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TAS E-News May 2008

 

IN THIS EDITION:

MARINE & COASTAL LEGISLATION, POLICY & PLANNING
1. Australia’s coasts to win $100 million package
2. Changes to Threatened Species Schedules
 
NATURAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT
3. Tamar silt debate re-ignited
 
FISHERIES
4. Fresh market could bring fish buyers to Hobart
5. Fishers hit snag with closure of Triabunna jetty
6. Skills funding
7. Health Warning on Wild Shellfish
8. New Cleaning and Disinfection Protocols for Divers
 
AQUACULTURE
9. Abalone Aquaculture Dialogue Begins
 
CLIMATE CHANGE
10. Coastal climate case studies
11. $3.45 million to boost local capacity to adapt to climate change

COASTAL DEVELOPMENT
12. Council rejects Penguin development proposal
13. East coast resort to go ahead
14. Minister approves Module E of Gunns pulp mill project
15. Dick Smith confident of beating eco-lodge appeal
16. Crescent Bay residential subdivision given go-ahead
17. Greens concerned about plans for St Helens development
18. Multi-million dollar resort could employ 200: Mayor
 
INVASIVE MARINE & COASTAL SPECIES
19. Oyster farmers tackling water weeds
20. Japanese marine pest spreading around Tasmania
21. Plan to beat sea star pest
 
MARINE SPECIES
22. New home for lobster Wow
23. Eagles nest programs

PORTS & SHIPPING
24. Catamarans ideal for European waterways: Incat
25. Port congestion solutions found in Tasmania
26. Study needed on impact of ship emissions
 
BLUE ENERGY
27. Hydro's wave power plan
 
HERITAGE
28. Historic lighthouse plans up for sale
 
POLLUTION
29. Problems with dairy waste in Bass Strait
 
RECREATION & TOURISM
30. Surf's up on King Island
31. Testing times for boating simulator
32. What do coral reefs mean to you? Photography Competition
 
RESEARCH
33. New scientific spotlight on southern rivers
 
OPEN FOR PUBLIC COMMENT
34. Input sought to improve Tasmania's planning system – comments close 16 June 2008
35. Draft threat abatement plan to reduce the impacts of exotic rodents on biodiversity on Australian offshore islands of less than 100,000 hectares – comments close 18 July 2008
36. Draft threat abatement plan: The impacts of marine debris on vertebrate marine life – comments close 14 August 2008
37. Key Threatening Process: Damage to marine ecosystems by trawling in the area of the Southern and Eastern Scalefish and Shark Fishery (SESSF) – comments close 30 September 2008

PUBLICATIONS & WEBSITES
38. Tasmania's Threatened Fauna Handbook
39. A national study of crime in the Australian fishing industry
 
GRANTS
40. Fishwise Community Grants – expressions of interest close 6 June 2008
41. Australian Government, Caring for our Country
42. Community Coastcare Grants – applications close 25 July 2008

AWARDS
43. Call for Entries to Reuters-IUCN Environmental Media Awards – entries close 15 June 2008

WORKSHOPS, CONFERENCES & EVENTS
44. World Ocean’s Day (Australia)
45. TasWater 08 - The Tasmanian Water Forum, Hobart

CALL FOR PAPERS & ABSTRACTS
47. Coast to Coast 2008, Darwin
48. Coastal Zone Asia-Pacific Conference, China
49. International Marine Conservation Congress: call for papers, USA

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MARINE & COASTAL LEGISLATION, POLICY & PLANNING

1. Australia’s coasts to win $100 million package
Abridged from Australian Minister for the Environment, Heritage and the Arts and Australian Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry
23 May 2008
Full text: http://www.environment.gov.au/minister/garrett/2008/pubs/mr20080523.pdf
Australia’s fragile coasts and beaches will benefit from a $100 million Community Coastcare package launched by Environment Minister, Peter Garrett. The new investment jointly administered by Minister Garrett and Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Minister, Tony Burke is part of the Labor Government’s $2.25 billion Caring for our Country initiative, and will help local communities undertake vital beach and coastal protection and restoration projects right around the country. Mr Garrett said Community Coastcare would draw upon the wealth of community skills and knowledge of our coast and beaches, providing grants to community groups for projects to protect and improve the environmental values of the nation’s coastline.
For more information including application forms visit: www.nrm.gov.au
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2. Changes to Threatened Species Schedules
Abridged from the Department of Primary Industries and Water (TAS)
14 May 2008
Full text: http://www.dpiw.tas.gov.au/inter.nsf/WebPages/LBUN-796W2S?open
Scientists have recommended changes to the listing of species under Tasmania's Threatened Species Protection Act 1995. 49 species are being moved up the list because of increasing vulnerability. The expert Threatened Species Scientific Advisory Committee (SAC), chaired by Dr Roy Swain of the University of Tasmania, has completed its 5-year review of species listed in the Act's schedules. The Order was made by the Minister on 14 May 2008 which makes the changes law.
Further information: www.thelaw.tas.gov.au or contact Louise Jerrim on (03) 6233 8759 or louise.jerrim@dpiw.tas.gov.au.
 
