Executive Summary

Biologist from the Australian Institute of Marine Science returned to survey Ashmore and Cartier Reefs in May 2003, and Mermaid Reef and the Rowley Shoals were surveyed for the first time in June 2003. The objectives were to determine the distribution and abundance of Trochus niloticus and holothuria populations. In addition, the status of giant clam stocks and the coral communities at each of the reefs were investigated. The work was undertaken using the support from the ACV Dame Roma Mitchell, ACV Storm Bay and RV Cape Ferguson.

Significant results were the high numbers of Trochus niloticus recorded at Ashmore Reef, widespread coral bleaching in the Ashmore and Cartier regions, and high densities of Holothuria nobilis at Mermaid Reef. The density and diversity of Trochus and holothuria at Cartier Reef were lower than at Ashmore and Mermaid Reefs.