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An Historic Agreement for the TraditionalUse of Marine Resources

In an historic agreement, Girringun Traditional Owners will work with Commonwealth and StateGovernment agencies to manage traditional hunting in the Marine Parks.

The first Traditional Use of Marine Resources Agreement (TUMRA) was accredited by theGreat Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA) and the Queensland Environmental ProtectionAgency (Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service).

Prepared by the Girringun Traditional Owners, the TUMRA applies to sea county betweenRollingstone and Mission Beach, and includes provisions for managing the traditional use of marineresources activities.

GBRMPA Chairman Hon. Virginia Chadwick said the agreement sets a benchmark for howTraditional Owners and government agencies can work together in a cooperative relationship tosustainably manage sea country and its resources.

"This new approach to the management of traditional hunting within a specified part of theGreat Barrier Reef Marine Park and the Great Barrier Reef Coast Marine Park shows a commitmentfrom both governments and Indigenous people to closely work together to address these importantissues which are both culturally and ecologically significant," Virginia said.

"It is a significant achievement and is consistent with the Commonwealth Government’s new‘Sustainable Harvest of Marine Turtles and Dugongs – A National Partnership Approach’ that wasdeveloped in 2005."

The members of six Girringun sea country groups (Djiru, Gulnay, Girramay, Bandjin, Warragamayand Nywaigi) worked to develop the agreement over the past two years.

Under the agreement, which is accredited until 2008, the Traditional Owners have agreed to nothunt dugongs, to limit turtle hunting, and to monitor illegal Marine Park activities throughcooperative working arrangements.

The Chairperson for the Girringun Aboriginal Corporation John Andy said by signing theagreement they were taking steps to protect their traditional sea country for the future.

Issue 10 • May/June 2006

DISCLAIMERWhile all efforts have been made to verify facts, the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority takes no responsibility for the accuracy of information supplied in SeaRead.

© Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority 2006

Please note that you are welcome to photocopy SeaRead. However, if the text is reproduced separately, it must not be altered and must acknowledge the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority as the source. Illustrations must not be reused separately without permission. Please contact the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority if in doubt.

www.gbrmpa.gov.au

What’sinsideIndigenous trainees’ epic voyage to monitorcoral bleaching

Creepy crawly crustaceanshelp monitor pesticides

Divers plunged deep tohelp the Reef

New information kitsavailable for TraditionalOwner Groups

Tourists give turtle second chance

Sign and slogans connectWoongarra State Schoolto the Marine Park

Camp Quality kids experience the Reefup-close

Alaskan students discoverReef through video technology

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From left: Fay Barker (Board Member), Ross Rolfe (Board Member and EPA/QPWS Delegate), John Andy (Djiru), Claude Beeron(Girramay), Marjorie Kinjun (Gulnay), Hon. Virginia Chadwick AO (GBRMPA Chairman), Clarence Wyles (Warragmay), Victor Bligh(Nywaigi), Phil Rist (Nywaigi), Chicka Turner (GBRMPA), Russell Butler Snr (Bandjin), Dr Evelyn Scott AO (Board Member)

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2The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority email: [email protected]

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Virginia ChadwickChairmanGreat Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority

Fish, frogs andlogs feature innew wetlandsdisplayMore than 25 000 litres of water,800 fish and a three-metre highwaterfall are the three vitalingredients for the new wetlandsexhibit at the ReefHQ Aquariumin Townsville.

The display, showing theconnection between wetlands andthe Great Barrier Reef Marine Park,will be officially opened in thecoming months.

It is one of the most visuallyexciting and innovative exhibitsReefHQ aquarium has completed todate.

ReefHQ Technical OperationsManager Sascha Thyer said thedisplay, which took eight monthsto complete, was constructed withenvironmental efficiencies andwater conservation in mind.

"We have set up a filtrationsystem that ensures minimal wateruse and minimal discharge ofwastewater, and plants are used inthe system to encourage naturalrecycling of nutrients," she said.

Under construction: The wetlands exhibitbegins to take shape

A number of positive activities havetaken place over the last few months,and I am pleased to update you onjust some of these outcomes andachievements.

Among the most significant is thefirst Traditional Use of MarineResources Agreement, whichacknowledges the important culturalvalue of the Marine Park toAboriginal and Torres Strait Islanderpeople.

For more than 60 000 years, theirtraditional connections have beenpart of the unique maritime cultureof more than 50 Traditional Ownergroups along the coast and islands

from Bundaberg to the Cape YorkPeninsula.

A spirit of giving also characterisedthe last few months. GBRMPA staffdonated their own money to theQueensland Premier’s disaster relieffund for those affected by CycloneLarry. Given our proximity and closeties to the region, I commend ourstaff for their compassion for fellownorth Queenslanders.

The Authority also donated morethan $15 000, the proceeds of anenvironmental prize and employeefundraising, to Camp Quality. Thedonation will enable more than 200children and their families to spend a

day exploring the Marine Park. Wewill keep you updated on the tripsthrough photographs and stories inupcoming editions of SeaRead.

Finished product: The wetland exhibit will allowvisitors to Reef HQ to understand the connectivity between wetlands and the Reef

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"Some of the fish will eat theplants, minimising the need to addfood to the system so the system willhopefully be relatively selfsustaining."

