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Ningaloo Marine Park Drupella Long-term Monitoring Program
No full textMaintenance and Update Frequency: unknownStatement: Original record compiled for the Western Australian Marine Science Institution (WAMSI), Project 3.8, 2008. Originally sourced from several databases compiled by WA DEC Marine Science Branch of projects relevant to the marine parks of WA. Variable metadata information was available.Statement: Large numbers of D. cornus were first observed at Ningaloo Reef in 1982 and later confirmed in 1985. In early 1987, large numbers of D. cornus were observed consuming hard corals at several locations along the then proposed NMP during a survey initiated by the Department of Conservation and Land Management 1 (CALM). In 1989, six long-term Drupella monitoring locations were established and surveyed by CALM. In 1991, these six locations were re-surveyed and seven new long-term Drupella monitoring locations were established by CALM. In 1994, all thirteen locations were re-surveyed by CALM. In 2005, an improved method for monitoring Drupella
was developed using precision and cost benefit analyses and the thirteen locations were re-surveyed using the new method. Effort was made to ensure statistical comparability between the results generated by the old and new methods. The work in 2005 was undertaken by an honours student and funded
by CALM. In 2006, four of the thirteen locations were resurveyed and six new Drupella long-term monitoring locations were established to represent the southern extension of the NMP and the gazettal of the MIMMA. As of 2006, the study has been led by the DEC’s Marine Science Program (MSP).
There are now nineteen Drupella long-term monitoring locations, positioned approximately every 20 km along the NMP.<b>Credit</b><br/>Shannon Armstrong: Dept of Environment and Conservation (DEC)Between the mid 1980s and early 1990s, the feeding activity of unusually high densities of the corallivorous gastropod Drupella cornus resulted in massive coral damage along at least 100 km of Ningaloo Marine Park (NMP), with coral mortality approaching 100% at some areas. To date, the density of D. cornus, the area and severity of associated coral damage and longevity of the outbreak itself that occurred at NMP during this event was on a greater scale than recorded on other reefs elsewhere in the world.<br/><br/>As coral communities are a key performance indicator of management of NMP and the Muiron Islands Marine Management Area (MIMMA) it is essential to keep a watching brief on spatial and temporal changes to Drupella densities and cover of associated corals in these conservation reserves. Adhering to this management need, the aim of the Ningaloo Marine Park Drupella Long-term Monitoring Program (NMPDMP), lead by the Department of Environment and Conservation, is to monitor long-term changes to the density of Drupella sp. and cover of associated coral communities at the NMP and the MIMMA. Monitoring of Drupella at NMP has resulted in a data set describing the status of Drupella populations and coral communities dating back to 1987. Between 1987 and 2006, the direction and amplitude of change in Drupella density and percent cover of live hard coral has varied considerably between locations. <br/><br/>Overall however, relative to the outbreak densities recorded during the late 1980s and early 1990s, D. cornus densities have been low to moderate and have not greatly affected coral cover at the NMP and MIMMA. Survey data indicate that the current Drupella population represents no immediate threat to the coral communities at NMP or MIMMA
2016 SoE Marine Chapter - State and Trends - Crown-of-Thorns Starfish (COTS) outbreaks
No full textStatement: QUALITY OF DATA USED IN THE ASSESSMENT
Good<b>Purpose</b><br/>To describe the state and trends in Crown-of-Thorns Starfish oupbreaks for use in the Marine chapter of the 2016 State of the Environment report.The Marine chapter of the 2016 State of the Environment (SoE) report incorporates multiple expert templates developed from streams of marine data. This metadata record describes the Expert Assessment The state and trends of ecological processes – Crown-of-Thorns Starfish (COTS) outbreaks.The full Expert Assessment, including figures and tables (where provided), is attached to this record. Where available, the Data Stream(s) used to generate this Expert Assessment are accessible through the "On-line Resources" section of this record.