HWA Occasional Paper

1
2014/01: Hinchinbrook Estuarine
Wilderness Research Areas (HEWRA) Literature
Compilation




TJ Chase and M Sheaves




Estuary and Coastal Wetlands Ecosystem Research, Centre for Tropical Water and Aquatic
Ecosystems Research (TropWATER), James Cook University, Townsville, QLD 4811, Australia

Corresponding author:
E-mail: tory.chase@my.jcu.edu.au
International phone: +61 7 478 14144 (Fax: (07) 4781 5511)



1
The HWA Occasional Paper series, produced by the Hinchinbrook Wetland Alliance, is designed to
disseminate information relevant to the Hinchinbrook Estuarine Wilderness Research Area. The series is
internally peer-reviewed by staff of TropWATER at James Cook University.

Hinchinbrook Estuarine Wilderness Research Areas (HEWRA) Literature
Compilation
There are at least 148 refereed publications spanning marine and terrestrial themes that detail
studies with field components in the HEWRA. Literature was collected using three databases, the
JCU Estuary and Coastal Wetland Ecosystem Laboratory database, ISI Web of Science and Google
scholar. Drill-down bibliography searches were then conducted to find additional references
provided a small amount of additional papers (16%, 23 of 148 studies, Fig. 4). A majority of the
research undertaken (>70%) has been conducted by researchers with affiliations with three major
organizations: 1) The Estuary and Coastal Wetland Ecology group of TropWATER at James Cook
University (JCU), 2) AIMS, and 3) CSIRO Land and Water Research Group (organisations which all
have a headquarters within 175km of the Hinchinbrook area).

The amount of research within HEWRA has increased steadily over the last three decades (Fig. 3), yet
the location has gained less recognition compared with nearby coral reef research sites such as the
Orpheus Island Research Station (n=341 publications, in 32 years). An emphasis on broad-scale
research and inter-disciplinary collaborations would greatly enhance the understanding of HEWRA
building a comprehensive body of research into HEWRA.

Table 1: Summary table of 102 studies (91 with relevance to Hinchinbrook Area).
Study
Keywords
Major Topic Relevance Reference
Mangroves,
Trophic
Structure
Carbon and nitrogen isotopic composition
used to identify trophic pathways in Deluge
Inlet, part of the greater Hinchinbrook
estuary system. At least five main trophic
chains present are creating a food web of
four trophic levels.
Main study
site
Abrantes K, Sheaves M (2009) Food web
structure in a near-pristine mangrove area of
the Australian Wet Tropics. Estuar Coast Mar
S 82: 597-607

Bacterial
communities,
Sediments
Examined the composition of microbial
communities within the Hinchinbrook
areas. Sediment depth, season, sites and
disturbances regulated bacterial dynamics
within vertical sediment profiles of coast
muds, sands, and muddy sands.
Main study
site
Alongi DM (1992) Vertical profiles of bacterial
abundance, productivity and growth-rates in
coastal sediment of the central Great Barrier
Reef lagoon. Mar Biol 112: 657-663
Sulfate
reduction,
sediments
Sulfate reduction in sediments around
Hinchinbrook Island changed with season.
Monsoonal disturbances disrupt the
sedimentary matrix disrupting the pathway
by which organic matter is decomposed in
coastal anoxic sediments.
Main study
site
Alongi DM (1995) Effect of monsoonal
climate change on sulfate reduction in coastal
sediments on the central Great Barrier Reef
lagoon. Mar Bio 122:497-502
Mangroves,
Toxins,
Invertebrates
Experiment inspected the effect of
mangrove-derived tannins on nematode
populations and small invertebrates living
in the estuarine environment. Sediment
tannens negatively affected communities
in meiobenthos.
Main study
site
Alongi DM (1987) mangrove-derived tannins
on intertidal meiobenthos in tropical
estuaries. Oecologia 71: 537-740
Meiobenthos,
Mangroves,
Zonation
Investigated zonation and seasonality of
meiobenthic communities within
mangrove estuaries at 5 sites in northern
QLD. Meiofauna densities increased with
wet season.
One of 5
study sites
Alongi DM (1987) Intertidal zonation and
seasonality of meiobenthos in tropical
mangrove estuaries. Mar Biol 95: 447-458

Nematodes,
Estuary,
Mangroves
Variation in nematode density and
community structure within Hinchinbrook
mangrove areas. Inter-estuary and
intertidal zonation caused variation in
nematode densities.
Main study
site
Alongi DM (1987) Inter-estuary variation and
intertidal zonation of free-living nematode
communities in tropical mangrove systems.
Mar Ecol Prog Ser 40: 103-114
Bacteria,
Meiofauna,
Mangroves,
Sediments
Microbial and meiofaunal communities at
intertidal mangrove and sand flat habitats
were monitored for a year and had no
correlation with the physical factors of the
area. Tidal flooding and exposure affected
bacterial growth rate.
Mentioned Alongi DM (1988) Microbial-meiofaunal
interrelationships in some intertidal
sediments. J Mar Res 46: 349-365
Bacterial,
Mangroves,
Sediments
Bacterial productivity and intertidal
microbenthic communities were examined
at 5 sites in Northern QLD. Bacterial
growth varied with season, while highest
numbers occurred in winter.
Physiochemical factors, tidal flushing, and
exposure may regulate tidal effects on
bacteria and microbes.
One of 5 sites Alongi DM (1988) Bacterial productivity and
microbial biomass in mangrove sediments.
Microb Ecol 15: 59-79

Nutrients,
Mangroves
Variations in benthic nutrient pools and
nutrient exchange between mangrove
forest floor and tidal waters around
Hinchinbrook Island. Mangrove forests act
as a sink of dissolved N, P, and Si in this
tidally driven coastal ecosystem.
Main study
site
Alongi DW (1996) The dynamics of benthic
nutrient pools and fluxes in tropical
mangrove forests. J Mar Res 54: 123-148
Carbon,
Estuaries,
Mangroves
The pathways of organic carbon in
Hinchinbrook Channel were developed to
identify sources and sinks within the area.
TOC from mangroves, phytoplankton, sea
grasses, and benthic microalgae were
examined while looking at river inputs and
the flux of carbon materials in the coastal
area.
Main study
site
Alongi DM, Ayukai T, Brunskill GJ, Clough BF,
Wolanski E (1998) Sources, sinks, and export
of organic carbon through a tropical, semi-
enclosed delta (Hinchinbrook Channel,
Australia). Mangroves and Salt Marshes 4:
237-242
Mangroves,
Bacteria,
Sediments
The effect of mangrove litter on sediment
benthic bacterial communities, and
dissolved organic carbon is examined.
Marine litter is of low nutritional quality
but influence sediment C: N rations and
tannin concentrations, as well as support
bacterial communities.
Main study
site
Alongi DM, Boto JG, Tirendi F (1989) Effect of
exported mangrove litter on bacterial
productivity and dissolved organic carbon
fluxes in adjacent tropical nearshore
sediments. Mar Ecol Prog Ser 56: 133-144
Sediments,
Nutrients,
Bacteria
Microbial communities in coastal waters
and sediments can metabolize large
quantities of nutrient from land and river
run-off. These microbial communities play
key roles in biogeochemical cycles, helping
restrict sediments from radiating further
offshore. Mangrove communities can trap,
transform, and store large amounts of
sediments and organic matter.
One of 4 sites Alongi DM, McKinnon AD (2005) The cycling
and fate of terrestrially-derived sediments
and nutrients in the coastal zone of the Great
Barrier Reef shelf. Mar Poll Bull 51: 239-252
Sediments,
Estuary,
Organic Matter
Rates and pathways of organic matter
decomposition in sediments were
examined in mangrove forests and mud
flats of Hinchinbrook Channel. Carbon and
other metabolic pathways are affected by
season; total carbon oxidation was greater
in mangroves than mud flats.
Main study
site
Alongi DM, Trendi F, Dixon P, Trott LA,
Brunskill GJ (1999) Mineralization of organic
matter in intertidal sediments of a tropical
semi-enclosed delta. Estuar Coast Shelf S
48:451-467
Boater
Compliance,
Dugong
General compliance and conservation
issues regarding dugong conservation
around Hinchinbrook area was investigated
through interviews with local boaters.
Future management steps and initiatives
are proposed with a focus on community
conservation and education groups.
Main study
site
Andersson M (2008) Hinchinbrook area
boaters opinions of compliance with dugong
conservation initiatives. Independent Study
Project (ISP) Collection. Paper 561