Central to the display is aninteractive touch-screen with regionalwetland information, helping visitorsenhance their knowledge,understanding and awareness ofwetlands within the Great BarrierReef Catchment.

The exhibit has a timber"observation deck" in the foreground,overlooking a mural by renownedartist Ian Richter who has worked onmurals for films such as MoulinRouge and Mission Impossible II.

The Great Barrier Reef Marine ParkAuthority’s Water Quality andCoastal Development Group DirectorHugh Yorkston said the exhibitshowed how wetlands were anessential part of the ecosystem.

"The exhibit shows the importanceof wetlands and how they can bedirectly affected by land-basedactivities leading to impacts on thequality of water entering the MarinePark," he said.

"We hope the exhibit promptsvisitors to take an interest inwetlands and help protect the MarinePark by implementing practices onthe land, in their homes, workplacesor schools to help improve waterquality."

The exhibit is a collaborationbetween the Burnett Mary RegionalGroup, Mackay WhitsundaysNatural Resource Management(NRM) Group, Burdekin DryTropics NRM, Far NorthQueensland NRM, Townsville CityCouncil and NQ Water.

Regards

Location Offence Fine


A research vessel with fourIndigenous trainees helpingscientists monitor coral bleachingdocked in Townsville recently as partof an epic five-week voyage along theQueensland coast.

Lwayne Boslem, Mathew Seaton,Ewan Kepple and Pedar Lawrencewere onboard Pelican 1 to share theexperiences of travelling throughtheir sea country with scientists fromthe Great Barrier Reef Marine ParkAuthority (GBRMPA).

The trainees helped scientists bydiving, taking underwaterphotographs, recording results, usingand maintaining scientificequipment, and crewing a boatoperated by Pelican Expeditions.

GBRMPA’s Climate ChangeResponse Unit Manager Paul Marshallsaid the project was a valuablepartnership between TraditionalOwners and scientists.

"This innovative project supportson-going reef monitoring work by END

Feather Reef Unpermitted Fishing (Recreational Fishing) 1 x $14001 x $9501 x $1000

Between Brook Shoals and Unpermitted Fishing (Recreational Fishing) 1 x $2000Hinchinbrook Island

Wilson Shoal Unpermitted Fishing (Recreational Fishing) 1 x $20002 x $800

South Molle Island Unpermitted Fishing (Recreational Fishing) 1 x $12001 x $750

Remember you can do your bit to keep the Reef great by reporting any incidents you see by [email protected] or phoning (07) 4726 0510 or (07) 3830 8246.

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the GBRMPA and is an importantcollaboration betweenenvironmental managers andTraditional Owners," he said.

"We also enjoyed seeing thetrainees get hands-on experience inthe workings of the ship and theimportant research and monitoringprocesses."

Pelican 1 is a 19-metre sailingcatamaran designed for marineresearch, environmental, social, andeducational projects.

The journey began in Bundabergand wrapped up in Cairns.

The pilot project supports thepassage and training for Coxswaincertificates and open water/divemasters tickets for the trainees.

Indigenous trainees’ epic voyage to monitor coral bleaching

Bimbi Eungie out on patrolA new specialist team focused solely on compliance in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park has proven a great successsince it began operations in July 2005.

The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority’s (GBRMPA) Field Operations Team comprises three experienced MarinePark inspectors, based in Mackay and Cairns. The team operates from a purpose-built vessel, the Bimbi Eungie,specifically designed to conduct compliance and surveillance in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.

The team provides a highly mobile unit that can be deployed to strengthen existing surveillance and compliance inkey locations. The Field Operations Team joins seven agencies with more than 150 enforcement officers in monitoringzoning across the entire Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.

The GBRMPA continues to urge users of the Marine Park to not only check zoning maps before they venture out onthe water but also to take their maps with them. Knowing where you are at all times will help to avoid possible fines.

Some examples of recent court results are shown below:

Indigenous trainees’ onboard Pelican 1


Creepy crawlycrustaceans helpmonitor pesticides

Creepy crawly crustaceans are set tohelp the Great Barrier Reef MarinePark Authority (GBRMPA) shed lighton the declining quality of waterentering the Marine Park.

Scientists will use the commonmud crab to monitor pesticideconcentrations as crabs exposed topollutants often develop subtlecellular differences and mayaccumulate certain water qualitytoxicants.

GBRMPA Manager of Water QualityResearch and Monitoring Dr DavidHaynes said this was a potentiallong-term indicator of temporal andspatial variation in inshore pollutantconcentrations.

"Mud crabs can provide a sensitive,early warning of the presence of

pollutants before conventionalmonitoring techniques can detect it,"he said.

"The presence of the pollutants hasno affect on the edibility of the crabs.The toxins accumulate in the animal’sliver, which humans do not consume,and not the crab’s flesh that peopledo eat.

"This monitoring is just one ofseveral components under the ReefWater Quality Protection Plan, aten-year strategy to halt and reversethe declining quality of water enteringthe Marine Park."

Adult male crabs, with a legal sizeof 170-200 mm carapace width, willbe collected between March and Mayeach monitoring year.

