_id Ecological proceses Ecological processes condition statement Condition grade 1 Microbial processes

There is limited information on microbial processes in the region but they are responsive to changes in environmental conditions.

Good, Stable 2 Particle feeding

The process of particle feeding is likely to have deteriorated given the decline in the abundance of coral and other particle-feeding species.

Good, Deteriorated 3 Primary production

Elevated nutrients are likely to be affecting pelagic primary production in central and southern inshore areas. Some seafloor ecosystems, such as seagrass, have declined; macroalgae abundance may have increased.

Very Good, No Consistent Trend 4 Herbivory

Herbivorous fishes and green turtle populations remain stable. Declines in dugongs are likely to have affected herbivory (the process of eating plants) in the region.

Good, Deteriorated 5 Predation

Decreased predator populations affect the process of predation. No predator species is showing strong recovery and many remain at reduced numbers or their population sizes are poorly understood.

Poor, No Consistent Trend 6 Symbiosis

Symbiotic relationships are likely to have deteriorated in the southern two-thirds of the region, reflecting the poorer overall condition of the ecosystem.

Good, Deteriorated 7 Recruitment

Recruitment rates for many key species have reduced such as corals, some fishes, dugongs, some marine turtles and seabirds.

Poor 8 Reef Building

Declines in coral cover in the southern two-thirds of the region are likely to have affected the contribution of coral to the reef-building process.

Good, Deteriorated 9 Competition

There is little information about the multitude of competitive interactions.

Good, Stable 10 Connectivity

Marine species and habitats remain connected; although connectivity with some terrestrial habitats is disrupted.

Good, Deteriorated