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MP151 - Inventory of the Land Conservation Values of the Houtman Abrolhos Islands - Oct 2003 MP146 - Sustainable Tourism Plan for the Houtman Abrolhos IslandsMP121 - Future Directions for Tourism at the Houtman Abrolhos IslandsMP120 - Draft Management Plan for Sustainable Tourism at the Houtman Abrolhos IslandsMP104 - Draft Management of the Houtman Abrolhos System State of the Fisheries Fisheries Management Documents Research ReportsOccasional PapersDocuments Open for Public Comment

Management of the Houtman Abrolhos System

1.0 Background

The Houtman Abrolhos Islands (Figure 1) and adjoining State Territorial Waters (Figure 2), hereinafter "the Abrolhos System", is an important part of the Western Australian environment. The Abrolhos System is of major significance for the conservation of flora and fauna, and also significant in geological terms. In addition, the adjoining State Territorial Waters contain some of the most highly valued marine systems in the State. Further, these waters include the sites of some of the most historically important historic shipwrecks in Australia, with associated historic sites located on the islands themselves. These natural and cultural features are of great interest to visitors and support a relatively small, but growing, recreation and tourist industry.

The area is integral to the western rock lobster fishery, which is one of the State's premier primary industries. The waters are a principal breeding habitat for western rock lobsters and a substantial source of lobster product. Some of the Islands provide the land-based sites required by the fishery to support its operations.

The Islands are an A-Class Reserve (A20253) vested in the Minister for Fisheries for the conservation of flora and fauna, tourism and purposes associated with the fishing industry. They are managed by the Department of Fisheries under regulations established pursuant to the Fish Resources Management Act 1994 (WA).

In November 1995 Cabinet resolved that the Minister for Fisheries would establish the Abrolhos Islands Management Advisory Committee (AIMAC) pursuant to Section 42 of the Fish Resources Management Act 1994. The role of AIMAC is to advise the Minister for Fisheries about the management of the Abrolhos Islands and the adjoining State Territorial Waters, as detailed in Section 2.2.3.1 of this report. The AIMAC has overseen the preparation of this report on behalf of the Minister for Fisheries.

This report contains a brief description of the Abrolhos System and its special values. It also states goals and objectives for management during the next five years, along with strategies to achieve these objectives. The report provides a 'blue print' for the future management of the area.

Schedule 1 attached to this report is the plan of management for the Abrolhos Islands Fish Habitat

Protection Area, which will be established pursuant to Section 115 of the Fish Resources Management Act 1994. This is a separate plan which has been prepared to meet the requirements of Section 117 of the Fish Resources Management Act 1994. It contains a legal description of the area and the recommendations in this report which relate to the management of the proposed Fish Habitat Protection Area.

2.0 Summary of Strategies

The strategies that follow are given sequentially, in the order they appear in the various sections of the Management of the Houtman Abrolhos System document. There are a total of 112 strategies.

It should be noted that those strategies relating to the management of the Houtman Abrolhos Islands Fish Habitat Protection Area can also be found in Appendix A (Schedule 1) of this document.

Acronyms listed after strategies indicate groups and organisations that may have an interest with the Department of Fisheries in the development of the respective strategies.

Other Agencies and Relevant Acts

Immediate

1. Develop Memoranda of Understanding between the Department of Fisheries and other relevant organisations which detail management arrangements and maximise Governmental efficiency through coordination of responsibilities, staff, equipment, vessels, and provision of information. (FWA,CALM, WAM, DOT, DEP, WATC)

Ongoing

2. Continue to support and assist AIMAC in order to coordinate all agencies with legislative responsibilities, community groups and individuals to ensure management of the Abrolhos is integrated and in accord with appropriate legislation. (FWA)

Building Standards

Immediate

3. Prepare and implement building standards which meet Australian Standards Association specifications and are consistent with the values of the Abrolhos System for all present and future developments. (AIMAC, FWA)

Leases and Licences for Development Purposes

Immediate

4. Develop lease and licensing arrangements for all present and future developments on the Abrolhos Islands. These arrangements will cover jetties, camps and other buildings. (FWA, AIMAC, Crown Solicitor). All monies collected under these arrangements will be used for the management of the Abrolhos Island System. (FWA)

Land-Use Planning

Immediate

5. Develop disaster emergency plans for fires and cyclones. (FWA, WAPS, SES and WAFB)

6. Prepare land-use plans for development sites on the Abrolhos Islands, taking into account the following issues:

• Integration into an overall land-use plan for the Abrolhos Islands.