Mangroves,
Carbon
Isotopes,
Photosynthesis
The gas exchange properties of mangrove
trees on Hinchinbrook island were studied
using infrared gas analyzers and dew point
hygrometers. Temperature was identified
as a key factor controlling assimilation.
Additionally the C
3
photosynthetic pathway
was analyzed using carbon isotopes.
Main study
site
Andrews TJ, Clough BF, Muller GJ (1984)
Photosynthetic gas exchange properties and
carbon isotope ratios of some mangroves in
North Queensland. Task Veg Sc 9: 15-23
Carbon
Fixation,
Mangroves,
Climate Change
CO
2
fixation in mangrove forests and
details of the Hinchinbrook study site for
the KEPCO-KEEC-AIMS project. Mangrove
ecosystems act as manageable natural
sinks' for atmospheric CO
2
.
Main study
site
Ayukai TT (1998) Introduction: carbon
fixation and storage in mangroves and their
relevance to the global climate change-a case
study in Hinchinbrook Channel in
northeastern Australia. Mangroves and Salt
Marshes 2: 189-190
Fish, Estuaries Defined the assemblages of piscivorous
fishes within shallow tropical estuarine
nurseries stating that predation may be a
major structuring force in these habitats.
This study investigates gut content analysis
of over 51 taxa over 17 locations.
One of 17
estuary sites
Baker R, Sheaves M (2005) Redefining the
piscivore assemblage of shallow estuarine
nursery habitats. Mar Ecol Prog Ser 291: 197-
213
Fish, Estuaries Assemblages of large piscivorous fish were
investigated in shallow estuarine nurseries
and it seems their abundances are higher
than previously thought. The study focuses
on the abundance of Flathead fish
(Platychephalus spp.) and suggests these
nurseries may not provide small fishes with
high levels of refuge due to piscivore levels.
Not
mentioned
other
estuaries of
QLD
Baker R, Sheaves M (2006) Visual surveys
reveal high densities of large piscivores in
shallow estuarine nurseries. Mar Ecol Prog
Ser 323: 75-82.
Fish, Estuaries This paper shows evidence challenging the
shallow-water refuge paradigm where
juvenile fishes find safety in shallow-water
estuarine nursery habitats. Through
tethering experiments in estuaries in
northern QLD, there was no difference in
predation with depth.
Not
mentioned
other
estuaries of
QLD
Baker R, Sheaves M (2007) Shallow-water
refuge paradigm: conflicting evidence from
tethering experiments in a tropical estuary.
Mar Ecol Prog Ser 349: 13-22.
Fish, Estuaries,
Refuge
Minor piscivores act as an important
functional group, preying on recruiting
fishes. A model was developed to estimate
the relative impacts of different functional
groups of piscivores on the shallow-water
estuarine nursery assemblages in northern
QLD.
Not
mentioned -
Ross River
Baker R, Sheaves M (2009) Overlooked small
and juvenile piscivores dominate shallow-
water estuarine refuges in tropical
Australia. Estuar Coast Shelf S 85: 618-626.
Fish, Estuaries,
Refuge
Temporal patterns of the diets of 15 minor
piscivore species were compared with the
abundance of new recruits in Ross River;
no relationship detected between minor
piscivores and new recruit abundances.
Additionally, consumption of fish prey by
minor piscivores was compared using data
from 17 estuaries.
One of 17
sites in a
component of
the paper
Baker R, Sheaves (2009) Refugees or
ravenous predators: detecting predation on
new recruits to tropical estuarine nurseries.
Wetl Ecol Manag 17: 317-330
Mangroves,
Carbon, Leaves
The gas exchange of five tropical mangrove
species with different water use
efficiencies was investigated with respect
to CO2 assimilation with respect to
temperature. Interspecific differences in
water-use characteristics and relationship
to maintaining optimal leaf temperatures
could affect competitive abilities of
species.
Main study
site
Ball MC, Cowan IR, Farquhar GD (1988)
Maintenance of leaf temperature and
optimization of carbon gain in relation to
water loss in a tropical mangrove forest. Funt
Plant Biol 15: 263-276.

Epiphytes, Fire,
Forest Structure
Epiphyte (orchid) distribution patterns on
paperbark trees in coastal woodlands were
observed under different fire regimes.
Epiphytic distributions appeared to be
correlated with the sizes of host trees and
the effects of past fire regimes.
One of four
study sites
(Hinchin-
brook Island)
Bartareau T, Skull S (1994) The effects of past
fire regimes on the structural characteristics
of coastal plain melaleuca viridiflora Sol. Ex
Gaert. woodlands and the distribution
patterns of epiphytes (Dendrobium
canaliculatum R. Br., Dischidia nummularia R.
Br.) in Northeastern Queensland. Biotropica
25: 118-123
Nutrients, Soil,
Mangroves
Research regarding the management of
mangrove forests is outlined. Two major
factors to be considered are the
measurements of primary productivity and
understanding the environmental factors
affecting productivity.
Main study
site
Boto KJ (1983) Nutrient status and other soil
factors affecting mangrove productivity in
northeast Australia. Wetlands 3:45-50
Nutrients,
Mangroves,
Primary
Production,
Soil, Papua
New Guinea
Net primary projection of mangrove forests
was estimated at sites in Australia and
Papua New Guinea. Low phosphorus in the
soil directly contributes to lower
productivity values of sites along Cape
York. Soil redox and low salinities can
offset low soil phosphorus.
One of 19
study sites
Boto KG, Bunt JS, Wellington JT (1984)
Variations in mangrove forest productivity in
northern Australia and Papua New Guinea.
Estuar Coast Shelf S 19: 321-329
Nutrients,
Bacteria,
Sediments,
Mangroves
Bacterial densities, productivity and
growth rates, of surface sediments were
conducted in a mangrove forest. Amounts
of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) was
analyzed and varied with tidal elevation;
DOC flux rates provide 35% of bacterial
productivity requirements at the sediment-
water interface. Mangrove sediments may
function as a sink of DOC.
Main study
site
Boto GB, Alongi DM, Nott ALJ (1989)
Dissolved organic carbon-bacteria
interactions at sediment-water interface in a
tropical mangrove system. Mar Ecol Prog Ser
51: 243-251
Mangroves,
Nutrients,
Particulate
matter,
Sediments
The export of particulate carbon and
nitrogen from a mangrove system were
estimated, and mangrove litter flushed by
tidal action is a major component of
organic matter export.
Main study
site
Boto KH, Bunt JS (1981) Tidal export of
particulate organic matter from a northern
Australian mangrove system. Estuar Coast
Shelf S 13: 247-255
Mangroves,
Sediments,
Nutrients
Mangrove forest net primary production
(FPPN) was estimated looking at sediments
and algae nitrogen fixation rates. Some
rates varied with season and time of day.
The general importance of nitrogen in this
system is discussed.
Main study
site
Boto KG, Roberston AI (1990) The
relationship between nitrogen fixation and
tidal exports of nitrogen in a tropical
mangrove system. Estuar Coast Shelf S 31:
531-540
Sediment,
Human Impact,
Geochemistry
---- No literature found for this source ---- Main study
sites
Brunskill GJ (1995) Geochemistry, distribution
and history of riverine sediment in the
Herbert/Hinchinbrook Island region of the
Great Barrier Reef. Greater Barrier Reef:
Terrigenous sediment flux and human
impacts. Research symposium proceedings.
Pages 21-22
Mangroves,
Photosynthesis
A method for estimating photosynthesis in
mangrove communities through the
measurement of light, photosynthetic
utilization, and leaf pigment assays.
Production estimated between 16 and 26
kg C ha
-1
day
-1
of assimilation.
Main study
site
Bunt JS, Boto KG, Boto G (1979) A survey
method for estimating potential levels of
mangrove forest primary production. Mar
Biol 52: 123-128
Mangroves,
Physical
processes
This report provides a detailed account of
the climate, physical oceanography,
terrestrial vegetation, and land use of the
Hinchinbrook mangrove area. An extensive
sample of mangrove species around the
Hinchinbrook island was completed.
Main study
site
Bunt JS (1997) The mangrove floral and
vegetational diversity of Hinchinbrook Island
and the adjacent coast. AIMS Report

