Moreton Bay

Eight seagrass species occur in the SEQ region (Cymodocea serrulata, Halophila decipiens, Halophila minor, Halophila ovalis, Halophila spinulosa, Halodule uninervis, Syringodium isoetifolium and Zostera muelleri ssp. capricorni (synonym Zostera capricorni), with Zostera capricorni and Halophila ovalis the most common, and Halophila minor the rarest¹; although H. minor taxonomy remains under review².

The first descriptions of seagrass extent in Moreton Bay were by Welsby, 1905³, however mapping has only occurred in the last 40 years, to varying degrees and accuracies. In early 1972, following a preliminary survey, Young and Kirkman, 1975⁴ conducted a comprehensive study of Moreton Bay in which all the littoral areas were visited by shallow draft boats and the composition of their seagrass communities determined by eye. Seagrass extent (9,358 ±2,107 ha, mapping error estimated using GIS) was also corroborated by aerial survey. They further investigated 24 locations within the region and five distinct seagrass community types were identified, including: Zostera capricorni / Halophila ovalis; Cymodocea serrulata / Syringodium isoetifolium / Zostera capricorni, Halodule uninervis / Halophila ovalis; Halophila ovalis / Halophila spinulosa. During the early-mid seventies, seagrass meadows in northern Moreton Bay dramatically declined⁵. This was primarily attributed to sand movement but cropping by fish was a secondary contributing factor⁶.

Between August and December 1987 the first detailed survey documented the broad extent of seagrass distribution in Moreton Bay and adjacent estuaries⁷. Hyland et al., 1989⁷ identified seven species of seagrass, and estimated approximately 14,170 ha of seagrass meadows (light to dense) and 12,500 ha of sparse or patchy seagrass areas between Coolangatta and Noosa. A recovery of seagrass in Deception Bay and Pumicestone Passage was evident between 1981 and 1987 following the large scale declines of seagrass in these areas during the early seventies.

In August 1998, the distribution of seagrass between Caloundra and Logan River mouth (southern Moreton Bay) was mapped as part of the initiation of the Healthy Waterways Initiative⁸. Approximately 19,109 ±700 ha was mapped within Moreton Bay. The greatest coverage was found in the eastern Bay, Waterloo Bay and northern Deception Bay. The Bay was dominated by Zostera capricorni and the greatest diversity can be found in the eastern Bay⁸.

In 2001 a number of the sites examined in 1998 were re-visited (476 in total), however the meadow extent was not interpreted⁹. The majority of sites ground truthed were within Moreton Bay (south of Bribie Island bridge). Only two meadows (intertidal banks) were examined in southern Pumicestone Passage.

From March to July 2002, seagrass was mapped in Pumicestone Passage between Caloundra and the Bribie Island bridge, including several of the major creeks¹⁰. Approximately 750 ground truth points were examined and non-rectified aerial photography (Beach Protection Authority, July 1999 at 1830m) was used to assist with boundary determination.

The most detailed survey of the bay (between the Bribie Island bridge and Kangaroo Island, from July to August 2004), mapped 183 km2 of seagrass meadows (revised from original 189 km2 using GIS and excluding macroalgae)¹¹. Approximately 10% of Moreton Bay was covered by seagrass, most of which was found on the shallow banks (<5m)¹¹. An additional 10km2 of deep water seagrass (5 12m depth) meadows was mapped in the Middle Banks areas south and west of Tangalooma Point in 2002 and 2005^12,¹³. Overall, this equates to just under 5% of the total area of seagrass shallower than 15m along eastern Queensland coast. Roelfsema et al., 2009¹¹ estimated that a little over half (56%) of the seagrass meadows in Moreton Bay were of low cover (between 1-25%). Although the % cover is low, these meadows are of high importance to the dugong of the bay as they are grazed on more heavily than denser meadows¹⁴. As adult dugongs have been reported to eat about 28 to 40 kilograms a day¹⁵, it is no coincidence, that one the highest population of dugongs adjacent to a major population centre occurs in the region.

The area of highest dugong population in the bay is the Eastern Banks¹⁶, where seagrass cover has been mapped annually from 1988-2010 using course scale resolution (30 m pixel size) archived satellite imagery (Landsat Thematic Mapper)¹⁷.