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NATURAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT
 
3. Tamar silt debate re-ignited
Abridged from ABC Online
26 May 2008
Full text: http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2008/05/26/2255479.htm
The Federal Opposition has re-ignited the debate on Launceston's silt problem, by demanding an inspection by the Federal Environment Minister, Peter Garrett. The Launceston City Council asked the Government to help fund a study on the silt, but the Environment Minister, Peter Garrett rejected the council's request. The Launceston Mayor, Albert Van Zetten, says the council is now concentrating on temporary measures to control the mud in the Tamar River. Federal Member for Bass, Jodie Campbell says the Government has already given $260,000 for silt research to the group NRM North and she's committed to working with the council on the issue.
Related articles: http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2008/05/15/2245688.htm
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FISHERIES

4. Fresh market could bring fish buyers to Hobart
Abridged from Tasmanian Country Hour ABC Online
22 May 2008
Full text: http://www.abc.net.au/rural/tas/content/2006/s2252830.htm
The Tasmanian Fishing Industry Council (TFIC) has given in principle support for a fish market on the Hobart waterfront. The Tasmanian Ports Corporation has called for tenders for the redevelopment of its quarantine shed on Macquarie Wharf. Fish processes Poulos Brothers had floated the idea of creating a fresh fish market. TFIC chief executive Neil Stump says both the public and industry would win from a new market.
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5. Fishers hit snag with closure of Triabunna jetty
Abridged from ABC Online
14 May 2008
Full text: http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2008/05/14/2244998.htm
Businesses at Triabunna on Tasmania's east coast fear there will be a flow-on effect from the closure of the public jetty. The jetty was condemned and closed due to structural concerns, bringing uncertainty to fishermen and tourist boat operators. Fishing has been disrupted by the jetty's sudden closure; about 20 local fishers are affected. The Glamorgan Spring Bay Mayor, Bertrand Cadart, says the council is hamstrung, because its funds are committed to addressing other infrastructure issues. The closure has also caused long-term uncertainty for Maria Island ferries which use the public wharf.
Related articles: http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2008/05/13/2243082.htm
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6. Skills funding
Abridged from Tasmanian Country Hour, ABC Online
12 May 2008
Full text: http://www.abc.net.au/rural/tas/content/2006/s2242059.htm
A new training and education framework for Tasmania's farming and fishing industries is being proposed, when the State and Federally funded FarmBis scheme ends mid-year. FarmBis subsidised training (which has helped more than 4,000 Tasmanians in the last three years) is being axed because it's not targetted enough to industry needs. But a new direction is being mapped out, that proponents say could cut Government funding for rural industry training and education by at least 90 per cent. The new idea is to have government pay for training 'brokers' who liaise with industry, identify critical skills and training gaps and then fill those needs. It's based on the Farmbis Targetted Industry Initiative, which funded projects in the potato, pork, and fishing industries and a future farmer skills study. Tasmanian Fishing Industry Council project officer Emily Stoddart says the results from working with the industry's established training broker, Seafood Training Tasmania have been huge.
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7. Health Warning on Wild Shellfish
Abridged from the Director of Public Health (TAS)
2 May 2008
Full text: http://www.media.tas.gov.au/release.php?id=23635
Members of the public are again being warned against collecting and eating wild shellfish from a number of south eastern Tasmanian waters.  The renewed warning came today from the Director of Public and Environmental Health, Dr Roscoe Taylor, following further development of a toxic algal bloom that causes shellfish to become temporarily toxic to humans. A warning was issued in January this year against eating shellfish from the Huon Estuary and Port Esperance and recent bloom development has again caused shellfish to become toxic in these areas...People should not collect and eat wild shellfish from the Huon Estuary and Port Esperance...Shellfish includes oysters, mussels, scallops with roe on and clams...The areas include north of Lomas Point at Port Esperance to Huon Island, and up the Huon Estuary. Dr Taylor said the warning did not apply to shellfish farms in the affected areas, nor does it apply to abalone or rock lobster.
Further information: Ray Brown, Manager, Tasmanian Shellfish Quality Assurance Program: 03 6222 7718 or 0419 577 048
Related articles: http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2008/05/02/2233463.htm
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8. New Cleaning and Disinfection Protocols for Divers
Abridged from the Department of Primary Industries and Water
May 2008
Full text: http://www.dpiw.tas.gov.au/inter.nsf/WebPages/SCAN-6ZX7S5?open
The outbreak of Abalone Viral Ganglioneuritis and its subsequent spread across western Victoria has highlighted the importance of cleaning and hygiene in reducing the spread of aquatic diseases. In response to the Risk Assessment of Abalone Fishing and Farming Activities, a number of activities in the wild capture and processing sector were identified as requiring mitigation. Draft protocols have been developed as part of the Abalone Biosecurity Project.  Over the remainder of 2008, additional protocols will be developed to address the range of risks activities identified in the risk assessment.   The Department of Primary Industry and Water (DPIW) encourages ALL DIVERS to adopt the protocols as a part of their daily routine when fishing.
Further information: http://www.dpiw.tas.gov.au/inter.nsf/WebPages/SCAN-6ZX7S5?open
 
