammerhead sharks are the focus of conservation management through recent listing on Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) and Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species (CMS). The clear data gap for Department of the Environment and Energy (DoEE) and Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA) is connectivity of populations across national and international jurisdictions. This project applies genetic and satellite telemetry to examine the movement and connectivity of hammerhead sharks. This will help determine use of Australian Marine Parks (AMPs) and the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park (GBRMP), and define Biologically Important Areas (BIAs) where possible. These data will be assimilated with current research to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the status of hammerhead shark populations to inform species listing and assist management and conservation policies at national and international levels. Planned Outputs • A report outlining the results of genetic and movement analysis of hammerhead shark populations in northern Australia, Indonesia and Papua New Guinea including identification of BIAs (aggregation sites) and use of CMRs where possible; revised conceptual models of stock structure and species status assessments; and a summary of Indigenous knowledge and traditional use of hammerhead sharks. • Presentation of results to key stakeholders and end users • Policy Brief (Research Summary for Managers) that describes project outcomes • Manuscripts for scientific journals outlining the results of project components (eg, genetics, movement, Indigenous use and knowledge transfer) • Presentation of recommendations at scientific conferences • Communication of findings to the broader community via social media

  • This record provides an overview of the scope and research output of NESP Marine Biodiversity Hub Project A6 - "Prioritisation of research and management needs for Australian elasmobranch species". For specific data outputs from this project, please see child records associated with this metadata. -------------------- NERP successfully demonstrated new ways to get the raw ingredients for evidence-based management of previously intractable species: abundance, survival, connectivity. But there is still a need to explore/demonstrate how management can use these tools (e.g. adaptive control of bycatch, or deciding if more monitoring is needed), and which species are suitable. This project comprises (i) a workshop to re-assess Australian shark and ray species in terms of degree-of-concern, state-of-knowledge-for-management, and feasibility-of-filling-knowledge-gaps; and (ii) a desk study exemplifying one pathway to management use. In 2016, we will work with DoE to prioritize species for research and explore more management pathways. Planned Outputs • A report outlining workshop findings, recommendations relative to data gaps and effective research approaches to address these gaps. • A paper demonstrating how management can use new methods to examine adaptive monitoring of bycatch to assess impact • Presentation of results to key stakeholders and end users

  • An assessment was made of the state of research knowledge in the Australian Marine Parks (2022 boundaries). This quality assessment is specifically of the suitability of data streams for deriving habitat maps. Five nationally-aggregated data streams were used in the assessment: (1) Seamap Australia (seafloor habitat) (2) AusSeabed bathymetry survey extents (bathymetry mapping) (3) Squidle+ imagery deployments (habitat observations) (4) GlobalArchive video deployments (habitat observations) (5) Geoscience Australia's Marine Sediment Database (MARS) From these data streams, quality ratings (0-5) have been made for the state of research knowledge for three research disciplines: (A) bathymetry maps; (B) habitat observations; and (C) habitat maps. Data quality assessments are reported for each AMP Network and Park. Assessments can be accessed in context at https://seamapaustralia.org/region-reports, via the State-of-Knowledge functionality in the Seamap Australia mapping portal: https://seamapaustralia.org/map, or as a stand-alone file in the 'Downloads' section of this record. This data is live and is refreshed weekly.