ECU marine science researchers will lead three research topics which will play a vital role in improving one of Perth’s most important marine ecosystems.
These projects are part of a three-year, $13.5 million research partnership between the WA Government and Western Australian Marine Science Institution (WAMSI) focussing on Cockburn Sound as part of the Westport Program.
The WAMSI-Westport Marine Science Program involves more than 30 research projects across nine themes which will fill knowledge gaps, investigate potential impacts and improve understanding of Cockburn Sound's marine ecosystems, from seagrass to sea lions.
The research themes and associated projects will be led by scientists across WA research organisations.
That knowledge will be used to inform environmental planning and impact assessment for the planned port in Cockburn Sound.
Projects to protect Cockburn Sound
Professor Glenn Hyndes will co-lead the Fisheries and Aquatic Resources theme with Dr Gary Jackson from The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development. The theme aims to better understand the distributions and interactions of key species of fish and crustaceans around Cockburn Sound.
Its research will provide information to better plan development works to minimise impacts on the fish and invertebrates including fisheries species.
Associate Professor Chandra Salgado-Kent leading the research theme investigating noise in the Sound with Curtin University’s Professor Christine Erbe.
For the first time ever a baseline and future ‘soundscape’ for Cockburn Sound will be created to provide a picture of the current and future noise levels in the marine environment. It will help develop mitigation and avoidance strategies of underwater noise on marine species.
Associate Professor Salgado-Kent is also co-leading a project with the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation, and Attractions’ Dr Kelly Waples that will investigate important habitat used by endangered sea lions and their abundance in the Perth Metropolitan waters.
Associate Professor Kathryn McMahon from ECU’s School of Science will co-lead the research theme investigating benthic habitats and communities with Professor Gary Kendrick from the University of Western Australia.
Projects will examine how seagrass meadows in the Sound respond to different conditions, improving their resilience to the effects of climate change and inform the management of the proposed port development and its environmental impact assessments.
“The research program is an ambitious collaboration which will improve what we know about Cockburn Sound and how we can preserve and manage an important marine ecosystem right here in Perth’s backyard,” she said.
“As well as providing valuable knowledge about Cockburn Sound these projects will provide exciting opportunities for marine science researchers and research students here at ECU and our partner institutions.”
Research informing development
The WAMSI-Westport Marine Science Program was announced by Transport and Ports Minister Rita Saffioti in late 2021.
"Allocating $13.5 million for this major marine science program demonstrates how seriously we are taking the responsibility for ensuring our future port can be delivered and managed alongside the unique and important marine environment in Cockburn Sound,” she said.
"We will ensure there is rigorous environmental planning and assessment to protect the unique environment, its fisheries and give confidence to the community.”
For more information on the Western Australian Marine Science Institution Westport Marine Science Program, visit the WAMSI webpages or the Westport pages.
