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Seagrass-Watch: community-based seagrass monitoring programSeagrass-Watch is a community-based monitoring program developed by Queensland's Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries (QDPI&F) in conjunction with CRC Reef, Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service and community groups. The key community groups involved in the development of the program are the Hervey Bay Dugong and Seagrass Monitoring Program, Whitsunday Volunteers and the Order of Underwater Coral Heroes (OUCH)
Seagrass-Watch collects data about the condition and trend of near-shore seagrasses throughout Queensland and provides an early warning of major changes in seagrass abundance, distribution and species composition. Seagrass-Watch developed out of recognition that a new approach was needed to monitor the trend and condition of seagrass meadows in Queensland. Limited resources mean that it is logistically impossible for government agencies alone to address state-wide inquiries about seagrass issues. Coastal communities are concerned about the condition and loss of seagrasses in their regions and are keen to play a primary information gathering role by working in partnership with government agencies. Industry and community groups are also aware of the vital links between seagrasses and important fish, turtle and dugong populations. Seagrass-Watch has captured this interest and facilitates links between community networks, government agencies and local industry groups to provide scientific advise on critical seagrass resources. In Queensland, Seagrass-Watch programs involve more than 300 volunteers and have been established in Hervey Bay, the Great Sandy Strait and the Whitsunday regions. Community groups and seagrass scientists monitor 28 sites in the Hervey Bay/Sandy Straits region, 16 sites in the Whitsundays, two sites at Townsville and one site at Yule Point (about 20 km north of Cairns).
For more information contact: Seagrass-Watch HQ Or go to the Seagrass Watch website: www.seagrasswatch.org
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