Carter, A., Proctor, M., Forsman, S., Scott, A., Rasheed, M., and David, M. (2025) Torres Strait Seagrass Report Card 2025. Report. James Cook University, Tropwater, Cairns, QLD, Australia.

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Abstract

Seagrass meadows across the Torres Strait are both extensive and diverse, representing some of the highest species richness in the Indo-Pacific region (Carter et al. 2024a). Their ecological value is significant—they support major fisheries and provide essential food for culturally important species such as dugongs and turtles (TSRA 2016). Many key species, including fish, prawns, beche-de-mer, and tropical rock lobster, rely on seagrass during critical life stages (Marsh et al. 2015; Unsworth and Cullen 2010; Heck et al. 2008; Green 2006). The degradation or loss of these habitats would have profound implications for the cultural, spiritual, and economic livelihoods of Torres Strait Islander communities(TSRA 2016; Kleisner et al. 2015; Faury 2009).

Seagrasses are also valuable bioindicators, responding measurably to shifts in environmental conditions(Roca et al. 2016). Torres Strait has experienced several major seagrass declines, including a broad-scale event in the 1970s and more localised losses in the 1990s and early 2000s(Johannes and MacFarlane 1991), and more localised diebacks in the early 1990s in north-western Torres Strait (Poiner and Peterkin 1996) and in the Orman Reefs area in 1999-2000 (Marsh et al. 2004). These events, though not fully understood, have been linked to herbivore declines and increased dugong deaths (Marsh et al. 2004; Long and Skewes 1996). More recently, the Torres Strait seagrass report cards from 2020–2024 documented substantial declines in both intertidal meadows around Orman Reefs and subtidal meadows in the Western and Central Clusters. While no evidence of disease was found, a lack of environmental baseline data prevented confirmation of other causes (Carter et al. 2024b). Field experiments at Mabuyag and Orman Reefs suggested that heavy grazing pressure from turtles and dugongs contributed to the reduced seagrass cover (Scott et al. 2022a).

Item ID:	87654
Item Type:	Report (Report)
Keywords:	Torres Strait, Seagrass, monitoring program, dugong, turtle, fish habitats, dugong sanctuary, reef monitoring, ranger program
Copyright Information:	© James Cook University, 2025.
Funders:	Torres Strait Regional Authority (TSRA)
Projects and Grants:	TSRA CA-2024-00067
Date Deposited:	09 Sep 2025 00:17
FoR Codes:	41 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES > 4104 Environmental management > 410402 Environmental assessment and monitoring @ 100%
SEO Codes:	18 ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT > 1805 Marine systems and management > 180501 Assessment and management of benthic marine ecosystems @ 50% 21 INDIGENOUS > 2104 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander heritage and culture > 210402 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander connection to land and environment @ 50%
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