SEQUEST
Protecting the fragile environment of Moreton Bay is important.
SEQUEST (South East Queensland Underwater Ecological Survey Team) is a collaborative project, bringing undergraduate marine science students from different South East Queensland universities together with citizen scientists and local coast care groups to collect data, learn skills and share knowledge to build community capacity for a healthy and sustainable Moreton Bay.
Aims and objectives
SEQUEST engages undergraduate and postgraduate marine science students from four major research institutions in South East Queensland, as well as citizen scientists and community Coastcare groups, in a scientifically planned monitoring program that complements those of established citizen science groups (Reef Check, Coral Watch, Mangrove Watch, Seagrass Watch).
The primary focus will be on vitally important marine organisms that are not presently addressed by ongoing monitoring by agencies or citizen scientists, for example: oyster reefs, beche de mer, harmful algal blooms, or benthic organisms. Each of these play a vital role in the ecosystem but are sensitive to human-forced stressors which are rising and will continue to do so in coming years.
The program has the support of The Moreton Bay Foundation’s member Universities, and it is hoped that after this initial setup project, SEQUEST will continue on into future years, contributing long-term datasets for adaptive management of Moreton Bay, and building community understanding and awareness of the beautiful complex marine ecosystem that contributes so much to the lives of South East Queenslanders.
SEQUEST has three important components:
Ongoing data collection and analysis (by marine science students AND by community citizen scientists)
Skills and network building for marine science students (opportunities to put their learning into ‘real world’ practice, meet peers at other institutions, and meet and interact with marine managers from SEQ at SEQUEST ‘showcase’ events)
Making the marine science matter: community capacity building through collaboration and communication (connecting students with the public and marine industries and telling the story of SEQUEST activities to a broader community audience, through visible media and public events).