Scientists invite community to analyse Geographe Bay’s health

The community is invited to a seminar exploring the health of Geographe Bay’s marine environment.

Scientists from Edith Cowan University and the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions are inviting the community to attend the Marine Matters talk later this month as they present the findings of studies conducted around the iconic bay.

There will be a range of marine projects explored, from ongoing studies of seagrass meadows to the impacts of climate change on marine ecology.

Having studied several seagrass sites in Geographe Bay for 13 years, ECU’s Kathryn McMahon will be presenting at the seminar.

“Most of the sites are located within the Ngari Capes Marine Park so they are an indicator of marine park health,” she said.

“We are finding that most of the sites in Geographe are staying stable, and some are increasing in shoot density over time.“

Professor McMahon said the evidence suggests the meadows are staying stable or even improving within the bay.

Also presenting will be DBCA marine scientist Tanika Shalders who will present her findings about climate change ecology in cool water marine systems.

Geographe Marine Research’s Ian Wiese will discuss transiting whales, and Oz Fish WA’s program manager Steve Pursell will be talking about the latest research on fish habitat projects.

GeoCatch chair Vicky Winton invited those with an interest in the natural environment to attend Marine Matters at the Busselton Tennis Club from 5.30pm on July 25.

“This is a great opportunity for the community to find out about the Keep Watch Sea Grass Monitoring Program and other scientific research in Geographe Bay,” she said.

“Come along to hear why and how seagrass monitoring keeps tabs on nutrients entering the bay from our catchment.”