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BMT WBM assess the ecological values of a constructed rock wall
09-Jul-2009
A 4.6 km seawall was constructed by the Port of Brisbane Corporation (PBC) in the vicinity of the Brisbane River mouth as part of port expansion works. Four years after completion of the seawall, BMT WBM was engaged by PBC to assess the biological characteristics and ecological values of the seawall and adjacent seabed. A combination of sampling methods were adopted, including acoustic-based assessments of seabed habitats, video-based surveys of seawall flora and fauna assemblages, and surveys of the physical and chemical properties of sediments adjacent to the seawall.
Diverse and abundant marine flora assemblages were found to have colonised and established along the full extent of the seawall. These assemblages, together with the seawall itself, provide habitat to a range of fish species and other marine fauna, including crustaceans, molluscs, sponges and hard and soft corals. These flora and fauna are comprised of a similar range of species found on nearby natural rocky reefs and shores.
Overall, these results indicate that a few short years since its construction, the seawall represents a site of high bio-diversity value, and supports fish habitat and a recreational angling area of high significance on a local scale.
For further information contact Dr Darren Richardson, dlrichardson@wbmpl.com.au