The Noosa River estuary is physically dynamic, especially
near the mouth, where the main boating channel constantly
shifts in position as sediments are moved and redeposited.
Residential canal estates have been developed along the
foreshores of the estuary and this has involved some
reclamation of intertidal habitat with subsequent changes
to estuarine hydrodynamics and sedimentation regimes.
Serious erosion of the Noosa Spit on the southern side of
the estuary has deposited sediments into the mouth,
exposing vegetation long the shoreline.
Noosa Shire Council began a dredging programme in November
1997, aimed at restoring lost sediments from the Noosa Spit
and stabilising the foreshore vegetation.
We have implemented a 'Before-After / Control-Impact'
monitoring programme using multiple reference areas,
sampled on two occasions before dredging began and at least
two times after the pilot dredging programme began. (Andrew
Pryor - Honours).
After consultation with Queensland DPI Fisheries, Noosa
Council agreed to control the restoration programme and to
use the dredged sediment to create intertidal habitats
along the foreshore of the Spit.
We have begun a research programme to examine the
colonisation of these habitats and their subsequent
utilisation by commercial finfish and crustaceans.
(Samantha Miller - PhD).