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AQUACULTURE
 
9. Abalone Aquaculture Dialogue Begins
Abridged from WWF
23 May 2008
Full text: http://www.worldwildlife.org/who/media/press/2008/WWFPresitem9106.html
The process of creating standards for certifying farmed abalone is underway.  The standards will help minimize the key environmental and social impacts associated with abalone production. At the first meeting of the Abalone Aquaculture Dialogue, held in Australia in April, participants identified the key impacts associated with abalone farming and agreed on overarching goals to address those impacts. The impacts discussed relate to biosecurity, genetics and the ecosystem effects of abalone aquaculture.  Dialogue participants also made significant progress in categorizing criteria, which are specific areas to focus on in order to reduce the impacts of abalone farming.
Further information: www.worldwildlife.org/abalonedialgoue
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CLIMATE CHANGE

10. Coastal climate case studies
Abridged from The Mercury
8 May 2008
Full text: http://www.news.com.au/mercury/story/0,22884,23664978-3462,00.html?from=public_rss
Tasmania has been chosen as the location for one of six national studies investigating the impact of climate change on the Australian coast. The Minister for Climate Change Penny Wong, announced that the effect of climate change on the commercial East Coast rock lobster fishery and its reliant communities would be part of the new $1.2 million study.  The six studies form the first stage of a National Coastal Vulnerability Assessment by the Federal Government under its new "Caring for our Coasts’’ policy. The studies will look at issues including the impact of climate change on coastal communities, on commercial fisheries, and on infrastructure in remote oil and gas towns.
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11. $3.45 million to boost local capacity to adapt to climate change
Abridged from Minister for Climate Change and Water (Australia)
6 May 2008
Full text: http://www.environment.gov.au/minister/wong/2008/pubs/mr20080506.pdf
Minister for Climate Change and Water, Senator Penny Wong, announced $3.45 million to help local government and professionals such as engineers and architects better manage the effects of climate change…The Government is providing $1.55 million to assist councils to learn more about the local impact of climate and plan ahead…Another $1.9 million has gone to tertiary institutions and professional associations to integrate climate change into their education and training courses through the Climate Change Adaptation Skills for Professionals small grants program…Senator Wong said the $1.55 million provided in grants to local government organisations would help them assess risks and develop action plans to deal with the effects of climate change.
Further information: http://www.climatechange.gov.au/impacts/index.html
Related articles: http://www.amc.edu.au/node/1319
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COASTAL DEVELOPMENT
 
