Launch of two-volume report on study on Abrolhos Islands

8/5/97

The unique marine flora and fauna of Western Australia's Abrolhos Islands has now been recorded and documented following a three-year WA and international scientific study.

A two-volume report has resulted from the study and will be launched by Fisheries Minister Monty House in Geraldton tonight.

Twenty WA and overseas scientists conducted their original survey work at the islands during a two-week period in 1994, using specially fitted Fisheries Department boats.

The survey was part of an international series of workshops held in Western Australia, the Northern Territory and Hong Kong and was designed to quickly generate scientific data on the marine biology of the area. Work was centred on Beacon Island but also included the Easter Group. The information was then compiled into 24 reports and reviewed by the WA Museum.

"This publication is a vital addition to the knowledge base for current and future users of the Abrolhos Islands," Mr House said.

"While the Islands are an important sector of WA's fishing industry, they are also valuable to us from an environmental and ecological perspective.

"The report will be circulated internationally to clearly stamp the Abrolhos on the scientific map of the world."

Mr House said the report added much needed information not only on the oceanography of the area, new species of worms, molluscs and hydroids, but also on fish recruitment processes.

He congratulated the Fisheries Department and WA Museum for their collaborative efforts in supporting the study. While in Geraldton, the Minister will also launch a dive trail at the Islands and a new visitors' guide.

The 150m-long dive trail is in the Beacon Island reef observation area, adjacent to the northern end of Long Island. The trail is centred on two large coral formations (bomboras coral, 'porites' species) which are home to large populations of attractive fish such as coral trout, baldchin gropher and lion fish. The average depth of the trail is five to six metres and can be dived on SCUBA or by free diving.

"The dive trail is part of the Fisheries Department's continuing efforts to develop some of the attractions at the Islands so that more people can come to appreciate its beauty and value to the State," Mr House said.

"The new visitors' guide also contains information on the interesting sites to visit and how to do so safely."

Media contact: Nicole Trigwell 08 9481 2044