Identifying Management Needs: Informing the Program Design of the Reef 2050 Integrated Monitoring and Reporting Program

Final Report prepared for the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority.This report summarises information needs identified through interviews with 45 people who are actively involved in managing various aspects of the Great Barrier Reef. The interviewees represented five Queensland Government departments, six sections within the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority and the Department of the Environment and Energy’s Reef Branch. All participants were asked to summarise their current information sources as well as information they felt would improve their ability to manage the Great Barrier Reef and assist in achieving the Reef 2050 Long-Term Sustainability Plan’s outcomes

A framework for defining seagrass habitat for the Great Barrier Reef, Australia

This report describes a framework to define seagrass habitat and seagrass desired state for the Great Barrier Reef (GBR). We developed this by defining assessment zones using key physical attributes for the GBR. The assessment zones were developed with two main objectives: (1) to assess the representativeness of existing seagrass data throughout the GBR; and (2) to provide a framework in which to develop seagrass desired state (i.e. condition targets). We defined assessment zones using spatial data that reflect environmental and benthic condition likely to affect seagrass distribution, diversity and density. These include: (1) latitude, defined as regions using 6 Natural Resource Management (NRM) boundaries, (2) influence from and proximity to land (estuarine, coastal, reef, and offshore water bodies), and (3) water depth (intertidal, shallow subtidal 10m) resulting in 68 zones for the GBR. The largest assessment zone was the offshore water body in every region. Deep subtidal was the largest depth zone in coastal, reef, and offshore waters in each region. The estuarine deep subtidal zone was limited. Zones are seagrass-centric and not analogous to the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park zoning. Data from extensive seagrass surveys and long-term monitoring across the GBR since the early 1980s provides information on seagrass presence/absence, species composition, abundance, and spatial extent. Data rich areas include coastal and estuarine intertidal and shallow subtidal zones. Data from reef and offshore zones, and in deep subtidal zones, are more limited as it comes from sporadic one-off surveys and few meadows have been mapped. Available seagrass data ranges from sporadic large-scale survey data with low to medium spatial and low temporal resolution, to high spatial and high temporal resolution data collected seasonally at discrete sites. Defining these assessment zones is a critical first step in defining habitat types and quantifying desired state for GBR seagrasses. Habitat attributes not included in the zones, such as sediment type and exposure to wind and waves, as well as new seagrass biomass data will be used to update the framework, turning it into a full habitat assessment for defining desired state. A case study based in Cleveland Bay, as well as previous research, will be used to identify how this framework will be updated. Seagrass desired state is an ecological target that can be used to assess the effectiveness of management strategies to protect seagrass of the GBR. Desired state analysis requires data with medium to high spatial and temporal resolution that allows assessment in the context of disturbance events, recovery trajectories, and seasonal fluctuations. Robust analysis will be restricted to locations within zones where continuous data collection has occurred, e.g. the Marine Monitoring Program (MMP) and Queensland Ports Seagrass Monitoring Program (QPSMP), and for an adequate time span (generally >10 years)

Lymph Node Harvest in Dukes' A Cancer Pathologist May Need to Consider Fat Dissolving Technique: An Observational Study

Background. National institute of clinical excellence (NICE) recommends that a median of 12 lymph nodes be examined in patients operated on with curative intent- to- treat colorectal cancer (CRC). Patients with lymph node harvest less than this may be considered under staged and may receive adjuvant chemotherapy. The aim of our study was to ascertain median number of lymph nodes examined in early colorectal cancers. Method. Patients undergoing colorectal resection between June 2007 and May 2008 were identified and pathological staging obtained using pathology database. Results. 146 patients underwent standardised laparoscopic or open resection of colorectal cancers during this period. Overall median number of lymph nodes harvested/patient was 14 (3–40). When analysed by stage, median number of lymph nodes harvested in Dukes' A, B, and C cancers was 10, 14, and 15, respectively. 11/18 (61%) patients with Dukes' A carcinoma had lymph node harvest of less than 12 compared with 15/55 (27%) patients with Dukes' B. Conclusion. Lymph node harvest in Dukes' A cancers using standard techniques tends to be low. Pathologists may have to consider special techniques in harvesting lymph nodes for early colorectal cancers

Chapter 08: Vulnerability of seagrasses in the Great Barrier Reef to climate change