12. Council rejects Penguin development proposal
Abridged from ABC Online
24 May 2008
Full text: http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2008/05/24/2254482.htm
Tasmania's planning authorities have scuttled a long-running development proposal at Penguin in the north-west. The Central Coast Council rejected the proposal, which at 28 metres high, was almost double what the planning scheme allowed. The developers appealed to the Planning Appeals Tribunal, but have been rejected.
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13. East coast resort to go ahead
Abridged from ABC Online
23 May 2008
Full text: http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2008/05/23/2253705.htm
An appeal against Federal Hotels' planned resort at Coles Bay on the east coast has been dropped.
The Dolphin Sands Ratepayers Association lodged an appeal with the Resource Management and Planning Appeal Tribunal over concerns relating to the height of the buildings, the fire management plan and a lack of information about the planned use of helicopters to transfer guests. But mediation between the parties has resolved the issues and the resort can now go ahead.
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14. Minister approves Module E of Gunns pulp mill project
Abridged from the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and the Arts (Australia)
23 May 2008
Full text: http://www.environment.gov.au/minister/garrett/2008/pubs/mr20080522a.pdf
Module E of the plan to manage the environmental impacts of the Gunns pulp mill project was approved by the Minister for the Environment, Peter Garrett. This means construction of the accommodation facility, located on the outskirts of George Town, can now proceed.  Federal approval of the pulp mill project is subject to the preparation and approval of a detailed Environmental Impact Management Plan (EIMP).  This EIMP is being submitted by Gunns in a series of modules.
Modules A (Overview), B (Vegetation Clearing) and C (Bulk Earthworks) were approved by the Minister earlier this year.  Additional modules will be submitted by Gunns in future months.
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15. Dick Smith confident of beating eco-lodge appeal
Abridged from ABC Online
20 May 2008
Full text: http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2008/05/20/2249891.htm
Businessman Dick Smith says the approval of a residential sub-division near Crescent Bay on the Tasman Peninsula bodes well for the success of his own development on an adjoining property. His hopes have been boosted by the approval of a subdivision next door. Yesterday the Planning Appeals Tribunal approved an application by Sydney businessman Geoffrey Cousins to create two house lots near Crescent Bay. Dick Smith has council approval to build an eco-lodge next door, but the Friends of Crescent Bay group has lodged an appeal.
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16. Crescent Bay residential subdivision given go-ahead
Abridged from ABC Online
19 May 2008
Full text: http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2008/05/19/2248882.htm
An appeal against a controversial subdivision at Crescent Bay in Tasmania's south east has been rejected. The Resource Management and Planning Appeal Tribunal has approved the subdivision, on the Tasman Peninsula. The Tasman Council granted approval but a number of parties appealed against the permit. One objector, Pam Leishman-Fenerty, argued the plans were inconsistent with the State Coastal Policy. But the tribunal rejected the argument.
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17. Greens concerned about plans for St Helens development
Abridged from ABC Online
17 May 2008
Full text: http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2008/05/17/2247793.htm
The Tasmanian Greens say the State Government is considering a crown land development in the north-east without consulting the local community. The developer has confirmed he is considering a development including a cafe and restaurant and a tourism booking centre near the St Helens boat ramp. Tim Morris, from the Greens, says the land is currently leased by the Break O'Day Council and locals have an expectation that it will stay that way. The Break O'Day Mayor, Robert Legge, says the council has not received an application and the Greens should stay out of it.
Related articles:
http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2008/05/13/2242763.htm
http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2008/05/12/2241899.htm
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18. Multi-million dollar resort could employ 200: Mayor
Abridged from ABC Online
12 May 2008
Full text: http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2008/05/12/2241499.htm
Plans for a resort at Musselroe Bay in Tasmania's far north-east are moving ahead. The Dorset Council says the architectural designs are being finalised for the $180 million resort which would have 100 rooms and 320 accommodation units. The developers have already appointed a golf course manager and plan to employ a further 200 people once the building is complete. The Dorset Mayor Peter Partridge says the community supports the project, as the developers are taking care to blend the resort into the surroundings.
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INVASIVE MARINE AND COASTAL SPECIES

19. Oyster farmers tackling water weeds
Abridged from Growfish
8 May 2008
Full text: http://www.growfish.com.au/content.asp?contentid=11376
Tasmanian oyster farmers in Little Swanport are winning the fight to save the town's estuary from an introduced rice grass. Little Swanport oyster farmer, Colin Dyke, claims it was adversely affecting the industry...It looked as though about a third of the estuary was going to be taken over by rice grass, we had to do something then...A volunteer team from three oyster farms worked to kill the weed with herbicide. Team members continue to survey the estuary each month to check the seeds have not returned.
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20. Japanese marine pest spreading around Tasmania
Abridged from ABC Online
8 May 2008
Full text: http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2008/05/08/2238550.htm
A Tasmanian marine biologist is calling for tighter restrictions on ballast water within and between states, to help stop the spread of sea pests. University of Tasmania, Marine Biologist, Neville Barrett says DNA tests have confirmed another Japanese sea pest grateloupia turuturu, is invading Tasmanian waters...Tests have shown that it is certainly positively identified from the Bicheno region but our ongoing survey work indicates that the plants are certainly round the east coast of Tasmania from Bicheno certainly down to the Tasman Peninsula...Scientists believe it was probably introduced through ballast water from international ships, before restrictions on international ships were introduced. Mr Barrett says once the pests are in Tasmanian waters, they are easily spread.
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21. Plan to beat sea star pest
Abridged from The Mercury
5 May 2008
Full text: http://www.news.com.au/mercury/story/0,22884,23646332-3462,00.html?from=public_rss
A groundbreaking Tasmanian study has revealed the Northern Pacific sea star population could be dramatically reduced and controlled. Tim Oxley co-ordinated the Commonwealth-funded Operation Sea Star Wars last year and said a management plan for the pest had been found.  Mr Oxley said physical removal of the sea stars from 20 hot spots in the River Derwent would have a sizeable impact on the sea star's annual population boom.  A study by the University of Tasmania's School of Zoology supports his findings. Sea Stars were introduced to the Derwent in 1986 through the ballast water of Japanese ships.
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MARINE SPECIES