The crabs will be sourced from atleast 10 coastal locations along thenorth Queensland coast betweenTorres Strait and Gladstone.

The monitoring involves separatingthe hepatopancreas tissue (the crab’snon-edible liver) from the crab’scarcass and analysing it for pesticidesthat tend to bioaccumulate in thisorgan.

This is just one of five types ofmonitoring under the Reef WaterQuality Protection Plan, whichfocuses on land-based actions toimprove land use practices within theGreat Barrier Reef Catchment.

The plan aims to monitor andobserve the amount of nutrients andsediment entering river systemsflowing into the Great Barrier Reef,and develop strategies to address andhalt the process.

A variety of evidence now clearlyindicates exports of sediments,nutrients and pesticides from thecatchments adjacent to the GreatBarrier Reef have increasedsubstantially over the last 150 years.

The Reef Water Quality ProtectionPlan Marine Monitoring Programmeis run by the GBRMPA and funded bythe Natural Heritage Trust. TheMarine Monitoring Programme wasdesigned and developed by theGBRMPA and is coordinated throughthe CRC Reef Research Centre onbehalf of a consortium of researchpartners.

The consortium includes theAustralian Institute of Marine Science,CSIRO, Queensland Department ofNatural Resources and Mines,Queensland Department of PrimaryIndustries and Fisheries, QueenslandEnvironmental Protection Agency,Sea Research and The University ofQueensland.

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GBRMPA toconsult withstakeholders inthe Whitsundaysto develop siteplansInterested stakeholders can haveinput into the Whitsunday Planof Management when theGreat Barrier Reef Marine ParkAuthority (GBRMPA) startscommunity consultation for thedevelopment of site plans for theWhitsundays area.

The Whitsunday Plan ofManagement was designed tocomplement zoning by addressingissues specific to the area - in thiscase high-density tourism andrecreation.

Under the plan each reef, bayand coastal area is assigned asetting ranging from one to five,with one being an intensively-used area and five a protectedarea.

The Whitsunday Plan ofManagement requires site plansto be developed for each of thesetting five areas.

These are located at Hill Inlet(including the northern end ofWhitehaven Beach), Haslewoodand Lupton Islands, DeloraineIsland, Double Bay East, Cowand Calf Islands and the EshelbyIslands.

GBRMPA staff recentlyconducted visits to some ofthese sites to gain a betterunderstanding of the areas beforecommencing planning.

Once prepared, draft site planswill be made available atwww.gbrmpa.gov.au. To discusssite plans further or to requesthard copy documents contactMatt Carr on (07) 4750 0784.

Hill Inlet requires a Plan of Management as ithas been identified as a setting five area

The common crab will help monitor the quality ofwater entering the Great Barrier Reef

"Our people want to get themessage out that we are veryresponsible and want to look afterour sea country. We can see benefitsfor everyone if we work together withthe government to save turtles anddugongs in our sea country," Johnsaid.

The GBRMPA and EPA/QPWS havebeen working closely with a numberof Indigenous groups along theGreat Barrier Reef coast to developnew arrangements for the sustainableuse of marine resources, and the newTUMRA has created considerableinterest from other Traditional Ownergroups.

It is proposed that during 2006there will be a number of eventscelebrating various aspects of theGirringun TUMRA as they areimplemented, including new signageand brochures.

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New partnershipset to protectLady Elliot IslandThe lease-holders of Lady ElliotIsland, Reef Resort Management PtyLtd, and the Great Barrier ReefMarine Park Authority (GBRMPA)recently entered into a newpartnership that will help protect theWorld Heritage assets of Lady ElliotIsland and provide a uniqueexperience for visitors.

Lady Elliot Eco Resort ManagingDirector Peter Gash said they sawthemselves as the current guardiansof Lady Elliot Island.

"We have the good fortune ofwatching over this beautifulwilderness environment and ofhelping to preserve the Island’s WorldHeritage values," Peter said.

"Our job is more than looking afterthis location for our own benefit. Weare also looking after it on behalf ofthe Great Barrier Reef Marine ParkAuthority and the Australian publicand world-wide community."

GBRMPA Manager ofCommonwealth Islands KathleenSwalling said it was fantastic to beworking with such a positive andmotivated team of people to ensurethe future protection of theCommonwealth-owned Lady ElliotIsland.

"The Lady Elliot Island team andthe GBRMPA have agreed prioritiesand are working together to improvethe environmental management ofLady Elliot Island," Kathleen said.

"The resort’s management willcontinue re-establishing vegetationand bird habitat for the island since itwas cleared for guano (bird dropping)mining. Another focus will be therestoration of both resort buildingsand some of the heritage-listedproperties such as the light keeper’shouses."

Kathleen said Peter and his teamhad a long association with the Great

Divers plungeddeep to helpthe ReefDivers plunged deep into thewaters of the Great Barrier ReefMarine Park to collect litterrecently as part of Clean UpAustralia Day.

The North QueenslandUnderwater Explorers Club targeted the area around thePicnic Bay jetty on MagneticIsland.

Great Barrier Reef Marine ParkAuthority Director of WaterQuality and CoastalDevelopment Hugh Yorkstonurged the community to helpkeep waterways clean.

