Long-term seagrass monitoring in the Port of Mourilyan: November 2004
Other Publication ResearchOnline@JCUAbstract
This report details findings of the November 2004 seagrass monitoring survey for the Port of Mourilyan conducted as part of the annual long-term monitoring program. The monitoring program was developed following a baseline survey in December 1993 and examines selected representative seagrass meadows in Mourilyan Harbour. Total area of each monitoring meadow, species composition and seagrass density (above ground biomass) were measured for comparison with previous surveys. In 2004 seagrass meadows had recovered considerably reversing recent declining trends that had occurred in 2002 and 2003. The largest increases in biomass occurred in the intertidal monitoring meadows. The area and biomass of the subtidal Halodule channel meadow remained relatively stable. The observed changes to seagrasses appear to be linked to prevailing climate conditions. The declines in area and biomass in 2002 and 2003 were attributed to atypical regional climate conditions. In 2004 these climatic parameters had returned to more "normal" levels, creating conditions that were likely to be more favourable to seagrass survival and growth. Similar trends have occurred for other north Queensland locations such as Cairns and Karumba where seagrasses are also monitored. The recent increases to seagrass meadows in north Queensland had implications for regional fisheries with evidence of increases in catches for some commercial species coinciding with the increases to seagrass nursery habitats. The seagrass monitoring program is allowing us to separate local and port related causes of environmental change from natural causes, as well as provide an indication of the overall health of the marine environment. Based on the findings to date the marine environment of the Port of Mourilyan appears to be relatively healthy with minimal impacts occurring from current port activities.
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QI05037
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0727-6273
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23
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Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries (DPI&F)
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Cairns, QLD, Australia
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