22. New home for lobster Wow
Abridged from The Mercury
21 May 2008
Full text: http://www.news.com.au/mercury/story/0,22884,23734896-3462,00.html?from=public_rss
A rock lobster from Tasmania has taken centre stage at a huge US restaurant convention in Chicago. Charlie, who weighs almost 4kg, was one of a group in a tank at the Austrade stand.  He soon had his name changed to Wow as Americans lined up to have their photo taken with the star.  Wow's growing icon status also made it awkward for him to be used for the purpose for which he was flown to Chicago – to become a gourmet meal.  Tasmanian Rock Lobster Fishermen's Association chief executive officer Rodney Treloggen made an ad hoc decision and Wow got a new home in the windy city.
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23. Eagles nest programs
Abridged from Tasmanian Country Hour, ABC Online
12 May 2008
Full text: http://www.abc.net.au/rural/tas/content/2006/s2242057.htm
Some of Tasmania's best eagle real estate is on track to be protected for good, thanks largely to the cooperation of farmers. The Tasmanian Land Conservancy and Roaring Forties are working together to find and protect primary nesting sites on private land for wedge tailed eagles and white bellied sea eagles.  Similar efforts have been made before with mixed success, but the latest program is on target to meet its protection targets. Nathan Males from the Tasmanian Land Conservancy says the program is working but he's still keen to hear from farmers who are interested in being paid to protect eagles’ nests on their land.
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PORTS & SHIPPING
 
24. Catamarans ideal for European waterways: Incat
Abridged from ABC Online
21 May 2008
Full text: http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2008/05/21/2251019.htm
Tasmanian shipbuilder, Incat believes European ferry routes offer the best outlook for future orders. Incat has sold arguably its most famous catamaran to a low-cost English Channel ferry operator, SpeedFerries, for around $26 million. SpeedOne, formerly known as HMAS Jervis Bay which served for two years in East Timor from 1999, will service the Dover to Boulogne route for SpeedFerries. Incat's managing director Craig Clifford says the English Channel and other European waterways are developing into an important market for the Tasmanian company.
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25. Port congestion solutions found in Tasmania
Abridged from ABC Online
8 May 2008
Full text: http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2008/05/08/2238774.htm
The Tasmanian-based Australian Maritime College (AMC) is working on resolving the nation's port congestion. It has created a new Port Development Unit which recently contributed to a $1.5 billion upgrade of a major miner's West Australian export facility. An AMC study reassured Rio Tinto that 50 metres was enough space to separate the passing and berthed ships. The Port Development Unit's Director Dr Martin Renilson says the AMC's research helped the company design the new dock.
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26. Study needed on impact of ship emissions
Abridged from the Australian Maritime College
2 May 2008
Full text: http://www.amc.edu.au/node/1186
The Australian Maritime College (AMC) told a Parliamentary inquiry into Australia's coastal shipping policy that a study of the impact of ship emissions on urban air quality is needed.  Laurie Goldsworthy, Research Leader in Marine Engines at AMC told the inquiry...recognition in Europe, USA and Asia that ship emissions contribute significantly to air pollution over land has led the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) to propose stricter limits on emissions of oxides of nitrogen and oxides of sulphur from ships...Although yet to be ratified, new IMO guidelines would place tighter emissions restrictions from 2013 in waterways designated as Emission Control Areas (ECAs).
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BLUE ENERGY
 
27. Hydro's wave power plan
Abridged from The Mercury
6 May 2008
Full text: http://www.news.com.au/mercury/story/0,22884,23653686-3462,00.html?from=public_rss
Hydro Tasmania is looking to harness the power of the ocean to generate enough clean power on King and Flinders Islands to supply about 500 homes. Today both islands rely on generators, which burn imported diesel, and wind turbines for power generation but residents should be able to tap into wave and tidal current power by 2010. Hydro Tasmania has signed a deal with Sydney-based company BioPower Systems to conduct trials of its bioWave technology on King Island and its Biostream tidal-current system on Flinders Island with a view to generating domestic 250kW of electricity on both Bass Strait islands by next year. BioStream technology is based on the propulsion used by shark, tuna and mackerel.  The BioStream mimics the shape and motion characteristics of these fish but is a fixed device in a moving stream.
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Interested in this topic?
 
