❓ A WA parliamentary question regarding research on trophic cascades in Ningaloo Marine Park and a request for a list of publications related to the area. The Minister provides a response referencing the research and tables the requested list.
AnsweredQoN 1012Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
My question relates to the answer given to my question without notice 729 on 22 September 2004. (1) In a response to my question, the minister stated that M.B. Westera’s research suggested a trophic cascade effect resulted from the removal of some species of emperors from within Ningaloo Marine Park. It is my understanding that this research did not, in fact, prove trophic cascade. Will the minister please provide more information? (2) The minister also advised the House that the Department of Conservation and Land Management lists more than 300 publications between 1992 and 2003 that relate to Ningaloo. Will the minister provide a list of these publications? The PRESIDENT: I give the call to the Minister for Local Government and Regional Development, who I am sure will seek leave to table something. Hon LJILJANNA RAVLICH
AnswerView source ↗
Yes, I will, thank you, Mr President. I thank the honourable member for some notice of this question and I provide the following response - (1) Dr Westera’s PhD thesis includes the following paragraph - In all regions, Sanctuary Zones had a greater biomass of lethrinids - That is, emperors - than Recreation Zones, but there were no differences in non-targeted fishes between zones. Despite the consistent effect on lethrinids, there were inconsistencies among regions in the predator-prey relationships. At Mandu, Echinometra mathaei - That is, an algal-grazing urchin - abundances were inversely related to lethrinid biomass, suggesting a strong predator-prey interaction. In the Recreation Zone, the abundances of E. mathaei were four times greater, and macro-algal cover was half, that of the Sanctuary Zone. Furthermore, algal composition differed between zones, and this was driven by fucoid brown algae, which dominated the diets of E. mathaei. This was interpreted as evidence of a trophic cascade resulting from the removal of lethrinids at the Recreation Zone. (2) Yes. I table a list of published papers relevant to Ningaloo Marine Park, and I hope that the honourable member has pleasure reading them. [See paper No 2926.]
(1) In a response to my question, the minister stated that M.B. Westera’s research suggested a trophic cascade effect resulted from the removal of some species of emperors from within Ningaloo Marine Park. It is my understanding that this research did not, in fact, prove trophic cascade. Will the minister please provide more information? (2) The minister also advised the House that the Department of Conservation and Land Management lists more than 300 publications between 1992 and 2003 that relate to Ningaloo. Will the minister provide a list of these publications? The PRESIDENT: I give the call to the Minister for Local Government and Regional Development, who I am sure will seek leave to table something. Hon LJILJANNA RAVLICH replied: Yes, I will, thank you, Mr President. I thank the honourable member for some notice of this question and I provide the following response - (1) Dr Westera’s PhD thesis includes the following paragraph - In all regions, Sanctuary Zones had a greater biomass of lethrinids - That is, emperors - than Recreation Zones, but there were no differences in non-targeted fishes between zones. Despite the consistent effect on lethrinids, there were inconsistencies among regions in the predator-prey relationships. At Mandu, Echinometra mathaei - That is, an algal-grazing urchin - abundances were inversely related to lethrinid biomass, suggesting a strong predator-prey interaction. In the Recreation Zone, the abundances of E. mathaei were four times greater, and macro-algal cover was half, that of the Sanctuary Zone. Furthermore, algal composition differed between zones, and this was driven by fucoid brown algae, which dominated the diets of E. mathaei. This was interpreted as evidence of a trophic cascade resulting from the removal of lethrinids at the Recreation Zone. (2) Yes. I table a list of published papers relevant to Ningaloo Marine Park, and I hope that the honourable member has pleasure reading them. [See paper No 2926.]
(2) The minister also advised the House that the Department of Conservation and Land Management lists more than 300 publications between 1992 and 2003 that relate to Ningaloo. Will the minister provide a list of these publications? The PRESIDENT: I give the call to the Minister for Local Government and Regional Development, who I am sure will seek leave to table something. Hon LJILJANNA RAVLICH replied: Yes, I will, thank you, Mr President. I thank the honourable member for some notice of this question and I provide the following response - (1) Dr Westera’s PhD thesis includes the following paragraph - In all regions, Sanctuary Zones had a greater biomass of lethrinids - That is, emperors - than Recreation Zones, but there were no differences in non-targeted fishes between zones. Despite the consistent effect on lethrinids, there were inconsistencies among regions in the predator-prey relationships. At Mandu, Echinometra mathaei - That is, an algal-grazing urchin - abundances were inversely related to lethrinid biomass, suggesting a strong predator-prey interaction. In the Recreation Zone, the abundances of E. mathaei were four times greater, and macro-algal cover was half, that of the Sanctuary Zone. Furthermore, algal composition differed between zones, and this was driven by fucoid brown algae, which dominated the diets of E. mathaei. This was interpreted as evidence of a trophic cascade resulting from the removal of lethrinids at the Recreation Zone. (2) Yes. I table a list of published papers relevant to Ningaloo Marine Park, and I hope that the honourable member has pleasure reading them. [See paper No 2926.]
