Dredging a threat to seagrass: researcher
Dredging at the proposed Mangles Bay Marina site could have a disastrous effect on vital seagrass, according to an Edith Cowan University research fellow.
Dr Kathryn McMahon said ecologically important seagrass could begin to diminish as waters become murky and turbid, restricting the species' access to direct sunlight. She said the carbon-storing species could suffer irreversible damage, intensifying the effects of climate change.
"The species of seagrass found in the South West is ecologically important as a habitat for algae, fish and other organisms and increase the biodiversity of the water," Dr McMahon said.
"Large seaweed species also store carbon, which is vital to combating climate change because it reduces the amount released into the atmosphere.
"It has the potential to mitigate the impact of climate change, through photosynthesis."
Dr McMahon said it would also be necessary to directly remove large areas of seagrass before dredging began and there were also concerns salinated water could infiltrate Lake Richmond which is home to critically endangered thrombolites.
