5.5.2 Sediment burial stress thresholds for seagrass

Deterioration in water clarity by resuspension of dredged sediments is presumed to be a major mechanism by which dredging can impact seagrasses. This report presents findings from a controlled light experiment that aimed to determine the effects of low light stress on the growth of three seagrass species found in the northwest of Western Australia.

Aims

• To determine the effects of sediment burial stress under dredge-simulated conditions on the growth and health of three seagrass species found in the northwest of Western Australia.
• Provide guidance and protocols for the application of the research outputs (e.g. seagrass burial stress:response relationships, sub-lethal and lethal bio-indicators and thresholds) to the prediction, assessment, monitoring and management of dredging programs in northwest of Western Australia.