Initial research was applied to the Encounter pilot study area (Figure 1). The region, approximately 80km south of Adelaide and with an area of 2,700 km2 , is high in biodiversity and contains a number of unique coastal and marine environments. High biodiversity values, proximity to numerous coastal towns and ports and high aesthetic values have seen the Encounter region develop into a very popular destination for many recreational and commercial
activities. This has placed increased pressure on the environmental stability of the region’s marine ecosystems