Shoalwater Bay Defense Training Area Dugong Research Program Underwater Blast Measurements

摘要

Detonations underwater are an integral component of RAN Clearance Diver Training. Regular training exercises are conducted in Shoalwater Bay, Queensland on Triangular Island in the east of the Shoalwater Bay Defense Training Area. Shoalwater Bay is also the home to the largest population of dugongs in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park south of Hinchinbrook Channel. Concerns raised about the possible impact on the dugong population of defense activities within Shoalwater Bay resulted in Defense managing four dugong research projects. As part of one of these projects shock parameters were measured during a RAN Clearance Diver training exercise. The methodology, results and analysis are presented. Recommendations for clearance diver explosive demolition training activities are discussed. Results indicate that the safe distance for dugong would be less than 1 km from the detonation site.