<br/><br/>----------------------------------------<br/><br/>DESCRIPTION OF ECOLOGICAL PROCESS FOR EXPERT ASSESSMENT<br/>COTS (Acanthaster planci) are natural predators of coral and occur on all coral reefs in Australia’s marine domain. High fecundity means that when spawning coincides with favourable conditions, resulting recruitment can lead to outbreak densities of large starfish that can deplete local coral cover within 3-5 years. Populations then collapse through starvation and disease but not before they spawn abundant planktonic offspring, which may form secondary outbreaks on downstream reefs. There have been four synchronised eruptions of secondary outbreak in the highly connected, archipelagic Great Barrier Reef (GBR) since 1960. In the subsequent 15-20 years, multi-generational waves of secondary outbreaks have progressed southward through the central GBR. Average coral cover on GBR reefs fell by half over 27 years of monitoring to 2012; about 40% of the total decline was attributed to COTS. Outbreaks have also been recorded in all other parts of the starfish’s Australian range (Far northern GBR, Torres Strait, northwest WA), but their significance is uncertain since systematic monitoring was only recently implemented or is non-existent. <br/><br/>DATA STREAM(S) USED IN EXPERT ASSESSMENT<br/>The assessment is based on data and analysis published in peer reviewed literature and unpublished reports. Details of specific data sets used to generate the assessment have not been provided.<br/><br/>----------------------------------------<br/><br/>2016 SOE ASSESSMENT SUMMARY [see attached Expert Assessment for full details]<br/><br/>• 2016 •<br/>Assessment grade: Poor<br/>Assessment trend: Unclear<br/>Confidence grade: Adequate high quality evidence and high level of consensus<br/>Confidence trend: Adequate high quality evidence and high level of consensus<br/>Comparability: Grade and trends are somewhat comparable to the 2011 assessment<br/>• 2011 •<br/>Assessment grade: Good<br/>Assessment trend: Stable<br/>Confidence grade: Limited evidence or limited consensus<br/>Confidence trend: Adequate high quality evidence and high level of consensus<br/><br/>----------------------------------------<br/><br/>CHANGES SINCE 2011 SOE ASSESSMENT<br/>Since the 2011 assessment there has been widespread outbreaks of COTS detected across its range. There is a general lack of information with which to determine long term trends and so trends are regarded as unclear rather than stable
2016 SoE Marine Chapter - Pressures - Climate Change - Ocean currents and eddies
No full textStatement: QUALITY OF DATA USED IN THE ASSESSMENT
High quality but limited length of time-series.<b>Purpose</b><br/>To describe the pressures on the marine environment associated with climate change and ocean currents and eddies for use in the Marine chapter of the 2016 State of the Environment report.The Marine chapter of the 2016 State of the Environment (SoE) report incorporates multiple expert templates developed from streams of marine data. This metadata record describes the Expert Assessment "Pressures on the marine environment associated with climate change - ocean currents and eddies". The full Expert Assessment, including figures and tables (where provided), is attached to this record. Where available, the Data Stream(s) used to generate this Expert Assessment are accessible through the "On-line Resources" section of this record.<br/><br/>----------------------------------------<br/><br/>DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESSURE<br/>The dominant Australian boundary currents are the; East Australian Current (EAC), Indonesian Throughflow (ITF) and Leeuwin Current (LC). <br/>The EAC is the western boundary current system of the South Pacific. In the Australian region, it redistributes heat between ocean and atmosphere and the tropics and mid-latitudes.<br/>The ITF, a major component of the global ocean circulation, moves water between the Pacific and Indian Oceans. It strongly influences Australian climate and seas off Western Australia. <br/>The LC flows southwards off Western Australia redistributing Indian Ocean heat to the mid-latitudes. This differs from the cooler, equatorward flowing currents found along other eastern ocean boundaries. <br/><br/>DATA STREAM(S) USED IN EXPERT ASSESSMENT<br/>The assessment is based on the results of analysis published in peer reviewed papers. Details of the specific data sets used to generate this assessment have not been provided.<br/><br/>----------------------------------------<br/><br/>2016 SOE ASSESSMENT SUMMARY [see attached Expert Assessment for full details]<br/>• Assessment grade: High impact. Boundary current strength is strongly linked to major climate modes – ENSO, IOD and SAM- whose variability are predicted to increase with climate change.<br/>• Assessment trend: Deteriorating. Increasing variability of boundary current strength and heat, freshwater, and nutrient transport, will impact coastal circulation, extreme marine conditions, and the marine ecosystem.<br/>• Confidence grade: <not provided in assessment><br/>• Confidence trend: Adequate high-quality evidence or high level of consensus. Observations and models agree that modes of climate variability will be impacted by continued climate change.<br/><br/>----------------------------------------<br/><br/>CHANGES SINCE 2011 SOE ASSESSMENT<br/>Grade and trends are somewhat comparable to the 2011 assessment
