Guide to the identification of seagrasses in the Great Barrier Reef Region

Abstract

Seagrasses occur in many areas along the coast of northern Australia and are significant components of the flora of the Great Barrier Reef region. Recent field studies aimed at mapping seagrass beds in northern Australia have revealed that seagrasses occur along the length of the Great Barrier Reef lagoon to Torres Strait. In recent surveys conducted by the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSlRO), Division of Fisheries, seagrasses have been found in reef, inter-reef and offshore island situations throughout Torres Strait. Although reefs within the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park have not been comprehensively surveyed for seagrasses, preliminary studies indicate that they may also commonly occur on many of these reefs, in habitats extending from intertidal to completely subtidal situations.