Conserving Marine Biodiversity in South Australia

Conserving Marine Biodiversity in South Australia - Part 2 - Identification of areas of high conservation value in South Australia

K S Edyvane

May 1999

ISBN 0 7308 5238 5 No 39

The recommendations given in this publication are based on the best available information at the time of writing. The South Australian Research and Development Institute (SARDI) makes no warranty of any kind expressed or implied concerning the use of technology mentioned in this publication.

© SARDI. This work is copyright. Apart of any use as permitted under the Copyright Act 1968, no part may be reproduced by any process without prior written permission from the publisher.

SARDI is a group of the Department of Primary Industries and Resources

CONTENTS – PART TWO PAGE NUMBER

CONTENTS INTRODUCTION 1 1.1

Introduction

-----------------------------------------

i

The Hierarchical Nature of Biodiversity -------------------------------------------------1.2 Classifying Marine Ecosystems – Bioregionalisation ---------------------------------------------1.3 Defining a Marine Bioregional Planning Framework for South Australia----------------------1.4 IMCRA – A National Template for Marine Biodiversity and Ecosystem Management------1.5 ‘Province’ or Large Marine Ecosystem Regionalisation------------------------------------------1.6 ‘Bioregion’ or Ecosystem – Level Regionlisation -------------------------------------------------1.7 ‘Biounit’ or Habitat – Level Regionalisation -------------------------------------------------1.8 Criteria for Identifying Areas of Conservation Significance -------------------------------------APPENDIX ONE --------------------------------------------------

i iii iii vi vii viii viii xvi xviii

EYRE COAST REGION

-----------------------------------------

1

MARINE BIOGEOGRAPHY

-----------------------------------------

2

The Eyre Coast -------------------------------------------------Biogeography of the Eyre Coast -------------------------------------------------Oceanography ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Wave Climate -------------------------------------------------Water Temperature and Salinity ---------------------------------------------------------------------Currents and Upwellings -----------------------------------------------------------------------------Climate -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Coastal Geomorphology and Landforms--------------------------------------------------------Biology--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Intertidal Ecology--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Subtidal Ecology---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Fish ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Seabirds -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Marine Mammals ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

2 2 3 3 3 3 4 4 5 5 5 8 8 8

MARINE CONSERVATION VALUES -----------------------------------------------

9

1 1.1 1.2 2 2.1 2.2 3

9 9

1 1.1 2 2.1 2.2 2.3 3 4 5 5.1 5.2 5.3 5.4 5.5

Significant Biological and Physical Features ------------------------------------------------------Biological-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Physical -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Significant Cultural and Historical Features ---------------------------------------------------Aboriginal ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------European------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Current Conservation Status of the Eyre Coast -----------------------------------------------------

12 12 14 15

I NULLARBOR BIOUNIT --------------------------------------------------------MARINE BIOGEOGRAPHY -----------------------------------------------------------

16 16

1 2 3

16 16 16 17 17 17 19 20 20 21 21 22 22

Oceanography ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Geology and Coastal Geomorphology------------------------------------------------------------Biology---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

MARINE CONSERVATION VALUES ----------------------------------------------1 1.1 1.2 2 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5

Significant Biological and Physical Features ------------------------------------------------------Biological-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Physical -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Other Values -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Commercial Fisheries ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------Mariculture ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Recreation and Tourism ------------------------------------------------------------------------------Scientific Research and Education ------------------------------------------------------------------Adjacent Land Use -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

11


CONTENTS 2.5

Significant Cultural and Historical Features

--------------------------------------------------

22

3 4

Current Conservation Status of the Nullarbor Biounit ---------------------------------------Areas of High Conservation Value in the Nullarbor Biounit ---------------------------------

22 23

II WAHGUNYAH BIOUNIT MARINE BIOGEOGRAPHY

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1 2 3

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Oceanography Geology and Coastal Geomorphology Biology

MARINE CONSERVATION VALUES 1 1.1 1.2 2 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 2.6 3 4

-----------------------------------------

Significant Biological and Physical Features -------------------------------------------------Biological -------------------------------------------------Physical -------------------------------------------------Other Values -------------------------------------------------Commercial Fisheries -------------------------------------------------Mariculture -------------------------------------------------Recreation and Tourism -------------------------------------------------Scientific Research and Education -------------------------------------------------Adjacent Land Use -------------------------------------------------Significant Cultural and Historical Features -------------------------------------------------Current Conservation Status of the Wahgunyah Biounit ------------------------------------Areas of High Conservation Value in the Wahgunyah Biounit-------------------------------

III FOWLERS BIOUNIT MARINE BIOGEOGRAPHY

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1 2 3

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-----------------------------------------

Significant Biological and Physical Features -------------------------------------------------Biological -------------------------------------------------Physical -------------------------------------------------Other Values -------------------------------------------------Commercial Fisheries -------------------------------------------------Mariculture -------------------------------------------------Recreation and Tourism -------------------------------------------------Scientific Research and Education -------------------------------------------------Adjacent Land Use -------------------------------------------------Significant Cultural and Historical Features -------------------------------------------------Current Conservation Status of the Fowlers Biounit ------------------------------------------Areas of High Conservation Value in the Fowlers Biounit ------------------------------------

24 24 24 24 24 25 25 25 25 25 25 26 26 26 26 26 27 27 28 28 28 28 28 29 29 29 29 29 29 30 30 30 31 31 31 32


CONTENTS

IV STREAKY AND NUYTS BIOUNITS -----------------------------------MARINE BIOGEOGRAPHY ----------------------------------------1 2 3

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33 33 33 34

-----------------------------------------

35

Significant Biological and Physical Features -------------------------------------------------Biological -------------------------------------------------Physical -------------------------------------------------Other Values -------------------------------------------------Commercial Fisheries -------------------------------------------------Mariculture -------------------------------------------------Recreation and Tourism -------------------------------------------------Scientific Research and Education -------------------------------------------------Adjacent Land Use -------------------------------------------------Significant Cultural and Historical Features -------------------------------------------------Current Conservation Status of the Streaky and Nuyts Biounit ----------------------------Streaky Biounit -------------------------------------------------Nuyts Biounit -------------------------------------------------Areas of High Conservation Value in the Streaky and Nuyts Biounit ---------------------Streaky Biounit -------------------------------------------------Nuyts Archipelago --------------------------------------------------

35 35 37 38 38 39 40 40 40 41 42 42 42 42 42 43


MARINE CONSERVATION VALUES 1 1.1 1.2 2 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 2.6 3 3.1 3.2 4 4.1 4.2

33

V YANERBIE BIOUNIT MARINE BIOGEOGRAPHY

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

1 2 3

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MARINE CONSERVATION VALUES

-----------------------------------------

45 45 45 45 45

1 1.1 1.2 2 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 2.6 3

Significant Biological and Physical Features -------------------------------------------------Biological -------------------------------------------------Physical -------------------------------------------------Other Values -------------------------------------------------Commercial Fisheries -------------------------------------------------Aquaculture -------------------------------------------------Recreation and Tourism -------------------------------------------------Scientific Research and Education -------------------------------------------------Adjacent Land Use -------------------------------------------------Significant Cultural and Historical Features -------------------------------------------------Current Conservation Status of the Yanerbie Biounit -----------------------------------------

46 46 46 48 48 48 48 49 49 49 49 49

4

Areas of High Conservation Value in the Yanerbie Biounit ----------------

50

CONTENTS – PART TWO CONTENTS

--------------------------------- PAGE NUMBER

VI NEWLAND BIOUNIT MARINE BIOGEOGRAPHY

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1 2 3

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-----------------------------------------

Significant Biological and Physical Features -------------------------------------------------Biological -------------------------------------------------Physical -------------------------------------------------Other Values -------------------------------------------------Commercial Fisheries -------------------------------------------------Mariculture -------------------------------------------------Recreation and Tourism -------------------------------------------------Scientific Research and Education -------------------------------------------------Adjacent Land Use -------------------------------------------------Significant Cultural and Historical Features -------------------------------------------------Current Conservation Status of the Newland Biounit-----------------------------------------Areas of High Conservation Value in the Newland Biounit -----------------------------------

VII SHERINGA AND FLINDERS BIOUNITS ----------------------------MARINE BIOGEOGRAPHY ----------------------------------------1 2 3


MARINE CONSERVATION VALUES 1 1.1 1.2 2 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 2.6 3 3.1 3.2 4 4.1 4.2

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

-----------------------------------------

Significant Biological and Physical Features -------------------------------------------------Biological -------------------------------------------------Physical -------------------------------------------------Other Values -------------------------------------------------Commercial Fisheries -------------------------------------------------Aquaculture -------------------------------------------------Recreation and Tourism -------------------------------------------------Scientific Research and Education -------------------------------------------------Adjacent Land Use -------------------------------------------------Significant Cultural and Historical Features -------------------------------------------------Current Conservation Status of the Sheringa and Flinders Biounits ----------------------Sheringa Biounit -------------------------------------------------Flinders Biounit -------------------------------------------------Areas of High Conservation Value in the Sheringa and Flinders Biounits----------------Sheringa Biounit -------------------------------------------------Flinders Biounit --------------------------------------------------

51 51 51 51 51 52 52 52 53 53 53 54 54 54 54 55 55 55 56 56 56 56 57 57 57 57 59 59 59 60 60 61 61 62 62 62 62 63 63 63


CONTENTS

VIII DOUGLAS BIOUNIT MARINE BIOGEOGRAPHY

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1 2 3

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-----------------------------------------

Significant Biological and Physical Features -------------------------------------------------Biological -------------------------------------------------Physical -------------------------------------------------Other Values -------------------------------------------------Commercial Fisheries -------------------------------------------------Aquaculture -------------------------------------------------Recreation and Tourism -------------------------------------------------Scientific Research and Education -------------------------------------------------Adjacent Land Use -------------------------------------------------Significant Cultural and Historical Features -------------------------------------------------Current Conservation Status of the Douglas Biounit------------------------------------------Areas of High Conservation Value in the Douglas Biounit ------------------------------------

IX WHIDBEY BIOUNIT MARINE BIOGEOGRAPHY

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

1 2 3

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-----------------------------------------

Significant Biological and Physical Features -------------------------------------------------Biological -------------------------------------------------Physical -------------------------------------------------Other Values -------------------------------------------------Commercial Fisheries -------------------------------------------------Aquaculture -------------------------------------------------Recreation and Tourism -------------------------------------------------Scientific Research -------------------------------------------------Adjacent Land Use -------------------------------------------------Significant Cultural and Historical Features -------------------------------------------------Current Conservation Status of the Whidey Biounit ------------------------------------------Areas of High Conservation Value in the Whidbey Biounit-----------------------------------

SPENCER GULF REGION

65 65 65 65 65 66 66 66 68 68 68 68 70 70 70 71 71 71 72 72 72 72 73 73 73 73 75 75 75 76 76 76 76 77 77 77

-------------------------------------------

79

MARINE BIOGEOGRAPHY

-----------------------------------------

1 1.1 2 2.1 2.2 2.3 3 4

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

80 80 80 80 80 81 81 81 81

Spencer Gulf Biogeography of the Spencer Gulf Oceanography Wave Climate Water Temperature and Salinity Currents Climate Coastal Geomorphology and Landforms


CONTENTS

5 5.1 5.2 5.3 5.4 5.5 5.6 5.7

Biology General Marine Ecology Intertidal Ecology Subtidal Ecology Seagrass Ecology Fish Marine Mammals Seabirds

MARINE CONSERVATION VALUES 1 1.1 1.2 2 2.1 2.2 3

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

82 82 82 83 84 85 85 86

-----------------------------------------

87 87 87 89 89 89 90 91

Significant Biological and Physical Features -------------------------------------------------Biological -------------------------------------------------Physical -------------------------------------------------Significant Cultural and Historical Features -------------------------------------------------Aboriginal -------------------------------------------------European -------------------------------------------------Current Conservation Status of the Spencer Gulf ----------------------------------------------

X JUSSIEU BIOUNIT MARINE BIOGEOGRAPHY

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1 2 3

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-----------------------------------------

Significant Biological and Physical Features -------------------------------------------------Biological -------------------------------------------------Physical -------------------------------------------------Other Values -------------------------------------------------Commercial Fisheries -------------------------------------------------Aquaculture -------------------------------------------------Recreation and Tourism -------------------------------------------------Scientific Research -------------------------------------------------Adjacent Land Use -------------------------------------------------Significant Cultural and Historical Features -------------------------------------------------Current Conservation Status of the Jussieu Biounit-------------------------------------------Areas of High Conservation Value in the Jussieu Biounit

92 92 92 92 93 94 94 94 97 97 97 98 99 100 100 101 102 102


CONTENTS XI DUTTON BIOUNIT MARINE BIOGEOGRAPHY

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

104

1 Oceanography -------------------------------------------------2 Geology and Coastal Geomorphology -------------------------------------------------3 Biology -------------------------------------------------MARINE CONSERVATION VALUES -------------------------------------------------1 Significant Biological and Physical Features -------------------------------------------------1.1 Biological -------------------------------------------------1.2 Physical -------------------------------------------------2 Other Values -------------------------------------------------2.1 Commercial Fisheries -------------------------------------------------2.2 Aquaculture -------------------------------------------------2.3 Recreation and Tourism -------------------------------------------------2.4 Scientific Research -------------------------------------------------2.5 Adjacent Land Use -------------------------------------------------2.6 Significant Cultural and Historical Features -------------------------------------------------3 Current Conservation Status of the Dutton Biounit --------------------------------------------

104 104 104 104 104 104 104 104 105 105 105 105 106 106 106 106

4

106

Areas of High Conservation Value in the Dutton Biounit -------------------

XII FRANKLIN BIOUNIT MARINE BIOGEOGRAPHY

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1 2 3

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-----------------------------------------

Significant Biological and Physical Features -------------------------------------------------Biological -------------------------------------------------Physical -------------------------------------------------Other Values -------------------------------------------------Commercial Fisheries -------------------------------------------------Aquaculture -------------------------------------------------Recreation and Tourism -------------------------------------------------Scientific Research -------------------------------------------------Adjacent Land Use -------------------------------------------------Significant Cultural and Historical Features -------------------------------------------------Current Conservation Status of the Franklin Biounit-----------------------------------------Areas of High Conservation Value in the Franklin Biounit -----------------------------------

107 107 107 107 108 108 108 108 109 109 109 110 111 111 111 111 111 111


CONTENTS XIII YONGA BIOUNIT MARINE BIOGEOGRAPHY

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1 2 3

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113 113 113 113

-----------------------------------------

114

Significant Biological and Physical Features -------------------------------------------------Biological -------------------------------------------------Physical -------------------------------------------------Other Values -------------------------------------------------Commercial Fisheries -------------------------------------------------Aquaculture -------------------------------------------------Recreation and Tourism -------------------------------------------------Scientific Research -------------------------------------------------Adjacent Land Use -------------------------------------------------Significant Cultural and Historical Features -------------------------------------------------Current Conservation Status of the Yonga Biounit--------------------------------------------Areas of High Conservation Value in the Yonga Biounit --------------------------------------

114 114 116 116 116 117 117 118 118 118 118 118



XIV WINNINOWIE BIOUNIT MARINE BIOGEOGRAPHY

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1 2 3

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-----------------------------------------

Significant Biological and Physical Features -------------------------------------------------Biological -------------------------------------------------Physical -------------------------------------------------Other Values -------------------------------------------------Commercial Fisheries -------------------------------------------------Aquaculture -------------------------------------------------Recreation and Tourism -------------------------------------------------Scientific Research -------------------------------------------------Adjacent Land Use -------------------------------------------------Significant Cultural and Historical Features -------------------------------------------------Current Conservation Status of the Winninowie Biounit-------------------------------------Areas of High Conservation Value in the Winninowie Biounit-------------------------------

113

120 120 120 120 120 121 121 121 123 124 124 124 125 125 125 125 125 126


CONTENTS XV TIPARRA BIOUNIT MARINE BIOGEOGRAPHY

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1 2 3

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-----------------------------------------

1 1.1 1.2

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Significant Biological and Physical Features Biological Physical

MARINE CONSERVATION VALUES 2 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 2.6 3 4

-----------------------------------------

Other Values -------------------------------------------------Commercial Fisheries -------------------------------------------------Aquaculture -------------------------------------------------Recreation and Tourism -------------------------------------------------Scientific Research and Education -------------------------------------------------Adjacent Land Use -------------------------------------------------Significant Cultural and Historical Features -------------------------------------------------Current Conservation Status of the Tiparra Biounit ------------------------------------------Areas of High Conservation Value in the Tiparra Biounit ------------------------------------

XVI WARDANG BIOUNITS MARINE BIOGEOGRAPHY

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1 2 3

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-----------------------------------------

Significant Biological and Physical Features -------------------------------------------------Biological -------------------------------------------------Physical -------------------------------------------------Other Values -------------------------------------------------Commercial Fisheries -------------------------------------------------Aquaculture -------------------------------------------------Recreation and Tourism -------------------------------------------------Scientific Research and Education -------------------------------------------------Adjacent Land Use -------------------------------------------------Significant Cultural and Historical Features -------------------------------------------------Current Conservation Status of the Wardang Biounit ----------------------------------------Areas of High Conservation Value in Wardang Biounit---------------------------------------

127 127 127 127 127 128 128 128 128 128 128 128 129 129 130 130 130 130 130 132 132 132 132 132 133 133 133 133 133 133 134 134 135 135 135 136 136


CONTENTS XVII PONDALOWIE BIOUNIT MARINE BIOGEOGRAPHY

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1 2 3

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-----------------------------------------

Significant Biological and Physical Features -------------------------------------------------Biological -------------------------------------------------Physical -------------------------------------------------Other Values -------------------------------------------------Commercial Fisheries -------------------------------------------------Aquaculture -------------------------------------------------Recreation and Tourism -------------------------------------------------Scientific Research and Education -------------------------------------------------Adjacent Land Use -------------------------------------------------Significant Cultural and Historical Values -------------------------------------------------Current Conservation Status of the Pondalowie Biounit -------------------------------------Areas of High Conservation Value in the Pondalowie Biounit -------------------------------

XVIII GAMBIER BIOUNIT MARINE BIOGEOGRAPHY

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1 2 3

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-----------------------------------------

1 1.1 1.2

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Significant Biological and Physical Features Biological Physical

MARINE CONSERVATION VALUES 2 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 2.6 3 4

-----------------------------------------

Other Values -------------------------------------------------Commercial Fisheries -------------------------------------------------Aquaculture -------------------------------------------------Recreation and Tourism -------------------------------------------------Scientific Research -------------------------------------------------Adjacent Land Use -------------------------------------------------Significant Cultural and Historical Features -------------------------------------------------Current Conservation Status of the Gambier Biounit-----------------------------------------Areas of High Conservation Value in the Gambier Biounit-----------------------------------

137 137 137 137 137 138 138 138 138 138 138 139 139 140 140 140 140 141 142 142 142 142 142 142 142 142 143 143 143 143 144 144 144 144 144 144 145


CONTENTS

GULF OF ST VINCENT – FLEURIEU PENINSULA REGION ------------------

146

MARINE BIOGEOGRAPHY

-----------------------------------------

1 1.1

Gulf St Vincent – Fleurieu Peninsula Biogeography of Gulf St Vincent - Fleurieu Peninsula Oceanography Wave Climate Water Temperature and Salinity Currents Climate Coastal Geomorphology and Landforms Biology General Ecology Subtidal Ecology Seagrass Ecology Fish Marine Mammals

--------------------------------------------------

147 147

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

147 148 148 148 148 148 149 150 150 151 152 153 153


-----------------------------------------

154 154 154 156 156 156 156 157

2 2.1 2.2 2.3 3 4 5 5.1 5.2 5.3 5.4 5.5 1 1.1 1.2 2 2.1 2.2 3

Significant Biological and Physical Features -------------------------------------------------Biological -------------------------------------------------Physical -------------------------------------------------Significant Cultural and Historical Features -------------------------------------------------Aboriginal -------------------------------------------------European -------------------------------------------------Current Conservation Status of Gulf St Vincent – Fleurieu Peninsula ---------------------

XIX STURT AND INVESTIGATOR BIOUNITS --------------------------MARINE BIOGEOGRAPHY ----------------------------------------1 2 3



----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

-----------------------------------------

Significant Biological and Physical Features -------------------------------------------------Biological -------------------------------------------------Physical -------------------------------------------------Other Values -------------------------------------------------Commercial Fisheries -------------------------------------------------Aquaculture -------------------------------------------------Recreation and Tourism -------------------------------------------------Scientific Research and Education -------------------------------------------------Adjacent Land Use -------------------------------------------------Significant Cultural and Historical Features -------------------------------------------------Current Conservation Status of the Sturt and Investigator Biounits ----------------------Areas of High Conservation Value in the Sturt Biounits --------------------------------------

159 159 159 159 159 160 160 160 161 161 161 162 162 163 163 164 164 164


CONTENTS

XX ORONTES BIOUNIT MARINE BIOGEOGRAPHY

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1 2 3

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-----------------------------------------

Significant Biological and Physical Features -------------------------------------------------Biological -------------------------------------------------Physical -------------------------------------------------Other Values -------------------------------------------------Commercial Fisheries -------------------------------------------------Aquaculture -------------------------------------------------Recreation and Tourism -------------------------------------------------Scientific Research and Education -------------------------------------------------Adjacent Land Use -------------------------------------------------Significant Cultural and Historical Features -------------------------------------------------Current Conservation Status of the Orontes Biounit------------------------------------------Areas of High Conservation Value in the Orontes Biounit ------------------------------------

XXI CLINTON BIOUNIT MARINE BIOGEOGRAPHY

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1 2 3

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-----------------------------------------

Significant Biological and Physical Features -------------------------------------------------Biological -------------------------------------------------Physical -------------------------------------------------Other Values -------------------------------------------------Commercial Fisheries -------------------------------------------------Aquaculture -------------------------------------------------Recreation and Tourism -------------------------------------------------Scientific Research and Education -------------------------------------------------Adjacent Land Use -------------------------------------------------Significant Cultural and Historical Features -------------------------------------------------Current Conservation Status of Clinton Biounit -----------------------------------------------Areas of High Conservation Value in the Clinton Biounit-------------------------------------

166 166 166 166 166 167 167 167 167 167 167 168 169 169 170 170 170 171 172 172 172 172 172 173 173 173 176 176 176 176 177 177 178 179 179 180


CONTENTS

XXII YANKALILLA BIOUNIT MARINE BIOGEOGRAPHY

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1 2 3

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-----------------------------------------

Significant Biological and Physical Features -------------------------------------------------Biological -------------------------------------------------Physical -------------------------------------------------Other Values -------------------------------------------------Commercial Fisheries -------------------------------------------------Aquaculture -------------------------------------------------Recreation and Tourism -------------------------------------------------Scientific Research and Education -------------------------------------------------Adjacent Land Use -------------------------------------------------Significant Cultural and Historical Features -------------------------------------------------Current Conservation Status of the Yankalilla Biounit---------------------------------------Areas of High Conservation Value in the Yankalilla Biounit ---------------------------------

XXIII ENCOUNTER BIOUNIT MARINE BIOGEOGRAPHY OCEANOGRAPHY

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

2 3

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Geology and Coastal Geomorphology Biology


-----------------------------------------

Significant Biological and Physical Features -------------------------------------------------Biological -------------------------------------------------Physical -------------------------------------------------Other Values -------------------------------------------------Commercial Fisheries -------------------------------------------------Aquaculture -------------------------------------------------Recreation and Tourism -------------------------------------------------Scientific Research and Education -------------------------------------------------Adjacent Land Use -------------------------------------------------Significant Cultural and Historical Features -------------------------------------------------Current Conservation Status of the Encounter Biounit---------------------------------------Areas of High Conservation Value in the Encounter Biounit---------------------------------

181 181 181 181 181 182 182 182 184 184 184 185 185 187 187 188 188 189 190 190 190 190 190 191 191 191 193 194 194 195 195 196 196 197 198 198

CONTENTS – PART TWO PAGE CONTENTS NUMBER KANGAROO ISLAND COAST

-------------------------------------------

199

MARINE BIOGEOGRAPHY

-----------------------------------------

1 1.1 2 2.1 2.2 2.3 3 4 5 5.1 5.2 5.3 5.4 5.5 5.6

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

199 200 200 201 201 201 201 202 202 202 202 203 204 204 204 204

Kangaroo Island Biogeography of Kangaroo Island Oceanography Wave Climate Water Temperature and Salinity Currents and Upwellings Climate Geology and Coastal Geomorphology Biology General Ecology Marine Flora Fish Reptiles Seabirds Marine Mammals


-----------------------------------------

Significant Biological and Physical Features -------------------------------------------------Biological -------------------------------------------------Physical -------------------------------------------------Significant Cultural and Historical Features -------------------------------------------------Aboriginal -------------------------------------------------European -------------------------------------------------Current Conservation Status of the Kangaroo Island Coast----------------------------------

XXIV NEPEAN AND BACKSTAIRS BIOUNITS ----------------------------MARINE BIOGEOGRAPHY ----------------------------------------1 2 3



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-----------------------------------------

Significant Biological and Physical Features -------------------------------------------------Biological -------------------------------------------------Physical -------------------------------------------------Other Values -------------------------------------------------Commercial Fisheries -------------------------------------------------Aquaculture -------------------------------------------------Recreation and Tourism -------------------------------------------------Scientific Research and Education -------------------------------------------------Adjacent Land Use -------------------------------------------------Significant Cultural and Historical Features -------------------------------------------------Current Conservation Status of the Nepean and Backstairs Biounits ---------------------Areas of High Conservation Value in the Nepean and Backstairs Biounits----------------

205 205 205 207 207 207 207 208 209 209 209 209 209 210 210 210 213 214 214 215 215 216 216 216 217 217


CONTENTS XXV GANTHEAUME BIOUNIT MARINE BIOGEOGRAPHY

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1 Oceanography -------------------------------------------------2 Geology and Coastal Geomorphology -------------------------------------------------3 Biology -------------------------------------------------MARINE CONSERVATION VALUES -------------------------------------------------1 Significant Biological and Physical Features -------------------------------------------------1.1 Biological -------------------------------------------------1.2 Physical -------------------------------------------------2 Other Values -------------------------------------------------2.1 Commercial Fisheries -------------------------------------------------2.2 Aquaculture -------------------------------------------------2.3 Recreation and Tourism -------------------------------------------------2.4 Scientific Research and Education -------------------------------------------------2.5 Adjacent Land Use -------------------------------------------------2.6 Significant Cultural and Historical Features -------------------------------------------------3 Current Conservation Status of the Gantheaume Biounit------------------------------------4 Areas of High Conservation Value in the Gantheaume Biounit------------------------------

XXVI CASSINI BIOUNIT MARINE BIOGEOGRAPHY

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1 2 3

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-----------------------------------------

Significant Biological and Physical Features -------------------------------------------------Biological -------------------------------------------------Physical -------------------------------------------------Other Values -------------------------------------------------Commercial Fisheries -------------------------------------------------Aquaculture -------------------------------------------------Recreation and Tourism -------------------------------------------------Scientific Research and Education -------------------------------------------------Adjacent Land Use -------------------------------------------------Significant Cultural and Historical Features -------------------------------------------------Current Conservation Status of the Cassini Biounit-------------------------------------------Areas of High Conservation Value in the Cassini Biounit -------------------------------------

219 219 219 219 220 220 220 220 223 223 223 224 225 225 226 226 226 227 229 229 229 229 229 230 230 230 230 231 231 231 232 232 232 233 233 233


CONTENTS SOUTH EAST COAST MARINE BIOGEOGRAPHY 1 1.1 2 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 3 4 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 4.5 5 5.1 5.2 5.3 5.4 5.5


-----------------------------------------

The South East Coast -------------------------------------------------Biogeography of the South East Coast -------------------------------------------------Oceanography -------------------------------------------------Wave Climate -------------------------------------------------Water Temperature and Salinity -------------------------------------------------Currents and Upwellings -------------------------------------------------Groundwater Drainage -------------------------------------------------Climate -------------------------------------------------Coastal Geomorphology and Landforms -------------------------------------------------Outer Dune Barrier Complexes of Younghusband Peninsula and Robe ------------------------Beach-Ridge Plains of Lacepede, Guichen and Rivoli Bays -------------------------------------Coorong and Robe Range - Woakwine Range Despressions-------------------------------------Stranded Pleistocene Barriers and Relict Coast of the Robe Range Outer Barrier ------------Tertiary Limestone Plain of the Lower South East ------------------------------------------------Biology -------------------------------------------------General Ecology -------------------------------------------------Subtidal Ecology -------------------------------------------------Fish -------------------------------------------------Seabirds -------------------------------------------------Marine Mammals --------------------------------------------------

-----------------------------------------

Significant Biological and Physical Features -------------------------------------------------Biological -------------------------------------------------Physical -------------------------------------------------Significant Cultural and Historical Features -------------------------------------------------Aboriginal -------------------------------------------------European -------------------------------------------------Current Conservation Status of the South East Coast -----------------------------------------

236 236 236 237 237 237 257 237 238 238 238 238 238 238 239 239 239 239 240 241 241 241 241 241 242 242 243 243 243


CONTENTS XXVII COORONG BIOUNIT MARINE BIOGEOGRAPHY

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1 2 3

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Significant Biological and Physical Features -------------------------------------------------Biological -------------------------------------------------Physical -------------------------------------------------Other Values -------------------------------------------------Commercial Fisheries -------------------------------------------------Aquaculture -------------------------------------------------Recreation and Tourism -------------------------------------------------Scientific Research and Education -------------------------------------------------Adjacent Land Use -------------------------------------------------Significant Cultural and Historical Features -------------------------------------------------Current Conservation Status of the Coorong Biounit -----------------------------------------Areas of High Conservation Value in the Coorong Biounit -----------------------------------

XXVIII CANUNDA BIOUNIT MARINE BIOGEOGRAPHY

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1 2 3

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Significant Biological and Physical Features -------------------------------------------------Biological -------------------------------------------------Physical -------------------------------------------------Other Values -------------------------------------------------Commercial Fisheries -------------------------------------------------Aquaculture -------------------------------------------------Recreation and Tourism -------------------------------------------------Scientific Research and Education -------------------------------------------------Adjacent Land Use -------------------------------------------------Significant Cultural and Historical Features -------------------------------------------------Current Conservation Status of the Canunda Biounit ----------------------------------------Areas of High Conservation Value in the Canunda Biounit ----------------------------------

244 244 244 244 245 245 245 245 248 248 248 249 249 249 249 250 251 251 252 252 252 252 252 253 253 253 255 256 256 257 257 258 258 258 259 260


CONTENTS XXIX NENE AND PICCANINNIE BIOUNITS -------------------------------MARINE BIOGEOGRAPHY ----------------------------------------1 2 3



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Significant Biological and Physical Features -------------------------------------------------Biological -------------------------------------------------Physical -------------------------------------------------Other Values -------------------------------------------------Commercial Fisheries -------------------------------------------------Aquaculture -------------------------------------------------Recreation and Tourism -------------------------------------------------Scientific Research and Education -------------------------------------------------Adjacent Land Use -------------------------------------------------Significant Cultural and Historical Features -------------------------------------------------Current Conservation Status of the Nene and Piccaninnie Biounits -----------------------Areas of High Conservation Value in the Nene and Piccaninnie Biounits------------------

BIBLIOGRAPHY

-----------------------------------------

262 262 262 262 262 263 263 263 265 265 265 266 266 266 267 267 268 268 269

CONTENTS – PART TWO ACKNOWLEDGMENTS This project has been supported by Environment Australia under the Natural Heritage Trust (Marine Protected Areas Program) and the former ‘Ocean Rescue 2000 Program’ and represents the culmination of technical and policy development first conducted by SARDI (formerly the SA Department of Fisheries) in 1991/92. In the latter stages of this project, the information from the ‘SA Marine Biodiversity Program’ provided essential information in the definition of areas of high conservation value, and in defining the marine ecological regions of South Australia. This work would not have been possible without the support of: • • • • • • • • • • •

Environment Australia, which provided funding specifically for this project during 1991/92 and 1995/96; Deborah Nias, who provided technical summaries of the South East and Kangaroo Island regions and also, project assistance during 1992; Participants of the ‘SA Marine Protected Areas Workshop’ held in November 1991, who identified key areas of high conservation value and potential Marine Protected Area sites; For digitising and map production (Part 2 of the report): Russell Flavel and Megan Tutty (Geographical Systems Unit, PIRSA); and Tim Noyce, Belinda Hille (Geographical Analysis and Research Unit, Department of Transport, Urban Planning and the Arts) and Lyn Scott (SARDI); Janine Baker (SARDI) and Dr. Hugh Kirkman (CSIRO, Division of Marine Research), who, since 1993 have been major collaborators on the SA Marine Biodiversity Program; The master (N Chigwidden) and crew (D Kerr, N Wigan, C Foulkes) of the MRV Ngerin, and technical officers (A Dalgetty, V Boxall, B Davies) who provided invaluable field support for the marine biological surveys; Graham Edgar for providing most of the slides for the cover; CSIRO (Vince Lyne) for providing the satellite image of SA waters; Jon Bryan for providing slides for the cover; Ken Hoppen for providing the "Moonlighter" slide for the cover; The Marine and Coastal Community Network (MCCN) for providing the slide of the Australian Sea Lion.

Finally, I would like to acknowledge the personal support of my colleagues at SARDI (Aquatic Sciences), particularly Dr Scoresby Shepherd, Annette Doonan and Suyin Deakin.

Dr Karen Edyvane 14 August 1998

The views and opinions expressed in this document are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the view or position of SARDI, PIRSA or the South Australian Government. Neither do they reflect those of the Australian Commonwealth Government or the Minister of the Environment. Collation of the information presented in this report was undertaken with funding provided by the Australian National Conservation Agency (now Environment Australia) for the Ocean Rescue 2000 Marine Protected Areas Program (Project number OR52). Copyright in this report is vested in the Chief Executive, Primary Industries and Resources South Australia. The report may be cited as: Edyvane, K S (1999). Conserving Marine Biodiversity in South Australia - Part 2 - Identification of areas of high conservation value in South Australia.

INTRODUCTION – PART TWO

INTRODUCTION

1

INTRODUCTION

1.1 The Hierarchical Nature of Biodiversity In conserving marine biodiversity it is important to recognise the hierarchical nature of ecosystems, biodiversity and ecological processes. Biological diversity can be defined at the ecosystem, seascape/landscape, species and genetic level. Marine and coastal systems are extraordinarily diverse at all these levels. However, due to the inaccessible nature of the marine environment and the lack of knowledge of marine biodiversity at the species level, the measurement of biodiversity in marine environments is generally most approachable and practical at the level of the seascape or habitat. In the marine environment, biodiversity occurs at the scale of large marine ecosystems, such as major oceanic and pelagic ecosystems, and is defined by large-scale processes such as oceanography (ie. currents, upwellings), trophodynamics, coastal physiography and basin topography. Similarly, biodiversity also occurs at the smaller scales of ecosystems (eg. open coasts, gulfs), habitats (eg. reefs, estuaries, bays) and biological communities (eg. mangroves, seagrasses, kelp forests, coral reefs). At these scales, patterns in biodiversity may be dominated by small-scale physical processes such as type of substratum, cyclones, storm events, changes in wave exposure, or biological processes such as competition and predation. In conserving the full range of South Australia’s marine biodiversity needs to be conserved, from the large marine ecosystems, to the habitat and communitylevel patterns of biodiversity. What is Biological Diversity ? The National Strategy for the Conservation of Australia’s Biological Diversity (1996) defines biological diversity as the variety of all life forms – the different plants, animals, microorganisms, the genes they contain, and the ecosystems of which they form a part. It is not static, but constantly changing; it is increased by genetic change and evolutionary processes and reduced by processes such as habitat degradation, population decline, and extinction. The concept emphasises the interrelatedness of the biological world. It covers the terrestrial, marine and other aquatic environments.

Biological diversity can be considered at three fundamental levels: • −

Genetic diversity: the variety of genetic information contained in all of the individual plants, animals and microorganisms that inhabit the earth. Genetic diversity occurs within and between the populations of organisms that comprise individual species as well as among species.

• −

Species diversity: the variety of species on earth.

• −

Ecosystem diversity the variety of habitats, biotic communities and ecological processes.