• Consistency with land-use planning standards applied in WA.

• Consistency with the natural and heritage values of the Abrolhos Islands.

Ongoing

7. Retain the Abrolhos Islands Land Management Sub-committee (AILMSC) to advise AIMAC on the planning and management of developed sites and to ensure island residents are properly consulted in relation to decisions which affect them. The terms of reference and membership will be reviewed to reflect changing islands user groups. (AIMAC)

8. Review the Abrolhos Islands Regulations and keep them continually updated. (AIMAC, FWA)

9. Establish other sub-committees to provide quality advice to AIMAC on specific issues such as heritage and research matters, as needed. (AIMAC)

Waste Disposal

Immediate

10. Develop a waste management strategy which produces the most environmentally-acceptable waste management procedure for the Abrolhos. This may exceed the minimum requirements of State and Commonwealth legislation. (AILMSC, FWA, DEP)

11. Immediately implement the waste management strategy. (AILMSC, FWA)

Ongoing

12. Consult with DEP, AILMSC and CALM to determine the most efficient and environmentally-acceptable waste disposal procedures for the Abrolhos Islands. (AIMAC, DEP, AILMSC, CALM, FWA)

Airstrips on the Abrolhos Islands

Immediate

13. Implement the recommendations of the Abrolhos Islands Air Service Review. Further review arrangements with regard to service requirements; administrative arrangements; contractual arrangements; tendering processes and liability issues in 2004. (FWA)

14. Upgrade the Abrolhos airstrips and develop associated facilities, such as a waiting area for passengers and toilet facilities, to accommodate existing and future users in a manner consistent with the environmental values of the islands and the recommendations of the Abrolhos Islands Air Service Review. (FWA)

Ongoing

15. Ensure that the airstrips and associated facilities in the Abrolhos Islands are maintained at a safe and serviceable level. (FWA)

Geology and Geomorphology

Immediate

16. Develop an inventory of the geological and geomorphological features of the Abrolhos System and prioritise areas for protection. (FWA, WAM)

17. Incorporate information about the need to protect fossil sites into the code of conduct for visitors to the Abrolhos. (FWA)

Ongoing

18. Ensure recreational and commercial activities are consistent with protection of the geological and geomorphological processes of the Abrolhos System. (FWA)

Marine Conservation

Immediate

19. Declare the State Territorial Waters surrounding the Abrolhos Islands as a 'Fish Habitat Protection Area' vested with the Minister for Fisheries under the Fish Resources Management Act 1994. (AIMAC, FWA)

Ongoing

20. Implement the plan of management for the Abrolhos Island Fish Habitat Protection Area as resources permit. (AIMAC, FWA)

21. Maintain and enhance intrinsic and ecological values of the Abrolhos System. (FWA, AIMAC, CALM, WAM)

22. Undertake research to further the understanding of the ecology of the aquatic ecosystem and develop criteria to monitor its health. (FWA)

23. Review and improve existing and proposed mechanisms for ensuring identification, protection and appropriate management of high conservation value marine areas, and report on all options including marine reserves and no-take areas. (AIMAC, FWA, CALM)

24. Maintain and develop the cooperative relationship between AIMAC, the Department of Fisheries and CALM to ensure that an integrated, efficient and effective approach to planning, management and tenure continues to be implemented and, where necessary, improved. (AIMAC, FWA, CALM)

Marine Flora and Fauna

Immediate

25. Continue to develop the present habitat maps of the marine environment of the Abrolhos Islands. (FWA)

26. Undertake surveys of the major marine habitats to determine the flora and fauna present and which species are potentially at risk. (FWA, WAM)

Reef Observation Areas

Immediate

27. Continue the fin-fish monitoring program in the Reef Observation Areas (ROAs) to determine resident reef fish stock levels and the effects of the ROAs. Publish the results. (FWA)

28. Increase public information about the ROAs. (FWA)

29. Review the boundaries of all four ROAs in the Abrolhos Islands to accurately determine if they should be adjusted to provide better protection of the ecosystem. (FWA)

Ongoing

30. Retain existing regulations which protect the ROAs, and ensure appropriate levels of surveillance, research and enforcement as resources permit. (AIMAC, FWA)