2021 State of the Environment Report Marine Chapter – Expert Assessment – State and Trend – Mesopelagic fish species
No full textStatement: QUALITY OF DATA USED IN THE ASSESSMENT
Active bioacoustic data are calibrated and quality-controlled with a resolution of 1 km in distance and 10 m in depth. An overview of IMOS Bioacoustics sub-Facility operations to collect and publish bioacoustic data with related metadata is provided in Haris et al. (2020).<b>Credit</b><br/>Peer reviews of this assessment were provided by:
Rowan Trebilco (CSIRO)The Marine chapter of the 2021 State of the Environment (SoE) report incorporates multiple expert templates developed from streams of marine data. This metadata record describes the Expert Assessment "State and Trend of mesopelagic fish species". <br/>***A PDF of the full Expert Assessment, including figures and tables (where provided) is downloadable in the "On-line Resources" section of this record as "EXPERT ASSESSMENT 2021 - Mesopelagic fish species"***<br/><br/>----------------------------------------<br/><br/>DESCRIPTION OF HABITAT/COMMUNITY/PROCESS FOR EXPERT ASSESSMENT<br/>Mesopelagic fish species (200 to 1000 m depth) occur throughout the Australian Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) region where the seabed depth exceeds 200 m (Flynn and Kloser, 2012; Flynn et al., 2018; Sutton et al., 2018). Mesopelagic fishes reside at depth during the day and a portion migrate to shallower waters to feed at night, revealing diel vertical migration in the sound scattering layer (Figure 1a; Brierley 2014). Ecosystem and carbon models associated with observational studies of mesopelagic fishes highlight their importance to ecosystem services and carbon sequestration role (Fulton et al., 2005; Lehodey et al., 2010; Boyd et al., 2019). This is particularly important for Australia’s continental slope commercial species and other top predators for ecosystem-based management (Smith et al., 2011). The importance of mesopelagic fishes to ecosystem services is recognized yet their biomass and trophic efficiency are uncertain with net and acoustic estimates differing by 2 orders of magnitude in Tasman Sea Australian waters (Kloser et al., 2009; Irigoien et al., 2014). This difference is due to different sampling gear and methods used to interpret the data.<br/><br/>DATA STREAM(S) USED IN EXPERT ASSESSMENT<br/>The primary data used are the georeferenced, calibrated, and processed single-beam water column volume backscattering coefficient values, representing the linear sum of backscatter from acoustically detectable individual organisms within the sampling volume. The spatial coverage of data used for assessing the state of mesopelagic biogeography is 75oS-45oN and 20oW-330oW with a temporal coverage 2004-2018. The spatial coverage of data used for assessing trends in selected regions is 35oS-50oS and 180oW-220oW with a temporal coverage 2004-2018.<br/><br/>----------------------------------------<br/><br/>2021 SOE ASSESSMENT SUMMARY [see attached Expert Assessment for full details]<br/><br/>• 2021 •<br/>Assessment grade: Very good<br/>Assessment trend: Improving<br/>Confidence grade: Limited<br/>Confidence trend: Somewhat adequate<br/>Comparability: Grade and trend are comparable to the 2016 assessment<br/>• 2016 •<br/>Assessment grade: Very good<br/>Assessment trend: Stable<br/>Confidence grade: Limited evidence or limited consensus<br/>Confidence trend: Limited evidence or limited consensus<br/>Comparability: Grade and trend are comparable to the 2011 assessment<br/>• 2011 •<br/>Assessment grade: Very good<br/>Assessment trend: Stable<br/>Confidence grade: Limited evidence or limited consensus<br/>Confidence trend: Limited evidence or limited consensus<br/><br/>----------------------------------------<br/><br/>CHANGES SINCE 2016 SOE ASSESSMENT<br/>The extent of processed bioacoustic data archived under IMOS Bioacoustics sub-Facility is expanding with an improved spatial and temporal coverage, facilitating future state and trend analyses
Serpent Project Enfield 5 - Measuring megafaunal abundance, diversity and distribution.
