SEAGRASS RESTORATION PROJECT
Restoring Seagrass Resilience in Pioneer Bay using Traditional Knowledge, Research Partnerships and Seagrass Nurseries
The Whitsundays Seagrass Restoration Project is focused on collecting, cultivating and germinating seagrass seeds to enhance the seagrass meadows in Pioneer Bay, the bay adjacent to Coral Sea Marina’s rock wall.
Coral Sea Marina is supporting the local Whitsunday Seagrass Restoration Project, working with the Coastal Marine Ecosystems Research Centre at CQUniversity, Reef Catchments and the Great Barrier Reef Foundation, by hosting a dedicated Seagrass Nursery within the marina (located on A arm).
Seagrass flowers are collected locally from Pioneer Bay with help from community volunteers and are held at the world-class seagrass nursery until seeds form and can be harvested from an innovative aquaria system. These seeds will help restore damaged meadows, boosting biodiversity and resilience in the Reef’s ecosystems.
Over its lifetime, this nursery will produce millions of seeds, supporting one of the first large-scale seagrass restoration projects in the region.
Seagrasses occupy 0.1% of the seafloor yet are responsible for 11% of the organic carbon buried in the ocean.
Seagrasses are the only truly marine flowering plant, they have roots, flowers and produce seeds. A healthy marine environment relies on seagrass. Seagrass protect shorelines from coastal erosion, support fish and shellfish populations, filter out fine sediments and nutrients which protect the reef, and offset our carbon footprint by catching and storing organic matter. And of course, the local meadows are important feeding grounds for dugong and green turtles.
Seagrass meadows are vulnerable to many pressures – sediment run off, anchor and propeller damage, increased storm activity, as well as multiple years of a La Nina climate leading to the substantial longer-term loss of these habitats. Without intervention, the prognosis for recovery is poor – The Whitsundays seagrass meadows need a helping hand to recover…
How can you help?
There are various opportunities for marina guests and members of the public to get involved with the Seagrass Restoration Project and volunteer to assist in the cultivation and restoration of these unique ecosystems.
Join a Volunteer Event
Take part in a seagrass flower collection event to help collect seeds for restoration. Visit our What’s On Calendar for more information.
Visit the Seagrass Nursery
Visit the nursery, located at Coral Sea Marina on A arm, where you can see part of the process and learn more.