"There is a direct link betweenland-based activities and thedeclining quality of water entering the Marine Park so weencourage the community totake this issue on board," he said.

"Rubbish washed from streetsand pathways into stormwaterdrains eventually ends up inadjacent rivers, streams or evendirectly into the ocean.

"Everyone can help by keepingdrains and gutters free of chemicals and rubbish, and putting all litter in the bin orrecycling."

Irena Zagorskis, Ann-Maree Lynch, BarbaraMenz, Madeleine Ward and Val Pikoulasgive a helping hand to keepAustralia beautiful END

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Barrier Reef Marine Park and were allpassionate about both the Reef andLady Elliot Island.

"The team are committed toworking with all users of the MarinePark for better environmental outcomes."

GBRMPA and Lady Elliot Eco ResortManagement recently met with localtrawl operators who use the waterssurrounding Lady Elliot Island toanchor and get some well-earned rest.

"We had a meeting with local trawloperators and together we have comeup with a trial plan to not only lookat environmentally-friendlyanchoring areas where coral isunlikely to get damaged, but toensure a safe place for trawlers torest," Peter said.

"In addition, an education programme has been implemented to help visitors understand the important role trawlers play in placing prawns on our dinner tableand the need for them to have a safeanchorage at night."

Peter said they were very aware ofthe balancing act required to ensurethe location was adequately protectedwhile ensuring people had the opportunity to experience suchunique locations.

"It is important to us that we workin conjunction with the GBRMPA sowe can draw on their years of experi-ence in managing these areas of theMarine Park.

"We each have a role to play in thesuccessful management of WorldHeritage Areas like Lady Elliot Island."

Peter said the Lady Elliot Islandteam were very excited about thefuture.

"The GBRMPA has demonstrated tous that they are proactive and supportive of our endeavours to protect this remarkable place.

"We look forward to making a quality contribution to the protectionand improvement of the environment that is the Great BarrierReef Marine Park."

Lady Elliot Island, offshore of Bundaberg, is the southern most island in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park

The Great Barrier Reef is about12 000 years old and is the largestnatural feature on earth.

Interesting Facts


New informationkits available forTraditionalOwner GroupsThe Great Barrier Reef Marine ParkAuthority’s (GBRMPA) ConservationHeritage and IndigenousPartnerships group have recentlyreleased a new Sea CountryPartnerships information kit titled"Working together for sustainabletraditional use of marine resourcesin the Great Barrier Reef".

The kits are specifically designedfor Traditional Owner groups, and arejointly badged with both theGBRMPA and Queensland Parks andWildlife Service logos reflecting theco-operative government approachfor these issues.

GBRMPA’s Sea Country Researchand Education Officer MelissaSweeney said the kits were intendedto facilitate discussions about the

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Introducing theTraditionalOwner ResourceBibliographyThe Great Barrier Reef Marine ParkAuthority’s (GBRMPA) IndigenousPartnerships Liaison Unit iscurrently exploring a range of waysto progress sea country research andeducation in the Great Barrier ReefMarine Park through theirsea country research and education.

One of the projects underway isthe Traditional Owner ResourceBibliography.

A component of the TraditionalOwner Information System, thebibliography combines historicalresources with key publications, toprovide a comprehensive and focusedresource about Traditional Ownergroups adjacent to the Marine Park.

GBRMPA’s Managing LibrarianSuzie Davies said the bibliographywas developed by the GBRMPA tomore effectively use information andknowledge about Traditional Ownersand their relationships with the landand sea within the Great Barrier Reef.

"The bibliography holds more than800 references to material coveringIndigenous history and co-operativemanagement practices within theGreat Barrier Reef region," she said.

New material is being added to thebibliography as part of an ongoingprocess to ensure the resource isup-to-date and comprehensive.

The bibliography is currentlyavailable to GBRMPA staff to assistwith the management of the MarinePark, and is intended to be madeavailable to the public via theInternet in the future. Library staffare able to assist with literaturesearches if members of the publicwish to use the bibliography before.

For more information contactLibrary and Image Services on1800 802 251 or (07) 4750 0700, or email [email protected].

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sustainable traditional use of marineresources issues.

"The kits contain a number ofculturally-appropriate brochures thataim to inform and encouragecommunity-based sea countrymanagement actions on issuesimportant to Traditional Owners," shesaid.

"This includes methods for workingtogether to share traditional andscientific knowledge on green turtleand dugong populations, and ways ofworking together to help thesepopulations grow. "

The kit also includes a brochureexplaining how to develop aTraditional Use of Marine ResourcesAgreement (TUMRA) to managetraditional harvest activities.

The new education kits are availableby contacting the IndigenousPartnerships Liaison Unit on 1800802 251 or (07) 4750 0700; or [email protected].

GBRMPA staffstrengthen linkswith WoppaburraTraditional PeopleGreat Barrier Reef Marine ParkAuthority (GBRMPA) staff recentlyattended a workshop on GreatKeppel Island to speak withWoppaburra Traditional Ownersabout various sea country issues.

Woppaburra Traditional Owners aregoing through a process to have sixparcels of traditional land on GreatKeppel Island handed back and anelement of the workshop was todiscuss nominations for their BoardTrustees.