Seagrasses are flowering plants and, along with mangroves, have greater affinities to terrestrial plants than other marine macrophytes such as algae. Approximately 55 species of seagrass occur in five different plant families and represent at least three independent evolutionary lineages. Thus, seagrasses are not a taxonomically unified group but a ‘biological’ or ‘ecological’ group85,149. The evolutionary adaptations required for survival in the marine environment have led to convergence in morphology. Seagrasses evolved under differing ambient CO2 and temperature conditions so may have different tolerances to changing environmental conditions. A wide range of tolerances across marine environments exist amongst the extant diversity of seagrasses, reflecting their substantial adaptive capacity as a group.This is Chapter 8 of Climate change and the Great Barrier Reef: a vulnerability assessment. The entire book can be found at http://hdl.handle.net/11017/13

Accurately measuring the abundance of benthic microalgae in spatially variable habitats

Although many studies measure the abundance of benthic microalgae (BMA), at the meters squared scale, comparing these studies is difficult due to the variety of sampling, extraction, and analysis techniques. This difficulty is exacerbated by the fact that BMA abundance has high spatial and temporal variability, at all spatial scales. A suitable standard sampling regimen would reduce variation in estimates due to different sample collection and processing greatly facilitating comparisons between studies. This study examined the effect of varying the volume of extraction solvent, sampling core diameter, and sample replication on BMA biomass estimates. Key findings, applicable to all spatial scales, to accurately determine biomass were the use of a minimum sediment to extraction solvent ratio of 1:2 and use of a sampling core diameter of 19 mm. Across a wide range of sediment types, at the meters squared scale and using spectrophotometric techniques, a minimum replication number of 8 was found to be appropriate. We report the significant effect coring depth and units of expression have on BMA biomass estimates across a range of sediment types, highlighting the potential pitfalls when comparing studies

What lies beneath: predicting seagrass below-ground biomass from above-ground biomass, environmental conditions and seagrass community composition

Seagrass condition, resilience and ecosystem services are affected by the below-ground tissues (BGr) but these are rarely monitored. In this study we compiled historical data across northern Australia to investigate biomass allocation strategies in 13 tropical seagrass species. There was sufficient data to undertake statistical analysis for five species: Cymodocea serrulata, Halophila mutts, Halodule uninervis, Thalassia hemprichii, and Zostera muelleri. The response of below-ground biomass (BGr) to above-ground biomass (AGr) and other environmental and seagrass community composition predictor variables were assessed using Generalized Linear Models. Environmental data included: region, season, sediment type, water depth, proximity to land-based sources of pollution, and a light stress index. Seagrass community data included: species diversity and dominant species class (colonising, opportunistic or persistant) based on biomass. The predictor variables explained 84-97% of variance in BGr on the log-scale depending on the species. Multi-species meadows showed a greater investment into BGr than mono-specific meadows and when dominated by opportunistic or persistent seagrass species. This greater investment into BGr is likely to enhance their resistance to disturbances if carbohydrate storage reserves also increase with biomass. Region was very important for the estimation of BGr from AGr in four species (not in C. serrulata). No temporally changing environmental features were included in the models, therefore, they cannot be used to predict local-scale responses of BGr to environmental change. We used a case study for Cairns Harbour to predict BGr by applying the models to AGr measured at 362 sites in 2017. This case study demonstrates how the model can be used to estimate BGr when only AGr is measured. However, the general approach can be applied broadly with suitable calibration data for model development providing a more complete assessment of seagrass resources and their potential to provide ecosystem services

Monitoring Seagrass within the Reef 2050 Integrated Monitoring and Reporting Program: final report of the Seagrass Expert Group