Marine biodiversity conservation in South Australia also needs to take account of coastal and oceanographic change over geological time scales, particularly with respect to the evolution of the coastal and marine environment and also, land-sea dynamics (Ray 1991). For temperate southern Australia, a long period of geological and continental isolation has resulted in high endemism in the marine biota (Edyvane 1996), while continental drift and periods of global warming and cooling have resulted in significant intrusions of warm water from the Indo-Pacific, and importantly, significant sea level changes. In South Australia, the gulfs region are particularly significant, containing not only high levels of endemism, but also, a subtropical element in the marine flora and fauna. Ecological processes, resource distributions and human impacts can also can be understood, conserved and managed at a range of spatial and temporal scales. Because of the nested hierarchical structure of ecosystems, marine management (including the establishment and management of Marine Protected Areas) needs to examine and occur within several temporal and spatial scales (Ray & McCormick-Ray 1992). The adoption of a scale-adapted approach to environmental management and planning requires both, an understanding of the spatio-temporal hierarchies of patterns and processes in natural systems, and also, a recognition of the scales of human impact, monitoring and management inherent in humanecosystem interactions (see Table 1.1).

i


SCALES OF HUMAN-MARINE ECOSYSTEM INTERACTION SCALE

ECOSYSTEM

MAJOR PROCESSES

HUMAN IMPACTS

MANAGEME NT

Global

Biosphere

topography (ocean basins), oceanography, climate (large-scale)

global warming, sealevel changes

international

1000’s kms

bioprovince

topography (large-scale), oceanography (major currents, temperature), climate

global warming, sealevel changes, ecosystem stress, reduced biodiversity

international

100’s kms

bioregion

topography, oceanography (upwellings, small currents), sediment supply

pollution, habitat fragmentation, overfishing, species loss, ecosystem stress, reduced biodiversity

national/state

10’s kms

biounit

topography, aspect (exposure), tides, storms, sediment supply

pollution, habitat loss, overfishing, population loss, exotic introductions, ecosystem effects

local

1-10’s km

habitat

aspect (exposure), storms, community dynamics, tides, depositional processes

pollution, habitat loss, overfishing, aquaculture, dredging, population loss, exotic introductions, ecosystem effects

local

100’s metres

site

depth, predation, competition, storms

pollution, habitat loss, aquaculture, dredging population loss, exotic introductions

local

Table 1.1

Scales of human-marine ecosystem interactions (ie patterns, processes, human impacts and management) (from Edyvane 1996).

ii


1.2 Classifying Marine Bioregionalisation

Ecosystems

-

1.3 Defining a Marine Bioregional Planning Framework for South Australia

`Bioregionalisation’, or the definition of biogeographic regions, is not only an essential step in marine conservation planning, but also, is essential in defining a bioregional planning framework for ecosystem management (Salm & Clarke 1984, ACIUCN 1986, Sherman et al. 1990, Ray & McCormick-Ray 1992, Bridgewater & Ivanovici 1993). In natural ecosystems, an understanding of the patterns of biodiversity, particularly habitat biodiversity, is not only essential for identifying an ecologically or biogeographically representative system of protected areas, but is also essential in defining scaled ecological units for holistic, integrated management at the ecosystem level (ie. catchment, landscape or `seascape management’) (Forman & Godron 1986, Urban et al. 1987, Kessler et al. 1992, Grumbine 1994, Klijn 1994). Importantly, the scale and extent to which different human activities affect either biodiversity and/or ecological processes, determines both, the scale and nature of management and monitoring required, and hence, defines the framework for integrated, ecosystem management. As such, biogeographical regions or `bioregions’ provide the boundaries and framework for biodiversity or conservation management and the multiple-use management of other specific human activities or uses, such as fisheries, mining, and tourism.

Planning, including identification of priority areas, is an essential part of a nation’s overall strategy for conservation and sustainable use of it’s biodiversity. During the 1990's, South Australia, with funding under the Natural Heritage Trust (and the former federal Òcean Rescue 2000' initiative), has been developing a bioregional planning framework to assist with the establishment of a National Representative System of Marine Protected Areas (NRSMPA), and also, as a strategic tool for the integrated management and conservation of it's coastal and marine environments. Bioregional classification of South Australia's coastal and marine environments is an important initial step in achieving this goal. To this end, a biophysical classification of the range of coastal and marine environments in South Australia can be used to assist in the identification of ecologically or biogeographically the 'ecological representative areas and representativeness' of the existing system of MPAs.

The definition of natural units for management not only facilitates planning and integrated ecosystem management, but also assist local managers and the community in such areas, in understanding the natural characteristics, features, limitations, and complexities of their local marine environments. The process of bioregionalisation classifies similar regions/habitats together at a range of spatial scales, within relatively homogenous, but distinctive, ecological units in terms of their natural biological and physical characteristics. To this end, the definition of such regions not only enable a systematic approach to planning and integrated management, but also, inventory, monitoring and audit of the marine environment and its resources. For marine resources (ie. fisheries, aquaculture, mining), where spatial distributions and dynamics are linked to ecological and physical processes and natural patterns of biodiversity, biogeographic regions provide an ecological framework for management which acknowledges the inherent natural variability and characteristics of marine ecosystems.

The current strategy for bioregional identification and classification in South Australia is a systematic, hierarchically scaled one, with a focus on the conservation of biodiversity in the context of ecosystem structure and function. This hierarchical structure of biodiversity is intrinsically linked to the level of functional diversity or ecological processes and attributes. The aim is to identify a set of natural environmental units defined by biophysical parameters. In South Australia, the definition of the bioregional framework has largely been undertaken by the South Australian Research and Development Institute, in collaboration with State and Commonwealth agencies. This has been achieved largely through the undertaking of a comprehensive program of marine habitat and biodiversity mapping (ie. linking spatial environmental and biological data) to define the biogeographical regions of South Australia, and also, identify priority areas for marine conservation, based on regional patterns of diversity. The approach to bioregionalisation in South Australia uses the nested, hierarchical concept of ecosystems to develop a five level biophysical classification at the level of : 1

Pelagic Provinces (100,000s of km2, gigascale), which provides a broad scale strategic framework for the integrated management of pelagic resources; suitable for integrated pelagic fisheries management and integrated management of pelagic resources, global reporting, auditing;

iii

INTRODUCTION – PART TWO 2

Demersal Provinces (10,000s of km2, macroscale), which provides a broad scale strategic framework for the integrated management of demersal resources; suitable for integrated demersal fisheries management and integrated management of demersal resources, global reporting, auditing;

3

Biophysical Regions or `Bioregions` (1,000s of km2, mesoscale), which provides a national strategic framework for marine planning and ecological sustainable management of coastal resources; suitable for national biodiversity and conservation planning and priority-setting, pelagic fisheries management, reporting, auditing (eg. national State of the Environment Report);

4

Biophysical Units or `Biounits’ (100s of km2, microscale), which provides a regional strategic framework for marine planning and ecological sustainable management of coastal resources; identifies functional ecosystem-level management units (eg. rocky shores, dune barrier systems, archipelagos, shoals or reef systems, coastal peninsula, etc.); suitable for integrated multiple-use management and MPA declaration, regional biodiversity and conservation planning and priority-setting, fisheries management, reporting, auditing, monitoring, impact assessment;

5

and the level of habitats (1-10s of km2, picascale) , which provides information to address tactical site management issues at the habitat level (eg. bay, estuary, reefs, seagrass meadows); suitable for nature reserves, fishing closures, monitoring, impact assessment.

The marine bioregionalisation at the bioregion and biounit incorporated and acknowledged the existing geomorphological classification of the coastal habitats of South Australia by Short et al. (1986), which utilised principally physical coastal landform and descriptors, such as wave environment, geology, coastal landform and coastal orientation. The results of this preliminary regionalisation were further refined and validated through ongoing systematic field surveys, knowledge of oceanographic processes, and also, more recently, under the national, Interim Marine and Coastal Regionalisation of Australia (IMCRA) project during 1995-1996. Provinces were defined on the basis of major oceanographic current systems for the pelagic regionalisation, and biogeographic patterns in the marine fish fauna for the demersal classification (CSIRO 1997, IMCRA 1997). In contrast, marine bioregions were defined on the basis of a range of physical descriptors, such as climate, oceanography (ie. temperature, salinity, tides, wave energy, upwellings), geology and coastal geomorphology, estuaries and also, major biogeographic patterns in the marine biota (particularly the sessile fauna and flora, such as mangroves, seagrass, macroalgae). Smaller-scale biounits were defined primarily on the basis of coastal physiography, topography and major marine physical habitat or seascape features (eg. shoal systems, archipelagos, coastal dune barrier systems, etc.) and habitat distributions.

In the development of a scaled, hierarchical bioregional planning framework for South Australia, a total of 1 pelagic province, 1 demersal province (and 2 biotones), 8 bioregions, and 35 biounits have been identified (see Table 1.2). In South Australia, a preliminary bioregionalisation or classification of coastal habitats and ecosystems adopted an èxpert panel' or `delphic' approach, utilising existing `qualitative' biophysical/ biogeographical information and the best technical judgements of local experts. This involved the formation of a specialist, SA Marine Protected Area Technical Working Group and the hosting of a technical workshop on the biophysical classification of South Australian marine and coastal environments in November 1991.

iv


Table 1.2:

A nested hierarchical bioregional planning framework for South Australia’s coastal and marine ecosystems.

PELAGIC PROVINCE Gigascale (100,000s km2)

DEMERSAL PROVINCE/BIOTONES Macroscale (10,000s km2)

BIOREGION

BIOUNIT

Mesoscale (1,000s km2)

Microscale (100s km2)

Eucla (EUC) Southern Pelagic Province (SPP)

Great Australian Bight Biotone (GABB) Murat (MUR)

Gulfs Province (GulfP)

Eyre (EYR)

Spencer Gulf (SGF) Northern Spencer Gulf (NSG) Gulf St Vincent (SVG)

West Bassian Biotone (WbassB)

Coorong (COR) Otway (OTW)

Nullarbor (NUL) Wahgunyah (WAH) Fowlers (FOW) Nuyts (NUY) Streaky (STK) Yanerbie (YAN) Newland (NEW) Flinders (FLI) Sheringa (SHR) Douglas (DGL) Whidbey (WHD) Jussieu (JUS) Pondalowie (PON) Gambier (GAM) Gantheaume (GAN) Dutton (DUT) Franklin (FRK) Tiparra (TIP) Wardang (WAR) Yonga (YON) Winninowie (WIN) Sturt (STU) Investigator (INV) Orontes (ORO) Clinton (CLN) Yankalilla (YNK) Encounter (ENC) Sprigg (SPR) Backstairs (BCK) Nepean (NEP) Cassini (CAS) Coorong (COR) Canunda (CAN) Nene (NEN) Piccaninnie (PIC) v

INTRODUCTION – PART TWO In several states, including South Australia, biogeographic or regional ecosystem classifications have involved utilising analytical multivariate procedures to classify patterns in nearshore ecosystem diversity (eg. Ortiz & Burchmore 1992, Edgar et al. 1995, LCC/DCNR 1995, Stevens 1995, Edyvane & Baker 1995, 1996). To-date, a total of 58 bioregions have been identified for the nearshore marine environments of Australia, on the basis of a wide range of physical and biological descriptors, such as climate, oceanography (water temperature, wave energy), tidal range, coastal geomorphology, biology (habitats, marine mammals, endemic species) (see Figure 1.1). For Australia, the challenge remains the critical integration of the existing terrestrial regionalisation (ie. Interim Biogeographic Regionalisation of Australia), with the marine regionalisation (ie. IMCRA), and also, the integration of inshore and offshore waters.

1.4 IMCRA - A National Template for Marine Biodiversity and Ecosystem Management The approach to bioregionalisation used in South Australia has formed part of an integrated coordinated State and Commonwealth effort a to develop an Ìnterim Marine and Coastal Regionalisation of Australia' (IMCRA), to assist in the development of a representative system of Marine Protected Areas (Muldoon 1995, IMCRA 1997). The IMCRA classification is principally a `delphic’ approach to biophysical regionalisation. In South Australia, this qualitative approach utilised the expertise of marine and coastal biological and physical researchers, results from ongoing field surveys and also, existing descriptive, spatially referenced biophysical coastal and marine data sets and maps.

TC KIM

SEB

MIN

CAR WEI TS RBN

WWG BVD

NWS KS CAN EMB

PIO

AW

CAB

SWG

CYP WEL

GBR

WTC

SBR

LMC

PIN SB

ZUY

MUR

ABR

SG

PC

EUC

MOR NSG

MAC

SVG

EYR CV COR WSC DO OK CBS Interim Marine and Coastal Regionalisation for Australia (IMCRA) Version 3.0 DAV

GER ULL HOW

LN

Figure 1.1:

MCM

SC

WF FRT BRU

The mesoscale marine ecosystems of Australia as defined under the Interim Marine and Coastal Regionalisation of Australia (IMCRA) project (IMCRA 1997).

vi

INTRODUCTION – PART TWO 1.5 `Province’ or Large Marine Ecosystem Regionalisation Pelagic Regionalisation The Ìnterim Marine and Coastal Regionalisation of Australia’ (IMCRA 1997) classification defines one gigascale, pelagic province for South Australian waters: the Southern Pelagic Province (SPP). The core area of this province largely encompasses the Flindersian cool temperate marine biota. Southern Pelagic Province (SPP) • −

Great Australian Bight Biotone (GABB) • −

• −

Location: Great Australian Bight from Israelite Bay (WA) to Point Brown (SA).

• −

Remarks: Weak biotone dominated by species from the South Western Province (SWP) in WA, with a few elements of the Gulf Province (GulfP) in SA. A major disjunction exits near the Recherche Archipelago corresponding to the western limits of a suite of wide-ranging species from the Central Eastern Province (CEP) and Tasmanian Province (TasP), and the eastern limits of the South Western Province. The biotone is also traversed by a large suite of wide-ranging, western, warm temperate species that extend along the southern Australian coast to the Gulf Provinces, Bassian Province (BassP) and the South Eastern Biotone (SEB), and a suite of ubiquitous temperate Australian species that originate in the Central Eastern Province and Biotone. (CEP and CEB).

• −

Mesoscale Regions: Includes Eucla and Murat regions.

Area: 482,000 km2

• −

Location: Extending from near Albany (WA) in the west, along the southern coast, to Lakes Entrance (Victoria) in the east and enclosing Bass Strait and the Tasmanian waters.

• −

Remarks: Largely comprised of Flindersian cool temperate species. The endpoint disjunctions also represent southern limits for warm temperate species in the Eastern and Western Pelagic Biotones (WPB and EPB). Intraprovincial disjunctions occur at Esperance and east of Point Dempster near the western edge of the Baxter Cliffs. In the east, disjunctions occur just east of Kangaroo Island and at Wilsons Promontory Demersal Regionalisation

The Ìnterim Marine and Coastal Regionalisation of Australia’ (IMCRA 1997) classification defines one macroscale, demersal province for South Australian waters: the Gulfs Province (GulfP), and two biotones: the Great Australian Bight Biotone (GABB) and the West Bassian Biotone (WBassB). Biotones are the zones of transition between core provinces. The provinces and biotones are based on a classification of demersal fish species diversity and richness.

Area: 200,000 km2

Gulfs Province (GulfP) • −

Area: 35,379 km2

• −

Location: Comprising the Gulfs of Spencer and St Vincent and enclosing Kangaroo Island. Extends out to the shelf break with a western boundary at Point Brown and an eastern edge at Cape Jervis.

• −

Remarks: A weak but unique province with a small endemic element and subtropical relict species. It has a strong disjunction near its northern boundary and acts as a major biotone for cool temperate species (TasP and BassP) and for a large suite of species from the South Western Province (SWP). The hypersaline and subtropical temperature conditions in the Gulfs are unique within temperate Australia and probably enable this region to act as a refugia for warmer water species. Once again, the unique relict nature of the region makes it worthy of recognition from a conservation standpoint (IMCRA 1997).

vii

INTRODUCTION – PART TWO • −

Mesoscale Regions: Includes Eyre, Northern Spencer Spencer Gulf and St Vincent regions.

Gulf,

West Bassian Biotone (WBassB) • −

Area: 89,751 km2

• −

Location: Extends east from the South Australian Gulfs Province (GulfP), pentrating past King Island to a southern limit at the north-western tip of Tasmania and a northern limit slightly north of Apollo Bay (Victoria).

• −

Remarks: Zone of faunal overlap of elements derived mainly from the Tasmanian Province (TasP) and Bassian Province (BassP) to the east, as well as a small suite of extralimital species from the Central Eastern Province (CEP). Also contains elements from the South Western Province (SWP) and Gulfs Provinces (GulfP).

• −

Mesoscale Regions: Includes Otway and Coorong regions.

1.6 `Bioregion’ Regionalisation

or

Ecosystem-Level

A total of 8 distinct inshore marine biogeographical regions (or “bioregions”) have been identified for South Australia (Figure 1.2). The seaward margin of the mesoscale bioregions is the edge of the continental shelf, defined as the 200 metre isobath. These bioregions include from the west: Eucla (Israelite Bay, Western Australia - Cape Adieu, South Australia), Murat (Cape Adieu - Point Labatt), Eyre (Point Labatt - Peake Bay, Cape Borda - West Cape), Northern Spencer Gulf (Point Riley - Port Augusta - Shoalwater Point), Spencer Gulf (Peake Bay - West Cape, Point Riley Shoalwater Point), St Vincent Gulf (Cape Borda West Cape, Cape Jervis - Cape Willoughby), Coorong (Cape Jaffa - Cape Borda) and OtwayKing (Cape Jaffa - Cape Otway, Victoria - King Island, Tasmania) (see Table 1.3).

gradients with extensive intertidal, and supratidal areas (see Table 1.3). The biota is characterised by extensive areas of coastal saltmarshes, mangroves (dominated by the Grey Mangrove, Avicennia marina), and subtidal seagrass meadows. Northern Spencer Gulf is characterised by a unique tropical element in the fauna and flora. Together the bioregions of the gulfs are home to 7,950 km2 of seagrass or 82% of the total area of seagrass recorded in South Australia. The most extensive seagrass meadows (dominated by Posidonia species), occur in the clear, shallow, sheltered gulf waters of Northern Spencer Gulf (4,136 km2), with smaller meadows occurring in Spencer Gulf (5,520 km2) and Gulf St Vincent (2,440 km2). In contrast, the oceanic bioregions are dominated by extensive rocky coasts and sandy shores. The oceanic bioregions are characterised by exposed rocky coasts and headlands (comprising Precambrian metasediment cliffs, Pleistocene dune rock cliffs), interspersed with Holocene dune barrier beaches and lagoon deposits in sheltered areas, microtidal tidal ranges, and shallow to moderate offshore gradients (see Table 1.3). The Eucla, Murat and Eyre are characterised by a predominance of rocky coasts, while the Coorong and Otway coasts are typically small barrier coasts. The Eyre, Coorong and Otway Bioregions experience moderate to high energy wave and swell conditions (experiencing some of the highest wave energies in the State), and are dominated by extensive reefal habitats, sandy bottom substrates and transgressive dune systems. The Eyre and Otway regions are also distinguished by the presence of localised, seasonal, nutrient-rich coldwater upwellings. In contrast, the Murat Bioregion comprises a series of extensive, shallow water embayments, protected by the Nuyts Archipelago, and dominated by extensive seagrass meadows and mangroves. A full description of the bioregions of South Australia is provided in IMCRA (1997) (see Appendix 1).

The marine bioregions of South Australia vary from the oceanic bioregions of Eucla (EUC), Murat (MUR), Eyre (EYR), Coorong (COR) and Otway (OTW), to the gulf bioregions of Spencer Gulf (SGF), Northern Spencer Gulf (NSG) and St Vincent Gulf (SVG). The gulf bioregions are semiconfined or confined inverse estuaries, characterised by tidal plain coasts and landforms, micro-mesotidal tidal ranges, and shallow offshore viii


Table 1.3:

A summary of the IMCRA bioregions of South Australia

Bioregion

Total Area of Bioregion (ha)

SA Area of Bioregion (ha)

Major Inshore Habitats

Major Physical /Biological Descriptors

Eucla (EUC)

11,111,514

189,073

Sand (391 km2, 88.5%) Reef (51 km2, 11.5)

rocky coast; dominated by the Nullarbor Cliffs and Eucla Basin; warm water Leeuwin Current; microtidal; warm temperate biota, moderate biodiversity

Murat (MUR)

3,558,736

133,703

Seagrass (880 km2, 61.3%) Sand (309 km2, 21.5%) Reef (246 km2, 17.2%)

rocky crenulate coast, embayments; Nuyts Archipelago, seamounts; microtidal; warm temperate biota, extensive seagrass meadows, mangroves

Eyre (EYR)

7,216,500

1,425,723

Sand (1543 km2, 56.2%) Reef (674 km2, 24.6%) Seagrass (527 km2, 19.2%)

rocky coast, offshore islands, seamounts; localised upwellings; microtidal; cool temperate biota, high biodiversity, productivity, importance for marine mammals, seabirds

Spencer Gulf (SGF)

1,187,451

1,199,299


tidal plain coast, embayments; shallow offshore gradient; semiconfined, inverse estuary; micro-mesotidal; cool temperate biota, high endemism, extensive seagrass meadows

444,803

478,824

Seagrass (4136 km2, 58.1%) Sand (2487km2, 34.9%) Reef (493 km2, 6.9%)

tidal plain coast; shallow offshore gradient; confined, inverse estuary; mesotidal; subtropical-tropical element in biota, high endemism; extensive seagrass meadows, mangroves

St Vincent Gulf (SVG)

1,283,817

1,441,971


tidal plain coast; shallow offshore gradient; confined, inverse estuary; micro-mesotidal; cool temperate biota, high endemism, extensive seagrass meadows, mangroves

Coorong (COR)

3,197,170

178,575

Reef (991 km2, 48.2%) Sand (812 km2, 39.5%) Seagrass (255 km2, 12.4%)

large barrier coast; Coorong Lagoon and Murray River; gradational nearshore-offshore gradient; cool temperate biota, moderate biodiversity

Otway (OTW)

3,733,126

120,639

Reef (582 km2, 87.4%) Sand (84 km2, 12.6%) Seagrass (0.5 km2, 0.1%)

small barrier coast; localised upwellings; cold temperate biota, high biodiversity, productivity

32,000,000

5,167,807 6,094,800

Northern Spencer Gulf (NSG)

Total

ix


EUCLA

NORTHERN SPENCER GULF

MURAT

EYRE

SPENCER GULF

GULF ST VINCENT

COORONG

OTWAY

Figure 1.2: Marine Bioregions of South Australia 1.7 `Biounit’ or Habitat-Level Regionalisation A total of 35 biounits have been identified along the inshore coastal waters of South Australia (see Figure 1.3, Table 1.4). These include a total of 30 coastal biounits and 5 offshore biounits, which comprise offshore islands and waters without adjacent mainland coasts (ie. Nuyts, Flinders, Investigator, Gambier, Sprigg). The biounits were delineated on the basis of major coastal

physiographic features and the representation and distribution of major marine habitats. The seaward boundary of the gulfs biounits was defined using the 30 m bathymetric contour, on the basis that major habitat changes are known to occur in deeper waters, beyond the photic zone. Similarly, the seaward boundary of the oceanic biounits was defined using the 50 m depth contour, on the basis that the photic zone is known to occur deeper in the clearer oceanic waters of South Australia.


Table 1.4:

Summary of the marine and coastal biounits for the inshore waters of South Australia.

Bioregion/ Biounit

Inshore/Offshore Biounit

Total Area (ha)

SA Waters (ha)1

Major Feature; Physical/Biological Descriptors; Inshore Habitats

1

EUCLA Nullarbor

Inshore

842,642

112,959

Nullarbor Cliffs; high energy, limestone cliffs, reefs; sand (11,836 ha, 75.2%) and reef habitats (3,908 ha, 24.8%)

2

Wahgunyah

Inshore

195,381

76,114

Wahgunyah CR; high energy, extensive dune transgressions; mostly sand (27,971 ha, 94.2%) and some reef habitats (1,722 ha, 5.8%)

1,038,023

189,073

Subtotal

3

MURAT Fowlers

Inshore

146,486

133,702

Fowlers Bay; high energy, rocky limestone coast; mostly reefs (21,666 ha, 81.9%), some sand (3,134 ha, 11.9%) and seagrass habitats (1,639 ha, 6.2%)

4

Nuyts

Offshore

283,165

250,448

Nuyts Archipelago; offshore islands; mostly reefs (2,483 ha, 91.6%), some seagrass (144 ha, 5.3%) and sand habitats (84 ha, 3.1%)

5

Streaky

Inshore

190,949

190,950

Streaky Bay; sheltered embayments, rocky headlands; mangroves, large areas of seagrass (86,163 ha, 77.6%), some sand (22,466 ha, 20.2%), and reef habitats (2,343 ha, 2.1%)

620,600

575,101

Subtotal 1

SA waters refers to territorial sea, land and inland waters.

xi


Table 1.4:

Summary of the marine and coastal biounits for the inshore waters of South Australia (cont….)

Bioregion/ Biounit


Total Area (ha)

6

EYRE Yanerbie

Inshore

82,854

80,569

Yanerbie Sandpatch; high energy, rocky limestone coastline; sand (9,573 ha, 43.6%), seagrass (6,602 ha, 30.0%) and reef habitats (5,802 ha, 26.4%)

7

Newland

Inshore

45,238

39,714

Newland Barrier; high energy, extensive dune barrier system; mostly sand (4,318 ha, 57.2%) and reef (3,231 ha, 42.8%) habitats

8

Flinders

Offshore

125,957

64,660

Flinders Isles; high energy, offshore islands, seamounts; mostly reef habitats (4,194 ha)

9

Sheringa

Inshore

51,156

42,156

Sheringa Lagoon; high energy, large barrier dune systems; mostly reef habitats (4,605 ha, 94.1%), some sand (224 ha, 4.6%) and seagrass habitats (65 ha, 1.3%)

10 Douglas

Inshore

67,645

66,729

Port Douglas; moderate to low energy, large sheltered embayments, rocky headlands; sand (18,619 ha, 50.1%), seagrass (8,567 ha, 23.1%), and reef habitats (9,965 ha, 26.8%)

11 Whidbey

Inshore

132,689

107,839

Whidbey Isles; high energy, rocky coast, offshore islands, seamounts, localised upwellings; most sand (38, 489 ha, 88.1%) and some reef habitat (5,221 ha, 11.9%)

12 Jussieu

Inshore

240,439

240,439

Jussieu Peninsula; large sheltered embayments, rocky headlands, offshore islands; sand (65,921 ha, 42.9%), seagrass (56,956 ha, 37.1%) and reef habitats (30,649 ha, 20.0%)

13 Pondalowie

Inshore

22,130

22,131

Pondalowie Bay; high energy, rocky coastline, upwellings; sand (15,077 ha, 83.9%), reef (2,862 ha, 15.9%) and some seagrass habitats (25 ha, 0.1%)

14 Gantheume

Inshore

167,363

111,066

Cape Gantheaume; high energy, rocky coast; mostly reef (31,857 ha, 60.5%), sand (19,521 ha, 37.1%) and some seagrass habitat (1,263 ha, 2.4%)

935,471

775,302

Subtotal 1

SA Waters (ha)1



xii


Table 1.4:


Bioregion/ Biounit


Total Area (ha)

SPENCER 15 Dutton

Inshore

255,443

255,443

Dutton Bay; sheltered rocky coast; mostly seagrass (25,706 ha, 98.5%), some reef (197 ha, 0.8%) and sand habitats (190 ha, 0.7%)

16 Franklin

Inshore

198,588

198,588

Franklin Harbour; large sheltered embayment; mangroves, sand (87,258 ha, 61.4%), reef (39,361 ha, 27.7%) and seagrass habitats (15,447 ha, 10.9%)

17 Tiparra

Inshore

243,228

243,228

Tiparra Reef; moderately-high energy, extensive shallow seagrass-reef shoal system; seagrass (83,912 ha, 81.3%), reef (4,491 ha, 4.4%) and sand habitats (14,782 ha, 14.3%)

18 Wardang

Inshore

285,583

285,583

Wardang Island; moderate energy, large embayment, rocky headlands; sand (65,722 ha, 44.7%), reef (54, 739 ha, 37.3%), seagrass habitats (26, 458 ha, 18.0%)

19 Gambier

Offshore

536,544

536,544

Deeper water habitats of the Spencer Gulf; Gambier Isles; sand (15,160 ha, 68.4%), seagrass (5,123 ha, 23.1%) and some reef habitat (1,865 ha, 8.4%)

1,519,388

1,519,388

Subtotal

SA Waters (ha)1


NORTHERN SPENCER GULF 20 Yonga

Inshore

55,267

55,267

Yonga Shoal; sheltered gulf waters, shoals; large areas of seagrass (248,596 ha, 59.1%) and sand (161,715 ha, 38.5%), some reef habitat (10,054 ha, 2.4%)

21 Winninowie

Inshore

423,557

423,557

Winninowie CP; very sheltered gulf waters; mostly sand (37,727 ha, 69.6%) and seagrass habitats (16,484 ha, 30.4%)

478,824

478,824

Subtotal 1


xiii


Table 1.4:



Total Area (ha)

GULF ST VINCENT 22 Sturt

Inshore

183,058

183,058

Sturt Bay; moderate-high energy, large bays, rocky headlands; seagrass (25,611 ha, 75.0%), reefs (5,088 ha, 14.9%) and sand habitats (3,465 ha, 10.1%)

23 Investigator

Inshore

280,063

280,063

Investigator Strait; moderate-high deepwater habitats; sand (490 ha)

24 Orontes

Inshore

183,762

183,762

Orontes Bank; extensive shallow seagrass-reef shoal system; seagrass (51,713 ha, 56.5%), reef (33,745 ha, 36.9%) and sand habitats (6,081 ha, 6.6%)

25 Clinton

Inshore

249,136

249,136

Clinton CR; sheltered gulf waters; large areas of mangroves, seagrasses (132, 576 ha, 84.4%), sand (21,173 ha, 13.5%) and some reef habitat (3,280 ha, 2.1%)

26 Yankalilla

Inshore

51,562

51,562

Yankalilla Bay; moderate energy, bays, rocky headlands; sand (15,845 ha, 62.2%) and seagrass (7,645 ha, 30.0%), some reefs (1,966 ha, 7.7%)

27 Encounter

Inshore

39,389

39,389

Encounter Bay; high energy, rocky coast, bays; mostly reef (5,452 ha, 57.8%), sand (3,482 ha, 36.9%) and some seagrass habitat (505 ha, 5.4%)

28 Sprigg

Offshore

160,548

160,548

29 Backstairs

Offshore

35,911

35,322

Backstairs Passage; strong tidal currents, deepwater habitats; seagrass (668 km, 52.1%), reef (527 km, 41.1%), and some sand habitats (87 km, 6.8%)

30 Nepean

Inshore

102,304

102,232

Nepean Bay; sheltered embayments; mostly seagrass (23,229 ha, 49.6%), sand (21,523 ha, 45.9%), and some reef habitat (2,124 ha, 4.5%)

31 Cassini

Inshore

45,760

45,760

Cape Cassini; moderate energy, rocky coast; mostly sand (12,943 ha, 81.6), reef (2,263 ha, 14.3%) and some seagrass habitat (662 ha, 4.2%)

1,331,491

1,330,950

Bioregion/ Biounit

Subtotal 1

SA Waters (ha)1


Deeper water habitats of Gulf St Vincent


xiv


Table 1.4:


Bioregion/ Biounit COORONG 32 Coorong

Inshore/Offshore Biounit Inshore

Subtotal

Total Area (ha)

SA Waters (ha)1

1,290,715

178,575

1,290,715

178,575

Major Feature; Physical/Biological Descriptors; Inshore Habitats Coorong Lagoon; high energy, extensive lagoon system, dune barrier; mostly sand (75,497 ha, 44.2%), reef (70,376 ha, 41.2%) and some seagrass habitat (25,062 ha, 14.7%)

OTWAY 33 Canunda

Inshore

233,897

84,833

Canunda NP; high energy, rocky coast, dune barriers, offshore reefs; mostly reef (50,552 ha, 90.5%), some sand (5,333 ha, 9.5%) and sparse seagrass (2 ha, 15cm) was by far the most important method of capture (Jones 1991).

2.5 Adjacent Land Use National and Conservation Parks −

2.2 Mariculture There are no aquaculture activities in this region at present. The Far West Aquaculture Management Plan (Ashman 1996) has recommended no aquaculture development within this region: Nullarbor Policy Area −

Nullarbor Policy Area (all state jurisdictional waters from the WA border, east to Point Fowler) – zoned for protection of conservation and wilderness values and existing fisheries use. Licenses will not be considered for aquaculture development in this zone.

Agriculture/Industry Apart form tracks and roads, there is no development along this biounit. Spur roads from the Eyre Highway provide access to a number of scenic points. Tracks parallel to the coast enable 4WD's to reach most other parts of the biounit. Urban Centres −

2.3 Recreation and Tourism Fishing −

The same recreational fisheries operate in this biounit as for the Nullarbor Biounit.

There is an increasing demand for `whale watching' tours to the Head of Bight. Tourists view the Southern Right Whales during May to November from the edge of the cliffs.

2.4 Scientific Research and Education −

Researchers from the South Australian Museum and University of Sydney, conduct regular surveys of Southern Right Whales in the Great Australian Bight region (see Section 2.4, Nullarbor Biounit).

−

Fisheries research in this area includes, regular catch and effort monitoring of the major commercial fisheries in the region and also, oceanographic research in the Head of the Bight.

None. Other Uses

−

Yalata Aboriginal Land, adjacent to the Head of Bight.

2.6 Significant Cultural and Historical Features

Tourism −

Wahgunyah Conservation Reserve (38,280 ha). Very little resource information is available on this section of the land abutting the eastern end of the Marine Park. The Wahgunyah Conservation Reserve is designated a Conservation Reserve under the Crown Lands Act. The area is presently managed by the regional South Australian National Parks and Wildlife office of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). There is no management plan in place for this area and at present, no management planning process has being undertaken.

Aboriginal −

Yalata Aboriginal Land. European

•

Shipwrecks

−

Little is known of shipwrecks on the west coast of South Australia. There are records of 3 shipwrecks in this region. Only one is older than 75 years and is a vessel of unknown description recorded as being east of Twin Rocks in Edward John Eyre’s journal on 4 March 1841.

Page 26

EYRE REGION – WAHGUNYAH BIOUNIT

3

−

CURRENT CONSERVATION STATUS OF THE WAHGUNYAH BIOUNIT Marine Reserves None

−

Marine Parks Great Australian Bight Marine Park (129o 132oE, 3 nautical miles offshore), comprising:

−

Marine Sanctuary Great Australian Bight Marine Park Whale Sanctuary (43,587 ha)

−

National Park Great Australian Bight Marine National Park (124,732 ha)

−

4

Netting Closures None

AREAS OF HIGH CONSERVATION VALUE IN THE WAHGUNYAH BIOUNIT Great Australian Bight (offshore)

−

Prime IUCN Conservation Values: biodiversity, rare and endangered species/habitats, ecosystem protection (IUCN Category II). IUCN Identification Criteria: naturalness (not subjected to human induced change), biogeographic (distinct biogeographic/oceanographic region), ecological (deepwater bryozoan-sponge communities, Leeuwin Current contributes to essential ecological processes, deepwater canyons), economic (shark and deepwater flathead breeding areas, deep water), social, international significance (global importance for marine mammals, cetaceans, White Shark, squid), practicality (compatibility-adjacent to Great Australian Bight Marine Park–State waters ).

Page 27

EYRE REGION – FOWLERS BIOUNIT

III

MARINE BIOGEOGRAPHY AND CONSERVATION VALUES OF THE FOWLERS BIOUNIT

This biounit extends from Cape Adieu to Point James, and covers an area of 146,486ha. southwesterly direction into the Great Australian Bight.

MARINE BIOGEOGRAPHY 1

Major Benthic Communities •

Macroalgal

−

Exposed limestone shores and reefs in this region (eg. Cape Adieu, Nuyts Reef, Cape Nuyts, Point Bell) are dominated by Ecklonia radiata and Scytothalia dorycarpa, with species of Cystophora (C.moniliformis, C.grevillea, C.platylobium, C.racemosa) as sub-dominants. In the sheltered areas, reefs tend to be dominated by the red algae, Osmundaria prolifera, Amansia pinnatifida and species of Sargassum (S.heteromorphum, S.spinuligerum) and Scaberia agardhii as subdominants.

•

Seagrass

−

With this exposed region, seagrass communities occur in the sheltered lee of headlands (eg. Point Fowler, Point Sinclair and Point Bell). Large meadows of Posidonia (P.sinuosa, P.angustifolia) and Amphibolis (A.antarctica, A.griffithii) occur in Fowlers Bay, while smaller meadows occur in Bell and Sinclair bays.

BIOLOGY

•

Coastal and Offshore Islands (or Reefs)


−

Nuyts Reef (south of Cape Adieu).

Major intertidal habitats in the region include mostly limestone cliffs, and some sandy beaches.

−

Sinclair Island.

−

Major Rivers/Estuaries None.

OCEANOGRAPHY

This biounit experiences wave energies ranging from low in the bays, to high around the offshore islands and cliffs. 2

GEOLOGY AND GEOMORPHOLOGY5

COASTAL

The majority of the coast within this biounit comprises Pleistocene dune calcarenite cliffs interspersed with Holocene sediments. Precambrian crystalline rock forms the bedrock of all major peninsulas, all islands (excepting Eyre Island and Nuyts Archipelago) and most headlands, thereby providing the primary crenulations along the coast, and acting as a basement for the multiple episodes of Pleistocene marine - aeolian transgressions. The biounit is moderately crenulate with numerous bays and embayments usually containing Holocene sediments, separated by headlands and sections of Pleistocene cliffs.

3

−

−

5

It faces in a

Of the total inshore subtidal habitats mapped in the biounit (26,439 ha), limestone reefs comprise 21,666 ha (81.9%), sandy bottoms comprise 3,134 ha (11.9%), and seagrass meadows comprise 1,639 ha (6.2%).

From Eyre Coast Protection District Study Report.

Page 28



1.2 Physical Geological Monuments

1

SIGNIFICANT BIOLOGICAL AND PHYSICAL FEATURES

−

Clare Bay: raised beach with wave cut shore platforms and lithified beach deposit.

−

Point Le Hunte (by Point Sinclair): Pleistocene Bridgewater Formation.

