Queensland Tropical Seagrass Restoration
This project aims to establish a coordinated volunteer seagrass restoration program spanning from Gladstone to Cairns in eastern Queensland. It will also enhance community and Traditional Owner capabilities to expand seagrass restoration efforts across the Great Barrier Reef (GBR) region.
Seagrass restoration work will be scaled up through increased participation from the recreational fishing community.
Seagrass meadows will be restored at locations including Cairns, Mourilyan Harbour, Airlie Beach, Konomie Island and Gladstone.
25 community engagement events and one stakeholder workshop will be delivered.
A collaborative approach
The upcoming seagrass restoration program will embark on restoration initiatives throughout eastern Queensland, encompassing key locations such as Cairns, Mourilyan Harbour, Airlie Beach, Konomie Island, and Gladstone. This collaborative effort brings together OzFish Unlimited, James Cook University, and Central Queensland University, with additional support from local Indigenous ranger groups.
Seagrass loss
Seagrass meadows have declined along sections of the eastern tropical Queensland coast due to a range of factors, with some meadows taking longer to recover than expected, and others showing little to no signs of recovery after over a decade of seagrass loss.
This restoration program aims to restore seagrass meadows, and to assess environmental and human factors that may be leading to seagrass decline.
Seagrass meadows provide important habitat for fish and invertebrates, and their decline should be of concern to anyone with an interest in the health of coastal ecosystems and the productivity of fish stocks.
Restoration methods
Seagrass meadows are being restored through various methods, including harvesting and transplanting rhizomes, as well as collecting flowers and seeds. This project, which focuses on tropical seagrass restoration, aims to restore the Zostera muelleri species. However, the collection and planting techniques will vary based on the specific location and conditions in that area.
We need your help
Throughout mid to late 2024, we will be collecting and planting seagrass at Cairns, Mourilyan Harbour, Airlie Beach, Konomie Island, and Gladstone. This is your chance to get hands-on with conservation efforts and make a tangible difference in our marine ecosystems. Keep an eye on the North Queensland events section for upcoming dates and join us in this crucial restoration project. Your participation will help ensure the health and sustainability of these essential marine habitats.
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This project is funded by the partnership between the Australian Government’s Reef Trust and the Great Barrier Reef Foundation. It is also supported by BCF – Boating, Camping, Fishing.
