Scott, Abbi L., Whap, Terrence, Kris, Johnny, Carlisle, Moni, David, Madeina, Rasheed, Michael A., York, Paul H., and Carter, Alex B. (2022) Keeping good company: A co-created, co-designed and co-delivered collaborative response to seagrass declines in western Torres Strait. In: [Presented at the Australian Marine Science Association Conference 2022]. From: Australian Marine Science Association Conference 2022: Change and connections, 7-12 August 2022, Cairns, Queensland, Australia.

PDF (Abstract Only) - Accepted Version Restricted to Repository staff only

Abstract

Seagrass meadows in the Torres Strait provide significant foraging grounds for green turtles and dugongs, two culturally significant species for local communities. Dramatic declines in seagrass meadows in western Torres Strait were recorded in 2019 and 2020. In response to understanding the drivers of change directly related to these seagrass declines, James Cook University, Mabuyag Rangers, the Torres Strait Regional Authority’s Sea Team and Goemulgaw PBC co-designed a study to understand to what extent grazing by megaherbivores (green turtles and dugongs) is driving seagrass decline. Megaherbivore exclusion cages were used in two key meadows with differing seagrass communities at Mabuyag Island and Orman Reefs, to understand the impact of green turtle and dugong grazing on seagrass structure. The experimental set up and sampling was co-delivered with all study partners and in consultation with the local community. Megaherbivory was shown to be an important structuring influence in both seagrass meadows but to differing degrees, influencing seagrass biomass and canopy height. These results, combined with other investigations into seagrass declines, inform Traditional Owner led dugong and turtle management plans and help direct actions for remediation as required by both Traditional Owners and management agencies.

Item ID:	79407
Item Type:	Conference Item (Abstract / Summary)
Date Deposited:	25 Jul 2023 23:55
FoR Codes:	41 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES > 4104 Environmental management > 410406 Natural resource management @ 100%
SEO Codes:	18 ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT > 1805 Marine systems and management > 180507 Rehabilitation or conservation of marine environments @ 100%
Downloads:	Total: 1
	More Statistics