Reason, C., McKenna, S., and Rasheed, M. (2023) Port of Abbot Point Long-Term Seagrass Monitoring Program 2022. Report. TropWATER, James Cook University, Cairns, QLD, Australia.

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Abstract

Abbot Point annual monitoring meadows were in a good overall condition in 2022. This is the third consecutive year that seagrass has been in a good condition.

• Inshore Halodule and Zostera monitoring meadows were in a good condition in 2022. The area of the two H. uninervis monitoring meadows on either side of Abbot Point was the largest it has been in the program to date.

• Offshore seagrass meadows dominated by Halophila spinulosa and H. ovalis were also in good condition in 2022. Of note was the presence of H. tricostata in offshore areas, last recorded in 2016.

• The 2022 broadscale survey mapped 17,945 ha of seagrass with the location and community types similar to previous broadscale surveys.

• Environmental conditions over the last three years have been favourable for seagrass growth, likely contributing the sustained good condition of Abbot Point seagrass in 2022.

• The healthy state of Abbot Point seagrasses means they are likely to have high levels of resilience to future natural and anthropogenic pressures.

Item ID:	79423
Item Type:	Report (Report)
Keywords:	Seagrass, monitoring meadows, broadscale survey, Abbot Point
Copyright Information:	© James Cook University 2023
Funders:	North Queensland Bulk Ports Corporation (NQBP)
Date Deposited:	25 Jul 2023 02:09
FoR Codes:	41 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES > 4104 Environmental management > 410402 Environmental assessment and monitoring @ 100%
SEO Codes:	18 ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT > 1802 Coastal and estuarine systems and management > 180201 Assessment and management of coastal and estuarine ecosystems @ 100%
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