While research has focused on shallow water coastal seagrasses over the last 20 years, little is known of the ecological role, tolerances and drivers of their deepwater (>10) counterparts. Within the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area, deepwater seagrasses are estimated to occupy more than 35,000 km2 of the reef lagoon. These deepwater meadows are often within the footprint of port and shipping activity where dredging, associated plumes and ship movements are major threats to their long term survival. We present initial findings from an ongoing research program to determine the drivers of seasonal and inter-annual change in deepwater tropical seagrasses. Seagrass abundance, seed bank status and recruitment, productivity, irradiance and temperature along with detailed spectral profiles have been measured in three geographically distinct deepwater seagrass meadows since early 2012. Manipulative lab experiments were initiated in mid-2013 to assess the adaptive photophysiological characteristics of the plants. This research will identify key environmental cues which will be used in developing local management strategies for mitigating coastal developmental impacts along the Great Barrier Reef