Mangroves,
Vegetation,
Zonation
There is considerable floral diversity on
Hinchinbrook island and its' mangrove
estuary. A total of 29 mangrove species
occupy a majority of the shoreline.
Main study
site
Bunt JS, Bunt ED (1999) Complexity and
variety of zonal pattern in the mangroves of
the Hinchinbrook area, Northeastern
Australia. Mangroves and Salt Marshes 3:
165-176
Mangroves,
Nutrients,
Canopy Gaps,
Direct
Replacement
Mangrove forests were studied to test if
there are environmental, structural and
floristic differences between canopy gaps
and intact canopy areas. Species richness,
rank, abundances, and composition were
similar between gaps and forests with
intact canopies. The direct replacement
model is applied to gaps in mangroves as
that intertidal environment may constrain
growth.
One of 4
study sites
Clarke PJ, Kerrigan RA (2000) Do forest gaps
influence the population structure and
species composition of mangrove stands in
northern Australia? Biotropica 32: 642:652
Mangroves,
Forest
Productivity,
Photosynthesis,
Carbon
This study looks at the rates and structure
of photosynthesis to estimate carbon
fixation and biomass for mangroves forests
in Hinchinbrook Channel.
Main study
site
Clough B (1998) Mangrove forest productivity
and biomass accumulation in Hinchinbrook
Channel, Australia. Mangroves and Salt
Marshes 2: 191-198
Midges, PCA, This study looks at two new species of
midges (insects) using a PCA analysis. The
new species is Corethrella pallida and
Corethrella mckeeveri.
One of 8
study sites
Colless DH (1994) Two new species of
Corethrella Coquillet from Australia, with
further observations on morphological
variation within the Genus (Diptera:
Corethrellidae). Aust J Entomol: 33: 105-109
Marine Algae,
Species
---- No literature found for source ---- Main study
site
Cribb AB (1978) List of marine algae from
Hinchinbrook Island. Queensland Naturalist
Fish, Pathogen,
Cultured Fish
This study documents the outbreak of a
fish pathogen (N. melleni) in barramundi (L.
calcarifer) cultivated in sea cages in
Hinchinbrook Channel.
Main study
site
Deveney MR, Chisholm LA, Whittington ID
(2001) First published record of the
pathogenic monogenean parasite,
Neobenedenia melleni (Capsalidae), from
Australia. Dis Aquat Organ: 46: 79-82
Mangroves,
Coast, Flat
Worms
(Platyhelminthe
s)
The assemblages of Platyhelminthes from
the tropical coast are described. Preferred
habitats include mangroves, sand and
muddy sediments.
One study
site, part of a
larger study
Dittmann S (1992) Platyhelminthes in tropical
intertidal sediments of northeastern
Australia. Hydrobiologia 227: 369-374
Benthos, Tidal
Flats,
Invertebrates
General features of the benthos
communities of tropical tidal flats are
defined (macrofauna, mesofauna, and
meiofauna)
One of 2
study sites
Dittman S (1995) Benthos structure on
tropical tidal flats of Australia. Helgolander
Meeresun 49: 539-551
Tidal Flats,
Sediment,
Invertebrates
The distribution of Playhelminthes along
tidal flats in northeast QLD is examined.
The distribution of these invertebrates was
based on sediment composition (sandflats,
mud etc.), interactions with macrofauna,
and annual and interannual variation.
Main study
site
Dittmann S (1998) Spatial and temporal
patterns of platyhelminth assemblages in
intertidal sediments of northern Australia.
Hydrobioloiga 383: 41-47
Tidal Flats
Invertebrates
Zonation
Distribution and abundance of infaunal
tidal flats explored invertebrate species
composition. Distinct assemblages were
found between intertidal zones.
Not
Mentioned -
Haughton
River
Dittmann S (2000) Zonation of benthic
communities in a tropical tidal flat of north-
east Australia. J Sea Res 434: 33-51
Mangroves,
Mudflats,
Invertebrates,
Infauna
Distribution, occurrence and composition
of small infauna mangrove species were
investigated over one year. There appear
to be distinct species assemblages
between the mangrove forest and mudflat.
Main study
site
Dittmann S (2001) Abundance and
distribution of small infauna in mangroves of
Missionary Bay, North Queensland, Australia.
Rev Biol Trop 49: 535-544

Tidal Flats,
Mangroves,
Sediments,
Benthic Fauna
Tidal flats encompass a variety of soft-
sediment habitats, which are inhabited by
a species-rich fauna and in this study, a
generalized zonation scheme for intertidal
distribution patterns was presented. This
review reveals similarities between various
tropical tidal flats, their methodology, and
the idea of macrofauna and ecosystem
engineers.
Component of
the review
Dittmann S (2002) Benthic fauna in tropical
tidal flats a comparative perspective. Wetl
Ecol Manag 10: 189-195
Tidal Flats,
Benthic Fauna,
Sediments
Surveys of benthic infauna on tidal flats to
assess species diversity, spatial
distribution, and temporal variations were
completed over 4 years.
Main study
site
Dittmann S (2002) Benthic fauna in tropical
tidal flats of Hinchinbrook Channel, NE
Australia: diversity, abundance and their
spatial and temporal variation. Wetl Ecol
Manag 10: 323-333.
Mangroves,
Litter fall,
The annual components of litter fall for
eight species of mangroves on
Hinchinbrook are examined. Leaves were
the most important component of litter
materials and results are compared with
other literature.
Main study
site
Duke NC, Bunt JS, Williams WT (1981)
Mangrove litter fall in North-eastern
Australia.
I. Annual totals by component in selected
species. Aust J Bot 29: 547-553
Intertidal
Organisms,
Heron Island,
Barnacles,
Zonation,
Environmental
Factors
Species composition and ecology of
intertidal organisms were studied at Heron
Island. Differences with zonation were
present; barnacles and corals were the
main species studied. Environmental
factors such as wave action, sea
temperature, and zonation were
investigated to explain composition
differences,
Heron Island
(Hinchin-
brook
mentioned)
Endean R, Stephenson W, Kenny R (1956) The
ecology and distribution of intertidal
organisms on certain islands off the
Queensland coast. Mar Freshwater Res 7:
317-342
Seagrass
Nematodes,
Estuary
This study investigates the changes in
community dynamics of nematodes in
seagrasses at estuarine sites by season.
Nematode densities varied by sites and
temperature, salinity, and seagrass cover
played a factor in their densities.
One of two
study
locations
Fisher R (2003) Spatial and temporal
variations in nematode assemblages in
tropical seagrass sediments. Hydrobiologia
493: 43-63
Seagrass,
Nematode,
Estuary,
Hotspot
The spatial variability in the community
structure of nematodes in seagrass
meadows present in estuaries were
examined. A total of 152 species were
found signifying a hotspot of diversity
possibility due to the abundance of
microbial food.
One of two
study
locations
Fisher R, Sheaves MJ (2003) Community
structure and spatial variability of marine
nematodes in tropical Australian pioneer
seagrass meadows. Hydrobiologia 495: 143-
158
Estuary,
Sediments,
Chemicals,
PCDD
The presence of PCDD along the
Queensland coast was examined using
estuarine sediment cores. PCDD chemical
levels indicated a presence of PCDD prior
to industrialization and production of
commercial organochlorine products.
One of two
study
locations

Gaus C, Brunskill GJ, Weber R, Ppke O,
Mller JF (2001) Historical PCDD inputs and
their source implications from dated
sediment cores in Queensland (Australia).
Envir Sci Tech 35: 3597-4603
Mud Crab,
Estuary,
DNA, Haplotype
The population genetic structure of
estuarine mud crabs (S. serrate) was
examined along shelf-locations and
historical bio-geographic barrier. Genetic
analysis reveals two clades of haplotypes
on either side of the Torres Strait.
One of 11
study sites
Gopurenko D, Hughes JM (2002) Regional
patterns of genetic structure among
Australian populations of the mud crab, Scylla
serrata (Crustacea: Decapoda): evidence
from mitochondrial DNA. Mar Freshwater Res
53: 849-857
Bacteria,
Sediments,
Coastal Area

Bacterial productivity, microbial and
meiofaunal standing stocks were examined
in mud and sand sediments of a shallow
coastal embayment. Growth rates and
productivity varied sediment
temperatures. Rates and standing stocks
were compared with a Hinchinbrook
mangrove area where large inputs of
mangrove detritus are present.
Comparison
component
Hansen JA, Alongi DM (1991) Bacterial
productivity and benthic standing stocks in a
tropical coastal embayment. Mar Ecol Prog
Ser 68: 301-310

Sediments,
Chemistry,
Nutrients
---- No literature found for source ---- Component Hertz HS, Chesler SN, May WE, Gump BH,
Enagonio DP, Cram SP (1974) Methods for
trace organic analysis sediments and marine
organisms. Proc. NBS Symp NIST SP -409
Sediments,
Geomorpholog
y
University Thesis regarding geomorphology
of a few regions in Northern Queensland,
with discussions on sea level change and
climate change.
Component Hopley D (1970) Coastal geomorphology in
the Townville region. JCU PhD Thesis.
Frogs,
Genetics,
Wet Tropics
Two new species of frog (C. australis and C
hinchinbrookensis) have been described
based on genetic analysis and phenotypic
variation.
Main study
site
Hoskin C (2012) Two new frog species
(microhylidae: Cophixalus) from the
Australian Wet Tropics region, and
description of Cophixalus ornatus. Zootaxa
3271; 1-16
Mahogany
Glider, Squirrel
Glider, Climatic
Modeling
The local records and a computer program
(BIOCLIM) were used to predict the
distribution limits of the mahogany glider
(P. gracilis) and squirrel glider (P.
norfolcensis) in Queensland. Distribution
limits were based on abiotic factors of the
area studied (including bioclimatic
variables).
Component
(proposed
area)
Jackson SM, Claridge A (1999) Climatic
modeling of the distribution of the mahogany
glider (Petaurus gracilis), and the squirrel
glider (P. norfolcensis). Aust J Zool 47: 47-57
Wetlands, GIS,
Management
Remote sensing and GIS were used to
assess spatial and temporal changes in
freshwater wetlands and riparian forests.
Research looks at the reduction in area in
these ecosystems and how landscape
diversity has declined. Policy and
management reforms are advocated.
Not
mentioned
(Herbert
River)
Johnson AKL, Ebert SP, Murray AE (1999)
Distribution of coastal freshwater wetlands
and riparian forests in the Herbert River
catchment and implications for management
to catchments adjacent to Great Barrier Reef
Marine Park. Environ Conserv 26: 229-235
Mangrove,
Fish,
Crustaceans,
Substrate
The availability of small scale, non-forest
habitats on the distribution of small fish
and crustaceans is investigated. Species
abundance varied over substrata, water
depth, and bank architecture.
One of 2
study sites
Johnston R, Sheaves M (2007) Small fish and
crustaceans demonstrate a preference for
particular small-scale habitats when
mangrove forests are not accessible. J Exp
Mar Biol Ecol 353: 164-179
Wetlands,
Models, Fish
The distribution of small fish across a
variety of habitats was used in a model to
compare fish abundance between channel
edges and adjacent mid-channel areas
within coastal wetlands.
One of 12
study sites
Johnston R, Sheaves M (2008) Cross-channel
distribution of small fish in tropical and
subtropical coastal wetlands is trophic-,
taxonomic-, and wetland depth-dependent.
Mar Ecol Prog Ser 357: 255-270.
Fish, Turbidity,
Estuary
The distribution of fishes in four tropical
estuaries in northeast Queensland was
analyzed looking at turbidity. Turbidity did
not affect the distribution of fishes, nor did
distribution of fishes and their prey
species.
One of 5
study sites
Johnston R, Sheaves M, Molony B (2007) Are
distributions of fishes in tropical estuaries
influenced by turbidity over small spatial
scales? J Fish Biol 71: 657-671
Seagrass,
Physical
factors,
Hinchinbrook
Region, GIS,
Biomass
Seagrass habitat was mapped in the
Hinchinbrook Region; species composition,
biomass and habitat depth were recorded.
Seagrass habitats have increased in area
potentially due to being sheltered from
waves and currents, and overall
distribution can be influenced by shelter,
turbidity, and tidal exposure. This was a
baseline survey designed to establish data
for future monitoring programs.
Main study
region
Lee Long WJ, McKenzie LJ, Roelofs AJ, Makey
LJ, Coles RG, Roder CA (1996) Baseline survey
of Hinchinbrook region seagrasses. Great
Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority
Mangroves,
Nutrients,
Eutrophication,
Drought
Nutrient enrichment in intertidal mangrove
forests can result in mangrove mortality,
where other mangrove stressors act
synergistically (high sediment salinity, low
rainfall, and low humidity). As a result, the
benefits of increased mangrove growth
with eutrophication are decreased with
mortality during drought.
One of 12
study sites
Lovelock CE, Ball MC, Martin KC, Feller IC
(2009) Nutrient enrichment increases
mortality of mangroves. PLoS ONE 4: e5600

