Climate change will see more frequent intense rainfall events along the east coast of Australia, resulting in repeated low salinity events and increased turbidity in estuaries. Seagrasses can tolerate short pulses of reduced salinity and light, but little is known about their ability to withstand repeated stressful events. In this project, laboratory experiments will be used to understand the combined impacts of low salinity and light on the threatened seagrass Posidonia australis and its ability to recover. Genetic studies will identify whether certain populations are naturally more tolerant of these stressful conditions, meaning they could be used as sources of transplant material for restoration programs to help future-proof this threatened ecological community.

 New South Wales Environment Trust

Dr Tim Glasby, NSW DPI
Dr Elizabeth Sinclair, University of Western Australia
Dr Matthew Nimbs, NSW DPI
Dr Daniel Swadling, NSW DPI