30 January 2009
Seagrass-Watch's electronic news service, providing marine and coastal news of international and national interest. Abbreviated articles are presented with links to their source.
Seagrass-Watch HQ recommends that readers exercise their own skill and care with respect to their use of the information in this bulletin and that readers carefully evaluate the
accuracy, currency, completeness and relevance of the material in the bulletin for their purposes. You are free to distribute it amongst your own networks.
IN THIS BULLETIN
NEWS.................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 1
Town classifies marine protected areas; enhancing its protection (Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental, Philippines) ..................................... 1
Trouble stalks grass (Cairns, Australia) ......................................................................................................................................................... 2
New reports: seagrass scarring worse problem than thought (Tavernier, Florida, USA) ............................................................................... 2
Scientists: good weather conditions cited as Record Number Of Manatees Counted In Latest Florida Survey (Miami, Florida) .................. 2
Resident Pushes Uzita Reserve (Tampa, FL, USA) ...................................................................................................................................... 2
Garrett backs controversial mine (Australia) .................................................................................................................................................. 2
Raby Bay popular spot for dugongs (Australia).............................................................................................................................................. 3
Marine park under the microscope (NSW, Australia) ..................................................................................................................................... 3
PUBLICATIONS .................................................................................................................................................................................................. 3
COASTAL WETLANDS: An Integrated Ecosystem Approach ....................................................................................................................... 3
MONITORING REPORTS................................................................................................................................................................................... 3
FIELD AND EDUCATION DAYS......................................................................................................................................................................... 4
Secrets of Seagrass - Field day by CEN (Gosford, NSW, Australia) ............................................................................................................. 4
SEAGRASS-WATCH TRAINING WORKSHOPS 2009....................................................................................................................................... 4
FROM HQ............................................................................................................................................................................................................ 4
Frequently Asked Questions .......................................................................................................................................................................... 4
Seagrass-Watch News Issue 35 .................................................................................................................................................................... 4
Seagrass-Watch Shop http://www.seagrasswatch.org/shop.html.................................................................................................................. 4
Virtual Herbarium ........................................................................................................................................................................................... 4
Giveaways...................................................................................................................................................................................................... 4
Future sampling dates.................................................................................................................................................................................... 4
Handy Seagrass Links ................................................................................................................................................................................... 4
Please note: links to sources were active on date of publication. Some sources remove links periodically.
NEWS
Town classifies marine protected areas; enhancing its protection (Dumaguete City, Negros
Oriental, Philippines)
29 January 2009, Negros Chronicle
AYUNGON, Negros Oriental- Mayor Erwin Agustino here has embarked on further classifying marine protected areas
as well as enhancing its protection for the benefit of the local fisherfolks. Mayor Agustino said that in their town,
protected marine areas here includes mangrove reserves, coral reef areas and seagrass sanctuaries.
Mayor Agustino said that the establishment of the marine protected areas shall be reserved for protection,
rehabilitation and replenishment of fish and fishery/aquatic resources. The mayor also emphasized that with the
establishment of marine protected areas, all types of fishing, anchoring and passing of large boats and collection or
gathering of items are strictly prohibited. While in seagrass areas, entry of people and boats are prohibited except
when approved for research purposes.
more....................... http://www.seagrasswatch.org/news.html
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Trouble stalks grass (Cairns, Australia)
15 January 2009, The Cairns Post
Seagrass meadows in Cairns' Trinity Bay and the Hinchinbrook Channel: off Cardwell, have been named among
three likely trouble spots in Queensland for the marine plants. Researchers monitoring seagrass have identified the
two Far Northern areas and Townsville's Cleveland Bay as the spots most under threat.
Reef and Rainforest Research Centre chief executive officer Sheriden Morris said the latest monitoring suggested
seagrasses in the Cairns harbour were "relatively healthy" but in Townsville's harbour they showed signs of decline.
Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries Seagrass-Watch leader Len McKenzie said the Cairns results had
been a welcome surprise.
more....................... http://www.seagrasswatch.org/news.html
Read more on MMP in Issue 35 of Seagrass-Watch News: http://www.seagrasswatch.org/newsletters.html
Read more on MMP in Cairns: http://www.seagrasswatch.org/cairns.html
Read more on MMP in Townsville: http://www.seagrasswatch.org/townsville.html
New reports: seagrass scarring worse problem than thought (Tavernier, Florida, USA)
28 January 2009, KeysNet
A study on the extent and location of damage caused by boat propellers to the Florida Bay bottom concludes
"seagrass scarring is widespread and increasing." Everglades National Park officials plan to meet with local residents
in a coalition of Florida Bay user groups to outline the studies' findings this week.
Fishing guides and anglers who regularly use the bay's shallow waters are wary of previous proposals that suggested
closing large areas to motorized boats. Others say the park needs to get serious about protecting Florida Bay waters
off the Upper Keys that lie within the Everglades National Park.