2

OTHER VALUES

1.1 Biological The Great Australian Bight region is best known for its large cetaceans. At least 17 species of cetaceans have been recorded in this region, some of which are migratory species, such as Blue Whales, Sperm Whales, Minke Whales, Humpbacks, Rorquals, as well as the Southern Right Whale (Kemper & Ling 1991). Killer Whales have also been recorded and their presence is probably related to the abundance of pinnipeds along the western Eyre Peninsula. Critical area for the Southern Right Whale (Eubalaena australis). Whales are also often seen moving along the coast towards the Head of Bight. Groups of as many as five whales have been seen from the air near Fowlers Bay and pairs or singletons are now fairly common sights as they move from bay to bay around the western side of Eyre Peninsula (Watt & Ling 1985). They probably mate, give birth and suckle inshore. −

−

Nuyts Reef Conservation Park. This cluster of rocks and reefs represents a significant haul out site for New Zealand Fur Seals (Shaughnessy 1990) and a haul out and breeding site for Australian Sea Lions (Robinson & Heard 1985, Gales et al. 1994). Western and Middle Nuyts Reefs have been identified as breeding sites for sea lions, while Southern Nuyts Rock and Eastern Nuyts Reef appear to be haul out sites only (Gales et al. 1994). Colony number has been estimated at 207 (ie. 43 pups) at Western Nuyts Reef and 207 (ie. 43 pups) at Middle Reef (Gales et al. 1994). Sea lion colony numbers vary from 60-120 recorded in 1977 (Robinson & Dennis 1988) to a total of 216 sea lions recorded in 1990 (Gales et al. 1994). Fur seals haul out at Southern Nuyts Rock and Western Nuyts Reef (Shaughnessy et al. 1994). A total of 37 fur seals were recorded in 1990 (Shaughnessy 1990). The park is on the Register of the National Estate.

2.1 Commercial Fisheries Major single species fisheries in this region include Western King Prawn, Abalone and Southern Rock Lobster. There is also a considerable marine scalefish fishery targeting mainly King George Whiting by hand line. Some netting occurs inside parts of Venus Bay. Some of the Southern Bluefin Tuna boats use Thevenard as their major port of landing. Southern Rock Lobster In 1995/96 and 1996/97 a total of 10 and 11 licensed operators fished in this area (ie. Fishing Zone 7), catching approximately 49,122 and 32,461 kg of lobsters, respectively (or 0.961% and 0.64% of the total catch for Southern Rock Lobster in South Australian waters). Abalone Blacklip Abalone and Greenlip Abalone is presently commercially harvested within this biounit. (ie. MapCode 1A-E, Cape Adieu to Point Bell region), but due to confidentiality constraints these figures are not available. Marine Scalefish Fisheries During 1995/96 and 1996/97, 14 commercial licence holders (made up of Marine Scalefish, Restricted Marine Scalefish and Northern Zone Rock Lobster licence categories) caught commercial marine scalefish species from this region (ie. Fishing Zone 7).

Sinclair Island Conservation Park provides a resting place for Australian Sea Lions (Watt & Ling 1985, Robinson & Heard 1985, Gales et al. 1994), New Zealand Fur Seals (Shaugnessy 1990) and Crested Terns. The park is on the Register of the National Estate.

Page 29


License holders expended approximately 190 and 280 boat days effort fishing these waters during 1995/96 and 1996/97, respectively. The marine scalefish catch for this region (ie. Fishing Zone 7) represented 23 ,972 kg in 1995/96 and 112,894 kg in 1996/97(or 0.23% and 1.11% of the total catch for the marine scalefish fishery in South Australian waters). Although license holders are not restricted to fishing in this biounit, the following licenses are registered in this area: −

Fowlers Bay: 1 restricted marine scalefish.

−

Ceduna: 6 restricted marine scalefish licenses, 12 unrestricted marine scalefish, 1 Western King Prawn.

−

Smoky Bay: 5 unrestricted marine scalefish licenses.

−

Streaky Bay and Haslam: 3 restricted marine scalefish licenses, 28 unrestricted marine scalefish, 3 Abalone licenses, 2 Southern Rock Lobster. Thevenard: 4 restricted marine scalefish licenses, 32 unrestricted marine scalefish, 3 Southern Rock Lobster, 1 Western King Prawn.

−

−

Baird Bay: 2 unrestricted marine scalefish licenses.

−

Port Kenny: 12 unrestricted marine scalefish licenses, 1 restricted marine scalefish, 1 Western King Prawn.

−

Venus Bay: 3 unrestricted marine scalefish licenses.

2.2 Mariculture There is presently one R&D aquaculture lease in this region at Fowlers Bay. The Far West Aquaculture Management Plan (Ashman 1996) has recommended limited aquaculture development within this region:

−

2.3 Recreation and Tourism Fishing − −

−

Fowlers Bay Zone (defined waters within Fowlers Bay) – zoned for potential aquaculture development and protection of conservation and fisheries values. Licenses will be considered for a maximum of 40 ha of aquaculture development in this zone, after 2 years of R&D.

Scott Bay: beach fishing. Major species: Sand Flathead, Yelloweye Mullet, Australian Salmon and Mulloway. Fowlers Bay, Point Fowler: jetty and rock fishing. Major species: King George Whiting, Sand Flathead, Yelloweye Mullet, Australian Salmon, Snook, Sweep, Garfish, Yellowtail Kingfish, Tommy Rough, Trevally, Toothbrush Leatherjacket, Silver Drummer and Southern Calamari. Clare Bay: beach fishing. Major species: Sand Flathead, Yelloweye Mullet, Australian Salmon, Mulloway, Snook, Sweep, Blue Groper, Tommy Rough, Trevally, Toothbrush Leatherjacket and Silver Drummer. Tourism

The many bays and spectacular coastal scenery of this biounit are strong tourist attractions in this region. Major activities include boating, fishing and swimming. −

Rocky Point, Point James: camping, SCUBA diving.

−

Cactus Beach is 21 km south of Penong (east of Ceduna), and is considered as one of the best surfing beaches in the world. Although the surrounding land is privately owned, camping is allowed by permission of the owner.

Fowlers Policy Area −

Point Le Hunte Zone (defined waters on eastern side of Point Sinclair) - zoned for potential aquaculture development and protection of conservation and fisheries values. Licenses will be considered for a maximum of 10 ha of aquaculture development in this zone, after 2 years of R&D.


Researchers from the NPWS regularly conduct surveys of Australian Sea Lion and New Zealand Fur Seal colonies in the Nuyts Archipelago region.

Page 30


−

Fisheries research in this area includes, regular catch and effort monitoring of the major commercial fisheries in the region (Abalone, Southern Rock Lobster, Western King Prawn, and marine scalefish); regular research and monitoring of larval fish stocks; regular research and monitoring of South Rock Lobster field stocks.


Nuyts Reef Conservation Park (29 ha).

−

Sinclair Island Conservation Park (1 ha).

−

Fowlers Bay Conservation Reserve (8,649ha).

−

Chadinga Conservation Reserve (8,125 ha).

−

Point Bell Conservation Reserve (602 ha). Agriculture/Industry

Most of the adjacent land is used for agriculture. There are no major industries along the coast.

−

The region between Fowler's Bay and Streaky Bay is also culturally significant for the dominance of `natural' Aboriginal fishtraps in this region (Martin 1988). These fishtraps used modified natural features such as rock platform reef formations, tidal pools and shellgrit ridges. None of these types of traps have been recorded elsewhere along the west coast of Eyre Peninsula. Within this biounit, natural Aboriginal fish traps have been found at: − Rocky Point (1). The Murat Bay Aquaculture Management Plan (Bond T. 1991) reports the following areas of Aboriginal significance in this biounit6: −

−

−

Urban Centres None.


The rocky coast of the Point James Zone has Aboriginal sites of high sensitivity and moderate significance, whilst the sandy coast has Aboriginal sites considered to be of moderate sensitivity and low significance (Nicholson 1990). European Old whaling station at Fowler's Bay. Shipwrecks There are records of 7 shipwrecks in this region. None of these are protected under Commonwealth legislation. The two oldest wrecks are the `Spindrift’ (lost in 1927) and the `Cecelia’ (lost in 1946), both near Point Le Hunte.

Aboriginal The region encompassed within Murat Bioregion (and Fowlers Biounit) represents one of the most significant regions of Aboriginal heritage along the whole of the Eyre Province (A. Nicholson pers.comm.). The remoteness of the region has resulted in many sites remaining completely undisturbed by European activities. Nicholson (1991), in a survey of cultural sites from Fowlers Bay to Elliston, identified the following occupation site within this biounit, as being particularly significant: −

Point Brown 4 (approximately 400-500 years old): a recent occupation complex consisting of middens and an artefact manufacturing site. To be recommended for National Estate listing (Nicholson pers.comm.).

3

CURRENT CONSERVATION STATUS OF THE FOWLERS BIOUNIT

−

Marine Reserves None.

−

Marine Parks None Netting Closures

−

Fowlers Bay (all waters west of a line from First Point to a point 200 metres north east of the end of the jetty and then generally westward to a point on the mainland 200 metres north of the jetty).

6 "Sensitivity" refers to the quantity of sites in a particular region: the more sites there are in a region, the more "sensitive" it is thought to be. "Significance" refers to the quality or importance of sites within a given region and is defined according to certain criteria such as significance to the archaeological discipline or to the Aboriginal community.

Page 31


4

AREAS OF HIGH CONSERVATION VALUE IN THE FOWLER BIOUNIT Nuyts Reef- D’Entrecasteux Reef

−

Prime IUCN Conservation Values: rare and endangered species/habitats, biodiversity, research (IUCN Category IA). IUCN Identification Criteria: naturalness (not subjected to human-induced change), ecological (breeding site for Australian sea-lion, haul out site for New Zealand Fur Seals), economic (Greenlip Abalone, Blacklip Abalone, marine scalefish fisheries, Southern Rock Lobster), scientific (scientific research/monitoringAustralian Sea Lions), national (Register of the National Estate–Nuyts Reef Conservation Park), practicality (insulation, compatibilityadjacent to Nuyts Reef Conservation Park).

social values, biodiversity (IUCN Category III). IUCN Identification Criteria: naturalness (not subjected to human-induced change), economic (Greenlip Abalone, Blacklip Abalone, marine scalefish fisheries, Southern Rock Lobster), social (aboriginal fish traps at Rocky Point, recreation, camping, diving), national (potential for listing on the Register of the National Estate), practicality (accessibility).

Fowlers Bay-Clare Bay −

Primary IUCN Conservation Values: biodiversity, cultural, social values (IUCN Category II). IUCN Identification Criteria: naturalness (not subject to human-induced change), biogeographic (geological monument at Clare Bay, representative habitats), ecological (seagrass meadows at Fowlers Bay whale resting site, ecological integrity), economic (Greenlip Abalone, Blacklip Abalone, marine scalefish fisheries, Southern Rock Lobster), social (old whaling station, recreation, tourism, aesthetic values), practicality (accessibility, compatibility-adjacent to Fowlers Bay Conservation Reserve). Sinclair Island – Point Le Hunte

−

Prime IUCN Conservation Values: rare and endangered species/habitats, biodiversity, cultural values (IUCN Category IA). IUCN Identification Criteria: naturalness (not subjected to human-induced change), biogeographic (geological monument – Point Le Hunte, representative habitats), ecological (breeding site – Crested Terns, haul out site for Australian sea-lions and New Zealand Fur Seals, whale resting site), economic (Greenlip Abalone, Blacklip Abalone, marine scalefish fisheries, Southern Rock Lobster), social (shipwrecks - `Sprindrift’, `Cecelia’, recreation, aesthetic values), national (Register of the National Estate – Sinclair Island Conservation Park), practicality (accessibility, compatibilityadjacent to Sinclair Island Conservation Park).

Rocky Point −

Primary IUCN Conservation Values: cultural, Page 32

EYRE REGION – STREAKY AND NUYTS BIOUNIT

IV

MARINE BIOGEOGRAPHY AND CONSERVATION VALUES OF THE STREAKY AND NUYTS BIOUNIT

This coastal region is represented by 2 biounits: the inshore Streaky Biounit (the seaward boundary defined by the 30 metre coastal bathymetric contour), and an offshore Nuyts Bioregion (which extends down to 50 metre contour. The Streaky Biounit extends from Point James to Cape Bauer, and covers an area of 190,949ha. The Nuyts Bioreregion encompasses the Nuyts Archipelago, and covers an area of 283,165ha. The region faces in a southwesterly direction into the Great Australian Bight.


OCEANOGRAPHY

These biounits experience wave energies ranging from low in the bays, to high around the offshore islands and cliffs.

2


COASTAL

The majority of the coast within thes biounits comprise Pleistocene dune calcarenite cliffs interspersed with Holocene sediments. Precambrian crystalline rock forms the bedrock of all major peninsulas, all islands (excepting Eyre Island and Nuyts Archipelago) and most headlands, thereby providing the primary crenulations along the coast, and acting as a basement for the multiple episodes of Pleistocene marine - aeolian transgressions. The Streaky Biounit is highly crenulate with numerous bays and embayments usually containing Holocene sediments, separated by headlands and sections of Pleistocene cliffs. There are three large coastal embayments within the inshore Streaky Biounit (Tourville Bay, Bosanquet Bay, Decres Bay, Smoky Bay and Streaky Bay) and numerous offshore islands within the offshore Nuyts Biounit, including the Nuyts Archipelago, Lacy Islands, Evans Island and Flinders Reef, and the Isles of St. Francis. The Nuyts Archipelago group of islands consists of Purdie Island (the largest) and a number of small islands and reefs, all of crystalline basement. Only Purdie Island has a cover of calcareous aeolianite. Lounds Island is an elongate outcrop of crystalline basement.

7

Lacy Islands consist of Lacy Island (the largest) and several smaller islands. Lacy Island is crystalline basement with a cover of calcareous aeolianite, Bridgewater Formation which forms a prominent platform at the base of the island. The smaller islands appear to be wholly crystalline basement (Kinsman 1973). Evans Island is crystalline basement covered by a thick, fairly flat blanket of aeolianite. The basement forms a platform around the whole island and several rocky outcrops just offshore. Flinders Reef consists of two small islands of crystalline basement. The Isles of St. Francis consist of six major islands and several smaller islands. The larger islands are Egg, Dog, West, St. Francis, Masillon and Fenelon Islands. Egg island is crystalline basement covered by calcareous aeolianite which forms a broad platform around the entire island. An unnamed island south of Egg Island is also aeolianite on crystalline basement. Dog Island is crystalline basement with a cover of calcareous aeolianite, as is an unnamed island to the north-east of Dog Island. West Island is crystalline basement with a limited cover of aeolianite. St. Francis Island is the largest island in the group and is crystalline basement covered with a thick layer of aeolianite. In several areas, beaches are formed in embayments. Masillon and Fenelon Islands are similar, with crystalline basement outcrops at the base of each island and a thick cover of aeolianite, with one small embayment. Hart Island is an elongate outcrop of crystalline basement, but there is no aeolianite. Cannan Reefs, approximately 7km south-west of Fenelon Island, are wholly crystalline rocks. Yatala Reef and Goat Island are both crystalline basement, with Goat Island also having a thick cover of aeolianite. Franklin Island is virtually two islands joined superficially by a sand bar but is most probably underlain by crystalline basement; as is the remainder of the island and the small islands nearby.


Page 33


Caulerpa Cactoides.

Franklin Island has a thick cover of calcareous aeolianite covered by low vegetation, with recent sands forming narrow beaches on the northern side (Kinsman 1973).

3

BIOLOGY Major Inshore Habitats

−

−

Major intertidal habitats in the region include bays and èstuaries’ (ie. mangroves, saltmarshes, mudflats), offshore islands, sandy beaches and limestone rocky shores. Of the total inshore subtidal habitats mapped in the Streaky Biounit (110,972ha), seagrass meadows comprise 86,163ha (77.6%), sandy bottoms comprise 22,466ha (20.2%), and limestone reefs comprise 2,343ha (2.1%). Of the total inshore subtidal habitats mapped in the Nuyts Biounit (2,711ha), limestone reefs comprise 2,483 (91.6%), seagrass meadows comprise 144ha (5.3%), sandy bottoms comprise 84ha (3.1%). Major Benthic Communities

•

Macroalgal

−

Rocky limestone shores and reefs vary from wave exposed), to sheltered, in the lee of islands and headlands, and also, along coasts protected by the Nuyts Archipelago. Along exposed coasts (eg. Point Brown, Cape de Mole, Cape Bauer), reefs are dominated by Ecklonia radiata and Scytothalia dorycarpa and articulated (Amphiroa, Metagoniolithon) and encrusting corallines, with species of Cystophora (eg. C.racemosa) as subdominants. On moderately exposed coasts (eg. Cape D’Estrees), reefs are dominated by species of Sargassum (S.lacerifolium and S.spinuligerum, S.heteromorphum, S.decipiens, S.verruculosum, S.paradoxum), with Cystophora monilifera, Caulocystis ulvifera, and Osmundaria prolifera, as subdominants.

•

Seagrass

−

Large seagrass dominated embayments occur in this region (ie. Tourville, Murat, Bosanquet, Decres and Smoky bays) and also, adjacent to Eyre and St Peter Islands. Many species of seagrass occur in this area, and meadows are typically dominated by species of Posidonia (P.australis, P.sinuosa), and Heterozostera tasmanica in shallower regions. The seagrass Halophila australis typically occurs as a subdominant, sometimes with the green alga,

Coastal and Offshore Islands (or Reefs) These biounits are characterised by many coastal and offshore islands. Many of them have a variety of habitats including sandy beaches, seagrass meadows and algal assemblages and rocky shores. On the islands themselves, large bird colonies or colonies of the New Zealand Fur Seal or the Australian Sea Lion are often present. These are detailed below. •

Nuyts Archipelago, comprising:

− −

Purdie, Purdie Rocks, Lounds Island, Lacy, Evans, Goat, St Peter, Eyre Islands

•

Flinders Reef

−

Franklin Islands: South Franklin Rocks, small South Franklin Island, Franklin Island, small NE Franklin Island

−

St. Francis Isles: Freeling, Smooth, Egg, Dog, West, St. Francis, Masillon, Fenelon and Hart Islands

•

Cannon Reefs

•

Eba Island

•

Pigface Island

•

Olive Islands Major Rivers/Estuaries

Because of the arid nature of this region, all the estuaries in the Streaky Biounit are not `true' estuaries but rather `reverse estuaries'. However, since they exhibit typical estuarine flora and fauna, they are considered as èstuarine habitats'. − − − − − − − −

Tourville Bay. Murat Bay. Denial Bay. Bosanquet Bay. Smoky Bay. Blanche Port (Streaky Bay). Laura Bay. Acraman Creek.

Page 34


19 waterbirds have been recorded for the bay, 11 of these are listed under international treaties (Fuhlbohm 1992). White-bellied Sea Eagles and Ospreys breed in nearby cliffs. Approximately 3,500-5,000 waders utilise the area (Eckert 1974). Streaky Bay has been identified as an area of international importance for shorebirds by Watkins (1993).

MARINE CONSERVATION VALUES 1

SIGNIFICANT BIOLOGICAL PHYSICAL FEATURES

AND

1.1 Biological Coastal and Marine Wetlands of National Importance −

−

Tourville Bay (Davenport Creek) has been identified as a wetland of national importance (see ANCA 1996). The mangroves in this bay represent not only the western-most extent of mangroves (Avicennia marina) in South Australia, but also, the largest stand of mangrove forest on Eyre Peninsula. They also form the most extensive stand of mangroves between Spencer Gulf and Exmouth Gulf in Western Australia. The mangroves of Davenport Creek in particular, are growing on a more sandy substrate than is usual for South Australian mangroves. Most of the bay is less than 2m deep, and consists of intertidal sand/mud flats (42 km2); mangroves (13 km2); samphire; seagrass and reefs (Bucher & Saenger 1989). The estuary itself is a nursery area for fish and Western King Prawns and a feeding area for waders, and as such, it is one of the most important coastal wetlands in the state (Bond T., 1991). Tourville Bay was identified as an area of international importance for shorebirds by Watkins (1993). Threatened species include Hooded Plover, Thinornis rubricollis (Nv, Sv) and Eastern Curlew, Numenius madagascariensis (Sv). Breeding sites have been recorded for Pied Cormorants, Phalacrocorax varius, Grey Cormorants, P.carbo and White-faced Herons, Egretta novaehollandiae (Watkins 1993). In a review of estuaries in Australia, Bucher & Saenger (1989) identified Tourville Bay as one of three estuaries of outstanding conservation value in South Australia. Streaky Bay (including Acraman Creek) has been identified as a wetland of national importance (see ANCA 1996). The bay is a major waterbird feeding and roosting area for the west coast of South Australia, while Acraman Creek is one of the finest examples of diverse samphire vegetation on the Eyre Peninsula (ANCA 1996). Threatened plant species include Halosarcia flabelliformis (Nv, Sv) and Centrolepis cephaloformis (Sr) at Acraman Creek. Threatened fauna include Hooded Plover, Thinornis rubricollis (Nv, Sv). White-bellied Sea-Eagle, Haliaeetus leucogaster (Sv), Osprey, Pandion haliaetus (Sv), Cape Barren Goose, Cereopsis novaehollandiae (Sv) and Eastern Curlew, Numenius madagascariensis (Sv). A total of

−

Both Smoky Bay and Streaky Bay estuaries support substantial areas of marine wetlands (ie. mangroves, seagrass) that would provide habitat for estuarine and offshore fish stocks. Smoky Bay consists of intertidal sand/mud flats (10.54 km2 - with Heterozostera tasmanica); mangroves (7.62 km2); and very dense sand 1m high with samphire and patches of low Sarcocornia (Bucher & Saenger 1989). Blanche Port (Streaky Bay): consists of intertidal sand/mud flats (7.19 km2); mangroves (3.42 km2); and scattered areas of Sarcocornia within the mangroves (Butler et al. 1975). The size of the estuaries and the extent and diversity of their associated wetlands suggest that they contribute significantly to the ecology of the local area (Bucher & Saenger 1989). Smoky Bay particularly is an important nursery area for fish and Western King Prawns. The oyster zone was found to be the only area to have abundant juvenile Western King Prawns in Smoky Bay (Wallner 1985). The mangroves in the north of the zone are a substantial stand but not significant locally. Other Areas of Significance

−

Murat, Denial and Bosanquet Bays support substantial areas of wetland that would provide habitat for estuarine and offshore fish stocks. Murat Bay has extensive beds of razor shells in the bay. Seagrass is the dominant marine vegetation with brown algae on limestone reef areas. Denial Bay has scattered stands of mangroves and seagrasses that dominate vegetation in sandy areas, with brown algae on the reefs. The marine environment is an important nursery area for Western King Prawns and fish especially the area from the jetty to Low Point (Wallner 1985). Bosanquet Bay consists of seagrass, reef areas and a small stand of mangroves in the northwest corner of the bay. The shallow sandy coast of the northern shore of the bay is important as a nursery area for Western King Prawns (Wallner 1985).

Page 35


The size of the estuaries and the extent and diversity of their associated wetlands suggest that they would contribute significantly to the ecology of the local area. −

Wittelbee Conservation Park: on the Register of the National Estate.

−

Laura Bay Conservation Park: sandflats are an important feeding area for waders. The island off Dog Fence Point is also an important roosting area for cormorants and gulls. Laura Bay itself is a sheltered bay with an extensive sand dune system and is reknown as an area of outstanding scenic qualities. Fox Creek is a small tidal creek that flows from the park into Laura Bay and is lined with mangroves and saltmarsh. Several different coastal environments have been conserved within the park. The park is on the Register of the National Estate. Extensive Seagrass Meadows

−

The seagrasses in the Streaky Biounit represent the largest areas of seagrass on the Eyre Coast. The sheltered embayments of the Eyre Coast, particularly Streaky and Smoky Bay (ie. Streaky Biounit), and Port Douglas (ie. Douglas Biounit), support extensive seagrass meadows. These extensive seagrass meadows flourish in shallow clear waters, generally in waters less than 15m, and provide the basis for the significant productivity of the coastal regions in terms of fisheries and prawn production. Seagrasses cover a total area of approximately 86,163 ha in Streaky and Smoky Bay, and 8,567 ha in Port Douglas. Together, the seagrasses of the Eyre Coast represent approximately 15% (ie. 1407 km2) of the total area of seagrasses recorded in South Australia (ie. 9,612 km2). Inshore Islands of Conservation Value

−

St Peter Island: high conservation value. The sand banks surrounding the island are important Western King Prawn nursery areas and rare shell fish have been recorded here. The mangrove, sand bank and seagrass environments around the island are important fish nursery areas. Brush-tailed Bettongs and Stick Nest Rats have been re-introduced to the island.

−

Eyre Islands: Eyre Island, Little Eyre Island, Goalen Rocks, and Cape Missiessy. The vegetation on these islands is completely undisturbed. Eyre Island and Cape Missiessy in particular have significant samphire and mangrove cover. Around the islands and coast, seagrass meadows dominate. The sand banks north of Eyre Island and east of Cape Missiessy are important Western King Prawn nursery areas (Wallner 1985).

−

Eba Island Conservation Park is connected to the mainland by a long sand bar. The park is on the Register of the National Estate.

−

Pigface Island Conservation Park has a breeding colony of Little Black Cormorant (Phalacrocorax sulcirostris). The park is on the Register of the National Estate. Offshore Islands of Conservation Value

−

The offshore islands in the Nuyts Biounit represent significant breeding sites for the rare Australian Sea Lion (Neophoca cinerea) and haul out sites for the New Zealand Fur Seal (Arctocephalus forsteri) in South Australia. The islands of the Nuyts Archipelago are particularly important as breeding sites for Australian Sea Lions. Significant breeding colonies occur on Purdie Island (120 pups, estimated population 577), Lounds Island (26 pups, estimated population 125), West Island (30 pups, estimated population 144), Fenelon Island (50 pups, estimated population 241), Small NE Franklin Island (50 pups, estimated population 241), Small South Franklin Island (75 pups, estimated population 361), Olive Island (50 pups, estimated population 241), and Jones Island (5 pups, estimated population 24) (Robinson & Heard 1985, Gales et al. 1994). Haul out sites also occur on Sinclair, Hart, Purdie, Egg, Smooth, Dog, Freeling, Masillon, South Franklin Rocks, Lacy and Evans islands (Watts & Ling 1985, Gales et al. 1994). New Zealand Fur Seals also haul out on Fenelon, Lacy and Hart Islands (Shaughnessy et al. 1994).

Page 36


−

Nuyts Archipelago Conservation Park includes a wide variety of habitats and limestone capped islands on massive granite bases. Apart from the relatively pristine environment, the most significant thing about this island group is the presence on the Franklin Islands of the last known population in the world of Greater Stick-nest Rats (Leporillus conditor). Because of its importance to conservation, Franklin Island has been proclaimed a Prohibited Area. This island also supports a subspecies of Southern Brown Bandicoot. Most of the other islands have large Short-tailed Shearwater breeding colonies in the summer months. Many of these islands also support significant breeding colonies or haul out sites for rare Australian Sea Lions and to a lesser extent New Zealand Fur Seals (see above). The mangroves present on St Peter Island are the only oceanic stand on the entire South Australian coast. Goat and Franklin islands have dense populations of very large Black Tiger Snakes.

−

The park is on the Register of the National Estate.

−

Isles of St Francis Conservation Park: comprises St Francis, Dog, Smooth, Egg, West, Masillon, Fenelon and Hart Islands. St Francis is home to an enormous breeding population of Short-tailed Shearwaters, a population of Island Bandicoots (Isoodon obesulus) and a variety of reptiles, including an important population of Carpet Python. There is also a program to reintroduce Brushtailed Bettongs on the island. The other islands of the St Francis Group are much less disturbed than the main island and are biologically interesting in their own right. Many of the islands are breeding colonies or haul out sites for Australian Sea Lions (see above). A breeding colony of New Zealand Fur Seals is also present on Fenelon Island. Extensive seagrass meadows and algal assemblages also occur around the islands, together with abundant fish fauna including Blue Groper. The park is on the Register of the National Estate. Populations of native bush rats occur on Dog Island, Masillon Island, Lacy Island, and Goat Island.

−

Olive Islands Conservation Park, off Cape Bauer. The park is home to a breeding colony of more than 150 Australian Sea Lions (Watts & Ling 1985). The park is on the Register of the National Estate.

−

The Great Australian Bight region is best known for its large cetaceans. At least 17

species of cetaceans have been recorded in this region, some of which are migratory species, such as Blue Whales, Sperm Whales, Minke Whales, Humpbacks, Rorquals, as well as the Southern Right Whale (Kemper & Ling). Killer Whales have also been recorded and their presence is probably related to the abundance of pinnipeds along the western Eyre Peninsula. −

Critical area for the Southern Right Whale (Eubalaena australis). Whales are also often seen moving along the coast towards the Head of Bight. Groups of as many as five whales have been seen from the air near Fowlers Bay and pairs or singletons are now fairly common sights as they move from bay to bay around the western side of Eyre Peninsula (Watt & Ling 1985). They probably mate, give birth and suckle inshore.

1.2 Physical Geological Monuments −

Laura Bay: Holocene beach ridge system. At Laura Bay a Holocene beach ridge system has prograded 1,200m into the bay with considerable variation occurring in the spacing and height of the beach ridges. Although the beach ridge system to some degree reflects the local conditions of the embayment, it also reflects the conditions (whether changes in storminess or sea-level) that have determined the rates and episodes of Holocene sedimentation along the western portion of the Eyre coast.

−

Eyre Island: Holocene beach - foredune ridge systems. Eyre Island evolved during the Holocene as a series of multiple beach foredune ridges that prograded simultaneously on 3 fronts with extensive samphire and mangrove flats between the prograding arms. The island represents an island in the making and preserves a rich history of sea-levels and sedimentation during the Holocene.

−

Point Brown: dykes on the wave-cut platform.

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Point Collinson (northern Streaky Bay): Pleistocene wave-cut platform. At Point Collinson a Pleistocene wave-cut platform 1.0m above MSL is overlain by two small coqioma remnants 0.4-0.6m thick. One of these contains intact bivalves, including Anadara spp. The site provides evidence of previous sea-level events.

In 1995/96 and 1996/97 a total of 17 and 13 licensed operators fished in the Streaky Biounit (ie. Fishing Zone 10), catching approximately 11,710 and 12,171 kg of lobsters, respectively (or 0.23% and 0.24% of the total catch for Southern Rock Lobster in South Australian waters).

−

Acraman Creek: stranded tidal creek system. Five kilometres west of Acraman Creek a tidal creek system has been cut off from the sea by a prograding recurved spit. The stranded creek system is well preserved and readily accessible by vehicle, making it an excellent research site.

−

The barrier-spit sequence is also well preserved and provides a record of sedimentation over the Holocene period.

2

OTHER VALUES

Blacklip Abalone and Greenlip Abalone is presently a significant fishery within the Nuyts Biounit. In 1994/95 and 1995/96 a total of 20,670 and 15,807 kg of Greenlip was harvested within this region (ie. MapCode 2A-H, 2J, 3C-D, Nuyts Archipelago region, Franklin Islands), and represented 9.1% and 7.0% of the total Greenlip Western Zone catch (or 5.49% and 4.22% of the total catch for Greenlip in South Australian waters). In 1994/95 and 1995/96 a total of 21243 and 16611 kg of Blacklip was harvested within this region, and represented 6.8% and 6.0% of the total Blacklip Western Zone catch (or 4.30% and 3.59% of the total catch for Blacklip in South Australian waters).

−

2.1 Commercial Fisheries Major single species fisheries in this region include Western King Prawn, Abalone and Southern Rock Lobster. There is also a considerable marine scalefish fishery targeting mainly King George Whiting by hand line. Some netting occurs inside parts of Venus Bay. Some of the Southern Bluefin Tuna boats use Thevenard as their major port of landing. Western King Prawn This biounit is located within the waters of the West Coast prawn fishery, which comprises 3 license holders (ie. Boats). All vessels fish within the waters of this biounit (ie. Fishing Zones 8), the Newland Biounit (ie. Fishing Zone 15) and the Douglas Biounit (ie. Fishing Zone 27). In 1995/96 and 1996/97 a total of 200,764 and 166,414 kg was caught for this fishery, with a total effort of 3,144 and 2,778 hours, respectively (or 8.84% and 8.22% of the total catch for Western King Prawn in South Australian waters). Southern Rock Lobster

Abalone

The Blacklip Abalone and Greenlip Abalone is considerably less within the waters of the Streaky Biounit. (ie. MapCode 3A, Smoky Bay, Cape Missiessy – Point Collinson region), and represented 0.1% and 0.8% of the total Greenlip Western Zone catch (or 0.06% and 0.50% of the total catch for Greenlip in South Australian waters), but due to confidentiality constraints these figures are not available. Marine Scalefish Fisheries During 1995/96 and 1996/97, 19 and 21 commercial licence holders (made up of Marine Scalefish, Restricted Marine Scalefish and Northern Zone Rock Lobster licence categories) caught commercial marine scalefish species from the Nuyts Biounit (ie. Fishing Zone 8), respectively. License holders expended approximately 1,141 and 1,334 boat days effort fishing these waters during 1995/96 and 1996/97, respectively. The marine scalefish catch for this region (ie. Fishing Zone 8) represented 173,574 kg in 1995/96 and 196,644 kg in 1996/97(or 1.67% and 1.94% of the total catch for the marine scalefish fishery in South Australian waters).

In 1995/96 and 1996/97 a total of 19 and 18 licensed operators fished in the Nuyts Biounit (ie. Fishing Zone 8), catching approximately 54,832 and 43,345 kg of lobsters, respectively (or 1.07% and 0.85% of the total catch for Southern Rock Lobster in South Australian waters).

Page 38


During 1995/96 and 1996/97, 26 and 28 commercial licence holders (made up of Marine Scalefish, Restricted Marine Scalefish and Northern Zone Rock Lobster licence categories) caught commercial marine scalefish species from the Streaky Biounit (ie. Fishing Zone 10), respectively. License holders expended approximately 1929 and 2,043 boat days effort fishing these waters during 1995/96 and 1996/97, respectively. The marine scalefish catch for this region (ie. Fishing Zone 10) represented 64,455 kg in 1995/96 and 73,702 kg in 1996/97(or 0.62% and 0.73% of the total catch for the marine scalefish fishery in South Australian waters). Although license holders are not restricted to fishing in this biounit, the following licenses are registered in this area: −

Fowlers Bay: 1 restricted marine scalefish.

−

Ceduna: 6 restricted marine scalefish licenses, 12 unrestricted marine scalefish, 1 Western King Prawn.

−

Smoky Bay: 5 unrestricted marine scalefish licenses. Streaky Bay and Haslam: 3 restricted marine scalefish licenses, 28 unrestricted marine scalefish, 3 Abalone licenses, 2 Southern Rock Lobster.

−

−

Thevenard: 4 restricted marine scalefish licenses, 32 unrestricted marine scalefish, 3 Southern Rock Lobster, 1 Western King Prawn.

−

Baird Bay: 2 unrestricted marine scalefish licenses.

−

Port Kenny: 12 unrestricted marine scalefish licenses, 1 restricted marine scalefish, 1 Western King Prawn.

−

Venus Bay: 3 unrestricted marine scalefish licenses.

Ceduna Policy Area −

Denial Bay Aquaculture Zone (waters of Denial Bay, west to Cape Beaufort) – zoned for sustainability of existing oyster culture industry. Licenses will be considered for a maximum of 122ha of oyster culture within this zone.

−

Smoky Bay Aquaculture Zone (southern waters of Streaky Bay) – zoned for sustainability of existing oyster culture industry. Licenses will be considered for a maximum of 85ha of oyster culture within this zone.

−

Tourville Bay Zone (waters at the mouth of Tourville Bay) – zoned to assess potential aquaculture (oyster fattening). Licenses will be considered for maximum of 2ha of R&D oyster culture.

−

Murat Bay Zone (waters of Murat Bay) zoned for assess potential aquaculture (oyster fattening). Licenses will be considered for maximum of 2ha of R&D oyster culture.

−

St Peter Island Zone (waters off southeastern end of island) - zoned to assess potential aquaculture (oyster fattening). Licenses will be considered for maximum of 2ha of R&D oyster culture.

−

D’Ecres Bay Zone (waters of D’Ecres Bay, from Cape Vivonne to Cape D’Estres, excluding waters adjacent Wittlebee Conservation Park) – zoned for aquaculture development. Licenses will be considered for a maximum of 40ha of aquaculture development.

−

Waterwitch Zone (waters of Smoky Bay, excluding waters adjacent to Laura Bay and Laura Bay Conservation Park) - zoned for aquaculture development. Licenses will be considered for a maximum of 80ha of aquaculture development.

−

Licenses will not be considered for aquaculture developments outside these zones, including Purdie Islands, St Francis Isles, Franklin Islands.

2.2 Mariculture Pacific Oyster farming is the major mariculture industry in this coastal biounit. At present this region represents one of the major regions for oyster growing in South Australia. As such, significant activity is present in Denial Bay (116 of leases), western Blanche Port (or Streaky Bay) and eastern Smoky Bay. The Far West Aquaculture Management Plan (Ashman 1996) has recommended consolidation of the existing oyster industry within this region:

Page 39


2.3 Recreation and Tourism

−

Fisheries research in this area includes, regular catch and effort monitoring of the major commercial fisheries in the region (Abalone, Southern Rock Lobster, Western King Prawn, and marine scalefish); regular research and monitoring of larval fish stocks; regular research and monitoring of South Rock Lobster field stocks.

−

Islands in the St Francis Group (St Francis, Egg, Masillon, and Fenelon) have been the site of a number of marine and terrestrial ecological studies by both, fisheries researchers and researchers from the SA Museum and research institutions (see Shepherd & Womersley 1976).

