2016-12-12 General Committee - Attachment 1 to Item 9 - NBRF Annual Report

QUARTERLY REPORT TO COUNCIL – Q1 FY 2017



   The fishery is a public asset, and the community wants its benefits optimised and shared
   now and with future generations. The “Bring Back the Fish” projects aims to progressively
   restore the system, and develop the resilience of its re-established marine species.

   The program has three components:

      -   Re-establishing oyster reefs and associated aquatic communities in the Noosa
          Estuary and River up to Tewantin
      -   Restoring prawn stocks in the Noosa River and Lakes; and
      -   Modifying and improving land use practices in the Kin Kin catchment to reduce
          sediment runoff into the River and lakes system
   This is a long-term project with a major initial funding commitment by the NBRF. To protect
   both the community and private investments we will be closely monitoring progress to
   ensure projected performance targets are achieved.

   A key long term objective is to balance the rehabilitated marine biodiversity with sustainable
   recreational and commercial fishing.

   The project’s genesis lies with the Noosa Parks Association (NPA) which in 2014, together
   with The Thomas Foundation (TTF), arranged for The Nature Conservancy (TNC) to
   convene a scientific workshop to consider the possibility and means of enhancing Noosa’s
   river and lakes system. TNC, established in the USA in the 1950s, is the world’s premier
   science-based conservation organisation. Encouraged by TTF, it has established an
   Australian chapter, which at The Thomas Foundation’s initiative has commenced the Great
   Southern Seascapes program. This program is focussed on bays and estuaries in southern
   and western Australia and involves the re-establishment of oyster reefs and seagrass beds
   as a first step in the rehabilitation of marine eco-systems.

   The program is based on similar projects TNC has managed in the USA and which have
   attracted enthusiastic support from associated communities and recreational fishers.
   Recreational fishers in Melbourne are enthusiastic supporters of the Port Phillip reef
   restoration. Noosa’s Bring Back the Fish has grown out of this broader program.

   Permits for the re-establishment of the oyster reefs, generally on sites where they existed in
   the past, are being sought. The NBRF is grateful for the assistance being provided in this
   regard by the Noosa Council. In addition to the NPA and TTF, key private supporters of the
   Bring Back the Fish program are the University of Queensland, the University of the
   Sunshine Coast and Ecological Services Professionals.

   NBRF Commitment -          $441,304
   Other Commitments -        $1,032,251
   Total Value -              $1,473,555
   KPI Status -               ˜ Amber – needs monitoring (in relation to the current
                              application for permits)




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