The most recent mapping of seagrass communities in Moreton bay has been in response to the impacts from flooding. From mid December 2010 to mid January 2011, heavy rainfall across southern Queensland river catchments, due to TC Tasha combining with a trough during the strongest La Niña weather pattern since 1973, resulted in some of the highest floods in over 30 years. On 11 January 2011 at around 2:30 pm EST, the Brisbane River broke its banks and on 13 January it peaked at 4.46 metres in Brisbane. The floods were the sixth highest in the city's history. Significant flood plumes were reported along the western shores of the bay, immediately adjacent to the Brisbane River mouth. Using the 2004 approach^11,¹⁸ remapped the Bay between June and September 2011, and reported 182.3 km2 of seagrass meadows. The survey, however, did not include 23 km2 areas that were mapped in 2004 as seagrass, due to limited resources. If the same survey areas are compared between the 2004 and 2011 surveys, the seagrass extent increased from 160 km2 to 182.3 km2 (i.e. 14%) respectively. The increase in seagrass extent was driven by an increase in area on the Eastern Banks, which was greater than the net loss predominantly occurring on the Western and Southern Bay areas¹⁹. No significant conclusion can be drawn as to whether the loss in seagrass cover on the Western side of the Bay was due to the 2011 floods, as no sufficient data was available immediately prior to the flood.

Following on from the post-flood surveys of 2011, ongoing research on the Eastern Banks area of the Moreton Bay, has mapped seagrass percentage cover, species and biomass in June 2011, February 2012, and June 2012 (C. Roelfsema, UQ, Pers. Comm.). The project is currently finalising the February/March 2013, and June 2013 mapping. This project will compare the results with previous surveys in September 2004, August 2007, September 2008, and December 2009.

During the last week of January 2013, ex-TC Oswald moved south and produced extreme rainfall and flooding in the Brisbane catchments and the ranges along the NSW/QLD border (the area-averaged rainfall for the Brisbane River catchment was very similar to that in the 2011 event) (www.bom.gov.au, accessed 04 March 2013). This resulted in Brisbane River flood waters discharging into Moreton Bay, the second time in 24 months. However, coupled with the floodwaters in 2013 were strong-gale force winds, high tides and associated wave action, resulted in damage to littoral systems and resuspension of sediments throughout the bay.

Concerns have been raised of widespread sediment discharges throughout Moreton Bay and Pumicestone having a more extensive effect on seagrass and marine systems than occurred in January 2011. The extent of the January 2013 sediment pollution plume has been described as heavy and extensive, which was possibly in part exacerbated by the high levels of sediment pollution ‘left in the system’ following the January 2011 floods²⁰. The general perception is that "damage to seagrass and dependent iconic dugong and turtle species is likely to be significant"²⁰. There are also concerns that the ‘easily mobilised sediment and nutrients’ in the upper catchments have again been ‘recharged’ and vulnerable to further flushing during future rains.

Findings from all the assessments conducted to date, indicate that seagrass presence throughout the region is most likely influenced by shelter, sediment characteristics, water turbidity and tidal exposure.

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Seagrass-Watch in Moreton Bay

To provide an early warning of change, long-term monitoring was established in Moreton Bay in May 2001 in conjunction with Seagrass-Watch, Global Seagrass Observing Network ^21,²². Establishing a network of monitoring sites in Moreton Bay provides valuable information on temporal trends in the health status of seagrass meadows in the region and provides a tool for decision-makers in adopting protective measures. It encourages local communities to become involved in seagrass management and protection. Working with both scientists and local stakeholders, this approach is designed to draw attention to the many local anthropogenic impacts on seagrass meadows which degrade coastal ecosystems and decrease their yield of natural resources.

Many of the seagrass monitoring sites in the Bay was originally established in conjunction with the EHMP depth monitoring. The EHMP had expressed interest in the Moreton Bay Community Seagrass Monitoring Project (using Seagrass-Watch protocols), especially in terms of its potential for the early detection of Lyngbya blooms.

To date, 51 sites have been established at 15 different locations²³. Sites are monitored three times per year in March/April, July/August and November/December to minimise damage to the seagrass meadows, most of which grow in a muddy substrate.

Interested in Seagrass monitoring in Moreton Bay?

Location

Bramble Bay

Monitoring: suspended
Past watchers: Jennifer Singfield, Ross Coe and Mary-Ann Pattison, David Sinlfeld, Kathryn Crouch, Liza Reyes, Paul Finn, S Stevens-Hoare, Mary-Ann Pattison, Sean Galvin & Sue Reid.
Location: Bramble Bay extends from the mouth of the Brisbane River north to Woody Point, Redcliffe Peninsula.
Site code: BBMB1, BBMB2, BBMB3 (non compliant site codes)

Issues: riverine discharge, a number of sewage treatment plants discharge almost directly into the bay (e.g. Redcliffe, Sandgate and Luggage Point), wind-driven re-suspension of fine fluvial sediments.

Comments: Bramble Bay receives discharges from Hays Inlet, the Pine Rivers, Cabbage Tree Creek and the Brisbane River. Bramble Bay water have the longest residence time (~60 days) of any region in Moreton Bay, so flushing does not help to remove polluted discharge. Excess nutrients have caused the proliferation of the macroalgae Ulva lactuca (sea lettuce) in several sections of the system. Ulva requires a rocky substrate and its growth is rapidly stimulated by elevated nutrients.
No seagrass meadows persist in Bramble Bay although seasonal occurrences of Halophila ovalis have been recorded. Water quality conditions are unsuitable for seagrass to re-establish. Due to it’s proximity to Brisbane, Bramble Bay is an important area for recreational pursuits like boating and fishing.
Lyngbya majuscula has not been recorded in Bramble Bay, this may be due to poor light penetration and the lack of seagrass or other supporting substrates.

