In 1996 the Department of Environment approached the URGQ for assistance in
developing an anchoring plan for Flinders Reef, Moreton Bay Marine Park. Although
the Department's Moreton Bay Strategic Plan identifies the ecological communities
of Flinders Reef as requiring protection there is little detailed knowledge
available in the area. The study was completed by URGQ in July 1999.
A URGQ project team of divers were trained in research diving techniques while
a set of appropriate dive procedures were adopted and followed. A number of
representative key dive sites were mapped illustrating topography and benthic
communities.
A methodology for each phase of research was
also developed by the URGQ. Each process was constantly reviewed and improved
to maximise our efficiency.
The key objective of this project was to involve experienced recreational divers
in an ongoing environmental project which would assist coastal management. The
key outcomes were a shared expertise between the management of Flinders Reef,
Moreton Bay Marine Park and a report to the Department of Environment.
Flinders Reef actually dries at half tide. This north-eastern point is always
exposed.
Updates and reports relating to the day
to day management, methodology and technical
solutions that were engineered for this research are available here on this
web site.
URGQ Diver 1 at tender to the Qld Department of Environment's, Marine Park
vessel on Flinders Reef.
During a research dive, our divers were welcomed aboard the Queensland Marine
Parks vessel.
URGQ Diver 1 being unloaded after a research dive on Flinders Reef
On day trips to the reef, our vessel URGQ Diver 1 departed and returned to
Scarborough Harbour
