Station reports - Kimberley Marine Research Station

By Liam Rawlins

Kimberley Marine Research Station Field Research Officer

Another incredible year has flown by at the Kimberley Marine Research Station (KMRS) with our research team and intern program running a range of environmental monitoring and research programs to keep a close eye on the beautiful Western Kimberley. 2018 saw the continuation of two long-term monitoring programs: assessing water quality and coral reef cover. We also expanded our Rock Oyster recruitment study and initiated two new projects; coral recruitment dynamics within the Cygnet Bay region and selective breeding of pearl oysters genetically resistant to Juvenile Pearl Oyster Mortality Syndrome (JPOMS).

left to right: Joan Goa and Tahlia Newnham (KMRS interns), Liam Rawlins (Field Research Officer), Abbie Leonhardt (KMRS intern), Gary Firman (Pearling Manager), and Elise Pinto (KMRS intern).

The initiation of a new Cooperative Research Centres Project aims to breed resistance to JPOMS, a syndrome capable of inducing mortality rates greater than 90% in Australian pearl farms. This research is a collaboration among James Cook University, Ellies Pearls, Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm and the KMRS. Genome sequenced brood stock from Ellies Pearls are being re-settled onto farms around both Elizabeth Bay and Cygnet Bay. Ongoing sampling efforts before, during, and after outbreaks will help to uncover genetic traits that may drive survivorship during these events.

The rock oyster recruitment project led by Andrew Bossie has identified substrate which contained natural calcium (pearl shell and fibro cement) increased recruitment success of Saccostrea spp. We are undertaking studies over a 3 month period tracking survival and competition with other species across multiple locations and aim to explore the local environmental factors which may affect recruitment and survival.

Continued monitoring of our amazingly resilient intertidal coral reef systems has shown a healthy system overall following a mass bleaching event in 2016. Some small sections of bleaching were recorded along our permanent transect lines, most of which have recovered thus far. We hope to continue to expand our knowledge of the local systems with our transect surveys now being bolstered by a coral recruitment.

Aerial view of Cygnet Bay.

© Courtney Davies

Our monthly water monitoring program has continued to highlight massive seasonal variations in the water column surrounding these large tidal bays. Physical parameters such as temperature, salinity, turbidity and pH were closely monitored, in conjunction with analysis of local phytoplankton communities.

In closing, 2018 has been an amazing year for KMRS, none of which would have been possible without the steadfast and ever present time and commitment of our intern team, so a big shout out to our 2018 team: Karyssa Arnett, Suzanne McCarthy, Danielle Hodgkinson, Andrew Bossie, Courtney Davies, Abbie Leonhardt, Elise Pinto, Joan Gao and Tahlia Newnham. As always, massive thanks to the Cygnet Bay Pearl Farm for the continued financial support, use of facilities, vessels and resources.

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