View MCCN’s latest edition of WAVES magazine which focuses on ‘blue-green’ energy, and ocean technologies and includes articles such as: An Ocean of Energy – There for the Taking, Wave Energy – The Way To Go, Potential of Offshore Wind Energy in Australia, Impact of Desalination Plants on Coastal Environments and Communities, Post-harvesting Innovations, Human Impact on the Great Barrier Reef, and more....
Further information: http://www.mccn.org.au
 
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HERITAGE
 
28. Historic lighthouse plans up for sale
Abridged from ABC Online
21 May 2008
Full text: http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2008/05/21/2251875.htm
An historic link with Tasmania's maritime history will be up for sale in Melbourne next month. A Melbourne auction house has acquired colonial architect James Johnston Barnet's plans, maps and design features for extensions to 11 Australian lighthouses. Two of them are the Maatsuyker and Eddystone Point lighthouses in Tasmania. Pre-sale estimates value the collection at up to $7,500.
It will be sold on June the 15th.
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POLLUTION
 
29. Problems with dairy waste in Bass Strait
Abridged from ABC Online
13 May 2008
Full text: http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2008/05/13/2242640.htm
Waste being pumped from the King Island Dairy into Bass Strait has sparked complaints from locals and the council.  The Environment Department has asked the dairy to clean up the waste which is being pumped from a pipeline out to sea.  However, there complaints that some of it then washes back on shore at Porky Beach.  The Environment Department's director, Warren Jones, says the dairy has been given three years to clean up its act. Mr Jones says there are three stages for the dairy to rectify the problem...The pipeline has already been extended, the second stage of treatment is to take oil and grease out of the effluent, reduce the levels of oil and grease significantly and the third stage will be to put in place biological agents which will reduce the level of organic matter in the effluent...
Related articles: http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2008/05/12/2242568.htm
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RECREATION & TOURISM
 
30. Surf's up on King Island
Abridged from ABC Online
23 May 2008
Full text: http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2008/05/23/2253488.htm
If it wasn't so cold King Island's Lavinia Beach could be mistaken for the tropics - the sand is white, the water is a beautiful turquoise colour.  The man who's known as the patriarch of King Island's surfing community is looking at the waves. Jeremy Curtain brought surfing to King Island in the 1960s.  Mr Curtain was on a fishing trip in 1969 when he discovered a beach break that would eventually be voted by the magazine Surfing Life as one of the top 10 waves in the world. The wave - Martha Lavinia - is named after a shipwreck.  It's the wild winds and strong currents that have scuttled many ships along King Island that create the wave...The waves are fairly unique...In fact they are generated by the winds that are offshore, so the stronger the offshore wind the bigger the waves get.
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31. Testing times for boating simulator
Abridged from ABC Online
19 May 2008
Full text: http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2008/05/19/2248496.htm
Work is progressing in northern Tasmania on a computer simulator that behaves like a small boat.
Pivot Marine at Legana has received a $1 million Federal Government grant to produce boat simulators, so that new boat owners can learn about the hazards of the water. The program designer, Dr Jeffrey Hawkins says he is still refining the software but hopes to have simulators on the market in three years...we're going to have a simulator which is ideal for people in small boats, so they can learn the skills before they get out on the water...They can learn about how to manoeuvre the vessel before they actually have to do it...Marine and Safety Tasmania hopes to one day use computer simulators to help test for a boat licence.
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32. What do coral reefs mean to you? Photography Competition
Abridged from: Reef Check Website
May 2008
Full text: http://www.reefcheckaustralia.org
In celebration of the Second International Year of the Reef, Reef Check Australia and Project AWARE are running an International “What do coral reefs mean to you?” photography competition.  This annual competition is designed to showcase the multitude of different ways that ‘we’ value our reefs.  These “values” include social activities and recreational pastimes such as diving, snorkelling, sailing and fishing, traditional cultural activities for many indigenous Australians and commercial ventures such as tourism and gathering seafood.  Submissions open May 1st to June 30th, 2008.
Further information:  Reef Check Australia E: media@reefcheckaustralia.org T: (07) 4724 3950 W: http://www.reefcheckaustralia.org
 