Fishing −

−

Ceduna: jetty, boat and shore fishing. Major species: King George Whiting, Sand Flathead, Yelloweye Mullet, Australian Salmon, Snapper, Snook, Garfish, Blue Groper, Tommy Rough, Trevally and Southern Calamari. Smoky Bay, Point Brown: boat, jetty and rock fishing. Major species: King George Whiting, Sand Flathead, Yelloweye Mullet, Australian Salmon, Snapper, Snook, Sweep, Garfish, Tommy Rough, Trevally, Toothbrush Leatherjacket and Southern Calamari.

2.5 Adjacent Land Use −

−

Streaky Bay, Back Beach: boat, jetty and shore fishing. Major species: King George Whiting, Sand Flathead, Yelloweye Mullet, Australian Salmon, Snapper, Mulloway, Snook, Garfish, Greenback Flounder, Blue Swimming Crab, Tommy Rough, Trevally, Toothbrush Leatherjacket and Southern Calamari.

National and Conservation Parks −

Nuyts Archipelago Conservation Park (5483 ha): includes all remaining offshore islands between Rocky Point and Point Brown, with the exception of St Peters Island which is held under a Pastoral Lease, and Evans Island which is a lighthouse Reserve managed by the Commonwealth Government.

−

Isles of St Francis Conservation Park (1,320 ha): comprises St Francis, Dog, Smooth, Egg, West, Masillon, Fenelon and Hart Islands.

−

Wittelbee Conservation Park (153 ha).

−

Laura Bay Conservation Park (267 ha).

−

Acraman Creek Conservation Park (3,960ha).

−

Caratoola Recreation Park (53 ha).

−

Eba Island Conservation Park (121 ha).

−

Pigface Island Conservation Park (10 ha).

−

Olive Islands Conservation Park (21 ha).

There is an artificial reef located in Streaky Bay (consisting of 100 rubber tyre modules). Tourism

The many bays and spectacular coastal scenery of this biounit are strong tourist attractions in this region. Major activities include boating, fishing and swimming. −

Davenport Beach: swimming.

−

Ceduna: watersports, swimming, visiting Oyster Farms. Fishing or touring trips run to the local bays, as well as 4WD or helicopter tours along the coast.


Researchers from the NPWS regularly conduct surveys of Australian Sea Lion and New Zealand Fur Seal colonies in the Nuyts Archipelago region. Regular counts of the Point Labatt colony have been made since 1966 (Robinson & Heard 1985).

Agriculture/Industry Most of the adjacent land is used for agriculture. There are no major industries along the coast. The jetty at Thevenard is the principal port on the West Coast for shipping grain, gypsum and salt. The Yatala Channel provides access to the jetty and is dredged and maintained by the Department of Marine and Harbours. International ships frequent this port.

Page 40


Urban Centres −

Ceduna (population 2,877).

−

Streaky Bay (population 992).

2.6 Significant Cultural and Historical Features Aboriginal The region encompassed within the Murat Bioregion (and Nuyts Biounit) represents one of the most significant regions of Aboriginal heritage along the whole of the Eyre Province (A. Nicholson pers.comm.). The remoteness of the region has resulted in many sites remaining completely undisturbed by European activities. Nicholson (1991), in a survey of cultural sites from Fowlers Bay to Elliston, identified the following occupation sites as being particularly significant: −

−

Acraman Creek 4 (approximately 6,700 years old): a discrete occupation site consisting of four middens. To be recommended for National Estate listing (Nicholson pers.comm.).

−

Natural Aboriginal fish traps have been found at Rocky Point (1), Tourville Bay (2), Murat Bay (10), Halfway Camp, in Murat Bay (1), Point Dillon-Cape Missiessy (1), Smoky Bay (1), and Eba Island (1) (Martin 1988).

−

`Constructed' Aboriginal fishtraps, consisting of woven wooden traps, have been recorded at Duckponds Creek, in Murat Bay (1) and on the north coast of St Peter Island (1) (Martin 1988).

The Murat Bay Aquaculture Management Plan (Bond. T, 1991) reports the following areas of Aboriginal significance in this region8: −

The rocky coast of the Point James Zone has Aboriginal sites of high sensitivity and moderate significance, whilst the sandy coast has Aboriginal sites considered to be of moderate sensitivity and low significance (Nicholson 1990).

−

The rocky coast occupied by Ceduna and Thevenard probably had Aboriginal sites of high sensitivity and moderate significance, but unfortunately most of this area is now highly developed and the sites disturbed (Nicholson 1990).

−

Aboriginal sites along Cape Beaufort are considered to be of high sensitivity and moderate significance (Nicholson 1990).

−

The rocky coast of the Waterwitch Aquaculture Zone has Aboriginal sites of high sensitivity and moderate significance; the sandy coast has sites of high sensitivity and low significance. The beach east of Wittlebee Point and the southern part of Smoky Bay have sites of moderate sensitivity and significance.

Corvisart Bay 3, Granites (approximately 67,000 years old): a discrete occupation site consisting of three middens. To be recommended for National Estate listing (Nicholson pers.comm.).

In addition to these outstanding sites a number of other occupation sites of cultural significance have also been identified by Nicholson (1991): −

The region between Fowler's Bay and Streaky Bay is also culturally significant for the dominance of `natural' Aboriginal fishtraps in this region (Martin 1988). These fishtraps used modified natural features such as rock platform reef formations, tidal pools and shellgrit ridges. None of these types of traps have been recorded elsewhere along the west coast of Eyre Peninsula.

Tourville Bay 7, Nadir Landing: a discrete occupation site: an artefact or stone scatter. One of the ten largest occupation sites in the Eyre Province. Tourville Bay as a region is considered to be of moderate Aboriginal significance and sensitivity, however the rocky coast within the bay is considered to be of high sensitivity and moderate significance (Nicholson 1990).

−

Perlubie 2, near Eba Island: a discrete occupation site 20 m from MHWM: an artefact or stone scatter. One of the ten largest occupation sites in the Eyre Province.

−

Corvisart 7, Yanerbie sandpatch: a discrete occupation site consisting of cultural, animal bones. 8 "Sensitivity" refers to the quantity of sites in a particular region: the more sites there are in a region, the more "sensitive" it is thought to be. "Significance" refers to the quality or importance of sites within a given region and is defined according to certain criteria such as significance to the archaeological discipline or to the Aboriginal community.

Page 41


−

The rocky coast of the Wittlebee Zone has Aboriginal sites of high sensitivity and moderate significance.

4

−

In Laura Bay, sites of high sensitivity and moderate significance occur on rocky coast, while sites of moderate sensitivity and significance in sandy areas.

4.1 Streaky Biounit Tourville Bay −

European −

The shipwreck of Èleni K' (1966) lies in 10m of water, 1.5 km north of Goat Island.

3

CURRENT CONSERVATION STATUS OF THE STREAKY AND NUYTS BIOUNITS

3.1 Streaky Biounit

−

Marine Reserves None.

−

Marine Parks None.

−

Netting Closures Denial and Smoky Bays (all waters east of a line from Point Brown to Point James) Streaky Bay

−

−

3.2 Nuyts Biounit Marine Reserves None.

−

Marine Parks None.

−

Netting Closures None.

Prime IUCN Conservation Values: biodiversity, cultural, social values (IUCN Category IA). IUCN IUCN Identification Criteria: naturalness (not subject to humaninduced change), biogeographic (representative habitats), ecological (mangroves and wetlands at Tourville Baylargest stand on Eyre Peninsula, threatened waterbirds – Hooded Plover, Eastern Curlew, breeding sites – Pied Cormorants, Grey Cormorant, White-faced Heron, ecological integrity), economic (nursery area for economic species-Western King Prawn, marine scalefish, crustaceans), social (aboriginal fish traps at Rocky Point, Tourville Bay, aboriginal occupation site at Tourville Bay, recreation, tourism), national/international (Wetland of National Significance, international importance for shorebirds), practicality (accessibility, insulation). Decres Bay

(all waters east of a line from Point de Mole to Cape Bauer, Wandoma)

−

AREAS OF HIGH CONSERVATION VALUE IN THE STREAKY AND NUYTS BIOUNITS

Prime IUCN Conservation Values: social values, biodiversity, (IUCN III). IUCN Identification Criteria: naturalness (not subjected to human-induced change), biogeographic (representative habitats), ecological (seagrass meadows), economic (marine scalefish fisheries), social (recreation), national (Register of the National Estate-Wittlebee Conservation Park), practicality (accessibility, insulation, compatibility-adjacent to Wittlebee Conservation Park). Laura Bay – Smoky Bay

−

Prime IUCN Conservation Values: biodiversity, cultural, social values (IUCN II). IUCN Identification Criteria: naturalness (not subjected to human-induced change), biogeographic (representative habitats, geological monuments-Laura Bay), ecological (diversity of marine habitats, mangroves at Laura Bay, extensive seagrass meadows in Smoky Bay and Laura Bay, ecological integrity), economic (key nursery areas for Western King Prawn, marine scalefish fisheries), social (aboriginal fish traps at Point Dillon-Cape Missiessy, Smoky Bay, aesthetic values-Laura Bay), national Page 42


(Register of the National Estate-Laura Bay Conservation Park), practicality (accessibility, insulation, compatibility-adjacent to Laura Bay Conservation Park).

4.2 Nuyts Biounit

−

Acraman Creek-Streaky Bay −

Prime IUCN Conservation Values: biodiversity, cultural, social values (IUCN II). IUCN Identification Criteria: naturalness (not subjected to human-induced change), biogeographic (geological monuments at Point Brown, Point Collison, Acraman Creek, representative habitats), ecological (diversity of marine habitats, extensive seagrass meadows of Streaky Bay, samphire communities at Acraman Creek, threatened waterbirds – Hooded Plover, White-bellied Sea Eagle, Osprey, Cape Barren Goose, Eastern Curlew, ecological integrity), economic (key nursery areas for Western King Prawn, marine scalefish fisheries), social (aboriginal occupation complex at Point Brown, Acraman Creek, recreation), national/international (Wetland of National Importance – Streaky Bay, including Acraman Creek, international importance for shorebirds, aboriginal occupation complexes at Point Brown and Acraman Creek), practicality (accessibility, insulation, compatibility-adjacent to Acraman Creek Conservation Park).

Nuyts Archipelago Prime IUCN Conservation Values: rare and endangered species/habitats, biodiversity, aesthetics, scientific research/monitoring (IUCN Category IB). IUCN Identification Criteria: naturalness (not subjected to humaninduced change), biogeographic (representative habitats), ecological (ecological integrity, diversity of marine habitats, mangroves on St Peter Island, significant breeding colonies for Australian Sea Lions – Purdie Rocks, Lounds Island, West Island, Fenelon Island, NE Franklin Island, Olive Islands and Jones, significant breeding colonies for New Zealand Fur Seals – Fenelon Island, breeding sites for Short-tailed Shearwaters, Little Penguins-St Francis Island, St Peter Island, nesting sites for Ospreys, White-bellied Sea Eagle-St Peter Island, Bandicoots, Carpet Python, Black Tiger Snakes), economic (Greenlip and Blacklip Abalone, Southern Rock Lobster), social (aesthetic values, aboriginal fish trap-St Peter Island, tourism, recreation), scientific (scientific studies at St Francis Isles), national (Register of the National Estate – Nuyts Archipelago Conservation Park, St Francis Conservation Park), practicality (insulation, compatibilityadjacent to Nuyts Archipelago Conservation Park, Isles of St Francis Conservation Park). Franklin Islands-Eyre Islands-Cape Missiessy

Eba Island −

Prime IUCN Conservation Values: cultural values, biodiversity (IUCN III). IUCN Identification Criteria: naturalness (not subjected to human-induced change), ecological (extensive seagrass meadows, sandflats, breeding colony of Silvergulls), economic (marine scalefish fisheries, key nursery area for Western King Prawn and marine scalefish fisheries), social (aboriginal fish trap-Eba Island, aboriginal occupation site at Perlubie), national (Register of the National Estate-Eba Island Conservation Park), practicality (insulation, compatibility-adjacent to Eba Island Conservation Park).

−

Prime IUCN Conservation Values: rare and endangered species/habitats, biodiversity (IUCN Category IA). IUCN Identification Criteria: naturalness (not subjected to humaninduced change), biogeographic (geological monument - Eyre Island, representative habitats), ecological (mangroves/samphires on Eyre Island and Cape Missiessy, seagrass meadows, significant breeding colony of Australian Sea Lions on NE Franklin Island, Greater Stick Nest Rats – last remaining population, Southern Brown Bandicoot, Black Tiger Snakes), economic (key nursery area for Western King Prawn, marine scalefish fisheries, Greenlip and Blacklip Abalone, Southern Rock Lobster), social (aboriginal fish traps at Point Dillon-Cape Missiessy), national/international (Register of the National Estate-Nuyts Archipelago Conservation Park, Greater Stick Nest Rats-Franklin Island), practicality (insulation, compatibility-adjacent to Franklin Islands Conservation Park, Eyre Islands Conservation Park).

Page 43


Olive Islands −

Prime IUCN Conservation Values: rare and endangered species/habitats, biodiversity (IUCN Category IA). IUCN Identification Criteria: naturalness (not subject to humaninduced change), ecological (significant breeding colony of rare Australian Sea Lions), national (Register of the National Estate-Olive Islands Conservation Park), practicality (insulation, compatibility-adjacent to Olive Islands Conservation Park).

Page 44

EYRE REGION - YANERBIE BIOUNIT

V

MARINE BIOGEOGRAPHY AND CONSERVATION VALUES OF THE YANERBIE BIOUNIT

This biounit extends from Cape Bauer to Talia Caves, just south of Venus Bay and covers an area of 82,854 ha.


An estimated 57% of the average volume of bay is exchanged each tidal cycle (Bye 1993).

OCEANOGRAPHY

This biounit experiences wave energies ranging from very low in the coastal embayments (ie. Baird Bay, Venus Bay, to very high wave swell conditions along the mainland coast. Open coast sea temperatures vary from a mean summer sea surface temperature of 18oC to a mean winter sea surface temperature of 14oC. The inshore coastal regions are very productive and are characterised by seasonal, nutrient-rich, coldwater upwellings, which can result in an offshore sea surface temperature gradient of 18oC to 11oC in inshore areas during the summer months (Wenju et al. 1990). There appears to be a relationship between the upwellings and the pilchard numbers in these areas (Ward & McLeay 1998). Venus Bay is a shallow semi-enclosed bay linked to the ocean via a narrow mouth. The depth at the mouth of the bay is approximately 6m. The main channel lies to the east of Germein Island. The bay consists of two almost level basins of about 2.6m and 2.3m depth (Bye 1993). An extensive shallow region occurs in the south-east of the bay, and a narrower shallow region along the northern shore. The restricted access to ocean (the entrance to Venus Bay is 140m across) imposes a physical barrier to the advection of King Western Prawn larvae into the bays (Wallner 1985, Carrick 1993). High net summer evaporation combined with long water residence times within the bay produces large salinity and temperature variability (Wallner 1985). Salinity increases from the mouth of Venus Bay (at 36 psu) to the shallow inshore regions (which reach salinities of 40 psu). Notable regions of high salinity occur in the far southeast, and in the northwest of the bay (Bye 1993).

2


COASTAL

The majority of the coast within this biounit comprises Pleistocene dune calcarenite cliffs interspersed with Holocene sediments. Precambrian crystalline rock forms the bedrock of all major peninsulas, thereby providing the primary crenulations along the coast, and acting as a basement for the multiple episodes of Pleistocene marine - aeolian transgressions. Around the Westall Peninsula the calcarenite mantles have been wave eroded to form shore platforms (Twidale et al. 1977). The shoreline consists of reefs and shore platforms, as well as beach-surf zone and surf zone. There are two large coastal embayments within this biounit (Baird Bay, Venus Bay). Venus Bay (73 km2) consists of areas of samphire swamps and mangroves (0.40 km2) together with intertidal sand/mudflats (14.74 km2). Germain Island is a large mangrove and samphire swamp built by the tidal currents in Venus Bay.

3


−

Major intertidal habitats in the region include bays and èstuaries’ (ie. saltmarshes, mudflats), sandy beaches, rocky limestone shores, and offshore islands.

−

Of the total inshore subtidal habitats mapped in the biounit (21,977ha), sandy bottoms comprise 9,573 ha (43.6%), seagrass meadows comprise 6,602 ha (30.0%), and limestone reefs comprise 5,802 ha (26.4%).

Venus Bay is a poorly flushed estuary, with an estimated flushing time of 75 days (Bye 1993). The flushing mechanism is primarily by tidal currents flowing in and out of mouth of the bay.

9


Page 45


Point Labatt near Streaky Bay conserves one of the largest mainland colony of Australian Sea Lions (Neophoca cinerea) in Australia (Gales et al. 1994).


Macroalgal

−

Along the exposed rocky shores and reefs in this region (eg. Searcy Bay, Point Labatt, Point Weyland), subtidal rocky shore macroalgal communities are dominated by the fucoids, Cystophora monoliformis, C.siliquosa, and C.monolifera and the red algae, Osmundaria and Haliptilon occur in shallow waters (ie. 5m). In deeper waters, rocky reef communities are dominated by Ecklonia radiata and Acrocarpia paniculata with Osmundaria prolifera with species of Cystophora (C.platylobium, C.racemosa, C.moniliformis) as sub-dominants, and also a range of large understorey red algae (eg. Plocamium, Phacelocarpus, Carpophyllis, Carpopeltis, Peysonnelia, Sonderopelta) and green algae (Caulerpa flexilis, C.obscura).

•

Seagrass

−

Seagrass communities within the region are confined to Baird Bay and Venus Bay. Shallow water seagrass communities, dominated by Heterozostera tasmanica and Amphibolis antarctica, occur at the mouth of Venus Bay. Within the bay, seagrass communities dominated by Zostera muelleria, Posidonia australis and Ruppia occur (see Figure 2).

−

Numbers of sea lions at the colony have varied from 14 to 82 between 1966 and 1983 (Robinson & Heard 1985). A more recent survey recorded 42 sea lions (Gales et al. 1994). Threatened species include the Whitebellied Sea Eagle, Haliaeetus leucogaster (Sv), Osprey, Pandion haliaetus (Sv). An old Osprey nest is present on the northern most headland of the area. The most commonly seen seabirds include cormorants, gulls and terns. The park is on the Register of the National Estate.

−

Baird Bay is a recognised wetland of national importance (see ANCA 1996). Baird Bay is a narrow, shallow, sheltered bay that opens into Anxious Bay. The bay comprises extensive areas of tidal sand flats, beach ridges and coastal dunes and provides a drought refuge and habitat for a wide variety of waterbirds on the west coast of South Australia (ANCA 1996). The bay supports the largest concentration of Grey Plovers, Pluvialis squatarola on the west coast. The islands in the bay provide a roosting place for a large number of seabirds. Threatened species include White-bellied Sea-Eagle, Haliaeetus leucogaster (Sv), Osprey, Pandion haliaetus (Sv), Fairy Tern, Sterna nereis (Sv). A total of 19 species of waterbirds have been recorded, 10 of which are listed under international treaties (Fuhlbohm 1992). Baird Bay has been identified as an area of international importance for shorebirds by Watkins (1993).

−

Jones Island (Baird Bay Islands Conservation Park) has a small breeding colony of Australian Sea Lions on its seaward slopes. A colony of 33 sea lions was recorded in 1990 (Gales 1990). It is also a known breeding area for Pelicans (Eckert et al. 1985). The park is on the Register of the National Estate.

Coastal and Offshore Islands (or Reefs) −

Venus Bay contains Germain, Garden and Tank islands, and three other small islands.



AND


Point Labatt is a recognised wetland of national importance (see ANCA 1996) and also, the site of the Point Labatt Conservation Park and Aquatic Reserve.

Page 46


diversity of it's associated wetlands suggest that it's contribution to the ecology of the local area would be significant (Bucher & Saenger 1989). The reefs near the mouth of Venus Bay support high densities of juvenile Roei Abalone (Haliotis roei) (D.Mackie, PISA, pers.comm.).

Other Areas of Conservation Significance −

Venus Bay Conservation Park (1,460 ha) consists of Venus Bay Peninsula (Cape Weyland), Germain, Garden and Tank islands, and three other small islands. The park has small breeding populations of Pelicans (Pelicanus conspicillatus), while one island has been used as a `halfway house' to reintroduce captive-bred Brush-tailed Bettongs Bettongia penicillata to St Francis Island. Colonies of Bettongs also occur on the Venus Bay peninsula (P.Hone, SARDI, pers.comm.). The park is on the Register of the National Estate. Venus Bay is considered an area of particular natural beauty with a spectacular view of cliffs from Needle Eye Lookout.

−

The foreshore areas from east of Venus Bay to Port Kenny are considered to have some significance as bird habitat due to the presence of freshwater soaks. Common bird species in the area include: Chestnut Teal, Fairy Tern (rated `vulnerable', both for the State and region), Greenshank, Pied Oystercatcher, Red Neck Stint, Sharp-tailed Sandpiper and Sooty Oystercatcher. The small islands within the bay support nesting sites for Rock Parrots, Terns, Silver Gull, Pacific Gull, and also the Fairy Tern, while island `C' supports approximately 30 breeding pairs of Pelicans. The Caspian Tern also breeds on the islands (Copley 1996). The cliffs of the Venus Bay Conservation Park contain nests of the Osprey and White-breasted Sea-eagle.

−

Venus Bay is a popular recreational fishing locality (Starling 1986), supporting substantial and diverse areas of wetland that would provide habitat for estuarine and offshore fish stocks (Bucher & Saenger 1989). In particular, Venus Bay is considered an important nursery area for King George Whiting (Sillaginodes punctatus) (Jones 1980). This is because of the close association of juvenile fish with Zostera and Posidonia seagrass beds and tidal creeks. Tagging studies conducted by Jones (1980) in Venus, Baird and Murat Bays, indicate that fish tagged in these inshore bays remain in these bays for up to 2 years (ie. about 32-33cm length). From Venus Bay, the older fish may move out of the bay as far as Waldegrave Island (41km) and St Peter Island (153km) (Jones 1980). Anectdotal evidence suggests that the bay may also be a nursery area for Gummy Shark because of the high numbers of juveniles caught in the area (D.Mackie, PISA, pers.comm.). Venus Bay is also a significant nursery area for Australian Salmon (Cappo 1987). The size of the bay and the extent and

−

Venus Bay is also a significant nursery area for the Western King Prawn (Penaeus latisulcatus) (King 1977, Wallner 1985, Carrick 1993). Venus Bay represents the most significant nursery area for P.latisulcatus for the west coast prawn fishery. As such, it represents the principal nursery area for the Venus Bay trawl grounds, which contribute approximately 70% of the west coast prawn catch (Carrick 1993). The Venus Bay trawl grounds extend approximately 10 nautical miles offshore and cover an area of approximately 100 square nautical miles. A feature unique in South Australia, is the role of Venus Bay as a nursery area for both, juvenile and sub-adult P.latisulcatus (N.Carrick, SARDI, pers.comm.). Juvenile prawns occupy the intertidal regions of the bay, with subadults moving into the deeper parts of the bay. Juveniles of Western King Prawn are found in several shallow bays and tidal creeks in the Elliston-Venus Bay. The waters of these nursery areas are hypersaline, have high summer temperatures and invariably contain seagrass communities (mainly Posidonia australis); many, but not all, are associated with stands of mangroves (Avicennia marina) (King 1979). The substrate in these nursery areas varies from silty to clean sand with some shell grit. Substrates of soft mud or large quantities of shell grit appear not be preferred by juvenile Western King Prawn. Juvenile prawns utilise only areas of shallow, bare sand substrate (Wallner 1985).

−

Venus Bay consists of areas of samphire swamps and mangroves (0.40 km2) together with intertidal sand/mudflats (14.74 km2) (Bucher & Saenger 1989). Germain Island is a large mangrove and samphire swamp built by the tidal currents in Venus Bay. Avicennia marina on the south-eastern flank of Germein Island was recorded by Butler et al. (1975). Venus Bay has extensive areas of Zostera seagrass beds, particularly by the Venus Bay caravan park and also, in the north of the bay. The seagrass, Ruppia is also found in the far northern end of bay.

Page 47


Razorfish (Pinna sp.) used to occur near the Port Kenny jetty and in the western end of Venus Bay (D.Mackie, PISA, pers.comm.). 1.2 Physical

−

Geological Monuments None.

2

OTHER VALUES

2.1 Commercial Fisheries Major single species fisheries in this region include Western King Prawn, Abalone and Southern Rock Lobster. There is also a considerable marine scalefish fishery targeting mainly King George Whiting by hand line. Some netting occurs inside parts of Venus Bay. Some of the Southern Bluefin Tuna boats use Thevenard as their major port of landing. Major single species fisheries in Venus Bay include Western King Prawn and Abalone (at the mouth of Venus Bay). There is also a considerable marine scalefish fishery targeting mainly King George Whiting by hand line. There are 5 licensed netters and 10 licensed hookers who work Venus Bay, plus a number of part-timer operators (T.Whibley, pers.comm.). Southern Rock Lobster This biounit represents a significant region for lobster fishing in South Australia. In 1995/96 and 1996/97 a total of 41 and 34 licensed operators fished in the Anxious Bay and inshore Investigator Group region (ie. Fishing Zone 15), catching approximately 168,235 and 161,534 kg of lobsters, respectively (or 3.23% and 3.16% of the total catch for Southern Rock Lobster in South Australian waters). Abalone The Blacklip Abalone and Greenlip Abalone is a significant fishery within the Yanerbie Biounit. In 1994/95 and 1995/96 a total of 30,222 and 33,657 kg of Greenlip was harvested within this region (ie. MapCode 4A-H, 5A-F, 6A-D, Point Westall to Venus Bay), and represented 13.3% and 14.9% of the total Greenlip Western Zone catch (or 8.02% and 8.99% of the total catch for Greenlip in South Australian waters). In 1994/95 and 1995/96 a total of 76707 and 77,934 kg of Blacklip was harvested within this region, and represented 24.7% and 28.0% of the total Blacklip Western Zone catch (or 15.52% and 16.83% of the total catch for Blacklip in South Australian waters).

Marine Scalefish Fisheries During 1995/96 and 1996/97, 42 and 44 commercial licence holders (made up of Marine Scalefish, Restricted Marine Scalefish and Northern Zone Rock Lobster licence categories) caught commercial marine scalefish species from Baird Bay and Venus Bay (ie. Fishing Zones 16 and 17), respectively. License holders expended approximately 2980 and 2,583 boat days effort fishing these waters during 1995/96 and 1996/97, respectively. The marine scalefish catch for this region (ie. Fishing Zones 16 and 17) represented 78 928 kg in 1995/96 and 80 568 kg in 1996/97(or 0.76% and 0.79% of the total catch for the marine scalefish fishery in South Australian waters). Outside of Baird Bay and Venus Bay, during 1995/96 and 1996/97, 21 and 34 commercial licence holders (made up of Marine Scalefish, Restricted Marine Scalefish and Northern Zone Rock Lobster licence categories) caught commercial marine scalefish species from the Anxious Bay and inshore Investigator Group region (ie. Fishing Zone 15), respectively. License holders expended approximately 570 and 899 boat days effort fishing these waters during 1995/96 and 1996/97, respectively. The marine scalefish catch for this region (ie. Fishing Zone 15) represented 133 221 kg in 1995/96 and 283 665 kg in 1996/97(or 1.28% and 2.79% of the total catch for the marine scalefish fishery in South Australian waters). 2.2 Aquaculture Current aquaculture in this region is centred on Waterloo Bay (Elliston) and the southern end of Anxious Bay. The only oyster lease to be developed in Venus Bay and the few other attempts at growing oysters in the bay have all failed to demonstrate the economic viability of Pacific Oyster farming (GroveJones 1986, Hone 1993). The Elliston Aquaculture Management Plan (Ashman 1996) recommended the following aquaculture development in the region: Venus Bay Policy Area −

Port Kenny Zone (waters of eastern side of bay, from Port Kenny to Germein Island to Venus Bay township) – zoned for aquaculture development of native species. Licenses will be considered for a maximum of 30ha of aquaculture development within this zone, excluding Pacific Oyster culture and species which require supplementary feeding.

Page 48


−

Venus Bay Zone (remaining waters of Venus Bay) – zoned to protect and maintain existing values and uses. Licenses will not considered for aquaculture development within this zone.

−

Elliston Policy Area Elliston Zone (all waters of the Elliston Policy Area, from mouth of Venus to south of Sheringa Beach, excluding Venus Bay, but including Cap Island, Waldegrave Islands and The Watchers) – zoned to provide for aquaculture development. Licenses will be considered for a maximum of 60ha of aquaculture development within this zone, but not within Waterloo Bay and 1km of Waldegrave Islands, Cap Island, Lake Newland, Talia Caves and Venus Bay Conservation Parks. 2.3 Recreation and Tourism

Agriculture/Industry −

Recreational boat, jetty, rocks and beach fishing include King George Whiting, Sand Flathead, Yelloweye Mullet, Australian Salmon, Snook, Sweep, Garfish and Greenback Flounder as major species.

− −

SCUBA diving: Smooth Pool (south of Streaky Bay) is a recognised dive spot and listed in `Dive South Australia: The Best Dive Sites in South Australia (Diving Industry Association of South Australia). The dive is a ideal shallow, sheltered dive suitable for novice divers.


Significant scientific research and monitoring studies has been conducted by SARDI into the recruitment of Western King Prawn (Penaeus latisulcatus) in Venus Bay (Carrick 1993).


Sceale Bay Conservation Reserve (485 ha).

−

Point Labatt Conservation Park (39 ha): adjoins the Point Labatt Aquatic Reserve (no access is permitted within 1 nautical mile) (DELM 1993).

−

Baird Bay Islands Conservation Park (24 ha), including Jones Island and an unnamed island at the head of the bay.

Venus Bay. Port Kenny.

2.6 Significant Cultural and Historical Values Aboriginal −

Tourism −

Sealed and unsealed roads provide access to the shore. Jetties are located at Port Kenny and Venus Bay. Urban Centres

Fishing −

Venus Bay Conservation Park (1423 ha): consists of Venus Bay Peninsula (Cape Weyland), Germein Island and five other small islands in Venus Bay (Garden, Tank, A, B, C).

−

3

The Venus Bay region has significant Aboriginal value. Nicholson (1991), in a survey of cultural sites in the area, identified seven occupation sites in Venus Bay. Nicholson (1991) descibed the area as an occupation site complex, consisting of seven open coastal campsites, one midden and an artefact or stone scatter. waterhole European Not known.

CURRENT CONSERVATION STATUS OF THE YANERBIE BIOUNIT

−

Marine Reserves None

−

Marine Parks None

−

Netting Closures Baird Bay (all waters of Baird Bay).

−

Venus Bay (all waters of the eastern section of Venus Bay situated east of a straight line extending southerly across Venus Bay from the most westerly corner of section 72 hundred of Wright to the Trigonometrical Station on Point Weyland).

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4

AREAS OF HIGH CONSERVATION IN THE YANERBIE BIOUNIT Sceale Bay-Smooth Pool

−

Prime IUCN Conservation Values: biodiversity, social values (IUCN Category IA). IUCN Identification Criteria: naturalness (not subject to human-induced change), biogeographic (representative marine habitats), ecological (diversity of habitats, reefs, sand habitats), economic (major Blacklip Abalone fishing grounds), social (diving at Smooth Pool, scenic amenities), scientific (scientific monitoring), national/international, practicality (compatibility-adjacent to Sceale Bay Conservation Reserve).

Caspian Tern, Osprey, White-breasted Sea Eagle, Silver Gull, Pacific Gull, Brush-tailed Bettongs, ecological integrity), economic (Western King Prawn, marine scalefish fisheries, tourism), social (aboriginal occupation site complex, scenic amenities, recreation), scientific (scientific monitoringWestern King Prawn), national (Register of the National Estate-Venus Bay Conservation Park, recognised estuary and wetland of importance), practicality (insulation, accessibility, compatibility-adjacent to Venus Bay Conservation Park and Conservation Reserve).

Point Labatt-Baird Bay (and islands) −

Prime IUCN Conservation Values: rare and endangered species/habitats, biodiversity (IUCN Category IA). IUCN Identification Criteria: naturalness (not subject to humaninduced change,), biogeographic (representative habitats), ecological (diversity of marine habitats, mangroves, seagrasses, wetland habitats, significant breeding colony of Australian Sea Lions at Point Labatt and Jones Island, nursery function, marine and wetland habitats, breeding population of Australian Pelicans-Jones Island, threatened waterbirds-Grey Plovers, White-bellied Sea Eagle, Osprey, Fairy Tern, ecological integrity), economic ((major Blacklip Abalone fishing grounds, Western King Prawn, scalefish fisheries, tourism), social (recreation, tourism, scenic amenities), scientific (scientific monitoring), national (international importance for shorebirdsBaird Bay, Wetland of National ImportancePoint Labatt, Baird Bay, Jones Island, Register of the National Estate-Point Labatt, Jones Island), practicality (accessibility, insulation, compatibility-adjacent to Baird Bay Islands Conservation Park). Venus Bay Conservation Park

−

Prime IUCN Conservation Values: rare and endangered species/habitats, biodiversity, aesthetics, social values (IUCN Category II). IUCN Identification Criteria: naturalness (not subject to human-induced change), biogeographic (representative marine habitats), ecological (diversity of marine habitats, mangroves, seagrasses, wetland habitats, key nursery function-Western King Prawn, scalefish, marine and wetland habitats, breeding population of Australian PelicansIsland C, seabirds-Rock Parrots, Fairy Tern, Page 50

EYRE REGION – SHERINGA AND FLINDERS BIOUNITS

VI

MARINE BIOGEOGRAPHY AND CONSERVATION VALUES OF THE NEWLAND BIOUNIT

This small biounit extends from Talia Caves to Cape Finniss on the Eyre Peninsula and covers an area of 45,238 ha and a coastal distance of 38 km. It faces southwesterly into the Great Australian Bight.


OCEANOGRAPHY

This biounit experiences wave energies ranging from low near Cape Finniss and in Waterloo Bay, to high around the offshore islands, cliffs and some sections of the mainland coast. Open coast sea temperatures vary from a mean summer sea surface temperature of 18oC to a mean winter sea surface temperture of 14oC. The inshore coastal regions are very productive and are influenced by seasonal, nutrient-rich, coldwater upwellings (Wenju et al. 1990), which can result in an offshore sea surface temperature gradient of 18oC (in the Pearson Isles) to 11oC (off Waldegrave Islands) during the summer months.

2


COASTAL

This biounit is distinct because it is a continuous Holocene barrier bounded at either end by the extensive dune calcarenite cliffs of the Yanerbie Biounit and the Sheringa Biounit. Between Cape Finniss and Walkers Rocks, the 8km of shoreline is low-energy, with reflective beaches backed by up to 1km of Holocene dune transgression. The main barrier from Walkers Rock to Talia Monument is 26 km long and largely overlies Pleistocene deposits. Long Pleiocene reefs run parallel to the shore, approximately 1 km offshore. The whole barrier is backed by saline 20 km long Lake Newland which occupies the back barrier depression. The lake has been partially transgressed by the dunes throughout its length. In the southern half, past and present dune transgression has nearly filled the lake, reaching the eastern shore in places. The entire biounit is very dynamic and unstable (subject to both beach and dune instability).

10

There are two groups of offshore islands in the biounit: the Waldegrave Islands and The Watchers. Waldegrave Island is the largest of this group and consists of a crystalline basement (covered by calcareous aeolianite of varying thickness), which outcrops at the base of the island. Small sandy bays occur on the island, the largest on the northern side. A smaller island occurs to the west of Waldegrave Island and is similar, except there are no small beaches or inlets. The Watchers are two isolated outcrops of crystalline rocks.

3


−

Major intertidal habitats in the region include sandy beaches, limestone rocky shores, and offshore islands.

−

Of the total inshore subtidal habitats mapped in the biounit (7,549ha), sandy bottoms comprise 4,318ha (57.2%), and limestone reefs comprise 3,231 (42.8%). No seagrass meadows have been mapped in the region. Major Benthic Communities

•

Macroalgal

−

At Anxious Bay, subtidal offshore rocky reef macroalgal communities (at 15m) dominated by the fucoids, Cystophora monoliformis, C.platylobium, and Ecklonia radiata and the red algae, Osmundaria, Phacelocarpus and Plocamium costatum. In the shallow, sheltered areas of Waldegrave Island (ie. 510m), the subtidal rocky shores are dominated by the fucoids, Cystophora monoliformis, C.pectinata, and C.monolifera and the red algae, Osmundaria, and species of Caulerpa (C.flexilis and C.cactoides). In Waterloo Bay, rocky areas are dominated by species of Cystophora, Ecklonia radiata and Scaberia agardhii (Shepherd & Womersley 1981).


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•

Seagrass

−

At Waldegrave Island, deeper water seagrass communities dominated by Posidonia and Halophila occur. Within Waterloo Bay, seagrass communities occur dominated by Heterozostera tasmanica, Amphibolus antarctica and species of Posidonia (P.sinuosa, P.angustifolia, P.australis and P.ostenfeldii) (Shepherd & Womersley 1981).

Fish species in the coastal lake include the Small-mouthed Hardyhead, Atherinosoma microstoma. Lake Newland Conservation Park: in a state-wide survey of wetlands conducted by Lloyd and Balla (1986), Lake Newland was considered to be an area of outstanding environmental value. Other Areas of Conservation Significance −

Coastal and Offshore Islands (or Reefs) −

Waldegrave Islands.

−

The Watchers.



