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Flood Effect on Moreton Bay Ecosystems

 
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​The flood effects on the environment has been severe and has provided a range of interesting teaching opportunities for students immersed in Moreton Bay EEC programs. From the obvious of falling trees and habitat destruction, students are delving deeper to investigate sediment effects on seagrass, plankton growth and distribution, and the impact on fishery resources.

Senior Geography Students investigating the Bulimba Creek catchment discovered the following:

  • ​Identification of areas where the creek was not able to withstand the intensity of flooding (an example is Carindale where a large gum tree was undercut and toppled into the creek).
  • Higher than normal nitrate levels.

Geography students investigating the Port of Brisbane area found that:​

  • The effect of the rain lowered the extreme salinity from 70ppt to 16ppt which enabled some grey mangrove trees that were struggling in 2019 to reshoot and grow again. 

Junior ecologists investigating plankton samples in Waterloo Bay discovered the following:

  • Interesting plankton data which may possibly be linked to higher nitrate and phosphate levels coming down the catchment.
  • Large blooms of phytoplankton such as diatoms.
  • Huge increases in the numbers of jellyfish.

The increased turbidity due to the flood waters will have an effect on fish in the area. The Moreton Bay EEC team are excited about having students deploy Baited Remote Underwater Videos next term to investigate any potential flood influences in the data. Perhaps we will see an increased number of sharks – time will tell and watch this space.

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Last reviewed 31 March 2022
Last updated 31 March 2022