Seagrass loss at Magnetic Island, near Townsville

Widespread loss of seagrass occurred throughout the central and northern GBR from 2008 to 2011. The Reef Rescue MMP reported long-term decline at 80% of sites in 2011 (McKenzie et al., 2012). At some sites, the loss in seagrass abundance was extremely high. For example, at Magnetic Island (off Townsville) cover declined from 60% in 2008 to almost 0% in 2011 (pictured). Coincident with this decline were record number of dugong and turtle fatalities, which were attributed largely to starvation from seagrass loss.