The science studies have been posted at the park Web site at www.nps.gov/ever. Under the General Management
Plan section, look at "Documents."
Full story and source: http://www.keysnet.com/news/story/65438.html
Scientists: good weather conditions cited as Record Number Of Manatees Counted In
Latest Florida Survey (Miami, Florida)
28 January 2009, Underwater Times (Florida)
A team of scientists counted an all-time-high number of manatees during the annual manatee synoptic survey
conducted the week of Jan. 19. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission's (FWC) Fish and Wildlife
Research Institute (FWRI) reported a preliminary count of 3,807 manatees statewide. A team of 21 observers from
nine organizations counted 2,153 manatees on Florida's East Coast and 1,654 on the West Coast of the state.
This year's count exceeded the previous high count from 2001 by more than 500 animals. In both years, survey
conditions were favorable for aerial observations. Although synoptic results are not population estimates and should
not be used to assess trends, the FWC is encouraged by this year's high count. Survey results are consistent with
population models that show the manatee population appears to be increasing in Northwest Florida, along the
Atlantic Coast and on the upper St. Johns River.
Full story and source: http://www.underwatertimes.com/news.php?article_id=96010182743
Resident Pushes Uzita Reserve (Tampa, FL, USA)
28 January 2009, Tampa Tribune
SUN CITY - Gus Muench contributed to the tens of thousands of propeller scars that pock the seagrass beds in
Cockroach Bay. He readily admits guilt. As a blue crabber in the area for 32 years, the guilt finally got to him in 2006,
he said. He hung up his traps and built himself a bully pulpit.
These days, he's a lone voice on the shoreline pushing for a new designation for the stretch of brackish water
between the Manatee County line to the south and the Little Manatee River to the north. He wants to call it the Uzita
Reserve, after an Indian village that once flanked the sands there. Doing so, he believes, could bring awareness to
the bay and grant money to educate people about how to keep it healthy. So far, he's not getting a lot of positive
input.
Full story and source: http://southshore2.tbo.com/content/2009/jan/28/ss-resident-pushes-uzita-reserve/
Garrett backs controversial mine (Australia)
23 January 2009, The Age
Environment Minister Peter Garrett has given preliminary approval for a zinc mine that has involved diverting a
Northern Territory river by about six kilometres. Mr Garrett said he would approve the expansion of the McArthur
River mine, subject to a further 10 days of evaluation by indigenous groups and others.
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Australian Conservation Foundation spokesman Justin McCaul criticised the decision, saying it highlighted the need
for reform of environmental laws. "You cannot move five kilometres of the natural course of a major river because it
happens to be in the way of your open-cut mine without posing an unacceptable risk to migratory birds, turtles,
dugongs, seagrass meadows and the threatened freshwater sawfish."
Full story and source: http://www.theage.com.au/national/garrett-backs-controversial-mine-20090122-7nxb.html
Raby Bay popular spot for dugongs (Australia)
19 January 2009, Bayside Bulletin
A Raby Bay resident has caught on camera a dugong swimming in Mainroyal Canal. Roger Kellow, who took the
pictures early this month, said the presence of dugong in Raby Bay indicated the canals were in good shape as
seagrass was growing well.
Wildlife Preservation Society president Simon Baltais said the canals supported at least one sub-tidal seagrass liked
by dugong, Halophila spinulosa, and he was aware of numerous dugong sightings in Raby Bay over the past few
years. "(The development of) Raby Bay resulted in the destruction of valuable seagrass meadows, mangroves and
one of Moreton Bay's most significant migratory wader roost sites," he said.
Mr Baltais said larger numbers of dugong were seen in natural areas near Thornlands and Ormiston, particulalry
around the mouth of Hilliards Creek, as the seagrass meadows were quite extensive in these locations.
Full story and source: http://redland.yourguide.com.au/news/local/news/general/raby-bay-popular-spot-for-dugongs/1410829.aspx
Related article: http://redland.yourguide.com.au/news/local/news/general/another-dugong-spotted-in-canals/1414167.aspx
Read more on seagrass monitoring in Raby Bay: http://www.seagrasswatch.org/moreton_bay.html#OR1
Marine park under the microscope (NSW, Australia)
14 January 2009, Bay Post
Detailed research on essential elements of the marine food chain is being carried out within Batemans Marine Park.
Dr Melinda Coleman is co-ordinating research that aims to find out the effects of the marine park on marine species.
The marine biologist specialises in seaweeds and seagrasses.
Employed by the Marine Parks Authority for the past six months, Dr Coleman is monitoring the health of seagrass
species and their development in estuaries and lagoons within the park's sanctuary zones. The seagrass project will
examine long-term changes in biodiversity. This includes the effects on species of fish and invertebrates that use the
grasses as their habitat.
The marine park has now been in existence for more than 18 months and the number one aim of the authority is
conservation of the species in the park. One of the objectives of the seagrass project is to understand the effects of
outside influences on the environment. This could include future coastal developments or serious cases of chemical
spills into waterways.
