Leschenault Catchment Council welcomes community to dive into results of seagrass studies

A deep dive into the health of one of the South West’s most important underwater meadows is taking place this week with the Leschenault Catchment Council unveiling their recent water quality and seagrass monitoring projects.

The LLC is hosting a community event on November 20 at the Parade Hotel where they will reveal the results of their various programs and studies on the Leschenault Estuary.

The event is part of the State Government’s Healthy Estuaries WA program, which sees the LCC partnered with the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation to deliver ongoing projects to improve the health of this iconic waterbody.

LCC project manager Katrina Zeehandelaar-Adams said all are welcome to attend the event and learn more about the world underneath the surface of the Leschenault Estuary.

“Anyone who appreciates their local waterways is welcome to come and join us to learn more about how the estuary is doing, and the work we are doing to care for it,” she said.

Murdoch University’s Harry Butler Institute research scientist Alan Cottingham, an expert in studying the impacts of climate change and other man-made changes in aquatic ecosystems, will deliver a presentation at the event.

Mr Cottingham will discuss how best to monitor and address some the challenges the unique ecosystem is facing.

“Our community tell us that they love the Leschenault Estuary for its beautiful views, biodiversity and recreation opportunities it provides, such as kayaking, walking and recreational fishing,” Mrs Zeehandelaar-Adams said.

“We are working hard to improve the health of the estuary, especially by reducing the inputs of excess nutrients from the surrounding catchment that reduce water quality.”