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Macroalgae
South Australian reef systems are typically rocky outcrops covered in macroalgae (kelp) and invertebrates. Like coral reefs they are highly diverse environments, but are generally not well understood by the general community, except perhaps by those who dive and fish.
Reefs are constantly changing due to natural causes, as well as from human activity.
One of the main things damaging reefs is believed to be an increase of sediments settling on the reef. This causes some organisms to become clogged and reduces the amount of hard material available for algae to grow on.
Nutrients can also damage reefs by allowing microscopic algae to become so abundant that they reduce the amount of light getting to the reef.
The EPA commissioned studies by the Adelaide and Flinders Universities into the health of reefs along the metropolitan coast in 1996 and again in a slightly expanded version in 1999. It was found that the reefs in the northern part of the metropolitan coastline are in poor condition compared to the reefs in the southern region.
However, many new questions were raised and the South Australian Research and Development Institute (SARDI) are leading a collaborative project, which includes the EPA, to investigate nearly 40 reefs, including the ones studied in 1996 and 1999, in more detail to see if there have been changes since 1996, and to examine the condition of many reefs for the first time.
Links
- The health of subtidal reefs along the Adelaide metropolitan coastline
- Adelaide University Marine Biology Department
- Department of Environment & Natural Resources coastal and marine conservation
- SA Water
- Reef Watch
Last modified: 17/08/2011 04:21 pm
