| Key indicators |
Indicator compliance |
% compliance |
|
|
16 |
|
|
52 |
|
|
75 |
|
|
99 |
|
NA
|
95 |
| ■ <0.5 × water quality objective |
| ■ 0.5-1.0 × water quality objective |
| ■ 1.0-1.5 × water quality objective |
| ■ ≥1.5 × water quality objective |
|
Waterloo Bay received a “D+” grade in the 2009
Report Card (previously “A”), the largest reduction in grade for any
zone within Moreton Bay indicating a major deterioration in ecosystem
health. This decline in grade was due to a combination of factors with
the most important being increases in the sewage nitrogen signal
(δ15N), increased phytoplankton abundance
(Chl-a) and to a lesser extent reduced water clarity
(Secchi depth). Lyngbya also occurred within
the zone in 2008/2009 whereas it was not previously monitored from
Waterloo Bay in 2007/2008. However, the zone remained 99% compliant for
nutrient concentrations (TN) and the seagrass extent and depth range
remained good and relatively stable. There was only a slight reduction
in coral density observed (seagrass distribution, seagrass depth range
and coral cover being the three BHR indicators for the bay zones).
Waterloo Bay is assessed against a Western
Embayment guideline along with Bramble and Deception Bays. As much of
Waterloo Bay is considered of high ecological value due to the presence
of relatively stable and diverse seagrass meadows and coral communities,
its water quality conditions have previously provided the reference
condition used for the Western Embayment guideline.
Abbreviations glossary |
Indicators and methods
|
