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WA E-News May 2008

IN THIS EDITION:

FISHERIES
1. A national study of crime in the Australian fishing industry – Link to Wetstuff News 21 May 2008
2. SeaNet says future in jeopardy after funding pull
3. New protection for western blue groper at Rottnest Island
4. Changes to fishing regulations now in force
5. Fisheries scientist calls for help on slender sunfish
6. Private research continues into rock lobster aquaculture

CLIMATE CHANGE
7. World heritage sites 'threatened by climate change'
8. Wong eyes WA climate threat

COASTAL DEVELOPMENT
9. Bold $10b Fremantle North Quay plan attacked

MARINE SPECIES
10. Australian pokes shark in eye during attack – Link to Wetstuff News 14 May 2008
11. Film-maker seeks to bust popular shark myths – Link to Wetstuff News 7 May 2008
12. The secret double life of whale sharks exposed
13. 'Low oxygen' behind Ocean Reef fish kill
14. Albany swimmers reminded to be aware of shark safety tips

PETROLEUM & MINERALS
15. Gas supplies could resume by mid August: Logan
16. WA Govt urged to boost mining exploration support
17. Environmentalists worried about gas project competition

SHIPPING & PORTS
18. Pirates attack livestock ship travelling to WA

INDIGENOUS
19. Aborigines may benefit from lucrative gas field – Link to Wetstuff News 7 May 2008
20. Broome Native Title decision today
21. Indigenous gas development task force meets
22. Remote beach could be Aboriginal burial site

POLLUTION
23. More monitoring wanted for Cockburn Sound
24. Nationals demand more Esperance lead clean-up funds

RESEARCH
25. WA has best offshore wind – Link to Wetstuff News 21 May 2008

OPEN FOR PUBLIC COMMENT
26. Draft Ocean to Preston River Regional Park Establishment Plan, Bunbury: Public Comment closes 4 July 2008 – Link to Act Now WA
27. Shark Bay Terrestrial Reserves & Proposed Reserve Additions Draft Management Plan: Public Comment closes 7 July 2008 – Link to Act Now WA
28. EPBC: WesternGeco Australia/North West shelf-105km N of Exmouth WA-Permit area WA351P/3D marine seismic survey: Public Comment on Referral closes 1 July 2008 – Link to Act Now WA
29. Public Comment on Exmouth Harbour Development – Link to Act Now WA

GRANTS
30. Australian Government, Caring for our Country – Link to Wetstuff News 21 May 2008
31. Community Coastcare Grants – Link to Wetstuff News 21 May 2008
32. Nominations For Caring For Our Country Community Coastcare Small Grants Assessors – Link to Wetstuff News 21 May 2008

AWARDS
33. Environment Awards nominations to close on 27 June
34. Scarborough Beach - Australian Clean Beaches Awards
35. Australian Society for Fish Biology: Student International Travel Scholarship

VOLUNTEERS
36. Coast caring in WA: call for information

WORKSHOPS, CONFERENCES & EVENTS
37. What is the Future of WA's Marine Environment?  (West Perth)
38. Invitation to discuss the future of the Swan and Canning rivers
39. Swan Region Forum for Feedback on Draft State NRM Plan (Burswood)
40. Batavia Lecture Series
41. Coast to Coast '08 Conference (Darwin)
42. 2008 Cape to Cape Beach Clean Up (WA)
43. Fremantle’s Blessing of The Fleet Celebrates 60 Years In 2008
44. International Year of the Reef 2008
45. 2008 IYOR Photography Competition “What do coral reefs mean to you?"
46. CSIRO Greenhouse 2009: Climate Change and Resources

CALL FOR PAPERS & ABSTRACTS
47. 29th Symposium on Sea Turtle Biology & Conservation: Creating Community Collaboration
48. Coast 2 Coast 2008


