Regional Group supports CQU Mackay's mangrove research
Published on 07 February, 2005
CQU Mackay researcher and lecturer, Dr Judith Wake has been successful in securing an $18,000 funding grant from the Mackay Whitsunday Natural Resource Management Group (MWNRMG) to undertake research into mangrove dieback.
The team of researchers consists of Dr Judith Wake from CQU's Centre for Environmental Management and Bronwyn Masters and Ed Oldmeadow from the Department of Natural Resources and Mines.
A team of assistants has also been employed to assist with the project. These include Environmental Science graduates Eddie Adams and Petryce Badger and Environmental Science student Wendy Smith.
One of the aims of the project is to assess whether the levels of the herbicide Diuron, in sediments, have declined as a result of the two-year dry spell and if mangrove health has changed as a result.
To do this, the team has begun to resample sites originally studied by Dr Norm Duke in 2000 and 2002.
As part of an Integrated Monitoring Program, the researchers have also established a number of sites spanning the whole Pioneer River estuary system.
“In taking sediment core samples, we can differentiate the vertical distribution of sediments, metals and herbicides. From this, we should be able to determine the role of sediment deposition in the health of the mangrove ecosystem,” Dr Wake said.
“Water samples have been taken to test for herbicides and nutrients and the structure and health of the mangrove community have been surveyed.
“The concern is to identify to what extent the herbicides, nutrient levels and sedimentation contribute to mangrove health.”.
The results from this study together with the current water quality monitoring program by NRM, and the mangrove erosion studies and coral core sampling by other researchers, will assist in developing a more complete picture of the factors that influence the distribution and severity of mangrove dieback.
For further information contact Dr Judith Wake on 4940 7850.
Photo 1: Dr Judith Wake.
Photo 2: Ed Olmeadow from NRM and CQU Environmental Science graduate Eddie Adams take core samples of mangrove sediments as part of the Integrated Monitoring Program for mangrove health.