Guidelines and Ongoing Monitoring of Aquaculture Fisheries Reserves

Management Report Series No. 35

April 2006

ISSN: 1448-1693
ISBN: 1 74146 644 X

Preferred way to cite this publication:
Fisheries Victoria, DPI (2006). Guidelines for Environmental Baseline Surveys and Ongoing Monitoring of Aquaculture Fisheries Reserves in Port Phillip and Western Port. Fisheries Victoria,DPI Management Report Series No. 35.

1 Introduction

The Guidelines for Environmental Baseline Surveys and Ongoing Monitoring of Aquaculture Fisheries Reserves in Port Phillip and Western Port (the Guidelines) prescribe the methods by which aquaculture proponents, and or their nominated service providers, are to conduct baseline surveys and ongoing monitoring of Crown lease sites within aquaculture fisheries reserves (AFRs) in Port Phillip and Western Port.

All baseline surveys and ongoing monitoring are to be conducted using the prescribed methods and in accordance with the prescribed standards unless otherwise authorised.

The Guidelines prescribe two stages of environmental assessment:

• a baseline survey is a one–off survey of the sediment and seabed of greenfield Crown lease sites to be undertaken by Crown lease holders within one year from the commencement date of the Crown lease and prior to the commencement of aquaculture activity; and
• ongoing monitoring is the monitoring of Crown lease sites to be undertaken by aquaculture licence holders annually for aquaculture using non–artificial feeds or as specified by the Secretary, Department of Primary Industries (DPI), or twice a year for aquaculture using artificial feeds or as specified by the Secretary, DPI.

1.1 Environmental management framework

The environmental management framework detailed in the AFR management plans is based on the following three key components:

• a characterisation survey;
• a baseline survey; and
• ongoing monitoring.

1.1.1 Characterisation survey

A characterisation survey is a one–off assessment of the habitat, physico–chemical and biological attributes of an AFR. Fisheries Victoria with this department have conducted characterisation surveys for all AFRs.

1.1.2 Baseline survey

A baseline survey is a one–off assessment of the sediment and seabed of greenfield Crown lease sites. A baseline survey shall be carried out by the Crown lease holder and or their nominated service provider.

1.1.3 Ongoing monitoring

Ongoing monitoring refers to the ongoing assessment of the Crown lease site with particular emphasis on appropriate performance indicators, and associated management triggers identified in the management plans. Ongoing monitoring of the Crown lease site shall be carried out by the aquaculture licence holder and or their nominated service provider.

1.2 Environmental monitoring requirements

The environmental variables to be monitored for baseline and ongoing monitoring in the AFRs are summarised in Table 1.

1.2.1 Crown lease sites sharing a common border

Where Crown lease sites share a common border, baseline surveys or ongoing monitoring may be conducted as a single Crown lease site.

1.3 Timing of baseline surveys and ongoing monitoring

The aquaculture proponent, and or their nominated service provider, must notify Fisheries Victoria, DPI of the sampling date chosen at least 48 hours prior to conducting the survey to facilitate compliance activities.

All sampling surveys and video surveys shall be completed within a 48 hour period at any one Crown lease site, unless otherwise authorised by the Secretary, DPI.

The Crown lease holder shall conduct a baseline survey within one year from the commencement date of the Crown lease and prior to the commencement of aquaculture activity.

Existing aquaculture operators are not required to undertake baseline surveys for Crown leases developed prior to the declaration of the relevant management plan.

For aquaculture using non–artificial feeds, ongoing monitoring shall be undertaken annually (or as specified by the Secretary, DPI) during the same month as the baseline survey to avoid seasonal variation between samples. For existing aquaculture operators, where a baseline survey is not required, ongoing monitoring shall be undertaken during the same month each year.

For aquaculture using artificial feeds, ongoing monitoring shall be undertaken twice a year or as specified by the Secretary, DPI. Where a baseline survey has been conducted, the first ongoing monitoring event shall occur six months later; all subsequent monitoring events shall occur in the same month as the baseline survey and the first ongoing monitoring event. Where a baseline survey is not required, ongoing monitoring shall be undertaken during the same months as the first two monitoring events.

1.4 Service providers

Baseline surveys and ongoing monitoring may be undertaken by any appropriately qualified service provider that adheres to the prescribed methods as outlined in these Guidelines.

Service providers shall be experienced in the area of marine environmental monitoring with demonstrated skills in marine ecological sampling, marine species identification and underwater video analysis.

Such service providers may include appropriate government agencies and private sector business enterprises, as nominated by the Crown lease holder for baseline surveys and the aquaculture licence holder for ongoing monitoring.

