Port of Abbot Point long-term seagrass monitoring: annual report 2012-2013

摘要: Key Findings: 1. Seagrasses have been monitored quarterly at Abbot Point since 2008 with additional broader regional seagrass surveys conducted in and 2013. 2. After 18 months of recovery deep water underwent declines through 2013 following Tropical Cyclone Oswald associated rainfall, high winds flooding. 3. Inshore monitoring meadows yet to show substantial but there were some initial signs small amounts Halodule uninervis present two the inshore meadows. 4. The density port limits dramatically declined baseline compared last 2008. Similarly region from dry season 2013. 5. total extent all area by 60% between wet surveys. However survey, meadow had increased again be similar season. 6. first ever recorded occurrence Halophila tricostata Bay/Bowen was made September survey. 7. scale baselines found key species Zostera muelleri near that could provide a means for dispersal seeds other propagules. 8. Light (Photosynthetically Active Radiation) indicated during growing second half 2013, amount light available favourable growth both offshore sites. While observed lack likely due propagules (seeds, fragments, adult plants). 9. seagrasses over recent years mean they reduced resilience further impacts stressors. cumulative natural stressors need considered conjunction future developments expansions formulating management strategies protect seagrasses. 10. Assessments seed banks their viability will addition program 2014 understand potential recovery.