Ecosystem monitoring in different management zones within the Jurien Bay Marine Park - results of 2004 surveys.

Densities of fishes, macroinvertebrates, corals and plants on subtidal rocky reefs within the Jurien Bay Marine Park (JBMP) were surveyed at 42 sites in October and November 2004. At the time of survey, JBMP had been created but legislation to implement the zoning scheme and hence enforce fishing restrictions was not in place. Survey data obtained in 2004 thus represent baseline conditions.

Monitoring surveys utilised the same underwater visual census techniques as used in monitoring programmes operating concurrently in Tasmania, New South Wales, South Australia and Victoria, forming part of a continental-scale study of the effectiveness of marine protected areas (MPAs). Twenty-five JBMP sites had been censused previously in 1999, 2000 and 2003, providing a detailed time series of baseline data. Following recommendations outlined in the 2003 report (Edgar et al. 2003), the monitoring program was considerably expanded in 2004 to encompass additional sites in the outer reef region and in inshore sanctuary zones, and data on rock lobsters were obtained from eight rather than four 50 m x 1 m transect blocks at each site.