Brief description
The Theme 5.3 study was undertaken to improve our understanding of the spatial and temporal patterns in seagrass composition, abundance and reproductive phenology in the Pilbara region. Key environmental parameters, especially light, that influence seagrass survival and can be altered by dredging were also characterised.From August 2013 to March 2015 (18 months), surveys of seagrass abundance were undertaken in the Exmouth Gulf region. The locations surveyed (South Muiron Island, Bundegi and Exmouth Gulf) encompassed a range in water clarity from clear to turbid. Less frequent surveys were undertaken at other locations in the Pilbara: Thevenard Island, Rosemary Island and Balla. Measurements of seagrass abundance were also obtained from monitoring conducted as part of the dredging and dredge-spoil management plan for Chevron Australia's Wheatstone Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Project.
During each survey measurements were made in the field, photographs were taken or samples were collected in order to measure the following variables:
1. percentage cover of seagrass and other benthos;
2. above- and below-ground biomass, shoot density, leaf length, leaf width and number of flowers;
3. density of seagrass seeds;
4. sediment grain size;
5. stable isotope ratios (Ô13C and Ô15N) of seagrass leaf tissue; and
6. water quality (light, conductivity, temperature, salinity, nutrients, suspended particulate matter and chlorophyll).
Lineage
Progress Code: completed
Maintenance and Update Frequency: asNeeded
Statement: Surveys were conducted every three months from August 2013 to March 2015 at three locations: South Muiron Island, Bundegi, and Exmouth Gulf. At each location, two sites separated by about 200 m were surveyed. In November 2014, the surveys were expanded to include Thevenard Island, approximately 100 km northeast of Exmouth. Opportunistic surveys at Rosemary Island and Balla Balla during November-December 2013 provided an opportunity to evaluate whether species composition and abundance at places we surveyed regularly were similar to those found elsewhere in the Pilbara.
Lineage relevant to each activity can found under "Documentation Links" in this metadata record.
Lineage relevant to each activity can found under "Documentation Links" in this metadata record.
Notes
CreditCSIRO, Edith Cowan University, Western Australian Science Institute
Credit
Mathew Vanderklift
Mathew Vanderklift
Credit
Douglas Bearham
Douglas Bearham
Credit
Mick Haywood
Mick Haywood
Credit
Paul Lavery
Paul Lavery
Credit
Hector Lozano-Montes
Hector Lozano-Montes
Credit
Roisin McCallum
Roisin McCallum
Credit
James McLaughlin
James McLaughlin
Credit
Kathryn McMahon
Kathryn McMahon
Credit
Nick Mortimer
Nick Mortimer
Data time period: 2013-08 to 2015-03
text: westlimit=114.1; southlimit=-22.3; eastlimit=114.4; northlimit=-21.6
Subjects
Chlorophyll |
CTD |
CTDs (Conductivity-Temperature-Depth Profilers) |
Cameras - Still - Underwater |
Countries | Australia |
EARTH SCIENCE |
Marine Features (Australia) | Exmouth Gulf, WA |
Nutrients |
OCEAN CHEMISTRY |
OCEAN TEMPERATURE |
OCEANS |
Organic Matter |
Practical salinity of the water body |
Pressure (measured variable) in the water body exerted by overlying sea water and any medium above it |
Pressure (measured variable) in the water body exerted by overlying sea water only |
Primary producer response to dredging related pressures |
Stable Isotopes |
Suspended Solids |
Temperature of the water body |
Water Temperature |
Water Column Samplers |
Western Australian Marine Science Institute |
oceans |
research vessel |
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Other Information
Identifiers
- global : 0224a83a-6cc9-4b3f-e053-08114f8ce23d
- Local : Marlin Record Number: 14427
- Local : Anzlic Identifier: ANZCW0306014427