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FISHERIES

1. A national study of crime in the Australian fishing industry – Link to Wetstuff News 21 May 2008
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.
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2. SeaNet says future in jeopardy after funding pull
Abridged from ABC News
21 June 2008
Full text: http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2008/06/21/2281765.htm 
The environmental arm of the commercial fishing body says it is worried there will be no one to research sustainable fishing practices when its SeaNet project shuts down at the end of the month.  SeaNet is run by the not-for-profit group OceanWatch, but the project was de-funded by the Government in this year's Federal Budget.  Commercial fisherman and director of OceanWatch Australia Geoff Blackburn says it is a disappointing outcome for the industry.
"The greatest impact will be that the fishing industry or the fishermen themselves do not have the resources to employ an independent research body to continually monitor the industry, and to ensure sustainability with new practices," he said.  A spokeswoman for Fisheries Minister Tony Burke says SeaNet can reapply for its funding under the Government's new Caring for Our Country package.
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3. New protection for western blue groper at Rottnest Island
Abridged from Department of Fisheries (WA)
30 May 2008
Full text: http://www.fish.wa.gov.au/docs/media/index.php?0000&mr=551
Fisheries Minister Jon Ford has announced a new measure to protect one of Western Australia’s largest fish species, the western blue groper, in waters around Rottnest Island.  As of June 1, western blue groper will be totally protected within the Rottnest Island Marine Reserve, which includes all waters surrounding the island, extending to about two kilometres offshore….The Minister said that in past years, the local population of western blue groper had been impacted by fishing.  The depletion of the species in waters around Rottnest was one of the main concerns raised by various stakeholders during last year’s review of the island’s marine management strategy.
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4. Changes to fishing regulations now in force
Abridged from Department of Fisheries (WA)
30 May 2008
Full text: http://www.fish.wa.gov.au/docs/media/index.php?0000&mr=550
New rules around the finfish possession limit at a person’s principal place of residence and changes to bag limits for people fishing from charter boats have come into force today.  Department of Fisheries Principal Management Officer, Nathan Harrison said the changes had previously been announced, but they have now formally become part of regulations for demersal finfish species.  “These new rules are part of a number of interim changes announced last year, which is a separate process to the current review of recreational fishing management,” Mr Harrison said.  “The outcomes of the current review, that was initiated to help reduce the fishing pressure on some of the State’s most vulnerable fish species, will soon be released.”
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5. Fisheries scientist calls for help on slender sunfish
Abridged from Department of Fisheries (WA)
26 May 2008
Full text: http://www.fish.wa.gov.au/docs/media/index.php?0000&mr=549
Department of Fisheries researchers have called on the members of the public to report any sightings of an unusual offshore oceanic fish, called a slender sunfish.  During the past three weeks, about 200 slender sunfish have washed up on beaches near Albany, along a 100km stretch of coast from Cable Beach (near The Gap) to Cheyne Beach (almost 70km east of the town).  The fish, which can grow up to 90cm long, have an oval shape with silver skin and darker spots and stripes, and large eyes.  They can sometimes be seen swimming near the surface in the ocean.  Department of Fisheries Senior Research Scientist Dr Kim Smith said the recent mass stranding appeared to be a natural phenomenon.  Slender sunfish were mainly found in tropical and subtropical waters, she said.  In this case, the fish appeared to have been carried south by a strongly-flowing Leeuwin Current.  Researchers had taken samples from about 60 specimens in order to find out more the species.
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6. Private research continues into rock lobster aquaculture
Abridged from Department of Fisheries (WA)
19 May 2008
Full text: http://www.fish.wa.gov.au/docs/media/index.php?0000&mr=547
A Western Australian company has plans to continue research on rock lobster aquaculture, after being granted a Ministerial Exemption to collect 15,000 pueruli to trial its collection and growout infrastructure.  Pueruli are usually about 20mm long and previous research has shown hundreds of millions don’t survive through lack of suitable habitat.  The puerulus, as it is called, is the very early stage in a rock lobster’s life cycle at which it settles in inshore coastal areas, following its offshore larval life.  Department of Fisheries CEO Peter Millington said the collection of 15,000 pueruli from waters off the West Coast, where the estimated puerulus settlement each year ranges from 57 million to 1200 million pueruli, would not affect the sustainability of the western rock lobster fishery.
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Interested in this topic?  View MCCN’s website for more: Commercial and Recreational Fishing Impacts
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CLIMATE CHANGE

