GSR's newest Marine Park, cancer-fighting sponges
Welcome to this month’s edition of the GSRF newsletter, bringing you the latest on new marine protections, exciting research, and community-driven initiatives. In this issue, we celebrate the long-awaited launch of WA’s South Coast Marine Park, share important updates on the South-east Marine Park Draft Management Plan, and dive into research exploring cancer-fighting compounds in temperate sponges. Plus, we introduce a new children’s book, showcase inspiring regional education events, and spotlight our feature creator.
Image: Ian DonatoWA's new South Coast Marine Park
More than 30 years after it was first proposed, Western Australia’s South Coast Marine Park has arrived. Around 20% of state waters along 1000 km of Great Southern Reef will now be fully protected in marine sanctuaries. Until now, there has been no protection in state waters for this richly diverse marine environment.
We’re thrilled to see iconic offshore islands, including Salisbury and Cooper, recognised with the much-needed sanctuary protection they deserve. The park will be jointly managed with Traditional Owners—a significant and meaningful aspect of its stewardship.
Slow growing, long-life fish like the Harlequinfish strongly benefit from sanctuary zones. This new park is a big win for the Great Southern Reef. Explore the new park boundaries via this interactive map available here. Final management zones will come into operation in late 2026.
South East Marine Park Submissions
As we approach the 14th November deadline for public submissions on the South-east Marine Park’s Draft Management Plan, it’s worth reflecting on just how far we’ve come. When the South-east Network was first established, there was very little known about what lay beneath these isolated and remote waters.
Baited cameras (BRUVS) help researchers understand our deeper offshore systems. Thanks to the dedication of marine scientists and through support from Parks Australia and the various Marine Biodiversity Hubs since the network was established, we’re now better informed and have powerful tools and methodologies to understand and protect these rich and unique marine ecosystems.
The Draft Management Plan provides a forward-looking framework for managing the South-east Marine Parks Network from 2025 to 2035 and is open for public input until this Thursday, the 14th November. By taking a few minutes to participate, you’ll help reinforce the importance of sanctuary protections, scientific monitoring, and sustainable management for the South-east Marine Park.
“Our scientific studies have been utilised in the formation of these plans and I’m super proud of the tremendous amount of science we have done that has contributed.”
Read more in our new article.
New Insights into Freycinet and Huon Marine Parks
A recent study using Baited Remote Underwater Stereo Video (BRUV) and Remote Operated Vehicle (ROV) surveys in Freycinet and Huon Marine Parks has yielded new insights into the biodiversity of fish communities across different habitats.
These surveys identified notable species, such as jackass morwong, striped trumpeter, and rock lobsters, thriving in areas like Joe’s Reef and shelf-break reefs. Habitat complexity was found to significantly influence fish assemblages, with structurally rich areas like rocky reefs supporting a broader range of species. These findings offer a robust baseline to monitor ecosystem changes and guide future conservation measures in these marine parks.
Supporting Restoration with Genetic Data
Restoration projects are often hindered by a lack of accessible genetic data. Genetic diversity is vital for the resilience of marine habitats, but until now, there has been no central resource for marine restoration teams to access and apply this information.
The new Reef Adapt webtool supports restoration teams to select appropriate and genetically diverse source stock for their projects, encouraging healthy, self-sustaining populations. This tool puts genetic information directly into the hands of restoration practitioners, paving the way for long-term marine ecosystem health.
“We hope this will help marine managers and restoration practitioners make informed decisions, enhance success of their projects and ultimately, help bolster ecosystem resilience.”
Uncovering Cancer-Fighting Compounds in Sponges
The Busselton Jetty, Australia's largest artificial reef, offers a unique ecosystem, housing over 300 marine species and a largely unexplored diversity of temperate sponges. Scientists from the University of Western Australia (UWA) have embarked on an innovative research project to discover cancer-fighting compounds in these sponges.
Lead researcher Dr. Darren Holland explains that, while sponges from other parts of the world have already contributed to cancer treatments, research on Western Australia's sponges is still in its early stages. This initial phase involves collecting and screening extracts from about 20 sponge species to evaluate their potential anti-cancer properties, with promising implications for the rich sponge diversity across the Great Southern Reef. [read more]
New GSR Picture Book
Growing Up on the Great Southern Reef by Sarah Broughton and Lily Barnett takes young readers on an underwater adventure alongside cousins Indie and Alfie. Together, they discover the beauty and diversity of an extraordinary ecosystem, home to giant kelp forests, unique seaweeds, sponges, crustaceans, molluscs, and over 700 species of fish found only along the Great Southern Reef. To purchase your own copy of the book click here.
“Through this book, we hope to spark curiosity and a sense of stewardship in young readers, inspiring them to learn about and protect this vital marine ecosystem.”
New Partnership Brings First Nations Perspectives to Kingston SE History
The "Telling the Whole Story" project in South Australia, aims to represent Indigenous perspectives on the 1840 massacre of Maria shipwreck survivors. In partnership with First Nations leaders and the National Trust, the project will place interpretive signs, a new sculpture, and a native garden near the original 1966 monument, which only reflects a colonial viewpoint. First Nations Meintangk People led the project and included Elder and Custodian Irene Watson, Tamara Pomery and Kirrakee Watson. Supported by the local council, the project seeks to create a balanced narrative that includes Indigenous experiences and cultural significance.
“this project brings attention to our magnificent sacred kelp forests...”
In collaboration with ecological advisors and the local council, the project will also restore native vegetation around Maria Creek, reflecting the area's original landscape. This open-air historical site will offer both locals and visitors a deeper connection to the region's Aboriginal heritage and environment, while the sacred kelp forests off the coast—vital to both culture and ecosystem—serve as a reminder of the area's enduring relationship with the sea. This initiative will bring Aboriginal stories and land stewardship practices to the forefront of South Australia's historical narrative.
The launch of the new signage, monument and native garden will be on Friday, Nov 15, 2024.
Inspiring Young Ocean Stewards in Regional WA
Last month, GSRF education ambassador Charlotte Krause led inspiring sessions during Hopetoun Marine Week in regional WA, engaging over 200 students and their teachers across three days. Students and educators from five schools participated in hands-on activities and interactive discussions, exploring the importance of the Great Southern Reef.
Learn more about Charlotte's work here.
NSW Marine Education and Engagement Community of Practice
Are you working to improve ocean literacy in your community? The new NSW Marine Education and Engagement Community of Practice aims to better connect with the large body of marine education and engagement work taking place up and down the NSW coast and with the people involved.
At the group's online meeting on December 5, you'll hear from GSR ocean Literacy specialist Catia Freitas. Register for the session here.
Feature Creator: Nicolas Remy
This month's feature creator Nicolas Remy focuses on creating photographs that go beyond aesthetics, aiming to connect with the public and raise awareness about the fragile ecosystems he documents including the Great Southern Reef.
Remy's award winning photo of a Crested Hornshark with Port Jackson shark egg. Get inspired by more imagery from our previous feature creators including Ian Donato who contributed this month's issues cover image via the GSRF image bank.