STATUS (August 2007)

no seagrass has been observed in Bramble Bay since monitoring established. The sites were last examined in August 2007.
Bramble Bay is characterised by poor water quality and poor biological health, a consequence of elevated nutrients, low dissolved oxygen and high sewage nitrogen. Bramble Bay had the poorest ecosystem health of all Moreton Bay in 2012 ²⁴

Location

Cleveland

Monitoring: suspended
Past watchers: Don Baxter, Will Glynn, Gary Millar, Deidre Morrow, Graham Barr, Deborah Heavey, Paul Finn
Location: on the south eastern banks of Cleveland Point
Site code: CL1, CL2
Issues: urban stormwater, sewage and agricultural runoff, coastal development
Comments: major urban and coastal development is occurring in this location. A major ferry terminal and associated facilities for the Moreton Bay islands is present approximately 1km south of the monitoring site

STATUS (April 2014)

Seagrass abundance appeared in a Good state when last examined in April 2014
Seagrass dominated by Nanozostera muelleri with some Halophila ovalis
Seagrass abundance declined late in 2005, recovering within 3 years. Current status is unknown, as it recovered by early 2008.
Declines in abundance are associated with increases in the composition of Halophila ovalis, (an early colonising species) indicating some level of disturbance.
Although seagrass abundance fluctuates within and between years, no long-term trends are apparent.

Seagrass cover, species composition and canopy height

Data should be interpreted with caution as may not be fully compliant with Seagrass-Watch QAQC

Macroalgae and Epiphyte cover

Data should be interpreted with caution as may not be fully compliant with Seagrass-Watch QAQC

Location

Deception Bay

Monitoring: suspended
Past watchers: Wayne Young,Jennifer Singfield, Barbara Miller, Karen Francis, Joe Patiniott, Sue Stevens-Hoare, Brian Vernon, Anita Cross, Karrel Cassey, Ross Rule, Hannah Rowan, Paul Finn & Sean Galvin.
Location: Southern banks of Deception Bay, east of a large canal development.
Site code: DBMB1, DB2MB, DBMB3 (non compliant site codes)

Issues: Urban stormwater, sewage and agricultural runoff, coastal development

Comments:
Deception Bay is situated at the northern section of Moreton Bay and receives input from the Caboolture River and Pumicestone Passage. Flushing from the North Passage and relatively low inputs of nutrients and sediments from the Caboolture River maintain good water quality in the northern part of the Bay. Extensive (~1300ha ) seagrass meadows (mostly Nanozostera muelleri , with Halophila ovalis, Syringodium isoetifolium) are present in the northern part of the bay, but have been covered with a toxic cyanobacterium, Lyngbya majuscula, on an annual basis since 1990. It is suggested that terrigenous runoff containing iron and humic substances is stimulating the annual blooms.

Extensive (~2100ha) seagrass meadows were present in the southern part of Deception Bay in December 1987⁷. These included meadows of Nanozostera muelleri with some Halophila ovalis inshore, and meadows generally <10% cover of Halophila ovalis, Halophila spinulosa, Halophila decipiens subtidally. Approximately 15km2 of seagrass meadows were lost in the southern Bay in 1996 following a 1-in-20 year flood event and there has been no subsequent recovery. Lack of seagrass recovery is likely due to discharge of poor quality water from the Caboolture River which remains a pressure on Deception Bay’s overall ecosystem health. Poor flushing in that area of Deception Bay compounds the impact of this discharge. Recovery in the area is most likely being limited by the poor water clarity.

During 2002-2003, Lyngbya blooms covered up to 30% of seagrass meadows in northern Deception Bay. Lyngbya was found predominantly on the meadows at Godwin’s Beach extending to the mouth of Pumicestone Passage. A similar result was recorded in 2001-2002.

Water quality is improving in Deception Bay and in the 2012 report card it was rated a C- (up from D+ in 2011)²⁴. The improved rating was a consequence of decreased nitrogen concentration and sewage indicator. Lyngbya majuscula coverage decreased slightly. Seagrass, however, remained sparse and very intermittently occurring.

STATUS (August 2015)

Seagrass abundance decreased significantly from 2005 to 2007. Subsequent increases were reported in 2008, however only 1 site was examined.
Sites are dominated by Nanozostera muelleri , with a minor component of Halophila ovalis from time to time.