The workshop also provided anopportunity for Woppaburradescendants to come together todiscuss issues surrounding themanagement of their land and seacountry.

Woppaburra People come together onGreat Keppel Island

GBRMPA’s Dave Lowe, KalairConaghan and Gail Barry alongwith former GBRMPA employeeDarren Butler were there to sharetheir knowledge of the Marine Park.

The Woppaburra People wereinterested in Traditional Use ofMarine Resource Agreements,zoning, and how they could bemore involved in tourism in theMarine Park.

The Woppaburra Peopleextended their thanks to GBRMPAfor their support.


On a recent expedition of the GreatBarrier Reef World Heritage Area,passengers on board the OrionExhibition cruise ship spotted somenet floating in the water with aflipper slapping at the surface.

On closer inspection, passengerssaw a marine turtle trapped in anenormous amount of fishing net.

The crew acted quickly, pulling thedistressed turtle on board the Orionand cutting her free of the net.

High standardtourism operatorsshowcased inJapanThe message about the importanceof high standard tourism operatorsin the Marine Park has gone all theway to Japan.

The Great Barrier Reef Marine ParkAuthority (GBRMPA) worked withTourism Tropical North Queenslandto recognise the high standards ofeco-certified operators at the TokyoMarine Diving Fair.

Run by Ecotourism Australia, thenational Eco Certification programmeidentifies and rewards genuineecotourism and nature tourismproducts throughout Australia.

These high standard Marine Parkoperators receive benefits such aslonger-term permits and increasedexposure through tourism tradedirectories and an up-to-date listingon the GBRMPA website.

To view a current list of certifiedhigh standard operators or to find outhow to become a high standardoperator and make a difference toprotecting and presenting the MarinePark visit www.gbrmpa.gov.au.

After carefully cutting the masses of net fromaround the turtle, she was happy to be free…

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Visitor Information Centre withmore than three paid staff andwith or without volunteersBrisbane – Queen Street MallVisitor Information Centre

New Visitor Information CentreMuseum of Tropical QueenslandVisitor Information Centre –Townsville

The GBRMPA congratulates all thewinners and commends thefantastic job that so many VisitorInformation Centres do in helpingeducate people about the GreatBarrier Reef Marine Park.

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Accoladesawarded foroutstandingachievements

Tourists give turtle second chance

The inaugural Great Barrier ReefMarine Park Authority (GBRMPA)Visitor Information Centre of theYear Awards was recently held inoutback Winton.

The accolades were handed out at aspectacular outback-themed dinnerfollowing the QueenslandInformation Centre Association 2006conference.

WinnersIndividual AwardJune Baker – Tourism Hervey Bay

Visitor Information Centre staffedwith volunteers onlyBabinda Visitor Information Centre

Visitor Information Centre staffedwith up to three paid staff and withor without volunteersRedcliffe Visitor Information Centre –Pelican ParkHighly CommendedBalonne Shire Visitor InformationCentreWondai Visitor Information Centre

When the turtle was first brought onboard, it wasclear she would not have survived if Orion passengers had not spotted her…

From left: Sara Trenerry (GBRMPA), JanetHewitt and Jackie Errington (Brisbane – QueenStreet Mall Visitor Information Centre), RoseSnedden and Fay Rowe (Babinda VisitorInformation Centre), Nicky Young (RedcliffeVisitor Information Centre) and Jodie Conner(Townsville Enterprise) enjoy the awardsnight

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Enjoying some quiet time on board the luxurycruiser…

Before diving back into the water and headingon her way

Orion Exhibition team leaderRobin West said it was such arewarding experience to be able tohelp this precious animal, as it wasclear the turtle would not havesurvived without assistance.

"It’s nice to know that wehumans can be of assistance attimes, particularly as we are thecause of the pollution, such as netsand plastics, that cuts short a largenumber of marine creatures’ lives,"Robin said.


Guardians gogung hoThe Reef Guardian Schoolsprogramme is in full swing this yearwith schools keen to join theprogramme and help protect what isright in their own backyard.

Sign presentations have beenhappening up and down the GreatBarrier Reef coast with schoolscommitted to do what they canwithin their school grounds and theircommunity to help keep the MarinePark sustainable for the future.

Beaconsfield State School inMackay only recently joined theprogramme however Reef GuardianCo-ordinating Teacher AdrianneMifsud said the students had alreadybegun projects to help protect theirenvironment.

"The students were recentlyinvolved in the ‘Clean-Up YourSchools Day’ where they cleaned alocal waterway and park. They havealso been involved in recyclingwithin the school," Adrianne said.

"The students have a display atMt Pleasant Shopping Centreshowing the effects of plastic on theenvironment and we will encouragethe community to take responsibilityand stop using plastics.

"A couple of classes will also travelto Reef HQ in Townsville to learnmore about the Reef and see it upclose."

Students at Woongarra StateSchool have developedenvironmental awareness signsthat will be strategically placedalong the Burnett foreshoreencouraging users of the MarinePark to care for their environment.

As part of the Reef GuardianSchool programme, students frompreschool to grade seven were askedto think of a creative slogan andsign that would help protect theMarine Park.

Woongarra State School ReefGuardian coordinating teacherSue Brennan said she was proud ofthe students’ achievements.