7. World heritage sites 'threatened by climate change'
Abridged from ABC News
21 June 2008
Full text: http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2008/06/21/2281633.htm
The Federal Government is being asked to support a move for international recognition of climate change as a threat to world heritage sites.  An Australian legal and environment group has joined with a US group to urge the World Heritage Centre to adopt guidelines that take climate change into account in planning for the conservation of world heritage sites.  Stephen Leonard from the Climate Justice Program says Australian sites at risk from climate change include the Great Barrier Reef, Kakadu National Park and parts of the Queensland tropics.  "Word heritage is the highest level of environmental protection which is possible, and at the moment over 120 world heritage sites are threatened by climate change around the world," he said.  "We expect that these proposed amendments strengthen the protective regime of these sites."
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8. Wong eyes WA climate threat
Abridged from The Western Australian
14th June 2008
Full text: http://www.thewest.com.au/default.aspx?MenuID=77&ContentID=78769
Almost 30,000 buildings between Fremantle and Mandurah will be threatened by rising sea levels because of global warming, according to Federal Minister for Climate Change Penny Wong.  “Already, more than 700,000 residences across Australia are estimated to be at threat from the effects of climate change including storm surges and extreme weather events,” she said.  “Between Fremantle and Mandurah, an estimated 28,000 buildings and 641km of road are at risk from erosion due to rising sea levels.”….Senator Wong was in Fremantle yesterday to announce funding for three new projects to plan for the effects of climate change.  The three projects are: $2 million to develop a digital elevation model for coastal urban areas to map the flood risks from climate change in priority urban areas such as Perth, Brisbane, the Gold Coast, Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide; $310,000 to develop a web-based tool to enable planners, engineers and policymakers to include projections of high sea-level events into their planning codes; and $479,000 to develop a tool to determine how climate change affects variations in offshore wave characteristics.
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Interested in this topic?  View MCCN’s website for more: Climate Change
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COASTAL DEVELOPMENT

9. Bold $10b Fremantle North Quay plan attacked
Abridged from Global Report: Perth
29 May 2008
Full text: http://www.global-report.com/perth/?l=en&a=293560
A $10 billion development proposal at Fremantle's North Quay has been slammed by Attorney General and local MP Jim McGinty and former Liberal leader Colin Barnett.  A private consortium wants to build houses, offices, schools and hotels on six man-made islands, spreading across 345 hectares of seabed.  North Port Quay is headed by a private consortium of some of Perth's richest and most influential business people….A 3.5km seawall will surround the development designed to withstand global warming and storm surges.  It will use wind, wave and solar energy and include homes for 20,000 people, 100,000sqm of office space, Venice-style canals and bridges, two new schools, 2200 boat pens, a performing arts centre, a five-star hotel and convention centre…The seawall will double as a fishing platform and three new beaches and a surf reef will be created.  It is understood the boat pens will be handed over as a sweetener to the state government to ease the shortage of moorings on the Swan River and a general lack of space to store boats, either on dry land or in the water.  The project will be promoted with more than 10,00 DVDs and pamphlets going to every residential address in Fremantle starting today.
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Interested in this topic?  View MCCN’s website for more: Coastal Development
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MARINE SPECIES

