5.1.2 Seagrass Biogeography

Description

This review was undertaken to identify which seagrass primary producers (species or different functional groups) that collectively cover the bio-geographic range of key primary producers in the northwest of Western Australia are most appropriate for the focus of subsequent research into thresholds and indicators of response to dredging-related pressures (i.e. Theme 5). An assessment framework was developed based on six criteria: biogeographic range; ecological relevance (life-history strategy, habitats, natural dynamics and ecological services); current knowledge on thresholds and bioindicators; likelihood that species are sensitive and resilient to dredging related stressors; extent of improvement in applied knowledge; and likelihood of being able to grow seagrass species successfully in mesocosms.

Aims

To identify which primary producers (species or different functional groups), that collectively cover the bio-geographic range of key primary producers in WA, are most appropriate for the focus of subsequent research into thresholds and indicators of response to dredging-related pressures