Our Research (List) | moreton-bay-foundation

Cowan-Cowan-Moreton-Island-copyright-6-4-2015-Jody-Kreuger-Boating-and-Diving-Officer-Grif

Our Research

Protecting the fragile environment of Moreton Bay is important.

The Moreton Bay Foundation values evidence-based, robust and credible research. Research is essential for monitoring, understanding and preserving Moreton Bay’s environmental health, biological diversity, and ecological sustainability. The Moreton Bay Foundation welcomes collaborative and coordinated research opportunities to benefit the Bay.

Sediment and algal growth in Brisbane River

Sedimentation Impacts on Moreton Bay - a priority knowledge synthesis

Sediment washing from our catchments into Moreton Bay is one of the most significant pressures on the Bay’s ecosystems. It can cloud the water, smother seagrass and coral habitats, and affect the plants and animals that depend on them. Reducing sediment entering the Bay is a key priority for protecting Moreton Bay’s biodiversity, fisheries, cultural values and community enjoyment.

Manta alfredi Flat Rock North Stradbroke Island copyright 6-7-2016 Lucy Trippett Moreton Bay Research Station

Blueprint for a sustainable Moreton Bay 2035

The Moreton Bay Foundation has identified the need for a comprehensive plan for the Bay. The plan will form the basis for research, action and engagement for the next decade.

4WD recreation on Bribie Island National Park

Vehicle Impacts on Ocean Shores

The ocean beaches of Moreton Bay’s big islands are sites of significant cultural and environmental values. However, the irreplaceable services and benefits that beaches deliver are increasingly imperilled by recreational 4WD vehicles.

Surveying Shorebirds

Moreton Bay is an internationally important wetland listed under the Ramsar Convention for its significance for migratory shorebirds. However, many species of shorebirds are experiencing a rapid decline.

Research students find a native marine polychaete fire worm

Censusing the Aliens

This project facilitated by The Moreton Bay Foundation got underway at the end of September 2019 and is now complete. This project is not concerned with UFOs and extra-terrestrials arriving in Moreton Bay. It is about documenting changes in the species living in the Bay.

Sand hills of Moreton Island Mulgumpin image provided by Ruth Webley

Community Appreciation of Moreton Bay

Moreton Bay Quandamooka is a culturally rich and unique biodiversity hotspot. However, continued population growth and development is impacting the Bay’s natural systems.

Herd of dugongs Moreton Bay copyright Regatta Marine

Living and Playing Together

Imagine gliding underwater in Moreton Bay, exploring, watching and learning about the different marine life and biodiversity under the surface and how it coexists with people above the water.

Cowan Cowan Moreton Island copyright 6-4-2015 Jody Kreuger Boating and Diving Officer Griffith University

Recreational Boater Use and Values

The noticeable increase in use of Moreton Bay by recreational boaters since the COVID-19 pandemic has raised the profile of the issue of sustainable use of the Bay.

A variety of coral from Flinders Reef Flinders Reef copyright September 2022 Sheridan Rabbitt Marine Science student

Reef Check Australia Peel Island Project

Reef Check Australia is an innovative citizen science focused charity dedicated to educating and empowering community volunteers to better understand, appreciate and protect oceans and marine environments.

SEQUEST

SEQUEST (South East Queensland Underwater Ecology Survey Teams) is an existing spark that could change the way our SEQ academic institutions participate in the management of Moreton Bay.

Eastern sedgefrog perched on some sedge in their natural habitat photo courtesy Alannah Filer

Wetland Restoration for Acid Frogs

Decades of sand mining on Minjerribah (North Stradbroke Island) has taken its toll on the island’s Wallum wetlands.