Seagrass cover, species composition and canopy height

Data should be interpreted with caution as may not be fully compliant with Seagrass-Watch QAQC

Macroalgae and Epiphyte cover

Data should be interpreted with caution as may not be fully compliant with Seagrass-Watch QAQC

Location

Fishermans Island

Monitoring: suspended
Past watchers:Don Baxter, Will Glynn, Gary Millar Deidre Morrow, Graham Barr, Deborah Heavey, Lou Coles, Michael Murphy, Paul Finn, Gavin Leese & Rebecca McMillan.
Location: south of the Brisbane River mouth, near the southern end of the sea wall, north of south point, at the most northern section of Waterloo Bay.
Site code: FI1, FI2, FI3

Issues: Urban stormwater, sewage and agricultural runoff, coastal development

Comments:
Waterloo Bay on the western side of Moreton Bay, extends from the mouth of the Brisbane River south to Wellington Point. Numerous small creeks make up the Redland Catchment which drains directly into Waterloo Bay. These creeks include Tingalpa, Coolnwynpin, Tarradarrapin, Hilliards, Eprapah, Moogurrapum and Weinum Creeks.

There are a range of land uses within the catchment such as poultry farming, plant nurseries, flower farms, market gardens, urban areas and bushland. Tingalpa Reservoir impounds Tingalpa Creek. There are five sewage treatment plants discharging in the Redlands/Waterloo Bay catchment.

Waterloo Bay is characterised by relatively stable water quality with good (A-) biological health²⁴. Although the region is affected by the Brisbane River through Boat Passage, water currents generally force nutrients and sediments from the river mouth northward away from Waterloo Bay. It is the only western embayment of Moreton Bay that still supports a mosaic of coral, macroalgal and seagrass communities. Generally stress tolerant species capable of withstanding sediment loading dominate. Healthy meadows of the seagrass Nanozostera muelleri are present in Waterloo Bay and depth ranges of most meadows have not changed since 1993, indicating that these meadows are generally stable.

Seagrass depth range monitored at Fisherman Islands at the end of Boat Passage as part of the EHMP, is the shallowest, corresponding to the poorest water clarity in the region.

STATUS (May 2008)

Sites are dominated by Nanozostera muelleri with Halophila ovalis. Halophila spinulosa also occurs at FI1, although its abundance declined in 2007 and 2008.
Seagrass abundance has remained relatively high (>40% cover) at FI1, however, abundance significantly from 2005 to 2007 at FI2
Insufficient data to describe long-term trends.

Seagrass cover, species composition and canopy height

Data should be interpreted with caution as may not be fully compliant with Seagrass-Watch QAQC

Macroalgae and Epiphyte cover

Data should be interpreted with caution as may not be fully compliant with Seagrass-Watch QAQC

Location

Lota/Thornside

Monitoring: suspended
Past watchers: Josef Major, Rose Penfold, Lisa West, Lou Coles, Tina Antill, Rebecca Goddard, Julie Meles, Belinda Daly
Location: On the western banks of Waterloo Bay, south of Manly.
Site code: LT2, LT3

Issues: Urban stormwater, sewage and agricultural runoff, coastal development

Comments:
Monitoring sites are immediately adjacent to the discharge from Redland Catchment. There are a range of land uses within the catchment such as poultry farming, plant nurseries, flower farms, market gardens, urban areas and bushland. Tingalpa Reservoir impounds Tingalpa Creek. There are five sewage treatment plants discharging in the Redlands/Waterloo Bay catchment.

Waterloo Bay is characterised by relatively stable water quality with good (A-) biological health²⁴. Although the region is affected by the Brisbane River through Boat Passage, water currents generally force nutrients and sediments from the river mouth northward away from Waterloo Bay. Generally stress tolerant species capable of withstanding sediment loading dominate. Healthy meadows of the seagrass Nanozostera muelleri are present in Waterloo Bay and depth ranges of most meadows have not changed since 1993, indicating that these meadows are generally stable.

STATUS (December 2007)

Seagrass meadows are dominated by Nanozostera muelleri with some Halophila ovalis.
Slightly more Halophila ovalis in the earlier months of the year.
Although a seasonal trend in abundance is apparent at both sites (with higher abundances in the late spring and summer months), long-term trends suggest abundances are declining.
Very minor amounts (<1% cover) of Lyngbya was reported at LT3 on 7 Dec 2003.

Seagrass cover, species composition and canopy height

Data should be interpreted with caution as may not be fully compliant with Seagrass-Watch QAQC

Macroalgae and Epiphyte cover

Data should be interpreted with caution as may not be fully compliant with Seagrass-Watch QAQC

Location

Moreton Banks

Monitoring: suspended
Principal watchers: ?
Location: Located at western bank from Brown’s Gutter
Site code: MB1, MB2, MB3

Issues: Urban stormwater, sewage and agricultural runoff, coastal development

Comments:
Moreton Banks contain dense meadows of Nanozostera muelleri with sparse Halophila ovalis and Halophila spinulosa in the region between Moreton Banks and Rous Channel (around Fishermans Gutter) .