1.5 Auditing procedures

Baseline surveys and ongoing monitoring may be audited by Fisheries Victoria, DPI for compliance with the Guidelines. Auditing may include three key components:

• field surveys may be audited to assess methods of data collection in the field;
• data and analysis may be audited to assess the validity of the data, the analytical integrity and the accuracy of the report; and
• reports will be audited to ensure they include all the required information. All reports will be audited.

Checklists will be used to guide the audits (Appendices 14–19).

Where non–compliance with the requirements of the Guidelines is found, the Crown lease holder or the aquaculture licence holder (for baseline surveys or ongoing monitoring respectively) shall be required to correct the non–compliance and advise Fisheries Victoria, DPI of any action taken to correct and prevent the recurrence of noncompliance.

Table 1: Environmental monitoring requirements for baseline surveys and ongoing monitoring (Source: modified from Gavine and McKinnon, 2002).

Method	Variable	Baseline surveya	Ongoing monitoringb
			Aquaculture using non–artificial feeds	Aquaculture using artificial feeds
Sampling survey	Carbon nitrogen ratio	X	X	*
	Redox		*	*
	Total organic carbon		*	*
	Sediment particle size		*	*
	Visual		*	*
	Infauna		*	*
Video survey	Vegetation
	Epifauna

a – to be completed by the Crown lease holder or nominated service provider
b – to be completed by the aquaculture licence holder or nominated service provider
 – required
X – not required
* – required upon activation of management trigger

In addition, the environmental monitoring framework will be the subject of an independent audit to assess the accuracy and adequacy of information generated by the environmental monitoring framework.

1.6 Review of guidelines

The Guidelines are a key action of the AFR management plans which describe the management of the AFRs with an emphasis on ecologically sustainable development and as such the Guidelines will be reviewed at the same time as the AFR management plans. Prior to that time, the Guidelines may be subject to review should there be a need for the Secretary, DPI, to amend the Guidelines.

The Guidelines may be amended from time to time based on changes in:

• aquaculture technology or techniques;
• understanding of the risks; and
• technological advances in environmental monitoring.

Updated Guidelines will be numbered and dated, with the most recent version being the correct Guidelines. A table inside the Guidelines shall list the date and number of all previous versions of the Guidelines (Table 2).

1.7 Public reporting

Public reporting on environmental monitoring undertaken within the AFRs is a primary component of public accountability for the management of AFRs. Characterisation studies, baseline surveys and ongoing monitoring information shall be available to the public.

1.8 Contact us

For consultation with Fisheries Victoria, DPI contact the Customer Service Centre on telephone 136 186 and they will transfer you to the Fisheries Victoria, DPI Officer responsible for assisting Crown lease and aquaculture licence holders undertaking baseline surveys and or ongoing monitoring.

Table 2: Guidelines for environmental baseline surveys and ongoing monitoring of aquaculture fisheries reserves amendment record.

2 Baseline surveys

A one–off baseline survey shall be carried out by the Crown lease holder, and or their nominated service provider, for all individual, greenfield Crown lease sites within one year from the commencement date of the Crown lease and prior to the commencement of aquaculture activity.

Existing aquaculture operators are not required to undertake baseline surveys for Crown leases developed prior to the declaration of the relevant management plan.

Table 3: The number of survey transects, compliance points and reference points required to be surveyed according to the size of Crown lease.

Figure 1: Schematic of Crown lease site indicating approximate placement of the survey transect, reference points and compliance points in relation to current (diagram not to scale).

Figure 2: Schematic of Crown lease site indicating approximate placement of the survey transect in relation to the size of the Crown lease site (diagram not to scale).

2.1 Survey design

The Crown lease holder, in consultation with Fisheries Victoria, DPI, will determine the exact location and number of survey transects, reference points and compliance points prior to conducting the survey. The survey transects, reference points and compliance points may be at the same location and or at a different location to previous surveys. The number of survey transects, compliance points and reference points may vary according to the size of the Crown lease site (Table 3).

2.1.1 Survey transect

Longlines shall not be present during the baseline survey; however, the survey transect shall be positioned as close as possible to the site of the proposed aquaculture equipment. The survey transect (Figure 1) shall be set along a central line within the Crown lease and shall extend at least 35 m beyond the Crown lease at both ends. Where the total length of the transect exceeds 300 m due to the size of the Crown lease, the transect should be divided into three 100 m transects: two 100 m transects, each extending from at least 35 m beyond opposing Crown lease boundaries towards the centre of the Crown lease; and one 100 m transect centred on the midpoint of the Crown lease (Figure 2).

