Reef Watch newsletter November 2013 by Victorian National Parks Association

Reef Watch Reef Watch is a Victorian National Parks Association program | NOVEMBER 2013

Flinders Pier is a hotspot for seadragons.

Photo: Mark Norman

Fish Count 2013 – the year of the seadragon! D

ivers and snorkelers are once again preparing for the 2013 Great Victorian Fish Count, with the annual event ‘finning off’ on Saturday 23 November and finishing on 8 December. Each year we choose a different temperate fish species to be our flagship species. Last year it was the charismatic Blue Devil fish, this year it is the Common Seadragon (also known as the Weedy Seadragon (Phyllopteryx taeniolatus) that will emblazon our collectable T-shirts. The Common Seadragon represents a unique and fascinating example of the marine life endemic to Australia’s

southern waters and has been Victoria’s official state marine emblem since 2002. Whether you are lucky enough to spot a seadragon or not, this year’s fish count is shaping up to be bigger than ever. There will also be a Fish Count

Inside

A master of camouflage

photo competition, so keep your camera with you during the fish count so that you can be in the running to win a great prize donated by Scubapro. If you are a diver or snorkeler and would like to participate in Victoria’s largest marine citizen science event you can get all the details you need from the Victorian National Parks Association website.

MORE INFO Visit fishcount.vnpa.org.au to register your spot, and find out how to enter this year’s fish count photo competition.

Happy 10th b’day Reef Watch!

Victorian marine guide launched

2 1. Cystophora pectinata, Cape Paterson. 2. Cystophora platylobium, Cape Paterson. 3. Cystophora sp- Fossil Beach, Port Phillip. 4. Cystophora torulosa, Cape Paterson. All photos taken by Julian Finn

Got an identity problem? Don’t worry, it’s a big club

To make it even trickier, they can also change form as they mature and reproduce. So it’s great when taxonomists provide clues to make it easier. As you can see from the photos above, the central stalk (‘stipe’) of Cystophora algae has a consistent and distinct ‘zig-zag’ pattern. All the species pictured above are native to Australia and can be found

erhaps the greatest challenge for Reef Watch volunteers when surveying reefs is to identify algae. Our southern waters are home to more than 1000 species of algae, ranging in colour from red to brown, yellow and green. They can be single or multicelled, microscopic or grow to more than 30 metres in length, such as Giant Kelp.

anywhere from sheltered coasts to deeper sea environments. Cystophora is a genus of brown algae and represents one of many brown algal types found in Victoria. In fact, Australia exhibits some of the highest diversity in algal species found anywhere in the world, providing algal habitats for the wide range of marine species endemic to our southern waters.

Test your id skills!

Reef Watch Editor: Wendy Roberts. Design: John Sampson. The Reef Watch newsletter is published every three months. While Wendy Roberts is on leave you can email stories for the next edition to Simon Branigan at the Victorian National Parks Association SimonB@vnpa.org.au. Address: GPO Box 666, Melbourne Museum, Melb 3001.

Mystery Creature No 27

Tel: 03 8341 7446.

Mystery Creature No 28

Web: reefwatch.vnpa.org.au

Clue: First impressions are deceiving. Photo: Julian Finn

2 – Reef Watch Newsletter | November 2013

You were looking at the air sacs or papulae of the Velvet Seastar (Petricia vernicina). Seastars breathe through their tube feet and the papulae on their skin. If these structures become obstructed they use small pincerlike organs, called pedicellaria, to pluck off any undesired objects. Reef Watch Victoria

How we chose our master of camouflage Wendy Roberts Reef Watch Coordinator

hen researching the species to be our emblem for this year’s Great Victorian Fish Count we came across a record in the Museums collection from Hobson’s Bay. It had been collected in December 1872. There were no details as to whether it had been found alive or in the flotsam on the shore. However, it is unlikely that seadragons have frequented these waters in the past 50 or more years. Records such as these provide a baseline that helps us measure the changes occurring in our marine habitats and species. Over the past 10 years Reef Watch volunteers have surveyed seadragons at 24 sites along the Victorian coast. They are found in large numbers at Flinders Pier, with up to 30 individuals regularly seen. Other sites include Portland, Warrnambool, Point Addis, Portsea, Point Lonsdale and Point Leo. A master of camouflage, the seadragon’s algal-like appendage allows the animal to blend into its surroundings and it may pass by a diver’s face unnoticed as it sways with the current. The seadragon is not a very strong swimmer and, unlike its relative the seahorse, does not have a prehensile tail, making it impossible for the seadragon to cling and anchor itself. For that reason the species relies heavily on finding shelter in algal and seagrass habitats, but habitat loss constantly presents a threat to the survival of seadragons. Data regarding the current and past distribution of the Common Seadragon is still lacking, posing another threat to our ability to protect the species. Currently it is protected nationally under the Environment Protection www.reefwatch.vnpa.org.au

