The WA Government has announced an investment of $5.4 million in new initiatives to support seagrass restoration in Cockburn Sound as planning progresses for the state’s future container port.
The investment combines hectare-scale restoration trials, an expanded community-led restoration program and research into the resilience of seagrass under warming ocean conditions.
“We’re taking responsible action to support the long-term health of Cockburn Sound as we plan for WA’s future container port,” said Transport and Major Infrastructure Minister, Rita Saffioti.
“The Cook Labor Government’s investment in marine science has delivered a strong understanding of what works, and we’re putting that knowledge into practice with restoration trials, community partnerships and new research.
“This work is being delivered ahead of any future port construction and reflects our commitment to deliver high-quality infrastructure that secures the economic future of WA.”
Westport has awarded $2.5 million in contracts to deliver the first phase of its Seagrass Restoration Trials program across Cockburn Sound and Owen Anchorage. The trials will test restoration techniques at scale and help build local expertise in marine habitat restoration. The program also includes services to collect, process and store large volumes of locally sourced seagrass seed material, supporting restoration activities and future trial programs.
Westport is investing a further $2 million over three years to expand OzFish’s Seagrass for Snapper program, supporting a year-round seagrass nursery at Point Peron, additional restoration activities and greater community participation in marine conservation.
An additional $900,000 will fund Edith Cowan University’s Seagrass of the Future research project, which will investigate how heat-tolerant seagrass could improve the resilience of restored meadows as ocean temperatures increase.
The investment builds on Westport’s $13.5 million partnership with the Western Australian Marine Science Institution (WAMSI), the WAMSI Westport Marine Science Program, which has helped improve understanding of seagrass ecosystems, restoration methods and environmental conditions in Cockburn Sound.
“Cockburn Sound is one of our community’s greatest assets, bringing together everything from natural beauty to fishing to local jobs and industry,” said Cockburn MLA, David Scaife.
“I want to see it thrive for generations to come, which means improving its health, not just protecting what remains.
“These investments in seagrass restoration will restore vital marine habitat in Cockburn Sound and support local fishing.”