No full textStatement: Baited traps were deployed both within and outside of the drill spoil to attract mobile megafauna. Traps were examined every 24 hrs and video taped for 5 minutes. Isopods and amphipods from within the spoil (10m from Blow-Out converter BOP) and outside of the spoil (100 m from BOP) were collected for heat shock protein analysis. In a second experiment, isopods outside of the spoil (100m from BOP) were collected and exposed to drill mud (n=4), copper sulfate (a known inducer of heat shock proteins n=4), and sea water as a control (n=4) once brought to the surface. Traps were re-deployed every 24 hrs and collection repeated.<b>Credit</b><br/>Woodside Energy Ltd<b>Credit</b><br/>Transocean Inc<b>Credit</b><br/>Subsea 7<b>Credit</b><br/>Katie Robertson, The University of Sydney (USYD)<b>Purpose</b><br/>The science goals for this project are to expand on baseline environmental surveys carried out in the area on behalf of Woodside. We will conduct detailed ROV megafaunal video surveys to provide quantitative data on megafaunal ecology; particularly abundance, diversity and distribution in this area. In addition we will conduct a series of experiments to quantify the expression of heat shock proteins on deep sea organisms from within and outside of drill spoil. One set of experiments will be an in situ deployment and another set will be completed at the surface to determine the effects of drilling mud on heat shock protein expression.Scientific and Environmental Remotely operated vehicle (ROV) Partnership using Existing iNdustrial Technology (SERPENT) ran a highly successful mission including 7 days of ROV operations. Eight video transects were completed, for megafaunal abundance, diversity and distribution in the area. Transects were conducted every 450 metres and extend to 100m from the drill site. Videos will be analysed for megafaunal diversity and habitat mapping during 2006. <br/><br/>There is only one habitat type at ENC03, soft bottom. There is no evidence of any rock formations or hard bottom of any type. ENC02 was approximately 30m away from ENC03 so there was some overlap in drill spoil. This will be accounted for when analysing video transects. Preliminary analysis indicates a high density and diversity of megafauna. The main component of the megafaunal community is consistent with soft bottom communities and includes echinoderms (asteroids, echinoids) a host of crustaceans (prawns and large isopods), eels that live in the sediment and some bottom dwelling fish. At approximately 85m along each transect, sponge beds were evident. Further investigation on subsequent missions will identify the extent of these beds.<br/><br/><br/>A variety of prawns, crabs, eels, amphipods, isopods and fish were attracted to the bait traps. Initial examination of the data suggests that there is a difference in the diversity of organisms that visit the traps (inside vs outside the drill spoil). Isopods, shrimp and eels only appeared to visit traps outside of the drill spoil. Further analysis will validate any trends in the data.<br/><br/>Species collected for determining the level of heat shock protein expression:<br/><br/>* 8 isopods kept alive in seawater once brought to the surface<br/>* 4 isopods exposed to drill mud once brought to the surface<br/>* 4 isopods exposed to copper sulphate once brought to the surface<br/>* 1 hag fish outside of the drill spoil<br/>* 3 isopods outside of the drill spoil<br/>* Numerous small (<1cm) amphipods from both within and outside of drill spoil
2016 SoE Marine Chapter - Pressures - Climate Change - Ocean acidification
No full textStatement: QUALITY OF DATA USED IN THE ASSESSMENT
