There are coral reef ecosystems throughout the tropical and sub-tropical
seas of the world. The most diverse hard coral communities are in clear,
tropical offshore waters, however there are also extensive inshore coral
communities along much of Australia's northern coastline, and within the
Indo-Pacific region. Hard coral communities are often complimented by soft
corals, sponges, macroalgae and a host of other invertebrate taxa.
Most hard corals are dependent on light: their polyps contain zooxanthellae that photosynthesise and contribute to the energy requirements of the coral. Increased turbidity reduces the intensity of light reaching the corals, and also reduces the coral's ability to feed on passing plankton. Sedimentation can result in corals diverting energy to sediment clearance, and ultimately to smothering. Nutrient enrichment of surrounding waters can increase phytoplankton densities, reducing light penetration, and increase the abundance of macroalgae, which may compete with corals for space. Consequently, many forms of development within the coastal zone have the potential to impact upon coral communities.
FRC has been involved in the assessment of coral reef ecosystems in both the Pacific and Indian Oceans; in identifying threats to their sustainability; in monitoring their health; and in developing environmental management plans to mitigate the impacts of development. Examples of recent studies include:
- Aquatic Ecosystem Monitoring Program Design, Goro Nickel Project, Inco, New Caledonia.
The Goro Nickel Project is currently under development in New Caledonia. FRC Environmental was contracted to design a monitoring program that would objectively document the impacts of development on the region's aquatic flora and fauna. FRC's design focuses on the aquatic macrophyte, macrobenthic and finfish communities of ephemeral freshwater stream, and coastal coral communities.
- Pioneer Bay Environmental Monitoring Program, Whitsunday Shire Council.
FRC were commissioned to design and undertake a monitoring program to assess the effects of sewage effluent discharge on the seagrass and coral communities of the Whitsunday coast. Biannual surveys are undertaken by FRC, comprising the collection of water quality data, quantitative data on hard and soft coral, macroalgae and seagrass distribution and abundance, and video footage of seagrass and coral communities. This program was established in 1998 and is ongoing.
- Inter-Island Development Project, Kiribati; AusAID.
FRC undertook baseline studies of the coastal environment of Tarawa Atoll and an assessment of impacts relating to proposed coastal engineering works. Sub-components of the study related to coral reef ecology, artisanal and commercial fisheries, seaweed culture, bivalve mollusc harvesting, and seagrass and mangrove habitats.
- Environmental Monitoring Program, Heron Island; P&O Resorts / Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority.
Installation of the largest 'day-trip' pontoon on the GBR required the developers to commission an environmental impact study and ongoing monitoring program. FRC's Dr John Thorogood was responsible for the design and implementation of the marine component of this study. Included were studies of 'home range' and
- Ecological Monitoring of Kirra Reef, Gold Coast; NSW Dept. Public Works / Qld. Dept. Environment & Heritage.
Dr Thorogood was responsible for the design and implementation of baseline studies and an ecological monitoring program to assess the impacts of beach 'nourishment', on adjacent rocky reefs. Studies considered the likely impacts on a range of benthic communities and the reefs fish fauna.
- Survey of Coral Reefs and Associated Fish Communities, Riua Archipelago, Indonesia; UNDP / BAPEDA (GoI).
The Rius Archipelago lies off the east coast of Sumatra, Indonesia. Whilst largely isolated from the influences of man, the region is currently undergoing rapid industrial and agricultural development. Over-fishing, destructive fishing techniques and declining water quality threaten the continuing integrity of both the reef systems and fish stocks. This survey was commissioned to document the current condition of reefs (community composition, health and existing degradation) and the character of associated fish.
- Harbour Development, Curtis Is. (Gladstone) EIS; Queensland Transport.
The proposed development of a boat harbour and barge landing facility, necessitated the undertaking of an EIS. FRC's Dr John Thorogood led studies relating to the coastal ecosystem: corals, seagrass meadows, and coastal fisheries.
- Environmental Impact Assessment (Coastal Ecosystems) - Proposed Coral Dredging at Green Is., Moreton Bay; Queensland Cement Limited.
The proposed dredging of sub-fossil coral from Green Is., Moreton Bay was a major environmental issue for the adjoining City of Brisbane. As part of a multi-disciplinary team, FRC undertook studies relating to coral communities; intertidal and subtidal benthic in- and epi-fauna; mangrove, seagrass and algal flora; and fishes. FRC was also responsible for the prediction of impacts of the dredging on these biological communities; and contributed to an Environmental Management Plan and Monitoring Program.
- Environmental Impact Assessment, Forestry and Pulpmill Project, Kalimantan, Indonesia; Shell (Indonesia) Ltd.
A proposed large scale forestry plantation / BKMT pulpmill operation required an environmental impact statement for both the Government of Indonesia and the Board of Shell Ltd. Fringing coral reefs were identified as being particularly vulnerable to degradation resulting from mill effluent discharge. An assessment of the existing condition of these reefs; a determination of the scope and magnitude of likely impacts; and recommended mitigating actions were undertaken.
- Survey of the Coral Communities of the Sunshine Coast; Queensland National Parks and Wildlife Service.
The relative merits of several locations on the Coast were assessed with respect to planning for future Marine National Parks. The survey comprised a field component of mapping, sample collection and identification, assessment of biodiversity, and the comparative analysis of quantitative data.