The Establishment of Benthic Habitat Data

Ongoing

31. Undertake broad-scale benthic surveys of Abrolhos reefs to determine reef health. Compare the results of these surveys with previous findings to quantify the effects of human impacts including rock lobster fishing and any spatial and temporal changes to these reefs. (FWA, AIMS, WAM, CALM)

Terrestrial Flora and Fauna

Immediate

32. Develop a habitat map of the terrestrial environment of the Abrolhos Islands. (FWA, CALM, WAM)

33. Undertake additional surveys of the major islands to determine which flora and fauna are present, and which species, if any, are at potential risk. (CALM, FWA, WAM)

Ongoing

34. Review the adequacy of existing and proposed mechanisms for ensuring identification, protection and appropriate management of high conservation value terrestrial areas, and report on all management options. (AIMAC, FWA, CALM)

35. Advance the establishment of the most effective mechanism for ensuring identification, protection and appropriate management of high conservation value terrestrial areas, in particular sea bird breeding areas, through the development of strategic management and land use plans. (FWA, CALM)

Introduced Flora and Fauna

Immediate

36. Survey exotic species of plants and animals on the Abrolhos Islands to establish the species present and develop a plan for their removal or management. (FWA, AGWA, CALM)

Ongoing

37. Prepare and implement a management plan for preventing the arrival of exotic species of flora and fauna, and managing or eradicating such species which may already be present. (FWA, AGWA, CALM)

Fire Management

38. Prepare and implement a fire management plan for the Abrolhos Islands consistent with conservation of the environment whilst protecting property and developments. (FWA, WAFB, CALM)

Historic and Heritage Sites

Immediate

39. Include information about the need to protect historic sites in the 'code of conduct' for visitors to the Abrolhos Islands. (FWA, WAM)

40. Train relevant the Department of Fisheries and CALM Officers in the management of historic sites and provide them with delegated powers as inspectors pursuant to the Historic Shipwrecks Act 1976. (WAM)

Ongoing

41. Prepare and implement a management plan for the protection of historic shipwrecks, associated land sites and other sites of heritage value. (WAM, FWA).

42. Prepare and implement a public information program about the heritage sites and their history so that people may learn about and enjoy them, and assist in their protection. (FWA, WAM)

Tourism

Immediate

43. Finalise and implement the management plan for environmentally sensitive tourism at the Abrolhos Islands, including policies and operating guidelines. (AIMAC,FWA)

44. Investigate the potential of marine and land-based tourism sites, assess environmental constraints, and develop rules and a code of practice for tourism development. (FWA,AIMAC)

45. Develop application guidelines and performance criteria for venture proponents, along with a procedure to aid assessment of a proponent's proposal and ability to perform. (AIMAC,FWA)

Ongoing

46. Manage environmentally sensitive tourism in the Abrolhos Islands through the development of appropriate management methods. (AIMAC,FWA, CALM, DOT, WATC)

Recreational Fishing and Collecting

Immediate

47. Continue research into the abundance of target species and catch levels in the Abrolhos Islands and include the use of volunteer log books for recreational fishers including island residents and charter boats. (FWA)

48. Review recreational fishing regulations for the Abrolhos Islands as part of the Mid-west Recreational Fishing Review. Consider as part of the Review, the reduction of recreational daily bag limits for 'Prize fish and Reef fish'. (FWA)

49. Seek AIMAC representation on the Mid-west Regional Recreational Fishing Review Committee to express views on recreational fishing at the Abrolhos Islands. (AIMAC,FWA)

50. Subject commercial rock lobster fishers who are fishing from licenced rock lobster vessels to the same regulations as recreational fishers during the Abrolhos rock lobster season, within the Abrolhos Islands Fish Habitat Protection Area. (FWA)

51. Prohibit spear fishing with the use of compressed air within the Abrolhos Islands Fish Habitat Protection Area. Retain the prohibition of spear fishing in Reef Observation Areas. (FWA)

52. Retain existing regulations protecting samson fish and yellow tail kingfish in anchorage areas within the Abrolhos Islands Fish Habitat Protection Area. (FWA)

53. Prohibit the recreational collection of corals, aquarium fish and shells within the Abrolhos Islands Fish Habitat Protection Area. (FWA)

54. Monitor the success of the above strategies and determine any impediments to their enforcement. (FWA)

Ongoing

55. Continue to apply the Fish Resources Management Act 1994 regulations relating to the taking of fish in the Abrolhos. (FWA)