Total dissolved CO2 and total alkalinity data and these data were obtained following procedures outlined in Dickson et al (2007). Certified reference materials (CRMs) from the Scripps Institution of Oceanography are analysed to determine the accuracy and precision of the measurements and are accurate to ± 2 micromol/kg for both parameters. Oceanic values of pCO2 were taken from an updated version of (Sasse et al., 2013) climatology that used a neural network to map values around Australia on a 1x1 degree grid each month for the year 2000.<b>Purpose</b><br/>To describe the pressures on the marine environment associated with climate change and ocean acidification for use in the Marine chapter of the 2016 State of the Environment report.The Marine chapter of the 2016 State of the Environment (SoE) report incorporates multiple expert templates developed from streams of marine data. This metadata record describes the Expert Assessment "Pressures on the marine environment associated with climate change - ocean acidification". The full Expert Assessment, including figures and tables (where provided), is attached to this record. Where available, the Data Stream(s) used to generate this Expert Assessment are accessible through the "On-line Resources" section of this record.<br/><br/>----------------------------------------<br/><br/>DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESSURE<br/>The uptake of atmospheric CO2 by the ocean results in changes in seawater chemistry, including a decrease in pH and dissolved carbonate ion concentrations, know as ocean acidification. Since pre-industrial times the pH of waters around Australia are estimated to have decreased between 0.08 and 0.10, consistent with global estimates of pH change. Superimposed on the large-scale change is much more variability at seasonal and local scales where natural processes can amplify or offset ocean acidification in a range of environments (Mongin et al., 2016; Walbusser et al, 2014; Shaw et al., 2012). The detection of trends and state in most coastal, shelf and subsurface waters around Australia is limited by lack of data. <br/>The pH and dissolved carbonate ion concentration of ocean waters around Australia will continue to decrease at the ocean takes up atmospheric CO2 emissions. The rates of change are linked to different emission scenarios (Lenton et al., 2015). Ocean acidification will persist for many millennia, even if emissions are reduced (e.g. Frolicher and Joos, 2010). Seasonal undersaturation of aragonite in surface waters of the Southern Ocean is predicted to occur by 2030 with consequences for calcifying organisms like pteropods (McNeil and Matear, 2008; Hauri et al., 2015). <br/>Ocean acidification is expected to lead to widespread shifts in ecosystems and puts at risk regional economies reliant on healthy and sustainable marine ecosystems such as tourism and aquaculture. <br/><br/>DATA STREAM(S) USED IN EXPERT ASSESSMENT<br/>Offshore data from around Australia as described in Lenton et al 2015. Details of the specific data sets used to generate this assessment have not been provided.<br/><br/>----------------------------------------<br/><br/>2016 SOE ASSESSMENT SUMMARY [see attached Expert Assessment for full details]<br/><br/>• 2016 •<br/>Assessment grade: Very high impact<br/>Assessment trend: Deteriorating<br/>Confidence grade: Adequate high quality evidence and high level of consensus<br/>Confidence trend: Adequate high quality evidence and high level of consensus<br/>Comparability: Grade and trend are somewhat comparable to the 2011 assessment<br/>• 2011 •<br/>Assessment grade: Very good<br/>Assessment trend: Deteriorating<br/>Confidence grade: Limited evidence or limited consensus<br/>Confidence trend: Limited evidence or limited consensus<br/><br/>----------------------------------------<br/><br/>CHANGES SINCE 2011 SOE ASSESSMENT<br/>More data are now available
Parent record: Datasets relating to core GC-12, located in the Capricorn Channel at a depth of 990.5 mbsl
No full textMaintenance and Update Frequency: notPlannedStatement: ISOTOPES AND GRAINSIZE - Foraminifera dried in oven at 60oC before re-soaking in distilled water. Samples wet sieved through a series of 4 mesh sizes (400µm, 300µm, 200µm and 100µm) before size fractions transferred to drying trays. Size fractions then weighed to determine % of each grainsize from the overall collected dry sample. 10-15 large foraminifera (>300 µm and >400µm) were hand-picked picked under microscope before being washed in methanol and ultrasonicated for 30 secs. Samples analysed at Research School of Earth Science, Australian National University, using automated individual carbonate reaction (Kiel) device coupled with a Finnigan MAT-251 mass spectrometer.
