McKenna, S.A., Smith, T.M., Reason, C.L., and Rasheed, M.A. (2021) Port of Weipa long-term seagrass monitoring program: 2000 - 2021. Report. TropWATER, James Cook University, Cairns, QLD, Australia.

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Abstract

Monitoring in 2021 found seagrasses in the Port of Weipa were in good condition.

o Monitoring meadows were almost all in good or very good condition for all three indicators measured (species composition, area and biomass). Species composition in meadow A6 was satisfactory.

o The area of seagrass meadows in the region closest to the port (in the Intensive Monitoring Area (IMA)) was one of the highest recorded in the 20-year monitoring program history.

o Seagrass biomass in the intertidal Halodule uninervis meadows (A3, A5) was the highest recorded since monitoring began in 2000.

• Seagrass across the broader port area (including Pine River Bay,Embley, Hey and Mission Rivers) was in similar condition to previous years with no notable changes.

• Light conditions were above the threshold for seagrass growth and survival throughout most of the year, with the exception of an expected period during the wet season.

• Favourable climate conditions for multiple years has led to greater seagrass cover across the port and the overall good condition of Weipa’s seagrass in 2021.

• The continued healthy state of Weipa’s seagrass in 2021 means they should be resilient to planned maintenance dredging activities in 2022.

Item ID:	79431
Item Type:	Report (Report)
Keywords:	Seagrass, Port of Weipa, North Queensland Bulk Ports, Long-term monitoring.
Copyright Information:	© James Cook University, 2021.
Funders:	North Queensland Bulk Ports Corporation (NQBP)
Date Deposited:	25 Jul 2023 00:42
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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