AND

1.1 Biological

Peak catches occur during the winter months, primarily due to calmer weather enabling more fishing nights. Adults prawns spawn on the trawl grounds during the summer months, with a concentration of ripe females located inshore. Prawns move out in a southerly direction in Anxious Bay (from the entrance to Venus Bay) along the 30m contour, dispersing into the deeper waters of the Venus Bay trawl grounds (Wallner 1985).

Coastal and Marine Wetlands of National Importance −

Lake Newland has been identified as a wetland of national importance (see ANCA 1996). Lake Newland is a relatively permanent salt lake with freshwater springs, which is fed by seasonally by freshwater surface and groundwater sources, marine seepages and by occasional direct marine incursion. Lake Newland has been identified as an area of international importance for shorebirds by Watkins (1993). Lake Newland is one of the few permanent saltlakes located near the coast on Eyre Peninsula. The lake is the largest and supports a variety of wetland wildlife and serves as a drought refuge for numerous waterbirds and is a significant Hooded Plover, Thinornis rubricollis summer feeding habitat. Lake Newland also holds significant populations of several threatened species, including the Hooded Plover (Nv, Sv), Cape Barren Goose, Cereopsis novaehollandiae (Sv), Fairy Tern, Sterna nereis (Sv), Eastern Reef Egret, Egretta sacra (Sr), and the Peregrine Falcon (Fuhlbohm 1991). Cape Barren Geese (350 recorded) arrive in late spring, summer and autumn from nearby Waldegrave Island to feed. At least 34 species of waterbird have been recorded, 5 listed under international treaties. It can be assumed that the adjoining coastline is equally important.

Anxious Bay produces approximately 80% of the west coast prawn catch for South Australia (Wallner 1985). The trawl grounds extend approximately 10 nautical miles offshore from Venus Bay and cover an area of approximately 100 square nautical miles (Carrick 1993). Larval P.latisulcatus migrate from the offshore spawning areas in Anxious Bay to the primary nursery area at Venus Bay (Wallner 1985). Baird Bay is of lesser importance as a nursery habitat because of the very high summer salinities (in excess of 60 ppt), with prawns restricted to the southern half of the bay (Wallner 1985).

−

Waldegrave Islands Conservation Park: these islands have a spectacular coastline of cliffs and sandy beaches, and also represent the second most important breeding area for Cape Barren Geese in South Australia. The birds that breed on Waldegrave Island stay in the Elliston area for the summer, feeding in swamps around the margins of Lake Newland and on grain in wheat paddocks. They roost on the beach or fly back to the island for the night. It is important for the overall conservation of this species in South Australia that this apparently separate population is disturbed as little as possible (Robinson & Heard 1985). Goose Island is an important Cape Barren Goose breeding area (T.Fulbohm, NPWS, pers.comm.). Breeding colonies of the Little Penguin are common on Little Waldegrave Island, while 300 pairs have been recorded on Waldegrave Island (Copley 1996).

Page 52


−

A small colony of Australian Sea Lions (38) have been recorded on West Waldegrave Island and are possibly breeding here. (Gales 1990). The islands are on the Register of the National Estate.


Talia Caves is of State significance: the landforms developed in this area, particularly the caves and the mobile dune field, are spectacular. The region is an unspoilt wilderness.

2

OTHER VALUES

2.1 Commercial Fisheries Major single species fisheries in this region include Greenlip and Blacklip Abalone and Southern Rock Lobster. There is also a considerable marine scalefish fishery targeting mainly King George Whiting by hand-line. Abalone The Western Zone for commercial abalone fishery is all those waters west of the latitude 136o30' east and includes all the waters of the management plan. There are 23 license holders in this zone. The Blacklip Abalone and Greenlip Abalone is a significant fishery within the Newland Biounit. In 1994/95 and 1995/96 a total of 15,327 and 1,9119 kg of Greenlip was harvested within this region (ie. MapCode 6E, 7A-B, 8A-E, 8Q, Anxious Bay, Waldegrave Island, The Watchers), and represented 6.7% and 8.5% of the total Greenlip Western Zone catch (or 4.07% and 5.11% of the total catch for Greenlip in South Australian waters). In 1994/95 and 1995/96 a total of 20,556 and 17,217 kg of Blacklip was harvested within this region, and represented 6.6% and 6.2% of the total Blacklip Western Zone catch (or 4.16% and 3.72% of the total catch for Blacklip in South Australian waters). The `Hot Spot' near Ward Island and Waterloo Bay are very productive sites for commercial abalone harvesting. Elsewhere, abalone reefs are scattered throughout Anxious Bay, the offshore islands, the Elliston Cliffs (where abalone are found in the top 2 metres down to 20-25 metres, where it ends in sandy bottom), and the mouth of Venus Bay (S.Shepherd, SARDI, pers.comm.).

There are 4 abalone divers for 4 licenses in the Elliston region. In addition, a further 19 divers work the waters off Elliston, occasionally diving in Waterloo Bay, but most commonly working off Anxious Bay and out to the offshore islands (T.Whibey, pers.comm). Blacklip Abalone are taken on calm seas from the shallower waters, while Greenlip Abalone are taken from the deeper water when there is a swell. Western King Prawn This biounit is located within the waters of the West Coast prawn fishery, which comprises 3 license holders (ie. Boats). All vessels fish within the waters of this biounit (ie. Fishing Zones 15), the Nuyts Biounit (ie. Fishing Zone 8) and the Douglas Biounit (ie. Fishing Zone 27). In 1995/96 and 1996/97 a total of 200,764 and 166,414 kg was caught for this fishery, with a total effort of 3,144 and 2,778 hours, respectively (or 8.84% and 8.22% of the total catch for Western King Prawn in South Australian waters). Marine Scalefish Outside of Baird Bay and Venus Bay, during 1995/96 and 1996/97, 21 and 34 commercial licence holders (made up of Marine Scalefish, Restricted Marine Scalefish and Northern Zone Rock Lobster licence categories) caught commercial marine scalefish species from the Anxious Bay and inshore Investigator Group region (ie. Fishing Zone 15), respectively. License holders expended approximately 570 and 899 boat days effort fishing these waters during 1995/96 and 1996/97, respectively. The marine scalefish catch for this region (ie. Fishing Zone 15) represented 133,221 kg in 1995/96 and 283,665 kg in 1996/97(or 1.28% and 2.79% of the total catch for the marine scalefish fishery in South Australian waters). There are 5 marine scalefish licenses in Elliston, comprising 3 A class and 2 B class fishing licenses. Operators fish mainly in the vicinity of Anixous Bay, Waldegrave Island and Flinders Island (T.Whibley, pers.comm.). Southern Rock Lobster This biounit represents a significant region for lobster fishing in South Australia. In 1995/96 and 1996/97 a total of 41 and 34 licensed operators fished in the Anxious Bay and inshore Investigator Group region (ie. Fishing Zone 15), catching approximately 168,235 and 161,534 kg of lobsters, respectively (or 3.23% and 3.16% of the total catch for Southern Rock Lobster in South Australian waters).

Page 53


One lobster boat works from Elliston as far north as Talia Caves, south to Tungketta Reef and out to Flinders Island. In addition, another two or so boats come from Port Lincoln to work the grounds (T.Whibley, pers.comm.).


Beach litter surveys. Anxious Bay is the site of the longest and only regular survey of marine (or ship-based) litter in Australia (see Wace 1995). The survey is a communitybased survey of beach litter, which is coordinated by the SA Research and Development Institute and undertaken with the assistance of staff and students from the Streaky Bay Area School, Elliston Primary School and the Cavan Centre for Juvenile Detention.

−

Researchers from the SA NPWS regularly conduct ornithological surveys of the region, particularly for Cape Barren Geese.

−

Fisheries research in this area includes, regular catch and effort monitoring of the major commercial fisheries in the region (Abalone, Southern Rock Lobster, Western King Prawn, and marine scalefish); regular research and monitoring of larval fish stocks; regular research and monitoring of Blacklip and Greenlip Abalone field stocks; and regular research and monitoring of South Rock Lobster field stocks.

Other There is one licensed shell collector in the Anxious Bay region (T.Whibley, pers.comm.). 2.2 Mariculture Current aquaculture in this region is centred on Waterloo Bay (Elliston) and the southern end of Anxious Bay. The Elliston Aquaculture Management Plan (Ashman 1996) recommended the following aquaculture development in the region: Elliston Policy Area −

Elliston Zone (all waters of the Elliston Policy Area, from mouth of Venus to south of Sheringa Beach, excluding Venus Bay, but including Cap Island, Waldegrave Islands and The Watchers) – zoned to provide for aquaculture development. Licenses will be considered for a maximum of 60ha of aquaculture development within this zone, but not within Waterloo Bay and 1km of Waldegrave Islands, Cap Island, Lake Newland, Talia Caves and Venus Bay Conservation Parks.

2.3 Recreation and Tourism −

Talia Caves and beach have great aesthetic appeal because of their natural, pristine state.

−

Walker's Rock is a focal point for camping and picnicking activities in the area.

−

SCUBA diving: Waldegrave Island and Little Waldegrave (north of Elliston) is a recognised dive spot and listed in `Dive South Australia: The Best Dive Sites in South Australia (Diving Industry Association of South Australia’). The reefs which drop down to 24m are honeycombed with holes, ledges, caves and walls and are the home of sponges, ascidians, gorgonians, crinoids and soft corals. Many types of fish are recorded here including Blue Devils, Red-banded Sea Perch and Scaly Fins. Sea Lions inhabit the north western side of Little Waldegrave.


Lake Newland Conservation Park (8,448 ha).

−

Waldegrave Islands Conservation Park (434 ha). Agriculture/Industry

−

There is no significant development along this biounit, and very limited access. Road access to a boat ramp one kilometre north of Cape Finniss and to Walkers Rocks. Along the remaining section of coast, several 4WD tracks exist, but access along these is difficult. Urban Centres

−

None.

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−

−

3

Aboriginal Newland Barrier, south of Talia Caves: an occupation site consisting of an artefact manufacturing site (Nicholson 1991). European None.

CURRENT CONSERVATION STATUS OF THE NEWLAND BIOUNIT

−


−

Marine Parks None

−

Netting Closures None

4

The Watchers Conservation Park −

Waldegrave

Islands

Prime IUCN Conservation Values: rare and endangered species/habitats, biodiversity, research (IUCN Category IA). IUCN Identification Criteria: naturalness (not subject to human-induced change), biogeographic (representative marine habitats), ecological (breeding colonies of Cape Barren Goose, Little Penguin, nesting site for Ospreys, breeding site for Australian Sea Lion), economic (Blacklip Abalone, Greenlip Abalone, Southern Rock Lobster, marine scalefish fisheries, tourism), social (scenic amenities, SCUBA diving, recreation), scientific (scientific monitoringCape Barren Goose), national (Register of the National Estate-Waldegrave Islands Conservation Park), practicality (insulation, compatibility-adjacent to Waldegrave Islands Conservation Park).

AREAS OF HIGH CONSERVATION VALUE IN THE NEWLAND BIOUNIT Talia Caves - Lake Newland Conservation Park

−

Prime IUCN Conservation Values: rare and endangered species/habitats, biodiversity, cultural, aesthetics, research (IUCN Category II). IUCN Identification Criteria: naturalness (not subject to human-induced change), biogeographic (Talia Caves-unique geology, representative marine habitats), ecological (reef, sand habitats, wetland habitats, threatened birds-Hooded Plover, Cape Barren Goose, Fairy Tern, Eastern Reef Egret, Peregrine Falcon, ecological integrity), economic (Blacklip Abalone, Greenlip Abalone, Southern Rock Lobster, marine scalefish fisheries, tourism), social (aboriginal occupation site, recreation, scenic amenities), scientific (scientific monitoring-beach litter surveys), international/national (international importance for shorebirds and Wetland of National Importance-Lake Newland Conservation Park), practicality (insulation, accessibility, compatibility-adjacent to Lake Newland Conservation Park).

Page 55


VII MARINE BIOGEOGRAPHY AND CONSERVATION VALUES OF THE SHERINGA AND FLINDERS BIOUNITS This coastal region comprises 2 biounits: the inshore coastal Sheringa Biounit, and the offshore Flinders Biounit, which is defined by the 50 metre bathymetric contour. The Sheringa Biounit extends from Cape Finniss to Drummond Point on the Eyre Peninsula and covers an area of 51,156 ha and a coastal distance of 81 km. The Flinders Biounit encompasses the Investigator Group and covers an area of 125,957 ha. The region faces southwesterly into the Great Australian Bight.


OCEANOGRAPHY

This biounit experiences wave energies ranging from low in Waterloo Bay, to very high around the offshore islands and some sections of the mainland coast. Open coast sea temperatures vary from a mean summer sea surface temperature of 18oC to a mean winter sea surface temperture of 14oC. The inshore coastal regions are under the influence of seasonal coldwater, nutrient-rich coastal upwellings which occur close to the coast, which can result in an offshore sea surface temperature gradient of 18oC (eg. in the Pearson Isles) to 11oC (eg. off Waldegrave Islands) during the summer months. The major focus of the coastal upwelling appears to extend from the Coffin Bay Peninsula to Cape Borda (Kangaroo Island) (Wenju et al. 1990) and in part, may be responsible for the very high levels of productivity and marine benthic biodiversity in the region. Recent studies indicate that is a relationship between the upwellings and the pilchard abundance in these areas (Ward & McLeay 1998).

2


This Flinders Biounit contains a number of offshore islands. The most well known and most studied, is the Investigator Group of islands. These islands are true ìnselbergs' (island mountains), and include: −

Flinders Island is a low mass of granite, with boulders on its flanks, but capped by limestone. Small sandy bays and inlets occur between basement headlands and on the northern coast two lakes are separated from the sea by a narrow strip of coastal dunes.

−

Pearsons Islands are high granite islands rising abruptly 240m from the eastern section of the Great Australian Bight. They take the form of domes which are rounded and boulder strewn on the upper slopes, with massive curvilinear sheets on the lower levels. Flared slopes and tafoni are well developed. The western exposed shores are strongly cliffed.

−

Topgallant Islands consists of one main island and a number of smaller islands. The smaller islands appear to be entirely basement. The larger island has a thick cover of calcareous aeolianite with extremely steep sides. Beach sand has been deposited in one small inlet.

−

Ward Island and Cap Island (together with the nearby reefs and inlets), are crystalline basement, with thin covers of calcareous aeolianite.

COASTAL

The Sheringa Biounit consists of an almost straight section of Pleistocene dune calcarenite cliffs averaging 40-50 m high at the shoreline and climbing to over 100 m along much of the coast. The cliffs are breached only by two relatively small bays (Sheringa and Waterloo Bay). At Point Drummond the calcarenite mantles have been wave eroded to form shore platforms (Twidale et al. 1977). The shoreline consists of reefs and shore platforms, as well as beach-surf zone and surf zone.

11

Holocene barrier dune transgression occurs at Sheringa and a single foredune barrier within Waterloo Bay occurs where the Pleistocene dune calcarenite has been completely breached. However, wave refraction into Waterloo Bay and attenuation over shallow reefs which block much of the entrance, has produced low waves at the shoreline. Consequently, unlike the higher energy Sheringa, the low wave conditions in the bay have resulted in a low energy reflective beach backed by a single moderately stable foredune barrier.

From the Eyre Coast Protection Distric Study Report.

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3


−

−

Major intertidal habitats in the region include mostly rocky limestone shores, offshore islands, and some sandy beaches. Of the total inshore subtidal habitats mapped in the Sheringa Biounit (4,894 ha), limestone reefs comprise 4,605 ha (94.1%), sandy bottoms comprise 224 ha (4.6%), and seagrass meadows comprise 65 ha (1.3%). Of the total inshore subtidal habitats mapped in the Flinders Biounit (4,194 ha), limestone reefs comprise 4,194 ha (100%) of the habitats mapped. No significant areas of seagrass were mapped.


Macroalgal

−

At Ward Island, subtidal offshore rocky reef macroalgal communities dominated by species of Cystophora (C. monoliformis, C.monolifera, C.siliquosa, and C.pectinata), and Ecklonia radiata and species of Caulerpa (C.flexilis, C.longifolia), articulated corallines and the red algae, Plocamium costatum. At Pearson Island, on exposed subtidal rocky shores, Cystophora is replaced by the Acrocarpia paniculata, and Homeostrichus.

−

Macroalgal communities at Topgallant Island, Hotspot, Ward Island are similar to Pearson Island (Branden et al. 1986).

•

Seagrass

−

At Pearson Island and Ward Island, deepwater (20-30m) communities of seagrasses occur, dominated by Heterozostera tasmanica, Halophila, Amphibolis and Posidonia australis. Coastal and Offshore Islands (or Reefs)

Coastal and Marine Wetlands of National Importance −

Lake Hamilton has been identified as a wetland of national importance (see ANCA 1996). Lake Hamilton is a coastal gypsum lake separated from the ocean by steep cliffs. The lake and environs contains an excellent range of habitat types which could be important for bird breeding. There is no recognised threatened fauna or flora within the region. However, threatened waterbirds in the area include possibly the Hooded Plover, Thinornis rubricollis (Nv, Sv) on beaches, and Osprey, Pandion haliaetus (Sv). Lake Hamilton was considered by Lloyd and Balla (1986) to be an area of outstanding environmental value, which recommended that the area be given status as a wetland reserve.

−

Sheringa Lagoon was considered by Lloyd and Balla (1986) to be an area of outstanding environmental value, which recommended that the area be given status as a wetland reserve. Inshore Islands of Conservation Value

−

Cap Island Conservation Park. The fauna of this island is typically oceanic. It has a small breeding colony of the White-faced Storm Petrel (325 pairs) (Copley 1996) and the westernmost record of the White-fronted Tern (Sterna striata) in South Australia. The island is on the Register of the National Estate. Offshore Islands of Conservation Value

−

The Investigator Group of Islands (including Flinders Island, Pearsons Islands, Topgallant Islands and Ward Islands). Pearson Island has been the site of a number of major scientific research investigations. The subtidal flora is characterised by a high species diversity and an abundance of algae, while the island itself is in a relatively pristine state, because of its unsuitability for farming or grazing sheep (due to the lack of permanent fresh water). There is a colony of Pearson Island Rock Wallabies (Petrogale pearsoni) on the island.

−

A total of 41 species of birds have been recorded on Pearson Island, of which half are

The Investigator Group of Islands comprising Flinders Island, Pearsons Islands (Pearson, North Veteran, South Veteran, Dorothee), Topgallant Islands and Ward Islands. − −

AND

1.1 Biological



Cap Island (offshore from Sheringa). Tungketta Reef.

Page 57


terrestrial species. This is unusually high for an island of this nature. −

−

−

The islands of the Investigator Group contain significant breeding colonies of Australian Sea Lions (Neophoca cinerea) and New Zealand Fur Seals (Arctocephalus forsteri). Breeding colonies of sea lions have been recorded on Ward Island (43 pups, estimated population 206), and Pearson island (35 pups, estimated population 168). While possible breeding occurs on Dorothee Island (Gales 1990). Haul out sites occur on SE Ward, North Veteran and Top Gallant (Gales et al. 1994). Breeding colonies of fur seals have been recorded on Pearson and Ward (64 pups, estimated population 314), while haul outs occur on Pearson, North Veteran and Dorothee Islands (Shaughnessy et al. 1994). The Investigator Group contains significant colonies of protected seabird species, such as the Little Penguin, Short-tailed Shearwater and the White-faced Storm Petrel (Eckert 1970). Two colonies of the `vulnerable' Fairy Tern occur on Pearson Island. Colonies of the Little Penguin occur on Dorothee Island and Pearson Island (Copley 1996). Colonies of the Short-tailed Shearwater occur on Dorothee Island (1,896 pairs), North Veteran (474 pairs), Topgallant Island (474 pairs), and Ward Island (1,896 pairs) (Copley 1996). Colonies of the White-faced Storm Petrel occur on Dorothee Island (5,200 pairs), Topgallant Island (3,900 pairs) and Ward Island (326 pairs) (Copley 1996). Breeding colonies of the Pacific Gull occur on Pearson and Dorothee Island. Caspian Terns breed on Pearson Island, while the Red-tailed Tropicbird has been recorded on Pearson and Flinders Island. The Investigator Group of Islands is on the Register of the National Estate. An expedition to Pearson Island in 1969 showed the waters surrounding the island contained highly diverse and abundant flora, extending beyond 40 m deep (Shepherd & Womersley 1971). This deep algal growth has been attributed to the clear oceanic water allowing high light penetration and adequate water movement. There were differences found in species assemblages between rough and sheltered sites around the island. A richer flora of Chlorophyta and Rhododphyta was developed at the rougher sites whereas the Phaeophyta were more abundant at the sheltered sites (Shepherd & Womersley 1971). Few subtidal grazing animals were observed, although the giant Turban Dinassovica jourdani was observed occasionally at depths below about 20m in roughwater localities where it browses on red algae.

−

A comparison between the Pearson Island and West Island (off the Fleurieu Peninsula) flora showed several important differences. Pearson Island flora is richer in Chlorophyta and Phaeophyta, although similar in the number of Rhodophyta (however, further collecting at Pearson Island is likely to increase the total number of species, particularly the Rhododphyta). There was also greater species diversity at Pearson Island, especially in the Rhodophyta (Shepherd & Womersley 1971).

−

Topgallant Islands have high aesthetic marine topographic features. The benthic communities have one of the highest levels of biodiversity for ascidians, and marine algae in the world (S.Shepherd, SARDI, pers.comm.).

−

Fish fauna of the Investigator Group of islands is diverse (Kuiter 1983, Branden et al. 1986). A total of 20 species was recorded at Topgallant Island, 13 species at Hotspot, 15 species at Ward Island, and 16 species at Pearson Island. Of particular significance is the abundance of large fishes, such as the Blue Groper (Achoerodus gouldii) that were recorded in 15 out of 18 transects. These reefs are rarely visited by spear-fishermen and consequently, reveal fish abundances in virtually unexploited conditions (Branden et al. 1986). Other Areas of Recognised Conservation Significance

−

Waterloo Bay is a highly favourable habitat for abalone production (S.Shepherd, SARDI, pers.comm.).

−

Waterloo Bay has a very high level of habitat diversity. Within Waterloo Bay, a total of 7 benthic macroalgal communities have been identified on rocky substratum (Shepherd & Womersley 1981). These included a roughwater algal turf community (comprising predominantly stunted brown fucoid algae), a red algal shade community, two Ecklonia radiata communities (with Cystophora platylobium and Acrocarpia paniculata as codominants), a Cystophora-complex community (dominated by 9 species of Cystophora), a Cystophora-SargassumOsmundaria community, and a community dominated by Scaberia agardhii. On sandy substratum, 5 seagrass communities have been identified, dominated by Heterozostera tasmanica, Amphibolus antarctica, Posidonia australis, P.sinuosa with P.angustifolia, and P.ostenfeldii (Shepherd & Womersley 1981).

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2

Drummond Point is "geological monument" of State significance. Features of geological and geomorphological interest include: welldeveloped shore platforms; Archaean Kiana Granite (amongst the oldest rocks in South Australia); and a major mylonite zone.

OTHER VALUES

2.1 Commercial Fisheries Major single species fisheries in this region include Greenlip and Blacklip Abalone and Southern Rock Lobster. There is also a considerable marine scalefish fishery targeting mainly King George Whiting by hand line. Although license holders are not restricted to fishing in this biounit, the following licenses are registered in this area: −

Elliston: 1 northern zone Rock Lobster license, 1 restricted marine scalefish license, 3 unrestricted marine scalefish licenses.

In 1994/95 and 1995/96 a total of 64263 and 49302 kg of Blacklip was harvested within this region, and represented 20.7% and 17.7% of the total Blacklip Western Zone catch (or 13.00% and 10.65% of the total catch for Blacklip in South Australian waters). In contrast, the offshore Flinders Biounit is one of the major abalone fishing grounds in South Australia. In 1994/95 and 1995/96 a total of 52236 and 62819 kg of Greenlip was harvested within the Flinders Biounit (ie. MapCode 9A-H, 8P, 10C, Flinders Island, The Hotspot, Ward Islands, Pearson Islands), and represented 23.0% and 27.8% of the total Greenlip Western Zone catch (or 13.87% and 16.78% of the total catch for Greenlip in South Australian waters). In 1994/95 and 1995/96 a total of 30,681 and 40,947 kg of Blacklip was harvested within this region, and represented 9.9% and 14.7% of the total Blacklip Western Zone catch (or 6.21% and 8.84% of the total catch for Blacklip in South Australian waters). The `Hot Spot' near Ward Island and Waterloo Bay are very productive sites for commercial abalone harvesting. Elsewhere, abalone reefs are scattered throughout Anxious Bay, the offshore islands, the Elliston Cliffs (where abalone are found in the top 2 metres down to 20-25 metres, where it ends in sandy bottom), and the mouth of Venus Bay (S.Shepherd, SARDI, pers.comm.).

Abalone The Western Zone for commercial abalone fishery is all those waters west of the latitude 136o30' east and includes all the waters of the management plan. There are 23 license holders in this zone. Within this region, most of the Greenlip Abalone is presently harvested within the offshore Flinders Biounit, while the Blacklip Abalone fishery is significant in both the offshore and also, the inshore waters of the Sheringa Biounit. In 1994/95 and 1995/96 a total of 3309 and 2589 kg of Greenlip was harvested within the Sheringa Biounit (ie. MapCode 8F-H, 8J-N, 10A-B, 11A-C, Waterloo Bay, Elliston Cliffs to Kiana Cliffs region), and represented 1.5% and 1.1% of the total Greenlip Western Zone catch (or 0.88% and 0.69% of the total catch for Greenlip in South Australian waters).

There are 4 abalone divers for 4 licenses in the Elliston region. In addition, a further 19 divers work the waters off Elliston, occasionally diving in Waterloo Bay, but most commonly working off Anxious Bay and out to the offshore islands (T.Whibey, pers.comm). Blacklip Abalone are taken on calm seas from the shallower waters, while Greenlip Abalone are taken from the deeper water when there is a swell. Marine Scalefish During 1995/96 and 1996/97, 21 and 34 commercial licence holders (made up of Marine Scalefish, Restricted Marine Scalefish and Northern Zone Rock Lobster licence categories) caught commercial marine scalefish species from the Anxious Bay and inshore Investigator Group region (ie. Fishing Zone 15), respectively. License holders expended approximately 570 and 899 boat days effort fishing these waters during 1995/96 and 1996/97, respectively. The marine scalefish catch for this region (ie. Fishing Zone 15) represented 133,221 kg in 1995/96 and 283,665 kg in 1996/97(or 1.28% and 2.79% of the total catch for the marine scalefish fishery in South Australian waters).

Page 59


Licenses will be considered for a maximum of 60ha of aquaculture development within this zone, but not within Waterloo Bay and 1km of Waldegrave Islands, Cap Island, Lake Newland, Talia Caves and Venus Bay Conservation Parks.

There are 5 marine scalefish licenses in Elliston, comprising 3 A class and 2 B class fishing licenses. Operators fish mainly in the vicinity of Anixous Bay, Waldegrave Island and Flinders Island (T.Whibley, pers.comm.). Southern Rock Lobster

Drummond Point Policy Area This biounit represents a significant region for lobster fishing in South Australia. In 1995/96 and 1996/97 a total of 41 and 34 licensed operators fished in the Anxious Bay and inshore Investigator Group region (ie. Fishing Zone 15), catching approximately 168,235 and 161,534 kg of lobsters, respectively (or 3.23% and 3.16% of the total catch for Southern Rock Lobster in South Australian waters). During this same period, a total of 11 and 5 licensed operators fished in the offshore Investigator Group region (ie. Fishing Zone 14), catching approximately 6, 152 and 4,557 kg of lobsters, respectively (or 0.12% and 0.09% of the total catch for Southern Rock Lobster in South Australian waters). In the inshore region, south of Elliston, a total of 15 and 15 licensed operators fished in the Sheringa Biounit region (ie. Fishing Zone 18), catching approximately 15,342 and 10 878 kg of lobsters, respectively (or 0.30% and 0.21% of the total catch for Southern Rock Lobster in South Australian waters). One lobster boat works from Elliston as far north as Talia Caves, south to Tungketta Reef and out to Flinders Island. In addition, another two or so boats come from Port Lincoln to work the grounds (T.Whibley, pers.comm.). 2.2 Aquaculture

−

Flinders No marine-based aquaculture current exists in this region. The Elliston Aquaculture Management Plan (Ashman 1996) recommends limited aquaculture development in the region: Investigator Group Policy Area −

Investigator Group Zone (coastal waters, within 3nm of the coast, surrounding Ward Islands, Pearson Isles, Veteran Isles, Dorothee Island, and Topgallant Island) – zoned to maintain and protect current uses and values. Licenses will not be considered for aquaculture development within this zone.

−

Flinders Island Zone – zoned to provide for aquaculture development. Licenses will be considered for a maximum of 40ha of aquaculture development within this zone.

Sheringa Current aquaculture in this region is centred on Waterloo Bay (Elliston) and the southern end of Anxious Bay (Ashman 1996). No marine-based aquaculture current exists in this region. The Lower Eyre Peninsula Aquaculture Management Plan (Aquaculture Group, PIRSA 1997) and the Elliston Aquaculture Management Plan (Ashman 1996) recommends aquaculture development in the following areas:

2.3 Recreation and Tourism Fishing −

Anxious Bay: boat, beach, and rock fishing. Major species: King George Whiting, Sand Flathead, Yelloweye Mullet, Australian Salmon, Snapper, Snook, Sweep, Garfish, Tommy Rough, Trevally, Toothbrush Leatherjacket, Silver Drummer and Southern Calamari.

−

Flinders Island: boat, beach, and rock fishing. Major species: King George Whiting, Sand Flathead, Yelloweye Mullet, Australian Salmon, Snapper, Snook, Sweep, Garfish, Tommy Rough, Trevally, Toothbrush Leatherjacket, Silver Drummer and Southern Calamari.

Elliston Policy Area −

Elliston Zone (all iwaters of the Elliston Policy Area, within 3nm of coast, from mouth of Venus to south of Sheringa Beach, excluding Venus Bay, but including Cap Island, Waldegrave Islands and The Watchers) – zoned to provide for aquaculture development.

Drummond Point Zone (ie. inshore waters from Sheringa Beach south to Point Sir Isaac, east to Frenchman Bluff) – zoned to protect conservation values and existing fishing, recreational and tourist use. Licenses will not be considered for aquaculture development in this zone.

Page 60


−

Elliston Waterloo Bay: boat, jetty, beach, and rock fishing. Major species: King George Whiting, Sand Flathead, Yelloweye Mullet, Australian Salmon, Snook, Sweep, Garfish, Tommy Rough, Trevally, Silver Drummer and Southern Calamari.

−

Locks Well: beach fishing. Major species: Sand Flathead, Yelloweye Mullet, Australian Salmon and Tommy Rough.

−

Sheringa: beach and rock fishing. Major species: King George Whiting, Sand Flathead, Yelloweye Mullet, Australian Salmon and Tommy Rough.


Islands in the Investigator Group have long been the site of a number of marine and terrestrial biological studies by both, fisheries scientists and researchers from the SA Museum and various research institutions (Shepherd 1969, Specht 1969, Shepherd & Womersley 1970, Twidale 1971, Branden et al. 1986). The most well studied of these islands is Pearson Island, where research dates back to a scientific expedition to the island in 1923. In 1969, a comprehensive marine biological survey of Pearson Island was conducted jointly by the Department of Fisheries and Fauna Consevation of South Australia and the Royal Society of South Australia (see Shepherd & Womersley 1970, Burn 1973, Seed 1973, Watson 1973). Because of its relatively undisturbed state, it is probably the most scientifically important of the State's offshore islands.

−

Researchers from the NPWS regularly conduct surveys of Australian Sea Lion and New Zealand Fur Seal colonies in this region.

−


Tourism −

Elliston is a popular site on the shores of Waterloo Bay. Its rugged cliffs and spectacular coastline have great aesthetic appeal. The town itself is popular for its clear and unspoilt beaches and fishing. The sheltered bays offer swimming, sailing, diving or watersports. Elliston is a popular campsite for recreational diving clubs.

−

`Blackfellows' at Anxious Bay is a popular surfing spot and Sheringa Lagoon is a popular camping spot.

−

The Investigator Group of Islands are popular for charter boats (eg. Failie Charters) for fishing, SCUBA diving, Southern Rock Lobster, and shark spotting (especially at Pearson Island).

−

Recreational divers target Waterloo Bay, Talia Caves and Anxious Bay for Southern Rock Lobster, Abalone and occasionally, Scallops.

−

SCUBA diving: Pearson Island is a recognised dive spot and listed in `Dive South Australia: The Best Dive Sites in South Australia’ (Diving Industry Association of South Australia). The island is recognised for its populations of seals and dolphins, fish (particularly Blue Devils, Leafy Seadragons, and giant Blue Groper) and also, giant sponges, gorgonians and soft corals.


Investigator Group Conservation Park (117 ha). This park excludes the two largest islands in the Investigator Group, Flinders and Pearson Islands. Flinders Island is held as a pastoral lease while Pearson Island is a Lighthouse Reserve managed by the Commonwealth Government.

−

Cap Island Conservation Park (8 ha).

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Agriculture/Industry

−

The remains of 3 shipwrecks are known to occur in the region and are protected under Commonwealth legislation: the schooner `Vulcan’ which was wrecked at Flinders Island in 1845, and the schooners `Freebridge’ and `Fanny Wright’, which were wrecked in Waterloo Bay in separate incidents in 1877.

−

The cutter `Fire Fly’ was wrecked in 1866, somewhere in Anxious Bay, near Elliston, but has not been located. In addition 2 other wrecks are of historical interest, but have not been declared at this stage (Ashman 1996): the ketch `Lady Flinders’ which was wrecked at Flinders Island in 1937 and the screw steamer `Kapara’ which was also wrecked at Flinders Island in 1942.

3

CURRENT CONSERVATION STATUS OF THE SHERINGA AND FLINDERS BIOUNITS

Apart from the township of Elliston, there is little urban development along this biounit. Most adjacent coastal land in this biounit is used for agriculture. There is a pastoral lease on Flinders Island.

−

Urban Centres Elliston (population 209).

2.6 Significant Cultural and Historical Features Aboriginal −

Blackfellows, near Cape Finniss: possible site of a major massacre of indigenous inhabitants (A. Nicholson, pers.comm.).

−

Hill Bay, Drummond Point (not dated): an occupation complex consisting of middens and artefact scatters. Has potential for National Estate listing (A. Nicholson, pers.comm.).

3.1 Sheringa Biounit

European A number of coastal structures and sites in this region have recognised heritage value:

−


Sealing site at Flinders Island (registered on the State Heritage Register).

−

Marine Parks None

−

Elliston jetty and a cast iron navigation light (both on the State Heritage Register).

−

−

Venus Bay and Port Kenny jetties (considered to have local heritage value).

• −

3.2 Flinders Biounit

Shipwrecks −

A number of shipwrecks are located in this region. The waters of Venus Bay and up to the Anxious Bay closing line, are covered by the (South Australian) Historic Shipwrecks Act 1976. This allows for the protection of shipwrecks through the declaration of individual wrecks as historic. Waters outside the Anxious Bay closing line fall under the jurisdiction of the (Commonwealth) Historic Shipwrecks Act 1976. Wrecks within these waters that are in excess of 75 years old are automatically protected under this act. Other wrecks may be protected under this Act if of significant value.

Netting Closure Waterloo Bay (all of the waters inside of Waterloo Bay, Elliston, situated north east of a line from Wellington Point to Salmon Point).

−


−

Marine Parks None

−

Netting Closure None.

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4

AREAS OF HIGH CONSERVATION VALUE IN THE SHERINGA AND FLINDERS BIOUNITS

Cap Island Conservation Park −

4.1 Sheringa Biounit Waterloo Bay −

Prime IUCN Conservation Values: biodiversity, research, cultural, social values (IUCN Category II). IUCN Identification Criteria: naturalness (not subject to humaninduced change), biogeographic (representative marine habitats), ecological (ecological integrity, diversity of marine habitat types, reefs, seagrass meadows), economic (fisheries, tourism), social (historic shipwrecks`Freebridge’, `Fanny Wright’, scenic amenities), scientific (scientific research and monitoring-abalone), practicality (accessibility).

Drummond Point Prime IUCN Conservation Values: cultural values, biodiversity (IUCN Category III). IUCN Identification Criteria: naturalness (not subject to human-induced change), biogeographic (geological monumentDrummond Point), ecological (White-faced Storm Petrel, White-fronted Tern), economic (Southern Rock Lobster, significant area for Blacklip Abalone, tourism), social (aboriginal occupation complex at Hill Bay, recreation, scenic amenities), scientific (scientific monitoring), national (potential for listing on the Register of the National Estate), practicality (insulation).

Lake Hamilton −

Prime IUCN Conservation Values: rare and endangered species/habitats, biodiversity, aesthetics, research (IUCN Category II). IUCN Identification Criteria: naturalness (not subject to human-induced change), biogeographic (representative marine habitats), ecological (wetland habitats, threatened waterbirds - Hooded Plover, Osprey, Cape Barren Goose, ecological integrity), economic (Southern Rock Lobster, fisheries, tourism), social (scenic amenities), scientific (scientific monitoring), national (Wetland of National Importance-Lake Newland), practicality (insulation, accessibility, compatibility-adjacent to Lake Hamilton wetland,). Sheringa Beach and Lagoon

−

Prime IUCN Conservation Values: biodiversity, rare and endangered species/habitats, research (IUCN Category IA). IUCN Identification Criteria: naturalness (not subject to human-induced change), biogeographic (representative marine habitats), ecological (wetland habitats, threatened birds particularly Hooded Plover, Cape Barren Goose, ecological integrity), economic (Southern Rock Lobster, significant area for Blacklip Abalone, tourism), social (recreation, scenic amenities), scientific (scientific monitoring-abalone), national (recognised wetland of importance), practicality (insulation, accessibility, compatibility-adjacent to Sheringa Lagoon wetland).

