Seagrass has been highlighted as a key ecosystem component at risk from port developments and associated dredging activities on the central east coast of Queensland Australia. Fisheries Queensland has developed a light-based approach to manage impacts on seagrasses from turbidity plumes associated with a large-scale port dredging program. In situ and laboratory seagrass shading tolerance studies were conducted to simulate the effects of a dredge plume-related reduction in light from increased turbidity. A review of historical seagrass trends at permanent transect monitoring sites throughout the region and associated Photosynthetically Active Radiation (PAR) data refined species-specific light requirements to develop a working light trigger value for a management intervention that would protect seagrasses from dredge plume impacts. This light-based approach is being trialed in parallel with turbidity management plans. The development, implementation and outcomes of this Light-Based Seagrass Management Approach will be presented