Algae,
Osmoregulatio
n, Physiology
Blue-green algae strains and their
physiology were investigated finding a
unique internal water regulatory system.
Two new parameters of their ability to
synthesize and accumulate
glucosylglycerol, and grow in seawater-
based medium have assisted in providing a
better definition of marine algae.
Samples from
Hinchinbrook
Mackay MC, Norton RS, Borowitzka LJ (1983)
Marine blue-green algae have a unique
osmoregulatory system. Mar Biol 73: 301-307
Dugongs,
GBRMPA,
Seasonality
Report to GBRMPA regarding the
distribution and abundance of dugongs in
the inshore waters of the southern GBR
region based off of shorelines and
quantitative surveys, and incidental
sightings.
One
Component
Marsh H, Penrose H (2001) Seasonal
distribution of the dugong in the southern
Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. Final Report
to GBRMPA
Mangroves,
Hydrodynamic,
Flow
Vegetation,
Japan
Field studies of tidal flows in largely
pristine mangroves swamps may be based
off of the water surface slope and the drag
force. Vegetation length is related to the
drag coefficient.
One of 2
study sites
(other in
Japan)
Mazda Y, Wolanski E, King B, Sase A, Ohtsuka
D, Magi M (1997) Drag force due to
vegetation in mangrove swamps. Mangroves
and Salt Marshes 1: 193-199
Sperm, Fish,
Estuary,
Reproduction
Spermatozoa motility and proportion
activated were tested under a range of
temperatures and salinities for an
estuarine fish (A. berda) in the lab and
field.
Not
mentioned -
Morriseys
Creek
Molony BW, Sheaves MJ (2001) Challenges of
external insemination in a tropical sparid fish,
Acanthopagrus berda. Environ Biol Fish 61:
65-71
Mangroves,
DOC, Creek
Analysis of the concentration and weight
distribution of DOC was reported for a
mangrove creep in the Hinchinbrook area.
DOC concentrations varied with the
location along the creek (up or down
stream) and with tidal cycle. Litter
leachates probably contribute to the
export of high weight in the creek.
Main study
site
Mueller H, Ayukai T (1998) Concentration and
molecular weight distribution of dissolved
organic carbon in a mangrove creek in the
Hinchinbrook area, Australia. Mangroves and
Salt Marshes 2: 231-235
Creek, Dolphin,
Sponge, Animal
Behavior
Scientists observed a dolphin carrying a
sponge and surmise its intentions.
Main study
site
Parra GJ (2007) Observations of an Indo-
Pacific humpback dolphin carrying a sponge:
object of play or tool use? Mammalia 71:
147-179
Mangroves,
Leaves, Acids,
Ions, Salt-
Regulation
Leaves from 22 mangrove species were
investigated for inorganic and organic
acids. Mechanisms of salt-regulation
problems in the classification of mangroves
are discussed.
One of a few
sites
Popp M (1984) Chemical composition of
Australian mangroves I. Inorganic ions and
organic acids. Z Pflanzenphysiologie 113: 395-
409
Mangroves,
Leaves, Acids,
Ions,
Leaves from 23 mangrove species were
analyzed for the mineral ion and organic
solute content. IN some species, CO
4
2-

accumulated with leaf age. In many
species, low molecular weight
carbohydrates (LMWC) were the main
organic solutes.
One of 5 sites Popp M, Larher F, Weigel P (1985) Osmotic
adaption in Australian mangroves. Vegetatio
61: 247-253
Quartz grains were examined for changes
in tropical weathering and aging.
Main study
site
Pye K, Mazzullo J (1994) Effects of tropical
weathering on quartz grain shape; an
example form northeastern Australia. J
Sediment Res 64: 500-507
Estuary, Fish,
Juveniles,
Nursery
Species of fish were collected from
estuaries to determine if populations
included both juvenile and adult species.
Results imply that estuaries are important
juvenile development grounds for these
lutjanid and serranid fishes.
One of 3
study sites
Sheaves M (1995) Large lutjanid and serranid
fishes in tropical estuaries; Are they adults or
juveniles? Mar Ecol Prog Ser 129: 31-40

Estuary, Fish,
Salinity
Fish traps were use to sample two species
of serranid fishes in 3 estuaries, to examine
the distribution, abundance, and size
structure of these fishes. Location within
the estuary (seaward or upstream) had an
affect on the abundance of species, which
correlates with salinity levels.
Not
mentioned
Sheaves M (1996) Do spatial differences in
the abundance of two serranid fishes in
estuaries of tropical Australia reflect long-
term salinity patterns? Mar Ecol Prog Ser 137:
39-49
Estuary, Fish,
Salinity,
Recruitment
The differences and abundance of fish
faunas in three tropical estuaries were
investigated finding similar overall species
composition. Assemblages in seaward
regions were quite distinct; decreased
catches in upstream areas may be due to
patterns of salinity.
Not
mentioned
Sheaves M (1998) Spatial patterns in
estuarine fish faunas in tropical Queensland:
a reflection of interaction between long-term
physical and biological processes? Mar
Freshwater Res 49: 31-40
Estuary, Fish,
Distribution,
Sandy habitats
Shallow sandy habitats within estuaries
were examined and the fish compositions
were analyzed. There was a greater
difference in compositions within the
estuaries than the bays stating that the
fauna of estuaries adjacent to each other
may be no more similar than fauna of
those further apart.
One of 3
areas studied
Sheaves M (2006) Scale-dependent variation
in composition of fish fauna among sandy
tropical estuarine embayments. Mar Ecol
Prog Ser 310: 173-184
Shrimp, Urban
Wetland, Food
Chain
Mangrove,
Nutrition,
Isotope, Human
Impact
The extent to which a wetland in an
urbanized estuary is used by juvenile
shrimps and the extent to which the
shrimps rely on food chains based on
wetland plans verse marine based food
chains is examined. Stable isotope analysis
was performed to investigate the nutrition
of juvenile shrimps.
Not
mentioned
Sheaves M, Abrantes K, Johnston R (2007)
Nursery ground value of an endangered
wetland to juvenile shrimps Wetl Ecol Manag
15: 311-327
Estuary
assemblages,
Fish,
Invertebrates,
Food Webs,
Human Impact
Book Chapter describing Deluge Inlet; it
supports substantial biodiversity in the
form of extensive mangrove forests,
seagrass beds, and complex marine
mammal, reptile, fish and invertebrate
assemblages, supported by different
habitat types. Fishing and boating pressure
act as a threat; effective governance is
need for the future.
Main study
area
Sheaves M, Abrantes K, Johnston R (2013).
Deluge Inlet, a pristine small tropical estuary
in north-eastern Australia. In Estuaries of
Australia in 2050 and beyond. Heidelberg,
VIC: Springer
Estuary, Fish,
Ecological and
Physical
Variables,
Distribution
21 Estuaries over 650 km were chosen to
investigate if spatial patterns of estuarine
fish assemblages occur at more extensive
spatial scales. Differences in assemblages
were connected with estuary-level
ecological and physical variables.
One of 7
study areas
Sheaves M, Johnston R (2009) Ecological
drivers of spatial variability among fish fauna
of 21 tropical Australian estuaries. Mar Ecol
Prog Ser. 385: 245-260.
Estuary, Fish,
Assessment,
CPUE
Fish assemblage structure for monitoring
and assessment was completed in several
creeks in the Townsville area.
Multidimensional scaling techniques were
used to look at fish assemblages; mean
CPUE were calculated.
Not
mentioned -
Townsville
Creeks
Sheaves M, Johnston R (2010) Implications of
spatial variability of fish assemblages for
monitoring of Australias tropical estuaries.
Aquat Conserv; Freshw Ecosyst 20: 348-356
Monitoring,
Estuary, CPUE,
Fish