10. Australian pokes shark in eye during attack – Link to Wetstuff News 14 May 2008
An Australian swimmer survived a great white shark attack by poking the creature in the eyes as it dragged him through the water after badly savaging his left leg.
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11. Film-maker seeks to bust popular shark myths – Link to Wetstuff News 7 May 2008
The popular image of the shark is of a veracious man-eating predator, which has meant that many shark species are being hunted without consideration.
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12. The secret double life of whale sharks exposed          
Abridged from Murdoch University
17 June 2008
Full text: http://www.murdoch.edu.au/News/View/?article_id=29982
The secret double life of Ningaloo’s whale sharks has been discovered by Murdoch University scientist Brad Norman and his Swansea University (UK) colleague Professor Rory Wilson.  In a world-first scientific discovery, the two Laureates of the international Rolex Awards for Enterprise have revealed that whale sharks undertake astonishing dive and ascent behaviour to conserve energy.  This type of behaviour has not been quantitatively recorded in sharks or fish before.  Murdoch scientist Brad Norman says the dynamic bounding underwater ‘flight’ of the world’s biggest fish contrasts with its reputation as a slow, surface cruiser.  The collaborating researchers discovered the whale sharks’ double life while recording their actions on electronic wildlife monitors at Ningaloo in May.
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13. 'Low oxygen' behind Ocean Reef fish kill
Abridged from ABC News
5 June 2008
Full text: http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2008/06/05/2266597.htm
The Department of fisheries says a recent fish kill near Ocean Reef was caused by reduced oxygen levels in the water.  Hundreds of fish, crabs and other marine life were found floating near the Ocean Reef Marina late last month.  Fisheries officers collected dead marine life and water samples from the scene and ruled-out disease, or algal blooms as the causes of death.  Paul Hillier from the department says fluctuating oxygen levels in a marina is a relatively natural phenomena.  "By far the most common causes of death in a fish kill is often a sudden shortage or absence of oxygen in shallow waters," he said.  "Fish suffocate or become vulnerable to stresses that they wouldn't otherwise survive.  "So in a marina where you've got shallow water, when you've got an actual fish wall keeping it protected, then you often do get these poor mixes of water in fairly still water."
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14. Albany swimmers reminded to be aware of shark safety tips
Abridged from Department of Fisheries (WA)
22 May 2008
Full text: http://www.fish.wa.gov.au/docs/media/index.php?0000&mr=548
Another reported sighting of a large shark in King George Sound, late yesterday (21 May), has prompted a reminder for swimmers and people out in the ocean to always be cautious and take note of safety tips to help reduce the risk of a shark attack.  Regional Manager Phil Shaw said, following a report by a member of the public of a four to five metre white shark that circled his vessel around 5pm yesterday about one kilometre from Middleton Beach, Department of Fisheries patrols had been mounted this morning, but no sightings had been made….Mr Shaw said Fisheries monitoring of local waters would be conducted as required and new sightings would be investigated as they normally were under WA’s Shark Incident Emergency Response Plan.
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Interested in this topic?  View MCCN’s website for more: Marine Species
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PETROLEUM & MINERALS

15. Gas supplies could resume by mid August: Logan
Abridged from ABC News
20 June 2008
Full text: http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2008/06/20/2280777.htm
The Minister for Energy, Fran Logan, says Apache Energy will reveal in the coming days how soon it will be able to bring its gas operations back on line.  An explosion at Apache's Varanus Island plant more than a fortnight ago cut the state's gas supply by a third.  Mr Logan says he spoke to representatives from Apache this morning.  He says they told him they are almost ready to announce when they will be able to resume operations, and how much gas they may be able to feed into the system.  "They assure me that it would be around mid-August, but they'll do their very best to try and bring some gas on earlier if they can," he said.  "And hopefully that might be the announcement they make in a couple of days."
Related articles:
http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2008/06/18/2278720.htm 
http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2008/06/17/2276643.htm
http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2008/06/17/2276637.htm
http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2008/06/14/2274859.htm
http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2008/06/13/2273482.htm
http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2008/06/11/2271943.htm
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16. WA Govt urged to boost mining exploration support
Abridged from ABC News
12 June 2008
Full text: http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2008/06/12/2272394.htm  
The Western Australian Government has been told the state faces a bleak future if it does not take measures to encourage more mining exploration.  The Association of Mining and Exploration Companies (AMEC) says exploration in Australia has fallen by 60 per cent over the past 10 years, and in Western Australia by 30 per cent in the past five years.  AMEC's Justin Walawski warns, without exploration, the state will lose its capacity to fund health, education and infrastructure.  "Western Australia has probably taken things a little for granted in terms of being very well endowed with its geology, but it's no longer competing with other regions so those regions are attracting companies away," he said.
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17. Environmentalists worried about gas project competition
Abridged from ABC News
29 May 2008
Full text: http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2008/05/29/2259327.htm  
Environmentalists fear competition for a major gas project in the Kimberley will result in rash decision making from the Western Australian Government.  Inpex is among several companies hoping to tap into the gas in the Browse Basin and the Northern Territory is campaigning to have the Japanese firm's gas processed there.  The NT's Chief Minister, Paul Henderson, is flying to Paris this weekend for talks with Inpex's joint venture partner.  The WA Government is hoping Inpex will process its gas in the Kimberley but, if it did so, the company would have to quarantine 15 per cent for domestic use.  Mr Henderson says there will be no such restrictions in the NT.  Maria Mann from Environs Kimberley fears the competition could encourage the Western Australia Government to make rash decisions.  "We're continuing to work on [the] Government to make sure that they do make the right decision," she said.  The Northern Development Task Force is yet to announce its preferred processing sites.
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SHIPPING & PORTS