Dense meadows of Nanozostera muelleri occur on Boolong Bank, to the west of the mangrove island south of Blue Hole. Dense meadows of Syringodium isoetifolium are interspersed with the Nanozostera muelleri meadows particularly towards the southeast region of Moreton Banks.

A mixture of patchy and light meadows of mainly Nanozostera muelleri and Halophila ovalis, but with some Halodule uninervis occur to the west of the dense Nanozostera muelleri meadows. Sparse Nanozostera muelleri , Halophila ovalis and Halodule uninervis occur on the outer edge of the banks down to depths of 3m²⁶.

Status (Unknown)

Location

Moreton Island

Monitoring: suspended
Past watchers: Janet Drovers, Ed Boast, Jill Ferguson, Trish Cavanaugh, Nanette Kempel, Jenni van Rooyen, Linda Back, Phillip Back, Petra Janoschka, Val Young.
Location: Located at the south western end of Moreton Island.
Site code: MIMB1, MIMB2 (non compliant site codes)

Issues: Urban stormwater, sewage and agricultural runoff, coastal development

Comments:
The Eastern Banks region of Moreton Bay covers approximately 100km2 and includes Moreton, Boolong, Chain, Maroom and Amity Banks. This area is considered pristine with excellent water quality, extensive and diverse seagrass meadows growing in deep waters and diverse faunal assemblages. There have, however, been recent outbreaks of the toxic cyanobacteria Lyngbya majuscula occurring annually since 2000. During the summer months, up to 28% of the seagrass was covered in Lyngbya, which are primary grazing meadows for turtles and dugongs.

STATUS (March 2014)

Seagrass abundance appeared in a Fair to Good state when last examined in March 2014
Seagrass abundance at both sites has remained stable between years, after an initial increased in 2003/04.
Seagrass cover is slightly lower at MIMB2 than MIMB1.
Species composition has remained relatively stable.

Seagrass cover, species composition and canopy height

Data should be interpreted with caution as may not be fully compliant with Seagrass-Watch QAQC

Macroalgae and Epiphyte cover

Interactive plots with mouse-over features providing additional detail

Location

North Stradbroke Island

Monitoring: suspended
Past watchers: Kathy Townsend, Dan O’Sullivan, Rachael Hanna, Allister Gee, Paula Williams, Jo Barkworth, Coralie Dodd, Donna Smit Jeanette Watson, Murray Watson, Chris Matthews, John Osborne, Margaret Grenfell, Paul Finn, Andy Morison, Annette Gaupp, Barry Brown, Carmen & Pip, Evelyn Chen, Hannabella, Jan Connolly, Lauren, Lou Coles, Kathryn Crouch, Sarah & Stephanie Esentrager.
Location: on the north western banks of North Stradbroke Island.
Site code: NS1, NS2, NS3, NS4

Issues: minor storm water and sewage inputs

Comments:
The Eastern Bay region which includes North Stradbroke Island, has excellent water quality with low nutrient levels, low sediment loads, and diverse coral assemblages. There are extensive seagrass meadows that provide food and habitat to fish and crustaceans as well as turtles and dugong.

STATUS (July 2008)

Seagrass abundance was in a relatively fair state overall when last examined in July 2008
Macroalgae abundances are relatively high, with greatest abundances in the late spring period. Sites NS2 and NS4 generally have more macroalgae present than the other sites.

Seagrass cover, species composition and canopy height

Data should be interpreted with caution as may not be fully compliant with Seagrass-Watch QAQC

Macroalgae and Epiphyte cover

Data should be interpreted with caution as may not be fully compliant with Seagrass-Watch QAQC

Location

Ormiston

Monitoring: suspended
Past watchers: Jacquie Sheils, Matt Scougal, Scott Watson, Alicia Axam, Aimee Van Polanen Petel, Chloe Rhoades, Hamish Axam, Nicola Rae, Chris Fraser, Ben Cook, Boglary, Decalie Newton, Carol Conacher, John Thorougood, Keira Price, Kylie Asher, Nicola Udy, Paul Finn, Peter London, Sharon, Simon Baltais & Wendy Boglary.
Location: northern banks of Raby Bay
Site code: OR1, OR2, OR3, OR4
Issues: Urban stormwater, sewage and agricultural runoff, coastal development
Comments: Sites are particularly muddy. Rapid urbanisation of the catchment has occurred over recent years including the construction of canal developments.

STATUS (April 2008):

Seagrass abundance variability within and between sites is high.
Meadows dominated by Nanozostera muelleri with Halophila ovalis
Abundance increases seasonally over the summer months, a consequence of warmer temperatures and possibly clearer water.

