south-east marine park
a science-driven path to protection
When the South-east Network was first established, there was very little known about what lay beneath these isolated and remote waters. 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. Grounded in adaptive management principles, the plan centres on the protection of biodiversity, conservation of cultural and natural values, and support for sustainable use. This reflects a commitment to evolving practices that align conservation with ongoing scientific insights.
“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”
- Associate Professor Neville Barrett of IMAS and the Great Southern Reef Research Partnership
Evolving Knowledge, Expanding Protection
Over the last 15 years, extensive research has transformed our understanding of the South-east Marine Park network. Using methods like BRUVS (Baited Remote Underwater Video Systems), AUVs (Autonomous Underwater Vehicles) and ROVs (Remotely Operated Vehicles) deployments to multibeam mapping—scientists have built a clearer picture of the diverse habitats within these parks, particularly in shelf waters and the shelf-break where most human activities occur. Standardised methods, like BRUVS, now provide consistent data for describing and monitoring deeper ecosystems over time, enabling a more comprehensive understanding of the biological values of the parks, future changes in marine biodiversity and what causes this. This foundational work has guided the current management plans and provided a monitoring framework that sets the stage for effective, long-term protection of these habitats via adaptive management, informed by robust science.
“The groundwork has been done and we now know a bit about what’s out there, particularly on the deeper reef systems of the Great Southern Reef, but we need to know more about the drivers of what we see. How do these ecosystems change over time? And what causes the changes we see?” Barrett explained, highlighting the importance of ongoing research and monitoring efforts to fully realise the vision of the Draft Management Plan.
Sanctuaries: A Proven Tool for Building Resilience
Marine sanctuaries are proven tools for protecting biodiversity and fostering resilience. They also play a critical role as scientific reference areas to allow us to better assess human impacts in adjacent areas with lower levels of protection.
Researchers have applauded the draft Management Plan’s proposal to increase sanctuary zones across biologically significant areas. This expanded network of sanctuary zones help shield sensitive habitats from extractive activities and create refuges that bolster ecosystem resilience, ensuring sustainable benefits for future generations.
deep water discoveries
Earlier this year, scientists on a return journey to Beagle Marine Park in central Bass Strait made an extraordinary discovery.
Thousands of sleepy Port Jackson sharks were found blanketing the seafloor, captured by a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) deployed from the SARDI research vessel MRV Ngerin. The two-week survey, led by the University of Tasmania's IMAS, revisited the area to observe changes since their first survey six years ago.
This incredible find showcases the importance of continued research and exploration in our marine parks.
Image and Footage by NESP-IMAS (learn more).
nutrient hotspots
The South East region is relatively low in nutrients and primary productivity; however, in some locations, water bodies converge, mix and rise close to the surface to create areas of enhanced primary productivity, which support aggregations of pelagic marine life. Examples include the Bonney Upwelling and the upwelling east of Eden.
West Sprigg Canyon, the deepest and one of the largest, is about 60 km long, 30 km wide and 2 km deep. Upwelling of nutrient-rich waters occur in this area, which is a feeding and nursing aggregation area for endangered pygmy blue whales and likely a sperm whale feeding area.
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
commitments to long-term protection
commitments to Enhanced Monitoring of Pelagic Species in Flinders Marine Park-term protection
The decision to permit restricted pelagic fishing in certain off-shelf areas within Flinders Marine Park marks a shift from previous protections in the offshore sanctuary zone, raising important considerations for pelagic species. This change highlights the need for robust, data-driven monitoring to ensure the new arrangements align with the park's conservation values. Consistent, targeted monitoring will allow scientists to track population dynamics and assess how pelagic fishing activities may impact the ecological balance within these waters. Moving forward, bolstering these monitoring frameworks is essential to provide continuous insights into species health, supporting sustainable practices that protect the unique marine biodiversity of Flinders Marine Park.
Proposed sanctuary upgrades in 2024 include critical reef ecosystems, such as the calcified dune reefs in Beagle Marine Park, the basalt lava flow reefs in Franklin’s northern section, and the canyon-incised shelf-break reefs of Flinders. This focus on protecting shelf to shelf-break reefs demonstrates a commitment to safeguarding unique ecological communities and highlights a promising commitment to the long-term protection of marine biodiversity.
While the Draft Management Plan makes significant advancements in reef protection, extending certain sanctuary zones could further enhance biodiversity resilience. Joe’s Reef, for example, is designated as a new sanctuary zone in the proposal, protecting its recognised biodiversity hotspot with unique communities of sponges, corals, and benthic species that thrive along the continental shelf. However, extending the proposed sanctuary seaward to include adjacent shelf-break reef systems—areas identified for their own significant biodiversity values—would help address an important gap. This minor adjustment would ensure that these critical ecosystems receive adequate protection within the South-east Marine Park network.
A Future Built on Science and Stewardship
The progress made in researching and understanding the South-east Marine Park reflects the value of prioritising science in marine management. By supporting the Draft Management Plan’s strengths—such as increased sanctuary protections and a foundation for ongoing scientific monitoring—there is an opportunity to celebrate and build upon these achievements. Championing these positive steps ensures that the South-east Marine Park will continue to evolve through sound stewardship, scientific insight, and dedicated protection of these unique marine ecosystems.
