Shark Bay's Seagrass Loss Threatens Carbon Storage and Biodiversity
Australia's ambitious goal of net-zero greenhouse gas emissions faces a potential setback due to the risk of carbon release from a vast seabed reserve off the coast of Western Australia. This warning comes from Professor Gary Kendrick, a leading marine ecologist who has been studying Shark Bay since 1982.
Shark Bay, a World Heritage site, boasts the planet's largest reserve of seagrass meadows. However, over a quarter of these meadows were lost in a marine heatwave in 2011. Only 10% have recovered, and research indicates that the massive carbon deposits beneath the exposed areas are vulnerable to release during heavy storms.
Professor Kendrick emphasizes the urgency of restoring the lost seagrass meadows. He highlights that the organic carbon captured under seagrass is ten times greater than that stored under a rainforest of equivalent size. The release of this carbon into the atmosphere due to storm disturbances would significantly hinder Australia's efforts to achieve net-zero emissions.
Frustratingly, a fully-funded plan to expand seagrass restoration efforts to 100 hectares has been stalled by the WA government, despite support from BHP and local stakeholders. The project aims to utilize divers from the Indigenous sea cucumber company Tidal Moon and has the potential to generate significant environmental and economic benefits.
The loss of seagrass meadows has already impacted marine life populations, including dolphins, sharks, and stingrays, which are crucial for tourism in the region. Additionally, the potential for sustainable sea ranching operations is hindered by the lack of seagrass restoration.
The WA government's slow response to seagrass restoration has drawn criticism from marine charter operators and prominent figures like Jock Clough, a former construction giant and current chair of the University of WA's Oceans Institute. They emphasize the need for private philanthropy and collaboration to fill scientific gaps and support restoration efforts.
Shark Bay's unique location at the convergence of temperate and tropical systems makes it an ideal location for studying the impacts of climate change. The near-pristine condition of the bay provides a valuable opportunity to understand and address the challenges posed by a changing climate.
The restoration of Shark Bay's seagrass meadows is crucial not only for carbon storage but also for preserving biodiversity, supporting local communities, and advancing scientific understanding. It is imperative that the WA government collaborates with stakeholders and facilitates the implementation of restoration plans to ensure the long-term health of this vital ecosystem.