Nekton data for natural and artificial
estuaries were used to develop a set of
nekton assemblage-based summary
measures. Measured based on catch per
unit effort (CPUE) and probability of
encounter (PoE) were used as measures to
provide an assessment of the areas.
Not
mentioned -
Townsville
Creeks
Sheaves M, Johnston R, Connolly RM (2012)
Fish assemblages as indicators of estuary
ecosystem health. Wetl Ecol Manag 20: 477-
490

Mangroves,
Prawns, CPUE,
Estuary,
Juveniles
Whether catches of banana prawns and
mangrove forests are correlated was
investigated by looking at 30 mangroves
estuaries spanning 650km of the QLD
coast. A range of spatial scales and
variables such as anthropogenic impacts
and structural factors were used to
determine the influence of mangroves on
prawns. Despite being the dominat
habitats, mangroves may only be one of
many habitats inhabited by juvenile
prawns.
One of 7
study areas
Sheaves M, Johnston R, Connolly R, Baker R
(2012) Importance of estuarine mangroves to
juvenile Banana Prawns. Estuar Coast Shelf S
114: 208-219
Estuary, Fish,
Temporal
Dynamics,
Connectivity
Fish fauna from estuaries and estuarine
lakes in the Townsville region were
samples to detail the dynamics of fish
assemblage structures over time. Nursery
ground utilization and assemblage
composition were intimately interlinked
Not
mentioned -
Townsville
Creeks
Sheaves M, Johnston R, Connolly RM (2010)
Temporal dynamics of fish assemblages of
natural and artificial tropical estuaries. Mar
Ecol Prog Ser 410:143-156
Crabs,
Estuaries, Fish,
Isotopes, Food
Chain,
Mangroves
The extent to which fish (groupers and
snappers) feed on crabs (sesarmid) was
analyzed in mangrove ecosystems using
stable isotopes. Food web implications are
discussed as substantial mangrove
productivity is sequestered by sesarmid
crabs and may be exported from mangrove
fishes as a result of offshore migration of
fishes.
One of 5
study sites
Sheaves M, Molony B (2000) Short-circuit in
the mangrove food chain. Mar Ecol Prog Ser
1999: 97-109
Fish, Snapper,
Estuaries,
Season,
Distribution
Fish traps were used to investigate the
spatial and temporal patterns of
distribution, abundance, and size of the
snapper L. russeli in three tropical
estuaries. Mean sizes correlated with
seasons reflecting processes of new
recruits, growth, mortality, and migration.
Not
mentioned
Sheaves, Molony (2001) Coherent patterns of
abundance and size of a tropical snapper in
dynamic estuary systems. Wetl Ecol Manag 9:
429-439
Estuary, Fish,
Reproduction,
Spawning
Season,
Histology
The reproductive spawning period of A.
pacificus over four temporal scales was
described. Season, lunar periodicity, tidal
range, within-day trends and gonad
development were all examined.
One of two
study sites
Sheaves M, Molony (2013) reproductive
periodicity of the sparid, Acanthopagrus
pacificus, on a hierarchy of temporal scales. J
Fish Biol 82: 538-554
Fish, Spawning,
Fish Movement,
Estuary
A mark-recapture study was conducted to
investigate the movements of the sparid
fish, A. berda. Two movement patterns
were detected: local movements during
non-spawning times, and longer migrations
during spawning seasons, to and from a
spawning site at the estuary mouth.
Main study
site
Sheaves M, Molony B, Tobin A (1999)
Spawining migrations and local movements
of a tropical sparid fish. Mar Biol 133: 123-
128
Fishes, Diet,
Dietary
Overlap,
Trophic,
Estuary, Spatial
Variation
The diets of the co-occurring sparid fishes
Acanthopagrus asutralis and A. pacificus
were investigated to assess dietary overlap
and resource partitioning, the extent of
spatial variation, and implications for the
complexity of trophic interactions in
tropical estuaries.
Not
mentioned
Sheaves M, Sheaves J, Stegemann K, Molony
B (2014) Resource partitioning and habitat-
specific dietary plasticity of two estuarine
sparid fishes increases food web complexity.
Mar Freshwater Res 65: 114-123
Mangroves,
Crabs,
Nutrients,
The density of burrowing crab fauna in a
mangrove forest was completed to
determine if decreased burrowing would
lead to alerted nutrient concentrations and
a change in forest productivity and growth.
Soil nutrients were analyzed. Burrowing by
crabs may affect soil aeration, which
affects productivity and reproductive
output by mangroves.
Main study
site
Smith TJ, Boto JG, Frusher SD, Giddins RL
(1991) Keystone species and mangrove forest
dynamics: the influence of burrowing by
crabs on soil nutrient status and forest
productivity. Estuar Coast Shelf S 33: 419-432

Sediments,
Polycyclic
Aromatic
Hydrocarbons,
Pollution
This study examines the levels of polycyclic
aromatic hydrocarbons in sediments of the
GBR, with samples from Townsville and
Gladstone harbors to be polluted.
One of a few
study sites
Smith JD, Hauser JY, Bagg J (1985) Polycyclic
aromatic hydrocarbons in sediments of the
Great Barrier Reef Region, Australia. Mar Poll
Bull 16: 110-114
Geology, Rocks,
Hinchinbrook
Island, Igneous
Rocks, East
pluton
The geology of Hinchinbrook Island is
examined, focusing on the main East
pluton. The island is composed of late
Palaeozoic igneous rocks.
Main study
area
Stephenson PJ (1990) Layering in felsic
granites in the main east pluton,
Hinchinbrook Island, North Queensland,
Australia. Geol J 25: 325-336
Mangroves,
Water Flow,
Animal
Burrows, Tides,
Isotopes,
Radionuclide
Budgets

The tidal circulation through animal macro-
burrows in a mangrove forest is
documented by constructing mass
balances of isotopes of radium and radon
measured in the creek in 1997 and 2005
respectively. This study quantifies the
underlying physical process (i.e. tidal
flushing of burrows) that supports
significant and continuous export of matter
from mangrove forest floors to the coastal
ocean.
Main study
site
Stieglitz TC, Clark JF, Hancock GJ (2013) The
mangrove pump: The tidal flushing of animal
burrows in a tropical mangrove forest
determined from radionuclide budgets.
Geochim Cosmocim Ac 102: 12-22
Fish,
Protandrous
Sex Change
Sex change in fish was observed through
the mark and recapture and sexing of fish.
One
component of
larger study
Tobin AJ, Sheaves MJ, Molony BW (1997)
Evidence of protandrous hermaphroditism in
the tropical sparid Acanthopagrus berda. J
Fish Biol 50: 22-33
Social Values,
Ecosystem
Services,
Recreation,
Survey data using the Social values for
Ecosystem Services (SoIVES GIS)
application was used to measure social
value and natural resource conditions on
Hinchinbrook Island National Park. High
priority areas exist on Hinchinbrooks land
and seascapes due to importance of
certain activities such as fishing and hiking.
Main study
area
Van Riper CJ, Kyle GT, Barnes M, Sherrouse
BC (2012) Mapping outdoor recreationists
perceived social values for ecosystem
services at Hinchinbrook Island National Park,
Australia. Appl Geogr 35: 164-173
Mangroves,
Tidal dynamics,
River plume,
Aquaculture,
The dynamics within the channel and the
flushing of the fringing mangrove swamps
were studied both in the field and using
numerical models. Coastal waters are
continuously exchanged and mixed with
mangrove swamp waters, but mixing
between coastal and offshore waters is
much slower.
Main study
area
Wolanski E, Mazda Y, King B, Gay S (1990)
Dynamics, flushing and trapping in
Hinchinbrook Channel, a giant mangrove
swamp, Australia. Estuar Coast Shelf S 31:
555-579
Estuary,
Environmental
Degradation,
Modeling,
Sediment
It is suggested that science-based models
be used to predict the fate of mud in
estuaries and coastal waters when
planning development in river catchments,
particularly in wet tropical countries.
One of 4
study sites
Wolanski E, Spagnol S (2000) Environmental
degradation by mud in tropical estuaries. Reg
Environ Change 1: 152-162
Mangroves,
Tidal Currents,
Sediment,
Nutrients,
Modeling,
Carbon
A field and model study was undertaken
looking at the dynamics of water, fine
sediment and particulate carbon in a
mangrove-fringed channel. Sediment and
particulate carbon were analyzed and their
fate was controlled by dynamics of the
coastal boundary layer, along the
mangrove-fringed coast.
Main study
site
Wolanski E, Spagnol S, Tenshi A (1998) Field
and model studies of the fate of particulate
carbon in mangrove-fringed Hinchinbrook
Channel, Australia. Mangroves and Salt
Marshes 2: 205-221.
Seagrass,
Mangroves,
Sediments,
Turbidity
In Hinchinbrook Channel, seagrass beds
survive in shallow coastal waters and are
sheltered from excessive sedimentation
and turbidity by the plankton vegetative
detritus generating a marine snow that
accelerates the settling of fine mud out of
suspension.
Main study
site
Wolanski E, Spagnol S, Lim EB (1997) The
importance of mangrove flocs in sheltering
seagrass in turbid coastal waters. Mangroves
and Salt Marshes 3: 187-191

