Results of broadscale surveys

2012 was the fourth time that Reef 21-064 has been surveyed using manta tow since first surveyed in 2006. Coral cover was high (31-50%) in 2006 and 2008, followed by a decline to moderate (21-30%) levels recorded in 2010. Cyclone Hamish passed 30km to the northeast in March 2009 and damage (i.e. rubble beds and reef framework swept clean of coral cover) on Reef 21-064 was limited to the exposed parts of the reef. Sheltered areas of the reef in the lee of the storm retained areas of high coral cover. Small numbers of COTS were observed in 2008, followed by greater numbers in 2010 when Reef 21-064 was reclassified as a Incipient Outbreak. Surveys in 2012 indicate COTS numbers have continued to increase on this reef and are now at outbreak levels. Coral cover remains moderate. No signs of coral bleaching or black-band disease were observed. Signs of white syndrome disease were observed on small numbers of individual scattered coral colonies on the first flank of the reef during surveys in 2012. Reef 21-064 has been reclassified as Active Outbreak in 2012.