Seagrass cover, species composition and canopy height

Data should be interpreted with caution as may not be fully compliant with Seagrass-Watch QAQC

Macroalgae and Epiphyte cover

Data should be interpreted with caution as may not be fully compliant with Seagrass-Watch QAQC

Location

Peel Island

Monitoring: suspended
Past watchers: Sam Ledger, Stu Ledger, Chris Ayres, Rhonda Ayres, James Wright, Janet Dovers, Don Burton, Lou Coles, Michael Salini, Richie Pigeon, Shon Schooler, Damien Guppitt, John Berry, Lucas Batton, Nicola Udy, Alice Yeates, Bethan Haughton, Paul Finn, Donovan Burton & S Raghu & Rebecca Fowler.
Location: central Moreton Bay, in the small bay on the southern side of the island, adjacent to Platypus.
Site code: PIMB1, PIMB2, PIMB3 (non compliant site codes)

Issues: minor storm water and sewage inputs, boat traffic & anchoring

Comments: Monitroing sites are subtidal – assessed by free diving. Peel Island area has relatively good water quality with low nutrient levels and low sediment loads²⁵.

Diverse coral assemblages are located around the island. Tidal flushing through the South Passage removes any minor storm water and sewage inputs. There are extensive seagrass meadows that provide food and habitat to fish and crustaceans as well as turtles and dugong.

The at Peel Island, in which the moniotirng sites are located, has been very stable for the past 5 years and extends to 2m in depth. The last major bloom of Lyngbya majuscula was reported in early 2002, before monitoring was initiated.

STATUS (April 2007):

Seagrass abundance appeared in a Poor state when last examined in April 2007
Variable seagrass abundances within sites and between monitoring events. Abundance increased from 2003, but declined back to 2003 levels in 2007.
sites within shallow subtidal Zostera muelleri dominated meadow (~44ha), with Halophila ovalis and Syringodium isoetifolium. Halophila spinulosa is present in minor amounts.
PIMB3 is dominated by Syringodium isoetifolium and Halophila spinulosa, with small amounts of Zostera muelleri and Halophila ovalis.

Seagrass cover, species composition and canopy height

Data should be interpreted with caution as may not be fully compliant with Seagrass-Watch QAQC

Macroalgae and Epiphyte cover

Data should be interpreted with caution as may not be fully compliant with Seagrass-Watch QAQC

Location

Pumicestone Passage

Monitoring: suspended
Past watchers: Joyce Newell, Bob Newell, John McConnell, Jackie McConnell, Maureen Hickling, Warwick Bright, Shaylee Bright, Michael Salini, Jenny Reynolds, Allen Reynolds, Kim Reynolds, Denis Evans, Bob (Edward Robert) Davis, Mick (Malcolm) Graham, Jennifer Graham, Michael Kelly, Brett Williams, Chris Penning, Kathryn Crouch, Denis Evans, Lou Coles, Nathan Kirby & Tarni Williams.
Location: Pumicestone Passage is a narrow shallow estuary extending between the coastal plain in the west and Bribie Island in the east.
Site code: PP1 PP2, PP3, PP4, PP5

Issues: Major land uses in the catchment include pine plantations, forestry and intensive agriculture, sewage discharge, coastal urban development.

Comments:
Pumicestone Passage receives inflows from numerous small creeks on the mainland and Bribie Island. Tidal flushing of the southern passage from Deception Bay dominates the estuary and there is a net northern movement of water through the Passage. The main population centre is Caloundra in the north, with the smaller townships of Beerburrum, Beerwah and Landsborough located in the hinterland. Population growth in the catchment is high and there is an increasing demand for urban and rural residential development.

Extensive areas of native vegetation in the catchment have been cleared for agriculture and pine plantations, however, remaining remnants of Melaleuca, heathland, saltmarsh, seagrass and mangroves survive within the estuary providing valuable habitat to a range of organisms.

Seagrass covered approximately 1200ha of Pumicestone Passage in 2002²⁵, with extensive meadows characterising Tripcony Bight and the south-western intertidal areas of the Passage. Poorer water clarity and narrow channels north of Tripcony Bight restrict seagrass growth to a predominantly sparse cover of H. ovalis.

STATUS (November 2014):

The site most frequently monitored is PP1. Seagrass abundance at this site appears to be showing a fairly typical season pattern of seagrass abundance (higher in late spring-summer than winter).
Seagrass abundance at PP2 has declined since early 2005, and although other sites have fluctuated greatly between years, no long-term trend is apparent.
No significant changes in species composition is apparent over the long-term
Macroalgae is generally more abundant at PP1 than at the other sites. Macroalgae abundance is chronically low (0-33% cover), with acute blooms over the summer months

Seagrass cover, species composition and canopy height

Data should be interpreted with caution as may not be fully compliant with Seagrass-Watch QAQC

Macroalgae and Epiphyte cover

Data should be interpreted with caution as may not be fully compliant with Seagrass-Watch QAQC

Location

Southern Bay Islands

Monitoring: suspended
Past watchers: John Cameron, Joanne Gates, Ken Orme, John Lind, Susan Lind, Max Baker, David Cummings, Don Marshall, Nadia O’Carroll, Kerry O’Carroll, Glenda Crowther
Location: Tipplers Passage, northern end of South Stradbroke Island between Logan and Pimpama Rivers
Site code: SBMB1, SBMB2 (non compliant site codes)

Issues: none identified
Comments:
Sites are located in or adjacent to Southern Moreton Bay Islands National Park .

