In what is an Australian first, Minister for Primary Industries, Fisheries and Rural and Regional Queensland Tim Mulherin has announced an innovative plan to help coral reefs affected by stress.
Mr Mulherin said: 'Just like people, our magnificent coral reefs are at times subject to stress and this could have severe impacts, including coral death,' he said.
'Factors such as freshwater runoff and elevated sea surface temperatures are usually the cause.
'At these times the Coral Stress Response Plan aims to promote recovery by reducing any further stress that may result from harvesting coral and aquarium fish.
'The actions range from no changes to coral and aquarium fish collection practices for a very minor event, to no commercial harvesting of any corals or aquarium fish whatsoeverin the impacted region in extreme stress events.
'This plan has been developed by the state and federal governments with significant input from the coral fishery and marine aquarium fish industries, as well as other fishing sectors that rely on the fish stocks supported by the Great Barrier Reef.'
Fisheries Resource Manager with Primary Industries and Fisheries, Dr Brigid Kerrigan said it became clear such a plan was needed after a significant coral bleaching event on the Great Barrier Reef several years ago.
'That highlighted the need for a coordinated approach to respond to the impacts of future coral stress events and to develop actions that would assist in coral recovery,' Dr Kerrigan said.
'A key part of the strategy is the assessment and monitoring of areas at risk of stress and an early warning system.
'Higher sea surface temperatures and freshwater run off caused by heavy rain in Queensland during the summer months periodically cause coral bleaching.
'If long range weather forecasting indicates a high risk of bleaching during summer months, industry will begin monitoring the health of corals in the areas where they are collecting coral.
'This will provide timely information on any changes in the health of corals, and help us to prevent further damage while also helping with faster recovery.
'The plan will help improve the resilience and health of reef ecosystems by letting them recover from stress events, while allowing commercial fisheries to continue operating in a restricted capacity.'
Dr Kerrigan said the marine aquarium and coral fisheries were already sustainably managed with limited numbers of licence holders and collectors.
'This response plan introduces additional measures such as restrictions on the harvest of healthy or bleached corals that can be put in place if an area is identified to be at risk.'
Lyle Squire Jnr, president of the Aquarium Supply Industry Association, Pro-vision Reef Inc, says the response plan complemented an important new industry initiative.
'Our industry advocates a collaborative approach to managing the fallout from events linked to global climate change,' Mr Squire said.
'Linking the response plan to our Stewardship Action Plan, which details strategies to minimise impacts on stressed environments, will enable government agencies to receive vital and timely information from the people that are on the water.'
Dr Russell Reichelt, Chair of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority, said managing the impacts of climate change on the Great Barrier Reef required considerable input from a range of stakeholders and communities across the Great Barrier Reef region.
'This response plan represents a strong collaborative initiative that demonstrates what can be achieved through working in partnership,' Dr Reichelt said.
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