All Aboard To Restore Port's Lost Sea Grasses
The Age
Monday October 18, 1999
IN THE past two decades, the ecology of Western Port has changed dramatically, almost 70 per cent of vital sea-grass meadows having disappeared. The impact has been significant, with valuable shelter and food for marine life disappearing, and problems like erosion and sediment changing the water quality.
A new program by the Environmental Protection Authority is bringing together community, government, research scientists and industry to try to arrest the problem. This mammoth task requires watchdogs to notify the authority about diminishing beds, researchers to determine how the sea grass propagates and how it can be replanted, and volunteers to plant seedlings.
Project coordinator Mr Doug Newton said part of the challenge was the lack of information and a significant part of the program would be to rectify that.
``We are ignorant of how the sea grass reproduces," he said. ``We think they are flowering plants and produce seeds but we haven't been able to find any seeds."
He said re-establishing the sea-grass meadows was a least a five-year project that would require a whole lot of activities to run in parallel.
``We know that there has been up to 20 per cent recovery of sea grasses in some areas. If the conditions are right, then they can re-establish. But some of that recovery is not consistent and we need to try to determine why that is happening; whether it is the water quality or some other factor."
He said that even after planting, the sea grass would still require careful surveillance. It was not sufficient to go back to the site of former meadows and replant, because erosion or some other persistent environmental factor may be contributing to the decline.
The EPA's chairman, Dr Brian Robinson, said the sea grasses were also an important part of Western Port's wetlands, which have been recognised internationally as an important site to protect, because of the home they offer to many migratory birds.
The preservation of the ecological system will also ensure the longevity of other elements, such as the most southern stand of white mangroves, which in Victoria grow to about three metres.
``Sea grass protection and recovery is one of the highest environmental priorities for Western Port and it's great to see the local community and business sector offering so much support,"' he said.
The Western Port Sea-Grass Partnership was not only for scientists and technical experts, but for anyone interested in protecting and preserving the local environment, Dr Robinson said.
``Ideally it should comprise a wide range of knowledge, skills and resources from across community, industry and government," he said.
Interested groups who have indicated their support to date include local water authorities, Landcare and other conservation groups, MPs, farmers, fishermen, surfing and boating clubs, schools, universities, government agencies, small businesses and large private sector sponsors.
``By adopting a united approach and combining skills and resources we will be able to undertake larger-scale research and replanting activities, and thus provide the knowledge needed to better manage and protect Western Port's sea grasses," Dr Robinson said.
* Anyone who wants to be involved with the sea- grass partnership or receive information, can contact the EPA and ask for a registration form. Tel: 9695 2722 or 9695 2686; or email doug.newton@epa.vic.gov.au
University students interested in work experience or third year or post-graduate academic projects can also register.
© 1999 The Age
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