Mangroves,
Sediment,
Carbon Flux,
Nutrients
A field and model study was undertaken in
1998/1999 of the dynamics of water, fine
sediment and particulate carbon in the
degraded mangrove environment of Sawi
Bay, Thailand. Nutrient export and,
sediment and particular carbon levels were
compared to those in Hinchinbrook
Channel
Hinchinbrook
used as
comparison
site
Brinkman R, Wattaykorn G, Wolanski E,
Spagnol S, Marshall K (2005) Storm-driven
erosion of fine sediment and its subsequent
transport and trapping in fringing mangroves,
Sawi Bay Thailand. J Coastal Res SI(42): 211-
220
Acid Sulfate
Soils, policy,
Nutrients, Algal
Blooms,
Management
A case study is presented of a site near
Cairns, a failed sugar cane development
that episodically discharges large amounts
of acid into Trinity inlet, resulting in
periodic fish kills. Details are presented of
scientific investigations, and a lime-assisted
exchange strategy that are being
undertaken to remediate a serious ASS
problem.
Minor part Powell B, Martens M (2005) A review of acid
sulfate soil impacts, actions and policies that
impact water quality and Great Barrier Reef
catchments, including a case study on
remediation at East Trinity. Mar Poll Bull 51:
149-164.
Fish, Species,
Lionfish
A new scorpionfish species is described
from material collected from the eastern
Australian continental slope between
Hinchinbrook Island and Port Jackson.
Main study
site
Last PR, Yearsley GY, Motomura H (2005)
Lioscorpius trifasciatus, a new scorpionfish
(Scorpaeniformes: Setarchidae) from the
South-West Pacific Ocean. Zootaxa 1038: 11-
22
Waspfish, Fish,
Species,
Taxonomy
A taxonomic review of the waspfish genus
Liocranium (Tetrarogidae) resulted in two
species of the genus being regarded as
valid. One of the species, L. praepositum
occurs off the northeastern coast of
Australia (north to about Hinchinbook
Island).
Mentioned Motomura H, Mast PR, Johnson JW (2008)
Review of the waspfish genus Liocranium
(Scorpaeniformes: Tetrarogidae), with
restoration of L. Pleurostigma (Weber)
Zooxata 1820: 27-40
Estuary, Fish,
Sex Change,
Reproduction
The sex change of the tropical sparid A.
berda was investigated through length and
age-frequency distributions, gonad
structure, and in-field tagging.
Main study
site
Tobin AJ (1998) Protandrous sex change in
the tropical sparid, Acanthopagrus berda and
the implications of geographical variability.
PhD Thesis, James Cook University
Mangroves,
Carbon,
Sediments,
Isotopes,
Estuary,
Sediments off Hinchinbrook Island were
measured using carbon isotopes and
indicated a widespread influence of
terrestrial carbon; the extensive mangrove
forests on the island are known to export <
50 Mg C
T
day-1 of leaf litter and 7.5 Mg C
T

day 1 of micro particular carbon (POC).
Leaf litter man be an incredibly important
source of terrestrial organic carbon in the
marine environment.
Main study
site
Torgersen T, Chivas AR (1985) Terrerstrial
organic carbon in marine sediment: A
preliminary balance for a mangrove
environment derives from
13
C. Chem Geol 52:
379-390.
Crabs,
Mangroves,
leaves, Carbon
and Nitrogen,
Diet
The feeding behavior of two leaf-eating
mangrove crabs in North Queensland was
studied. Crabs displayed no preference for
the four types of mangrove leaves in
laboratory choice experiments; water
content, organic matter, and leaf
toughness were all examined. Crabs may
also be eating bacteria and microalgae in
the sediments and keep leaf litter in their
burrows.
One of 2 sites Micheli F (1993) Feeding ecology of
mangrove crabs in North Eastern Australia:
mangrove litter consumption by Sesarma
messa and Sesarma smithii. J Exp Mar Biol
Ecol 171: 165-186
Fossils, Pollen,
sediments,
Pollen samples from surface sediments of
mangroves, freshwater, wetland, and
rainforests sites (range of climatic and
vegetation settings) were used as a basis of
interpretation of pollen fossil diagrams.
Different taxa of pollen were found in
different settings and depositional
environment
One of many
study sites
Crowley GM, Gindrod J, Kershaw AP (1994)
Modern pollen deposition in the torpical
lowlands of northeast Queensland, Australia.
Rev Palaeobot Palyno 83: 299-327

Amino Acids,
Bacteria,
Sediments,
Mangrove
The composition and bacterial utilization of
dissolved free amino acids (DFAA) in
mangrove sediments was examined. Amino
acid concentrations and composition
differed significantly between sediments
and overlying tidal waters.
Main study
site
Stanley SO, Boto KG, Alogni DM, Gillan FT
(1987) Composition and bacterial utilization
of free amino acids in tropical mangrove
sediments. Mar Chem 22: 13-30
Rock pools,
Fish,
Aboriginals,
Water
This article looks at the history of fish and
eel trap systems in WA and NSW as well as
native wells used by aboriginal groups. It is
a broad review looked at the ability of
humans to satisfy the water needs of
people in Australia; the Hinchinbrook area
is one area of study and review.
One area in a
review
Bandler (1995) Water resources exploitation
in Australian prehistory environment. The
Environmentalist 15: 97-107
Soil, Nutrients,
Mangroves,
Leaves,
Respiration,
Production
Soil respiration in response to nutrient
enrichment in mangrove forests was
examined. Nutrient enrichment enhanced
soil respiration in <40% of sites. Nutrient
enrichment of mangorves forests has likely
increased net ecosystem production based
on leaf area index (LAI).
One of 2 sites Lovelock CE, Feller IC, Reef R, Ruess RW
(2014) Variable effects of nutrient
enrichment on soil respiration in mangrove
forests. Plan Soil (in press)
Shrimp farm,
Assessment,
Nutrients,
Phytoplankton,
Isotopes,
Humans
The effluent from a land based shrimp far
along the Hinchinbrook channel was
radiating nutrients into the creek and
channel. Assessment of the farm effluent
included physical/chemical analyses of the
water column and nutrient and isotope
assays. There were connections between
effluent and phytoplankton blooms
downstream.
Main study
site
Costanzo SD, ODonohue MJ, Dennision WC
(2008) Assessing the influence and
distribution of shrimp pond effluent in a tidal
mangrove creek in north-east Australia. Mar
Poll Bull 48: 514-525
Fish Farm,
Nutrients,
Mangroves,
Isotopes,
Human Impact
Waste from a barramundi farm along the
channel and channel island was studied.
Farm wastes added significantly to the N
budget status of the creek system;
mangrove trees contained N from the fish
waste and monitoring systems are
suggested.
Main study
site
McKinnon DA, Trott LA, Brinkman R, Duggan
S, Castine S, OLeary RA, Alongi DM (2010)
Seacage aquaculture in aworld heritage Area:
The environmental footprint of a Barramundi
farm in tropical Australia. Mar Poll Bull 60:
1489-1501.
Mangroves,
Litter fall,
Crabs,
Microbes
Measurements of litter fall and litter
removal by crabs in conjunction with litter
decay by microbs and tidal export of litter
from mangrove forests were made. Either
microbal turnover or crab litter removal
were more important dependent upon the
site and mangrove forest species. In
Ceriops and Bruguiera forests, processing
by crabs turns litter over at > 75 times the
rate of microbial decay, thus facilitating the
high sediment bacterial productivity in
these forests. Overall the importance of
litter processing by crab increase with
height of the intertidal in tropical Australia.
One of a few
study sties
Robertson AJ, Daniel PA (1989) The influence
of crabs on litter processing in high intertidal
mangrove forests in tropical Australia.
Oecologia 78L 191-198
Isotopes,
Sediments,
Radioactivity,
Enrichment,
Geology
This paper shows examples of the use of
nuclear weapons fallout Pu as a
chronomarker in sediment cores from
Australia and New Zealand. Pu has an
advantage over
137
Cs due to its inriched in
bottom sediment relative to
137
Cs resulting
form the more efficient scavenging of
dissolved Pu in seawater by sediment
particles.
One of 4
study sites
Hancock GJ, Leslie C, Everett SE, Tims SG,
Brunskill GJ, Haese R (2011) Plutonium as a
chronomarker in Australian and New Zealand
sediments: a comparison with
137
Cs. J Environ
Radioactiv 102: 919-929

