NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI), in partnership with Sydney Metropolitan CMA, NSW Maritime and Manly Council are conducting a three year trial of the seagrass friendly mooring structures. According to NSW DPI Conservation Manager Aquatic Habitat Rehabilitation, Scott Nichols, the project encourages boaties to become involved in the initiative which has benefits for the environment and boat owners themselves.
Nichols also told that the trial is funded by the Australian Government through the Bringing Back the Fish project. He said that this trial offers boat licensees a free seagrass friendly mooring device and three years free maintenance in priority areas of Manly Cove. It is informed that in return for the free mooring device and maintenance, the mooring licensee is expected to retain the mooring device and ensure their boats are moored for the majority of the time.
Nichols explained that the mooring structures were a simple and effective way of improving the aquatic environment. He added that seagrass beds can be damaged directly by boating activities. Propeller damage while moving through shallow waters, anchoring in seagrass beds, and chain drag from traditional mooring devices all contribute to seagrass loss.
Australia is home to the largest and most diverse seagrass assemblages in the world, with a total of six species being found along the NSW coastline. Seagrasses are important in providing habitat and food for fish and other aquatic fauna, and act to reduce erosion and improve water quality.
