A Western Australian parliamentary question on notice addresses seagrass monitoring near Champion Bay following dredging activities, seeking details on monitoring strategies, data availability, and geographical locations. The Minister provides answers, including a delayed response for GPS data.

AnsweredQoN 1524Legislative Council
Asked
18 November 2003
Portfolio
Environment

QuestionView source ↗

With regard to table 3 of the “Review of Seagrass Condition at Established Monitoring Stations Field Survey Report”, which was tabled in response to question on notice 1239 of 14 October 2003 - (1) Can the minister table the geographical positioning system locations for the start and finish points of each transect site listed, and a map of the study area? (2) What follow-up monitoring is now being carried out on those transects? (3) Can the minister outline exactly whether the original monitoring strategy was transect or drop dives, or both? (4) Can the minister provide details of any other baseline data sets for seagrass or algae between Champion Bay and Horrocks? (5) Can the minister provide details of exactly what kind of follow-up monitoring is now being undertaken by any party, and where? Hon TOM STEPHENS

AnswerView source ↗

I thank the member for some notice of this question. The Minister for the Environment has provided the following reply - (1) The department is not able to provide this information at short notice. I will provide a response to this part of the question by 21 November 2003. (2) As per the environmental management plan, dredge impact monitoring requires qualitative video surveys to be undertaken twice yearly, and quantitative surveys to be undertaken annually. (3) The original strategy in the environmental management plan requires transect monitoring, not drop dives. Drop dives were implemented by the Geraldton Port Authority in response to the level of turbidity precluding the implementation of the transect surveys during the dredging. (4) No baseline data was required to be obtained by the GPA for the coastline between Champion Bay and Horrocks under statement 600. However, in response to the greater than predicted turbidity plume, collection of data was commenced by the GPA in Drummonds Cove to the north of Champion Bay in April 2003. (5) Qualitative video surveys along the transects are now being resumed twice yearly, in spring and at the end of summer, and quantitative surveys are being undertaken annually. For continuity, the drop dives are also being continued. An additional research program is in the process of being developed through Environment Australia to determine the short and long-term effect of the dredge plume on seagrasses in Champion Bay.
(1) Can the minister table the geographical positioning system locations for the start and finish points of each transect site listed, and a map of the study area? (2) What follow-up monitoring is now being carried out on those transects? (3) Can the minister outline exactly whether the original monitoring strategy was transect or drop dives, or both? (4) Can the minister provide details of any other baseline data sets for seagrass or algae between Champion Bay and Horrocks? (5) Can the minister provide details of exactly what kind of follow-up monitoring is now being undertaken by any party, and where? Hon TOM STEPHENS replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question. The Minister for the Environment has provided the following reply - (1) The department is not able to provide this information at short notice. I will provide a response to this part of the question by 21 November 2003. (2) As per the environmental management plan, dredge impact monitoring requires qualitative video surveys to be undertaken twice yearly, and quantitative surveys to be undertaken annually. (3) The original strategy in the environmental management plan requires transect monitoring, not drop dives. Drop dives were implemented by the Geraldton Port Authority in response to the level of turbidity precluding the implementation of the transect surveys during the dredging. (4) No baseline data was required to be obtained by the GPA for the coastline between Champion Bay and Horrocks under statement 600. However, in response to the greater than predicted turbidity plume, collection of data was commenced by the GPA in Drummonds Cove to the north of Champion Bay in April 2003. (5) Qualitative video surveys along the transects are now being resumed twice yearly, in spring and at the end of summer, and quantitative surveys are being undertaken annually. For continuity, the drop dives are also being continued. An additional research program is in the process of being developed through Environment Australia to determine the short and long-term effect of the dredge plume on seagrasses in Champion Bay.
(2) What follow-up monitoring is now being carried out on those transects? (3) Can the minister outline exactly whether the original monitoring strategy was transect or drop dives, or both? (4) Can the minister provide details of any other baseline data sets for seagrass or algae between Champion Bay and Horrocks? (5) Can the minister provide details of exactly what kind of follow-up monitoring is now being undertaken by any party, and where? Hon TOM STEPHENS replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question. The Minister for the Environment has provided the following reply - (1) The department is not able to provide this information at short notice. I will provide a response to this part of the question by 21 November 2003. (2) As per the environmental management plan, dredge impact monitoring requires qualitative video surveys to be undertaken twice yearly, and quantitative surveys to be undertaken annually. (3) The original strategy in the environmental management plan requires transect monitoring, not drop dives. Drop dives were implemented by the Geraldton Port Authority in response to the level of turbidity precluding the implementation of the transect surveys during the dredging. (4) No baseline data was required to be obtained by the GPA for the coastline between Champion Bay and Horrocks under statement 600. However, in response to the greater than predicted turbidity plume, collection of data was commenced by the GPA in Drummonds Cove to the north of Champion Bay in April 2003. (5) Qualitative video surveys along the transects are now being resumed twice yearly, in spring and at the end of summer, and quantitative surveys are being undertaken annually. For continuity, the drop dives are also being continued. An additional research program is in the process of being developed through Environment Australia to determine the short and long-term effect of the dredge plume on seagrasses in Champion Bay.
