Title: Flinders Reef Ecological Assessment (FREA)

Project time frame: June 2016- December 2017

Flinders Reef (Australia’s second best dive site) is a sub-tropical reef located just off Moreton Island, roughly 2 hours from Brisbane. It has a special place in Australia’s marine ecosystem, being the most southerly true coral reef, yet comprehensive baseline ecological data and detailed maps for Flinders Reef has not been collected. We aim to conduct a detailed monitoring of the flora and fauna at Flinders Reef using ReefCheck, Coral Watch methods and mapping methods used in previous projects. This will assist with reporting on the health of Brisbane waterways and how they impact the local coastal environment. Project findings will be made publicaly accessible through a report, maps and data sets. It will provide a basis to understand and track changes supporting management plans for waterway and coastal health, particularly East Moreton Bay. Next to that it will support the local dive industry with maps and raise public awareness of the local reef environment.

Methods: Phase 1, trained of 50 UniDive members with Reef Check and Coral Watch survey techniques working through academic, pool and open water sessions which were mostly done in 2016.

Phase 2, will continue training, and include ecological surveys during March-April and Sept-October 2017, and day trips during April-Sept. 2017. At Flinders reef 8 sites will be surveyed in the two periods, and mapping will take place all year long. Surveys includes are conducted along 100 m transect surveys based on Reef Check and Coral Watch and focus on fish, invert, coral state, bottom type, and impact. Detailed maps of Flinders Reef will be created using previous developed methods. Photos and video will be acquired to document the beauty of the site and the project itself. It’s expected that 50 divers will be involved in the actual surveys and over 500 dives will be made during 2017, collecting over 50 parameters to characterise the reefs.

Results of will be compared with similar projects done by UniDive at Point Lookout, and finding will be disseminated to the broadest audience possible (management agencies, dive shops, community groups), utilising a range of reporting styles and mediums (reports, pamphlets, videos and social media, and coffee table book).

Funding and support Currently the project gained $18000,- funding from Dreamstarter Crowed Sourcing, Minister of Environment and GBR office, Healthy Waterways, local companies and left over funding past projects. 

How to get involved: Check your email & facebook for activities. The project will attract a variety of presentation and project discussion. Although the main training has been conducted and most spots will be occupied on the surveys, it is definitely worth while to attend, and learn. There is always a chance there are spots left.

For any information please email project organiser Chris Roelfsema.