Marine researchers to rehabilitate 1000 square kilometres of seagrass near Shark Bay

An Indigenous-led research vessel to restore seagrass in Shark Bay has been launched to combat tough marine conditions in the area.

Marine 2 is a 23 metre boat owned by the Jock Clough Marine Foundation, but will be operated by Indigenous sea cucumber harvester Tidal Moon for the project.

Tidal Moon aims to rehabilitate 1000 square kilometres of seagrass in Shark Bay, after a series of marine heatwaves caused damage to the area more than a decade ago.

Managing director Michael Wear said seagrass was important for marine life.

“Seagrass provides a vital habitat and breeding area for marine animals,” he said.

“It also prevents the release of thousands of tonnes of carbon dioxide and is regarded as the ocean’s lungs.

“Myself and Malgana Elders are honoured that Shark Bay’s traditional custodians will lead this exciting collaboration, which brings together important marine research and innovative projects that benefit the environment.

“This is also going to create new private sector job opportunities and give our young people new opportunities to care for sea country.”

The CSIRO and WA Marine Science Institution have worked with Tidal Moon to understand Shark Bay’s ecosystem, the role seagrass plays, and how they can prevent future losses.

WAMSI chief executive Dr Luke Twomey said the science plan developed for the area and the data collected could help understand global ecosystems.

“Shark Bay is like the canary in the coalmine for climate change and our partner scientists will be able to make a real difference through this initiative,” he said.

The vessel was launched from Fremantle’s Sardine Jetty on Friday last week.