5.3 Seagrass natural dynamics

Description

Relatively little is known of the spatial and temporal dynamics of seagrass meadows in the northwest of Western Australia, but such knowledge is needed when designing and evaluating studies that aim to detect potential dredging-related impacts on seagrass, and when making predictions about the likelihood of, and speed of recovery from such impacts. This study was undertaken to improve our understanding of the spatial and temporal patterns in seagrass composition, abundance and reproductive phenology in the Pilbara. We also characterised key environmental parameters, especially light, that influence seagrass survival and can be altered by dredging.

Aims

To improve our understanding of the spatial and temporal patterns in species composition, abundance and reproductive phenology of seagrasses in the Pilbara, and of key environmental parameters (especially light) that influence seagrass survival and that can be altered by dredging.