Prime IUCN Conservation Values: biodiversity, research (IUCN Category IA). IUCN Identification Criteria: naturalness (not subject to human-induced change), biogeographic (representative marine habitats), ecological (breeding colonies of White-faced Storm Petrel, White-fronted Tern), economic (Southern Rock Lobster, Blacklip Abalone, fisheries, tourism), social (scenic amenities, recreation), scientific (scientific monitoring), national (Register of the National Estate), practicality (insulation, compatibility-adjacent to Cap Island Conservation Park).

4.2 Flinders Biounit Investigator Group −

Prime IUCN Conservation Values: biodiversity, aesthetic values, rare and endangered species/habitats, research (IUCN Category IB). IUCN Identification Criteria: naturalness (not subject to human-induced change), biogeographic (representative marine habitats, unique geology), ecological (benthic biodiversity, Pearson Island Rock Wallabies, Australian Sea Lions, breeding colonies and haul out sites for New Zealand Fur Seals-Ward, Veteran, Pearson, Dorothee Islands, breeding colonies and haul out sites for Australian Sea Lions-Ward, Pearson, Dorothee, Veteran, Topgallant, breeding/nesting colonies of seabirds - Little Penguin, Short-tailed Shearwater, White-faced Storm Petrel, Fairy Tern, Sooty Oystercatcher, Pacific Gull), economic (significant area for Greenlip Abalone, Blacklip Abalone, fisheries, tourism), social (wilderness values, scenic amenities, past historical studies, recreational use), scientific (past and present scientific research – Pearson Isles, Topgallant Islands), national (Register of Page 63


the National Estate-Investigator Group Conservation Park), practicality (extension of Investigator Group Conservation Park, compatibility). Flinders Island −

Prime IUCN Conservation Values: biodiversity, cultural values, rare and endangered species/habitats, research (IUCN Category II). IUCN Identification Criteria: naturalness (scenic amenities), biogeographic (representative marine habitats), ecological (nesting sites for Ospreys, White-bellied Sea Eagle, breeding sites for Little Penguins), economic (significant area for Blacklip Abalone, Greenlip Abalone, fisheries, tourism), social (historic shipwrecks - `Vulcan’, `Lady Flinders’, `Kapara’, recreation), scientific (scientific monitoring), national (Register of the National Estate), practicality (extension of Investigator Group Conservation Park, compatibility).

Page 64

EYRE REGION – DOUGLAS BIOUNIT

VIII MARINE BIOGEOGRAPHY AND CONSERVATION VALUES OF THE DOUGLAS BIOUNIT This biounit extends from Drummond Point to Point Sir Isaacs on the south-eastern tip of Eyre Peninsula, and covers an area of 67,645 ha and a coastal distance of approximately 73 km. It is oriented in a generally southerly direction into the Southern Ocean.


OCEANOGRAPHY

This biounit has high energy coastline with low energy bays. From Cape Catastrophe to Point Sir Isaac (167 km) the south-west facing coast is exposed to high energy and is one of the highest wave energy shorelines in Australia, rivalling Canunda in the South-East (Short & Hesp 1984). Open coast sea temperatures vary from a mean summer sea surface temperature of 18oC to a mean winter sea surface temperture of 14oC. The inshore coastal regions are under the influence of seasonal coldwater, nutrient-rich coastal upwellings which occur close to the coast, which can result in an offshore sea surface temperature gradient of 18oC to inshore temperatures of 11oC in inshore areas during the summer months (Wenju et al. 1990). There appears to be a relationship between the upwellings and the pilchard numbers in these areas (Ward & McLeay 1998).

2


COASTAL

From Point Sir Isaac to Point Drummond (133 km, including Port Douglas) there is 73 km of open coast shoreline with highly variable orientation and exposure, coupled with more than 60 km of highly crenulate bay shoreline in Port Douglas (Coffin Bay). The protection from the Southern Ocean swell afforded by the Coffin Bay Peninsula has produced a far lower energy coastline that the southern coast. Consequently, while Holocene sedimentation has been extensive, most is confined to intertidal and subtidal sandflats and bay floor deposits, with beachbarrier-dune deposits only beginning to appear along the northern section of coast, which is increasingly exposed to the ocean wave conditions.

12

Port Douglas (including Kellidie and Mount Dutton Bays) is the largest bay on the Eyre Peninsula, with an overall area of 120 km2 and 60 km of shoreline. Coffin Bay is a more protected bay with a low energy open coast. The present shoreline of Port Douglas, Mount Dutton and Kellidie Bays consists of three types: (i) stable dune calcarenite cliffs, usually only a few metres high and notched in the intertidal zone dominate the northern shoreline, and are common on southern promontories; (ii) low energy intertidal deposits consisting of shelly sandflats backed by supratidal samphire flats in very protected environments, such as upper Mount Dutton Bay, Kellidie Bay and Yangie Bay; (iii) low energy reflective beaches, usually backed by small foredunes and fronted by low gradient sandflats in the more exposed locations, particularly along the southern and western shores of Port Douglas and Point Longnose. A number of offshore islands occur in this biounit: −

Rocky Island (North): entirely basement rock.

−

Mt Dutton Bay Islands (7 islands).

3


−

Major intertidal habitats in the region include bays, sandy beaches and some rocky shores and islands.

−

Of the total inshore subtidal habitats mapped in the biounit (37 151ha), sandy bottoms comprise 18,619ha (50.1%), limestone reefs comprise 9,965ha (26.8%), and seagrass meadows comprise 8,567ha (23.1%).


Page 65



Macroalgal

−

Along the exposed rocky granite shores and reefs in this region (eg. Greenly Beach, Point Drummond, Rocky Island), subtidal macroalgal communities are dominated by the fucoids, Cystophora monoliformis, C.siliquosa, and C.monolifera and Acrocarpia paniculata and the red algae, Osmundaria prolifera and Haliptilon, in shallow waters (ie. 5m). In deeper waters, rocky reef communities are dominated by Ecklonia radiata and Scytothalia dorycarpa, with species of Cystophora (C.platylobium, C.racemosa, C.moniliformis) as sub-dominants, and also a range of large understorey red algae (eg. Plocamium, Osmundaria, Phacelocarpus, Carpophyllis), encrusting corallines, and green algae (Caulerpa flexilis, C.obscura).

•

Seagrasses

−

There are extensive seagrass meadows in this region, due to the dominance of sheltered embayments. Seagrass meadows are dominated by Posidonia angustifolia, Heterozostera tasmanica and Halophila australis and the green alga, Caulerpa cactoides (eg. Port Douglas, Dutton Bay). Coastal and Offshore Islands (or Reefs)

−

Rocky Islands (North).

−

Mt Dutton Bay Islands (7 islands). Rivers and Estuaries

−

Port Douglas (including Kellidie and Mount Dutton Bays): 25-50% of the catchment has been cleared of natural vegetation. This low energy bay consists of intertidal sand/mudflats (0.86 km2), patchy mangroves (3.10 km2) and samphires.



AND


The Coffin Bay coastal wetland system has been identified as a wetland of national importance (see ANCA 1996). The Coffin Bay coastal system encompasses the coastline of the Coffin Bay Peninsula, including Avoid Bay and offshore islands, Gunyah Beach, Seven Mile Beach and the waters of Port Douglas (including Yangie, Kellidie and Mount Dutton Bays). Coffin Bay is the largest bay on the Eyre Peninsula, and the second largest estuary in South Australia (after the Coorong), with an overall area of 120 km2 and approximately 60 km of shoreline. The estuary itself is highly significant at a State level in that only 25-50% of its catchment area has been cleared of native vegetation (Bucher & Saenger 1989). All other estuaries in South Australia (except Franklin Harbour) are considerable `developed' with more than 75% of their catchment areas modified. The Coffin Bay wetlands have been identified as areas of international importance for shorebirds by Watkins (1993). The availability of undisturbed coastal cliff habitat and rocky offshore islands makes the area a significant breeding refuge for the Osprey, Pandion haliaetus and White-bellied SeaEagle, Haliaeetus leucogaster (ANCA 1996). The islands support a diversity of wader species and are major breeding sites for terns, gulls and oyster catchers. The area is noted for its breeding population of the Eastern Reef Egret, Egretta sacra, while the beaches are important summering sites for Sanderlings, Calidris alba. Threatened waterbirds in the area include the Hooded Plover, Thinornis rubricollis (Nv, Sv), White-bellied Sea-Eagle (Sv), Osprey (Sv), Cape Barren Goose, Cereopsis novaehollandiae (Sv), Musk Duck, Biziura lobata (Sv), Eastern Curlew, Numenius madagascariensis (Sv), Fairy Tern, Sterna nereis (Sv), and Eastern Reef Egret (Sr). A total of 63 waterbird and seabirds have been recorded in the region; 22 are listed under international treaties. A total of 18 species breed in the region (see ANCA 1996).

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−

−

The substantial areas of marine wetlands in this estuary provide habitats and nursery areas for both estuarine and offshore fish stocks, particularly King George Whiting, Sillaginodes punctata. The size of the estuary and the extent and diversity of its associated wetlands suggest that its contribution to the ecology of the local area would be significant (Bucher & Saenger 1989). Leathery turtles Dermochelys coriacea (Nv, Se) are seen regularly in Port Douglas and Mt Dutton Bay in late summer. A wide range of marine mammals (seals, dolphins and 6 species of whales) are regularly recorded along the Coffin Bay Peninsula and offshore islands between August and December (ANCA 1996). Coffin Bay National Park (Port Douglas) is regarded as one of the few areas of substantial wilderness quality remaining in the settled, more temperate areas of South Australia (Lesslie & Taylor 1983). The southern coastline has striking sandstone cliffs, sandy beaches and excellent views of the offshore islands, while the northern coastline has tranquil bays and the samphire (Sarcocornia blackiana) swamps in Port Douglas. This range of environments supports 148 species of birds, 26 species of reptiles and two or three species of terrestrial mammals although at least eight more species are known to have inhabited the area at the time of European settlement (Preece 1985, Martin 1994). Birds recorded on the cliffs include Rock Parrots, White-bellied Sea Eagles and Ospreys. The sandy beaches are breeding sites for Redcapped Plover (Charadrius ruficapillus), the Pied Oyster-catcher (Haematopus longirostris) and the Hooded Plover (Thinornis rubricollis). The swamps attract large numbers of migratory waders in spring and summer from the Northern Hemisphere. Mt Dutton Bay Islands Conservation Park (Port Douglas) consists of seven small islands in the bay. Although disturbed, they are still areas of biological significance, especially as breeding sites for birds. For instance, a total of nine species of seabirds breed on Rabbit Island, including Little Penguins (Eudyptula minor), Eastern Reef Egrets (Ardea sacra), Pied Oystercatchers (Haematopus longirostris), Sooty Oystercatchers (Haematopus fuliginosus), Silver Gulls (Larus novaehollandiae), Pacific Gulls (Larus pacificus), Caspian Terns (Hydroprogne caspia), Fairy Terns (Sterna nereis) and Crested Terns (Sterna bergii) (Gill 1985a). Eastern Reef Egrets also breed on Goat Island (Gill 1980) while Buff-banded Rails

(Rallus philippensis) breed on Rabbit Island. The largest of the Brothers is a major breeding site for Crested Terns, Caspian Terns and Rock Parrots (Neophema petrophila) (Gill 1985b). Single Sooty Terns (Sterna fuscata), which normally breeds only on islands off the Western Australian, Northern Territory and Queensland coasts, have been recorded. The islands are on the Register of the National Estate. −

Kellidie Bay Conservation Park has dense thickets of Melaleuca neglecta which line the swamps margin which is an increasingly rare vegetation type on Eyre Peninsula (Preece 1985). The swamps attract several uncommon birds such as the Wood Sandpiper (Tringa glareola), Latham's Snipe (Galinago hardwickii), and the Buff-banded Rail (Rallus phipippensis). The Marsh Harrier (Circus aeruginosus) is also found in swampy areas.

−

Extensive seagrass meadows. The seagrasses in the Port Douglast represent the second largest areas of seagrass on the Eyre Coast. The sheltered embayments of the Eyre Coast, particularly Streaky and Smoky Bay (ie. Streaky Biounit), and Port Douglas (ie. Douglas Biounit), support extensive seagrass meadows. These extensive seagrass meadows flourish in shallow clear waters, generally in waters less than 15m, and provide the basis for the significant productivity of the coastal regions in terms of fisheries and prawn production. Seagrasses cover a total area of approximately 86,163 ha in Streaky and Smoky Bay, and 8 567 ha in Port Douglas. Together, the seagrasses of the Eyre Coast represent approximately 15% (ie. 1,407 km2) of the total area of seagrasses recorded in South Australia (ie. 9,612 km2). Other Areas of Recognised Conservation Significance

−

Rocky Island (North) Conservation Park: haul out and basking sites of the New Zealand Fur Seal (Arctocephalus forsteri) has been recorded on Rocky (North) (Shaughnessy et al. 1994). Haul out and possibly breeding colonies of the rare Australian Sea Lions (Neophoca cinerea) occur on the Rocky Island (North) (Watts & Ling 1985, Gales 1990). The park is on the Register of the National Estate.

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2

Drummond Point is a "geological monument" of State significance. Features of geological and geomorphological interest include: welldeveloped shore platforms; Archaean Kiana Granite (amongst the oldest rocks in South Australia); and a major mylonite zone.

OTHER VALUES

2.1 Commercial Fisheries Major single species fisheries include Southern Rock Lobster, Abalone and Western King Prawn. Marine scalefish fisheries in this region primarily target King George Whiting and is of major State importance. Western King Prawn This biounit is located within the waters of the West Coast prawn fishery, which comprises 3 license holders (ie. Boats). All vessels fish within the waters of this biounit (ie. Fishing Zones 27), the Newland Biounit (ie. Fishing Zone 15), and the Nuyts Biounit (ie. Fishing Zone 8). In 1995/96 and 1996/97 a total of 200,764 and 166,414 kg was caught for this fishery, with a total effort of 3,144 and 2,778 hours, respectively (or 8.84% and 8.22% of the total catch for Western King Prawn in South Australian waters). Southern Rock Lobster In 1995/96 and 1996/97 a total of 23 and 27 licensed operators fished in the Douglas Biounit (ie. Fishing Zone 27), catching approximately 42,151 and 49,754 kg of lobsters, respectively (or 0.82% and 0.97% of the total catch for Southern Rock Lobster in South Australian waters). Abalone Blacklip Abalone and some Greenlip Abalone is presently commercially harvested within the Douglas Biounit, (ie. MapCode 12A-C, 13A-C, Drummond Point – Frenchman Bluff region), but due to confidentiality constraints these figures are not available.

In 1994/95 and 1995/96 a total of 28,620 and 20,285 kg of Blacklip was harvested within this region, and represented 9.2% and 7.3% of the total Blacklip Western Zone catch (or 5.79% and 4.38% of the total catch for Blacklip in South Australian waters). Marine Scalefish Fisheries This biounit represents one of the most significant regions for the marine scalefish fishery in South Australia. During 1995/96 and 1996/97, 63 and 59 commercial licence holders (made up of Marine Scalefish, Restricted Marine Scalefish and Northern Zone Rock Lobster licence categories) caught commercial marine scalefish species from the Douglas Biounit (ie. Fishing Zone 27), respectively. License holders expended approximately 2028 and 1815 boat days effort fishing these waters during 1995/96 and 1996/97, respectively. The marine scalefish catch for this region (ie. Fishing Zone 27) represented 2,438 618 kg in 1995/96 and 923,539 kg in 1996/97(or 23.45% and 9.11% of the total catch for the marine scalefish fishery in South Australian waters). Although license holders are not restricted to fishing in this biounit, the following licenses are registered in this area: −

Coffin Bay: 7 unrestricted marine scalefish licenses, 4 Southern Rock Lobster.

2.2 Aquaculture Pacific Oyster farming is the only mariculture industry in this coastal biounit. At present all activity is concentrated in the Port Douglas region, which represents one of the major regions for oyster growing in South Australia. As such, significant activity is present in western Mount Dutton Bay (11 approved leases) and Kellidie Bay (8 approved leases). In addition to the approved leases, another 5 oyster lease applications are pending in this region, all are located at the southern end of Horse Peninsula. Yangie Bay, and sections of Mount Dutton Bay and Port Douglas are presently not considered suitable for aquaculture. The Lower Eyre Peninsula Aquaculture Management Plan (Aquaculture Group, PIRSA 1997) proposes the following level of aquaculture development in this region:

Page 68


Farm Beach Policy Area −

Frenchman Management Zone (eastern waters of Coffin Bay) – no existing aquaculture. Licenses will considered for 50 ha of shellfish aquaculture (5 R&D permits, 10 ha each). No finfish aquaculture will be considered in this area.

−

Coffin Bay Peninsula Management Zone (western waters of Coffin Bay) – no existing aquaculture. Licenses will not be considered for aquaculture development within this zone.

−

−

−

−

−

Kellidie Bay Aquaculture Zone (central waters of Kellidie Bay) – 40 ha of oyster culture currently operating and is the maximum area proposed for this zone. Lease areas must not exceed 8 ha and a maximum of 2 ha from existing leases can be relocated within this zone.

−

Kellidie Bay Zone (remaining waters of Kellidie Bay) - Licenses will not be considered for aquaculture development within this zone.

Farm Beach Zone (remaining waters of Coffin Bay, not covered by above) – no existing aquaculture. Licenses will not be considered for aquaculture development within this zone. Port Douglas Policy Area

−

Kellidie Bay Policy Area

Horse Peninsula Management Zone (waters of Port Douglas, adjacent the Horse Peninsula) – existing R&D shellfish aquaculture leases. Licenses will be considered for a maximum of 15ha of oyster culture in this zone (and a maximum of 5 leases will be considered). Point Longnose Management Zone (waters of Port Douglas, south of Point Longnose) – no existing aquaculture. Licenses will be considered for a maximum of 20ha of oyster culture within the zone, but no more than a total area of 110ha of aquaculture development will be considered in the Port Douglas-Coffin Bay-Kellidie Bay-Dutton Bay region. Little Douglas Management Zone (central waters of Port Douglas) – no existing aquaculture. Licenses will be considered for a maximum of 10 ha of oyster culture, but no more than a total area of 110 ha of aquaculture development will be considered in the Port Douglas-Coffin Bay-Kellidie Bay-Dutton Bay region. Port Douglas Zone (remaining waters of Port Douglas, not covered by above) – no existing aquaculture. Licenses will not be considered for aquaculture development within this zone.

Dutton Bay Policy Area −

Dutton Bay Aquaculture Zone – 40 ha of oyster culture currently operating and is the maximum area proposed for this zone. One lease may be considered for a nursery lease to a maximum of 2 ha.

−

Lavender Bay Aquaculture Zone – no existing aquaculture. Licenses will be considered for a maximum of 8 ha of oyster culture within this zone.

−

Bulldog Point Aquaculture Zone – no existing aquaculture. Licenses will be considered for a maximum of 8 ha of oyster culture within this zone.

−

Dutton Bay North Aquaculture Zone – 4 ha of oyster culture currently operating and is the maximum are proposed for this zone. One lease may be considered for a nursery lease to a maximum of 2 ha.

−

Salt Creek Aquaculture Zone - 4 ha of oyster culture currently operating and is the maximum are proposed for this zone.

−

Mount Dutton Zone - Licenses will not be considered for aquaculture development within this zone.

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Coffin Bay Policy Area −

Coffin Bay Zone (waters of Yangie Bay, Coffin Bay, south of Horse Peninsula) – 1 oyster lease currently operating. Licenses will not be considered for aquaculture development within this zone.

−

No marine-based aquaculture current exists in the Point Sir Isaac to Frenchman Bluff to Drummond Point to Point Sir Isaac region. The Lower Eyre Peninsula Aquaculture Management Plan (Aquaculture Group, PIRSA 1997) proposes no aquaculture development in this region:

−


Drummond Point Policy Area −

Drummond Point Zone (ie. inshore waters from Sheringa Beach south to Point Sir Isaac, east to Frenchman Bluff) – licenses will not be considered for aquaculture development in this zone.

National and Conservation Parks

Fishing

−

−

Convention Beach: beach fishing. Major species: Sand Flathead, Yelloweye Mullet, Australian Salmon and Tommy Rough.

−

Farm Beach: boat fishing. Major species: King George Whiting, Sand Flathead, Tommy Rough and Garfish.

− − − −

Coffin Bay, Kellidie Bay, Almonta: boat, beach, jetty and rock fishing. Major species: King George Whiting, Sand Flathead, Yelloweye Mullet, Australian Salmon, Garfish, Tommy Rough, Snapper and Trevally. Tourism

−

Coffin Bay: considered an unspoilt area for fishing, watersports and family holidays. It is considered an important wilderness area (Lesslie & Taylor 1983). The Òyster Walk' at Coffin Bay is a 2.5 km guided tour through native bushland.


2.5 Adjacent Land Use

2.3 Recreation and Tourism

−

SCUBA diving: Frenchman Bluff and Coles Point are recognised reefs dives and listed in `Dive South Australia: The Best Dive Sites in South Australia’ (Diving Industry Association of South Australia). The former is a shallow shore dive (down to 12m) suitable for novices, the latter dive (12-20m) via a gutter, is suitable only for experienced divers and perfect weather due to swell conditions.

Rocky Island (North) Conservation Park (9 ha). Coffin Bay National Park (28,106 ha). Coffin Bay Conservation Reserve (2,560 ha). Kellidie Bay Conservation Park (1,780 ha). Mt Dutton Bay Conservation Park (12 ha). Agriculture/Industry

There is relatively little urban development in this biounit. Most adjacent land not protected as a national or conservation park, is used for agriculture. Urban Centres −

Coffin Bay (population 341). This centre is a major tourist destination and hence, its transient population is considerably larger. Coffin Bay also has a permanent coastal mooring facility for 90 recreational craft.

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4

AREAS OF HIGH CONSERVATION VALUE IN THE DOUGLAS BIOUNIT

Aboriginal Rocky Island (North) −

−

−

3

Hill Bay, Drummond Point (not dated): an occupation complex consisting of middens and artefact scatters. Has potential for National Estate listing (A. Nicholson, pers.comm.). Although few archeological investigations have been conducted at Coffin Bay, this region has the potential to contain a rich and diverse cultural record (A. Nicholson, pers.comm.). Further, the relatively intact character of the natural habitat significantly increases the integrity of any potential cultural sites. Coffin Bay is also known to contain extensive, stone walled fishtraps (Martin 1988). As a result of its cultural significance, the PALO is presently investigating the possibility of joint management of this region. European Not known.

CURRENT CONSERVATION STATUS OF THE DOUGLAS BIOUNIT

−


−

Marine Parks None

−

−

Netting Closures Coffin Bay (all waters south of a line from Point Sir Isaac to Frenchmans Bluff).

Prime IUCN Conservation Values: rare and endangered species/habitats, biodiversity (IUCN Category IA). IUCN Identification Criteria: naturalness (not subjected to human-induced change, including not subject to human induced change terrestrial vegetation), ecological (significant breeding site for New Zealand Fur Seals and haul out site for Australian Sea Lions), economic (Southern Rock Lobster, significant area for Blacklip Abalone), national (Register of the National Estate-Rocky Island North Conservation Park), practicality (insulation, compatibility-adjacent to Rocky Island North Conservation Park). Coffin Bay-Port Douglas-Yangie Bay

−

Prime IUCN Conservation Values: biodiversity, social, rare and endangered species/habitats (IUCN Category II). IUCN Identification Criteria: naturalness (not subjected to human-induced change, including not subject to human induced change terrestrial vegetation), ecological (significant nursery, feeding habitat for economic species – eg. King George Whiting, Western King Prawn, marine scalefish, significant estuarine function, ecological integrity, breeding sites for Rock Parrots, White-bellied Sea Eagles, Ospreys, Red Capped Plover, Pied Oyster Catcher, Hooded Plover, Little Penguins, Eastern Reef Egrets, Crested Terns, Caspian Terns, Fairy Terns, Sooty Terns), economic (tourism, marine scalefish fisheries), social (recreation, aesthetic values), national/international (Wetland of National Importance-Coffin Bay wetland system, international importance for shorebirds, Register of the National Estate-Mt Dutton Bay Islands Conservation Park), practicality (accessibility, insulation, compatibility-adjacent to Coffin Bay National Park, Conservation Reserve, Mt Dutton Bay Islands Conservation Park, Kellidie Bay Conservation Park).

Page 71

EYRE REGION – WHIDBEY BIOUNIT

IX

MARINE BIOGEOGRAPHY AND CONSERVATION VALUES OF THE WHIDBEY BIOUNIT

This biounit extends from Point Sir Isaacs to Cape Catastrophe on the southern tip of Eyre Peninsula, and covers an area of 132,689 ha and a coastal distance of approximately 167 km. It is oriented in a generally southwesterly direction into the Southern Ocean.

Gunyah Beach (20 km) is an excellent example of transgressive Holocene dunes that extend up to 10 km inland. This beach is also the highest energy, and most dynamic on the Eyre Peninsula.


OCEANOGRAPHY

The coastline of this biounit faces mostly southwest and is one of the highest wave energy shorelines in Australia, rivalling Canunda in the South-East (Short & Hesp 1984). Open coast sea temperatures vary from a mean summer sea surface temperature of 18oC to a mean winter sea surface temperture of 14oC. The inshore coastal regions are under the influence of seasonal coldwater, nutrient-rich coastal upwellings which occur close to the coast, which can result in an offshore sea surface temperature gradient of 18oC to inshore temperatures of 11oC in inshore areas during the summer months. The major focus of the coastal upwelling appears to extend from Point Sir Isaac (Coffin Bay Peninsula) to Cape Borda (Kangaroo Island) (Wenju et al. 1990) and in part, may be responsible for the very high levels of productivity, seabirds, marine mammals, and marine benthic biodiversity in the region. Recent studies indicate that is a relationship between the upwellings and the pilchard abundance in these areas (Ward & McLeay 1998).

2


COASTAL

This biounit consists of high Pleistocene dune calcarenite cliffs capped by Holocene clifftop dunes in places, and high energy intermediate-dissipative beaches, backed by very unstable massive Holocene dune transgression usually overlain by Pleistocene dune calcarenite. Large amounts of marine sediment have been blown inland by the west to south-west winds to form some of the widest transgressive Pleistocene dune calcarenite and Holocene dunes in Australia.

13

Groper Bay (Sleaford Peninsula) is an excellent example of the type of steep sand ramps that feed the successive dune transgressions and cliff top dunes. A number of offshore islands occur in this biounit: −

Greenly Island and adjacent islets: composed of a crystalline basement.

−

Four Hummocks: high domed outcrops of crystalline basement of granitic composition.

−

Perforated Island: granitic headlands and steep cliffs which protect small bays and inlets. The island is composed of crystalline basement with a thick cover of calcareous aeolianite.

−

Price Island and Liguanea Island: composed of crystalline basement with a cover of aeolianite.

−

Curta Rocks: two of the islands are crystalline basement with a very flat cover of aeolianite. The others have a very rounded relief.

−

Williams Island: crystalline basement covered by a thick sequence of calcareous aeolianite. The crystalline basement outcrops on all but the eastern coast where near vertical cliffs of aeolianite rise directly above sea level. There is one embayment on the northern shore where beach sand has been deposited.

−

Neptune Islands: North Neptune Island is crystalline basement with a cover of calcareous aeolianite with considerable erosion on the southern and western sides caused by heavy seas and strong winds. The three other small islands to the northeast are crystalline basement. The island nearest to North Neptune has a thin cover of calcareous aeolianite.


Page 72

EYRE REGION – WHIDBEY BIOUNIT

−

South Neptune Islands: comprise three islands, all of which are crystalline basement. The larger two have an aeolianite cover.

−

On the southwestern coasts of both, considerable erosion of the aeolianite has occurred.

− − − −

North and Central Four Hummocks Island). Rocky Island (South). Liguanea Island (Cape Carnot). Curta Rocks, Williams Island (southern Jussieu Peninsula). Neptune Islands: including the North Neptune Islands (4) and the South Neptune Islands (3). Rivers and Estuaries

3

BIOLOGY

−

Sleaford Mere.

Major Habitats −

Major intertidal habitats in the region include mostly offshore islands, sandy beaches and rocky shores.


−

Of the total inshore subtidal habitats mapped in the biounit (43,710ha), sandy bottoms comprise 38,489 ha (88.1%), and reefs comprise 5,221 ha (11.9%). No seagrass habitats have been recorded in the region.

SIGNIFICANT BIOLOGICAL AND PHYSICAL FEATURES

1.1 Biological Coastal and Marine Wetlands of National Importance

Major Benthic Communities −

•

Macroalgal

−

Along the exposed rocky shores, reefs and islands in this region (eg. Point Whidbey, Sleaford Bay, Price Island, Four Hummocks, Liguanea Island), subtidal rocky shore macroalgal communities are dominated by the fucoids, Cystophora monoliformis, C.siliquosa, and C.monolifera and the red algae, Osmundaria and Haliptilon occur in shallow waters (ie. 50m), tidal race of Backstair Passage. This community is characterised by massive sponges (more than 1 metre high and across) and large erect bryozoans (such as Adeona grisea); epizoic crinoids and ophiuroids are especially abundant on them. 5.3 Seagrass Ecology Seagrasses (particularly Posidonia australis and Amphibolis antarctica), as in Spencer Gulf, are important in trapping and stabilising the sediments of the Gulf St Vincent. The seagrass leaves baffle action and reduce water movement to such an extent that fine suspended particles settle out, and are trapped by the root mesh of the seagrass (Shepherd & Sprigg 1976). The sediments of these seagrass banks consist largely of carbonate skeletal debris from epiphytic coralline algae, bryozoans, molluscs and foraminifera, together with

aggregates of aragonite and quartz grains. These banks have been studied in detail in upper Gulf St Vincent, where they have been shown to have caused the shoreline to migrate seaward several kilometres since sea level stabilised at is present level approximately 6 000 years ago. Seagrass beds are well developed in Gulf St Vincent colonising sandy-muddy areas of tidal flats, and extending several metres deep. Eight species of seagrass occur subtidally in the gulf region (Shepherd & Sprigg). Four of them, Amphibolis antarctica, Posidonia australis, Heterozostera tasmanica and Halophila ovalis occur over extensive areas of sandy seafloor. Amphibolis antarctica and Posidonia australis occur as dense monospecific meadows stands, while Heterozostera tasmanica and Halophila ovalis occur as scattered plants or clumps of plants, especially in deeper water. In addition there are two other species which are less common: Posidonia ostenfeldii which occurs in scattered stands on the north coast of Kangaroo Island, and the eastern shore of the gulf, and Amphibolis griffithsii, which usually occurs as meadows at depths of 10-15m, and also as isolated plants among stands of A.antarctica (Shepherd & Sprigg 1976). Posidonia australis is the most extensive community of seagrass in the Gulf St Vincent region, preferring shallow waters, but extending down to 30m in Investigator Strait, 20m in the lower gulf and 10m near the head of the gulf (Shepherd & Sprigg 1976). The meadows on the western side of the gulf are usually less dense than on the eastern side. P.australis grows sympatrically with P.sinuosa and P.angustifolia in the shallower part of their range. Amphibolis antarctica is better adapted than Posidonia to stronger water movement and mobile sandy substrates, and generally occurs in small stands or clumps rather than as extensive meadows characeristic of Posidonia. A.antarctica occurs from the uppermost sublittoral zone to 23m, but in the gulf rarely occurs in depths exceeding about 12m. A.antarctica commonly occurs on sand spits and bars and is an earlier coloniser in denuded areas in Posidonia australis meadows, often bordering the shallow or shoreward side of a Posidonia meadow. The species also occurs in sandy areas where underlying rock prevents the establishment of a Posidonia meadow, or in mixed stands with Posidonia, under conditions of moderate water movement.

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GULF OF ST VINCENT – FLEURIEU PENINSULA REGION – STURT AND INVESTIGATOR BIOUNITS

Heterozostera tasmanica is widely but sparsely distributed in the gulf, and occurs on firm muddy substrates from low tide level down for 35 m (Shepherd & Sprigg 1976). Halophila ovalis, like Heterozostera tasmanica, is also widespread but sparse in the gulf (particularly in the deeper waters), and occurs in areas of slight to moderate water current, from 5-35m depth. P.sinuosa is widely distributed to a depth of 15m in sheltered bays and inlets, either in pure stands or growing sympatrically with P.australis or P.angustifolia. In more exposed areas it may form meadows with Amphibolis spp. P.angustifolia grows subtidally from 2-35 m deep and frequently grows in deeper water than P.australis. In it's deeper range it is often found in association with Heterozostera tasmanica or Halophila australis and in sheltered positions in it's shallower range in association with Amphibolis antarctica. Other seagrasses of note in Gulf St Vincent include: Halophila australis which grows on sand and mud, from low tide level to 23m deep; Ruppia spp. (R. tuberosa); Lepilaena marina which forms extensive low turfs in mid and lower eulittoral zones on sandy mud tidal flats, often growing in association with Ruppia tuberosa and Zostera mucronata; and Amphibolis griffithii which forms pure stands or mixed communities with A. antarctica from low tide to depth of 5m. A.griffithii generally extends into rougher localities and tolerates lower light intensities than A.antarctica. 5.4

Fish

The marine fish fauna found in the oceanic waters off Yorke Peninsula and Fleurieu Peninsula is typical of the Flindersian Province of southern Australian coastal waters (Glover & Olsen 1985). As such, many of the species recorded in South Australian waters, have also been recorded in southern and south-western Western Australian waters, and to a lesser extent, in the waters of western Victoria and north-west Tasmania. There are some 300 species of known marine fish recorded off Eyre Peninsula down to the base of the continental slope, which represents approximately 67% of the species recorded from all South Australian marine waters (Glover 1982). The fish fauna of Gulf St Vincent, as with Spencer Gulf, is typical of the Flindersian Province of southern Australian coastal waters (Glover & Ling 1976). As such, a total of 216 species have been recorded from Gulf St Vincent, representing 113 families and 33 orders of fish, including a handful of sporadic oceanic strays such as Sunfish (Mola sp.). However, Gulf St Vincent's waters constitute the type locality for 26 recognised species, 7 of which appear to be endemic. All are essentially marine, except a few species which are known to spend a least part of their life cycles in the more dilute waters of estuaries, and further upstream in waterways entering the sea. These latter species

include the Short-Headed Lamprey (Mordacia mordaxz) and the native Trout (Galaxias maulatus). Although the variety of fish in Gulf St Vincent is relatively small, compared with warmer Australian waters, there is an abundance of economically important species. As such, some 14 principal species are fished in the gulf (Glover & Ling 1976). The waters of Gulf St Vincent, like Spencer Gulf are among some of the most commercially productive in the South Australia. As such, the most valuable single species fishery in Spencer Gulf, is the Western King Prawn (Penaeus latisulcatus). The marine recreational fishery in Gulf St Vincent is renowned for the variety of species which provide abundant and excellent sport for line, spear and big-game fishers. 5.5

Marine Mammals

In Gulf St Vincent, although there are no major colonies of seals or herds of whales, individuals of many species are regularly seen in these waters and on local beaches. The Australian Sea Lion (Neophoca cinerea), and the New Zealand Fur Seal (Arctocephalus forsteri), haul out on islands in Investigator Strait (ie. Althorpe Island, Little Althorpe Island, Seal Island, Haystack Island) and the north coast of Kangaroo Island, and occasionally on Adelaide beaches occasionally. Sightings are also regularly made at various places around the coast of the Fleurieu Peninsula (eg. Encounter Bay). New Zealand Fur Seals have regularly visited West Island (Victor Harbor) over the last 5 years however there is presently no evidence of breeding (S.Shepherd, pers.comm.). There are also occasional sightings of Leopard (Hydrurga leptonyx) and Weddell Seals (Leptonychotes weddelli). Some 18 species of whales have been recorded in South Australian coastal waters (Aitken 1971). Pilot Whales (Globicephala melaena) enter Gulf St Vincent occasionally and have gone aground on local beaches. The largest recorded mass stranding of whales occurred in 1944 when almost 300 False Killer Whales (Pseudorca crassidens) went aground at Port Prime in Gulf St Vincent (Glover & Ling 1976). Several species of whales frequent the waters around Kangaroo Island and Encounter Bay, and strandings also occur occasionally. In particular, the endangered Southern Right Whale (Eubalaena australis) appears regularly in the winter months during its northward migration from Tasmanian

Page 153


waters to the waters at the Head of the Great Australian Bight. Along Encounter Bay in particular, the whales can be easily from shore. The Bottlenose Dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) and the Common Dolphin (Delphinus delphis) are common in both Spencer Gulf and Gulf St Vincent. MARINE CONSERVATION VALUES 1 1.1


AND

Biological Mangrove and Coastal Saltmarshes

Gulf St Vincent (along with Spencer Gulf) contains some of the most extensive areas of mangrove forests and tidal wetlands in South Australia (and the largest areas of temperate mangroves in Australia) (Edyvane 1996). Associated with the mangrove habitats are the biologically rich mud flats, coastal saltmarshes and seagrasses. Together, mangrove and saltmarsh communities along the South Australian coast total approximately 82,000 ha, with the largest communities occurring in Spencer Gulf (46 000 ha) and Gulf St Vincent (20,000 ha). Other substantial communities occur in lower Spencer Gulf (6 000ha), on the west coast of Eyre Peninsula (9 000 ha) and on Kangaroo Island (7 000 ha) (DELM 1993). In Gulf St Vincent, mangroves, and associated coastal saltmarshes, seagrasses and tidal mudflats dominate the upper portion of the Gulf from Port Clinton to Port Adelaide. Mangrove forest comprise a single species, the Grey Mangrove, Avicennia marina, which forms a low woodland forest extending from mean sea level to spring high-tide level. Progressively higher vegetated zones are a Halosarcia-Sarcocornia (saltmarsh) association, a Sclerostegia-Halosarcia (saltmarsh) association and an Atriplex (saltbush) association (Chinnock 1980).

