Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority Project Management Summary Report

Purpose:

The aim of this scientific expedition was to 'investigate the effect of past sea-level rises on coral reefs and climate change'. The drilling targets included the successive drowned reef terraces, relict reefs and the slope, from ~40 metres to 120 metres water depth. 

Who ran the project: 

The Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) was the permittee for this research operation. NERC is the United Kingdom's research council that deals with earth systems research. One of its main component bodies the British Geological Survey was commissioned to run a consortium, the ECORD Science Operator (ESO), to implement expeditions for the Integrated Ocean Drilling Program (IODP). Australia was party to this expedition. 

What was permitted:

The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA) assessed and issued a permit to allow the collection of 45 core holes from five locations within the Great Barrier Reef: The Ribbons (3 and 5), Noggin Pass, Hydrographer's Passage (two locations). A detailed environmental management plan was developed which included: a communication plan, risk assessments, adverse weather procedures, environmental site supervision requirements etc.

Timelines:

The IODP Expedition took place from February - April 2010. Operations were continuous over a 24 hour period to maximise use of the ship and weather.

The Greatship Maya: 

The research vessel the Greatship Maya is ~90 metres long and is fitted with dynamic positioning technology to enable it to hold position in seas of ~3 metres and winds of ~28 knots. The ship had to pass rigorous hull inspections in Singapore prior to being allowed entry into the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. The ship housed a drilling rig (see photo) and moon pool. Prior to drilling a core the ship was positioned above one of the deep reef terraces and a down hole camera was deployed to ensure the seafloor was absent of living benthos. Due to the size of the ship and possible perception issues associated with its appearance the permittee was required to display a large 'Research Vessel' sign with the GBRMPA permit number visible.

What was the outcome:

Thirty four cores were recovered with various success. The GBRMPA's Environmental Site Supervisor attempted to board the ship at Ribbon Reef 3, but due to dangerous weather conditions the transfer was aborted. Due to this unpredictable weather, in some cases 3-4 metre seas, sites closest to the living reef edge were not sampled. Daily reports received from the science party identified many of the cores as being very 'sandy' with broken coral fragments. While the science party experienced bad weather and broken equipment on occasions, the good news is the expedition was a great success scientifically despite lower recovery than hoped for. The onshore science party will process the cores in Germany, where the cores will be split, sampled and scanned.

Lessons learned:

This project utilised a diverse range of GBRMPA skills: environmental impact assessment, ports and shipping, science coordination, communication and education and partnerships with other agencies (e.g. Australian Maritime Safety Authority). The permittee devoted significant time and professionalism to the permit process which assisted a thorough and timely assessment. Weather was a huge factor in this project which required reactive updates to the environmental management plan. The flexibility of having a simple, clear and concise permit supported by a detailed environmental management plan enabled changes to be made quickly and with reduced 'red tape'. Scoping in the early states of the project was essential, however if done again, the process may have benefited from the inclusion of other agencies sooner (e.g. the Australian Maritime Safety Authority).