2.1.2 Compliance points

Longlines shall not be present during the baseline survey; however, compliance points shall be positioned as close as possible to the site of the proposed aquaculture equipment.

All compliance points shall be located within the Crown lease, at least 20 m apart from one another and shall be positioned on the survey transect.

2.1.3 Reference points

All reference points shall be located:

• 35 m beyond the Crown lease;
• parallel to the Crown lease boundary;
• at least 20 m apart from one another;
• half the reference points shall be located upstream of the prevailing current; and
• half the reference points shall be located down–stream of the prevailing current.

If current direction is not known or variable, additional reference points may be required.

2.2 Sampling survey specifications

Sampling surveys shall be carried out at compliance points and at reference points. The Crown lease holder, in consultation with Fisheries Victoria, DPI, will determine the reference points to be sampled prior to conducting the baseline survey.

2.2.1 Benthic infauna collection and analysis

2.2.1.1 Collection of benthic infauna

Each sample shall be collected as follows:

• one sediment grab shall be collected at the agreed compliance points and at the agreed reference points with a Van Veen grab (or equivalent apparatus) able to cover a surface area of 0.1 m2 and has a capacity of 20 litres; and
• each sample shall be sieved (Section 2.2.1.2) and stored within 3 hours of collection in 10% buffered formalin.

2.2.1.2 Sieving of benthic infauna

Each sample shall be sieved using the following sequence:

• carefully and thoroughly washed into a 1 mm stainless steel mesh sieve using salt or fresh water;
• rinsed over the sieve to remove fine sediments;
• picked over to remove coarse inorganic material and debris such as detritus and empty shells (check whole gastropod shells are empty by gently breaking them); and
• transferred into strong sealable plastic containers with their label and submerged in 10% buffered formalin such that the container shall be no more than half full of sample and filled to the top with formalin.

2.2.1.3 Analysis of benthic infauna

After being stored in 10% buffered formalin for at least three days each benthic infauna sample shall be processed using the following sequence:

• formalin removed by gently rinsing each sample through a 1 mm sieve with water;
• all organisms in each sample sorted; and
• each organism identified to at least family level, or to species level for known introduced species, counted and recorded on a benthic fauna identification data record sheet (Appendix 5).

2.2.1.4 Storage of benthic infauna

After identification and enumeration, the benthic infauna samples shall be transferred to 70% ethanol for long–term storage as follows:

• samples shall be stored in sealable polythene or polypropylene containers, which shall be clearly and permanently labelled (Appendix 3); and
• samples shall be securely stored out of direct sunlight, and maintained for at least five years after the date of collection to provide for independent auditing.

All stored samples shall be made available to the Secretary, DPI, upon request.

2.2.2 Physico–chemical sample collection and analysis

Each sample shall be collected and analysed as follows:

one sediment core shall be collected at the agreed compliance points and at the agreed reference points with a Craib Corer (or equivalent apparatus);

• sediment cores shall be collected in transparent perspex tubes called a core barrel (approximately 50 mm diameter and 220 mm length) and sealed immediately upon arrival on deck;
• cores shall be retained upright, sealed and undisturbed, and shall be stored in the dark at 4°C until redox and total organic carbon (TOC) are measured; and
• samples shall be discarded if the sediments have been significantly disturbed or where water has drained from the sediments.

2.2.2.1 Sediment core description

Sediment cores shall be described with regards to length (cm), colour (record a maximum of two colour using a Munsell soil colour chart), presence of hydrogen sulphide odour, presence of plants or animals and presence of gas bubbles (Appendix 6).

2.2.2.2 Oxidation reduction potential Redox measurements shall be made on each undisturbed sediment core within 2 hours of retrieval using a suitable electrode as follows:

• measurements shall be taken at the surface (sediment–water interface) and at 10 and 40 mm depths within the sediment sample (Appendix 7) ;
• in low permeable sediments the electrode should be allowed to equilibrate at each depth until it's value is changing by less than 1 mV/sec;
• in permeable sediments the lowest reading in each sample should be recorded because movement of the probe draws surface waters into the sediments;
• the redox probe shall be washed with distilled water and tested in a standard buffer solution between each sample; and
• redox measurements shall be reported in millivolts (mV).

All redox measurements are to be calibrated against a standard reference solution.

2.2.2.3 Total organic carbon After redox measurements have been made:

• the top 30 mm of the sediment core shall be collected by extruding the core from the barrel by pushing a tight fitting plunger up through the bottom of the barrel;
• the sample shall be cut or scraped off and placed in a bowl then homogenised by mixing with a spatula;
• a 10 g subsample shall be removed from the homogenised sample, placed with a label in a labelled jar and stored in the dark at –18°C until sent to a National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA) accredited laboratory for TOC analysis (Appendix 8); and
• the remaining sample shall be put aside for sediment particle size analysis.

