Seagrass monitoring at Loders Creek

Join Ocean Connects Marine Biologists for some citizen science to monitor the health of Gold Coast's seagrass meadows. Join our Ocean Connect marine science team on their fortnightly seagrass survey to actively monitor the status and trends in seagrass conditions around the Gold Coast. This event will be held at the Loders Creek site, located at Len Fox Park. Access is via the beach in shallow water. Here is the meeting location https://maps.app.goo.gl/61QfxDbo3DCedu2K6?g_st=com.google.maps.preview.copy ⚠️ Important: Closed shoes or proper reef shoes are required to participate. Seagrasses are a habitat forming species and they play a critical role in the equilibrium of coastal ecosystems. They provide many key ecosystem services, such as providing a nursery and habitat for animals, preventing coastal erosion and sequestering a large amount of carbon dioxide. 7 species occur in the Gold Coast region and cover an estimated 22% of the Broadwater. It is crucial to monitor these change in order to be able to mitigate widespread loss . Ultimately by protecting the seagrass meadows the wider Gold Coast community will indirectly benefit from the sustained water quality in the Gold Coast Broadwater and surrounding region, ultimately, enhancing recreational fishing, marine tourism and providing the right framework for future generations to enjoy. The ongoing monitoring is supported by the City of Gold Coast Catchment and Citizen Science Grant program. Please note: • This workshop is suitable for adults and children supervised by their parents. • This is an outdoor workshop, appropriate footwear required. • Everyone attending must register as spots are limited.