OUT THERE ... The CSIRO has discovered hundreds of new forms of sea life off the coast of Southern Tasmania.
Secrets species in Tassie seas
DANIELLE McKAY
October 09, 2008 12:00am
TEXTBOOKS will be rewritten after the discovery of hundreds of new marine species in previously unknown sea mounts and canyons off Southern Tasmania.
More than 270 species unknown to science and 80 new sea mounts were identified by two recent CSIRO Wealth from Oceans Flagship marine research voyages to Commonwealth Marine Reserves in the Southern Ocean.
Federal Environment Minister Peter Garrett revealed the discoveries in Hobart yesterday. He said the breakthrough highlighted the importance of planning and managing Australia's marine reserves.
But conservationists called for swift action to preserve the diverse reserve, which still remains vulnerable to commercial fisheries.
The discoveries were made in the Tasman Fracture and Huon reserves -- two of the Commonwealth Marine's 14 southeast reserves. Marine National Facility Vessel Southern Surveyor facilitated the research 100 nautical miles off Southern Tasmania.
Researchers used sonar and video to take images and biological samples down to 2000m below sea level.
More than 410 invertebrate species, including corals, sponges, crustaceans, sea stars and molluscs were identified, and 66 per cent were believed to be new to science.
CSIRO marine biodiversity researcher Professor Nic Bax said the findings would be used as a benchmark for marine studies.
He said they would also facilitate climate change monitoring and the development of marine management policy.
Mr Garrett commended Prof Bax and those involved in the project.
He said the discovery gave a much greater understanding of the marine environment and resources.
He acknowledged it was difficult to protect both the marine environment and industry but said with the help of science the Government would get it right.
"We want to see a marine reserve system that manages that tough balance between sustainability, livelihood, long-term conservation and the economic capacity," he said.
However Australian Conservation Foundation healthy oceans campaigner Chris Smyth said the discovery highlighted the need for rigid conservation efforts.
"The Southern Ocean is such a unique and sensitive habitat that even the smallest change could have devastating effects on biodiversity," Mr Smyth said.
"It would mean many of these species would not have a comparable alternate environment to go to."
Article from: Mercury |
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