Abstract
This review was undertaken to identify which seagrass primary producers (species or different functional groups) that collectively cover the bio-geographic range of key primary producers in the northwest of Western Australia are most appropriate for the focus of subsequent research into thresholds and indicators of response to dredging-related pressures (i.e. Theme 5). An assessment framework was developed based on six criteria: biogeographic range; ecological relevance (life-history strategy, habitats, natural dynamics and ecological services); current knowledge on thresholds and bioindicators; likelihood that species are sensitive and resilient to dredging related stressors; extent of improvement in applied knowledge; and likelihood of being able to grow seagrass species successfully in mesocosms.
Aims
To identify which primary producers (species or different functional groups), that collectively cover the bio-geographic range of key primary producers in WA, are most appropriate for the focus of subsequent research into thresholds and indicators of response to dredging-related pressures
Keywords
oceans, marine biology, dredging, marine habitat, sediment, turbidity, seagrass, primary producers, north west Western Australia
Document Type
Report
Date of Publication
2017
Publisher
Western Australian Marine Science Institution
School
School of Science
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 License.
Comments
McMahon K, Statton J & Lavery P (2017) Seagrasses of the north west of Western Australia: Biogeography and considerations for dredging-related research. Report of Theme 5 - Project 5.1.2 prepared for the Dredging Science Node, Western Australian Marine Science Institution, Perth, Western Australia. 39 pp.
https://wamsi.org.au/project/5-1-2-seagrass-biogeography/