Diving

Immediate

56. Identify sites, in consultation with the community and local dive operators, which are suitable for the development of dive trails and establish a priority order for their development. (FWA,WAM,CALM)

57. Develop a code of conduct for dive charter operators in consultation with tourist operators. Develop the code of conduct in conjunction with the review of the Aquatic Charter Industry in Western Australia. (FWA, WAM, DOT, CALM)

Ongoing

58. Prepare information for the public about dive sites in the Abrolhos Islands in consultation with diving clubs. (FWA, WAM)

59. Incorporate recommendations on diving in the code of conduct for the Abrolhos Islands. (FWA, WAM, CALM)

60. Monitor intensity of diving in the Abrolhos Islands, and any effects divers may be having on the environment. (FWA, WAM)

Surface Water Activities

Ongoing

61. Provide information to visitors on the various surface water activities available in the Abrolhos Islands. (FWA, DOT, CALM)

62. Incorporate recommendations on surface water activities in the code of conduct for the Abrolhos Islands. (FWA, DOT, CALM)

63. Monitor intensity of participation levels in surface water activities in the Abrolhos Islands, and the effects these may be having on the environment. (FWA, DOT, CALM)

64. Regulate to limit the speed of all vessels near swimming beaches, mooring areas and conservation areas. Determine areas in consultation with user groups and relevant agencies. Identify specific areas where the use of jet skis will not be permitted. (FWA, DOT)

Yacht and Power Boat Visits

Ongoing

65. Provide information to visitors in yachts and power boats on navigational conditions in the Abrolhos Islands. (FWA, DOT)

66. Incorporate recommendations for safety on yacht and power boat visits in the code of conduct for the Abrolhos Islands. (FWA, DOT)

67. Monitor yacht and power boat visits to the Abrolhos Islands, and the effects these may have on the environment. (FWA)

Commercial Fishing and Aquaculture

Immediate

68. Survey waters to determine appropriate areas for scallop trawling. Exclude scallop trawling from all areas, except those with sandy or muddy sediments. (FWA)

69. Permit scallop trawlers to travel through closed areas to trawl within the waters of the Abrolhos, with nets hauled into their rigging and otter boards and stabilisers at the end of their booms. (FWA)

70. Develop management guidelines for the Mid-west WA Coast Purse Seine Fishery, taking account of the outcomes of the study into the possible effects of the fishery on seabird nesting sites at the Abrolhos Islands. (FWA, CALM)

71. Reduce wetline fishing effort in the Abrolhos Islands to limit total catch. As part of reducing effort, negotiate with licensed operators to prohibit commercial wetline fishing within the shallows of the main island groups (see Figures 7a, 7b and 7c in this document). (FWA)

72. Negotiate with licensed operators and prohibit commercial shell collecting, coral collecting, aquarium fish collecting and beche-de-mer fishing in the waters of the Abrolhos Islands Fish Habitat Protection Area. (FWA)

73. Undertake surveys of all marine habitats to determine the environmental impact of fishing and boating operations, and prepare strategies to manage unacceptable impacts. (FWA)

74. Ensure any non-endemic species considered for aquaculture at the Abrolhos Islands undergo adequate risk assessment in accordance with established translocation protocols. (FWA, DEP)

75. Ensure all aquaculture proposals for the Abrolhos Islands undergo adequate environmental impact assessment in accordance with DEP/EPA processes. (DEP, FWA)

76. Identify suitable areas within each Abrolhos Islands group where aquaculture projects may be established. (FWA)

77. Develop an aquaculture plan for the Abrolhos Islands which is consistent with the intrinsic values and uses of the area. (FWA)

Ongoing

78. Assess proposals for any new fishery at the Abrolhos Islands under the provisions of the FRMA (1994) relating to developmental fisheries. (FWA)

Mining and Petroleum Exploration

Ongoing

79. Liaise closely with the EPA and DME about exploration or development proposals for the area, and contribute to the assessment process. (FWA)

80. Ensure the public is fully informed about all proposals. (EPA, DME, FWA, CALM, MPRA)

Other Extractive Industries

Ongoing

81. Monitor proposals to develop extractive industries in the Abrolhos System, and ensure all proposals are carefully assessed by the EPA. (FWA)

Marine Structures, Moorings and Jetties

Immediate

82. Prepare policies, standards and guidelines for all marine structures which meet acceptable standards and avoid environmental damage. (AIMAC, FWA)

