Malcolm, 1998: 

• "Extensive anchor damage was occurring in both North Stonehaven Bay and West Butterfly Bay. These are popular anchorages in the Whitsunday Island Group. Recent anchor damage was recognised through form and colour of damaged surfaces and was evident in both these bays prior to the establishment of 'no anchoring' areas.
• Anchor damage has impacted deeper coral communities within these bays. A number of bommies were slowly being pulled apart as the massive corals that were growing on them were being wrenched or gouged off. This deeper (hard carbonate) habitat is important in extending the area and physical conditions available to corals and other benthos, thereby increasing diversity.
• Once a 'no anchoring' area was established at North Stonehaven Bay, anchor damage levels showed a distinct decrease. In comparison anchor damage levels remained high in West Butterfly Bay while anchoring was still allowed.
• Once a 'no anchoring' area was established in West Butterfly Bay, the decrease in anchor damage levels was replicated in both bays. 'No anchoring' areas have had an immediate positive benefit."

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Citation and/or URL

Malcolm, H., 1998. Immediate benefits of establishing a 'no-anchoring area': a case study at two popular anchorages in the Whitsundays, Technical Report to Queensland Department of Environment & Heritage. Queensland Department of Environment & Heritage.

Spatial Coverage

Whitsunday Island Group

Temporal Coverage

1997 to 1998

Update Frequency

Not applicable

Other Information

None