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Short film: Sunshine Coast’s first marine biodiversity assessment

We were thrilled to be invited by the folks at the Noosa Integrated Catchment Association (NICA) to participate in the first marine biodiversity assessment of the Sunshine Coast’s near shore reefs—our local waters. We filmed the survey, provided some extra species records, and made a video presentation at the public forum that followed the study. It was a great experience to work with these scientists. Here’s the short documentary we produced…

The scientists—lead by Lyndon DeVantier (the coral guy) and David Williamson (the fish guy)—performed 45-minute swims and recorded every species they saw. They logged the size and numbers of commercial species. They also noted a variety of coral health stats such as percentage cover, live coral versus dead coral, and any presence of predators or disease. Dave towed a surface GPS (strapped to a floating boogie board); it recorded the route and distance covered so that the survey can be repeated at a later date, and any changes can be accurately compared.

—Josh

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Gail Riches
29 days ago

Great work! Next steps – sustainable fisheries management plan (e.g. zoning), Reefs of Hope super coral nurseries at Old Woman Island, a grey nurse shark critical habitat site protection (Wobby Rock) as well as removal of outdated shark nets (replaced by drone technology operated by life guards).

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