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The Ecological Indicators monitoring program was introduced in 2008 and is a sub-theme of the Water Quality Program. This program was introduced in order to gain a fuller understanding of the biological effects of the physical and chemical parameters measured in the Water Quality Program. While the Water Quality program measures the amount of contaminants (and other parameters) in the water column, the Ecological Indicators program assesses the diversity and health of organisms within the water column to determine the extent of effects, if any, of the measured contaminants.
Thus far in this program, phytoplankton, seaweeds and water column invertebrates have been examined. Phytoplankton, as indicated by chlorophyll a measurements, provides an indication of the nutrient enrichment of the waterways. While phytoplankton is necessary for the functioning of the marine and estuarine food chain excessive amounts of phytoplankton can indicate highly nutrient enriched waterways, which can lead to toxic algal blooms leading to detrimental impacts on water dwelling organisms.
Seaweed, or macroalgae, populations are assessed using settling plates which are deployed for an eight week period. The diversity and abundance of the seaweed populations are examined, with a high diversity and abundance suggesting a healthy ecosystem. Areas which contain little or no seaweeds may indicate lower water quality.
Population of invertebrates will colonise the seaweed on the settling plates. The abundance and diversity of invertebrates is also examined, and similar to the seaweeds, a higher diversity and abundance suggests a healthy ecosystem.
Similar to the Water Quality program, this program is likely to be carried out annually, with a summer monitoring period scheduled for early 2010. Like all other PCIMP programs, this theme will be continually revised and refined to include parameters which are suitable, sensitive indicators of environmental health within Port Curtis.
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Settlement nets are used to examine macroalgal and invertebrate communities at each water quality monitoring site. These communities give an indication of the ecological health of the harbour.
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