These tidal wetlands are areas of considerable productivity and represent significant feeding habitats for waterfowl and waders, and also represent key nursery, feeding and breeding areas for many economically important species of fish and crustaceans (eg. Western King Prawn, King George Whiting, Southern Sea Garfish). Conspicuous algal mats, which form as a result of sediment trapping by filamentous blue-green algae are associated with both, the mangrove and saltmarsh flora. A variety of marine organisms, mostly gastropods, bivalves, polychaetes and crustaceans, also live in and on the mangrove mud, and are a key food source. Extensive Seagrass Meadows Gulf St Vincent (along with Spencer Gulf) contain some of the most extensive areas of temperate seagrass meadows in Australia (Edyvane 1996). These extensive seagrass meadows flourish in the shallow waters of the gulf, generally in waters less than 15m, and provide the basis for the significant productivity of the gulf in terms of fisheries and prawn production. Seagrasses cover approximately 2,436 km2 in Gulf St Vincent, and represent 25% of the total area of seagrasses recorded in South Australia (ie. 9,612 km2). Most of the seagrasses in the gulf are located in the northern reaches of the gulf (ie. Clinton Biounit, 132,576 ha), in the Orontes Bank region along the eastern coast of Yorke Peninsula (ie. Orontes Biounit 51,713 ha), and along the southern coast of Yorke Peninsula in Investigator Strait (Sturt Biounit, 23,229 ha). Seagrass meadows are particularly important for a number of reasons: as primary producers they occupy the base of the food chain; they provide important or “critical” habitats such as nursery, breeding or feeding areas for the juveniles and adults of many fish, crustaceans and other marine animals, including a large number of commercial species (Bell & Pollard 1989, Howard et al. 1989); and their extensive root and rhizome systems stabilise nearshore sediments and sand banks, enhancing coastal water clarity and reducing coastal erosion (Scoffin 1971). Seagrass meadows also support a prolific skeletal biota as infauna and epiphytes, which in turn, provides the carbonate basis for sediments in the region.

Page 154


Backstairs Passage The Backstairs Passage region is unparalleled in it’s diversity of marine invertebrate assemblages and is one of the richest areas for sessile invertebrate fauna in South Australia (Dr Scoresby Shepherd, SARDI, pers.comm.). The seafloor of Backstairs Passage has been little studied and generally the water depths (35-70m) and current speeds (up to 250 cm/sec) are too great to allow easy study by diving (Shepherd & Sprigg 1976). Strong current flows in the narrow Passage provide optimal conditions for filter-feeding organisms and many organisms, particularly sponges and bryozoans, reach very large proportions and also, importantly, outcompete plant communities in colonising shallow reefal areas in high current regions. At 40m depth, the substrate consists of a planed-off surface of bedrock covered with a thin layer of sediment made up of coarse sand, small flat pebbles and biogenic carbonates. These sediments form drifts in the lee of the sparse exposed reef outcrops of Permian shales. At greater depths (>50m) in the tide race, massive sponges (more than 1 metre high and across) and large erect bryozoans (such as Adeona grisea), dominate the sea bottom; epizoic crinoids and ophiuroids are especially abundant on them (Shepherd & Sprigg 1976). In the sediment drifts, the brachiopod Magadena cumingi reaches densities up to 80/m2 . The deep water sessile invertebrate fauna of the Passage is of national importance with regard to the diversity of brachiopods (Dr Scoresby Shepherd, SARDI, pers.comm.), and possibly, global importance if records of stalked crinoids by the SA Museum (ie. Dr J Mitchell) are confirmed. The deepwater sponge-bryozoan habitats of Backstairs Passage are also of significance as a habitat which has been depleted in many other parts of the region, with the advent of prawn trawling in Gulf St Vincent in 1968, which removed much of the deepwater bryozoan and sponge-bryozoan assemblages of the gulf (M. Olesen, pers.comm.). Orontes Shelf The 10-20 km wide Orontes Shelf is an extensive seagrass-reef shoal system that skirts the eastern coastline of Yorke Peninsula, from the Marion and Troubridge Shoals, north to Port Vincent. The calcreted Pleistocene shell bed forms extensive flat rocky surfaces, or low erosional escarpments (5m or more high) and provides excellent habitat for a diversity of marine life, including sponges, ascidians, and reef molluscs, and is also an outstanding mixed fishing ground (Shepherd & Sprigg 1976). The diversity and productivity of the area, particularly on the southern reefs, is enhanced by strong tidal currents. Historically, the Orontes Shelf region was one of the major

commercial greenlip abalone (Haliotis laevigata) fishing grounds in South Australia, prior to the outbreaks of the protozoan parasite, Perkinsus olseni, in 1985 and 1986 (Goggin & Lester 1995). Coastal Wetlands of National Importance A Directory of Important Wetlands in Australia (ANCA 1996) list the following coastal wetlands of national importance along Gulf St VincentFleurieu Peninsula Coast: − − − − − −

Point Davenport Wills Creek Clinton Port Gawler and Buckland Park Lake Barker Inlet and St Kilda Onkaparinga Estuary Other Recognised Significance

Areas

of

Biological

In early 1974, the Department of Fisheries advised the Yorke Coast Protection District Board of six significant areas which were under consideration for declaration as Aquatic Reserves. Areas within Gulf St Vincent included: −

tidal inlet at education/purposes)

−

mangrove areas from Price to Port Wakefield (for fisheries management and conservation purposes)

−

intertidal reefs between Black Hill and Troubridge Point (for education purposes) the islands and surrounding waters of Althorpe and neighbouring islands (as a conservation reserve to protect the Blue Groper population)

−

−

Coobowie

and the reefs at Cape conservation purposes).

Elizabeth

(for

(for

None of these areas has since been declared as Aquatic Reserves. However, Gleesons Landing is now a recognised sanctuary for Southern Rock Lobster.

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1.2

described. Aboriginal sites, objects and remains are protected under the South Australian Aboriginal Heritage Act (1988), and a register of such sites, objects and remains is kept with the Aboriginal Heritage Branch of the South Australian Department of Environment and Planning.

Physical Orontes Bank Geological Monuments

There are 28 areas of geological significance in the Gulfs region which are associated with the coastline or offshore waters. These areas have been identified and recognised as "geological monuments" by the South Australian Museum and the Geological Society of Australia, and include the following sites: 1. Giles Point 2. Stansbury 3. Port Vincent (1 km north) 4. Port Julia Greensand 5. Pine Point 6. Hallett Cove 7. Witton Bluff, South Bank 8. Onkaparinga Mouth-Seaford 9. Maslin Bay-Aldinga Bay 10. Sellicks Beach 11. Myponga Beach 12. Carrickalinga Head 13. Normanville Sand Dunes 14. South Yankalilla Beach (Little Gorge Area) 15. Second Valley Harbour (coastal cliffs) 16. Middleton Beach 17. Cape Jervis 18. Encounter Bay region (Port Elliot including Commodore Point, Pullen Island, The Sisters Rocks and Freeman Knob) 19. Deep Creek 20. Tunkalilla Beach (including the old cliff line) 21. Headland between Waitpinga Beach and Parsons Beach 22. West Island, King Beach and King Point 23. Rosetta Head/The Bluff, Petrel Cove and Wright Island 24. Victor Harbor, Granite Island and Seal Island 25. Victor Harbor (banks of the railway cutting) Further details of these areas are supplied in the relevant regional biounit descriptions below.

2

SIGNIFICANT CULTURAL HISTORICAL FEATURES

OR

The following description of Aboriginal and European history in the Gulfs province is necessarily brief and selective. The aim is to give the province a historical perspective with emphasis on coastal and maritime history. Only details of Aboriginal historical and cultural sites that have been published in the available literature are

2.1

Aboriginal

The Yorke Peninsula coast was, in the past, intensively occupied by Aboriginals of the Narungga tribe and important evidence of this occupation is to be found at many places. Most evidence of Aboriginal occupation is to be found in the sand dunes along the west coast of the Peninsula. Amongst the most important areas are in the Cape Elizabeth/Tiparra Springs dunes and in the dunes north of Moonta Bay. Other west coast areas where evidence is know to exist are in the dunes between Port Hughes and Cape Elizabeth and in those south of Port Victoria. Other known areas are at Point Yorke on the South Coast and at Black Point and Tiddy Widdy on the east coast. The latter two areas are of considerable importance, though the Tiddy Widdy dunes have been looted. The Fleurieu Peninsula was inhabited by the Kaurna people. Evidence of Aboriginal occupation has been found along the coastal regions, but extensive development and agriculture has destroyed many significant sites. 2.2

European Early Discoverers

The first explorer to touch the South Australian coast was the Dutchman, Francors Thyssen in the 'Gulden Zeepard' in 1627. He sailed eastwards across the Bight as far as the Nuyts group of islands, but turned back because of the inhospitable coast. It was more than 150 years later when the Frenchman D'Entrecasteaux sailed eastwards to the Nuyts Archipelago and then to Van Diemen's Land. The exploration and mapping of the coast of Eyre Peninsula began with the Englishman Flinders and his crew who arrived aboard the 'Investigator' at Fowlers Bay on 28 January 1802. He proceeded in an easterly direction charting the outline of the Peninsula and naming features after places in his native Lincolnshire, after supporters of the voyage, and from the way the features appeared to him (eg. Smoky Bay). He also named islands after his crew, such as at Cape Catastrophe where the Master of the 'Investigator' (Thistle), and seven crewmen were drowned. Memory Cove was so named to commemorate those lost.

Page 156


Following the initial discoverers came whalers and sealers, and before settlement had begun, there was a thriving whaling, sealing and fishing industry. The remains of early sealers' huts and whaling stations may still be seen on some of the beaches and offshore islands. The South Australian Company, in addition to its operations at Encounter Bay on Fleurieu Peninsula, established whaling stations on Thistle Island at the foot of Spencer Gulf and at Sleaford Bay on the tip of Eyre Peninsula. Port Lincoln was founded in March of 1839, and increased settlement and agriculture began on a broader scale in the region. Gulf St Vincent was discovered in March 1802 after Flinders discovered the Yorke Peninsula when he sailed down the western side of it after turning back from the head of Spencer Gulf. Flinders named Spencer Gulf after Earl Spencer, Yorke Peninsula after Charles Philip Yorke, and Gulf St Vincent after Earl St Vincent. All three men were at some stage acting as the First Lord of the Admiralty. Following Flinders, sealers, whalers and land speculators soon settled the coastal areas of the Gulfs. Coastal Ports The chief method of communication between Adelaide and the coastal settlements was by sea. Port Clinton, established in 1863 to supply the mining towns of Moonta and Kadina, was the first of the ports on the Gulf St Vincent coast of Yorke Peninsula. At the minor Gulf St Vincent ports of Port Price, Port Julia, Pine Point, Wool Bay and Coobowie, townships grew up at the landward ends of the jetties constructed for the ketch trade, which dwindled away until the last of the old time vessels ceased crossing the Gulf in the mid 1960s. These jetties are now important reminders of that time and those that remain are now used by tourists, divers and fishers.

region include the `Hougamont’, `Clan Ranald’,`Willyama’, `Zanoni’, and `Victoria’. The earliest known shipwreck for South Australia, the `South Australian', occurred in Encounter Bay in 1837. Along the Yorke Peninsula coast, nearly a hundred shipping accidents have been recorded from cutters to clippers and steamers. The number of deaths in the accidents has been relatively small. Half of these incidents occurred on the south coast of Yorke Peninsula, from Cape Spencer to Troubridge Shoal. Another three dozen occurred on the west coast from Reef Head to Cape Elizabeth and half of these occurred near Wardang Island and in the harbour of Port Victoria. For many years Troubridge Shoal was the worst spot for wrecks, even after the lighthouse had been built there in 1856, whilst the greatest number of deaths (40) in any wreck on the Peninsula occurred with the loss of the `Clan Ranald’ in 1909.

3

The Gulfs Province is the most represented in terms of Marine Protected Areas (or MPAs) of all the coastal provinces in South Australia. As such, 9 of the 13 Aquatic Reserves (69%) which have been declared in South Australia, occur in this province. No large, multiple use Marine Parks have been declared in this region. As with other coastal provinces, the majority of MPAs in this region comprise `netting closures', many of which have generally not been formally recognised as MPAs (see Ivanovici 1985, McNeill 1991). Only one Marine Sanctuary have been declared along this coast (ie. Gleesons Landing). This was established for the protection of the Southern Rock Lobster.

−

Marine Reserves Troubridge Hill (460 ha) St Kilda-Chapman Creek (870 ha) Barker Inlet-St Kilda (2,055 ha) Port Noarlunga Reef & Onkaparinga Estuary (300 ha) Aldinga Reef (505 ha)

−

Marine Parks None

− − − −

Shipwrecks There are a large number of shipwrecks within Gulf St Vincent – Investigator Strait region. Within gulf waters north of a line from Cape Jervis to Troubridge Point and in Encounter Bay, designated wrecks are protected by the (South Australian) Historic Shipwrecks Act 1981. In the waters of Investigator Strait and Backstairs Passage, the (Commonwealth’s) Historic Shipwrecks Act 1976 applies. All wrecks older than 75 years old are granted automatic protection under the Commonwealth legislation, whether designated or not. The most notable wrecks in the

CURRENT CONSERVATION STATUS OF GULF ST VINCENT

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Netting Closures − − − − − − − − − − − − −

Edithburgh Coobowie Stansbury Price Port Wakefield Port Adelaide (upstream from North Arm) Outer Harbour and Port Adelaide River Metropolitan beaches Patawalonga Lake Onkaparinga River Parson's Beach Waitpinga Beach Hindmarsh and Inman Rivers

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XIX

MARINE BIOGEOGRAPHY AND CONSERVATION VALUES OF THE STURT AND INVESTIGATOR BIOUNITS

This coastal region encompasses 2 biounits: the inshore Sturt Biounit and the offshore Investigator Biounit. The Sturt Biounit extends from West Cape on the `foot' of Yorke Peninsula, east to Troubridge Hill (down to a depth of 30 metres), and covers an area of 183,058 ha and a coastal distance of approximately 105 km, excluding offshore islands. Offshore islands in the biounit include the Althorpe Islands (Althorpe, Haystack and Seal Islands), and Royston, Middle and Chinamans Hat Islands. The Investigator Biounit is defined by the 30m bathymetric contour and encompasses the offshore waters of Investigator Strait.


3


OCEANOGRAPHY

Wave energies are high from West Cape to Cape Spencer and then moderate from Cape Spencer to Sultana Point.

2

GEOLOGY AND GEOMORPHOLOGY 28

BIOLOGY

COASTAL

−

Major intertidal habitats in the region include mostly sheltered bays, rocky shores and sandy beaches.

−

Of the total inshore subtidal habitats mapped in the Sturt Biounit (34,164 ha), seagrass meadows comprise 25,611 ha (75.0%), reefs comprise 5 088 ha (14.9%), and sandy bottoms comprise 3,465 ha (10.1%).

Dunes and limestone cliffs dominate the coastal geomorphology of this biounit.

Major Benthic Communities

At Cape Spencer there are aeoleonite and limestone cliffs, followed by a wide dune belt at Marion Bay. Hillock Point is aeoleonite and limestone cliffs with a small section of dunes. At Point Davenport Conservation Park, a low dunal area of considerable change in coastal position occurs. The position of the point is continually being altered by the growth of spits and the joining up of those with the land. The area includes a stranded lagoon occasionally replenished by extreme tides, and an open tidal inlet. Sturt Bay is a 20 km section of coast with a well formed foredune and is backed by a series of parallel dunes which are the largest and highest array of parallel dunes in the district.

Macroalgal −

On high wave-exposed coasts in this region (eg. West Cape, Cable Hut Bay, Cape Spencer, Althorpe Island, Haystack Island, Troubridge Hill), rocky shores are dominated in shallow waters (ie. 12m), reef areas are colonised by a rich faunal assemblage, dominated by sponges (eg. Thorecta, Dendrilla, Aplysina), soft corals (eg. Capnella), octocorals, gorgonians (eg. Mopsella), large bryozoans (eg. Adeona grisea, Triphyllozoon sp. Celloporaria sp., Orthoscuticella ventricosa) crinoids (eg. Cenolia trichoptera) and other echinoderms (eg. basket stars, brittle stars, sea stars), hydroids, and filamentous red algae. The shallow depth of this community, and also, the diversity and size of the sessile invertebrate fauna, makes this type of marine habitat unique in South Australia. The habitat is most probably a consequence of the strong tidal flows within Backstairs Passage. • −

Seagrass Seagrass meadows are extensive in this region, but are largely confined to Nepean Bay (ie. Bay of Shoals, Western Cove, Eastern Cove, Pelican Lagoon), Hog Bay and Antechamber Bay. particularly wit and are restricted to the sheltered embayment of Encounter Bay. In Western Cove considerable seagrass has been lost and replaced by large drifts of the red alga, Chiracanthia arborea. In other areas, sandy sediments are commonly colonised by species of Zostera muelleri (from low tide level to 24m) and Posidonia australis (2-4m) in shallow waters, with P.sinuosa, Amphibolis antarctica, Heterozostera tasmanica, Halophila australis generally occurring in deeper water (3-17m). Other species also colonise sandy sediments, particularly species of Caulerpa (eg. C.cactoides). Hard substrata within the meadows (eg. isolated reefs, rocks) are commonly colonised by large fucoids (Scaberia agardhii, species of Sargassum), and species of red algae, Botrycladia obovata, and Osmundaria prolifera.

Rivers/Estuaries −

Cygnet River estuary.

−

American River inlet. Coastal and Offshore Islands (or Reefs)

−

North Pages, South Pages, Pages Reef (Backstairs Passage).

−

Busby Islet, Beatrice Islet (Nepean Bay).

MARINE CONSERVATION VALUES 1 1.1


AND

Biological Coastal and Marine Wetlands of National Importance

−

The Cygnet River estuary has been identified as a wetland of national importance (see ANCA 1996). The region includes the saltmarshes and mudflats of the estuary mouth (and surrounding supratidal flats), and also, the Nepean Bay Conservation Park. The estuary is the largest, freshwater-fed wetland on Kangaroo Island, comprising 850 hectares of low coastal dune, and supratidal and intertidal saltmarshes, saline swamps, sandbars and mudflats, which are seasonally inundated. The Nepean Bay Conservation Park represents the only reserve conserving coastal sandplain habitat on the island. The Cygnet River estuary is an important breeding and feeding refuge area for waterbirds including migratory waders and is also an important nursery area for fish. The extensive wetland at the mouth of the Cygnet River is an important area for wading and aquatic birds and the area has the largest number and highest diversity of birds on Kangaroo Island.

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KANGAROO ISLAND COAST – NEPEAN AND BACKSTAIRS BIOUNITS

Threatened species of waterbirds in the area include the Hooded Plover, Thinornis rubricollis (Nv, Sv), White-bellied Sea-Eagle, Haliaeetus leucogaster (Sv), Cape Barren Goose, Cereopsis novaehollandiae (Sv), Little Egret, Egretta garzetta (Sv), Musk Duck, Biziura lobata (Sv), Eastern Curlew, Numenius madagascariensis (Sv), Fairy Tern, Sterna nereis (Sv), Eastern Reef Egret, Egretta sacra (Sr), Australasian Shoveler, Anas rhynchotis (Sr) (ANCA 1996). A total of 53 species of waterbirds have been recorded in the area: 17 are listed under international treaties. A total of 20 species of waterbird breed in the area, including Yellow-billed Spoonbill, Platalea flavipes, Cape Barren Goose, Australasian Shoveler, Musk Duck, Caspian Tern, Sterna caspia and Fairy Tern. The seabird, Little Penguin, Eudyptula minor, also breeds in the area. The Cygnet River estuary has been extensively modified north of the river by the golf course, effluent ponds and rubbish dump. However, south of the Cygnet River, the estuary area is virtually inaccessible and could be regarded as a wilderness area.47 Lloyd & Balla (1986) considered it to be an area of outstanding environmental value and recommended that it should be given status as a wetland reserve. The Nepean Bay Conservation Park is listed on the Register of the National Estate. −

The American River wetland system has been recognised as a wetland of national importance (see ANCA 1996). The wetland system consists of several large, permanently shallow, seagrass-dominated lagoons (Pelican Lagoon) which are connected to the open sea by a narrow channel known as American River. This area and it’s biology is particularly significant as Kangaroo Island is almost devoid of similar low-energy, sheltered tidal habitats. The wetland habitats are conserved in the American River Aquatic Reserve (1,525 ha) and the Pelican Lagoon Conservation Park (366 ha). The lagoons contain eight islets and the shorelines include shelly beaches, and tidal mud and sand flats.

The area contains abundant mudflats, intertidal and subtidal seagrass meadows (dominated by Heterozostera tasmanica, Posidonia australis, Halophila australis), and to a lesser extent, subtidal algal beds (dominated by the brown algae, Sargassum biforme and Scaberia agardhii), which are important feeding grounds for waterbirds and provide important refuge, breeding and nursery habitats for many species of fish, crustaceans and invertebrates. Threatened species of waterbirds in the area include Hooded Plover, Thinornis rubricollis (Nv, Sv), Little Egret, Egretta garzetta (Sv), Osprey, Pandion haliaetus (Sv), White-bellied Sea-Eagle, Haliaeetus leucogaster (Sv), Cape Barren Goose, Cereopsis novaehollandiae (Sv), Musk Duck, Biziura lobata (Sv), Eastern Curlew, Numenius madagascariensis (Sv), Fairy Tern, Sterna nereis (Sv), Eastern Reef Egret, Egretta sacra (Sr), Australasian Shoveler, Anas rhynchotis (Sr) (ANCA 1996). A total of 56 species of waterbirds have been recorded in the area: 17 are listed under international treaties. A total of 9 species of waterbirds have been recorded breeding in the area, including the Pied Oystercatcher, Haematopus longirostris, Sooty Oystercatcher, H.fuliginosus, Hooded Plover, Red-capped Plover, Charadrius ruficapillus, and Caspian Tern, Sterna caspia. The area is a known nursery area for King George Whiting, Sillaginodes punctata. Fauna in the region include bivalve molluscs, sponges, starfishes, anemones, holothurians, polychaetes, razor fish (Pinna bicolor), crabs and a range of fish species, including sting rays, eagle ray and small sharks (Womersley & Edmonds 1979). Commercial fish species recorded in the area include King George Whiting, Sand Flathead, Yellow-Eye Mullet, Aldrichetta fosteri, Australian Salmon, Arripis truttacea, Southern Sea Garfish, Hyporhampus melanochir, Tommy Ruff, Arripis georgiana, and Squid, Sepioteuthis australis. The area is also important for pods of local Bottle-nosed Dolphins, Tursiops truncatus. −

Busby and Beatrice Islets have been recognised as wetlands of national importance (see ANCA 1996). The low-lying islets protrude from a large offshore sand spit, north-west of the township of Kingscote and are conserved in the Beatrice Islet Conservation Park and the Busby Islet Conservation Park. Beatrice island is an unvegetated, mudflat/cocklebed islet that emerges only at low tide and forms part of a larger sand spit. It is an important area for feeding and roosting birds.

47

Kangaroo Island Coast Protection District Study Report (Edwards 1987).

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Busby Islet is a low vegetated island composed of sand and shell grit and originally declared for the conservation of wildlife habitat. Vegetation includes coastal samphire (Sarcocornia sp.) and Atriplex. Some 28 bird species have been recorded on the island. Threatened species of waterbirds recorded in the area include the White-bellied Sea-Eagle, Haliaeetus leucogaster (Sv), Eastern Curlew, Numenius madagascariensis (Sv), Fairy Tern, Sterna nereis (Sv), and Little Egret, Egretta garzetta (Sv). −

A total of 38 species of waterbirds have been recorded in the area: 13 are listed under international treaties. A total of 12 species of waterbird breed in the area, including, large breeding rookeries of Pied Cormorants, Phalacrocorax varius, Little Pied Cormorants, P.melanoleucos, Black-faced Cormorants, P.fuscescens, Australian Pelicans, Pelecanus conspicillatus, and Australian White Ibis, Threskiornis molucca. Both island parks are on the Register of the National Estate.

−

Lashmar Lagoon and the Chapman River estuary have been identified as wetlands of national importance (see ANCA 1996). The site consists of Lashmar Lagoon, a shallow, freshwater (slightly brackish) lake and the lower reaches of the Chapman River to the river mouth, where it enters the sea at Antechamber Bay. The site is an important feeding and breeding refuge for waterbirds and migratory wader species, and provides a winter refuge for the Hooded Plover, Thinornis rubricollis (Nv, Sv). Threatened species of waterbirds recorded in the area include the Hooded Plover, Little Egret, Egretta garzetta (Sv), Freckled Duck, Stictonetta naevosa (Sv), Musk Duck, Biziura lobata (Sv), Lewin’s Rail, Rallus pectoralis (Sv), Australasian Shoveler, Anas rhynchotis (Sr), Baillon’s Crake, Porzana pusilla (Sr) and Spotless Crake, P.tabuensis. A total of 50 species of waterbird have been recorded in the area: 9 are listed under treaties. A total of 15 species of waterbird breed in the area, including the White-faced Heron, Egretta novaehollandiae, Little Pied Cormorant, P.melanoleucos, Little Black Cormorant, P.sulcirostris, Australasian Shoveler, Musk Duck, Black Swan, Cygnus atratus, Buffbanded Rail, Gallirallus philippensis, and both species of crakes. Fish recorded in the region include the Common Galaxias, Galaxias maculatus (Lloyd & Balla 1986).

Offshore Islands of Recognised Conservation Significance −

The Pages Conservation Park is home to the largest breeding colonies of the rare Australian Sea Lion in South Australia (and the world). Breeding colonies occur on North Pages Island (310 pups, estimated population 1,491) and South Pages Island (260 pups, estimated population 1,250) (Gales et al. 1994). Together, these comprise a major proportion of the Australian (and world) population (estimated at 12,400 individuals) (Gales et al. 1994). The total population of sea lions on the islands has increased in recent years, from a total of 422 recorded in 1982 (Robinson & Dennis 1988) to 1,012 recorded in 1990 (Gales 1990). In the 1990 census, a total of 595 and 417 sea lions (including 280 and 242 pups) were recorded on North and South Page, respectively (Gales 1990). A further 140 sea lions were recorded on SW Pages Reef, however this is most likely a haul out site (Gales 1990). New Zealand Fur Seals have also been recorded on North Page (Shaughnessy 1990). However it is not a known breeding site for this species. These islands are also an important breeding area for seabirds, as recognised by their declaration as part of a Bird Protection District under the Birds Protection Act in 1900. Other Areas of Recognised Conservation Significance

−

The Backstairs Passage region is unparalleled in it’s diversity of marine invertebrate assemblages and is one of the richest areas for sessile invertebrate fauna in South Australia (Dr Scoresby Shepherd, SARDI, pers.comm.). Strong current flows in the narrow Passage provide optimal conditions for filter-feeding organisms and many organisms, particularly sponges and bryozoans, reach very large proportions and also, importantly, outcompete plant communities in colonising shallow reefal areas in high current regions. The deep water (ie. 75 m) sessile invertebrate fauna of the Passage is of national importance with regard to the diversity of brachiopods (Dr Scoresby Shepherd, SARDI, pers.comm.), and possibly, global importance if records of stalked crinoids by the SA Museum (ie. Dr J Mitchell) are confirmed.

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−

The Snapper Point region (including Cable Hut Bay) is of particular significance within Backstairs Passage. Reef communities extend from the shoreline out to 500-700 from the rocky headlands and form habitat for a diverse, shallow water, animal-dominated community (ie. 15 metres and deeper) which is usually found in much deeper waters (50-70 metres). Within the Passage, this community is found in a rocky channel at 75m. This is the first shallow water record of this rich, deep water sessile marine invertebrate community in South Australia, and is also the only recorded site in South Australia where this community type is accessible on SCUBA. The community is characterised by very large filter-feeding organisms, particularly very large sponge, bryozoans and crinoid assemblages. The region which contains these assemblages appears to be restricted to the southern part of the Backstairs Passage (ie. the Kangaroo Island coast). The shallow water, sponge-bryozoan-crinoid community is highly localised within the southern-western part of the Passage (ie. Snapper Point region).

−

Penneshaw has breeding colonies of Little Penguins.

−

Nepean Bay Conservation Park. This coastal park represents the only reserved area of coastal sandplain on Kangaroo Island. It is a well vegetated area with low coastal dunes. Some 80 species of birds, 8 species of reptiles and amphibians, and 4 mammal species have been recorded in the park. Tidal flats occur outside the park boundary. The park is on the Register of the National Estate.

−

Adjacent to the American River Aquatic Reserve is the Pelican Lagoon Conservation Park, comprising 55 hectares of low scrubland and low open scrubland/grassland. Some 115 species of birds, 16 species of reptiles and 8 species of native mammals have been recorded in the park. The park offers attractive views of Pelican Lagoon and American River. The Pelican Lagoon Conservation Park is on the Register of the National Estate.

−

1.2 −

Between Ballast Head and the American River township, dense coastal vegetation includes Allocasuarina verticillata which is a major feeding and breeding habitat for the Glossy Black Cockatoo, Calyptorhynchus lathami (an endangered species at the State level) and also provides a major component of the habitat for the Beautiful Firetail, Emblema bella (a rare species at the State level). Physical The Bay of Shoals and Nepean Bay differ significantly from each other. Bay of Shoals, being a more confined bay with lower wave energy, has no depositional features apart from the sand/cobble shoals at the entrance. The Nepean Bay, however, has sediments deposited into the bay from the Cygnet River and slightly higher wave energy, and hence shows depositional features such as beach ridges. The two bays are, therefore, considered different from each other, with Bay of Shoals being geomorphologically representative of a low energy, nondepositional bay, and Nepean Bay being geomorphologically representative of a slightly higher energy, depositional bay (D. Fotheringham pers. comm.). Geological Monuments

• −

Kingscote foreshore: Late Eocene bryozoan limestone exposed in coastal cliffs around the foreshore. Raised beach deposit of basalt pebbles at Rolls Point. A 700 m section of coastal cliffs to the southwest of Kingscote with teaching, recreation and aesthetic value.

• −

Old Government Quarry, Kingscote: basalt of probable Jurassic age, typical of the Kangaroo Island occurrences, but not found on the mainland. Overlies Permian glacigene and fluvial sediments. The Rock from the quarry was used in Adelaide roads in 18401841. Contained within a 900 metre section of coastal cliffs with historic and scientific value.

• −

The Big Gully: Early Cambrian fossiliferous strata including White Point Conglomerate, Emu Bay shale and Boxing Bay formation. Includes type section of the last. Site comprises of 2.5 km of coastline with teaching, research and scientific value.

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• −

Alex Lookout to Snapper Point: sequence of Late Precambrian and Early Cambrian metasediments. The only exposures of certain Precambrian rock on Kangaroo Island. 5 km of coastline with teaching and scientific value.

• −

Christmas Cove, Penneshaw: Permian glacegene sediments and erratics of glaciates surfaces of Early Cambrian sediments including polymictic conglomerate with teaching and aesthetic value.

2 2.1

OTHER VALUES Commercial Fisheries

Fishing is an important industry for all of Kangaroo Island, for both commercial and recreational fishers. Major single species fisheries include the Southern Rock Lobster, Abalone and Western King Prawn. Kingscote and Penneshaw are major ports of landing for both Southern Rock Lobster and marine scalefish. Kingscote has 14 of the 24 Southern Rock Lobster boats operating from this port. American River has only a few boats using this area as their port of landing. Many of the mainland license holders also fish at Kangaroo Island. Western King Prawn This biounit is located within the waters of the Gulf St Vincent prawn fishery, which comprises 10 license holders (ie. boats). All vessels fish within the waters of the Gulf St Vincent and Investigator Strait biounits (ie. Sturt, Investigator, Orontes, Clinton, Yankalilla, Nepean, Encounter, St Vincent). In 1995/96 and 1996/97 a total of 258,459 and 210,581 kg was caught for this fishery, with a total effort of 2,996 and 3,235 hours, respectively (or 11.38% and 10.41% of the total catch for Western King Prawn in South Australian waters). Southern Rock Lobster In 1995/96 and 1996/97 a total of 4 and 3 licensed operators fished in the Nepean Biounit (ie. Fishing Zone 42). In addition, lobster fishing is also present in the waters of north western Kangaroo Island and Backstairs Passage (and also, the southern Fleurieu) (ie. Fishing Zone 44).

In 1995/96 and 1996/97 a total of 8 and 6 licensed operators fished in this region (ie. Fishing Zone 44), catching approximately 7,036 and 5,390 kg of lobsters, respectively (or 0.14% and 0.11% of the total catch for Southern Rock Lobster in South Australian waters). Abalone There is limited Greenlip and Blacklip Abalone commercially harvested within the western section of this biounit, (ie. MapCode 32A-C, Nepean Bay, Hog Point to Cape Cassini region). No Greenlip was harvested in this region in 1995/96. Greater quantities of Blacklip Abalone are harvested in the eastern section of this biounit, (ie. MapCode 31A-C, Antechamber Bay to Cape Hart and False Cape, Backstairs Passage region), but due to confidentiality constraints these figures are not available.

Marine Scalefish Fisheries During 1995/96 and 1996/97, 33 and 32 commercial licence holders (made up of Marine Scalefish and Restricted Marine Scalefish licence categories) caught commercial marine scalefish species in the Nepean Biounit region (ie. Fishing Zone 42), respectively. License holders expended approximately 2,030 and 2,139 boat days effort fishing these waters during 1995/96 and 1996/97, respectively. The marine scalefish catch for this region (ie. Fishing Zone 42) represented 84,372 kg in 1995/96 and 221,191 kg in 1996/97(or 0.81% and 2.18% of the total catch for the marine scalefish fishery in South Australian waters). Hand line fishing for King George Whiting occurs around American River, Nepean Bay (including both Western and Eastern Coves) and the Bay of Shoals. Some netting for Garfish and King George Whiting occurs in these areas as well. Dab netting occurs in Western and Eastern Coves for Garfish and a Sand Crab fisher also traps here. Although license holders are not restricted to fishing in this biounit, the following licenses are registered in this area: −

Kingscote: 15 northern zone Rock Lobster, 27 unrestricted marine scalefish, 3 restricted marine scalefish, 1 Abalone.

−

Penneshaw: 4 unrestricted marine scalefish.

−

American River: 1 restricted marine scalefish, 1 Rock Lobster.

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2.2

Aquaculture

Pacific Oyster rack farming and Blue Mussel longline farming are the major mariculture industries operating in this coastal biounit. At present, there are 6 approved oyster leases, including, 1 lease on the northern side of the Bay of Shoals; 1 lease in the Cygnet River (towards the mouth end); and 2 leases in Western Cove, near the Red Banks (ie. eastern side of Nepean Bay Conservation Park); and 2 leases adjacent to the Cygnet River (in land based ponds). In addition, there are another 11 pending oyster lease applications in this region, including, a further 7 leases in Western Cove (south of the Cygnet River); 2 more leases on the northern side of the Bay of Shoals; 1 lease near Ballast Head; and 1 lease in the Cygnet River. Oyster farming has been trialed in Bay of Shoals on a number of leases and has not proven viable (Gilliland 1996). This region has been identified as a major area for existing and future aquaculture development. The Kangaroo Island Aquaculture Management Plan (Gilliland 1996) proposes the following aquaculture development in the region:

−

2.3

−

−

−

Bay of Shoals Zone (3,840 ha of waters of Bay of Shoals and Spit, including waters adjacent Busby Islet Conservation Park) – zoned to trial aquaculture. A total of 30 ha of R&D licenses will be considered in zone, excluding finfish culture, and within 1km of HWM on Busby Inlet, within 500m of `Fannie M’ shipwreck. Eastern Cove Zone (2 450 ha of waters in northern Eastern Cove, from Point Morrison to Ballast Head, east to Kangaroo Head) – zoned to encourage sustainable shellfish longline culture. Licenses will be considered for a total of 200ha of shellfish longline culture in this zone. Western Cove Aquaculture Zone (375 ha of coastal waters east of Nepean Bay Conservation Park) – zoned to encourage sustainable intertidal oyster culture. Licenses will be considered for a total of 70ha of intertidal oyster culture in this zone. American River Aquaculture Zone (65 ha of intertidal waters between Ballast Head and American River) – zoned to encourage sustainable intertidal oyster culture. R&D licenses will be considered for a total of 30ha of intertidal oyster culture in this zone.

Recreation and Tourism Fishing

−

Kingscote: jetty and boat fishing. Major species: King George Whiting, Black Bream, Yelloweye Mullet, Australian Salmon, Snapper, Snook, Garfish, Tommy Rough, Trevally, Toothbrush Leatherjacket and Calamari.

−

American River: boat fishing. Major species: King George Whiting, Sand Flathead, Yelloweye Mullet, Australian Salmon, Garfish, Tommy Rough and Calamari.

