The aim of WAMSI Node 4.3.1b aim was to identify data gaps in the west coast demersal food web and identify key trophic components. This involved data collection from 48 published studies and reports covering 61 species/groups were examined to develop a qualitative model including variables from commercially and recreationally important species, prey, predators and primary producers.

This study produced qualitative models that assembled stakeholder perceptions of various assets and issues within the Peel Harvey estuarine system including water quality, wading birds, blue swimmer crabs and governance. The models were developed through workshops with a wide variety of stakeholders, including community groups, government agencies, researchers, managers and non-government organisations, and discussions with individuals or small groups following the workshops. Each model was used to assess the current situation and the drivers of change that were negatively impacting the focal asset. Potential management strategies were then identified and the ‘best case management strategy’, where both model stability and asset management were improved, was incorporated in a ‘future’ model. Common themes that arose throughout this process were the need to improve water quality throughout the estuary and nearby rivers by reducing nutrient input from various sources, and the need to alter current governance structures to allow effective environmental management.

Two modelling approaches are being used in this study, i.e. a quantitative modelling and a qualitative modelling approach. They are being developed for the estuarine ecosystems of the Swan River, Peel-Harvey and Leschenault estuaries will be used to explore how environmental changes arising from both anthropogenic and non-anthropogenic factors are likely to affect those ecosystems. The models will also be used to assess the potential to ameliorate adverse impacts through management actions

The quantitative model that is being developed for the estuarine ecosystem of the Peel-Harvey Estuary will be used to explore how environmental change due to both anthropogenic and non-anthropogenic factors is likely to affect the ecosystem and to assess the potential for management action to ameliorate adverse impacts. The study is part of a broader ecosystem modelling study, initiated by WAMSI, that includes the development of qualitative models of the ecosystems of the Swan River Estuary, the Peel-Harvey Estuary and the Leschenault Estuary.

There were four key objectives for WAMSI Node 4.2.2a: (1) determination of indicator regions; (2) development of monitoring strategies; (3) Implement a long term monitoring program (LTMP); and (4) provision of an assessment of expanding the LTMP to other areas. Indicator regions were confirmed as the Abrolhos Islands, Two Rocks, Rottnest Island, and the Cape Naturaliste region. A synthesis of historical data sets for primary producers, sessile and mobile invertebrates and finfish were collected from the indicators region and an extensive review of potential indicators for finfish was also conducted The LTMP was implemented in April, May and June 2010. Sampling was conducted using baited remote underwater stereo-video to record the diversity, abundance and size-structure of the demersal fish assemblage. Raw video along with the processed data of MaxN and length of fish species were the data outcomes. Within each location, sampling was targeted to habitats where previous studies have found to be representative of both fished and non-target species of the demersal fish assemblage.

There were four key objectives for WAMSI Node 4.2.2a: (1) determination of indicator regions; (2) development of monitoring strategies; (3) Implement a long term monitoring program (LTMP); and (4) provision of an assessment of expanding the LTMP to other areas. Indicator regions were confirmed as the Abrolhos Islands, Rottnest Island, and the Cape Naturaliste region. A synthesis of historical data sets for primary producers, sessile and mobile invertebrates and finfish were collected from the indicators region and an extensive review of potential indicators for finfish was also conducted (available for download from this metadata record). A program to monitor the health and biodiversity of subtidal reefs was established in April 2010 and April 2011. An Automated Underwater Vehicle (AUV) was deployed at the Abrolhos Islands, Jurien Bay and Rottnest Island to capture valuable information on the cover and abundance of benthic invertebrates and macroalgae. Replicate grids (25 x 25 m area of seabed) were surveyed. Exact co-ordinates are given below.

WAMSI Node 4.4.2 aims to determine how stock structure of key indicator species (dhufish, pink snapper and baldchin groper) in each bioregion interacts with existing spatial management. Specifically the project aimed to determine levels of gene flow among populations of snapper, dhufish, and baldchin groper on west coast and sources of recruits and levels of mixing between locations with snapper, dhufish and baldchin groper on west coast. This is a collaborative project with: 1) Department of Fisheries, Stock structure of West Coast demersal indicator species via i) Otolith chemistry and ii) Drift current trajectories from GPS-tracked buoys *Sub-project 4.4.2-1; 2) Department of Fisheries, CSIRO using genetics on West Australian dhufish and hydrodynamic dispersal modelling *Sub-project 4.4.2-2a. 3) Murdoch University, CSIRO, Department of Fisheries using genetics on pink snapper and baldchin groper *Sub-project 4.4.2-2b; 4) Department of Fisheries, CSIRO integrating stock structure with hydrodynamic modelling of stock structure *Sub-project 4.4.2-3;

WAMSI Node 4.4.2 aims to determine how stock structure of key indicator species (dhufish, pink snapper and baldchin groper) in each bioregion interacts with existing spatial management. Specifically the project aimed to determine levels of gene flow among populations of snapper, dhufish, and baldchin groper on west coast and sources of recruits and levels of mixing between locations with snapper, dhufish and baldchin groper on west coast. This is a collaborative project with: 1) Department of Fisheries, Stock structure of West Coast demersal indicator species via i) Otolith chemistry and ii) Drift current trajectories from GPS-tracked buoys *Sub-project 4.4.2-1; 2) Department of Fisheries, CSIRO using genetics on West Australian dhufish and hydrodynamic dispersal modelling *Sub-project 4.4.2-2a. 3) Murdoch University, CSIRO, Department of Fisheries using genetics on pink snapper and baldchin groper *Sub-project 4.4.2-2b; 4) Department of Fisheries, CSIRO integrating stock structure with hydrodynamic modelling of stock structure *Sub-project 4.4.2-3;