The PRESIDENT: I give the call to the Minister for Local Government and Regional Development, who I am sure will seek leave to table something. Hon LJILJANNA RAVLICH replied: Yes, I will, thank you, Mr President. I thank the honourable member for some notice of this question and I provide the following response - (1) Dr Westera’s PhD thesis includes the following paragraph - In all regions, Sanctuary Zones had a greater biomass of lethrinids - That is, emperors - than Recreation Zones, but there were no differences in non-targeted fishes between zones. Despite the consistent effect on lethrinids, there were inconsistencies among regions in the predator-prey relationships. At Mandu, Echinometra mathaei - That is, an algal-grazing urchin - abundances were inversely related to lethrinid biomass, suggesting a strong predator-prey interaction. In the Recreation Zone, the abundances of E. mathaei were four times greater, and macro-algal cover was half, that of the Sanctuary Zone. Furthermore, algal composition differed between zones, and this was driven by fucoid brown algae, which dominated the diets of E. mathaei. This was interpreted as evidence of a trophic cascade resulting from the removal of lethrinids at the Recreation Zone. (2) Yes. I table a list of published papers relevant to Ningaloo Marine Park, and I hope that the honourable member has pleasure reading them. [See paper No 2926.]
Hon LJILJANNA RAVLICH replied: Yes, I will, thank you, Mr President. I thank the honourable member for some notice of this question and I provide the following response - (1) Dr Westera’s PhD thesis includes the following paragraph - In all regions, Sanctuary Zones had a greater biomass of lethrinids - That is, emperors - than Recreation Zones, but there were no differences in non-targeted fishes between zones. Despite the consistent effect on lethrinids, there were inconsistencies among regions in the predator-prey relationships. At Mandu, Echinometra mathaei - That is, an algal-grazing urchin - abundances were inversely related to lethrinid biomass, suggesting a strong predator-prey interaction. In the Recreation Zone, the abundances of E. mathaei were four times greater, and macro-algal cover was half, that of the Sanctuary Zone. Furthermore, algal composition differed between zones, and this was driven by fucoid brown algae, which dominated the diets of E. mathaei. This was interpreted as evidence of a trophic cascade resulting from the removal of lethrinids at the Recreation Zone. (2) Yes. I table a list of published papers relevant to Ningaloo Marine Park, and I hope that the honourable member has pleasure reading them. [See paper No 2926.]
Yes, I will, thank you, Mr President. I thank the honourable member for some notice of this question and I provide the following response - (1) Dr Westera’s PhD thesis includes the following paragraph - In all regions, Sanctuary Zones had a greater biomass of lethrinids - That is, emperors - than Recreation Zones, but there were no differences in non-targeted fishes between zones. Despite the consistent effect on lethrinids, there were inconsistencies among regions in the predator-prey relationships. At Mandu, Echinometra mathaei - That is, an algal-grazing urchin - abundances were inversely related to lethrinid biomass, suggesting a strong predator-prey interaction. In the Recreation Zone, the abundances of E. mathaei were four times greater, and macro-algal cover was half, that of the Sanctuary Zone. Furthermore, algal composition differed between zones, and this was driven by fucoid brown algae, which dominated the diets of E. mathaei. This was interpreted as evidence of a trophic cascade resulting from the removal of lethrinids at the Recreation Zone. (2) Yes. I table a list of published papers relevant to Ningaloo Marine Park, and I hope that the honourable member has pleasure reading them. [See paper No 2926.]
I thank the honourable member for some notice of this question and I provide the following response - (1) Dr Westera’s PhD thesis includes the following paragraph - In all regions, Sanctuary Zones had a greater biomass of lethrinids - That is, emperors - than Recreation Zones, but there were no differences in non-targeted fishes between zones. Despite the consistent effect on lethrinids, there were inconsistencies among regions in the predator-prey relationships. At Mandu, Echinometra mathaei - That is, an algal-grazing urchin - abundances were inversely related to lethrinid biomass, suggesting a strong predator-prey interaction. In the Recreation Zone, the abundances of E. mathaei were four times greater, and macro-algal cover was half, that of the Sanctuary Zone. Furthermore, algal composition differed between zones, and this was driven by fucoid brown algae, which dominated the diets of E. mathaei. This was interpreted as evidence of a trophic cascade resulting from the removal of lethrinids at the Recreation Zone. (2) Yes. I table a list of published papers relevant to Ningaloo Marine Park, and I hope that the honourable member has pleasure reading them. [See paper No 2926.]
