The East Gippsland Catchment Management Authority (CMA) has been working to protect important seagrass meadows in the Gippsland Lakes.
This project is funded by the Australian Government Natural Heritage Trust and delivered by East Gippsland CMA, a member of the Commonwealth Regional Delivery Partners panel.
The project aims to safeguard one hectare of vital seeding seagrass meadows across two sites, giving these underwater nurseries the best chance to thrive.
“The insights gathered through this project’s initial field surveys are guiding where the protection measures are put in place, ensuring they are targeted to where they are needed most,” said CEO of the East Gippsland CMA, Bec Hemming.
“The protection measures include restricting motorised vessel access to these areas and will be implemented in collaboration with the Gunaikurnai Land and Waters Aboriginal Corporation (GLaWAC) and Gippsland Ports.”
“Seagrass provides vital habitat, food and shelter for fish and other marine life, supporting the ecological character of the Ramsar listed wetland. It is important we understand how effective our management strategies are in protecting and rejuvenating seagrass populations now and into the future.” “The data that is collected during the field surveys will help update and confirm existing maps of seagrass extent and density, giving us a clearer picture of how these vital underwater meadows are growing and changing at each site.” Said Bec.
