LITTLE SHIP CLUB July 2016 eNews

Combined Clubs and Associations (CCA) submission on RQYS proposal

21 The potential for increased risk of adverse environmental impacts arising from the Proposal, if it is approved, on the health of the oyster beds needs to be taken seriously by MSQ when considering t Proposal. It has been proved that bivalves such as oysters are able to accumulate the toxins within Lyngbya may lead later to sea food poisoning. July 2016 eNews SPECIAL Supplement: Facing the future of Straddie Members of the CCA harbour concerns that should the current Application be granted it will be used as a step toward the potential more intense development by the Applicant of Deanbilla Bay by way of a possible marina. A number of academics including Dr Townsend have expressed concern that such a development could have significant environmental impact on an environmentally sensitive area such as Deanbilla Bay. 7. Increased risk to the oyster industry The oyster growing industry is an important contributor to the economy of North Stradbroke Island and indeed, the Moreton Bay Marine Park in general. The potential for increased risk of adverse environmental impacts arising from the Proposal, if it is approved, on the health of the oyster beds needs to be taken seriously by MSQ when considering the Proposal. It has been proved that bivalves such as oysters are able to accumulate the toxins within Lyngbya which may lead later to sea food poisoning. Members of the CCA harbour concerns that should the current Application be granted it will be use step toward the pot ntial mor intense d velopment by the Applicant of Deanbilla Bay by way of a possible marina. A nu ber of academics including Dr Townsend have expressed conc rn th t suc development could have significant environmental impact on an environmentally sensitive rea suc Deanbilla Bay. 7. Increased risk to the oyster industry The oyster growing industry is an important contributor to the econ my of North Stradbroke Island indeed, he Moreton Bay Marine Park in ge eral. Deanbilla Bay would most likely result in increased quantities of sewage being discharged into Dea Bay. ccording to Dr Townsend, there are two potentially adverse outcomes which could flow from this. irstly, it might incr ase the propensity for outbreaks of various invasive species such as Calurpa ta and lyngbya (a toxic ty e of blue-green algae sometimes referred to as “fireweed” ) in Deanbilla Bay surrounding areas of the Moreton Bay Marine Park. According to Dr Townsend, an outbreak of lyngbya for example smothers other sea grasses and kill them; it can cause painful skin and eye irritations in humans and prolonged exposure makes huma numerous other species, sick. I dee , it will kill various types of marine life including common seag Dr Townsend has emphasised that common seagrass is an important food source for many marine species including dugongs, turtles and fish, all of whom could be seriously, adversely affected by a outbreak of lyngbya. Th second pote tially adverse outcome according to Dr Townsend, is the likelihood that increased nutrients (and incre s d antif uling in the water) could have a significantly adverse impact on the o farms nearby. Dr Townsend has told CCA that it is essential that a proper environmental impact study be carried before the Application is determined. Lyngbya bloom Lyngbya bloom Dr Townsend has reported that despite the laws prohibiting the discharge of sewage into Deanbilla Bay, anecdotal evidence suggests that this prohibition is largely ignored. On that basis, increased usage of Deanbilla Bay would most likely result in increased quantities of sewage being discharged into Deanbilla Bay. According to Dr Townsend, there are two potentially adverse outcomes which could flow from this. Firstly, it might increase the propensity for outbreaks of various invasive species such as Calurpa taxifolia and lyngbya (a toxic type of blue-green algae sometimes referred to as “fireweed”) in Deanbilla Bay and surrounding areas of the Moreton Bay Marine Park. According to Dr Townsend, an outbreak of lyngbya for example smothers other sea grasses and kills them; it can cause painful skin and eye irritations in humans and prolonged exposure makes humans and numerous other species, sick. Indeed, it will kill various types of marine life including common seagrass. Dr Townsend has emphasised that common seagrass is an important food source for many marine species including dugongs, turtles and fish, all of whom could be seriously, adversely affected by an outbreak of lyngbya . The second potentially adverse outcome according to Dr Townsend, is the likelihood that increased nutrients (and increased antifouling in the water) could have a significantly adverse impact on the oyster farms nearby. Dr Townsend has told CCA that it is essential that a proper environmental impact study be carried out before the Application is determined. See “Effects of nutrient enrichment and toxic Lyngbya blooms on benthic invertebrates and migratory shore bird communities of Roebuck Bay Ramsar site Final Report; by Sora M. Estrella, School of Animal Biology, The University of Western Australia, May 2013” which contains several references to outbreaks in Moreton Bay: http://www.roebuckbay.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/ Lyngbya-nutrients-Roebuck-Bay-Project-FINAL-REPORT.pdf . That paper also refers to a number of other studies specific to blooms of lyngbya in Moreton Bay. Oyster growers are required to conduct testing throughout the year. If there is one adverse test in one area within the central/ southern part of the Moreton Bay Marine Park, all oyster growing operations must be closed down and the entire season’s harvest is potentially lost. Of greatest concern to the Queensland Oyster Growers Association is that continued intensification of the usage of the parts of the Moreton Bay Marine Park in which oystering is undertaken, such as Deanbilla Bay, increases the risk of a wipe- out of the industry in Moreton Bay. Obviously this is of serious commercial concern to oyster growers and their families who are dependent on the commercial income generated by their businesses. Most of these families, live on North Stradbroke Island and are an important part of its community and economy. In considering the Proposal however, MSQ should take into account not only the potential effect on oyster growers but the knock-on effect and damage to the North Stradbroke Island economy more generally of any adverse event for oyster growers. 8. The creation of a precedent leading to the granting of further exclusive rights arrangements If the Proposal is approved it is highly likely that other boating organisations will seek approval of similar proposals for exclusive control and operation of designated Mooring Areas or parts thereof, within the Moreton Bay Marine Park and other parts of Queensland waters, including other Marine Parks. Such a development, particularly if it becomes a widespread practice, would be inconsistent with and against the interests of the greater boating and general community. On the other hand, to only give this privilege to the Applicant would be prejudicial to other clubs and boating organisations. MSQ should not only treat all such organisations equally and fairly but should be seen to be doing so. Approval of the Proposal without approving other, similar applications which would be expected to be made by other boating clubs and organisations, would not only be unpopular but unreasonable. Indeed, the initial reaction of some Clubs, when they heard that the Applicant had already been granted the exclusive right to use 10 moorings within the existing Category 3 designated Mooring Area within Deanbilla Bay, as to themselves apply for 10 moorings within that area as well. However, the Clubs concerned thought that upon reflection, it would be better if this Proposal did not succeed thereby avoiding the establishment of what would become a rather unfortunate precedent.