EST

• Investigations


  • Conducted safely, competently and methodically for the collection of reliable data
  • Using ecosystem surveying techniques and line transects
• Sampling


  Selecting the group that you will actually collect data from in your research
• Random Sampling


  • Gives an example of what is happening over a large period of time or space by only looking at a small amount of ocean
  • Ensures researcher bias is not in place so results can be generalized to the wider population or area of research
• Quadrat Sampling


  • A portable frame used to mark a quadrant
  • Uses a series of set squares placed in habitats to identify and record the species inside
• Transect Sampling


  • Transect lines are used by scientists to estimate the number of species, items etc. in a certain area
  • A straight line is run along a set distance
• Mark/capture/recapture


  • Particular species are caught, tagged or marked, and then released back into the environment
  • Data such as length, age, weight and reproduction can be recorded
• Sled/Trawl/Bongo Nets


  • Species can be collected through varying nets, travels and sleds
  • Biodiversity studies can be performed
  • Usually towed behind a boat for a set distance and species collected, counted and sorted for further research
  • Used to collect information about plankton
• Remote Sensing and Satellites


  • Used to see larger scale data of the ocean
  • Ocean temperatures, migration patterns, sea level rise, weather and depth can be measured using this technology
  • Electromagnetic radiation is sent to earth and the reflected radiation records data and then is available for interpretation
• Remotely Operated Vehicles


  • An underwater robot that can be used to explore the deep ocean
  • Has robotic arms, lights and cameras that are able to record data at varying depths
• BRUV Sampling


  • Baited remote underwater video sampling
  • Allows scientists to access areas without being there although it impacts animals' behaviour due to the bait
• Manta Tow Surveys


  • Used to provide a general description of large areas of reef and to gauge broad changes in abundance and distribution of organisms on coral reefs
  • The observer holds on to the Manter board attached to the boat by a length of rope and makes a visual assessment of specific variables during each timed manta tow
• Coral reefs are a location and characteristic of Western Australian marine ecosystems
• Coral Bleaching


  • When water is too warm, corals will expel the algae (zooxanthellae) living in their tissues causing the coral to turn completely white
  • When a coral bleaches, it is not dead
• Types of Coral Reefs


  • Fringing reef
  • Barrier reef
  • Atoll reef
• Hard Corals


  • Tentacles in multiples of 6 (subclass hexacorallia)
  • Created limestone skeleton
  • Majority are reef builders
  • Both colonial and solitary
  • Bleach when stressed
  • Skeleton remains after death
• Soft Corals


  • Tentacles in multiples of 8 (subclass octocorals)
  • No limestone skeleton
  • Non-reef builders
  • Both colonial and solitary
  • Bleach when stressed
  • No trace after death
• Coral Anatomy and Energy Gain


  • Corals have a symbiotic relationship with plant-like algae called zooxanthelle
  • Day time: zoox photosynthesises passing sugars to the coral
  • Night time: coral uses tentacles which have stinging cells (nematocyst) to capture prey (plankton)
• Corals are invertebrates and belong to Phylum Cnidaria (same as jellyfish and sea anemones)
• The majority of corals live in colonies, where thousands of polyps live together and share nutrients
• Polyps sit in cavities in the skeleton (made of limestone: CaCO3)
• Seagrass Distribution


  • Seagrasses are found in shallow salty and brackish (semi-salty) waters in many parts of the world, from the tropics to the Arctic Circle
  • Typically along gently sloping, protected coastlines
  • Depend on light for photosynthesis
  • Shallow depths 1 to 3 meters, but the deepest growing seagrass (Halophila decipiens) has been found at depths of 58 meters
  • Can form dense meadows, large enough to see from space
  • Seagrasses belong to group called monocotyledons (grasses, lilies, palms)
  • Seagrasses have roots, rhizomes, veins, leaves, flowers and seeds
• Seagrass Photosynthesis


  Chloroplast in tissues converts sunlight energy to chemical energy (sugar)
• Seagrass Reproduction


  • Sexual (male & female gametes) - Pollination: Separate male and female plants, pollen (male flower) is transferred to the female flower where fertilisation occurs, process aided by water (currents and tides)
  • Asexual ("cloning") - Propagules: Small plantlets that grow on the stems of mature plants, break free and survive long periods, transported long distances to new locations
  • Vegetative expansion: underground rhizomes put out lateral branches that extend to the surface, shoots produce new plants along the edges of the meadow, increase area allows seagrasses to recover after being grazed/disturbed
• Threats to Seagrass


