Marine and estuarine studies of the Dickson Inlet area, Port Douglas, north Queensland

Brief description

This research was undertaken to describe the marine and estuarine environment of Dickson Inlet, Port Douglas and consisted of the following projects: 1. Studies of the hydrology of Dickson Inlet, including the use of a water exchange model to predict the effect of the removal of mangroves on sedimentation rates in the Inlet.2. Studies of the soil and water chemistry and mangrove forest structure and productivity in Dickson Inlet, with a brief survey of forest types in the nearby Mowbray River.3. Studies of the fish and zooplankton communities inhabiting the waterways of the Inlet. These, like the hydrodynamics studies, were again carried out in both the wet and dry seasons as the hydrological conditions leading to greater stresses are likely to primarily affect these faunal communities.4. A summary of the likely key ecological relationships in the mangrove/waterway complex of Dickson Inlet, and their sensitivity to past, present and projected disturbances.The initial brief was expanded in August 1989 to include:5. A report on the status and significance of the near-shore Alexandra Reef system. The study was instigated because of proposed developments for the Dickson Inlet area, including expansions to the Mirage Resort at Port Douglas. Research was concentrated primarily on the role of mangroves in the Dickson Inlet area, because these were the forest and faunal communities, which would be directly affected by most proposed developments.

Lineage

Maintenance and Update Frequency: notPlanned

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