Decline of seagrass in northern areas of Moreton Bay, Queensland

Abstract

An earlier study revealed that some seagrass beds in Moreton Bay, Queensland were declining rapidly in viability. This study, between June 1974 and December 1975, showed that sand movement was an important factor in the seagrasses' decline, and that cropping was of secondary importance. Aerial photographs and ground measurement of sediment level were used to show the rapid increase in sand deposition. Disease was not a factor in the observed decline. A visual grading of seagrass density which approximately correlated with total biomass was a useful tool for objective assessment of biomass.