Annex 1 - Noosa River Habitat Survey Report - ESP

                                                                                     Ecological Service Professionals
                                                                                                             Sustainable Science Solutions



  Craig Bohm                                                                         Our Reference: 2020.002L3
  Oceans Coordinator Queensland
  The Nature Conservancy
  PO Box 5681
  WESTEND QLD 4101

  02 August 2021

  RE: Marine Plant and Habitat Assessment Tewantin

  Dear Craig,
  Please find below a description of the benthic habitat (including a description of the
  composition of marine plant assemblages, coverage and condition) in each of five proposed
  oyster reef restoration areas. This work has been completed to support an application by The
  Nature Conservancy (TNC) to restore oyster ecosystems on tidal land in the Noosa Estuary.


  1.       Scope of Work
  The aim of the targeted benthic survey and habitat mapping in the proposed restoration
  areas in the Noosa Estuary was to identify and map the distribution, coverage and condition
  of seagrass and macroalgae and presence of other benthic habitats within the designated
  areas and adjacent channel. Fringing mangrove and saltmarsh habitat was also mapped
  along the coastline. A brief assessment of the temporary impacts to marine plants is
  provided, based on information provided by TNC to date.


  2.       Methodology
  Desktop Mapping
  An initial marine plant / benthic habitat map was created using expert visual interpretation of
  current aerial imagery that was rectified using ESRI ArcGIS at 1:1000m scale to create a
  high-resolution photo mosaic. Aerial imagery was sourced from QLD Globe (QLD
  Government 2021).

  Field Surveys
  A targeted survey of benthic habitats was completed over four days (7–8 September and 4–5
  November 2020).



  Noosa Estuary: Marine Benthic Habitat Assessment                                                                          1
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