Gladstone South State School are recognised as a Reef Guardian School in 2006

"We arranged to have thestudents’ signs professionallyenlarged and scanned onto metalsigns before presenting them to theBurnett Shire Council at our ReefGuardian Day," Sue said.

"The Council was so impressed bythe students’ work they invitedthem to attend the next councilmeeting to advise of the best placeto put the signs along the Burnettforeshore in order to reach the mostamount of Marine Park users."

The signs cap off a big year forWoongarra State School who stillhad time to stencil gutters in thecommunity with environmentalmessages, be filmed by Totally Wild,paint a mural of ‘Woonette’ theiradopt-a-turtle, enter variousenvironmental competitions andhelp raise money for environmentalcauses.

"Woongarra State School hasbeen involved in the Reef GuardianSchool programme for the pastthree years and the students andcommunity of Woongarra havebenefited greatly from theirinvolvement," Sue said.

"Following a very busy 2005 wewill now rise to the challenge thisyear in finding new and creativeways, along with maintaining theold, to help protect the GreatBarrier Reef Marine Park."

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Sign and slogans connect WoongarraState School to the Marine Park

Slogans included:

Woongarra State School students celebrate theirsign going up in the community with Burnett ShireMayor Raymond Duffy

Preschool Help me survive. See me for life!

Grade 1 Let’s all make a stand, keep the rubbish off our sand!

Grade 2 Use your brains. Take care with what goes down the drains!

Grade 3 Be fantastic. Prohibit all plastic.

Grade 4 Don’t waste it. Just taste it. Be water wise.

Grade 5 Don’t put chemicals in the ocean. They are a poisonous potion!

Grade 6 Leave the sand dunes alone. It’s one of nature’s homes!


More than 200 children from CampQuality and their families will nowbe able to experience the wonders ofthe Great Barrier Reef Marine Park,thanks to the generosity of the GreatBarrier Reef Marine Park Authority(GBRMPA).

The GBRMPA recently donated toCamp Quality more than $15 000,the proceeds of the Eureka Prize forBiodiversity Research and employeefundraising.

The donation will enable tourismoperators in Townsville, Cairns,Yeppoon and the Whitsundays towork with the GBRMPA to providespecial day-long reef trips for the children and their families.

GBRMPA Chairman VirginiaChadwick said the reef trips wouldhelp make a big difference in the livesof the children.

"The GBRMPA is delighted toprovide children and their familieswith an opportunity to experiencethe natural wonders of the MarinePark," she said.

"We are pleased the proceeds ofthe Eureka Prize will be put to gooduse and proud of our employeesbanding together to raise money intheir own time for such aworthwhile cause."

The Botanic Gardens Trust EurekaPrize for Biodiversity Research wasawarded to the GBRMPA foroutstanding contributions to theconservation of Australia'sbiodiversity through theRepresentative Areas Programme.

Employees topped up thedonation to Camp Quality withmore funds raised through a socialclub trivia night last year.

Camp Quality’s North QueenslandArea Manager Lorraine Duvewelcomed the donation from theGBRMPA.

"Fundraising is vital to thecontinued growth of Camp Qualityand we are pleased to accept thiscontribution from the GBRMPA,"she said.

GBMRPA presents CampQuality with a cheque for$15 000. From left to right:Belinda Jago (GBRMPA),Virginia Chadwick (Chair,GBRMPA), Chris Manning(GBRMPA), Jai McKenzie(Camp Quality), Lorraine Duve(Camp Quality) and JohnTanzer (Executive Director,GBRMPA) END

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Dr Peter William Arnold1949 – 2006Local marine scientist, Dr PeterArnold, was a softly spokengentleman, whose enthusiasm,amazing breadth and depth ofknowledge, and willingness toshare information will be sadlymissed.

In a tribute to Peter’s dedicationto marine science, the Great BarrierReef Marine Park Authority wouldlike to acknowledge theachievements and passion Peterdisplayed throughout his career.

Townsville scientist remembered for his contributionsto the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park

Peter was born on 14 May 1949 inNova Scotia, Canada. He successfullyacquired a Bachelor of Science(Honours Biology) and Masters ofScience (Aquatic Science) in Canadabefore moving to Townsville in 1974,where he completed his PhD at JamesCook University in 1979.

Peter worked as a research officerand then as an associate lecturer atJames Cook University from 1979 to1985, before taking up the position ofSenior Curator, Tropical NaturalHistory at the Museum of TropicalQueensland where he worked foralmost 20 years.

Peter’s most recent achievementsinclude the identification of a newspecies of dolphin, the Australiansnubfin dolphin. This new species wasthe first new mammal species to beidentified in more than half a century.

Peter also made major contributionsto the biology of dwarf minke whalesin the far northern Great Barrier Reefand the identification and mapping ofseabed biodiversity throughout theGreat Barrier Reef. At the time of hisdeath, Peter was close to identifying anew subspecies of the dwarf minkewhale.

Peter’s breadth of interest inmarine science and his thirst forknowledge led to him beingconsidered a world expert on manyspecies, from large marine mammalsdown to deep sea organisms such asbryozoans.