(1) Dr Westera’s PhD thesis includes the following paragraph - In all regions, Sanctuary Zones had a greater biomass of lethrinids - That is, emperors - than Recreation Zones, but there were no differences in non-targeted fishes between zones. Despite the consistent effect on lethrinids, there were inconsistencies among regions in the predator-prey relationships. At Mandu, Echinometra mathaei - That is, an algal-grazing urchin - abundances were inversely related to lethrinid biomass, suggesting a strong predator-prey interaction. In the Recreation Zone, the abundances of E. mathaei were four times greater, and macro-algal cover was half, that of the Sanctuary Zone. Furthermore, algal composition differed between zones, and this was driven by fucoid brown algae, which dominated the diets of E. mathaei. This was interpreted as evidence of a trophic cascade resulting from the removal of lethrinids at the Recreation Zone. (2) Yes. I table a list of published papers relevant to Ningaloo Marine Park, and I hope that the honourable member has pleasure reading them. [See paper No 2926.]
[See paper No 2926.]
(1) In a response to my question, the minister stated that M.B. Westera’s research suggested a trophic cascade effect resulted from the removal of some species of emperors from within Ningaloo Marine Park. It is my understanding that this research did not, in fact, prove trophic cascade. Will the minister please provide more information? (2) The minister also advised the House that the Department of Conservation and Land Management lists more than 300 publications between 1992 and 2003 that relate to Ningaloo. Will the minister provide a list of these publications? The PRESIDENT: I give the call to the Minister for Local Government and Regional Development, who I am sure will seek leave to table something. Hon LJILJANNA RAVLICH replied: Yes, I will, thank you, Mr President. I thank the honourable member for some notice of this question and I provide the following response - (1) Dr Westera’s PhD thesis includes the following paragraph - In all regions, Sanctuary Zones had a greater biomass of lethrinids - That is, emperors - than Recreation Zones, but there were no differences in non-targeted fishes between zones. Despite the consistent effect on lethrinids, there were inconsistencies among regions in the predator-prey relationships. At Mandu, Echinometra mathaei - That is, an algal-grazing urchin - abundances were inversely related to lethrinid biomass, suggesting a strong predator-prey interaction. In the Recreation Zone, the abundances of E. mathaei were four times greater, and macro-algal cover was half, that of the Sanctuary Zone. Furthermore, algal composition differed between zones, and this was driven by fucoid brown algae, which dominated the diets of E. mathaei. This was interpreted as evidence of a trophic cascade resulting from the removal of lethrinids at the Recreation Zone. (2) Yes. I table a list of published papers relevant to Ningaloo Marine Park, and I hope that the honourable member has pleasure reading them. [See paper No 2926.]
(2) The minister also advised the House that the Department of Conservation and Land Management lists more than 300 publications between 1992 and 2003 that relate to Ningaloo. Will the minister provide a list of these publications? The PRESIDENT: I give the call to the Minister for Local Government and Regional Development, who I am sure will seek leave to table something. Hon LJILJANNA RAVLICH replied: Yes, I will, thank you, Mr President. I thank the honourable member for some notice of this question and I provide the following response - (1) Dr Westera’s PhD thesis includes the following paragraph - In all regions, Sanctuary Zones had a greater biomass of lethrinids - That is, emperors - than Recreation Zones, but there were no differences in non-targeted fishes between zones. Despite the consistent effect on lethrinids, there were inconsistencies among regions in the predator-prey relationships. At Mandu, Echinometra mathaei - That is, an algal-grazing urchin - abundances were inversely related to lethrinid biomass, suggesting a strong predator-prey interaction. In the Recreation Zone, the abundances of E. mathaei were four times greater, and macro-algal cover was half, that of the Sanctuary Zone. Furthermore, algal composition differed between zones, and this was driven by fucoid brown algae, which dominated the diets of E. mathaei. This was interpreted as evidence of a trophic cascade resulting from the removal of lethrinids at the Recreation Zone. (2) Yes. I table a list of published papers relevant to Ningaloo Marine Park, and I hope that the honourable member has pleasure reading them. [See paper No 2926.]
The PRESIDENT: I give the call to the Minister for Local Government and Regional Development, who I am sure will seek leave to table something. Hon LJILJANNA RAVLICH replied: Yes, I will, thank you, Mr President. I thank the honourable member for some notice of this question and I provide the following response - (1) Dr Westera’s PhD thesis includes the following paragraph - In all regions, Sanctuary Zones had a greater biomass of lethrinids - That is, emperors - than Recreation Zones, but there were no differences in non-targeted fishes between zones. Despite the consistent effect on lethrinids, there were inconsistencies among regions in the predator-prey relationships. At Mandu, Echinometra mathaei - That is, an algal-grazing urchin - abundances were inversely related to lethrinid biomass, suggesting a strong predator-prey interaction. In the Recreation Zone, the abundances of E. mathaei were four times greater, and macro-algal cover was half, that of the Sanctuary Zone. Furthermore, algal composition differed between zones, and this was driven by fucoid brown algae, which dominated the diets of E. mathaei. This was interpreted as evidence of a trophic cascade resulting from the removal of lethrinids at the Recreation Zone. (2) Yes. I table a list of published papers relevant to Ningaloo Marine Park, and I hope that the honourable member has pleasure reading them. [See paper No 2926.]
