Harbour's seagrass cover increases

SEAGRASS levels are increasing in Gladstone Harbour, according to a new report. Gladstone Ports Corporation (GPC) said the report was proof that dredging was not to blame for the reduction in levels early this year.

GPC has released the October results of seagrass monitoring which showed increases in seagrass cover around Fishermans Landing, Pelican Banks North and Pelican Banks South.

The seagrass cover at these sites had reached similar levels to the same time of year in 2010 and 2009.

GPC CEO Leo Zussino said this was a good result, showing the dredging is not killing off seagrass.

"What (the report) is saying is that inside Gladstone Harbour, close to the western basin, we have either significant improvements since September or it's the same (depending on which area.) And the Fishermans Landing one is spectacularly improved."

He said the report shows that dredging is not impacting on seagrass meadows.

"I think that what people are concerned about, is the impact of dredging upon seagrass beds that were denuded. And what this is saying is that we are extremely pleased to see that the seagrass beds in close proximity to the dredging project are continuing to recover at very good rates."

Capricorn Conservation Council project officer Chantelle James said although she had not seen the report she was glad to hear the seagrass percent cover had increased.

"We welcome that the report has been released and the Capricorn Conservation Council will over the coming weeks look at the report and work with industry and stakeholders to figure out what is happening in the harbour with water quality and seagrass cover," Ms James said.

But she said she was not convinced of the significance of the findings because it was in her understanding that seagrass levels always increased at this time of year.