(3) Can the minister outline exactly whether the original monitoring strategy was transect or drop dives, or both? (4) Can the minister provide details of any other baseline data sets for seagrass or algae between Champion Bay and Horrocks? (5) Can the minister provide details of exactly what kind of follow-up monitoring is now being undertaken by any party, and where? Hon TOM STEPHENS replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question. The Minister for the Environment has provided the following reply - (1) The department is not able to provide this information at short notice. I will provide a response to this part of the question by 21 November 2003. (2) As per the environmental management plan, dredge impact monitoring requires qualitative video surveys to be undertaken twice yearly, and quantitative surveys to be undertaken annually. (3) The original strategy in the environmental management plan requires transect monitoring, not drop dives. Drop dives were implemented by the Geraldton Port Authority in response to the level of turbidity precluding the implementation of the transect surveys during the dredging. (4) No baseline data was required to be obtained by the GPA for the coastline between Champion Bay and Horrocks under statement 600. However, in response to the greater than predicted turbidity plume, collection of data was commenced by the GPA in Drummonds Cove to the north of Champion Bay in April 2003. (5) Qualitative video surveys along the transects are now being resumed twice yearly, in spring and at the end of summer, and quantitative surveys are being undertaken annually. For continuity, the drop dives are also being continued. An additional research program is in the process of being developed through Environment Australia to determine the short and long-term effect of the dredge plume on seagrasses in Champion Bay.
(4) Can the minister provide details of any other baseline data sets for seagrass or algae between Champion Bay and Horrocks? (5) Can the minister provide details of exactly what kind of follow-up monitoring is now being undertaken by any party, and where? Hon TOM STEPHENS replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question. The Minister for the Environment has provided the following reply - (1) The department is not able to provide this information at short notice. I will provide a response to this part of the question by 21 November 2003. (2) As per the environmental management plan, dredge impact monitoring requires qualitative video surveys to be undertaken twice yearly, and quantitative surveys to be undertaken annually. (3) The original strategy in the environmental management plan requires transect monitoring, not drop dives. Drop dives were implemented by the Geraldton Port Authority in response to the level of turbidity precluding the implementation of the transect surveys during the dredging. (4) No baseline data was required to be obtained by the GPA for the coastline between Champion Bay and Horrocks under statement 600. However, in response to the greater than predicted turbidity plume, collection of data was commenced by the GPA in Drummonds Cove to the north of Champion Bay in April 2003. (5) Qualitative video surveys along the transects are now being resumed twice yearly, in spring and at the end of summer, and quantitative surveys are being undertaken annually. For continuity, the drop dives are also being continued. An additional research program is in the process of being developed through Environment Australia to determine the short and long-term effect of the dredge plume on seagrasses in Champion Bay.
(5) Can the minister provide details of exactly what kind of follow-up monitoring is now being undertaken by any party, and where? Hon TOM STEPHENS replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question. The Minister for the Environment has provided the following reply - (1) The department is not able to provide this information at short notice. I will provide a response to this part of the question by 21 November 2003. (2) As per the environmental management plan, dredge impact monitoring requires qualitative video surveys to be undertaken twice yearly, and quantitative surveys to be undertaken annually. (3) The original strategy in the environmental management plan requires transect monitoring, not drop dives. Drop dives were implemented by the Geraldton Port Authority in response to the level of turbidity precluding the implementation of the transect surveys during the dredging. (4) No baseline data was required to be obtained by the GPA for the coastline between Champion Bay and Horrocks under statement 600. However, in response to the greater than predicted turbidity plume, collection of data was commenced by the GPA in Drummonds Cove to the north of Champion Bay in April 2003. (5) Qualitative video surveys along the transects are now being resumed twice yearly, in spring and at the end of summer, and quantitative surveys are being undertaken annually. For continuity, the drop dives are also being continued. An additional research program is in the process of being developed through Environment Australia to determine the short and long-term effect of the dredge plume on seagrasses in Champion Bay.
Hon TOM STEPHENS replied: I thank the member for some notice of this question. The Minister for the Environment has provided the following reply - (1) The department is not able to provide this information at short notice. I will provide a response to this part of the question by 21 November 2003. (2) As per the environmental management plan, dredge impact monitoring requires qualitative video surveys to be undertaken twice yearly, and quantitative surveys to be undertaken annually. (3) The original strategy in the environmental management plan requires transect monitoring, not drop dives. Drop dives were implemented by the Geraldton Port Authority in response to the level of turbidity precluding the implementation of the transect surveys during the dredging. (4) No baseline data was required to be obtained by the GPA for the coastline between Champion Bay and Horrocks under statement 600. However, in response to the greater than predicted turbidity plume, collection of data was commenced by the GPA in Drummonds Cove to the north of Champion Bay in April 2003. (5) Qualitative video surveys along the transects are now being resumed twice yearly, in spring and at the end of summer, and quantitative surveys are being undertaken annually. For continuity, the drop dives are also being continued. An additional research program is in the process of being developed through Environment Australia to determine the short and long-term effect of the dredge plume on seagrasses in Champion Bay.