Victoria’s marine emblem the Weedy Seadragon glides over its favourite habitat. Photo: Mark Norman

and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. Common Seadragons are also classified as ‘Near Threatened’ on the IUCN Red List 2006. However, the species was only recently added to the list because of insufficient data in the past. Further information regarding population trends and areas of occupancy is still required. According to the Red List, more research in these areas would likely result in the species being classified as Vulnerable or Endangered, but until this information is gathered, its classification can only remain ‘Near Threatened’. This demonstrates the importance of programs such as Reef Watch and our annual Great Victorian Fish Count

event, which contribute to a deeper understanding of the distribution, abundance and movement patterns of marine life in Victoria. We hope that in choosing the seadragon as our the flagship species for the Great Victorian Fish Count we will improve community awareness of the need for further research of our marine faunal emblem and the need to protect the habitats in which it and other species live. And fingers crossed that many of you are lucky enough to spot a seadragon in this year’s fish count, but if not, you will be able to take one home with you on your ‘collectable’ Fish Count T-shirt.

MORE INFO Visit fishcount.vnpa.org.au for everything you need to know about this year’s Great Victorian Fish Count, and to find out how to enter our fish count photo competition. Find out more about the Common Seadragon on the Atlas of Living Australia – www.ala.org.au. Reef Watch Newsletter | November 2013 – 3

There were lots of laughs and friendly faces at our tenth birthday bash. Joining in the fun were Prue Addison, Blair Patullo, Jacqui Pocklington and Michela Mitchell.

Reef Watch celebrates 10 great years O

n a cool August evening surrounded by waters filled with temperate marine life, Reef Watch celebrated its 10 year anniversary at the Melbourne Aquarium. It was an evening filled with beautiful images of our unique marine life, much reminiscing and many thankyous. On the night, Reef Watch also reported on the Great Victorian Fish Count and launched a guide to protecting marine habitat in Victoria. In the past ten years Reef Watch Victoria has come a long way, with more than 600 divers, marine community groups and schools having now been involved. More than 1100 surveys have been logged at 160 sites along the coast and hundreds of species, both native and introduced, have been documented and photographed. Reef Watch has successfully fulfilled its vision of increasing community awareness and knowledge of Victoria’s marine environment through its publications, ‘Sea Science’ seminars and workshops at the Melbourne Aquarium and Museum Victoria, and specialised programs and events such as ‘Feral and in Peril’, ‘Buddy Up with a Blue Devil’ and the annual Great Victorian Fish Count. Perhaps one of the most significant highlights and achievements has been 4 – Reef Watch Newsletter | November 2013

Reef Watch co-ordinator Wendy Roberts with Jason Caruso.

Simon Branigan from the VNPA with Karri Giles.

the permanent protection status granted to the Blue Groper, of which

Reef Watch and the Victorian National Parks Association’s marine campaign played a key role in achieving. Reef Watch would like to thank our partners, stakeholders and volunteers who made the night a special event, particularly Museum Victoria and the VNPA for their ongoing support. Reef Watch would also like to thank all of our wonderful volunteers and supporters who have contributed to the success of the program over the past ten years. Here’s hoping there’s many more years to come! Reef Watch Victoria

How well do you know Victoria’s big blue?

n Victoria we are lucky enough to have an underwater world rich in species diversity. Cool temperate waters combine with a variety of habitats to support a large number of sea creatures not found anywhere else in the world. From tiny seastars to majestic Humpback Whales, our waters are home to more than 12,000 known species. More are being discovered each year. Divers and snorkelers are often the first to witness changes to marine habitats and species, it may be the gradual loss of seagrass, the decomposing bodies of stingarees or fidler rays discarded by fishers under piers or the impact of rubbish on a favourite reef after heavy rain. To help the long-term protection of this incredible marine life we need to work towards minimising current and future threats. Although the task seems overwhelming, we can all act to reduce pollution, overfishing, coastal degradation and even climate change. To help we have just published a new, free online handbook that describes the different types of habitats found in Victorian marine waters, some of the species that live in them, and the threats to each habitat. Protecting Marine Habitat is a free online handbook available for download from reports.vnpa.org.au

