By using near real-time data, the model can act as an early warning system for heat stress events, identify high-risk areas for targeted monitoring, and support restoration and conservation planning on Sea Country.
TropWATER’s Dr Catherine Collier, who led the project, said rapid temperature changes are a serious concern in the shallow areas where extensive intertidal seagrass meadows grow.
“If temperatures remain above 35°C for long periods, seagrasses are at risk of heat stress, meaning reduced growth, burnt leaves, and slower recovery – but even short periods of extreme heat can cause damage,” Dr Collier said.
“Understanding when and where heat stress occurs is essential for protecting seagrass meadows and the animals that depend on them.”
TropWATER researchers partnered with nine Traditional Owner groups to install temperature loggers across tidal zones, from permanently submerged areas to highly exposed intertidal flats, at ten locations from 2022 to 2026.
They found that temperatures in shallow areas were highly variable and often extreme, with some highly exposed sites reaching 50°C.
“These patchy and localised conditions aren’t captured by satellite data or large-scale models, but they can have major impacts to seagrass,” Dr Collier said.
By combining these findings with other environmental data on wind, tides, and sea surface temperatures, the team was able to model when and where seagrasses are most at risk of heat stress at the test locations.
“This is the first high-resolution tool for identifying heat stress for inshore habitats of the Great Barrier Reef,” Dr Collier said.
“The model will help environmental managers to better understand changes in seagrass condition and be ready to respond to extreme events.”
This project was in partnership with Darumbal Enterprises, Dawul Wuru Aboriginal Corporation, Gia Ngaro Traditional Owners Reference Group Aboriginal Corporation, Gidarjil Development Corporation, Gudjuda Reference Group Aboriginal Corporation, Koinmerburra Aboriginal Corporation, Wuthathi Aboriginal Corporation, Yuku-Baja-Muliki, and Yuwi Aboriginal Corporation and funded by the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority.
