Conference poster
Nuisance algal blooms in coastal waters: some lessons and experiences from Noosa
Queensland Coastal Conference: Waves of Change, 2nd (Gold Coast, Australia, 13-May-2009–15-May-2009)
SEQ Catchments Ltd.
2009
Abstract
Worldwide, algal bloom s in coastal waters are becoming more frequent, intense and last longer. Dense accumulations of the brown algae Hincksia sordida have repeatedly occurred in the surf zone of Laguna Bay in No o sa. The beaches of Laguna Ba y rank am ongst Australia's iconic tourism destinations, and the algae severely impact on the local tourism. Thus, it is economically vital to identify factors which favour bloom development, and, conversely, promote bloom break-down and dispersion. Despite the economic impacts of bloom s, there are no standardised algal reporting program s which impedes the development of informed management responses. Analyses of bloom dynamics (e.g. bloom duration, time of development, intensity etc), thus rely on semi-quantitative observations and use "local knowledge". Nevertheless, they indicate that blooms arrived earlier, lasted longer and were more intense in recent years. Importantly, they also show that Hincksia blooms are not a local and recent phenomenon, but extend at least to Fraser Island and for several decades into the 60s. Local knowledge also suggests that Northerly winds coincide with the on-set of blooms, and that excess nutrients are one of the causes of blooms. Yet, we found no consistent match between wind regimes and the occurrence of blooms, but this lack of correlation may not be robust due the lack of standardised algal reporting. Similarly, in SE-Qu eensland, regular nutrient monitoring does not extend beyond the estuaries, making testing of the frequently mentioned "nutrient enrichment hypothesis" virtually impossible for marine waters.
Details
- Title
- Nuisance algal blooms in coastal waters: some lessons and experiences from Noosa
- Authors
- Thomas Schlacher (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast - Faculty of Science, Health and EducationStewart Lloyd (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast - Faculty of Science, Health and EducationAaron Wiegand (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast - Faculty of Science, Health and Education
- Conference details
- Queensland Coastal Conference: Waves of Change, 2nd (Gold Coast, Australia, 13-May-2009–15-May-2009)
- Publisher
- SEQ Catchments Ltd.
- Date published
- 2009
- Copyright note
- Copyright © 2009 The Authors. Reproduced here with permission.
- Organisation Unit
- School of Science and Engineering - Legacy; University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; Academic Support Unit; School of Science, Technology and Engineering
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 99449764902621
- Output Type
- Conference poster
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