This stunning photo of a Southern Calamari with feeding tentacles extended is one of the many extraordinary photos featured in our new marine guide. Photo: Evan Coker

What’s not to love? A heart-shaped sponge at Flinders. www.reefwatch.vnpa.org.au

Photo: John Gaskell

Reef Watch Newsletter | November 2013 – 5

Coastal VEAC MPA investigation Victorian Strategy update needs to hear your voice P

he draft proposals paper for the Victorian Environmental Assessment Council’s investigation into marine protected areas (MPAs) is due to be released by the end of November 2014. It’s critical everyone involved in Victoria’s marine environment engage in the next public consultation phase. This is the last public consultation opportunity before the final proposals and recommendations are submitted to the Victorian environment minister. Input from the marine community towards the previous submission period was a bit disappointing, so we need to ensure that this time around

Notice Board

Marine investigation HAVE YOUR SAY! we have our say and demand that existing MPAs remain intact. You can have your say at veac.vic.gov.au, or visit the Victorian National Parks Association website for more information – marine.vnpa.org.au

Reef Life Survey data used to show new patterns in marine biodiversity A high profile scientific paper based on the RLS global dataset has just been released. Published in the world’s most prestigious biological journal, Nature, it provides the ultimate recognition of the scientific value of the RLS program. > You can read the paper on the Nature website: http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v501/n7468/ full/nature12529.html

IUCN review reveals ocean in a critical state

An international panel of marine scientists, including IUCN experts, is demanding urgent remedies to halt ocean degradation based on findings that the rate, speed and impacts of change in the world’s oceans are greater, faster and more imminent than previously thought. They say decreasing oxygen levels in the ocean caused by climate change and nitrogen run-off, combined with other chemical pollution and rampant overfishing are undermining the ability of the ocean to withstand ‘carbon perturbations’, meaning its role as Earth’s ‘buffer’ is seriously compromised. > The full review is on the IUCN website: www.iucn. org/?13784/Latest-review-of-science-reveals-oceanin-critical-state

Future stewards of the marine environment – congratulations to all involved! A short Youtube clip developed by Queenscliff primary school students with a focus on Swan Bay is a great 6 – Reef Watch Newsletter | November 2013

ublic consultation on the Draft Victorian Coastal Strategy 2013 closes on 4 December 2013. This draft strategy builds on the 2008 version and includes recommendations about marine planning and management – a big positive. It also centres around a vision for “a healthy coast enjoyed by all, now and in the future”, and sets out key issues, principles, policies and actions to guide decision-making about Victoria’s coastal and marine environments. If you care about the future of our coast, being involved in helping shape this strategy will go a long way towards achieving environmental gains.

example of how to engage the future stewards of our precious environments. The video shows how the students have identified the natural values of the area and ways they can help reduce the impact of threats on Swan Bay. > Watch the clip ‘Swan Bay Under Protection’ at youtube.com/watch?v=oKoZgcGEeYE&feature=you tu.be

New publications Something for the Christmas stocking Ecology of Australian Temperate Reefs presents the current state of knowledge of the ecology of important elements of southern Australian sub-tidal reef flora and fauna, and underlying ecological principles. Preliminary chapters describe the geological origin, oceanography and biogeography of southern Australia, including the transitional temperate regions toward the Abrolhos Islands in the west and Sydney in the east. The book explains the origin and evolution of flora and fauna at geological timescales as Australia separated from Antarctica; the oceanography of the region, including principal currents, and interactions with onshelf waters. It also takes a look at the ecology of particular species or species groups at different trophic levels, starting with algae, then the ecological principles on which communities are organised. Finally, conservation and management issues are discussed. Ecology of Australian Temperate Reefs is well illustrated through line drawings, figures and colour photos, and will be a much-valued reference for biologists, undergraduates, and those interested and concerned with reef life and natural history. > Ecology of Australian Temperate Reefs can be bought online at www.publish.csiro.au Reef Watch Victoria

Reef Watcher in Profile

in the entire world is still being severely threatened by human activity.