2.2.2.4 Sediment particle size analysis

After the TOC sample has been taken and the top 30 mm of the sediment core has been collected, sediment particle size analysis shall be conducted as follows:

• the next 70 mm (30–100 mm) of the sediment core shall be collected by extruding the core from the barrel by pushing a tight fitting plunger up through the bottom of the barrel;
• the sample shall be cut or scraped off and placed in a bowl, then homogenised by mixing with a spatula;
• a proportional amount of sediment core (to that removed from the 0–30 mm for TOC analysis) shall be removed and discarded from the 30–100 mm sample, that is for each 10 g subsample removed from the 0–30 mm sample for TOC analysis, 23 g of sediment core shall be removed and discarded from the 30–100 mm sample;
• the 0–30 mm sample remaining from TOC analysis shall be placed in the bowl with the 30–100 mm sample, then homogenised by mixing with a spatula; and
• a labelled sample jar shall be packed full with the homogenised mixture, the sample label shall be placed on top of the sample and the lid screwed on, the sample is then ready for sediment particle size analysis.

Sediment particle size analysis can be done to a degree of accuracy of <3% in a suitably equipped laboratory using the following procedure:

• a sample of wet sediment shall be wet sieved through a stack of seven sieves using gentle hosing either by hand or a sieve shaker;
• the sieve stack shall be made up of 4 mm, 2 mm, 1 mm, 0.5 mm, 0.25 mm, 0.125 mm and 0.063 mm stainless steel mesh sieves;
• the drained contents of each sieve from coarsest to finest particle size shall be placed into a measuring cylinder containing 20 ml of water;
• the cumulative volume from each sieve shall be recorded and the volume from each sieve shall be computed;
• the volume of the <0.063 mm fraction shall be calculated by subtracting the total volume collected in all the sieves from the initial volume in the sample jar; and
• the particle size distribution shall then be tabulated and graphed as percent by volume (Appendix 9).

All sediment particle size shall be described using the Udden–Wentworth scale.

2.3 Video survey specifications

Video surveys shall be conducted along the survey transects, at compliance points and reference points.

2.3.1 Video surveys

Video surveys shall be conducted as follows:

• video recording may be conducted by diver, underwater tow or remotely operated vehicle (ROV);
• the time and date shall be visible on the video footage at all times;
• video footage of survey transects shall be continuous, unedited and the camera speed along the transect shall not exceed 1 m/s;
• stationary video footage of reference points and compliance points shall be unedited and at least 15 seconds in duration after which time a further 60 seconds of footage shall be taken of the immediate area surrounding the compliance point or reference point;
• at each compliance point and reference point, the sediment shall be gently disturbed while filming to reveal the sediment colour beneath the surface;
• the camera shall be held no more than 1 m above the substrate and include a view of at least 0.5 m around each point;
• the substrate shall be in focus at all times; and
• all images shall be clear and well-lit.

2.3.2 Video camera

The video camera shall be capable of recording:

• in colour;
• at 1 lux or less plus have an artificial light source (a minimum of 2 x 50 W lights);
• with the date and time visible on the footage at all times;
• in PAL format; and
• on Hi–8 video tape, mini–DV video tape or the equivalent.

2.3.3 Video footage description

Video records are required to provide both a general overview and localised qualitative data (Appendices 10–12). Video footage shall be described with regards to:

• sediment colour and texture;
• seaweed cover;
• visibility;
• variety and density of epifauna on the sea bed;
• presence of Beggiatoa spp. (white bacterial mats);
• presence of opportunistic polychaetes (e.g. Capitellids) on the sediment surface;
• release of bubbles from the sediment; and
• presence of any other extraneous materials related to aquaculture infrastructure or activities.

2.3.4 Video analysis

The interpretation of video information shall be verified by more than one analyst (Appendices 10 and 11).

2.4 Data recording and quality assurance

• Survey records shall include: date;
• start time;
• finish time;
• Reserve name;
• Crown lease number;
• vessel name;
• weather conditions;
• staff names;
• data recorder;
• Team Leader;
• sample ID;
• type of sample;
• depth (m);
• time of collection; and
• location (using GPS and recorded in either GDA94 degrees decimal minutes) (Appendix 4).

2.4.1 Data collection and analysis

All data shall be managed as follows:

• a waterproof label detailing the Crown lease site, date, sample ID, assessor's name and collector's name shall be placed with each sample (Appendix 3). This label shall remain with the sample through all sample processing stages;
• if a data field is not required it shall be marked with a 'strikethrough';
• all field data shall be recorded on waterproof data sheets using a 2B pencil;
• the interpretation of video information shall be verified by more than one analyst;
• TOC analysis and carbon nitrogen ratio analysis shall be undertaken by an agency holding NATA accreditation for those tests; and
• all data sheets shall be verified by the Team Leader.

