Shorebirds
Beaches, sandbanks and mudflats are important areas for shorebirds (wading birds and seabirds). More than 40,000 migratory shorebirds visit the area each September to April and Moreton Bay is internationally recognised as a Ramsar site for its importance to the survival of these birds. At least 32 species of migratory shorebirds have been recorded in the park, including eastern curlews, grey-tailed tattlers, red-necked stints, ruddy turnstones, bar-tailed godwits and sandpipers.
Disturbance, which is any action that interrupts the breeding, feeding or resting of shorebirds can cause a shorebird to take flight. This represents a significant disturbance as it makes the bird waste vital energy.
Keeping a dog leashed while on the beach; Image: J Esdaile
Shorebird disturbance can be prevented by:
• Keeping domestic animals (eg dogs and horses) under control and well away from shorebirds. Every time shorebirds are forced to take flight, they burn vital energy
• Avoiding driving or operating all forms of vehicles, vessels and recreational devices near shorebirds. A shorebird probably thinks a kite surfer is the biggest predator it has ever seen!
• Not driving along the beach at high tide or above the high-water mark — to avoid destroying shorebird nests
• If fishing from a sandbar, choose the opposite end to where the birds are gathered
• Consider how our actions may disturb shorebirds. This can include where to set up camp or a simple stroll through a roost site at high tide
• Prevent pollution — remember that almost all rubbish and pollutants discarded on the land end up in the bay
• Sitting quietly at a distance and using binoculars, for a good look at shorebirds
By disturbing shorebirds we reduce their survival prospects. Remember it is an offence to cause disturbance to shorebirds and their habitat in Moreton Bay and on-the-spot penalties apply.
Brisbane City Council Sharing Shorelines Video – Shorebirds in Moreton Bay
Seagrass
Seagrass is central to the marine web of life and supports a vast array of life. Dugong, green turtles, sea urchins and some fish feed directly on the seagrass leaves. Other fish and marine organisms rely on seagrass beds for their survival as part of the overall food chain. All seagrasses, dead and alive, are protected under the Fisheries Act 1994
Dugong feeding on seagrass in Moreton Bay; Image source: www.abc.net.au
Seagrass needs light and nutrients to grow. They have the highest light requirements of all the submerged marine plants and cannot easily grow in murky water. They thrive in shallow coastal waters sheltered from wave action and strong currents which can erode their roots
Seven species of seagrass are found in Moreton Bay Marine Park, some of these are not found any further south on the east coast
The distribution and health of seagrass in Moreton Bay Marine Park is under threat. Since the late 1980s there have been several documented losses of seagrass in Moreton Bay. The most notable area of loss is in southern Deception Bay where some 2000ha of seagrass habitat has been lost, however there have also been losses in Bramble Bay and near the mouth of the Logan River
Seagrass at Beachmere
Turbid water caused by sediment runoff from the land and waves and tidal action is threatening the marine park’s seagrass in the western bay. Blooms of cyanobacteria, Lyngbya sp, are occurring more frequently in the marine park and can also lead to seagrass loss
Seagrasses are also threatened by direct physical disturbance such as dredging, bait gathering and vessel grounding
It is very important to prevent soil and fertilizer from being washed off properties or building sites anywhere in the landscape. If left unchecked, they can flow through waterways down to the sea, during rainfall events
Coastal vegetation
The native vegetation in coastal areas plays an important role in stabilising the surface against wind erosion and provides habitat for wildlife. Coastal dunes provide a buffer against coastal hazards such as wind erosion, wave overtopping and tidal inundation during storm events
Image source: www.mackay.qld.gov.au
By protecting and encouraging the growth of coastal vegetation, beach erosion can be reduced and important and unique natural regional assets maintained
This education resource was made possible by grant funding received from the Australian Government through the National Landcare Program