Due to his expert knowledge,Peter had established collaborationsaround the world with otherscientists, as well as educating andsupervising many students over theyears.

Peter died suddenly on 7 March2006. His ashes will be spread overthe Ribbon Reefs, home of thedwarf minke whales on the GreatBarrier Reef, and in Canada.

The Great Barrier Reef MarinePark Authority offers their sincerecondolences to Peter’s family,friends and colleagues.

Thank you to Dr Alastair Birtlesfrom James Cook University forproviding some of the informationcontained in this article.

"The full-day boat trips will seethe children and their familiessnorkelling or viewing the coralfrom glass bottom boats. It will bea fun, interesting and excitingexperience for them."

Camp Quality kids to experience the Reef up-close

Rare white turtlenow on show atReef HQ

Reef HQ Aquarium, welcomed itsnewest addition recently aunique "white" green turtlehatchling.

The turtle has been diagnosedas Amelanotic, meaning it has alack of melanin (pigment). Thiscondition causes the turtle toappear completely white incolour, similar to an albino.

Queensland Parks and WildlifeSenior Conservation Officer IanBell said such a skin condition isuncommon and unlikely to beseen as Amelanotic turtles rarelysurvive in the wild.

"They stand out in theirnatural environment andtherefore are an obvious target forpredators," he said.

Whilst the shell has gained asmall amount of colour, the bodyof the turtle is white in colourand this is not expected tochange.

Reef HQ Aquarium intends tocontinue caring for the turtle, andhas now placed it on display forthe general public to view.

Reef HQ is located at2–68 Flinders Street, Townsvilleand is open from 9.30am to5.00pm, seven days a week,everyday of the year exceptChristmas Day.


Lucky T hits the Road

Alaskan studentsdiscover Reefthrough videotechnologyReef HQ Education Manager FredNucifora said 31 students fromremote northern Alaska recentlyexperienced the Great Barrier Reefwithout stepping outside theirclassroom.

Fred said the experience was madepossible thanks to ReefVideoconferencing technology beingused at the Education Department ofReef HQ Aquarium, Townsville.

"Venetie is a small and remoteAthabaskan Indian village locatedapproximately 56 miles above theArctic Circle," Fred said.

"The local school district has thisyear installed videoconferencingtechnology to enable teachers tointroduce students to the outsideworld."

Ms Gretchen Frank, a teacher atJohn Fredson School, said she wasthrilled at the possibility of openingup the world to her students.

"With a total population of 200,our village culture is focused onsubsistence that includes hunting,trapping and fishing. However,technology is a key educational toolfor the school," Gretchen said.

ENDEND

Fred, who fields videoconferencingenquiries from schools around theworld, said this was the most remotelocation his team had contacted viavideoconference.

"The John Fredson School is anexample of how distance is no longera barrier to education," he said.

"Reef Videoconferencing providesstudents with an opportunity tointeract live with a scuba diver andsee thousands of reef creatures.

"These children may not have theopportunity to visit the Great BarrierReef, but through a ReefVideoconference they have everyopportunity to appreciate it and discover what makes it so unique."

Since Reef HQ began offering aReef Videoconference programme,the number of schools from acrossthe globe experiencing the GreatBarrier Reef has grown.

The Reef Videoconferences areconducted from the depths of boththe predator and coral reef exhibitsof the Aquarium. Using anunderwater camera, staff can bringpeople from around the world upclose to a wide variety of marine lifeand corals whilst also providing livecommentary.

"Our videoconferencing programmehas been running for six years nowand with more and more educationalfacilities installing the technology,schools across the world are now ableto experience the Reef," Fred said.

The newest addition to Reef HQ

Lucky T Turtle recently headed outthroughout the Townsville regionas part of a joint tourismcampaign involving Reef HQ,Townsville Enterprise Limitedand the Townsville Bulletin.

Entitled "Where in the North isLucky T Turtle?" the campaign isdesigned to promote Lucky T as an Lucky T goes swimming at

Crystal Creek

Lucky T ‘fishing’

Although the snow was falling outside these Alaskan students experienced the wonders of the Great Barrier Reef from inside the four walls of their classroom

ambassador for Reef HQ andeducate locals about the amazingdestinations right in their ownbackyard. The aim of the programmeis to encourage more people todiscover their local region.

The series of photos andinformation on each destination willappear in the Townsville Bulletinfrom June 2006.


Profile of Regional Liaison Manager – Northern

David Briggs

David Briggs is the RegionalLiaison Manager – Northern, basedin Townsville and covering thearea from south of Tully to theBurdekin.

Although new to the role, tak-ing up the position in Februarythis year, David will be a familiarface to some as he is returning toGBRMPA for a second time afterworking as a Planning Officer forfour years from 1989 to 1993.

"GBRMPA was a fabulous placeto work when I was here last andI had no hesitation coming back.The people are so friendly anddedicated to their work," Davidsaid.

Sea Snakes• Sea snakes are reptiles. They are

related to land snakes, lizards, turtles and crocodiles.

• They give birth to live young in the sea.

• Sea snakes breath air but can usually stay under water for about 20 or 30 minutes before coming upfor a breath.

• About 15 types of sea snake occur within the Great Barrier Reef waters.