RADIOCARBON DATING - Radiocarbon dating undertaken on ~300 individuals of Globigerinoides sacculifer of >300µm size. Samples were rinsed, ultrasonically cleaned, and then dried. Samples then dissolved in 103% orthophosphoric acid and the CO2 collected under vacuum. The CO2 was converted to graphite by reacting with hydrogen over iron catalyst at 600oC. Graphite transferred to small cathodes and run on the AMS.
CaCO3 - Sample from each depth was dried and ground into fine powder (~100mm) using a mortar & pestle. ~1g of each sample was weighed accurately. 20ml of ~1mol/l HCl was added to the sample, heated & stirred until all the carbonate had reacted. Resulting solution was titrated with 0.5mol/l NaOH using the Metrohm Ion analysis 716 DMS Titrino series 6.0 to determine the CaCO3 %. Error range of 2%.
XRD - Samples were ground in an agate mortar with acetone or ethanol, then dried, and filled into side-packed sample holders. Powder diffraction data was collected at room temp with a Siemens D501 diffractometer at the Department of Earth and Marine Science, Australian National University. The diffractometer was equipped with a curved graphite monochromator, a scintillation detector, and CuK alpha radiation was used. Scans recorded in one pass from 2 to 70 degrees 2-theta, using a step-width of 0.02 degrees and a scan speed of 1 degree per minute. Results Interpreted using the SIEMENS software package Diffracplus Eva (2000), and quantitative estimates performed using Siroquant 2.5.Statement: STABLE ISTOPES AND GRAINSIZE - Values are provided for 5cm, 10cm, 15cm, 20cm and then every 10cm down the core to depth of 510cm. Mass spectrometer was run concurrently with international standards NBS-19 and NBS-18, and has a very small analytical error. The percentage values for grainsize at each sample depth is not accurate. This is due to wastage during washing and sieving and occasional spills.
RADIOCARBON DATING/AGE-MODEL - Radiocarbon dating was undertaken on samples at 20cm, 30cm, 80cm, 90cm, 150cm, 190cm, 250cm, 300cm and 350cm.These values are provided, before being corrected and calibrated with the age curve. The age vs. depth profile were made primarily by correlating 18O values with the SPECMAP age-model.
CaCO3 -Values for CaCO3 % are recorded at 5cm, 10cm, 15cm, 20cm and then for every 10cm down the core until reaching a depth of 510cm. Percentage values for CaCO3 have an error range of ± 2%.
XRD - XRD analysis was undertaken for four samples within core GC12. Two samples, at the sediment surface and at 30cm, represents interglacial sediment, while the deeper two samples, at 210cm and 330cm, represent glacial sediments. Clay data must be treated with caution since it has been suggested that clay minerals, transported to the coast by river suspended loads, undergo significant diagenesis within environments like mangroves. The percentages of sample components are not exact and the dataset also displays the % error of each component. Errors range from 0.07 - 1.7%.
Stable isotope parameters: Depth in core (cm), oxygen-18 G. ruber (parts per thousand), carbon-13 G. ruber (parts per thousand).
Age-model parameters: Depth through core (cm), carbon-14 age (yr BP), error (yr), calibrated age (yr BP), sedimentation rate (cm/kyr).
Grainsize parameters: Depth through core (cm), grainsize (µm), percentage of total dry mass at each sample depth (%).