Hon LJILJANNA RAVLICH replied: Yes, I will, thank you, Mr President. I thank the honourable member for some notice of this question and I provide the following response - (1) Dr Westera’s PhD thesis includes the following paragraph - In all regions, Sanctuary Zones had a greater biomass of lethrinids - That is, emperors - than Recreation Zones, but there were no differences in non-targeted fishes between zones. Despite the consistent effect on lethrinids, there were inconsistencies among regions in the predator-prey relationships. At Mandu, Echinometra mathaei - That is, an algal-grazing urchin - abundances were inversely related to lethrinid biomass, suggesting a strong predator-prey interaction. In the Recreation Zone, the abundances of E. mathaei were four times greater, and macro-algal cover was half, that of the Sanctuary Zone. Furthermore, algal composition differed between zones, and this was driven by fucoid brown algae, which dominated the diets of E. mathaei. This was interpreted as evidence of a trophic cascade resulting from the removal of lethrinids at the Recreation Zone. (2) Yes. I table a list of published papers relevant to Ningaloo Marine Park, and I hope that the honourable member has pleasure reading them. [See paper No 2926.]
Yes, I will, thank you, Mr President. I thank the honourable member for some notice of this question and I provide the following response - (1) Dr Westera’s PhD thesis includes the following paragraph - In all regions, Sanctuary Zones had a greater biomass of lethrinids - That is, emperors - than Recreation Zones, but there were no differences in non-targeted fishes between zones. Despite the consistent effect on lethrinids, there were inconsistencies among regions in the predator-prey relationships. At Mandu, Echinometra mathaei - That is, an algal-grazing urchin - abundances were inversely related to lethrinid biomass, suggesting a strong predator-prey interaction. In the Recreation Zone, the abundances of E. mathaei were four times greater, and macro-algal cover was half, that of the Sanctuary Zone. Furthermore, algal composition differed between zones, and this was driven by fucoid brown algae, which dominated the diets of E. mathaei. This was interpreted as evidence of a trophic cascade resulting from the removal of lethrinids at the Recreation Zone. (2) Yes. I table a list of published papers relevant to Ningaloo Marine Park, and I hope that the honourable member has pleasure reading them. [See paper No 2926.]
I thank the honourable member for some notice of this question and I provide the following response - (1) Dr Westera’s PhD thesis includes the following paragraph - In all regions, Sanctuary Zones had a greater biomass of lethrinids - That is, emperors - than Recreation Zones, but there were no differences in non-targeted fishes between zones. Despite the consistent effect on lethrinids, there were inconsistencies among regions in the predator-prey relationships. At Mandu, Echinometra mathaei - That is, an algal-grazing urchin - abundances were inversely related to lethrinid biomass, suggesting a strong predator-prey interaction. In the Recreation Zone, the abundances of E. mathaei were four times greater, and macro-algal cover was half, that of the Sanctuary Zone. Furthermore, algal composition differed between zones, and this was driven by fucoid brown algae, which dominated the diets of E. mathaei. This was interpreted as evidence of a trophic cascade resulting from the removal of lethrinids at the Recreation Zone. (2) Yes. I table a list of published papers relevant to Ningaloo Marine Park, and I hope that the honourable member has pleasure reading them. [See paper No 2926.]
(1) Dr Westera’s PhD thesis includes the following paragraph - In all regions, Sanctuary Zones had a greater biomass of lethrinids - That is, emperors - than Recreation Zones, but there were no differences in non-targeted fishes between zones. Despite the consistent effect on lethrinids, there were inconsistencies among regions in the predator-prey relationships. At Mandu, Echinometra mathaei - That is, an algal-grazing urchin - abundances were inversely related to lethrinid biomass, suggesting a strong predator-prey interaction. In the Recreation Zone, the abundances of E. mathaei were four times greater, and macro-algal cover was half, that of the Sanctuary Zone. Furthermore, algal composition differed between zones, and this was driven by fucoid brown algae, which dominated the diets of E. mathaei. This was interpreted as evidence of a trophic cascade resulting from the removal of lethrinids at the Recreation Zone. (2) Yes. I table a list of published papers relevant to Ningaloo Marine Park, and I hope that the honourable member has pleasure reading them. [See paper No 2926.]
[See paper No 2926.]
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