Successful seagrass season for CMERC
Two hundred and twenty-five volunteers, 36 events and 123.9 litres of flowers collected.
They’re the statistics associated with CQUniversity’s Coastal Marine Ecosystems Research Centre (CMERC) seagrass flower collection in 2024.
Held across Gladstone and Cannonvale Beach, the seagrass collection events bring general members of the public, university partners and researchers together to improve the resilience of the region's seagrass populations and in turn, the marine life that depends on them for survival.
Seagrasses are marine flowering plants that provide vital ecosystem services for humans and marine animals alike.
They provide habitat for fish and threatened species such as dugongs and sea turtles, stabilise sediments and protect coastlines from storms and erosion.
CMERC Director Professor Emma Jackson said she was thankful for everyone who assisted with collecting seagrass flowers in 2024.
“From our partners Gidarjil Development Corporation, Great Barrier Reef Foundation, Coles Group, OzFish, Ngaro Traditional Owners, Reef Catchments – to local residents who dusted off their wide-brim hats and long-sleeved shirts to become citizen scientists - we could not have been in the positive position that we are in today if it wasn’t for your support,” Prof Jackson said.
“We now have thousands of seagrass seeds being stored in our state-of-the-art nurseries – some of which are being harvested and many more that will continue to drop from flowers over the next several months,” she explained.
Prof Jackson said current trials at Pelican Banks in Gladstone Harbour and Cannonvale Beach in the Whitsundays are testing various methods of planting to identify the most effective method for large-scale restoration at each site.
“Ultimately, CMERC aims to identify effective methods for harvesting, storing and cultivating seagrass flowers and seeds, and techniques for planting seeds that enhance large-scale restoration success.”
Prof Jackson said she looked forward to working with more community members, partners and researchers in 2025.
“In order to avoid seeds being washed away during the wet season, planting will begin in April or May next year.”
To stay up to date on seagrass collection dates in 2025, visit the CMERC website.