Calcium carbonate parameters: Depth through core (cm), percentage of calcium carbonate (%).
XRD parameters: XRD run number, percentage of sample components (%), total percentage (%).
Oxygen-18 values for foraminiferal species parameters: Depth through core (cm), age (yrs BP), foraminiferal species, oxygen-18 values down the core for different species.
Carbon-13 values for foraminiferal species parameters: Depth through core (cm), age (yrs BP), foraminiferal species, carbon-13 values down the core for different species.<b>Credit</b><br/>Funded by The Australian Research Council (ARC)<b>Credit</b><br/>Funded by The Australian National University (ANU) Faculties Research Grant Scheme<b>Purpose</b><br/>The data from the stable isotopes of Globigerinoides ruber, grainsize, CaCO3 % and x-ray diffraction of samples for their mineralogy, allows a preliminary understanding of this hemipelagic sedimentary environment over the last glacial / interglacial cycle. Very little work has been previously undertaken within this area.Core GC12 (23o34' 37S 153o49' 94E) was collected from the Capricorn Channel at a depth of 990.5 mbsl (metres below sea level). By investigating the properties and components of this core we are able to reveal some information about this hemi-pelagic sedimentary environment over the last glacial / interglacial cycle. Information obtained or inferred from the core include the isotopic composition of oxygen and carbon through time, an age vs. depth profile, the percentage of grainsize fractions throughout the core and the percentage of carbonate material in each sample. X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) analyses were also run on several samples from each core to determine changes in the carbonate mineralogy and terrestrial influx, which provided further palaeoclimatic information
2016 SoE Marine Chapter - State and Trends - Invertebrate species, outer shelf (25 m - 250 m)
No full textStatement: QUALITY OF DATA USED IN THE ASSESSMENT
High<b>Purpose</b><br/>To describe the state and trends in invertebrate species, outer shelf (25 m - 250 m) for use in the Marine chapter of the 2016 State of the Environment report.The Marine chapter of the 2016 State of the Environment (SoE) report incorporates multiple expert templates developed from streams of marine data. This metadata record describes the Expert Assessment "The state and trends of quality of species and groups – invertebrate species, outer shelf (25 m - 250 m)". The full Expert Assessment, including figures and tables (where provided), is attached to this record. Where available, the Data Stream(s) used to generate this Expert Assessment are accessible through the "On-line Resources" section of this record.<br/><br/>----------------------------------------<br/><br/>DESCRIPTION OF ECOLOGICAL HABITAT/COMMUNITY FOR EXPERT ASSESSMENT<br/>A wide range of both sessile and mobile invertebrate species inhabit the continental shelf. Large areas of soft sediments are dominated by infauna and mobile epifauna, but there are also extensive regions with abundant sessile epifauna, including sponges, soft corals and bryozoans. Hard corals are covered in another section.<br/><br/>DATA STREAM(S) USED IN EXPERT ASSESSMENT<br/>Peer reviewed publications, fishery stock assessment reports and data from the IMOS autonomous underwater vehicle facility. Details of the specific data sets used to generate the assessment have not been provided.<br/><br/>----------------------------------------<br/><br/>2016 SOE ASSESSMENT SUMMARY [see attached Expert Assessment for full details]<br/><br/>• 2016 •<br/>Assessment grade: Good<br/>Assessment trend: Stable<br/>Confidence grade: Limited evidence<br/>Confidence trend: Limited evidence<br/>Comparability: Grade and trend are comparable to the 2011 assessment<br/>• 2011 •<br/>Assessment grade: Good<br/>Assessment trend: Stable<br/>Confidence grade: Limited evidence<br/>Confidence trend: Limited evidence<br/><br/>----------------------------------------<br/><br/>CHANGES SINCE 2011 SOE ASSESSMENT<br/>N/
2016 SoE Marine Chapter - Effectiveness of Management - Anthropogenic noise
No full textStatement: QUALITY OF DATA USED IN THE ASSESSMENT