18. Pirates attack livestock ship travelling to WA
Abridged from ABC News
11 June 2008
Full text: http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2008/06/11/2270890.htm
Pirates have attacked a ship used to transport livestock from Western Australia to South-East Asia.  The Philippines Coast Guard says the MV Hereford Express was attacked by armed men on speed boats shortly after it left for Broome on Friday night.  Nobody was injured, but the boat was seriously damage and was forced to return to the Philippines for repairs.  The Chief Executive Officer of the Broome Port Authority, Vic Justice, says the Hereford has been a regular visitor to Broome over a number of years….Mr Justice says such attacks are not uncommon in the waters off South-East Asia.  The incident is being investigated by the Philippines Coast Guard.
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INDIGENOUS

19. Aborigines may benefit from lucrative gas field – Link to Wetstuff News 7 May 2008
Aborigines living in poverty in the Kimberley could be the biggest winners from a future multibillion-dollar gas development off the West Australian coast, according to the Kimberley Land Council
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20. Broome Native Title decision today
Abridged from ABC News
19 June 2008
Full text: http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2008/06/19/2279178.htm
The Federal Court is set to rule today on a native title dispute that could threaten future development in Broome.  In May, the Walmun Yaruru people applied to the Federal Court for an injunction preventing development in the Shire of Broome until their native title dispute is settled.  The Walmun Yaruru people are disputing a Federal Court decision earlier this year to uphold a ruling granting native title over Broome to the Yaruru people.  In upholding the decision, the court ruled the Walmun Yaruru are a sub group of the Yaruru claimants and do not separately posses native title rights.  The judgement will be read in the Federal Court in Perth this morning.
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21. Indigenous gas development task force meets
Abridged from ABC News
4 June 2008
Full text: http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2008/06/04/2264757.htm
A task force of traditional owners, set up to assess the merits of a gas development off the Kimberley coast, has held it’s first meeting in Broome.  The Kimberley Land Council (KLC) says the meeting was part of a comprehensive consultation process with the traditional owners to ensure they are able to make an informed decision about the project.  Members of the task force are from the 13 native title claim groups along the Kimberley coastline.  The KLC says after its initial meeting, the task force will meet directly with industry, state and federal governments, environment groups and other stakeholders.
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22. Remote beach could be Aboriginal burial site
Abridged from ABC News
19 May 2008
Full text: http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2008/05/19/2249456.htm
Authorities are examining whether a remote Australind beach in the South West is an ancient Aboriginal burial ground after bones were discovered at the site on the weekend.  The Department of Indigenous Affairs will consult local elders to determine what to do with the remains which were found at Belvidere Beach.  A forensic anthropologist has confirmed the remains are those of an Aboriginal man and had been at the site for many years.  The area has been cordoned off and is protected under the Aboriginal Heritage Act.  Site Registrar Pam Thorley says the site holds great significance for the indigenous community.  "Not to actually impact the area at all, that's always a concern not just with burials with Aboriginal sites generally." she said.  "So it really depends what the Aboriginal people wish to do, they may want to fence it off or they may just want to make sure that it's covered up and remain so it doesn't look like there's anything there."  An archaeologist and traditional owners will inspect the site on Thursday.
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POLLUTION

