Annex 1 - Noosa River Habitat Survey Report - ESP

                                                                   Ecological Service Professionals
                                                                                     Sustainable Science Solutions




Seagrass
Seagrass species recorded in the intertidal and subtidal zone of the Noosa Estuary included
dense beds dominated by Zostera muelleri subsp. capricorni, with sparse patches of
Halophila ovalis. Where Zostera was present, it usually formed dense patches with plants
having a long blade length of approximately 50-60 cm. The epiphyte load on each blade
varied throughout the estuary from less than 10% coverage to more than 60% coverage of
blades. Halophila was recorded in sparse patches (<10% cover) or on the fringe of dense
Zostera beds. A description of the seagrass communities recorded in each of the
investigation reaches is provided in Table 3.2.
   Table 3.2    Seagrass description with each investigation area

 Area        Description                              Photo

 Noosa       No seagrass was recorded within          No Seagrass observed
 Sound       the reach, intertidal and subtidal
             habitats were dominated by
             unvegetated sand.
 Goat        Several small patches of seagrass
 Island      generally less than 5 m in diameter
             were observed growing along the
             channel edge adjacent to Goat
             Island. The patches were dominated
             by Zostera with long blades and
             covering more than 75% of the
             patch area (typically more than
             90%).
             The seagrass was in good condition
             with low epiphyte growth; however,
             some patches were being actively
                                                      Dense small patch of Zostera
             smothered by unconsolidated sand.
             Numerous boats are moored in the
             vicinity of the seagrass patches.
 Tewantin    Several small patches of seagrass
             generally less than 5 m in diameter
             were observed along the channel
             edge north of the investigation area.
             The patches were dominated by
             Zostera with long blades (>50 cm)
             and covering more than 75% of the
             patch area (typically more than 90%
             of the patch area). A much larger
             continuous Zostera bed extends
             throughout the small bay to the
             north of the restoration area, with
                                                      Patchy seagrass at upstream end of
             smaller patches of seagrass
                                                      investigation area
             growing upstream along the main
             river channel.



Noosa Oyster Reef Restoration: Marine Benthic Habitat Assessment                                                9