2.4.2 Database

All raw data shall be managed as follows:

• all raw data shall be entered into a database template provided by Fisheries Victoria, DPI;
• all electronic data shall be verified by more than one analyst. The analysts shall sign the quality assurance data sheet (Appendix 13) to confirm all data has been verified; and
• the Team Leader shall sign the quality assurance data sheet (Appendix 13) to verify all data has been collected and entered into the database according to the prescribed methods and standards.

2.5 Reporting

The Crown lease holder must deliver a copy of an Interim Baseline Survey Report to Fisheries Victoria, DPI for approval within one month of completion of the survey fieldwork and the Final Baseline Survey Report within four months of the completion of survey fieldwork.

The Interim Baseline Survey Report shall contain:

• a hard copy of the sample location data sheet; and
• a copy of the video footage on Hi–8 video tape, mini–DV video tape or the equivalent in PAL format.

The Final Baseline Survey Report shall contain:

• Crown lease number;
• Reserve name;
• aquaculture licence number;
• applicant's name;
• name of person / organisation conducting environmental assessment;
• an introduction – preamble to the report indicating any previous work done relevant to this report and previous work done at the Crown lease site;
• the methods used for the assessment of each parameter presented in the same order as in the Guidelines;
• the results presented in the same order as in the Guidelines and data summarised in tables and graphs;
• an interpretation of the data providing an integrated understanding of the results plus any unusual results highlighted;
• a copy of the raw data attached as appendices and provided electronically in spreadsheets (templates shall be provided);
• a photograph (or a still from stationary video footage) of each reference point and compliance point; and
• a map of the Crown lease site with all compliance points, reference points and survey transects, including their coordinates.

All original data, video footage and samples shall be retained by Crown lease holders for auditing purposes for a period of five years or as specified by the Secretary, DPI.

The data shall be maintained by Fisheries Victoria, DPI, within a data management system. Fisheries Victoria, DPI will utilise this system for data analysis, reporting and management needs, consistent with the objectives of the AFR management plans.

Reports and data to be sent to:

Manager Aquaculture
Department of Primary Industries
GPO Box 4440
Melbourne VICTORIA 3001

3 Ongoing monitoring

Ongoing monitoring of the Crown lease site shall be carried out by the aquaculture licence holder and or their nominated service provider.

Monitoring shall be carried out annually for aquaculture using non–artificial feeds or as specified by the Secretary, DPI, or twice a year for aquaculture using artificial feeds or as specified by the Secretary, DPI, with emphasis on appropriate performance indicators, and associated management triggers identified in the management plans.

Table 4: The number of survey transects, compliance points and reference points required to be surveyed according to the size of Crown lease.

Figure 3: Schematic of Crown lease site indicating approximate placement of the survey transect, reference points and compliance points in relation to current (diagram not to scale).

Figure 4: Schematic of Crown lease site indicating approximate placement of the survey transect in relation to the size of the Crown lease site (diagram not to scale).

3.1 Survey design

The aquaculture licence holder, in consultation with Fisheries Victoria, DPI, will determine the exact location of the survey transects, compliance points and reference points prior to conducting the survey. The number of survey transects, compliance points and reference points may vary according to the size of the Crown lease site (Table 4).

3.1.1 Survey transect

The survey transect shall be set along a longline within the Crown lease and shall extend at least 35 m beyond the Crown lease at both ends (Figure 3). Where the total length of the transect exceeds 300 m due to the size of the Crown lease, the transect may be divided into three sections: two 100 m transects, each extending from at least 35 m beyond opposing Crown lease boundaries towards the centre of the Crown lease; and one 100 m transect centred on the midpoint of the Crown lease (Figure 4).

3.1.2 Compliance points

Compliance points shall be positioned as close as possible to the site of the aquaculture equipment. All compliance points shall be located within the Crown lease, at least 20 m apart from one another and shall be positioned on the survey transect.

3.1.3 Reference points

All reference points shall be located:

• 35 m beyond the Crown lease;
• parallel to the Crown lease boundary;
• at least 20 m apart from one another;
• half the reference points shall be located upstream of the prevailing current; and
• half the reference points shall be located down–stream of the prevailing current.

If current direction is not known or variable, additional reference points may be required.

3.2 Video survey specifications

Video surveys shall be conducted out along the survey transect, at compliance points and at reference points.