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RESEARCH
 
33. New scientific spotlight on southern rivers
Abridged from ABC Online
20 May 2008
Full text: http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2008/05/20/2250277.htm
The CSIRO is embarking on a project to gain a greater understanding of the Derwent and Huon Rivers in southern Tasmania. It is setting up a Marine Observation Network and expects to put the first underwater sensors into the Derwent next month. Research scientist Greg Timms says new technology allows them to monitor many aspects of the rivers in real time. The Network will also use a robotic submarine to study the two river estuaries. He says the technology will make existing computer models of the rivers far more accurate.
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OPEN FOR PUBLIC COMMENT
 
34. Input sought to improve Tasmania's planning system – comments close 16 June 2008
Abridged from the Minister for Planning and Workplace Relations (TAS)
2 May 2008
Full text: http://www.media.tas.gov.au/release.php?id=23640
The Minister for Planning and Workplace Relations David Bartlett has called for submissions to the review of Tasmania’s Planning System.  Mr Bartlett said the Tasmanian planning system has been in place for over ten years...The review is intended to identify where improvements can be made to the approval process for State Policies, projects of State significance, and planning schemes and amendments...The main focus is the overarching governance of the planning part of the Resource Management and Planning System and the relative functions of the various bodies that operate within it to ensure that the planning system operates efficiently. The Government wants to hear from a range of people about possible improvements to the planning system but submissions should be based on the Terms of Reference.
Further information: www.justice.tas.gov.au
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35. Draft threat abatement plan to reduce the impacts of exotic rodents on biodiversity on Australian offshore islands of less than 100,000 hectares – comments close 18 July 2008
Abridged from the Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts (Australia)
16 April 2008
Full text: http://www.environment.gov.au/biodiversity/threatened/tap-drafts.html
Public comment is invited from interested groups and individuals on a Draft Threat Abatement Plan to reduce the impacts of exotic rodents on biodiversity on Australian offshore islands of less than 100,000 hectares.  The draft threat abatement plan describes research, management and other actions to protect native species and ecological communities from exotic rodents.
Further information: http://www.environment.gov.au/biodiversity/threatened/tap-drafts.html
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36. Draft threat abatement plan: The impacts of marine debris on vertebrate marine life – comments close 14 August 2008
Abridged from the Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts (Australia)
April 2008
Full text: http://www.environment.gov.au/biodiversity
This draft TAP provides a coordinated national approach to the implementation of measures to prevent and mitigate the impacts of harmful marine debris on vertebrate life.  It identifies the research, management and other actions needed to ensure the long-term survival of native species and ecological communities affected as a result of ingestion of, or entanglement in harmful marine debris.
Further information: http://www.environment.gov.au/biodiversity
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37. Key Threatening Process: Damage to marine ecosystems by trawling in the area of the Southern and Eastern Scalefish and Shark Fishery (SESSF) – comments close 30 September 2008
Abridged from the Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts (Australia)
May 2008
Full text: http://www.environment.gov.au/biodiversity/threatened/ktp/damage-sessf.html
The proposed key threatening process (KTP) is overfishing in the Southern and Eastern Scalefish and Shark Fishery (SESSF). The nomination states that there are several key factors that contribute to the process of overfishing in the SESSF. These factors are:
1.     The loss of and subsequent lack of natural refugia for marine species across the productive fishing grounds of the SESSF;
2.     Total Allowable Catches (TACs) being set too high for quota managed species, thus allowing overfishing to occur; and,
3.     TACs being used to promote species recovery but being an inappropriate tool to achieve this goal for many species.
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PUBLICATIONS & WEBSITES

38. Tasmania's Threatened Fauna Handbook
Abridged from the Department of Primary Industries and Water (TAS)
May 2008
Full text: http://www.dpiw.tas.gov.au/inter.nsf/WebPages/RLIG-5446TS?open
Tasmania's Threatened Fauna Handbook offers the most comprehensive account of the State's threatened fauna.
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39. A national study of crime in the Australian fishing industry
Abridged from: Report by Judy Putt and Katherine Anderson, Australian Government, Australian Institute of Criminology
Full text: http://www.aic.gov.au
The Australian aquaculture and fisheries industry is worth over $2 billion annually, and supports numerous communities across the country. This report presents the results of research, funded by the Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, that sought to investigate the extent of illegal activity in Australia's fishing industry and the threat posed by more organised criminal activity.  
Download report: http://www.aic.gov.au/publications/rpp/76/rpp76.pdf
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GRANTS
 