  • Excess nutrients
  • Dredging
  • Physical damage (boats, anchors, chains and moorings, coastal development, storms, cyclones)
  • Pollution from run off, oil etc.
• Seagrass Key Services


  • Physical environment: produce oxygen, absorb excess nutrients, slow water flow, capture sand, dirt and silt particles, roots stabilise sediment (improves water clarity and reduce coastal erosion)
  • Habitat: nursery for juvenile fish, crustaceans, molluscs etc., protection for small organisms
  • Producer: foundation of coastal food webs, feeding grounds for thousands of species around the world (dugongs, turtles eat the blades)
  • Blue carbon: absorbs CO2 from the atmosphere through photosynthesis
• Required Safety Equipment


  • Lifejacket
  • Visual distress signals (flares, electronic visual distress signal (EVDS), parachute flares)
  • GPS enabled Emergency Positioning Indicator Radio Beacon (EPIRB)/GPS enabled Personal Locator Beacon (PLB)
  • Marine radio (VHF, 27 MHz)
• Distress Signals


  • Radio (mayday, pan-pan, securite)
  • Emergency positioning indicator radio beacon (EPIRB)
  • Flares and phone
• Routine Boat Maintenance Checks


  Electrical, fuel, cooling system, oil and propellers
• Port


  If a power driven vessel approaches within this sector maintain your course and speed with caution
• Starboard


  If any vessel approaches within this sector, keep out of its way
• Starboard rule


  • Note: This rule may not always apply if one or both vessels are sailboats
• Stern


  If any vessel approaches this sector, maintain your course and speed with caution
• Channels


  In narrow channels, all vessels should keep to the starboard side of the channel
• Power meets sail


  • Power vessels have to keep out of the way of sailing and fishing vessels, and vessels that are hampered by such tasks as dredging, cable laying and so on
  • A sailing vessel must give way to a powered vessel if it is overtaking it
• Overtaking


  1. The overtaking vessel must keep out of the way of the vessel being overtaken

  2. You can pass on either side of the vessel, but keep well clear – the other skipper may not have seen you

  3. If you are being overtaken, hold your course and speed until the other vessel is past and well clear
• Crossing


  1. If the other vessel is on your right (starboard) side it has right of way and you must keep clear: you must either turn right, slow down to let the other vessel pass ahead of you – or do both

  2. If the other vessel is on your port side, you have right of way and should hold your course and speed

  3. If you think the other vessel is leaving it too late, you have to take action yourself

  4. If you alter course, alter to the right (starboard)

  5. You can slow down or do both
• Before each trip


  1. Test navigation lights and torch

  2. Check the bilges are clean and dry; investigate the sources of leaks

  3. Check that the bilge pump works

  4. Check that the bungs are not worn, and that the washer is in good condition
• After each trip


  1. As you winch the boat onto the trailer inspect the wire, webbing or rope for wear

  2. Flush the engine with fresh water and wash down its exterior
• Monthly


  1. When you winch the boat onto the trailer, hold an oily rag around the wire

  2. Test steering gear for stiffness; oil the cable with the correct lubricant; check hydraulic fluid levels

  3. Check freeing ports (deck drain flaps) for positive opening and closing action

  4. Check condition of all safety equipment (the detail of this is included in the safety equipment section) before securely storing it

  5. Inspect the boat for rubbish – it is especially important to remove stray metal items from an aluminium boat

  6. Check berthing lines and anchor rope for wear

  7. Check that all auxiliary systems (anchor winch, windscreen wipers etc) are functioning
• Yearly


  1. Inspect through-hull fittings for corrosion and water tightness; ensure sea cocks are working and check the condition of hoses and clamps attached to them

  2. Check that important fitting (for example cleats, engines bolts, guard and grab rails) are still securely attached

  3. Have the LP gas system serviced

  4. Have any 240 volt system checked

  5. Check aluminium hulls for corrosion and fatigue cracks; check fibreglass for blistering and impact cracks

  6. Check anodes for erosion; replace when about 40 per cent eroded