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Monitoring Water Quality and Changes in Biodiversity as an Assessment Tool for Sustainable Catchment Management
Conference paper   Open access

Monitoring Water Quality and Changes in Biodiversity as an Assessment Tool for Sustainable Catchment Management

Deborah P Milham-Scott, P R Bell and Peter F Duncan
Proceedings of the 2008 Australian Universities Community Engagement Alliance National Conference, pp.310-323
Australian Universities Community Engagement Alliance (AUCEA) National Conference: Engaging for a sustainable future, 2008 (Sunshine Coast, Australia, 09-Jul-2008–11-Jul-2008)
Australian Universities Community Engagement Alliance Inc. (AUCEA)
2008
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Abstract

Environmental Science and Management water quality biodiversity assessment tool sustainable catchment management coastal ecosystems light attenuation
In 1992 the ecosystem health of Hervey Bay suffered significantly as a consequence offlooding from the Mary and Burrum Rivers, followed three weeks later by cyclone Fran. The major impacts came as a consequence of high energy waves, swells and currents with the potential to uproot or bury seagrass, and storm water runoff reducing salinity and increasing both turbidity and nutrients. In addition, output from a damaged sewage treatment plant on the Mary River resulted in 1.05 ML of untreated effluent per day being discharged into the river for twelve days. In the following months, Hervey Bay experienced the loss of more than 1,000 km2 of seagrass meadows and the displacement, and some mortality, of an estimated 1,650 dugongs. The damage to the seagrass, that also functions as a nursery ground for juvenile fish and prawns, was subsequently reflected in the low commercial fish catches. Consultation with the mayor of the Hervey Bay City Council, Heads of Chemical Engineering, Zoology and the Centre for Microscopy and Microanalysis at the University of Queensland, and an Environmental Protection Agency representative confirmed that a water quality and biodiversity study of phytoplankton, seagrass and seagrass epiphytes would be useful to enhance the understanding and recovery of the area. Consequently, a PhD research program was developed in 1993 with engagement between the university, local and state government departments, local business, volunteer groups and individuals. Outcomes included a rigorous monthly, seasonal and annual baseline water quality dataset that provided council engineers with the information required to make important managerial decisions for the future sustainability of the region and a baseline dataset for future studies. Using regression analysis and various multivariate statistical methods, links were established between key physical and chemical water quality parameters and the concentration and assemblage structure of diatoms in the water column as phytoplankton, and as epiphytes on the seagrass leaf surface. Some key determinants of the potential causes of altered community composition and biodiversity were isolated and as a result, waste water inputs into the bay ceased and were redirected. Habitat characteristics for each seagrass site and limits for seagrass compensation depth using light attenuation theory were also established. The research conducted in Hervey Bay was in response to community concern about sustainability issues including water quality, declines in seagrass meadows and dugong death and mass migration. A similar program was established for Moreton Bay in the mid 90's and stage one was initiated on the Sunshine Coast in August 2007 following a flood and intermittent coastal algal blooms. Engagement between the University of the Sunshine Coast, local business and community members has enabled the commencement of the baseline water quality monitoring program with a seed grant and in-kind assistance. Support by local and state government departments and other funding bodies will be sought to expand and continue the program in the longer term. This study has provided two undergraduate science students with Workplace Learning Projects at the University of the Sunshine Coast, with another project currently on offer. Improved understanding of the processes that define phytoplankton biodiversity and the diversity of other marine plant and animal groups in this subtropical area is useful for promoting conservation and sustainability within the general population, government departments and commercial sectors, with the aim of clarifying possible links to catchment activity and climate change. Development of this research program in collaboration with the University of Queensland, aims to provide local councils nationally with the ability to monitor their near shore marine environments to provide the information required to assess sustainability strategies at the local level. Engagement between government departments, local industry partners and community groups within each region will be promoted.

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