40. Fishwise Community Grants – expressions of interest close 6 June 2008
Abridged from Fishing News, Department of Primary Industries and Water (TAS)
29 April 2008
Full text: http://www.dpiw.tas.gov.au/inter.nsf/WebPages/HMUY-5SC7ME?open
Tasmanians have the chance to land a Fishwise Community Grant with more than $158,000 available for projects that improve the management of recreational sea fisheries and community understanding of fishing issues. Through Fishwise Community Grants, individuals and community groups can receive funding for projects that will protect and promote recreational fishing activities for future generations.
Further information: www.dpiw.tas.gov.au/fishwise or T: 03 6233 7042 or E fishwise@dpiw.tas.gov.au
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41. Australian Government, Caring for our Country
Abridged from: Australian Government, Natural Resource Management website
Caring for Our Country provides $2.25 billion in funding over five years from 1 July 2008 to June 2013.  It will integrate a number of existing natural resource management measures into a consolidated program.  These include the Natural Heritage Trust, the National Landcare Program, the Environmental Stewardship Program, and elements of the Working on Country program.
Further information:  http://www.nrm.gov.au/funding/cfoc-faq.html
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42. Community Coastcare Grants – applications close 25 July 2008
Abridged from:  Australian Government, Natural Resource Management website
Community Coastcare is part of the Caring for our Country package of activities contributing to the coastal environments and critical aquatic habitats priority outcome.  Applications are being sought now for funding in 2008-2009.
Further information: http://www.nrm.gov.au/funding/coastcare.html
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AWARDS
 
43. Call for Entries to Reuters-IUCN Environmental Media Awards – entries close 15 June 2008
Abridged from: Reuters-IUCN Media Release
Reuters Foundation and IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) launch the 2008 Media Awards, a worldwide competition aimed at raising global awareness of environmental and sustainable development issues, by encouraging excellence in environmental reporting worldwide. Further information: http://www.foundation.reuters.com and http://www.iucn.org/media_awards.
 
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WORKSHOPS, CONFERENCES AND EVENTS

COMING UP (June – July 2008)

44. World Ocean’s Day (Australia)
8 June 2008
To help celebrate World Ocean’s Day, MCCN will profile Australia’s talented marine science students and their research work.  To help us do this, Phoebe Hill, herself a PhD candidate and volunteer with MCCN, will compile a review of some of the research work being conducted in academic institutions across Australia.  If you are a student doing a post-graduate marine science research project, or a supervisor of  marine science research students , we would like to hear from you. Please send us a 100-200 word summary of your research including your supervisors name  and any supporting images to Phoebe Hill at email: volunteer@mccn.org.au. If we are able to include your project we will send you a copy of the completed article on the MCCN website so that you can circulate to your own networks.
Further information T: 1800 815 332 E: volunteer@mccn.org.au
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45. TasWater 08 - The Tasmanian Water Forum, Hobart
24 June 2008
TasWater 08 is the major portal for information sharing within the Tasmanian water industry, and will examine issues including sustainability, catchment management, emerging solutions, climate change and governance.  An event of interest for natural resource and catchment managers; local government planners and managers; environmental consultants; environmental organisations; agricultural and forestry organisations and researchers.
Further information: http://www.awa.asn.au/AM/Template.
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46. NZMSS & AMSA Conference, Christchurch
7 – 10 July 2008
Held at the University of Canterbury, the New Zealand Marine Sciences Society and the Australian Marine Sciences Association are teaming up to bring New Zealand and Australian researchers together for a four day conference.  Theme: Human Impacts and Functioning Ecosystems.  Mini-Symposiums: Biosecurity, Climate Change, Aquaculture, Marine Natural Products, Ocean Acidification, and more.
Further information:  http://nzmss.rsnz.org/conference.html
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CALL FOR PAPERS & ABSTRACTS
 
47. Coast to Coast 2008, Darwin
18-22 August 2008
The closing date for submission of abstracts has been extended to Tuesday 18th June 2008.
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48. Coastal Zone Asia-Pacific Conference, China
19-22 October, 2008
The conference theme is 'Sustainable Coasts and Better Life,' with a focus on how to manage coasts to cope with climate change and expanding populations.  The conference will be hosted by Professor Guifang (Julia) Xue at Ocean University of China, Qingdao.  Further information http://www.czapa.org and now open for on-line abstract submission.  The deadline for submission is 15 June 2008.
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49. International Marine Conservation Congress: call for papers, USA
The Marine Section of the Society for Conservation Biology will be hosting its first stand-alone meeting, the International Marine Conservation Congress from 20-24 May 2009 at George Mason University near Washington D.C.  This will be an interdisciplinary meeting that will engage natural and social scientists, managers, policy-makers, and the public.
1st Call for symposia and workshops: 1 April - 1 June 2008, decisions by 15 July 2008. Further information on submitting papers: http://www.conbio.org/IMCC ; E: IMCCprogram@conbio.org
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View full calendar of events on MCCN website: Workshops, Conferences and Events
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