Full story and source: http://moruya.yourguide.com.au/news/local/news/environment/marine-park-under-the-microscope/1406149.aspx
PUBLICATIONS
COASTAL WETLANDS: An Integrated Ecosystem Approach
Coastal wetlands are under a great deal of pressure from the dual forces of rising sea level and the intervention of human
populations both along the estuary and in the river catchment. Direct impacts are direct such as the destruction or degradation of
wetlands from land reclamation and infrastructures and indirect such as the impact of pollutants and changes in the river water and
sediment discharge from land clearing and dams. As sea level rises, coastal wetlands in most areas of the world migrate landward to
occupy former uplands. The competition of these lands from human development is intensifying, making the landward migration
impossible in many cases. This book provides an understanding of the functioning of coastal ecosystems and the ecological services
that they provide, and suggestions for their management. In this book a CD is included containing color figures of wetlands and
estuaries in different parts of the world.
To order: http://www.elsevier.com/wps/find/bookdescription.cws_home/716674/description#description
MONITORING REPORTS
Seagrass-Watch HQ has been busy updating web pages for each of the monitoring regions with the latest available
data. Recently updated pages include:
Australia
Hervey Bay (Queensland) http://www.seagrasswatch.org/hervey_bay.html
Nhulunbuy (Northern Territory) http://www.seagrasswatch.org/NorthernTerritory.html
Indonesia http://www.seagrasswatch.org/indonesia.html
Fiji http://www.seagrasswatch.org/fiji.html
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FIELD AND EDUCATION DAYS
Secrets of Seagrass - Field day by CEN (Gosford, NSW, Australia)
Come along and discover the fascinating secrets of seagrass that are found in our estuaries! Discover what species live in seagrass
beds and get to know your local environment. Activities will include dip netting, herbarium pressing and how to monitor seagrass.
Join us in having fun and getting your feet wet! (Community Environment Network- CEN)
When: Saturday, 07 February 2009
Where: Illoura Reserve (Davis Town Progress Hall) Davis Town
Time: 9 A.M.--3 P.M.
The event is free and morning tea is provided, BYO Lunch. Bookings Essential!
RSVP: by Monday, 02nd February 2009
For bookings contact: Seagrass Project Officer: (02) 4349 4757
or email: seagrass@cen.org.au
SEAGRASS-WATCH TRAINING WORKSHOPS 2009
Australia
Whitsundays, April 4 or 5 (Registration closes 20th March 2009)
For more information and registration : http://www.seagrasswatch.org/training.html#wrkshop09
Cooktown, March 9-10 (Registration closes 27th February 2009)
For more information and registration: http://www.seagrasswatch.org/training.html#wrkshop09
Asia
Singapore, May 02 -03 (Registration closes 20th April 2009)
For more information and registration: http://www.seagrasswatch.org/training.html#wrkshop09
Bali, May 09-10 (Registration closes 20th April 2009)
For more information and registration: http://www.seagrasswatch.org/training.html#wrkshop09
Pacific
Fiji, March 14-15 (Registration closes 27th February 2009)
For more information and registration: http://www.seagrasswatch.org/training.html#wrkshop09
FROM HQ
Frequently Asked Questions http://www.seagrasswatch.org/faq.html
Seagrass-Watch News Issue 35 http://www.seagrasswatch.org/newsletters.html
Seagrass-Watch Shop http://www.seagrasswatch.org/shop.html
Virtual Herbarium http://www.seagrasswatch.org/herbarium.html
Giveaways http:/ www.seagrasswatch.org/shop.html#GIVE1
Future sampling dates http://www.seagrasswatch.org/sampling.html
Handy Seagrass Links http://www.seagrasswatch.org/links.html
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DISCLAIMER
News articles posted as a free community service for the purposes of non-commercial education, research and study; review and the reporting of news; and archived for reference of students and researchers as a 'fair dealing' activity
under Australian Copyright Law.
Seagrass-Watch HQ does not guarantee, and accepts no legal liability whatsoever arising from or connected to the accuracy, reliability, currency or completeness of any material contained in this bulletin. Seagrass-Watch HQ
recommends that readers exercise their own skill and care with respect to their use of the information in this bulletin and that readers careful y evaluate the accuracy, currency, completeness and relevance of the material in the bul etin for
their purposes. This bul etin is not a substitute for independent professional advice and users should obtain any appropriate professional advice relevant to their particular circumstances. The material in this bulletin may include the views or
recommendations of third parties, which do not necessarily reflect the views of Seagrass-Watch HQ (or those of the Queensland Government) or indicate its commitment to a particular course of action.
Seagrass-Watch HQ is supported by the Australian Government's Marine and Tropical Sciences Research Facility (Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts) represented in North Queensland by the Reef and
Rainforest Research Centre, the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA), the Queensland Department of Primary Industries & Fisheries and by private donations.
Seagrass-Watch E- Bulletin is compiled by Len McKenzie & Rudi Yoshida.
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