Connecting Sediment Load Targets to Ecological Outcomes for Seagrass

Lambert, V.;Collier, C.;Brodie, J.;Adams, M.P.;Baird, M.;Bainbridge, Z.;Carter, A.;Lewis, S.;Rasheed, M.;Saunders, M.;O'Brien, K.

Stephen Lewis

Abstract

[Extract] The ecological health of the Great Barrier Reef (GBR) is threatened by multiple pressures originating from locations both within and adjacent to the coastal zone, as well as global-scale pressures from climate change. Pollutant loads discharged from rivers are among the greatest risks to seagrass meadows of the GBR and have caused declines in seagrass area and density throughout the GBR, with variable levels of recovery depending on both the region and subsequent pressures. Turbidity plumes in particular are problematic for seagrass, as fine sediment reduces light available to seagrass and is easily resuspended. Seagrass decline has cascading consequences, including dugong and turtle mortality, and reductions in dugong fecundity.

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978-1-925514-57-5

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162

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Reef and Rainforest Research Centre

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Cairns, QLD, Australia

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