In each newsletter we interview a Reef Watch volunteer to find out why they like to explore our temperate underwater world. Tilly Reynolds joined Reef Watch in 2012. Why did you join Reef Watch? I joined Reef Watch after hearing Wendy Roberts talk at a careers expo at the Melbourne Aquarium. I was becoming increasingly interested in the marine environment and knew I wanted to dedicate the rest of my life to protecting it. I saw Reef Watch as a simple and fun way of doing that while studying at university because it gets you into the water, but doesn’t place too much strain on your daily schedule. I think citizen science programs such as Reef Watch are vital to the monitoring and protection of marine habitats. Local knowledge can’t just be studied or read in a book and it takes a long time to acquire. I think a lot of important information is often left out of vital decisions concerning marine protection, and so it is really important to collect ongoing local data and knowledge from the public to make more informed choices.

Favourite marine species/why? I’ve only ever seen the species while snorkeling on the Great Barrier Reef, but I find the cuttlefish absolutely fascinating. It is one of the weirdest looking species I have ever seen. Its ability to change colour and texture to camouflage itself or attract mates is truly remarkable.

Recent coal port propositions and ongoing human degradation of the Great Barrier Reef continues to baffle me. Even though many Australians would say they want the Great Barrier Reef protected, I don’t think many would know the actual role coral reefs play in maintaining biodiversity. That’s why I see this as an example of the need to increase education and awareness concerning the marine environment and marine habitats. Victoria’s marine environment is just as important and unique as the Great Barrier Reef, but if Australia can’t even manage this major tourist attraction with the whole world watching, I fear for Victoria’s marine environment, which gets a lot less attention than other marine habitats.

Favourite dive site I still need to try out a lot more dive spots around Victoria, but I’ve always liked snorkeling at Point Lonsdale. On a sunny day there is nothing prettier than the bright colours of the different algae. Most important marine conservation issue to you? I find it really hard to understand how one of the best known marine habitats

Back on land you... work, play, listen to? At the moment I am finishing up a double undergraduate degree in Environmental Science/Social Science, which tends to take up a lot of my time. When I do get a day off, I like to go for a long bike ride, watch some David Attenborough, or plan my next overseas adventure – maybe South America!

Friends of the Bluff land Coastcare award

riends of the Bluff at Barwon Heads have won this year’s Victorian Coastcare Award for developing a Living on the Edge app for mobile devices. The app uses GPS to help visitors locate themselves on self-guided walks and includes hundreds of beautiful images showcasing the diverse flora, birds, and marine life at the Bluff. The team of volunteers, led by Rhonda Coffey, has previously been involved in developing a website for the Barwon Bluff Marine Sanctuary and many publications designed to build stewardship of the local environments around and under the Bluff. It took just over 12 months to develop the app, which the group saw as a logical step in the development of multimedia resources. The Friends Group hopes the app will give the community an insight into the beauty and diversity of life on and www.reefwatch.vnpa.org.au

The Friends of Barwon Bluff won the Victorian Coastcare Award at this year’s Victorian Landcare awards.

around the Bluff, and encourage people to help protect the coast, especially in light of pressures from an increasing population and climate change. They believe the use of modern technology and social media will appeal to a younger audience, allowing

them to get important conservation messages to the next generation. The new app was funded by Coastcare Victoria with support from Parks Victoria and Barwon Coast and is available free from iTunes - search Barwon Bluff. Reef Watch Newsletter | November 2013 – 7

Nature Notes

This photo of an Elephant Shark egg case was taken by Mark Norman.

What to look out for this summer Every summer the water sees a lot of action, but not necessarily just from holiday makers, divers and snorkelers – many marine species will also be busy. Here are some things to look out for over summer and if you’re in the water, don’t forget to take pictures and upload them to Reef Watch’s Two Bays Marine Calendar project at www.bowerbird.org.au/projects/898 Seadragon mating season: Seadragons are one of the only species in the world where the male counterpart carries the eggs. Females can lay up to 300 eggs underneath the male’s tail, which he then carries for about a month until they hatch. The eggs are often bright pink in colour and if the eggs are old enough, you might even be able to see the juvenile fish inside so be sure to keep an eye out! Best time: October to December. Summer is also the flowering season for some seagrass species, including Heterozostera (September to January) and Zostera mulleri (November to March). Cardinal Fish brooding eggs are usually found under rocky ledges and are normally more active at night. Males look after the eggs in their mouth until they hatch (December). 8 – Reef Watch Newsletter | November 2013

An Elephant Shark caught on camera by Rudie Kuiter. Reef Watch Victoria