I thank the member for some notice of this question. The Minister for the Environment has provided the following reply - (1) The department is not able to provide this information at short notice. I will provide a response to this part of the question by 21 November 2003. (2) As per the environmental management plan, dredge impact monitoring requires qualitative video surveys to be undertaken twice yearly, and quantitative surveys to be undertaken annually. (3) The original strategy in the environmental management plan requires transect monitoring, not drop dives. Drop dives were implemented by the Geraldton Port Authority in response to the level of turbidity precluding the implementation of the transect surveys during the dredging. (4) No baseline data was required to be obtained by the GPA for the coastline between Champion Bay and Horrocks under statement 600. However, in response to the greater than predicted turbidity plume, collection of data was commenced by the GPA in Drummonds Cove to the north of Champion Bay in April 2003. (5) Qualitative video surveys along the transects are now being resumed twice yearly, in spring and at the end of summer, and quantitative surveys are being undertaken annually. For continuity, the drop dives are also being continued. An additional research program is in the process of being developed through Environment Australia to determine the short and long-term effect of the dredge plume on seagrasses in Champion Bay.
(1) The department is not able to provide this information at short notice. I will provide a response to this part of the question by 21 November 2003. (2) As per the environmental management plan, dredge impact monitoring requires qualitative video surveys to be undertaken twice yearly, and quantitative surveys to be undertaken annually. (3) The original strategy in the environmental management plan requires transect monitoring, not drop dives. Drop dives were implemented by the Geraldton Port Authority in response to the level of turbidity precluding the implementation of the transect surveys during the dredging. (4) No baseline data was required to be obtained by the GPA for the coastline between Champion Bay and Horrocks under statement 600. However, in response to the greater than predicted turbidity plume, collection of data was commenced by the GPA in Drummonds Cove to the north of Champion Bay in April 2003. (5) Qualitative video surveys along the transects are now being resumed twice yearly, in spring and at the end of summer, and quantitative surveys are being undertaken annually. For continuity, the drop dives are also being continued. An additional research program is in the process of being developed through Environment Australia to determine the short and long-term effect of the dredge plume on seagrasses in Champion Bay.
(2) As per the environmental management plan, dredge impact monitoring requires qualitative video surveys to be undertaken twice yearly, and quantitative surveys to be undertaken annually. (3) The original strategy in the environmental management plan requires transect monitoring, not drop dives. Drop dives were implemented by the Geraldton Port Authority in response to the level of turbidity precluding the implementation of the transect surveys during the dredging. (4) No baseline data was required to be obtained by the GPA for the coastline between Champion Bay and Horrocks under statement 600. However, in response to the greater than predicted turbidity plume, collection of data was commenced by the GPA in Drummonds Cove to the north of Champion Bay in April 2003. (5) Qualitative video surveys along the transects are now being resumed twice yearly, in spring and at the end of summer, and quantitative surveys are being undertaken annually. For continuity, the drop dives are also being continued. An additional research program is in the process of being developed through Environment Australia to determine the short and long-term effect of the dredge plume on seagrasses in Champion Bay.
(3) The original strategy in the environmental management plan requires transect monitoring, not drop dives. Drop dives were implemented by the Geraldton Port Authority in response to the level of turbidity precluding the implementation of the transect surveys during the dredging. (4) No baseline data was required to be obtained by the GPA for the coastline between Champion Bay and Horrocks under statement 600. However, in response to the greater than predicted turbidity plume, collection of data was commenced by the GPA in Drummonds Cove to the north of Champion Bay in April 2003. (5) Qualitative video surveys along the transects are now being resumed twice yearly, in spring and at the end of summer, and quantitative surveys are being undertaken annually. For continuity, the drop dives are also being continued. An additional research program is in the process of being developed through Environment Australia to determine the short and long-term effect of the dredge plume on seagrasses in Champion Bay.
(4) No baseline data was required to be obtained by the GPA for the coastline between Champion Bay and Horrocks under statement 600. However, in response to the greater than predicted turbidity plume, collection of data was commenced by the GPA in Drummonds Cove to the north of Champion Bay in April 2003. (5) Qualitative video surveys along the transects are now being resumed twice yearly, in spring and at the end of summer, and quantitative surveys are being undertaken annually. For continuity, the drop dives are also being continued. An additional research program is in the process of being developed through Environment Australia to determine the short and long-term effect of the dredge plume on seagrasses in Champion Bay.
(5) Qualitative video surveys along the transects are now being resumed twice yearly, in spring and at the end of summer, and quantitative surveys are being undertaken annually. For continuity, the drop dives are also being continued. An additional research program is in the process of being developed through Environment Australia to determine the short and long-term effect of the dredge plume on seagrasses in Champion Bay.

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