Reporting progress

Implementing the Marine Estate Management Strategy

Progress on implementation of the Marine Estate Management Strategy is published:

every four months in a triannual snapshot
at the end of each year in an annual report.

Copies of past reports are available below.

In addition, the Marine Integrated Monitoring Program is assessing the effectiveness of the Strategy in reducing priority threats and risks to the NSW marine estate.

A ten-year strategy

The Strategy commenced its fifth year of implementation on 1 July 2022. See the current implementation plan for details about how the Marine Estate Management Strategy is being delivered in 2022-24.

a curved timeline graphic with 2023 coloured

Highlights of current progress

1 March to 30 June 2023

Riverbank stablisation	The on-ground bank stabilisation work along the Branch River has been completed, covering a distance of 700 metres. This work will help minimise sediment loss at this site and ultimately reduce risks to water quality. The Branch River flows into the Karuah River, so this work will positively impact both rivers and the Port Stephens-Great Lakes Marine Park.
Land use pressures on the marine estate	Field sampling and data collection of indicators designed to gather information about ecological condition, streamflow, and ecosystem processes is completed. This information will highlight long-term trends in biological, geomorphic, and riparian condition of the inflowing streams in the Lake Illawarra catchment. Indicators included macroinvertebrates, benthic diatom assemblages, streamflow discharges, and stream metabolism (respiration and productivity). Links to a priority action in the Lake Illawarra Coastal Management Plan (CMP). The data provides initial baseline assessment for ongoing monitoring in a risk-based framework pilot case study area.
Reconnecting fish habitats	25 km of habitat opened up to migratory fish after a causeway was replaced with a new bridge on the Brunswick River. This will enable fish passage for local native species from ocean to near the village of Main Arm during low flows.
Climate change monitoring	The climate change towed video monitoring program for 2023 has now been completed, with 137 towed video transects conducted to quantify marine habitat cover along the entire NSW coast. Three peer reviewed papers have been published, detailing research on climate change impacts on long-spined urchins, tropical branching corals, and Australian marine ecosystems.
Reviving cultures	Arakwal Cultural Camp was held: a 3-day family oriented cultural camp that aims to educate youth about the importance of culture, healthy living, and social and emotional wellbeing, as well as their connections to Land and Sea country. The camp also promoted the protection of Aboriginal cultural values within the Arakwal region. During the camp, 149 participants exchanged cultural knowledge between the community and DPI Fisheries, establishing a positive ongoing relationship between DPI fisheries and the Aboriginal community in the Arakwal region.
Partnerships to protect marine wildlife	A series of educational videos for rehabilitation providers and veterinarians on sea turtle health assessments were published. The videos demonstrate best practice techniques for handling and assessing sea turtles and will improve animal welfare and rehabilitation outcomes.
Aquaculture socio-economic research	The final report on the Socio-Economic Contribution of Aquaculture to NSW has been delivered to DPI Aquaculture Management and will be presented to departmental staff and industry stakeholders.
End-of-Life vessel management	Consultation on the End-of-Life-Vessel policy options for end-of-life recreational vessels is complete. Livestream events were held and 174 public submissions are being analysed.
Marine estate econonic valuation	Discussion paper on new environmental markets for coastal and marine assets and services (including blue carbon) commenced to inform an ocean accounts pilot project. A cost-benefit analysis of Oyster Reef Restoration in Port Stephens (delivered under Initiative 1) commenced to help assess the economic viability and potential benefits of restoration efforts.
Greater Sydney Region compliance focusing on marine protected areas	The mobile compliance squad in Greater Sydney spent 728 hours patrolling aquatic reserves and intertidal protected areas this period. They interacted with 577 fishers and found that 54% of marine recreational fishers were compliant with collection regulations, while 86% were compliant with fishing regulations. The overall compliance rate for all inspected fishers was 82%.
Better geographic information systems (GIS) for the marine estate	Updated webmaps for all Aquatic Reserves associated with NSW on the DPI website. These maps use embedded mapbox technology that is optimised for mobile devices. They allow users to locate themselves in relation to the reserve and provide information about permitted activities through a text popup and standard symbols.

Reporting progress

Implementing the Marine Estate Management Strategy

A ten-year strategy

Highlights of current progress

1 March to 30 June 2023

Reports

2022-23

2021-22

2020-21

2019-20

2018-19