3.2.1 Video surveys

Video surveys shall be conducted as follows:

• video recording may be conducted by diver, underwater tow or remotely operated vehicle (ROV);
• the time and date shall be visible on the video footage at all times;
• video footage of survey transects shall be continuous, unedited and the camera speed along the transect shall not exceed 1 m/s;
• stationary video footage of reference points and compliance points shall be unedited and at least 15 seconds in duration after which time a further 60 seconds of footage shall be taken of the immediate area surrounding the compliance point or reference point;
• at each compliance point and reference point, the sediment shall be gently disturbed while filming to reveal the sediment colour beneath the surface;
• the camera shall be held no more than 1 m above the substrate and include a view of at least 0.5 m around each point;
• the substrate shall be in focus at all times; and
• all images shall be clear and well–lit.

3.2.2 Video camera

The video camera shall be capable of recording:

• in colour;
• at 1 lux or less plus have an artificial light source (a minimum of 2 x 50 W lights);
• with the date and time visible on the footage at all times;
• in PAL format; and
• on Hi–8 video tape, mini–DV video tape or the equivalent.

3.2.3 Video footage description

Video records are required to provide both a general overview and localised qualitative data (Appendices 10–12). Video footage shall be described with regards to:

• sediment colour and texture;
• seaweed cover;
• visibility;
• variety and density of epifauna on the sea bed; – presence of Beggiatoa spp. (white bacterial mat);
• presence of opportunistic polychaetes (e.g. Capitellids) on the sediment surface;
• release of bubbles from the sediment; and
• presence of any other extraneous materials related to aquaculture infrastructure or activities.

3.2.4 Video analysis

The interpretation of video information shall be verified by more than one analyst (Appendices 10 and 11).

3.3 Data recording and quality assurance

Survey records shall include:

• date;
• start time;
• finish time;
• Reserve name;
• Crown lease number;
• vessel name;
• weather conditions;
• staff names;
• data recorder;
• Team Leader;
• sample ID;
• type of sample;
• depth (m);
• time of collection; and
• location (using GPS and recorded in either GDA94 degrees decimal minutes) (Appendix 4).

3.3.1 Data collection and analysis

All data shall be managed as follows:

• if a data field is not required it shall be marked with a 'strikethrough';
• all field data shall be recorded on waterproof data sheets using a 2B pencil;
• the interpretation of video information shall be verified by more than one analyst; and
• all data sheets shall be verified by the Team Leader.

3.3.2 Database

All data shall be managed as follows:

• all raw data shall be entered into a database template provided by Fisheries Victoria, DPI;
• all electronic data shall be verified by more than one analyst to ensure accurate data entry. The analysts shall sign the quality assurance data sheet (Appendix 13) to confirm all data has been verified; and
• the Team Leader shall sign the quality assurance data sheet (Appendix 13) to verify all data has been collected and entered into the database according to the prescribed methods and standards.

3.4 Activation of a management trigger

Management triggers include, but are not limited to:

• the presence of Beggiatoa spp. mats;
• organic accumulation; or
• the presence of debris.

Where monitoring identifies a management trigger, further monitoring will be conducted according to the procedures described in Section 2: Baseline survey.

In addition, aquaculture using artificial feeds shall collect and analyse carbon nitrogen ratios at compliance points and reference points. Sample collection for carbon nitrogen ratios shall follow the same procedure as for TOC analysis. For carbon nitrogen ratio analyses a second 10 g subsample shall be sent to a National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA) accredited laboratory for carbon nitrogen ratio analysis (Appendix 8).

3.5 Reporting

A written report for the ongoing monitoring undertaken by the aquaculture licence holder is to be provided to Fisheries Victoria, DPI no later than two months after the completion of the ongoing monitoring event.

The Ongoing Monitoring Report shall contain:

• Crown lease number;
• Reserve name;
• aquaculture licence number;
• applicant's name; – name of person / organisation conducting environmental assessment;
• an introduction – preamble to the report indicating any previous work done relevant to this report and previous work done at the Crown lease site;
• methods and results;
• data summarised in tables and graphs;
• an interpretation of the data providing an integrated understanding of the results plus any unusual results highlighted;
• recommendations in regard to compliance with management triggers;
• a copy of the raw data attached as appendices and provided electronically in spreadsheets (templates shall be provided);
• a photograph (or a still from stationary video footage) of each reference point and compliance point;
• a map of the Crown lease site with all compliance points, reference points and survey transects, including their coordinates; and
• a copy of the video footage on Hi–8 video tape, mini–DV video tape or the equivalent in PAL format.

