Port of Abbot Point Long-Term Seagrass Monitoring Program 2022

Reason, C.;McKenna, S.;Rasheed, M.

Abstract

Abbot Point annual monitoring meadows were in a good overall condition in 2022. This is the third consecutive year that seagrass has been in a good condition. • Inshore Halodule and Zostera monitoring meadows were in a good condition in 2022. The area of the two H. uninervis monitoring meadows on either side of Abbot Point was the largest it has been in the program to date. • Offshore seagrass meadows dominated by Halophila spinulosa and H. ovalis were also in good condition in 2022. Of note was the presence of H. tricostata in offshore areas, last recorded in 2016. • The 2022 broadscale survey mapped 17,945 ha of seagrass with the location and community types similar to previous broadscale surveys. • Environmental conditions over the last three years have been favourable for seagrass growth, likely contributing the sustained good condition of Abbot Point seagrass in 2022. • The healthy state of Abbot Point seagrasses means they are likely to have high levels of resilience to future natural and anthropogenic pressures.

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23/20

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TropWATER, James Cook University

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Cairns, QLD, Australia

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