Nutrients,
Phosphorus,
GBR,
Sediments,
Isotopes,
Geology
Phosphorus (solid phase) was examined in
the sediments around Hinchinbrook and
along the continental shelf and slop to the
outer GBR. Coral Sea shelf edge upwelling
events are essential to satisfy the large P
nutrient demand of the whole GBR lagoon.
Main Area Monbet Ph, Brunskill GJ, Zagorskis I, Pfitzner
(2007). Phosphorus speciation in the
sediment and mass balance for the central
region of the Great Barrier Reef continental
shelf (Australia). Geochim Cosmochim Ac 71:
2762-2779
Sediments,
Geology,
Cyclone, Waves
Surveys after Cyclone Winifred show that
storm-induced fine mud-sand has been
deposited at depths down to 20 m and
suspended mud was present in the shelf
water column. It is inferred that the storm-
waves caused widespread unmixing of the
bottom sediments, and ephemeral seabed
features were degraded.
Main study
area
Carter RM, Larcombe R, Dye JE, Gagan MK,
Johnson DP (2009) Long-shelf transport and
storm-bed formation by Cyclong Winifred,
centratl Great Barrier Reef, Australia. Mar
Geol 267: 101-113
Carbonate
Carbon,
Sediments,
Mangrove, GBR
lagoon and
shelf
The carbon reservoir was examined for
carbon burial and accumulation rates. A
carbon mass balance indicated that
approximately 1% of combined river and
marine organic carbon production was
preserved in across-shelf sediments. An
across-shelf carbon mass balance model
was used to predict carbon dynamics.
Main study
area
Brunskill GJ, Zagorskis I, Pfitzner J (2002)
Carbon burial rates in sediments and a
carbon mass balance for the Herbert River
region of the Great Barrier Reef Continental
Shelf, North Queensland, Australia. Estuar
Coast Shelf S. 54: 677-700
Saltmarsh,
Estuary,
Conservation,
Development
The results of 28 surveys are presented to
establish the decline of saltmarsh is a
widespread trends in southeast Australian
estuaries. The decline has been linked to
the invasion of the mangrove A. mariana
and developmental pressures.
One minor
component
Saintilan N, Williams RJ (2000) Short Note:
The decline of saltmarsh in southeast
Australia: Result of recent surveys. Wetlands
(Australia) 18: 49-54
Mangroves,
Seagrass,
Environmental
Conditions
The tidal seagrass madows and
mangrove/salt marsh habitats are highly
dependent upon each other but also on
the prevailing environmental conditions in
a dynamic equilibrium. This paper looks at
the connection between depleted
mangrove coastlines and coral reefs.
One minor
component
Duke NC, Wolanski E (2001) Muddy coastal
waters and depleted mangrove coastines
depleted seagrass and coral reefs. In E.
Wolanski (ed.), Oceanographic Progesses of
Coral Reefs. Physical and biology links in the
Great Barrier Reef, pp. 77-91. CRC Press,
Washington DC.
Birds, Habitats,
Vegetation,
Classification
This study looks at how vegetation
formations and be used to classify bird
habitats, investigate species associations
with habitats, and how the pattern of
resource utilization by birds differs from
habitat to habitat.
A small
component
Kikkawa J (1968) Ecological association of bird
species and habitats in eastern Australia:
similarity analysis. J Anim Ecol 37: 143-165
Geology,
Dunes, Sand,
Sediment
This paper looks at the formation of dunes
in tropical north QLD. The poor
development of dunes in this area may
reflect poor sediment sorting in the beach
and nearshore zone and low wind energy
due to the coastal orientation and
physiography in relation to the prevailing
winds.
A small
component
Pye K (1983) Dune formation on the humid
tropical sector of the North Queensland
Coast, Australia. Eart Surf Proc Land 8: 371-
381
Lizards,
Thermoregulati
on,
Temperature,
Model, Activity,
Skink, Reptile
The cost-benefit model of ectothermic
thermoregulation is extended to include
effects of body temperature on
performance and survival of skinks species
in savanna woodlands on Ramsey Bay.
Main study
site
Vickers M, Manicorm C, Schwarzkopf L (2011)
Extending the cost-benefit model of
thermoregulation: High-temperature
environments. Am Nat 177: 452-461

Mangroves,
Zonation,
Estuaries,
Surveys were conducted looking at the
mangrove zonation in several riverine
estuaries. Considerable diversity in zonal
pattern was found, partly the result of
floristic differences between and along
rivers with the study area but also arising
from variability in the centers of
distribution of species across the intertidal
surface.
One of 17
study sites
Bunt JS (1996) Mangrove zonation: An
examination of data from seventeen river
estuaries in tropical Australia. Ann Bot 78:
333-341
Mangroves,
Sediments,
Redox, Root
biomass,
Carbon
Root biomasses were measured for young
mangroves in Japan and the redox
potential and organic carbon stocks in
mangrove sediments.
Main study
sites
Matsui N (1998) Estimated stocks of organic
carbon in mangrove roots and sediments in
Hinchinbrook Channel, Australia. Mangroves
and Salt Marshes 2: 1998
Mangroves, pH,
Dissolved
Oxygen,
Salinity,
Organic Matter
Salinity, Dissolved oxygen, and
temperature of creek waters were
measured and there is a significant
correlation between pH and DO. These
properties seem to be influences by
dissolved organic matter present in the
creeks and tidal channel waters.
Component Boto KG, Bunt JS (1981) Dissolved oxygen and
pH relationship in northern Australian
mangrove waterways. Limnol Ocenogr 26:
1176-1178
Mangroves,
Zonation,
animals,
Freshwater
The floral and faunal ecology of tropical
Queensland mangroves are discussed.
There are basic patterns of zones for
mangrove species forests and this may be
related to rainfall, evaporation, and inflow
of freshwater. In contrast, animals show
little zonation.
Component MacNnae W (1966) Mangroves in eastern
and southern Australia. Aust J Bot 1: 67-104
Mosses,
Habitat,
Distribution,
The habitat and distribution patters of
mosses (Bryophyta sp.) n the wet tropics of
north-east QLD is presented.
Component Ramsay HP, Cairns A (2004) Habitat,
distribution and the phytogeographical
affinities of mosses in the Wet Tropics
bioregion, north-east Queensland, Australia.
Cunninghamia 8: 371-408
Dugong,
Human
Influence,
Boats, Turtles,
Dolphins,
Habitat,
Management
This report details the protection of
dugongs inr elation to boat traffic with
emphasis on the Hinchinbrook Dugong
Protection Area (DPA). Dugong habitats are
threatened by boat traffic.
Component
Area
Preen T (2000) Dugongs, boats, dolphins, and
turtles in the Townsville-Cardwell region and
recommendations for a boat traffic
management plan for the Hinchinbrook
Dugong Protection Area Research
Publication No. 67. Report to GBRMPA
Geology, Sand,
Quartz, Dunes,
Radiocarbon
dating
Deeply weathered quartz sand dunes of
later Quaternary age occur along
Queensland coast. The red color of the
dunes are produced by iron oxides and
hydroxides. These dunes are degraded and
contain subsurface horizons which are
cemented by humate.
Minor
component
Pye K (1983) Post-depositional reddening of
late Quarternary coastal dune sands,
northeastern Australia. Geol Soc Spec Publ
11: 117-129
Sediments,
Currents, GBR,
Wind, Sediment
transport,
Grain size
Terrigenous sediments are strong
partitioned within the coastal zone, which
is partially controlled by currents and
waves. Bottom-return currents provide the
likely mechanism for episodic transport of
fine-grained sediment in an offshore
direction.
Main study
area
Woolfe KJ, Larcombe P, Stewart LK (2000)
Shelf sediments adjacent to the Herbert River
Delta, Great Barrier Reef, Australia. Aust J
Earth Sci 47: 301-308


Sediment,
Cyclone,
Nutrients, River
Chemistry,
Flood
Changes in the river chemistry of the
Herbert River during a flood event that
followed Cyclone Sadie are presented.
Particulate nutrients drastically increased,
while dissolved inorganic nutrients
declined to a minimum. This study
illustrates the potential for high nutrient
exports during brief flood events from
intensively farmed agricultural land within
tropical catchments.
Component Mitchell AW, Bramley RGV, Johnson AKL
(1997) Export of nutrients and suspended
sediment during a cyclone-mediated flood
event in the Herbert River catchment,
Australia. Mar Freshwater Res 48: 79-88

Remote
Sensing,
Sediemnts,
Nutrients,
Floods
Remote sensing was used to reveal
chlorophyll concentration, inorganic
sediment load and dissolved organic
matter absorption in the area of the
Hinchinbrook channel and central GBR.
This method was applied to nutrient fluxes
following flod avents with the Herbert
River.
Component Ametistova L, Jones IS (2003) Application of a
satellite ocean color technique for monitoring
coastal waters: Great Barrier Reef Case Study.
American Geophysical Union, Fall Meeting
2003.
Submarine
groundwater
discharge
(SGD),
Nutrients,
Animal,
burrows,
Sediments,
Nutrients
Rn-222 and isotopes of radium were used
to investigated the tidal circulation of
seawater through animal borrows. Results
demonstrated that forest sediment is
efficiently flushed.This work documents
that importance of animal burrows in
maintaining productive sediments in these
systems, and illustrates the physical
processes that supports large exports of
organic and inorganic matter from
mangroves forests to the coastal zone.
Main study
area
Stieglitz TC, Clark JF,Hancock G (2010) Rapid
seawater circulation through animals
burrows in mangrove forests A significant
source of saline groundwater to the tropical
coastal ocean. American Geophysical Union,
Fall Meeting 2010.
Mangroves,
Bacterial,
Sediment,
Seagrass,
Detritus
This book chapter examines data about
from fine sediment dynamics within the
Hinchinbrook channel. Cohesive sediment
in suspension settles within an even
narrower band, literally a few tens to at
most a few hundred of meters from the
coast, and present field data suggesting
that this is due to the formation of micro-
aggregates and bacteria around mangrove
detritus.
Main study
sites
Wolanski E, Spagnol S, Lim EB (2002). Fine
sediment dynamics in the mangrove fringed,
muddy coastal zone (Chapter 11). In Muddy
Coasts of the World; Processes, Deposits and
Function (Eds. T Healy, Y Wang and J.A.
Healy). Elsevier Science.
Sediment,
Nutrients,
River, Flood
Plume, Grain
Size
This study detailed the elevated Burdekin
River discharge into the BRG for 200 days
(after 2010-2011 wet season) resulting in a
large flood plume extending far off shore.
Not
mentioned
(Hebert River
and Burdekin
Delta)
Bainbridge ZT, Wolanski E, lvarez-Romero
JG, Lewis SE, Brodie JE (2012) Fine sediment
and nutrient dynamics related to particle size
and floc formation in a Burdekin River flood
plume, Australia. Mar Poll Bull 65: 236-248
Rodents,
Assessments,
Conservation,
Queensland
Species of rodents in Queensland have
been assessed using patterns of
distribution and abundance. Measures for
survey, research, and management are
discussed for conservation goals.
Species from
Hinchinbrook
Dickman CR, Leung LKP, Van Dyck SM (2000)
Status, ecological attributes and conservation
of native rodents in Queensland. Wildlife Res
27: 333-346
Walking Track,
Travel cost,
Value Transfer
Using a travel cost analysis for the
Thorsborne Trailas the transfer sources, a
consumer surplus estimate for the new
Cannabullen Track was estimated at about
$300 per person per year.
One study site Cook A (2008) Recreational value of a new
long-distance walking track. Tourism Econ 14:
377-391
Skink, Predator
avoidance,
Chemical cue
The responses of three species of skink to
two species of predator goanna was
analyzed. Prey were able to avoid
predators based on chemical cures and
could discriminate among similar predators
that pose different levels of threat.
Species from Lloyd R, Alford RA, Schwarzkopf L (2009)
Chemical discrimination among predators by
lizards: Responses of three skink species to
the odours of high and low-threat varanid
predators. Austral Ecology 34: 50-54
Birds, Cardwell
District
This paper describes the bird species found
in the Cardwell District in 1926.
Component Barnard HG (1926) Birds of Cardwell District,
Queensland. The Emu 26: Part 1, 1-13

