PROJECT 1.4: LIVING SYTEM RESPONSE
(Dr R Coles, DPI)
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| Reef researcher Dr Rob Coles from DPI, Northern
Fisheries Centre, has discovered fields of previously unknown seagrasses
north of Cairns. The find is particularly significant as seagrass
meadows provide essential food for dugong and green turtles. (Photo:
DPI) |
As a response to concerns about degradation of water quality affecting
coral reefs and seagrass beds, broadscale surveys of the living benthic
communities of coral reefs (Task 1.4.1) and seagrass beds (Task 1.4.2)
were conducted in several parts of the GBR. For coral reefs, localised,
probably human-induced, degradation of reefs was reported, but no unambiguous
signal of broadscale human-induced sediment or nutrient stress was identified.
Analyses of community structure and dynamics on reefs in one area naturally
stressed by tidally re-suspended sediments and another influence by flood
plumes are being undertaken in an attempt to help identify symptoms of
natural and anthropogenic stress. On a related issue with immediate management
application, a set of criteria were developed for use by environmental
managers and decision-makers to evaluate coral reefs, based on the ecological
values of biodiversity and replacement time.
A survey of deep-water sea-grass beds
in the far northern sector of the GBR, away from major population
centres, showed a major discontinuity at Princess Charlotte Bay. A suite
of sedimentary data will be analysed to investigate major environmental
correlates with strong distribution patterns. Experimental applications
of fertilisers increased production of two common seagrass species, and
a program to monitor the effect of removal of a sewage outfall at Green
Island was initiated as a case study for GBR island and cay localities.
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