CITIZEN SCIENTISTS IN DEMAND

SEQ Catchments is
working with citizen
scientists to ensure
were using the best
available data to make
good decisions for our
environment.

What is citizen science?

Citizen science is a hands-on approach
that engages people to gather data,
ask questions and seek evidence for
decisions. It broadens the definition of
the expert as it is often carried out by
large volunteer networks who can add
to our understanding of the environment
by contributing their local knowledge and
expertise.
For more information visit:
www.seqcatchments.com.au/programs/
community-partnerships-citizen-science

Expressions of interest sought

Are you a citizen scientist or a citizen science program manager who is
collecting data on the natural environment in South East Queensland?
Then we want to hear from you!
As the Natural Resource Management body for our region, SEQ Catchments
is responsible for maintaining and restoring our regions biodiversity, land,
water and coastal natural assets. A key tool we use in decision making
processes is SEQ Rapid Maps, which has more than 80 datasets covering
waterways, coasts, biodiversity, land management and much more.
To ensure regional decision making is based on the best available data,
were inviting citizen science program managers to work with us to
contribute data into these decision making tools.
Whats in it for you?
SEQ Catchments uses SEQ Rapid Maps to help us understand the current
state and trends of South East Queenslands natural assets. Your data will
help to determine; high value conservation areas, assets that are vulnerable
to future change, and prioritisation of regional conservation planning and
management actions.
How it works
Youll work one-on-one with SEQ Catchments to;

Quandamooka Rangers conducting SeagrassWatch monitoring.

Establish clear data sharing agreements so we know exactly how and

when you want your data used or shared with others
Organise and contribute your data
Develop and recieve the mapping products you want, displaying your
data in a way thats useful to you.

Key Dates
Initial metadata and data preparation workshop February 9th
One-on-one data sharing sessions March - April
Wrap up group workshop April 12th
Sound like something youre interested in?
Places are limited. Get in touch to discuss your projects and ideas.
Contact Apanie Wood: awood@seqcatchments.com.au | 0448 069 226

This project is supported by SEQ Catchments Members Association through funding from the Australian Governments National Landcare Programme.

C A S E S T U D Y: C AT C H M E N T T O C O R A L S
Community helping to protect subtropical reefs
Australia is well known for its coral
reefs, but you dont have to travel far to
experience the diversity of the rich and
varied marine life found across reefs right
here in South East Queensland.

Little Halls
Jew Shoal (The Pin)

Hancock Shoal

Reef Check Australia (RCA) volunteer divers

are playing a key role in protecting these
reefs, by collecting valuable data that gives
us a better picture about their health, helps
to inform future management action and
aligns with the goals in the regions natural
resource management plan.

28
The Ledge
The Ledge
1
2
The Caves
The Caves
2
33
26
1

Mudjimba Island
Inner Gneerings
Dead Mans

29

Currimundi Reef
Kings Beach Reef

44

42

East

West
26

The number of monitoring sites continues

to grow with data now collected from more
than 20 priority reef monitoring sites across
South East Queensland.

Reef Check Australia has

been integral to building strong
community momentum for marine
conservation and is an important
piece in the puzzle of holistic
catchment and natural resource
management across South East
Queensland.
Simon Warner
CEO, SEQ Catchments (2014)

42

Hutchinsons Shoal
Flinders Reef Aladdins Cave
Flinders Reef
Marietta Dal Reef

61

41
22

The success of the program has relied

on close collaboration with researchers,
traditional owners, tourism operators,
management agencies, educators and
community groups.
By incorporating this information into SEQ
Rapid Maps, we ensure that the latest
data is used to inform future management
decisions and on ground action. This
means good news for our beautiful reefs
and all of the marine life found here.

46

38

Nursery 1 Nursery 2 Nursery 3

The Shark
Nursery Gulley
24
Flat Rock
Shag Rock

Green Island East

reef site

Net change in %
cover of hard coral
61

Myora Reef
Peel Island
Goat Island

50-70%
hard coral
composition
70-90%
hard coral
composition

no coral

West

25

North

South

47

Hard coral
decrease
>25% of
average

Hard coral
increase
>25% of
average

24

35

Coral community
composition

Minimal
hard coral
change
(<25%)

16
East

38

Macleay Island

Total coral: Hard Coral

and Soft Coral

<50% hard
coral
composition

39

23

RCA SEQ monitoring

locations displayed with
South West Wall
Narrowneck
Artificial Reef
Palm Beach Reef

cumulative average hard

coral & soft coral cover,

relative ratio of hard coral to

22

soft coral cover & changes

in hard coral cover over time
for the period 2007-14.

www.seqcatchments.com.au