https://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/ /manager/Index en-au 5 https://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/ /manager/Repository/uon:39161 in situ microhabitat assessments to assess whether reef fish community structure on shallow (6-9 m) rocky reefs varied with spatial management zone (NTAs versus PPAs), sampling season (autumn, spring) and benthic habitat condition around coastal islands and headlands within the Port Stephens-Great Lakes Marine Park (established in 2007). While fish community composition and the relative abundance of fish species did not differ significantly across spatial management zones, there were significant differences among sampling season, and spatial variation at the site level that was partly explained by geomorphology (island/headland). Notably, there was a strong association between variation in fish community structure and site-level cover of canopy-forming macroalgae among islands and headlands, which transcended management zones. Our study suggests that balancing habitat condition and geomorpho-logical setting (islands, headlands) among management zones is key to the conservation and management of shallow-water reef fish assemblages. In particular, the percent cover of canopy-forming macroalgae may be a key habitat indicator for designing, monitoring and re-balancing spatial management zones.]]> Wed 22 Mar 2023 18:16:59 AEDT ]]> https://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/ /manager/Repository/uon:7612 Sat 24 Mar 2018 08:34:42 AEDT ]]> https://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/ /manager/Repository/uon:1577 Sat 24 Mar 2018 08:30:29 AEDT ]]> https://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/ /manager/Repository/uon:5245 Sat 24 Mar 2018 07:44:19 AEDT ]]> https://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/ /manager/Repository/uon:27765 Sat 24 Mar 2018 07:40:49 AEDT ]]> https://nova.newcastle.edu.au/vital/access/ /manager/Repository/uon:27767 In-situ signage is a cost effective environmental education tool used in marine protected area (MPA) management, and the design and location of signage is crucial to attract the attention of targeted audiences. The implementation of multiple-use MPAs increases the challenges of communicating awareness of MPA boundaries and permitted activities. Currently, little is known about how effective signage in multiple-use MPAs is in communicating information to stakeholders that will promote supportive attitudes and behaviours towards MPAs. This study evaluated the usefulness of in-situ signage in an existing multiple-use MPA, to determine if signs pertaining to the MPA captured the attention of recreational users, and provided adequate information. Structured interviews with recreational fishers, divers, and other users, were used to determine users' awareness of being in an MPA, their awareness of management objectives and associated zoning scheme, together with levels of agreement or disagreement on whether or not current in-situ signage adequately communicates information about the MPA. It was evident that the types and accessibility of in-situ signs in the MPA may not be effective at capturing the attention of intended audiences and providing relevant information, with the exception of signs located at the dive site, due to their design, size, and placement. Awareness differed among the three user groups, together with their views on the effectiveness of signage. Many recreational fishers believed existing signage was inadequate and unclear, and expressed frustrations with the complexity of zoning rules and location of their boundaries. Based on this study, recommendations about the presentation, content, and placement of signage relative to access points, and information required by MPA users, is provided.]]> Sat 24 Mar 2018 07:40:49 AEDT ]]>