83. Prepare lease agreements for all marine structures. (AIMAC, FWA)

84. Develop a mooring register and investigate the appropriate location and operation of public moorings in the Abrolhos Islands. (FWA, DOT)

85. Develop criteria including habitat assessment for the development and operation of public jetties and moorings. (FWA, DOT)

86. Identify sites for the development of public moorings and jetties in consultation with user groups and seek funding for their development. (AIMAC, FWA, DOT)

87. Inspect and maintain all public moorings and jetties that are developed to ensure they remain safe for public use. (FWA, DOT)

88. Complete hazard analysis of all fuel storage facilities at the Abrolhos Islands. (FWA, DEP, DME)

Ongoing

89. Prepare a marine development plan to coordinate the development of all marine structures including any moored accommodation facilities, pontoons, navigational aids, aquaculture and tourism

infrastructure, moorings and FADs in the Abrolhos marine environment. (FWA, AIMAC, DOT, DEP)

Navigational Aids

Immediate

90. Determine what navigational aids are necessary in the Abrolhos Islands, where they should be located, and install appropriate aids. (DOT, FWA)

Information, Interpretation and Public Involvement

Immediate

91. Establish a Volunteer Fisheries Liaison Officer (VFLO) Program at the Abrolhos Islands. Focus this program on both recreational fishing and conservation issues. (AIMAC, FWA)

92. Foster the development of acceptable codes of behaviour at the Abrolhos Islands and develop an information package for distribution to all user and interest groups. (FWA, DOT)

93. Develop processes that encourage all stakeholders to participate in management activities for the area. (FWA)

Ongoing

94. Implement the communication plan for the Abrolhos Islands in cooperation with other agencies, community groups and interested individuals. (FWA)

Knowledge

Immediate

95. Collect and catalogue research undertaken in the Abrolhos marine environment and determine priorities for management-oriented research in the short, medium and long terms. (AIMAC,FWA, WAM, MPRA)

96. Encourage coordinated research by outside bodies and individual researchers. (AIMAC, FWA, WAM)

97. Monitor the effects of increased usage of the Abrolhos Islands to provide information which can be used to evaluate and improve management strategies. (FWA, CALM, WAM)

98. Make all research findings readily available to the community, where possible. (AIMAC, FWA, WAM, MPRA)

Ongoing

99. Encourage management-oriented research on the marine environment of the Abrolhos Islands, including the waters around both inhabited and uninhabited islands. (AIMAC, FWA, WAM, MPRA)

Restricted Access to Large Ocean-Going Vessels

Ongoing

100. Encourage the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) to investigate the declaration of a Particularly Sensitive Sea Area (PSSA) around the Abrolhos Islands. (AIMAC, FWA, DOT, AMSA)

Community Liaison

Ongoing

101. Communicate with, and seek advice regularly from the Abrolhos community, fishing industry, tourist operators and other interested parties to keep everyone informed of management practices and developments at the Abrolhos Islands. (AIMAC, FWA, CALM)

Resourcing, Surveillance and Enforcement

Immediate

102. Provide information to visitors on the values of the marine and terrestrial habitats of the Abrolhos Islands, their wise use and applicable regulations. (AIMAC, FWA,CALM)

103. Ensure government officers have appropriate authority to undertake enforcement activities. (FWA, CALM, WAM, DOT)

104. Facilitate reciprocal functions by officers of different government agencies through the provision of appropriate training. (FWA, CALM, WAM, DOT)

Ongoing

105. Review options and actively seek resources for implementing the management plan, including appropriate external sources and licence fees. (AIMAC, FWA)

106. Ensure surveillance activities are coordinated between the Department of Fisheries, WAM, CALM and other government agencies. (FWA, WAM, CALM)

Safety

Ongoing

107. Provide information to the public on safety while at the Abrolhos Islands. (AIMAC, FWA, DOT)

108. Assist the Police and Department of Transport in search and rescue operations at the Abrolhos Islands. (FWA)

Plan Implementation and Review

Immediate

109. Prepare an implementation plan, taking account of priorities established in the management plan. (AIMAC, FWA)

Ongoing

110. Annually review plan implementation. Prepare a report on progress, and adjust management accordingly. (AIMAC, FWA)

111. Develop a set of performance indicators for measuring the implementation of the plan. Report on these indicators as part of the annual review process. (AIMAC, FWA)

112. Complete a risk assessment associated with human useage of the Abrolhos Islands and surrounding State Territorial Waters. (FWA, AIMAC, SGIO).

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