23. More monitoring wanted for Cockburn Sound
Abridged from ABC News
18 June 2008
Full text: http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2008/06/18/2277921.htm
Businesses in the Kwinana Industrial Area have urged the State Government to increase funding for the environmental monitoring of the Cockburn Sound waterway.  The Government usually provides about $250,000 a year for the Cockburn Sound Management Council (CSMC) to monitor the area.  The amount was increased in the last three years, with a further $300,000 a year provided to target specific projects for the area.  The Kwinana Industries Council Director Chris Oughton says the council needs the extra funding to provide adequate data on the area to local businesses.  "In the absence of scientific data, what we've got is an environment where speculation occurs," he said.  "Speculation is a dangerous thing because it's not based on fact, industry needs to make it clear that we are not polluting Cockburn sound, we rely on Cockburn Sound Management Council."  A spokeswoman for the Environment Minister, David Templeman, says the funding provided is adequate for the CSMC to carry out its core functions.
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24. Nationals demand more Esperance lead clean-up funds
Abridged from ABC News
13 June 2008
Full text: http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2008/06/13/2273818.htm
The Western Australian Nationals say the parties involved in the Esperance lead contamination scandal need to immediately set aside an extra $10 million to thoroughly clean houses near the port.  A year ago it was discovered lead from the Magellan mine, being shipped through the Esperance port, in southern WA, had killed thousands of birds and contaminated rainwater tanks.  The Nationals' Esperance-based Wendy Duncan acknowledges there has been millions spent on the clean-up, but she says many families are not cleaning their homes because of the cost.  "This is why I think we need a comprehensive analysis of the pollution and programs put in place for everyone, not just those who are pro-active and trying to look after themselves," she said.  The Planning and Infrastructure Minister, Alannah MacTiernan, says lead levels have been continuing to drop since the Government enacted its clean-up strategy.
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Interested in this topic?  View MCCN’s website for more: Water Pollution
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RESEARCH

25. WA has best offshore wind – Link to Wetstuff News 21 May 2008
The winds of change blow longer and stronger in WA than in any other state in Australia according to recent research to find the best site in Australia for an offshore wind farm.
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Interested in this topic?  View MCCN’s website for more: Marine and Coastal  Research
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OPEN FOR PUBLIC COMMENT

26. Draft Ocean to Preston River Regional Park Establishment Plan, Bunbury: Public Comment closes 4 July 2008 – Link to Act Now WA
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27. Shark Bay Terrestrial Reserves & Proposed Reserve Additions Draft Management Plan: Public Comment closes 7 July 2008 – Link to Act Now WA
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28. EPBC: WesternGeco Australia/North West shelf-105km N of Exmouth WA-Permit area WA351P/3D marine seismic survey: Public Comment on Referral closes 1 July 2008 – Link to Act Now WA
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29. Public Comment on Exmouth Harbour Development – Link to Act Now WA
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Interested in this topic?  View MCCN’s website for more: Act Now
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GRANTS

30. Australian Government, Caring for our Country – Link to Wetstuff News 21 May 2008
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.
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31. Community Coastcare Grants – Link to Wetstuff News 21 May 2008
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 close on 25 July 2008.
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32. Nominations For Caring For Our Country Community Coastcare Small Grants Assessors – Link to Wetstuff News 21 May 2008
The Australian Government is seeking nominations from individuals interested in contributing to the assessment of applications for Community Coastcare small grants.
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AWARDS

33. Environment Awards nominations to close on 27 June
Abridged from NatureBase, Department of Environment and Conservation (WA)
19 June 2008
Full text: http://www.naturebase.net/content/view/3397/1219/
Time is running out to nominate organisations, community groups and individuals for the 2008 Environment Awards.  Department of Environment and Conservation Director General Keiran McNamara said the nomination period for this year's awards will close on Friday, 27 June and he encouraged people to recognise Western Australians who are making an outstanding contribution to our environment…There are 11 categories in this year's awards…Entry is free and nomination forms can be downloaded from http://www.naturebase.net/ and submitted by email.
Further information: E: awards@dec.wa.gov.au or T: 08 6467 5147
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34. Scarborough Beach - Australian Clean Beaches Awards
Abridged from NatureBase, Department of Environment and Conservation (WA)
22 May 2008
Full text: http://www.naturebase.net/content/view/3361/1219/  
Scarborough Beach has already won the hearts of Western Australians and soon the iconic venue could be known as the nation's cleanest beach when it competes for the national title in the 2008 Australian Clean Beaches Awards.  Scarborough Beach will compete against five other beaches from New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania and Victoria, after it was announced as the winner of the recent Western Australian Clean Beaches Awards, where it also took out the litter reduction and friendliest beach categories.  Australian Clean Beaches Awards judge, Chris Tola, will visit Scarborough Beach this weekend to observe its environmental achievements first hand.
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35. Australian Society for Fish Biology: Student International Travel Scholarship
Abridged from Australian Society for Fish Biology (ASFB)
8 April 2008
Full text: http://www.asfb.org.au/awards/aw_jonassen.htm
This scholarship has been made available to support a student to a present an oral paper at an international conference that is relevant to the activities of the ASFB, in the year of the award. The scholarship comprises a return airfare, registration fees plus a living allowance up to a total
value of $5,000.  Additionally the winner will be invited to present their research at the ASFB annual conference and receive free registration.  The deadline for applications is 1 September 2008.  For further details on how to apply visit ASFB website (link above).
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VOLUNTEERS

