Kangaroo Island's blue ocean under the spotlight

Kangaroo Island's beautiful marine and coastal environments are attracting a growing tourism industry and increasing numbers of residents. Added to this, the island's fish provide a valuable resource for commercial fishers.

While these activities benefit the local community, they also pose potential threats to the natural assets that support them.

To monitor this situation, the Kangaroo Island Natural Resources Board initiated the Oceans of Blue project in 2004.

Funding

The Australian Government has provided the Board with $386,000 for this project. Support has also come from the South Australian Department of Environment and Heritage and Primary Industries and Resources South Australia.

Expert advice has come from staff from the Flinders University Marine Biology Department and the South Australian Research and Development Institute Aquatic Sciences.

Activities

“The project aims to monitor and manage marine and coastal assets,” Martine Kinloch, NRM Board Coast and Marine program Manager said. “These include seagrass meadows, sub tidal rocky reefs, intertidal areas, coastal cliffs, sand dunes, and sea and shore birds such as Sea Eagles and Ospreys.
 
“No comprehensive assessment work had been done previously. We wanted to evaluate and document the condition of coastal, estuarine and marine biodiversity, as well as threats like increased development and pollution, marine pests, increased recreational fishing, and more access by humans.

“We have had great support from the local community, with volunteers helping us sort through seagrass samples, conduct intertidal monitoring, assist with boat and dive operations, and with censuses of the Kingscote penguin colony.”

Achievements

The project has produced a valuable record – including data on more than 100 coastal bird species and hundreds of fish and invertebrate species – and will detect any changes in the health or abundance of monitored species.

“It gives us a benchmark for gauging trends, so that we can determine how species are responding to pressures,” Martine said.

The program is now conducting a recreational fishing survey, which will provide information to help in managing fish stocks. An assessment of King Island estuary health will begin soon.

Community education, including working with school students has also been an important part of Oceans of Blue.

“We've held community Reef Watch events, which have been met with incredible enthusiasm,” Martine said. “Working with students is not only great education for them, but if we help provide scientific rigour to their studies, we will be able to share the results.”

More information

1. Martine Kinloch, Coast and Marine Project Manager, Kangaroo Island Natural Resource Management Board: (08) 8553 4980 or kinloch.martine@bigpond.com

Australian Government NRM Team
GPO Box 787
Canberra ACT 2601 Australia
1800 552 008 (toll-free)

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Caring for our Country is an Australian Government initiative jointly administered by the Australian Government departments of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry and the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts