The trophic ecology of the grazing sea urchin Echinometra mathaei within Ningaloo Marine Park, Western Australia: comparing the effects of different closure regimes on urchin distribution, recruitment and settlement. In Waples, K and Hollander, E. Ningaloo Research Progress Report: Discovering Ningaloo – latest findings and their implications for management

Langdon, M., van Keulen, M., Paling, E.I., Loneragan, N. and Skilleter, G. (2008) The trophic ecology of the grazing sea urchin Echinometra mathaei within Ningaloo Marine Park, Western Australia: comparing the effects of different closure regimes on urchin distribution, recruitment and settlement. In Waples, K and Hollander, E. Ningaloo Research Progress Report: Discovering Ningaloo – latest findings and their implications for management. Ningaloo Research Coordinating Committee. Department of Environment and Conservation, Western Australia.

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Abstract

The overall objective of this research project is to add to the general understanding of coral reef ecology and more specifically, advance the existing knowledge of the role of sea urchins in coral reef ecology at Ningaloo Marine Park. This study will examine marine grazers (particularly sea urchins), investigating their habitats, home range, reproduction, distribution, larval recruitment and settlement, and trophic relationships at Ningaloo Marine Park. The indirect effects of different closure regimes (e.g. Marine Protected Areas (MPA’s) such as sanctuary zones) on urchin ecology within Ningaloo Marine Park will be examined at length, both temporally and spatially over the next two to three years and will provide important new information which will aid in the formulation of future management strategies for the conservation and stewardship of Ningaloo Marine Park.