Eight seagrass species occur in the SEQ region (Cymodocea serrulata, Halophila decipiens, Halophila minor, Halophila ovalis, Halophila spinulosa, Halodule uninervis, Syringodium isoetifolium and Zostera muelleri subsp. capricorni (aka Zostera capricorni), with Zostera capricorni and Halophila ovalis the most common, and Halophila minor the rarest¹; although H. minor taxonomy remains under review². Seagrass communities in SEQ have been mapped several times over the past 35 years to varying degrees and accuracies.

Seagrass distribution throughout the region is most likely influenced by shelter, sediment characteristics, water turbidity and tidal exposure. The most extensive seagrass meadows in the SEQ region occur in the intertidal zone. Large seagrass meadows occur in areas of wide intertidal flats while small but dense seagrass meadows are found in association with narrow or confined channels. Seagrass do not occur on exposed oceanic shores in the region, but do occur in small intertidal areas within some rivers and creeks flowing directly into the ocean.