Seagrass is widely distributed throughout the Great Barrier Reef (the Reef), with a documented 35,000 square kilometres and a potential habitat area of 228,300 square kilometres. Seagrass meadows occur in many different environmental conditions, both within and beyond the impact of flood plumes, and are common in areas of high anthropogenic activity, such as ports and areas adjacent to urban centres. Many processes and services that maintain the exceptional values of the Reef occur in seagrass meadows. To provide the services that support these values seagrass habitats include a range of species, growth forms and benthic landscapes, that respond to pressures in different ways. In many cases seagrasses also modify their environments to improve environmental conditions on the Reef. Seagrasses vary spatially and temporally in their distribution and abundance across the Reef, occurring in different water quality types (estuaries, coastal, reefal and offshore) and at different water depths (intertidal, shallow subtidal, deep water). The diversity of potential seagrass habitats is one reason they support so many of the environmental services and values of the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area (World Heritage Area), including: habitat for crabs, prawns and fish –– supporting recreational and commercial fishing; primary food resource for species of conservation significance (dugong, green turtles, migratory shore birds); shoreline stabilisation by binding sediment to slow erosion; water clarity improvement, by promoting the settlement of fine particulate matter; and providing a natural carbon sink. To deliver the seagrass components of the knowledge system required to deliver Reef 2050 Long-Term Sustainability Plan (Reef 2050 Plan) reporting and other management activities, there will need to be modifications and enhancements made to the current seagrass monitoring programs. The Drivers, Pressures, State, Impact, Response (DPSIR) framework was used to facilitate the identification of linkages between the pressures on seagrass, state of the seagrass, the impact a decline in seagrass would have on community values, and the responses management agencies can take to mitigate loss of values. We have also defined twelve seagrass habitat types that occur on the Reef, identified by a matrix of water body type and water depth. The seagrasses occurring in each habitat are exposed to different pressures and require different management actions (responses) to protect and enhance the values of the community and Reef ecosystems. The proposed monitoring program has three spatial and temporal scales, with each scale providing different information (knowledge) to support resilience-based management of the Reef. 1. Habitat assessment: will occur across the Reef at all sites where seagrass has a potential of occurring. It will determine seagrass abundance, species composition and spatial extent of each habitat type within the World Heritage Area. This scale will be focused on supporting future outlook reports, but will also provide information for operational and strategic management and contribute towards other reports. 2. Health assessment: will take place at representative regional sites, for each habitat type. These sites will provide managers with annual and seasonal trends in seagrass condition and resilience at a regional scale for each habitat. This scale will provide higher temporal detail (i.e. at least annually) of seagrass condition and resilience, supporting tactical, operational and strategic management applications. This scale will provide the majority of information for regional/catchment report cards and the assessment of management effectiveness at a catchment wide scale. It will also contribute important trends in condition and resilience to Outlook reports and other communication products with more frequent reporting. 3. Process monitoring: will take place at the fewest number of sites, nested within habitat and health assessment sites. Due to the time-consuming and complex nature of these measurements the sampling sites will be chosen to focus on priority knowledge gaps. This scale will provide managers with information on cause-and-effect relationships and linkages between different aspects of the Reef’s processes and ecosystems. This scale will include measures of seagrass resilience (for example, feedback loops, recovery time after disturbance, history of disturbance and thresholds for exposure to pressures). The attributes measured at these sites will also provide confidence to managers regarding the impact a change in seagrass condition is likely to have on other values of the Reef (for example, fish, megafauna, coral, Indigenous heritage, and human dimensions). To ensure that future seagrass monitoring delivers the information required to report on the Reef 2050 Plan and meets the other knowledge requirements of managers, a spatially balanced random sampling design needs to be implemented on the Reef. Existing monitoring programs can and should be integrated into this design. However, current seagrass monitoring programs do not provide a balanced assessment of seagrass condition across the entire Reef, hence are not suitable to meet the Reef 2050 Plan reporting requirements and many other management information needs. Existing sites within current monitoring are focused on habitat types that are intertidal and shallow sub-tidal and lie close to the coast. These habitats have been previously selected because they face high levels of cumulative anthropogenic risk and therefore have higher levels of management demand for information. The current sites are likely to decline more rapidly, in response to catchment run-off and other anthropogenic pressures, than the average for seagrass meadows across the entire Reef. They also have a greater potential to show improvements from Reef catchment management actions that reduce pollution associated with run-off. This report sets out the framework for a recommended new seagrass monitoring program, highlighting the substantial improvements in knowledge and confidence this new program will deliver, and provides a scope for the statistical design work required to support implementation of this program

Antibiotic dosing in the 'at risk' critically ill patient: Linking pathophysiology with pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamics in sepsis and trauma patients

Background: Critical illness, mediated by trauma or sepsis, can lead to physiological changes that alter the pharmacokinetics of antibiotics and may result in sub-therapeutic concentrations at the sites of infection. The first aim of this project is to identify the clinical characteristics of critically ill patients with significant trauma that have been recently admitted to ICU that may predict the dosing requirements for the antibiotic, cefazolin. The second aim of this is to identify the clinical characteristics of critically ill patients with sepsis that may predict the dosing requirements for the combination antibiotic, piperacillin-tazobactam