Far Nth Qld(Australia): 23 - 26 April 2009

Superb weather greeted Seagrass-Watch HQ as it completed the post-Monsoon 2009 monitoring for the Reef Rescue MMP intertidal seagrass component.

Both Green Island and Dunk Island reeftop seagrasses meadows were abundant, however a layer of fine mud covered the leaves (adhered to the epiphytes) and sediment surface. The Dunk Island Water Activities staff also reported sighting a dugong in the bay in front of the main resort in the days prior to monitoring. This suggests that the subtidal meadows in the bay are still present. 

At Lugger Bay the Halodule uninervis meadows appeared seasonally low in abundance, however at Yule Point the meadows were expansive and dugong feeding trails plentiful. Eight sites were examined in 4 days with the assistance of Nicky and Masao.

	Green Is , Cairns GI1 & GI2: 23 April 2009
	Dunk Is, Mission Bch DI1 & DI2: 24 April 2009
	Lugger Bay, Mission Bch LB1 & LB2: 25 April 2009
	Yule Point, Cairns YP1 & YP2: 26 April 2009

 

Townsville (Qld, Australia): 23 - 26 April 2009

 

	Magnetic Is MI1 & MI2: 23 & 26 April 2009
	Bushland Beach BB1: 24 April 2009
	Shelley Beach SB1: 25 April 2009

 

Mackay, Whitsunday (Qld, Australia): 04 - 09 April 2009

Seagrass-Watch HQ visited Mackay Whitsunday to conduct Reef Rescue MMP at 6 sites in the region and also conduct Seagrass-Watch monitoring at a number of other locations in the Whitsundays. 

The first of the Reef Rescue MMP locations to be monitored was Pioneer Bay.  Sediment herbicide and seagrass reproductive samples were collected on the 04 April and the following day, volunteers from the region joined HQ to monitor PI2 and PI3.   The coastal sites at Pioneer Bay are dominated by Halodule uninervis and Zostera capricorni and located on intertidal sand/mud flats adjacent to Cannonvale.  Halophila spinulosa was also found at the beginning of transect 3, PI2.  A large baler shell was also spotted.

Seagrass-Watch HQ would like to thank all volunteers who assisted on the day.  A special thanks to John and Dell who came all the way from Mackay for the sampling event.

	Pioneer Bay 04 -05 April 2009
	Sarina Inlet, Mackay 06 April 2009

 

On the 6th April, two Reef Rescue sites at Sarina Inlet were monitored. The estuarine habitats at Sarina are dominated by Zostera capricorni and located on an intertidal sand/mud bank in the inlet south of Mackay. Unfortunately the meadow was not looking the best with significant declines is overall abundance.

	Hamilton Island 07 April 2009

 

Reef Rescue MMP moved to Hamilton Island on the 7th.  With a low tide late in the afternoon and ideal weather conditions, both sites were monitored in good time.  Unfortunately seagrass abundance was low at both sites and appears a consequence of erosion, possibly from TC Hamish which impacted the region earlier this year. It was also interesting to observe the resort conduct beach replenishment, where they "push" sand from the intertidal banks, back to the beach in front of the resort (this activity is conducted under permit from Parks & Wildlife).

	Midge Point 08 April 2009

 

Having to abandon plans to monitor Midgeton sites MT1 and MT2 due to obstructed access (a deep drainage channel), the team monitored at nearby Midge Point. 

	Hydeaway Bay 09 April 2009

 

The last of the sites to be monitored were at Hydeaway Bay.  The sites are located on a coastal fringing reef and torrential rain greeted the team as they began monitoring HB1.  Nevertheless, seagrass abundance appeared similar to previous years.

 

Central Qld (Australia): 05 - 09 April 2009

 

	Shoalwater Bay 05-06 April 2009
	Great Keppel 08-09 April 2009

 

Townsville (Qld, Australia): 09 April 2009

This monitoring event had potential to be interesting as it followed unusually high rainfall from Nov - Feb, with significant storms and storm surges from December - Feb.   The whole reef flat area was coated with a thin but all pervasive layer of mud.  There was no Halophila ovalis or Thalassia hemprichii found along the transects.  As usual, Cymodocea serrulata dominated, with similar or somewhat lower levels than usual of Halodule uninervis.  Algal masses and mounds were virtually absent.  Text: Dr Don Kinsey

	Magnetic Island

 

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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.