Hoey, A.S., Galbraith, G., Chandler, J., Cresswell, B., Huertas Martin, V., and McClure, E.C. (2024) The Jewel in the Coral Sea: The cultural and ecological significance of Ashmore and Boot Reefs. External Commissioned Report. James Cook University, Townsville, QLD, Australia.

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Abstract

Ashmore and Boot Reefs in the far north of the Coral Sea Marine Park (CSMP) have been identified through recent research as ‘bright spots’ within the CSMP, supporting higher cover and diversity of corals, and greater fish diversity and biomass than other CSMP reefs, and are considered the ‘jewel’ among Torres Strait reefs. Together with their potential ecological importance, Ashmore and Boot Reefs have cultural connections to the Meriam people. Despite the cultural and ecological significance of Ashmore and Boot Reefs our understanding of the habitats (both shallow and deep) within these reefs, the biodiversity they support, and the current status of culturally significant species is limited.

James Cook University was awarded funding through an Our Marine Parks Round 3 Grant to investigate the cultural and ecological significance of Ashmore and Boot Reefs. Specifically, the key objectives of this project were to:

(i) engage and collaborate with, and build capacity within, the Meriam people in the conduct of ecological surveys to assess the status of shallow and deep reef habitats;

(ii) conduct extensive surveys of benthic, macro-invertebrate, and fish communities on Ashmore and Boot Reefs using a combination of diverbased and remote image-based technologies.

Item ID:	85091
Item Type:	Report (External Commissioned Report)
Copyright Information:	© Commonwealth of Australia 2024
Date Deposited:	09 Dec 2025 22:56
FoR Codes:	31 BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES > 3103 Ecology > 310305 Marine and estuarine ecology (incl. marine ichthyology) @ 40% 41 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES > 4104 Environmental management > 410402 Environmental assessment and monitoring @ 30% 41 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES > 4104 Environmental management > 410401 Conservation and biodiversity @ 30%
SEO Codes:	18 ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT > 1805 Marine systems and management > 180501 Assessment and management of benthic marine ecosystems @ 25% 18 ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT > 1805 Marine systems and management > 180502 Assessment and management of pelagic marine ecosystems @ 25% 21 INDIGENOUS > 2104 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander heritage and culture > 210407 Conserving Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander heritage and culture @ 50%
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