Impact and recovery from light reduction in an Amphibolis seagrass ecosystem
This project aims to develop criteria for dredging (timing, duration, intensity of shading) to minimise impact to seagrass ecosystems. Sub-lethal indicators of stress will be developed for use as monitoring tools in dredging operations. In addition, the ecological significance of impacts from dredging will be assessed by examining seagrass, algae and fauna. These aims will be achieved through a three factor experimental manipulation of the effect of timing, duration and intensity of shading on Amphibolis griffithii meadows, & the subsequent recovery of these meadows.
A subset of student projects
Michael Mulligan
Masters Project
Title: Indicators of sub-lethal stress following imposed light reduction to the seagrass Amphibolis griffithii.
Commenced: March 2005
Helen Barwick
Honours Project
Title: The effects of light reduction treatments on motile epifauna in an Amphibolis griffithii (Black) den Hartog seagrass ecosystem.
Commenced: March 2006
Adam Gartner
PhD Project
Title: Trophic implications of reduced light environment on macroinvertebrate communities
Commenced: May 2006
Paul Mackey
Honours Project
Title: The effects of temporary PAR reduction on the seagrass Amphibolis griffithii (Black) den Hartog
Completed: November 2004
Researchers
Dr Kathyn McMahon
Professor Paul Lavery
Michael Mulligan
Andrew Tennyson
Anne Brearley
Helen Barwick
Adam Gartner
Department of Environment and Conservation, Ray Masini
CSIRO, Russ Babcock
Geraldton Port Authority