Water and sediment quality within the Ningaloo Marine Park and Muiron Islands Marine Management Area

This project will undertake water and sediment quality surveys at appropriate control sites and in areas of the reserves that are, or may have been, exposed to contaminant inputs, particularly in relation to the diffuse or direct entry of wastewater, hydrocarbons and anti-fouling materials. Site selection has been based upon Cary and Grubba (2000) who incorporated 33 coral monitoring sites along the coastline from Bundegi Reef in the north (Exmouth Gulf) to Bills Bay in the South. These sites were established to monitor the impact of both broad scale human influences from large shore-based developments and also localised human activities including campsites, mooring areas, dive sites and boat ramps. A further three sites were added to this list to include the Muiron Islands Marine Management Area. Limited resources only allow a single survey to be undertaken to generate a baseline index of contamination.