Scientists from Edith Cowan University were joined by Marine Park divers from Parks and Wildlife Service, Western Australia last week to monitor Geographe Bay’s seagrass meadows.
Each February, the team monitors seagrass health at eight sites from Dunsborough to Capel. Scientists measure shoot density of Posidonia sinuosa, epiphyte (algae) cover on seagrass leaves, and take samples to analyse nutrient content.
The ‘Keep Watch’ seagrass monitoring program was designed to track seagrass health over time and has triggers in place to detect any significant declines. The program was started to make sure that land-based activities are not impacting on Geographe Bay, such as nutrient run-off from urban and rural areas. Seagrass is a great indicator of the overall health of the marine ecosystem.
Results from this year are still being analysed, however scientists have reported that the seagrass meadows are looking healthy, with less epiphyte cover than in previous years. Of particular highlight for scientists was the incredible number of seedlings. 20-50% of the quadrats at each site had seedlings present with an average of around 1 per 0.04m2, the most scientists had ever witnessed. (The seedling has been circled in yellow in the photo).
This important project is coordinated by GeoCatch and sponsored by Water Corporation.
To view a copy of the 2022 Keep Watch report click here