36. Coast caring in WA: call for information
Abridged from John Davis, Murdoch University
June 2008
Have you ever been a member of a coast-care group or a “friends-of” group for a coastal area, or adopted a beach in Western Australia?  John Davis at Murdoch University’s Institute for Sustainability and Technology Policy is tracing the development of coast-caring groups in Western Australia and would like to learn from you!  The information required includes: name of the group; year the group commenced; place of operation; name of group coordinator; whether or not the group is still active; last time the group was active if now ceased; main activities you were involved in; typical size of groups on field days; number of members.  If you are willing to share this information and assist in this study, please contact John at the ISTP, Murdoch University on T: 9360 6188 or E: j.k.davis@murdoch.edu.au
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WORKSHOPS, CONFERENCES & EVENTS

37. What is the Future of WA's Marine Environment?  (West Perth)
Abridged from Conservation Council of WA
17 June 2008
Full text: http://conservationwa.asn.au/component/option,com_events/
When & where: 7.30pm, 25 June 2008, City West Lotteries House, West Perth
Western Australia is recognised internationally for its rich marine and coastal biodiversity. Climate change, population growth and increasing industrial, and social and economic development continue to put pressure on our precious marine ecosystems in a way we have never experienced before.  Guest speakers include: Jill St John, The Wilderness Society, Dr Nic Dunlop, Conservation Council of WA, and Brad Norman, ECOCEAN.  The cost is free for affiliated members and supporters, with a $5 donation from others.  Further Information and RSVP: Monday 23 June 2008 to E: conswa@conservationwa.asn.au or T: 08 9420 7266.
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38. Invitation to discuss the future of the Swan and Canning rivers
Abridged from Swan River Trust
June 2008
Full text: http://portal.environment.wa.gov.au/portal
You are invited to join in and contribute to developing a landmark River Protection Strategy that will provide an overarching blueprint for management programs.  There is an opportunity to address issues in your local area at the following meetings: Canning and Southern Rivers, 26 June, 6.00–8.00pm, Eco Education Centre, Kent St, Wilson and; Middle/Upper Swan River and Helena Valley, 28 June, 9.30–11.30am, Midland Sports Complex, Patterson Drive, Middle Swan.  Further information: Tracey Perkins T: (08) 9278 0900 or E: tracey.perkins@dec.wa.gov.au
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39. Swan Region Forum for Feedback on Draft State NRM Plan (Burswood)
Abridged from Natural Resource Management in Western Australia
June 2008
When & where: 3 July 2008, 4.00-6.00pm, Burswood on Swan
The Council of Natural Resource Agency Chief Executives (CONRACE) invites interested stakeholders to provide feedback on the State's draft Natural Resource Management (NRM) Plan.  This important document is available for public comment for three months finishing on 9 September 2008.  The Plan is available for download below along with a feedback sheet to guide stakeholder input.  A series of regional forums are also being held during the consultation period.  RSVP is essential to Erin Wright at the Swan Catchment Council by Friday 27 June 2008, E: Erin.Wright@water.wa.gov.au or T: (08) 9374 3309.
Further information: W: http://www.nrm.wa.gov.au/draftNRMPlan.htm or W: http://www.mccn.org.au/act_now/detail/1699
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40. Batavia Lecture Series
Abridged from Western Australian Museum: Maritime
February 2008
Full text: http://www.museum.wa.gov.au/oursites/maritime/whatson.asp
When & where: 6pm (unless specified), 25 April – 22 September 2008, Western Australian Museum: Maritime, Fremantle
The Batavia Lecture Series is a captivating evening lecture series canvassing a wide variety of maritime themes. Cost is $10.00 per person (per lecture). To reserve your place phone: 08 9431 8455.
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41. Coast to Coast '08 Conference (Darwin)
When: 18-22 August 2008
Further information: Narelle Hall, Conference Organiser, T: (07) 5484 1179 or E: narellejhall@bigpond.com or visit W: http://www.coast2coast.org.au, or for information about accommodation visit W: http://coast2coast.org.au/accommodation.html
