Ningaloo's whale sharks, the biggest fish on Earth, may be world famous but the area is also critical for numerous smaller species.
Studies undertaken by the AIMS in collaboration with the DEC and the WA Marine Science Institution have highlighted the importance of ensuring greater protection for key areas of Ningaloo. Ningaloo's place as one of the nation's most precious marine environments has been confirmed with new research identifying the region as a significant fish nursery site.
Research has confirmed that the northern and central parts of Ningaloo Marine Park in particular were important for many species of reef fish. During the past two years researchers have been studying the reef to create a cost-effective and safe way to conduct a long-term monitoring program of reef health in the marine park based on the growth and recruitment of coral and fish. The project has been designed to provide management agencies with a template of how best to monitor annual recruitment processed within Ningaloo Marine Park.
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