Rockingham Bays Seagrass Monitoring Group

RBSMG is a self-funded seagrass monitoring group that relies completely on volunteer help. We monitor and report on the state of seagrasses in 5 designated areas: POINT PERON, JOHN POINT, PENGUIN ISLAND, MANGLES BAY, BECHER POINT

Our aim is to collect long-term quantitative data by measuring seagrass patches. The information is recorded then sent to CALM's database. Once the data is verified it can be used in the following ways:
1. To provide comparisons with seagrass monitoring in Cockburn Sound
2. To provide information to Fremantle Ports
3. To liaise with three Universities, Edith Cowan, Murdoch, UWA
4. To educate the community about the health of the seagrass.

We monitor the five sites from November to March using two boats with a maximum of 10 people each session. We always have a plenary (ie. party) session afterwards which takes the form of a sausage sizzle. This session is crucial to the wellbeing and efficiency of the group. We discuss issues, plan for the next monitoring session, modify equipment and inservice new recruits.

The methodology includes measuring 8 dimensions of seagrass patch using a compass rose, (N,NE,E,SE,S,SW,W,NW,) and four measurements of seagrass and epiphyte density on N,E,S,W, using a 1.2 quadrat. In addition to sending our data to CALM we take a photographic record of each site. Each quadrat is photographed long distance and closeup on NESW. More on methodology here

We enjoy excellent fellowship and are having a 'Christmas in July' on 23rd July, 7.30pm

We could like to acknowledge the past support of Rockingham Regional Environment Centre and CALM.