Sub-tidal, Fish,
video
Sidescan sonar imaging and video transects
revealed biological habitat features that
were associated with substrate types,
depths and fish assemblages. Findings
suggest the importance of deep estuary
habitats for fish utilization of the coastal
seascape through the provision of refuge
and nursery ground value.
Main study
site
Bradley M (2013) Unexplored sub-tidal areas
of a tropical estuary; situating novel habitats
and fish-habitat relationships within the
seascape. JCU BSc (Honors) Thesis
Geology,
Radiocarbon,
Archaeology,
A series of 23 radiocarbon dates for north
Queensland archaeological sites are
discussed.
Component Campbell JB (1982) New radiocarbon results
for North Queensland prehistory. Aust
Archaeol 14: 62-66
Seagrass,
Prawn, Fish,
Nursery,
Management
This paper provides the results of seagrass
surveys between Cairns and Bowen as well
as the seagrass communities and fauna
sampled. This inofmation is of particular
value where the survival of these habitats
affect the continuation of coastal fisheries
and other marine faunal populations.
Component Coles RH, Lee Long WJ, Helmke SA, Bennett
RE, Miller KJ, Derbyshire KJ (1989) Seagrass
beds and juvenile prawn and fish nursery
grounds. Information Series: Department of
Primary Industries, Queensland
Renewable
Energy,
Tourism,
Humans, Power
This paper looks at feasibility analysis of
renewable energy supply (RES) for 3 small
to medium-scale tourist operations
dependent on stand-alone supplies. Case
studies looking at tourist locations on
Tortoise Head, Hinchinchrook, and Wilpena
resort demonstrate that RES is both
technically feasible and economical viable
compared to diesel energy supply for these
operations.
Component (1
of 3)
Dalton GJ, Lockington DA, Baldock TE (2009)
Case study feasibility analysis of renewable
energy supply options for small to medium-
sized tourist accommodations. Renew Energ
34: 1134-1144
Mangroves,
Conservation,
Management,
global
distribution
This paper gives an overall view of the
present state and future of the worlds
mangrove forests, touching on destruction,
ecological resources, rehabilitation and
restoration, and global distribution.
Component Alogni DM (2002) Present state of future of
the worlds mangrove forests. Environ
Conserv 29: 331-349
Herbert River,
Phosphorus,
Estuary,
Nutrients,
Colorimetry
A new method of determining phosphorus
in sea water, using iron impregnated strips
of filter paper, was investigated and
compared with standard colorimetric
methods of phosphorus analysis. Field
studied in Cleveland Bay and the Herbert
estuary were conducted; the nature of
phosphorus uptake using this method
varies with environmental conditions.
Herbert River
Estuary
Chiswell RK, Jones GB, Brodie J (1997)
Investigations of the speciation of
phosphorus in coastal and estuarine waters
of the Great Barrier Reef, using iron strips
and colorimetry. Mar Freshwater Res 48:
287-293
Tourism,
Humans, Socio-
economic,
Recreation,
Travel-cost
This paper analyses the socio-economic
status of tourist to Hinchinbrook island
National park and uses travel cost
methodology to estimate the recreational
use of the park. In 1992 values,
recreational use value of the park was
estimated at being at least $15 million.
Main study
site
Stoeckl, N (1994) A travel cost analysis of
Hinchinbrook Island National Park. In:
Faulkner B, Fagence M, Davidson M, Craig-
Smith S (eds). CAUTHE 1994: Tourism
Research and Education in Australia:
Proceeding of the Australian National
Tourism Research and Education
Conferences, 1994. Canberra, A.C.T.: Bureau
of Tourism Research, 1994: 187-201.
Geology, Sand
dune,
Radiocarbon
dating, Erosion
The rock layers and sediments of the
Ramsay Bay sand dunes were explored.
The aeolian (wind and weather shaped
sand) sand was dated back to the early
Holocene marine transgression (9500-6000
years) and these aeolian episodes are
probably related to rapid shoreface
erosion.
Main study
site
Pye K, Rhodes EG (1985) Holocene
development of an episodic transgressive
dune Barrier, Ramsay Bay, North Queensland,
Austrlia. Mar Geol 64: 189-202


Hinchinbrook,
Plants, Animals,
Thorsborne,
Overall paper regarding the flora, fauna,
history, culture, and geography of
Hinchinbrook Island
Main study
site
Thorsborne A, Thorsorne M (1987)
Hinchinbrook Island: The Land Time Forgot.
McMahons Point NSW, Australia: Weldons
Pty Ltd

Spiders, Lizards,
Shelter,
Predation, Food
Web
An experiment to test the effectiveness of
self-made shelters by web spiders as
production from natural predatory lizards.
Sheltered spiders were able to avoid
predation and share space with lizards,
suggesting that shelter construction is a
mechanism for reducing predation risk and
has important population consequences
Main study
site
Manicom C, Schwarzkophf L, Alford RA,
Schoener TW (2008) Self-made shelters
protect spiders form predation. PNAS 105:
14903-14907
Fish,
Barramundi,
Movements,
The movements of juvenile barramundi
resident in tidal creeks of two north-
eastern Queensland coastal bays were
determined using tag and recapture
tachniques.
Component Russell DJ, Garrett RN (1988) Movements of
juvenile barramundi, Lates calcarifer (Bloch),
in North-eastern Queensland. Aust J Mar
Freshwater Res 29: 117-123
Lizards, Skinks,
Diet, Prey
Selectivity,
Trophic Web
The diet composition and prey selection in
a community of three sympatric skink
species in northern Australia were
examined by comparing contents of skink
stomachs with arthropod prey available in
their habitat. Skinks were more selective in
their foraging and diet than previously
assumed.
Main study
site
Manicom C, Schwarzkopf L (2011) Diet and
prey selection of sympatric tropical skinks.
Austral Ecol 36: 485-496
River, Estuary,
Nutrients,
Freshwater
plume
Field experiments and numerical
simulations were carried out to study the
plume from the Herbert River through
ground measurements, airborne remote
sensing and numerical models of the
estuary
Main study
site
Tabeta S, Jones ISF, Heron ML (2002)
Modelling and observation of tropical river
inflow to the coastal ocean. OCEANS02
MTS/IEEE Conference 4: 2025-2030
Estuary,
Fishing,
Economics,
Recreation,
Socioeconomic
value
This study explored recreational and
commercial fishers perceptions of
estuarine recreational-only fishing areas
(ROFAs) in north Queensland with the aim
of understanding whether desired
socioeconomic benefits are realized.
Results suggest that existing ROFAs int eh
study area are not currently providing the
expected benefits for fishers and that
adding more ROFAs would unlikely provide
the expected benefits for fishers and they
are unlikely to reduce
recreational/commercial fishers conflicts.
Component Tobin RC, Sutton SG (2011) Perceived
benefits and costs of recreational-only fishing
areas to the recreational and commercial
estuarine fishery within North Queensland.
American Fisheries Society Symposium
75:000-000
Estuary,
Fishing,
Economics,
Recreation,
Socioeconomic
value,
CPUE, Fish
Results from this project suggest that
current ROFAs in north Queensland are not
resulting in the expected benefits (i.e.
reduced conflict or improved recreational
catches of barramundi) This study
highlights the importance of determining
the source of conflict, and collecting
quality time-series recreational catch data
before and after ROFA implementation
Component Tobin RC (2006) The effectiveness of
recreational only fishing areas in north
Queensland estuaries for reducing conflict
and improving recreational catches. JCU PhD
Thesis
Vegetation,
Terrestrial
General vegetation of Hinchinbrook island Main study
site
Cumming R (1994) The vegetation of marine
algae from Hinchinbrook island. Queensland
Naturalist 22: 67-69