All original data, video footage and samples shall be retained by Crown lease holders for auditing purposes for a period of five years or as specified by the Secretary, DPI.

The data shall be maintained by Fisheries Victoria, DPI, within a data management system. Fisheries Victoria, DPI will utilise this system for data analysis, reporting and management needs, consistent with the objectives of the AFR management plans.

Reports and data to be sent to:

Manager Aquaculture
Department of Primary Industries
GPO Box 4440
Melbourne VICTORIA 3001

4 References

Barry, J. M., and Bailey, M. (2001) Bathymetric survey of the proposed aquaculture zone, Pinnace Channel, Port Phillip. Marine and Freshwater Research Institute Report No. 35.

Coleman, N., Longmore, A. and Cohen, B. (2001) Baseline data for the Pinnace Channel aquaculture site. Marine and Freshwater Research Institute Report No. 34.

DPIWE (2004) A review of the Tasmanian finfish farming benthic monitoring program. Marine Environment Section, Marine Farming Branch, Marine Resources Group, DPIWE, Tasmania.

DPI (2005) Eastern port Phillip Bay Aquaculture Fisheries Reserves Management Plan. Fisheries Victoria, DPI Management Report Series No. 33.

DPI (2005) Flinders Aquaculture Fisheries Reserve Management Plan. Fisheries Victoria, DPI Management Report Series No. 32.

DPI (2005) Geelong Arm Aquaculture Fisheries Reserves Management Plan. Fisheries Victoria, DPI Management Report Series No. 34.

DPI (2005) Pinnace Channel Aquaculture Fisheries Reserve Management Plan. Fisheries Victoria, DPI Management Report Series No. 31.

ECC (2000) Marine Coastal and Estuarine Investigation – Final Report.

Gavine, F. and McKinnon, L. (2002) Environmental monitoring of marine aquaculture in Victorian coastal waters: A review of appropriate methods. Marine and Freshwater Research Institute Report No. 46.

GESAMP (IMO / FAO / Unesco–IOC / WMO / WHO/ IAEA / UN / UNEP Joint Group of Experts on the Scientific Aspects of Marine Environmental Protection) (1996) Monitoring the ecological effects of coastal aquaculture wastes. GESAMP Reports and Studies No. 57.

McKinnon, L.J., Leporati, S.C., Parry, G.D., Blake, S. and Hatton, D. (2004a) Environmental characterisation of the Aquaculture Fisheries Reserves in the Geelong Arm, Port Phillip Bay, Victoria. Fisheries Victoria, DPI Research Report Series No. 8.

McKinnon, L.J., Leporati, S.C., Parry, G.D., Blake, S. and Hatton, D. (2004b) Environmental characterisation of the aquaculture fisheries reserves in Eastern Port Phillip Bay, Victoria. Fisheries Victoria, DPI Research Report Series No. 10.

McKinnon, L.J., Leporati, S.C., Parry, G.D. and Blake, S. (2004c) Environmental characterisation of the Flinders Aquaculture Fisheries Reserve in Western Port, Victoria. Fisheries Victoria, DPI Research Report Series No. 14.

McKinnon, L.J., Leporati, S.C., Parry, G.D., Blake, S. and Hatton, D. (2005) Environmental characterisation of the Aquaculture Fisheries Reserve in Portland Bay, Victoria. Fisheries Victoria, DPI Research Report Series No. 22.

McKinnon, L.J., Parry, G.D., Leporati, S., Heislers, G.F., Werner, G.F., Gason, A.S.H., Fabris, G., and O'Mahoney, N. (2003) The environmental effects of blue mussels (Mytilus edulis) aquaculture in Port Phillip Bay. Fisheries Victoria, DPI Research Report Series No. 1.

5 Abbreviations

6 Glossary

7 Appendices

Appendix 1: Checklist for baseline surveys

Appendix 2: Checklist for ongoing monitoring

Appendix 3: Labels for samples

Appendix 4: Sample location data sheet

Appendix 5: Benthic infauna data sheet

Appendix 6: Sediment description data sheet

Appendix 7: Redox data sheet

Appendix 8: Total organic carbon and carbon nitrogen ratio data sheet

Appendix 9: Sediment particle size data sheet

Appendix 10: Video transect data sheet

Appendix 11: Stationary video footage data sheet

Appendix 12: Key for video surveys

Appendix 13: Quality assurance data sheet (for data entry)