There are a range of habitats within the region including mangrove islands and Jumpinpin Passage (between North and South Stradbroke Islands). The Logan River has the greatest influence on the water quality in Southern Moreton Bay, however much of the discharge appears to travel to the north and has relatively little effect on the monitoring sites. There are extensive mangrove areas present in this region of the Bay and tidal flushing through the Passage removes most inputs.

The region contains expansive and diverse mangrove forests that are for the most part in good health. The eastern channels, especially Canaipa Passage, which are less influenced by Logan River, have healthy seagrass meadows and greater biological diversity than the rest of the system corresponding to better flushing and excellent water quality.

STATUS (April 2008):

Seagrass meadows dominated by Nanozostera muelleri and Halophila ovalis, which are patchy in places.
Seagrass abundance fluctuates between and within years. A seasonal pattern in abundance is apparent with higher abundances over the late spring/summer months. No long-term trends in abundance are apparent

Seagrass cover, species composition and canopy height

Data should be interpreted with caution as may not be fully compliant with Seagrass-Watch QAQC

Macroalgae and Epiphyte cover

Data should be interpreted with caution as may not be fully compliant with Seagrass-Watch QAQC

Location

Victoria Point

Monitoring: suspended
Past watchers: Belinda Daley, Jill Praeger, Tim Roe, Ken Callan Stephen Cox, Amanda White, Keira Price, Katie Ewington, Katie Martin, Lyndon Harris, Paul Finn, Ray Rowe, Stephen Cox, Allison Brunott, Andrew Petro, Ben Longstaff, Bronwyn Smith, Gary Miller, Harold Waring, Ivell Whyte, Lynn Roberts, Narelle, Narelle Renn, Rebecca Lewis, Saren Starbridge, Sharen, Tone Iveson,Debbi McManus, Nicola Udy, Conor McManus, Michael Salini, Simon Baltais, Danielle Ewington, Keira Price, Beryl House & Ulrike Keysner.
Location: In northern Redland Bay, on the southern side of Victoria Point
Site code: VP1, VP2, VP3

Issues: Urban stormwater, sewage and agricultural runoff, coastal development
Comments:
Located in Southern Moreton Bay, which extends from the Logan River mouth north to Peel Island. There are a range of habitats within the region including mangrove islands and the urbanised areas of Russell and Macleay Island and Redland Bay. The Logan River has the greatest influence on the water quality in the region. It contributes sediment and nutrients from numerous point and non-point sources.

Due to numerous shallow, muddy channels and its proximity to the Logan River mouth, the area has typically poor water clarity, fair water quality and poor to fair biological health²⁵. The sewage nitrogen signal from poor riverine discharge is also a concern for the region.

The system supports seagrass meadows and large stands of mangrove forest, but both are under threat from poor water quality. The seagrass meadows in the region are shallow and variable, corresponding to the fluctuating water clarity in the system. During the last decade seagrass meadows have decreased in size due to declining water clarity, although seasonal occurrences of colonising species such as Halophila ovalis and Halophila spinulosa have been noted near the Logan River mouth.

STATUS (May 2008):

Seagrass abundance at all sites show similar patterns.
Nanozostera muelleri grows to approximately 2m around Victoria Point.
Seagrass meadows around Victoria Point appear to be in a fair condition
Abundances are variable, corresponding to variable water clarity in the region.
Macroalgae are persistent at Victoria Point. Abundances increased significantly in late 2003 to medium-high (34-100% cover). In 2004, however, abundances decreased to what appears to be their typical levels for this location (0-33% cover).
Epiphyte abundances are generally low, and no significant patterns in epiphyte abundance were apparent.

Seagrass cover, species composition and canopy height

Data should be interpreted with caution as may not be fully compliant with Seagrass-Watch QAQC

Macroalgae and Epiphyte cover

Data should be interpreted with caution as may not be fully compliant with Seagrass-Watch QAQC

Location

Wellington Point

Monitoring: ongoing, ad hoc
Principal watchers: Seagrass-Watch HQ
Past watchers: Don Gilmour, Helen Gilmour, Desley Loch, John Henderson, Barry Johns, David Joseph, Cathy Dexter, Julie Zubevich, Nicola Udy, Jacquetta Udy, Danielle Udy, Justine Grant, Amanda Luxford, Kath Dexter, Kathryn Crouch, Lou Coles, Melodee Brenchev, Rebecca Fowler, Paul Finn & Ruth Dexter
Location: On the eastern banks of Waterloo Bay, on the western side of Wellinton Point. WP2 is close to King Island.
Site code: WP1, WP2, WP3, WP4

Issues:Urban stormwater, sewage and agricultural runoff, coastal development
Comments:
Monitoring sites are on the opposite side of Waterloo Bay to the discharge from Redland Catchment. There are a range of land uses within the catchment such as poultry farming, plant nurseries, flower farms, market gardens, urban areas and bushland. Tingalpa Reservoir impounds Tingalpa Creek. There are five sewage treatment plants discharging in the Redlands/Waterloo Bay catchment.