High.<b>Purpose</b><br/>To describe the effectiveness of marine management of anthropogenic noise for use in the Marine chapter of the 2016 State of the Environment report.The Marine chapter of the 2016 State of the Environment (SoE) report incorporates multiple expert templates developed from streams of marine data. This metadata record describes the Expert Assessment "Effectiveness of marine management of anthropogenic noise". The full Expert Assessment, including figures and tables (where provided), is attached to this record. Where available, the Data Stream(s) used to generate this Expert Assessment are accessible through the "On-line Resources" section of this record.<br/><br/>----------------------------------------<br/><br/>DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESSURE BEING MANAGED, AND ITS IMPACT<br/>There is a good understanding of the potential sources of anthropogenic marine noise arising from construction related activities, oil and gas activities, shipping and military operations in Commonwealth waters. These include geophysical and geotechnical surveys, seismic exploration, seabed piling, explosives, construction, dredging, ongoing operations, sonar and noise from vessels (particularly dynamically positioned vessels). It is clearly understood that the level of impact from these noise sources will vary depending on the size of the noise source, spatial distribution of simultaneous sources, duration and level of the noise and proximity to sensitive receptors as well as the sensitivity of the particular species to noise. Less is known of the impacts of ongoing low level noise associated with shipping and that generated by other emerging sectors such as marine mining and renewable energy operations, although work on understanding noise impacts associated with these sectors is being actively researched overseas where these activities are more widespread (e.g. Europe). The level of understanding of the cause-effect pathways for marine noise impacts is also underdeveloped. In some cases predictions of impacts are made using limited scientific evidence, with available studies focused on short-term exposures of individuals rather than long-term population consequences and limited in-field verification of sound modelling and environmental impact. <br/><br/>DATA STREAM(S) USED IN EXPERT ASSESSMENT<br/>Environment data from petroleum activities in commonwealth waters that generate underwater noise spanning 2012 – 2015, data from collaborative research activities carried out by DSTG and the Australian Navy, data and analyses published in peer reviewed publications and agency reports. Details of the specific data sets used to generate this assessment have not been provided.<br/><br/>2016 SOE ASSESSMENT SUMMARY [see attached Expert Assessment for full details]<br/>• Understanding of pressure: Sources of underwater noise across most sectors are well known, however knowledge of impacts requires a greater level of understanding.<br/>• Planning associated with management of pressure: Acute impacts across sectors are largely managed through EPBC Act approval processes, regulatory frameworks and environmental planning, reducing risks to sensitive receptors.<br/>• Input for informing management of pressure: Substantial information is available to inform management with varying degrees of uptake across sectors.<br/>• Processes associated with developing, monitoring, and updating management: Environmental authorisation processes associated with or endorsed by the EPBC Act are in place across sectors for acute impacts; there is little management of chronic impacts.<br/>• Outputs from management framework in place: Assessment and inspection of noise producing activities associated with the oil and gas industry and environmental assessments and collaborative research programs conducted by the Navy are used to inform required areas of improvement in these sectors. Outputs and improvement processes across other sectors are less clear.<br/>• Outcomes of management framework in place: An increased level of regulatory oversight for oil and gas activities and ongoing research and inputs into military environmental plans aim to ensure effective management of underwater noise in these sectors. Management outcomes for other sectors are less clear. <br/><br/>CHANGES SINCE 2011 SOE ASSESSMENT<br/>The management effectiveness of anthropogenic noise was not included in the 2011 assessment
Pb-Pb Isotopes - Igneous Rocks
No full textMaintenance and Update Frequency: asNeededA compilation of full analytical data tables for publicly-available lead (Pb) isotope data for igneous rock samples, from both Geoscience Australia (GA) and literature-compiled sources. Each result links to information about the sample, sample collection site, method of analysis, and the source publication information. As of January 2026, this layer solely comprises data from Liebmann et al. (2024: Scientific Data 11, 1222: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41597-024-03996-5