• Sea snakes have a poisonous ‘bite’ that paralyses their prey. They carrysome of the most potent poisons known in the animal kingdom but they have small fangs and are not normally aggressive animals.

• Sea snakes are on display at Reef HQ Aquarium, Townsville.

David was attracted to his currentposition as he likes to work with awide variety of people and tries tounderstand their perspective.

"This position is flexible and I canbe involved in all aspects ofmanaging the Marine Park,"David said.

"Most importantly though, I wantto assist the community to be a partof its management and to beenthusiastic about the protection ofthe Marine Park and theenvironment."

David has previously worked forthe Queensland Parks and WildlifeService in Rockhampton, ShoalwaterBay Commission of Inquiry, and the

University of Queensland. Mostrecently, he was with theEnvironmental Protection Agencyin the planning and policy group.

David is happy to be back up innorth Queensland as he loves therelaxed lifestyle it offers and theincredible diversity of landscapes.

"I love living in Townsville as itis the right balance of city andcountry," David said.

David has two boys and enjoysall sports and music. He says hispersonal goal is for his family tohave a good life and to try to leavethings better than he found them.

END

Creature Feature Doing your bit to look after it!

Litter on our beaches and within the Marine Park can be a significantdanger to wildlife. Turtles, dolphins and whales have died after mistakingfloating plastic bags for food and eating them. Fish, birds and marinemammals often become entangled in fishing debris. Help keep the MarinePark free of litter by following these responsible reef practices:

Do not throw rubbish (such as foodscraps, plastic, paper, fishing gear andcigarette butts) overboard – take it backto shore for proper disposal.

Secure all loose articles, clothing andtowels on the deck, to prevent themblowing off or accidentally fallingoverboard.

Collect all litter from the Marine Parkwhen you see it.

Retrieve all entangled fishing gear andanything accidentally droppedoverboard.

Have plenty of properly secured binsand rubbish bags on board and usethem.

Do not throw travelsick bags over theside of the vessel – this is illegal.

Minimise packaging and pre-packagedfood when heading out on the water.


Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority2-68 Flinders StreetPO Box 1379Townsville Qld 4810

Phone: (07) 4750 0700Fax: (07) 4772 6093Email: [email protected]

If you do not wish to receive this newsletter in thefuture or if you would like to receive this newsletter via email instead of as a hard copy, please [email protected] or phone the GBRMPA on(07) 4750 0700.

GBRMPA

Calendar ofevents

When asked what he loves most about his job Steve Sharpe’sreply could make you green with envy.

"Like many people, my partner and I have always dreamedof one day being able to live on a tropical island. Now we areboth living that dream. What more could you ask for?"

Steve Sharpe is the caretaker at Low Isles; a four-acre coralcay situated on a large oval 500-acre coral platform andsituated only 15 kilometres north-east of Port Douglas.

Low Isles is in a Green Zone, therefore Steve’s presence onthe island helps to ensure the rules are abided by.

"I do not have the powers of a Marine Park ranger butmanage by informing people of the rules and submittingincident reports when required. I also maintain the island andtrain volunteers to help out when needed."

Steve moved to Low Isles in 2003 from the East Kimberleyand has grown to love tropical north Queensland.

"It is not unlike the Kimberley. The people are friendly, theenvironment is spectacular and the local community have adesire to protect their region.

"The special part about our lifestyle is that we can wake upin the morning and head to the outer Reef to catch a gourmetselection of fish, or we can head to the mainland and beimmersed in amazing rainforests."

As caretaker of Low Isles, Steve has regular contact withgroups and industry that have an interest in the island.

"The Low Isles Preservation Society regularly consult me foradvice on how things are going on the island and how theycan assist or get involved in any projects. Often I may beemployed on a casual basis to assist the tourist operatorswhen they are busy, and the University of Queensland have aresearch facility on the island and they often request myassistance for certain projects.

"I also volunteer my time with such programmes as thewater quality sampling programme run by the GBRMPA.There is currently a sampler set up in the Low Isles lagoonwhich I change over on a monthly basis."

Steve says surprisingly he does not use the Marine Park forrecreational purposes as much as what he would like but thathe is always kept busy on the island.

"My partner Louise has two girls who go to boarding schoolin Cairns but come home most weekends, I have twodaughters who visit the island regularly and in addition to allof that we have an amazing little 13 month old baby boy. Sobetween all the kids, and maintaining and managing theisland, we certainly never get bored."

Steve’s personal goal is not unlike his working goal: toensure Low Isles remains as beautiful as it is today and toalways appreciate the special opportunity he has been givenin looking after a piece of paradise.

Month of May 2006

03 May 2006

04 May 2006

09 May 2006

10 May 2006

22 May 2006

05 June 2006

08 June 2006

Mackay Whitsundays Healthy Waterways Month

Gladstone LMAC meeting

Burnett Mary LMAC meeting

Hinchinbrook LMAC meeting

Misssion Beach LMAC meeting

International Biodiversity Day

World Environment Day

World Oceans Day

contacts

A profile of

Steve SharpeCaretaker at Low Isles

14 June 2006

Cairns LMAC meeting

an historic agreement for the traditional inside use of ... › __data › assets › pdf_file ›...

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