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42. 2008 Cape to Cape Beach Clean Up (WA)
When: 11-12 October 2008
A copy of the 2007 Cape to Cape Beach Clean Up Report is available to download at website: http://www.oceancare.org.au/, or a hardcopy can be requested, email: heidi@tangaroablue.com.
Further information: Heidi Taylor, E: heidi@tangaroablue.com or M: 0410 166 684
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43. Fremantle’s Blessing of The Fleet Celebrates 60 Years In 2008
Abridged from Department of Culture and the Arts (WA)
April 2008
Full text: http://www.dca.wa.gov.au/news/whats_on/general#12041
When & where: 2.00pm, 26 October 2008, from St Patrick’s Basilica, Fremantle
Fremantle’s Blessing of the Fleet ceremony marks a major milestone in 2008 – 60 years of celebrating the new fishing season.  “The Blessing of the Fleet is an old and revered tradition that has been passed down from generation to generation, highlighting the loyalty and solidarity among the fishing community,” Fremantle Councillor John Alberti said.  Cr Alberti described the fishing industry as an integral part of Fremantle’s identity with the Blessing of the Fleet continuing to be an extremely important cultural event each year. “It’s a quintessential part of our cultural melting pot and a constant reminder of Fremantle’s enduring connection to the sea,” he said.  The Blessing of the Fleet parade will start from St Patrick’s Basilica, 47 Adelaide Street, Fremantle, at 2pm, Sunday, October 26, and make its way to Fishing Boat Harbour before returning at 5pm.
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44. International Year of the Reef 2008
The International Year of the Reef 2008 is a year-long campaign of events and initiatives hosted by governments, individuals, corporations, schools around the world to promote awareness, conservation action and strengthen long-term constituencies for coral reef conservation.  Anyone is welcome and actively encouraged to participate in this Initiative.
Further information: http://www.icriforum.org and http://www.iyor.org/
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45. 2008 IYOR Photography Competition “What do coral reefs mean to you?"
Abridged from Reef Check
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.  The competition will open for entries in May 2008.  For further information please Reef Check Australia via email, media@reefcheckaustralia.org, or telephone, (07) 4724 3950.
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46. CSIRO Greenhouse 2009: Climate Change and Resources
When & where: 23-26 March 2009, Burswood Convention Centre, Perth
The conference is the latest in the CSIRO Greenhouse series.  There will be high-profile national and international plenary addresses, parallel sessions, poster presentations, a trade exhibition and social events.  The conference program maximizes the time for information sharing and networking.  Abstracts are due on 14 November 2008.  Early bird registration is available before 19 December 2008.
Further information: visit W: www.greenhouse2009.com or contact Paul Holper, Convenor, Greenhouse 2009, CSIRO, T: (03) 9239 4661, F: (03) 9239 4444, or E: Paul.Holper@csiro.au
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CALL FOR PAPERS & ABSTRACTS

47. 29th Symposium on Sea Turtle Biology & Conservation: Creating Community Collaboration
When & where: 17-19 February 2009, Brisbane
This will be the first time the symposium has been held in Australia and the southern hemisphere.  The symposium will explore themes such as building communication and networking at local, regional, and global scales.  It aims to create linkages between communities and to connect policy-makers at all levels with the latest information coming out of sea turtle research and conservation programs.  Abstract submissions are due by 15 September 2008. 
Further information: http://www.turtlesbrisbane2009.org/ or E: info@turtlesbrisbane2009.org
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48. Coast 2 Coast 2008
18th – 22nd August 2008
Call for abstracts: http://www.coast2coast.org.au/
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View full calendar of events on MCCN website: Workshops, Conferences and Events

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Kate Rogulskyj
Regional Co-ordinator, Western Australia
Marine Coastal Community Network
City West Lotteries House
2 Delhi Street, West Perth WA 6005
T: (08) 9420 7206
F: (08) 9486 8718
M: 0412 163 846
E: wa@mccn.org.au
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