Waterloo Bay is characterised by relatively stable water quality with good (A-) biological health²⁴. Although the region is affected by the Brisbane River through Boat Passage, water currents generally force nutrients and sediments from the river mouth northward away from Waterloo Bay. It is the only western embayment of Moreton Bay that still supports coral, macroalgal and seagrass communities. Generally stress tolerant species capable of withstanding sediment loading dominate. Healthy meadows of the seagrass Nanozostera muelleri are present in Waterloo Bay and depth ranges of most meadows have not changed since 1993, indicating that these meadows are generally stable.

STATUS (December 2017):

Seagrass meadows are dominated by Nanozostera muelleriwith some Halophila ovalis.
Seagrass abundance is variable within and between sites, indicating localised impacts.
As no data was available between mid-2008 and early 2011, Seagrass-Watch HQ began monitoring WP1 and WP2 after 2011.
Although seagrass abundances post flood were lower than reported prior to 2008, it is unknown if the decline occurred between 2008 and 2011 or as a result of the flood event. Similarly, as QAQC was not conducted on data prior to 2011, it is unknown if the differences in abundance are an artefact of observer error,

Seagrass cover, species composition and canopy height

Data should be interpreted with caution as may not be fully compliant with Seagrass-Watch QAQC

Macroalgae and Epiphyte cover

Data should be interpreted with caution as may not be fully compliant with Seagrass-Watch QAQC

Location

Wynnum

Monitoring: ongoing, ad hoc
Principal watchers: Seagrass-Watch HQ
Past watchers: Dinah Hall, Jenny Job, Dianne MacLean, Steve Macpherson, Matthew Taylor, Beth Clouston, David Wilson, Denise Wilson, Noel Wison, Debbi McManus, Connor McManus, Steve MacPherson, Vicki Cox, Brendan Vollemaere, Christie Currie, David & Maureen Champion, Dianne Maclean, Don Baxter, Hall , Job, Katie Martin, Kerry McGregor, Lyndon Harris, Maureen Champion, N Clouston, Noel Wilson, Sheryl Keates, Stephen Pesch,Nicola Udy, Ian Curtis Simon Baltais, Ray Rowe & Tony Iveson.
Location: on the eastern banks of Waterloo Bay, on the western side of Wellinton Point. WP2 is close to King Island.
Site code: WN1, WN2, WN3, WN4

Issues:Baitworm digging, urban stormwater, sewage and agricultural runoff, coastal development
Comments:
Waterloo Bay on the western side of Moreton Bay, extends from the mouth of the Brisbane River south to Wellington Point. Numerous small creeks make up the Redland Catchment which drains directly into Waterloo Bay, These creeks include Tingalpa, Coolnwynpin, Tarradarrapin, Hilliards, Eprapah, Moogurrapum and Weinum Creeks. There are a range of land uses within the catchment such. as poultry farming, plant nurseries, flower farms, market gardens, urban areas and bushland. Tingalpa Reservoir impounds Tingalpa Creek. There are five sewage treatment plants discharging in the Redlands/Waterloo Bay catchment.

Waterloo Bay is characterised by relatively stable water quality with good (A-) biological health²⁴. Although the region is affected by the Brisbane River through Boat Passage, water currents generally force nutrients and sediments from the river mouth northward away from Waterloo Bay. It is the only western embayment of Moreton Bay that still supports coral, macroalgal and seagrass communities. Generally stress tolerant species capable of withstanding sediment loading dominate. Healthy meadows of the seagrass Nanozostera muelleri are present in Waterloo Bay and depth ranges of most meadows have not changed since 1993, indicating that these meadows are generally stable.

STATUS (December 2017):

Seagrass abundance appears to follow typical season pattern (higher in late spring-summer than winter).
Post 2010, WN1 and WN2 sites monitored by Seagrass-Watch HQ.
Sites are dominated by Nanozostera muelleri with Halophila ovalis. Species composition appears relatively stable. A few plants of Halophila spinulosa were reported in late 2003 at the Darling Point site.
Site WN3 at Darling Point appears to be in the best condition, as seagrass abundances have continued to increase against a background seasonal trend. This site is less impacted and has higher tidal flushing.
Site WN1 is possibly the highest impacted site. Seagrass abundance at this site are generally lower and more variable, macroalgae are medium to high and epiphytes appear to persist.