Greening the blue!
Community event to restore seagrass meadows in Western Cove.
Many residents and visitors have planted trees as part of land conservation projects. Now there’s an opportunity to help the marine environment by planting seagrass!
Large areas of seagrass meadows have been lost in Western Cove over the last 30 years. Seagrass provides a home to a diverse range of animals and nursery habitats and refuge for many fish. Seagrass meadows also play a vital role in carbon processing, nutrient recycling and stabilisation of the sea floor. Seagrass loss often results in an increase in wave height and intensity, and associated erosion of the foreshore.
The Coast and Marine Program has successfully trialed transplanting seagrass to help restore seagrass meadows in Western Cove. Last year’s community seagrass planting day resulted in over 200 seagrass sprigs being planted and twelve months later most of them have not only survived, but are thriving.
The community is invited to take part in the Seagrass Planting Day on Friday 17 January 2014 from 11 am–1 pm to learn more about the important role it plays in the marine environment. It’s a great holiday activity for the whole family with lunch provided after the planting. Remember to bring enclosed shoes and clothes which can get wet, sun protection and a water bottle.
For more information and to register your interest contact the Natural Resources Centre 37 Dauncey Street Kingscote, phone (08) 8553 4444 or email alicia.mcardle@sa.gov.au
Image of cuttlefish: Kevin Smith
