Abrolhos Islands receive top marks in marine 'health report'

7/6/02
One of Western Australia's premier natural attractions, the Houtman Abrolhos Islands off the coast of Geraldton, remain relatively unaffected by human activity, according to a new report.
Fisheries Minister Kim Chance, in whom the islands are vested, today released a report on the health of the islands' marine environment and a corresponding strategic research plan aimed at ensuring future sustainable ecological management of the unique area.
The report's findings are consistent with previous comment by Australian and international scientists that the islands and fragile coral reefs are in a healthy condition.
The 12-month study, funded by the Fisheries Research and Development Corporation (FRDC), assessed the natural and human-use impacts on a wide range of marine habitats at the Abrolhos due to the increasing development of commercial interests like tourism and aquaculture.
Mr Chance said the study found natural weather conditions had a far greater physical impact on shaping the marine habitats of the 122 low-lying islands and reefs, compared with the effects of human activities.
"Commercial fishing activities like rock lobster potting, scallop trawling, fin-fishing and pearl aquaculture farming do not appear to be having a significant impact on the Abrolhos marine communities in comparison to exposure to storms, cyclone events and wind and swell," he said.
The findings from the study were presented and discussed at a public forum in Geraldton last July. A scientific workshop attended by key stakeholders and scientists that followed the public workshop formulated the strategic research plan.
Mr Chance said the report's findings reflected favourably on current management practices that had contributed to the successful ongoing management of the islands.
"The findings mean the public can have real confidence in the quality of management at the Abrolhos by the Department of Fisheries," he said.
"It is also a vindication of the Gallop Government's firm pre-election undertaking that the island's management will remain indefinitely with Fisheries."
Mr Chance said the research plan was largely consistent with requirements previously identified in the 1998 Abrolhos Islands Management Plan.
"While the suggestion is that much of the future specialised research will be undertaken by expert bodies such as the Department of Fisheries and the Australian Institute of Marine Science, it is expected the work will also involve many organisations with considerable local community involvement wherever possible," he said.
The Minister said he would now refer the research plan to the Abrolhos Islands Management Advisory Committee (AIMAC) to set priorities for the suggested projects.
"The information flowing from that research will ensure the Abrolhos remains a sustainable multiple-use resource for conservation, tourism, aquaculture and commercial and recreational fishing," he said.
Minister's office: 9213 6700