Description:
Students
involved in this program would be given the opportunity to
actively participate in a study of the Expatriation of
Tropical Fishes South of their Geographic Range. Each year
towards the end of summer a suite of colourful tropical
reef fish species appear along the coastline of NSW. These
‘tropical vagrants’ bought south by the warm
East Australian Current (EAC) settle in coastal bays and
estuaries as far south as Merimbula on the Far South Coast.
Alas as the seasons change and the EAC slows down the warm
water is replaced by cooler Bass Strait water and our
vagrants eventually perish in the cooler months of June and
July.
Our
study aims to scientifically document this phenomenon and
attempts to better understand some of the mysteries
surrounding this annual occurrence. Such questions include;
where is the point of origin of these species? Why do some
tropical species regularly appear well outside their range
whilst other species are rarely if ever observed? Which
factors contribute to the occurrence of ‘hot
spots’? Hot spots are areas with particularly high
species diversity and abundance compared to surrounding
waters, (Bar Beach is a hot spot).
This
study is led by Marine Ecologist Professor David Booth, one
of Australia’s leading experts on tropical reef fish,
and Dr Will Figurea from The University ofTechnology
Sydney. The Tropical Reef Fish Recruitment Study is now in
its 5th
year and
monitors a number of study sites along the south coast of
NSW. The data collected at these sites includes; precise
arrival times of new recruits, diversity and abundance of
species, collecting specimens for chemical and genetic
analysis and recording local weather events that influence
fish recruitment. An opportunity exists for students to
acquire real hands on marine science experience
participating in some of these activities.
The
methodology employed to gather data involves regular visual
underwater surveys using snorkelling equipment. Study sites
are approximately 10m x 30m. The size, type and number of
each tropical species within the study site are recorded,
and samples of fish are collected, using hand nets, for
further analysis.
After
some initial coaching on snorkelling technique and tropical
fish identification, (could be done at Merimbula Aquarium),
students could participate in tropical fish surveys. Our
scientific research collection permits also includes any
students under our direct supervision. The two most
important study sites are situated at Bar Beach and another
site further inside Merimbula Lake. Both of these sites are
in relatively shallow water 0.5m to 2.5m, and are able to
be snorkelled in most conditions making them suitable for
school groups.
Students
could join in marine research ‘Looking for
Nemo’ in this beautiful and important South Coast
location. This study reinforces the links between our
reefs, oceans, estuaries and coastal lands so whilst
students will gain a greater understanding of the EAC and
the marine biodiversity in their backyards they will also
be introduced to themes such as ‘Whole of
Catchment’ and ‘Systems’ approach to
Environmental Management.
NRM Focus:
•
Coast & Marine (Coasts & Estuary
Management, Biodiversity, Research)
Target Audience: Secondary students
Host organisation(s): Sapphire Coast
Marine Discovery Centre
Contact Information:
Project Co-Ordinator: Jenny Robb
Email: edenmarine@begavalley.nsw.gov.au
or jenny@edenmarinediscovery.org.au
Mobile: 0429 961047
Web
Address: http://www.edenmarinediscovery.org.au/