Larval supply and recruitment of reef fish at 5 sites around Lord Howe Island were measured during November/December 2003 and January/February 2004. Light traps, artificial reef units (ARUs), and underwater visual censuses were used simultaneously. Two types of ARUs were trialed, Standardised Monitoring Units for the Recruitment of Fishes (SMURFs) and crevice collectors. Visual censuses involved taking photos of the habitat every 5m along a 25 x 2m fixed transect. The results indicated that the catch efficiencies of the 2 ARUs varied depending on species. For example, Eviota spp. preferentially settled into crevice collectors, while Enneapterygius rufopileus (blackcheek threefin) preferred SMURFs. Spatial patterns of recruitment were influenced by larval supply only for E.rufopileus. The amount of suitable habitat was a good predictor of recruitment for Neoglyphidodon polyacanthus (multispine damsel).

The abundance, species richness and assemblage structure of juvenile fishes was quantified in 2009- 2011 at 20 locations extending from Bundegi to 3-Mile Camp, some 280km of the Ningaloo coastline. Within locations, both back reef and lagoonal reef zones were censused that encompassed sanctuary and recreational management zones. In total, 691 transects yielded 36,791 juvenile fishes from 120 species over the three recruitment years providing an average of 53 individuals (± 2.6 se) 30m-2 transect or 1.8 m-2. This study measured annual fish recruitment rates at Ningaloo Reef using underwater visual census (UVC) based on 30 x 1 m transects for 2009 - 2011. Belt transects of this size were found to have the highest level of precision, were logistically simple to use and therefore able to cover larger areas within the same time frame. In addition to trialling these techniques, extensive comparisons were also initially made on the consistency of inter-observer estimates of habitat characterisation, fish size and abundances to provide an understanding of the challenges that might present themselves in the transition towards an ongoing long-term monitoring program.

From 2006 to 2007 at northern Ningaloo Reef, stereo Baited Remote Underwater Video (stereo-BRUVs) and stereo Diver Operated Video (stereo-DOVs) were used to measure fish assemblages across shallow coral reef lagoon habitats. Four areas were identified including Osprey and Mandu Sanctuary, and Osprey and Mandu Reference Areas which were studied with stereo-BRUV and stereo DOV transects, during two successive summer and winter periods. Each time, six stereo BRUVs and 5 stereo-DOV transects were collected from within 6 coral reef lagoon habitats at 2 well established sanctuary zones and adjacent areas. The video footage was used to create the raw abundance and length data of different fish species.

The Ningaloo Marine Park (State Waters) Plan 1989 was designated A class in 1990. A review of the Management Plan began in 2000; this resulted in a revised Management Plan being approved by the Minister in January 2005. Changes in the current Management Plan include extending the Marine Park southwards to incorporate the full extent of the reef, increasing the number and extent of Sanctuary Zones, introducing Special Purpose Benthic Protection and shore-based line fishing zones. The purpose of this project is to provide what will become the first data point in a long-term data set. These data will become an integral part of several sections of the NRP, including not only assessing the ecosystem effects of fishing, but also in terms of evaluating the effectiveness of zoning for biodiversity conservation, and for assessing the implications of zoning for fish populations and for fishing outside sanctuary zones. The surveys will provide data not only for newly established zones, but also for those zones already established within the park under previous zoning provisions. Where possible the survey will build on existing data sets, though these are limited in scope and spatial extent. Objectives - For fish taxa targeted by anglers (e.g. labridae, lethrinidae, lutjanidae, serranidae, carangidae), - Measure the distribution, abundance and size-structure of key fish populations at Ningaloo - Provide data that will allow a quantitative comparison of these parameters to be made across Ningaloo Marine Park zones (pre-2005 sanctuary zones, new sanctuary zones, benthic protection zones, recreational zones and general use zones). - Provide data that will form the basis for being able to: Measure the rate and magnitude of any changes in fish population size or structure related to changes in marine park zoning - Determine how responses of fish populations may vary with respect to factors such as size of reserve, type of reserve, distance from boundary and fish life-history - Parameterize and test spatially-explicit models of fish populations.

From 2006 to 2007 at northern Ningaloo Reef, stereo Baited Remote Underwater Video (stereo-BRUVs) and stereo Diver Operated Video (stereo-DOVs) were used to measure fish assemblages across shallow coral reef lagoon habitats. Four areas were identified including Osprey and Mandu Sanctuary, and Osprey and Mandu Reference Areas which were studied with stereo-BRUV and stereo DOV transects, during two successive summer and winter periods. Each time, six stereo BRUVs and 5 stereo-DOV transects were collected from within 6 coral reef lagoon habitats at 2 well established sanctuary zones and adjacent areas. The video footage was used to create the raw abundance and length data of different fish species.

To monitor and record the presence/absence and location of target fish species within the Ningaloo Marine Park.

From 2006 to 2007 at northern Ningaloo Reef, stereo Baited Remote Underwater Video (stereo-BRUVs) and stereo Diver Operated Video (stereo-DOVs) were used to measure fish assemblages across shallow coral reef lagoon habitats. Four areas were identified including Osprey and Mandu Sanctuary, and Osprey and Mandu Reference Areas which were studied with stereo-BRUV and stereo DOV transects, during two successive summer and winter periods. Each time, six stereo BRUVs and 5 stereo-DOV transects were collected from within 6 coral reef lagoon habitats at 2 well established sanctuary zones and adjacent areas. The video footage was used to create the raw abundance and length data of different fish species.

Fishery independent surveys of greenlip abalone in the Spencer Gulf, South Australia from 1968 onwards.

Benthic lifeform and substrate monitoring data from 1993 onwards, held in the RM_VPOINT table of the NMPMP database. Percentage cover of different substrate types and benthic organisms (particularly corals), identified to benthic group or lifeform level. Videos are made along fixed transects and data is analysed from stills on a large video screen halted at specified time intervals. The AIMS LTMP monitors about 50 selected reefs throughout the Great Barrier Reef. Transects are recorded at 3 sites per reef, and 3 50m transects per site. Visual transect data is stored in a separate table, and described as a separate but related dataset.

From 2006 to 2007 at northern Ningaloo Reef, stereo Baited Remote Underwater Video (stereo-BRUVs) and stereo Diver Operated Video (stereo-DOVs) were used to measure fish assemblages across shallow coral reef lagoon habitats. Osprey Sanctuary zone was one area that was studied. The video footage was used to create the raw abundance and length data of different fish species.