Appendix 14: Field survey audit checklist for baseline surveys

Appendix 15: Data and analysis audit checklist for baseline surveys

Appendix 16: Report audit checklist for baseline surveys

Appendix 17: Field survey audit checklist for ongoing monitoring

Appendix 18: Data and analysis audit checklist for ongoing monitoring

Appendix 19: Report audit checklist for ongoing monitoring

Appendix 1: Checklist for baseline surveys

Attributes	checkbox	Method
Sampling survey		The location of the survey transects, reference points and compliance points determined by the Crown lease holder in consultation with Fisheries Victoria, DPI
		Survey transects, reference points and compliance points recorded in GDA94 degrees decimal minutes
		Survey transects, reference points and compliance points located by GPS
Infauna analysis		One grab at all the reference and compliance points
		Each sample sieved through a 1 mm sieve and store in 10% buffered formalin within 3 hours of collection
		All organisms identified (to family or to species if exotic ) and counted
		Organisms stored in 70% ethanol in a labelled container
Sediment description		One core at all the reference and compliance points
		Describe sediment
Redox		Calibrate probe
		Measure at the surface, 10 mm and 40 mm
Total organic carbon		10 g sample removed from top 30 mm and stored at –18°C until sent to NATA accredited laboratory
		Remaining subsample kept for particle size analysis
Particle size		23 g of sediment core removed from 30–70 mm subsample and discarded
		Combine 30 mm and 30–70 mm subsample, mix and fill a 77 ml sample jar
		Sieve sediment through a sieve stack of 4 mm, 2 mm, 1 mm, 0.5 mm, 0.25 mm, 0.125 mm and 0.063 mm mesh sieves
		Measure the sediment volume from each sieve and the <0.063 mm fraction
Video survey		Survey transects, reference points and compliance points are identifiable on video footage
		Video footage is unedited
		Stationary video footage of the substrate occur at all control and compliance points
		At each reference point and compliance point, video will include footage of the sediment gently disturbed to reveal the sediment colour beneath the surface
Quality assurance		Data entered onto an appropriate data sheet
		Data checked for errors and corrected, with annotations if necessary
		Data sheets verified by Team Leader
		Data entered into a database
		Data verified by more than one person
		Team Leader verified that all data has been collected and entered into a database according to the prescribed methods and standards.

Appendix 2: Checklist for ongoing monitoring

Attributes	checkbox	Method
Video survey		The location of the survey transects, reference points and compliance points determined by the aquaculture licence holder in consultation with Fisheries Victoria, DPI
		Survey transects, reference points and compliance points recorded in GDA94 degrees decimal minutes
		Survey transects, reference points and compliance points located by GPS
		Survey transects, reference points and compliance points identifiable on video footage
		Stationary video footage of the substrate occur at reference points and compliance points
		At each reference point and compliance point, video will include footage of the sediment gently disturbed to reveal the sediment colour beneath the surface
Quality assurance		Data entered onto an appropriate data sheet
		Data checked for errors and corrected, with annotations if necessary
		Data sheets verified by Team Leader
		Data entered into a database
		Data verified by more than one person
		Team Leader verified that all data has been collected and entered into a database according to the prescribed methods and standards

Appendix 3: Labels for samples

Appendix 4: Sample location data sheet

# Sample type: 1 = compliance point; 2 = reference point; 3 = transect * Collection method: G = grab sample; C = core sample; V = video ^ Latitude and Longitude must be recorded in GDA94 degrees decimal minutes, record both start and finish location for transects.

Appendix 5: Benthic infauna data sheet

Appendix 6: Sediment description data sheet

* Munsell Soil Colour Chart Code (2000 edition)

Appendix 7: Redox data sheet

Appendix 8: Total organic carbon and carbon nitrogen ratio data sheet

Appendix 9: Sediment particle size data sheet

Appendix 10: Video transect data sheet

Appendix 11: Stationary video footage data sheet

Appendix 12: Key for video surveys

Appendix 13: Quality assurance data sheet (for data entry)

Key for date sheet:

1. Sample location
2. Benthic infauna
3. Sediment description
4. Redox
5. Total organic carbon and carbon nitrogen ratio
6. Sediment particle size
7. Stationary video footage
8. Video transect
9. Other

Appendix 14: Field survey audit checklist for baseline surveys

(to be carried out by Fisheries Victoria, DPI)

Appendix 15: Data and analysis audit checklist for baseline surveys

(to be carried out by Fisheries Victoria, DPI)

Appendix 16: Report audit checklist for baseline surveys

(to be carried out by Fisheries Victoria, DPI)

Appendix 17: Field survey audit checklist for ongoing monitoring

(to be carried out by Fisheries Victoria, DPI)

Appendix 18: Data and analysis audit checklist for ongoing monitoring

(to be carried out by Fisheries Victoria, DPI)

Appendix 19: Report audit checklist for ongoing monitoring

(to be carried out by Fisheries Victoria, DPI)