Seagrass beds study hopes rise

The Hervey Bay Observer, Wednesday, November 5,1997

Hervey Bay's seagrass beds could be the focus of a major research study early next year.

Representatives from about 15 organisations gathered recently to show their support for a seagrass study funding- application in the Bay and Great Sandy Straits.

The National Heritage Trust application is seeking funding for a protect that will determine the present status of seagrass beds in the area, as well as identify continuing trends.

Hervey Bay Dugong and Seagrass Monitoring Program co-ordinator Jerry Comans said the importance of seagrass beds to dugong and sea turtles was widely recognised, as was the influence such beds had on commercial and recreational fishers.

"It was an exercise to get together and show support for the Project, and reinforce community concern,” 'Mr Comans said.

From left to right: Mary Jentle( Wildlife Preservation Society); Phil Smith (Marine Studies Teacher); Fiona Foley (Wondunna Aboriginal Corporation); Mike Finlay (Environmental Officer, QCFO Urangan Branch); Rachael Thorgar (Student, Hervey Bay High); Kathy Fielden (Junior Theatre Director, Consultant for Jerreboen); Dr. Vernon Harris (Retired University Lecturer- Marine Zoology); Des Finlay (President QCFOU Urangan Branch); Ben Jasch (Marine Studies Student, Hervey Bay High); Jerry Comans (Member of the QFMA Zonal Advisory Committee); Susan Channels (Senior College, Arts Dept – Logo Design); Alan Simpson (Hervey Bay Dive Club); Robert Zigterman (Mary River Catchment Co-ordinating Committee); Randal McLellen (Fraser Coast SUNFISH); Shne Schillle (Hervey Bay Dive Club); Derek Butler (Hervey Bay Chamber of Commerce and Tourism); Bill Brennan (Mayor, Hervey Bay City Council); Janet Wolff (Neptunes Reefworld); Anne Wybom (Chamber of Commerce and Tourism); Kai Yeung (Dept. of Environment); Maree Mateer (Senior College, Multi Media Dept. Web Sitc Design); Joanne Rogers (Tourism, Hervey Bay).

 

Bay seagrass funding bid

The Chronicle, Monday, October 20. 1997

HERVEY Bay's seagrass beds could be the focus of a major research study early next year.

More than 20 people from all walks of life gathered at the Urangan Marina on Saturday to show support for a seagrass study funding application in -Hervey Bay and Great Sandy Straits.

The National Heritage Trust application is seeking funding for a project that will determine the present status of seagrass beds in the area, as well as identify continuing trends.

Hervey Bay Dugong and Seagrass Monitoring Program co-ordinator Jerry Comans said the importance of seagrass beds to dugong and sea turtles was widely recognised, as was the influence such beds had on commercial and recreational fisheries in Hervey Bay.

“It was an exercise to get together and show support for the project, and reinforce community concern,” Mr Comans said yesterday.

He said representatives from wildlife conservation groups, the Department of Environment, the city council, commercial and recreational fishing groups and members of the community had come together to show the state and federal politicians just how much support there was for the study.

Image: Jerry Comans, Mary River catchment co-ordination committee member Robert Zigterman, Department of Environment senior conservation officer Kai Yeung and Hervey Bay mayor Bill Brennan examine equipment used to monitor seagrass when they met at the Urangan Marina on Saturday.

 

 

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Correct citation: McKenzie, LJ., Yoshida, RL. & Coles, RG. (2006 - 2010). Seagrass-Watch. www.seagrasswatch.org. 228pp. Disclaimer: The views expressed on this site are those of the authors and not necessarily those of the Queensland Government. Website designed by McKenzie, LJ., Yoshida, RL.