−

Penneshaw: boat and jetty fishing. Major species: King George Whiting, Sand Flathead, Yelloweye Mullet, Australian Salmon, Snook, Sweep, Garfish, Tommy Rough, Calamari, Trevally and Toothbrush Leatherjacket.

−

Pennington Bay: boat fishing. Major species: Sand Flathead, Yelloweye Mullet, Australian Salmon, Sweep, Tommy Rough, Trevally, Toothbrush Leatherjacket and Silver Drummer.

−

There is an artificial reef located off Kingscote (consisting of 450 rubber tyre modules).

Nepean Bay Policy Area −

Nepean Bay Aquaculture Zone (26,880 ha of offshore waters of Nepean Bay) – zoned to provide for future interest in aquaculture. Licenses will be considered for a total of 250ha of aquaculture in this zone, comprising a total of 200ha of longline shellfish culture, in this zone.

Tourism −

Bay of Shoals: boating, fishing, historic area (Reeves Point)

−

Western Cove and Kingscote: boating, jetty fishing, historic area, scenic area.

−

Eastern cove: boating, jetty fishing, camping, historic area, scenic area.

−

Penneshaw: penguin `parades', historic area, camping, jetty fishing, boating.

−

Penneshaw to Cape Willoughby: scenic area, historic area, camping, fishing, boating.

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−

2.4 −

−

2.5

SCUBA diving: there are many popular diving locations in this region, particularly near Kangaroo Head and Penneshaw. Several of these are utilised by local dive operators for training (eg. Adventureland Diving). The Penneshaw jetty is a very popular local diving spot for training novice divers, night diving and underwater photography. Strong tidal flows in the area have produced a wide range of marine life on the pylons, particularly very large gorgonian or fan corals. Scientific Research and Education Pelican Lagoon Wildlife Research Centre is situated on the shores of Pelican Lagoon (American River inlet), and provides research facilities and accommodation for a wide range of national and international scientists. The field centre is globally recognised for the range of research facilities and activities conducted, and also, the diversity of natural habitats and biota available for scientific research. Studies encompass a wide range of ecological and physiological projects on the terrestrial fauna and flora (particularly mammals and reptiles), to more recently, studies on the marine habitats of Pelican Lagoon, as part of a `CoastCare’ community grant. Pelican Lagoon has been the site of marine research investigations by the University of Adelaide (and more recently, the SA Herbarium), since the 1940s. American River inlet, and the coastal areas surrounding Kingscote and Penneshaw, have been regular research sites since the early 1940's for marine algal collections and intertidal studies (see Womersley 1950, 1956, Womersley & Edmonds 1958, 1979). Adjacent Land Use National and Conservation Parks

− − − −

Nepean Bay Conservation Park (30 ha) (SANPSW 1987). Pelican Lagoon Conservation Park (365 ha) (SANPWS 1987). Dudley Conservation Park (1,122 ha) (SANPWS 1987). Lashmar Conservation Park, Antechamber Bay (188 ha).

Offshore Island Parks: −

The Pages Conservation Park (15 ha).

−

Busby Islet Conservation Park (10 ha).

−

Beatrice Islet Conservation Park (10 ha). Agriculture/Industry

The majority of land surrounding the eastern portion of Eastern Cove is used for rural purposes, whereas the southern portion contains a significant belt of vegetation. A major shipping jetty is located at Ballast Head in connection with the gypsum mining industry which ceased operation in 1992. On the Kingscote foreshore there is an old basalt quarry and wharf. Major sources of point-source pollution in this biounit include: a major storm water outfall near the Kingscote Yacht Club building; a septic tank overflow outlets along the foreshore north of Pelican Point; septic overflow pipes at American River from the hotels and motels along the coast. 48 Urban Centres −

Kingscote (population 1,450). Kingscote also has a permanent coastal mooring facility for recreational craft.

−

Penneshaw (population 300).

−

American River (population 250). American River also has a permanent coastal mooring facility for 81 recreational craft.

Whilst Penneshaw and American River are relatively small urban centres, they are important tourist destinations and hence experience considerably higher populations during the warmer months of the year. 2.6 Features

Significant Cultural or Historical

Aboriginal −

Reeves Point contains land that has been proclaimed an Historic Reserve under the Aboriginal and Historic Relics Act 1975.

48

From Kangaroo Island Coast Protection District Study Report (Edwards 1987).

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European −

−

−

The first band of pioneers landed from the Duke of York at Kingscote on 27th July 1836. Reeves Point, the actual site of the first landing and South Australia's first official settlement, is of great historical significance and archaeological value. Reeves Point is registered on the State Heritage Register, Register of the National Estate and is classified on the National Trust. American River is one of the oldest known areas of South Australia. It was originally called Pelican Lagoon by Matthew Flinders in 1802 because of the large number of pelicans found there. There are numerous heritage items within the township and on the coast. These include, the Anchor Memorial on the foreshore, a cairn on the site where the 40 ton schooner, Ìndependence', was constructed from native pine in 1803 by Americans, the Muston jetty ruins on the western shoreline of Pelican Lagoon and the Matthew Flinders Cairn situated in the south western corner of Pelican Lagoon. There are also several heritage sites within the existing Pelican Lagoon Conservation Park. The lagoon itself is considered to be of State heritage significance due to its variety of historical associations relating to initial contact and primary industries and is on the Register of the National Estate. Kangaroo Head is where Flinders landed and from which he saw and named Mount Lofty on the mainland. Christmas Cove was chartered and named by Flinders in 1802. As the first documented landfall on the island by Flinders, Christmas Cove is a site of high memorial value and is one of the historically significant natural coastal features in the State.

The wreck site lies in 2-3 metres of water in a slight sand depression but only a small amount of the surviving hull structure is visible above the seabed. −

`Fannie M’, lost in 1885 (off the Bay of Shoals), and is protected under Commonwealth legislation.

3

CURRENT CONSERVATION STATUS OF THE NEPEAN AND BACKSTAIRS BIOUNIT

−

Marine Reserves American River Aquatic Reserve (1,525 ha)

−

Marine Parks None

−

Netting Closures Kingscote Spit (waters enclosed by lines from Cape Rouge to south to the The Bluff then to Kingscote jetty, and then around Kingscote Spit to Point Marsden).

−

Bay of Shoals (all waters west of the line from Cape Rouge and The Bluff are closed from 1 January to 31 March every year).

−

American River – Eastern Cove (all waters south a line from American Beach to western shore of Eastern Cove, approximately one nautical mile south west of Ballast Head jetty).

−

Kangaroo Island Rivers (Chapmans, Harriet, Eleanor, Western and Middle Rivers and all waters within a 50 metre radius of the mouths of those rivers).

4

AREAS OF HIGH CONSERVATION VALUE IN THE NEPEAN AND BACKSTAIRS BIOUNITS

49

−

The Penneshaw jetty is also a site of historical significance. Shipwrecks

−

49

`Robert Burns' was built as a fore and aft schooner at Long Bay, Hobart, Tasmania in 1857. It went ashore on the sand spit in Nepean Bay in 1908 when the master confused the leading lights on the shore for those of the Ozone Hotel.


Ironstone Point – Antechamber Bay −

Prime IUCN Conservation Values: rare and threatened species/habitats, biodiversity (IUCN Category IA). IUCN Identification Criteria: naturalness (not subjected to humaninduced change), biogeographic (high tidal flow environment, rare shallow-water sponge communities, geological monument-Alex Lookout to Snapper Point), ecological (representative habitats, soft bottom spongeascidian communities, seagrass meadowsPage 217


Antechamber Bay, high diversity of marine flora and fauna-brachyiopod fauna, rare and threatened species-Hooded Plover, Little Egret, Baillons Crake, Spotless Crake, breeding colonies of White-faced Heron, Little Pied Cormorant, Little Black Cormorant, crakes), economic (fisheries-Western King Prawn, Blacklip Abalone), social (recreation, tourism, SCUBA diving), national (Wetland of National Importance - Lashmar Lagoon and Chapman River estuary), practicality (insulation, accessibility, compatibilityadjacent to Lashmar Lagoon). American River −

Prime IUCN Conservation Values: rare and endangered species/habitats, research, biodiversity (IUCN Category IA). IUCN Identification Criteria: naturalness (not subjected to human-induced change), biogeographic (representative habitats), ecological (ecological integrity, extensive seagrass meadows, nursery, feeding, and breeding for fish and crustaceans-eg. King George Whiting, rare and threatened species– Sygnathids, waterbirds-Hooded Plover, Little Egret, Osprey, White-bellied Sea Eagle, Cape Barren Goose, Eastern Curlew, Fairy Tern, Eastern Reef Egret, Australasian Shoveler, breeding colonies of Pied Oystercatcher, Sooty Oystercatcher, Hooded Plover, Redcapped Plover, Caspian Tern), economic (fisheries-King George Whiting, Southern Sea Garfish), social (recreation, tourism, European heritage-American River, Pelican Lagoon), scientific (Pelican Lagoon Research Centre), national (Wetlands of National Importance and Register of the National Estate-American River Aquatic Reserve, Pelican Lagoon Conservation Park), practicality (accessibility, insulation, compatibility-adjacent to Pelican Lagoon Conservation Park, American River Aquatic Reserve).

Lions), national (Register of the National Estate - Pages Conservation Park), practicality (insulation, compatibility-adjacent to Pages Conservation Park).

Bay of Shoals - Western Cove −

Prime IUCN Conservation Values: biodiversity, rare and threatened species/habitats, social values (IUCN Category IA). IUCN Identification Criteria: naturalness (not subject to human induced change), biogeographic (representative habitats), ecological (ecological integrity, extensive seagrass meadows, key nursery, feeding and breeding area for fish and crustaceans, significant breeding area for seabirds and waderbirds-Pied Cormorants, Little Pied Cormorants, Black-faced Cormorants, Australian Pelicans, Australian White Ibis, Yellow-billed Spoonbill, Cape Barren Goose, Australasian Shoveler, Caspian Tern, Fairy Tern, Little Penguin, rare and threatened fauna-Hooded Plover, Whitebellied Sea Eagle, Cape Barren Goose, Little Egret, Eastern Curlew, Fairy Tern, Eastern Reef Egret), economic (marine scalefish fisheries-King George Whiting, Southern Sea Garfish), social (recreation, tourism, shipwrecks-`Robert Burns’, `Fannie M’), national (Wetlands of National ImportanceCygnet River estuary, American River wetland system, Busby and Beatrice Islets, Register of the National Estate–Nepean Bay Conservation Park, Busby and Beatrice Islets Conservation Parks), practicality (accessibility, compatibility-adjacent to Nepean Bay Conservation Park, Busby Islet and Beatrice Islet Conservation Parks).

Pages Islands −

Prime IUCN Conservation Values: rare and threatened species/habitats, research, biodiversity (IUCN Category IA). IUCN Identification Criteria: naturalness (not subject to human induced change), biogeographic (representative habitats), ecological (high biodiversity, reef habitats, rare and threatened fauna – largest breeding colony of Australian Sea Lions in the world, haul out site for New Zealand Fur Seals, breeding colonies of Little Penguin, Crested Tern), economic (fisheries-Southern Rock Lobster, Abalone), social (recreation), scientific (research/monitoring-Australian Sea Page 218

KANGAROO ISLAND COAST – GANTHEAUME BIOUNIT

XXV

MARINE BIOGEOGRAPHY AND CONSERVATION VALUES OF THE GANTHEAUME BIOUNIT

From Cape Willoughby to Cape Borda, this biounit covers an area of 167,363 ha and encompasses 51% of the Kangaroo Island shoreline (232 km). It faces south into the Southern Ocean.


OCEANOGRAPHY

This section of Kangaroo Island by virtue of its southern and westerly aspect, contains all of the high wave energy areas of the island. Most of this coastal region is fully exposed to the Southern Ocean, experiencing strong prevailing southerly and southwesterly winds which result in a heavy surge or swell environment, with waves up to 2m high. Lower energy areas occur only in the east-facing D'Estrees Bay.

2

GEOLOGY AND GEOMORPHOLOGY 50

COASTAL

Calcarenite blankets all of the southern and western fringe of the island. The coastline is characterised by bedrock headlands, extensive bedrock and/or calcarenite cliffs and shore platforms, with a few Holocene beach deposits. All beaches and cliffs are capped and backed by dunes. Lower energy Quaternary beach-foredune ridges only occur in D'Estrees Bay. Around Cape Willoughby, granite headlands reach up to 100 m high and slope moderately toward the coast. At Cape Hart Conservation Park, the granites are replaced by Middleton sandstone which forms 40 to 80 metre high cliffs fronted by 40 to 100 m wide supratidal horizontal shore platforms. There is also a shingle beach in the Cape Hart Conservation Park. Stable dune calcarenite scarped and fronted by intertidal shore platforms dominates the coastline from False Cape to Cape Tinline. Most of the cliffs are capped by stable Holocene cliff top dunes. Wave energy is highest in the east area producing high energy intermediate beaches and surf zones often containing reefs. The energy gradually declines to the west, producing current generated sand waves in D'Estrees Bay.

Pleistocene dune transgressions that have lithified into dune-calcarenite cliffs and shore platforms, and Holocene dune transgressions that appear in a few high energy beaches dominate the coast from Cape Linois to Bales Beach. Vivonne Bay and Bales Beach represent one of the few remnants along the south coast of the once extensive beach-dune systems. The Eleanor and Harriet Rivers reach the coast at Vivonne Bay, where they are often dammed by a berm resulting from the infrequent flow of the rivers and the high waves at the coast. Brackish lagoons lie in lee of the berm. Approximately 8 km of eroding dune calcarenite cliffs and shore platforms separate Vivonne Bay and Seal Beach. The Cape Kersaint section of coast is dominated by Pleistocene calcarenite cliffs 20 to 70 m high and extending inland between 1 and 5 km. Wide sloping supratidal bedrock shore platforms occur in front of the cliffs. The Stun'sail Boom River empties out at the coast on the eastern side past Kelly Hills Conservation Park. Its mouth is usually blocked by a 150 m long beach, forming a brackish lagoon. Hanson Bay is similar to the other south coast sections of substantial Holocene dune transgression, with cliffs ranging from 30 to 60 m and fronted by wide intertidal shore platforms. Cape Younghusband to Cape du Couedic is mainly granite headlands, which have been blanketed by multiple episodes of Pleistocene dune transgression. The dunes are highest in the west where they reach altitudes of 150 m, decreasing in elevation and thickness eastward. At the coast the highest dune calcarenite cliffs and escarpments are between Cape du Couedic and Kirkpatrick Point where they reach elevations of 130 m. The 34 km section of coast from Cape Bedout to Cape Borda is cliffed throughout (except for four river mouths), with cliffs averaging 70 m in height and generally increasing in height northward from 30 to 50 m to 100 to 130 m by Cape Borda. The four rivers empty out at the coast at beaches that are susceptible to high wave attack and overwashing aeolian processes.

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3


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Major intertidal habitats in the region include mostly exposed rocky cliffs, bays and sandy beaches.

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Of the total inshore subtidal habitats mapped in the biounit (52,641 ha), reefs comprise 31,857 ha (60.5%), sandy bottoms comprise 19,521 ha (37.1%), and seagrass meadows comprise 1,263 ha (2.4%).

•

Seagrasses

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Seagrass meadows are sparse in this region and are restricted to the shallow, sheltered regions of D’Estrees Bay (Pennington Bay) and Vivonne Bay. Sandy sediments are commonly colonised by species of Posidonia (P.sinuosa, P.angustifolia), and Amphibolis antarctica. In Pennington Bay and Point Tinline, Posidonia robertsoniae occurs. On exposed coasts (eg. Seal Bay, Vivonne Bay, Cape Hart, Cape Gantheaume, Cape Kersaint, Hanson Bay, West Bay), species of Caulerpa (C.longifolia, C.brownii, C.flexilis, C.obscura, C.scapelliformis, C.simpliuscula) tend to dominate the sand-covered reefs and sandy areas.

Major Benthic Communities • −

Macroalgal The rocky shores and reefs of the southern and western coast of Kangaroo Island, generally experience strong swells and high wave exposure. Shallow, sand covered, exposed reefs tend to dominate this region. In areas with heavy granite boulders (eg. Cape Kersaint, West Bay), hard substrata is commonly dominated by large fucoid brown algae (ie. Scytothalia dorycarpa, Carpoglossum confluens, Seirococcus axillaris, Acrocarpia paniculata) with species of Cystophora (C.moniliformis, C.retorta). Limestone reefs tend to be dominated by species of Caulerpa (C.longifolia, C.flexilis), with species of Sargassum (S.fallax, S.sonderi), Melanthalia and species of Cystophora (C.moniliformis, C.retorta, C.grevillea, C.platylobium, C.pectinata), or large mixed red algal assemblages (ie. Osmundaria prolifera, Callophyllis, Phacelocarpus, Plocamium), Homeostrichus sinclairii and coralline algae (eg. Haliptilon, Metagoniolithon). Species of Caulerpa in this region, tend to form major communities, codominating with fucoid and red algal communities in sand-covered reefal and boulder habitats.

Rivers and Estuaries −

Stun'sail Boom National Park).

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Small estuarine wetland associated with the mouth of the Willson river.

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Small estuaries at Breakneck, Sand and Rocky Rivers (Flinders Chase National Park).

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Small estuaries at Eleanor, Harriet and South West Rivers.

River

(Flinders

Chase

MARINE CONSERVATION VALUES 1 1.1


AND

Biological Coastal and Marine Wetlands of National Importance

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D’Estrees Bay has been identified as a wetland of national importance (see ANCA 1996). The site, from Shag Rock to 8km south of Point Tinline, occupies the southern part of D’Estrees Bay and provides an important feeding grounding for waterbirds, particularly migratory waders.

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Threatened species recorded in the area include, the Hooded Plover, Thinornis rubricollis (Nv, Sv), Osprey, Pandion haliaetus (Sv), Fairy Tern, Sterna nereis (Sv), and the Eastern Reef Egret, Egretta sacra (Sr) (ANCA 1996). A total of 27 waterbirds have been recorded in the area: 10 are listed under international treaties. A total of 6 species have been recorded breeding in the area: including the Osprey, Pied Oystercatcher, Haematopus longirostris, Sooty Oystercatcher, H.fuliginosus, Hooded Plover, Red-capped Plover, Charadrius ruficapillus and Caspian Tern, Sterna caspia. The southern end of the Bay is included in the Cape Gantheaume Conservation Park. Cape Gantheaume Conservation Park lies within the Gantheaume Wilderness Protection Area proclaimed under the Wilderness Protection Act 1992. −

The river systems of Flinders Chase National Park (ie. North West River, Breakneck River, Rocky River) has been identified as a wetland of national importance (see ANCA 1996). The rivers combined represent an unique ecosystem in South Australia, and are the best examples of pristine river systems and plateau swamps in South Australia (ANCA 1996). The catchments of Rocky River and Breakneck River are the only undisturbed river catchments in South Australia. Threatened flora in the area include, the Kangaroo Island Daisy, Achnophora tatei (Sr) and Port Lincoln Mallee, Eucalyptus lansdowneana spp. lansdowneana (Sr). Threatened species of waterbirds recorded in the area include the Hooded Plover, Thinornis rubricollis (Nv, Sv) White-bellied Sea-Eagle, Haliaeetus leucogaster (Sv), Cape Barren Goose, Cereopsis novaehollandiae (Sv), Musk Duck, Biziura lobata (Sv), Lewin’s Rail, Rallus pectoralis (Sv), Painted Snipe, Rostratula benghalensis (Sv), Latham’s Snipe, Gallinago hardwickii (Sv), Australasian Bittern, Botaurus poiciloptilus (Sv), Baillon’s Crake, Porzana pusilla (Sr) and Spotless Crake, P.tabuensis (Sr). A total of 35 species of waterbirds have been recorded in the area: 6 are listed under treaties. A total of 6 species of waterbirds breed in the area, including the Cape Barren Goose, Australian Wood Duck, Chenonetta jubata, White-bellied Sea-Eagle, Baillon’s Crake, Masked Lapwing, Vanellus miles, and Red-capped Plover, Charadrius ruficapillus. The Rocky River and Breakneck River support important colonies of Platypus (Sv) in South Australia.

The Breakneck River and Larrikin Lagoon lie within the Ravine Des Casoars Wilderness Protection Area proclaimed under the Wilderness Protection Act 1992. −

Grassdale Lagoons and the estuary of the South West River are recognised as wetlands of national importance (see ANCA 1996). The site is located within the Kelly Hill Conservation Park, and consists of 2 permanent freshwater lagoons and the down stream portion of the South West River (down to the river mouth at Hanson Bay). The estuary is a winter and rough weather refuge for the Hooded Plover, Thinornis rubricollis (Nv, Sv) and Osprey, Pandion haliaetus (Sv). Two species of threatened plants are recorded in the area: the Kangaroo Island Daisy and Schoenus discifer (Sr). Threatened species of waterbirds recorded in the area include, the Hooded Plover, Osprey, White-bellied SeaEagle, Haliaeetus leucogaster (Sv), Musk Duck, Biziura lobata (Sv), Freckled Duck, Stictonetta naevosa (Sv), Latham’s Snipe, Gallinago hardwickii (Sv), Eastern Reef Egret, Egretta sacra (Sr), and the Australasian Shoveler, Anas rhynchotis (Sr). A total of 51 species of waterbirds have been recorded in the area: 10 are listed under treaties. A total of 11 species of waterbirds are recorded breeding in the area: including, the Little Pied Cormorant, Phalacrocorax melanoleucos, Australian White Ibis, Theskiornis molucca, Chestnut Teal, Anas castanea, Australian Wood Duck, Chenonetta jubata, Musk Duck, Australian Spotted Crake, Porzana fluminea, and Purple Swamphen, Porphyrio porphyrio. The Kelly Hill Conservation Park is on the Register of the National Estate. Most of the park is in the Cape Bouguer Wilderness Protection Area proclaimed under the Wilderness Protection Act 1992. Other Areas of Recognised Conservation Significance

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The southern and western coasts of Kangaroo Island, particularly Seal Bay, comprise one of the three major breeding areas for the rare Australian Sea Lion (Neophoca cinerea) in South Australia (after the Pages and Dangerous Reef). The population of the south coast of Kangaroo Island, particularly Seal Bay has been estimated at 866 (ie. 180 pups) (Gales et al. 1994).

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Breeding colonies occur at Seal Bay (Pup Cove, Western and Eastern Prohibited Area, and the main beach), and Cape Gantheaume (Robinson & Dennis 1988, Gales 1990). Haul out sites occur at Cape du Couedic, North and South Casuarina, West Bay Island and Cape Bouger (Robinson & Dennis 1988). −

−

−

The southern and western coasts of Kangaroo Island comprise the second largest breeding area for New Zealand Fur Seals (Arctocephalus forsteri) in South Australia (after the Neptune Isles). Major breeding sites for fur seals occur at Cape Gantheaume (525 pups, estimated population 2573), North Casuarina (442 pups, estimated population 2166) and Cape du Couedic (including Admirals Arch, Ladders South, Ladders North, Nautilus Rock, Nautilus North) (477 pups, estimated population 2337) (Robinson & Dennis 1988, Shaughnessy et al. 1994). Together, these colonies on the south coast comprise an estimated 7076 individuals, representing some of the major breeding sites for Fur Seals in South Australia (ie. 26% of the total estimated population of 27,616 in South Australia) - along with the Neptune Islands (estimated population of 16,886) and Liguanea Island (estimated population of 2720). Fur Seals have also been recorded at Cave Point, Cape Bouguer, Seal Beach, South Casuarina, Weir Point, Vennachar Point, Paisley Island and Cape Borda. However no breeding has been recorded at these sites (Shaughnessy 1990). The Seal Beach Aquatic Reserve and Seal Bay Conservation Park provides a sanctuary for the resident Australian Sea Lion colony which represents more than 10% of the total population of the species. Major habitats include sandy beach, offshore reefs, high wave energy coastline and exposed rocky coast. Seal Bay and Cape Gantheaume National Park are on the Register of the National Estate.

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Flinders Chase National Park is the largest park on the island. The coast is characterised by high cliffs broken by small sandy bays and estuaries where rivers reach the sea. Native fish found in the rivers include the Mountain Galaxia (Galaxias olidus), Common Galaxias (G.maculatus), and the Climbing Galaxias (G.brevipinnis). Flinders Chase is considered to be one of the few remaining areas of wilderness in South Australia. This park is on the Register of the National Estate. Most of the park is now contained in the Ravine des Casoars Wilderness Protection Area proclaimed under the Wilderness Protection Act 1992.

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The Stun'sail Boom River (Flinders Chase National Park) was considered by Lloyd & Balla (1986) to be an area of outstanding environmental value and they recommended that it should be given status as a wetland reserve.

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Cape Hart Conservation Park was originally dedicated as a representative sample of coastal vegetation and soils of the southern part of the eastern end of Kangaroo Island. There have been six native mammals recorded in the park. It has impressive coastal cliffs and scenery, and the vegetation consists of open scrub/low shrubland/open heath and low open forest.

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Vivonne Bay Conservation bay is an area of outstanding scenic coastal landscape with vegetation not found in other areas. Sixty five species of birds have been recorded in the park. This park is on the Register of the National Estate.

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Basement "highs" such as Sanders Bank and Carter Knoll south and east of Kangaroo Island appear to represent zones of vigorous growth of reef flora and fauna, including bryozoans (C.Von der Borch, pers. comm.).

Harriet River (Vivonne Bay Conservation Park) was considered by Lloyd & Balla (1986) to be an area of outstanding environmental value and recommended it should be given status as a wetland reserve.

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1.2 −

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Physical The Murray Submarine Canyons are giant submarine canyons 60 km south of southern Kangaroo Island. Some of these huge clefts are larger than the Grand Canyon in the U.S.A. They wind their way from the outer continental shelf to oceanic depths of approximately 4,600m. They may be important as a valuable source of upwelling water which contributes to the nutrients of the food chain (Von der Borch 1979). The sediments of the canyon walls could contain a record of the major geological changes that occurred during the evolution of the South Australian continental margin. GLORIA sidescan sonar images reveal steep, rugged topography that would probably contain some unique, little known ecosystems (Von der Borch, pers. comm.). Along a rocky section of coast 100 metres north of the Ravine des Casoars, the back part of a Holocene dune containing multiple soil horizons has been preserved at the entrance to a sea cave. The dune provides evidence that during part of the Holocene period the now rocky coast was fronted by a beach/dune system, and as such illustrates the dynamic nature of coasts and the dramatic changes since the Holocene period. The site is significant for both geomorphological research and teaching. Cape Hart Conservation Park (see above). Geological Monuments

• −

West Bay: Pleistocene aeolianite unconformably overlying Early Cambrian metasediments within Flinders Chase National Park. 300m of coastline with teaching and aesthetic value.

• −

Cape du Couedic: coastal geomorphology, including Admiral Arch - a major tourist attraction within Flinders Chase National Park. 300m of coastline with teaching, recreation and aesthetic value.

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Remarkable Rocks: spectacular sculptured granite landforms at Flinders Chase National Park. A major tourist attraction.

• −

Point Ellen, Vivonne Bay: Early Cambrian migmatites and schists overlain by Pliocene shell bed. Spectacular convolute folding in the migmatites and cross cutting pegmatite. 1km of coastline with teaching, scientific and aesthetic value.

• −

Cape Willoughby Granite Contact: Late Cambrian granite and metasediments of the Kanmantoo Group (Middleton Sandstone). 600m of coastline with teaching, scientific and aesthetic value.

2

OTHER VALUES

2.1

Commercial Fisheries

Major single species fisheries in this biounit include the Southern Rock Lobster and Abalone. The biounit is one of the major areas for commercial harvesting of Blacklip Abalone in South Australia. Southern Rock Lobster The southern coast of Kangaroo Island consists principally of 3 fishing zones: Fishing Zone 39 (see Cassini Biounit), Fishing Zone 48 (south western coast) and Fishing Zone 49 (southern coast). In 1995/96 and 1996/97 a total of 37 and 35 licensed operators fished along the south coast of Kangaroo Island (ie. Fishing Zone 48 and 49), catching approximately 128 941 and 118 486 kg of lobsters, respectively (or 2.52% and 2.32% of the total catch for Southern Rock Lobster in South Australian waters). However, the catch is significantly greater (almost twice) in the southern sector (ie. Fishing Zone 49). Approximately 10 of the 24 boats based at Kangaroo Island use Vivonne Bay as their port of landing for Southern Rock Lobster. Abalone Both Blacklip Abalone and Greenlip Abalone are presently commercially harvested within the Gantheaume Biounit. The region, particularly near Cape Gantheaume, represents one of the major areas for the harvesting of Blacklip Abalone in South Australia. In 1994/95 and 1995/96 a total of 8,046 and 11,943 kg of Greenlip was harvested within this region (ie. MapCode 26A-B, 27A-B, 28A-B, 29A-D, 30A-C, West Bay to Charlies Gulch, Destres Bay region), and represented 5.6% and 8.4% of the total Greenlip Central Zone catch

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(or 2.14% and 3.19% of the total catch for Greenlip in South Australian waters). In 1994/95 and 1995/96 a total of 33,168 and 32058 kg of Blacklip was harvested within this region, and represented 83.8% and 76.0% of the total Blacklip Central Zone catch (or 6.71% and 6.92% of the total catch for Blacklip in South Australian waters).

Hanson Bay Policy Area −

Inner Hanson Bay Zone (3,000 ha of coastal waters, within 1km of the coast, from Sanderson Bay to Cape Kersaint, excluding waters adjacent to Cape Bouger Wilderness Area) – zoned for limited coastal aquaculture development. Licenses will be considered for a total of 60ha of aquaculture development in this zone, excluding intertidal oyster culture.

−

Outer Hanson Bay Zone (3,000 ha of offshore waters from Sanderson Bay to Cape Kersaint) – zoned for R&D open water aquaculture development. Licenses will be considered for a total of 12ha of R&D aquaculture development in this zone.

Marine Scalefish Fisheries The southern coast of Kangaroo Island consists principally of 3 fishing zones: Fishing Zone 39 (see Cassini Biounit), Fishing Zone 48 (south western coast) and Fishing Zone 49 (southern coast). During 1995/96 and 1996/97, a total of 42 and 44 commercial licence holders (made up of Marine Scalefish and Restricted Marine Scalefish licence categories) caught commercial marine scalefish species along the south coast of Kangaroo Island (ie. Fishing Zones 48 and 49), respectively. License holders expended approximately 1620 and 1230 boat days effort fishing these waters during 1995/96 and 1996/97, respectively. The marine scalefish catch for this region (ie. Fishing Zones 48 and 49) represented a total of 269,658 kg in 1995/96 and 168,256 kg in 1996/97(or 2.59% and 1.66% of the total catch for the marine scalefish fishery in South Australian waters). Marine scalefish fisheries are not large in this area, and this is mainly due to the rugged nature of the southern coast. There is one Salmon purse seine netter in D'Estrees Bay who nets approximately 400 tonnes/year, although this includes figures from the Eyre Peninsula coast. Deep Sea fishing for Trevalla occurs on the edge of the continental shelf. Commonwealth licence holders in this area use dropline and also shark netting. 2.2

Vivonne Bay Policy Area −

Inner Vivonne Bay Zone (840 ha of coastal waters within bay, excluding waters adjacent to Vivonne Bay Conservation Park, Seal Bay Conservation Park and Cape Gantheaume Wilderness Protection Area) – zoned for limited coastal aquaculture. Licenses will be considered for a total of 40ha of aquaculture development in this zone, excluding intertidal oyster culture.

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Licenses will not be considered for remaining waters of Vivonne Bay. Cape Gantheaume Policy Area

−

Inner Cape Gantheaume Zone (5,120 ha of coastal waters, within 1 km of coast, adjacent Cape Gantheaume Wilderness Protection Area to Destres Bay, Point Reynolds, excluding all waters south of southern Destres Bay) – zoned for limited coastal aquaculture development. Licenses will be considered for a total of 40ha of aquaculture development in this zone, excluding intertidal intertidal oyster culture.

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Outer Cape Gantheaume Zone (22,280 ha of offshore waters, adjacent Cape Gantheaume Wilderness Protection Area to Destres Bay, Point Reynolds, excluding all waters south of southern Destres Bay) – zoned for R&D open water aquaculture development. Licenses will be considered for a total of 12ha of R&D aquaculture development in this zone.

Aquaculture

None. The Kangaroo Island Aquaculture Management Plan (Gilliland 1996) proposes limited aquaculture development in this region: Flinders Chase Policy Area −

Flinders Chase Policy Area (37,940 ha of waters adjacent to the Ravine Des Casoars Wilderness Protection Area and Flinders Chase National Park) – zoned to protect conservation areas. Licenses will not be considered for aquaculture development in this zone.

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Cape Hart Policy Area −

−

−

Inner Cape Hart Zone (4,660 ha of coastal waters, within 1 km of coast, from Point Tinline to Cape Willoughby, excluding Pennington Bay, Mouth Flat Beach and waters adjacent to Cape Hart Conservation Park) – zoned for limited coastal aquaculture development. Licenses will be considered for a total of 60ha of aquaculture development in this zone, excluding intertidal intertidal oyster culture. Outer Cape Hart Zone (22,280 ha of offshore waters, from Point Tinline to Cape Willoughby) – zoned for R&D open water aquaculture development. Licenses will be considered for a total of 12ha of R&D aquaculture development in this zone. Cape Hart Aquaculture Zone (1,000 ha of offshore waters, west of Pennington Bay) – zoned for open water aquaculture development. Licenses will be considered for a total of 200ha of aquaculture development in this zone. Penneshaw Policy Area

−

−

Penneshaw Aquaculture Zone (570 ha of coastal waters, within 1 km of coast, in the west of Cuttlefish Bay and Snapper Point) – zoned for open water aquaculture development. Licenses will be considered for a total of 200ha of aquaculture development in this zone, excluding intertidal aquaculture development . Licenses will not be considered for remaining waters of the Penneshaw Policy Area (19,080 ha, from Cape Willoughby, west to Kangaroo Head).

2.3

Recreation and Tourism

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Tourism −

Pennington Bay: scenic area, historic area.

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D'Estrees Bay and Flour Cask Bay: historic area, fishing.

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Cape Gantheaume National Park: scenic area, fishing, diving, wilderness area.

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Seal Bay: Australian Sea Lions, scenic area. This is one of South Australia’s major tourist destinations for both national and international tourists.

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Vivonne Bay: scenic area, jetty fishing, lighthouse.

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Kelly Hill conservation park and Flinders Chase National Park: camping.

− 2.4

Pennington Bay: boat fishing. Major species: Sand Flathead, Yelloweye Mullet, Australian Salmon, Snook, Garfish, Sweep, Toothbrush Leatherjacket, Tommy Rough, Trevally and Silver Drummer.

wilderness,

scenic

area,

Cape Borda: scenic area, historic area. Scientific Research and Education

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Pennington Bay and surrounding coastal areas have been regular research sites since the early 1940's for marine algal collections and intertidal studies (see Womersley 1948, 1950, Womersley & Edmonds 1958, 1979).

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The University of Adelaide has a field research station in Flinders Chase National Park.

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SANPWS monitoring of Australian Sea Lion and New Zealand Fur Seal populations.

Fishing −

Vivonne Bay: boat and jetty fishing. Major species: Black Bream, Sand Flathead, Yelloweye Mullet, Australian Salmon, King George Whiting, Snook, Garfish, Sweep, Toothbrush Leatherjacket, Tommy Rough, Trevally, Silver Drummer and Southern Calamari.

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2.5

Adjacent Land Use National and Conservation Parks

−

Cape Hart Conservation Park (1,030 ha) (SANPWS 1987).

−

Seal Bay Conservation Park (1,911ha), Cape Gantheaume Conservation Park (4,220 ha), Cape Gantheaume Wilderness Protection Area (20,100 ha).

−

Vivonne Bay Conservation Park (1,481 ha) (SANPWS 1987).

−

Flinders Chase National Park (32,600 ha), Ravine des Casoars Wilderness Protection Area (41,320 ha).

−

Kelly Hill Conservation Park (2,180 ha), Cape Bouguer Wilderness Protection Area (5,530 ha). Agriculture/Industry

Shipwrecks −

The west coast of Kangaroo Island is an area of significant historical and cultural value, due primarily to the number and density of shipwrecks and the associated large loss of life (B. Jefferies, pers.comm.). The wrecks in this area include the `Loch Sloy', `Loch Vennachar', `Montebello', `Mars', and the Èmily Smith'. This region has considerable potential for a maritime heritage trail, similar to Wardang Island.

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`Loch Vennachar' was one of the finest and fastest three-masted iron ships built at Glasgow in 1875. It disappeared in 1905 in the vicinity of the Neptune Islands. A decomposed body was later found in West Bay of Kangaroo Island. The ship remains were found in 1976, 1 km north of West Bay. The remains are relatively untouched by salvage operations which make them of significant archaeological value.

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`Montebello' was a three-masted iron barque, built in France in 1900. The vessel was under charter to the South Australian Farmers Union when it was wrecked off the south coast of Kangaroo Island while sailing from Hobart to Port Pirie. A storm forced the ship onto the rocks on 18 November 1906 near Stun'Sail Boom River. The `Montebello' was quickly broken up by the storm and many of the remains were scattered on the sea bed. All persons survived. This is a spectacular dive but access can be dangerous due to the Southern Ocean swell.

−

Òsmani’ was lost in 1853, off Point Tinline, Destres Bay and is protected under Commonwealth legislation.

3

CURRENT CONSERVATION STATUS OF THE GANTHEAUME BIOUNIT

Those areas not designated in conservation and national parks are mainly agricultural. Urban Centres −

Vivonne (population