Cover

Contents

A note from the author

Map of Moreton Bay

1. Introduction

2. The physical environment: geology, geomorphology and sedimentology

Introduction

Underlying geology

The Quaternary period: the Pleistocene and Holocene epochs

The Bay islands

Oceanography, hydrology and sedimentology

Conclusion

3. The history of human use of the Moreton Bay region

Introduction

Indigenous use of the Moreton Bay region before European settlement

European exploration and convict settlement to 1900

The expanding colony: 1900s to the start of World War II

Moreton Bay: the war years

From World War II to the present

Conclusion

4. Benthic habitats in Moreton Bay

Introduction

Mangroves

Seagrasses

Saltmarsh

Macroalgae

Reef habitats

Unvegetated soft sediment habitats

Artificial habitats

Oyster reefs

Potential climate change impacts on vegetated habitats and reefs

Conclusion

5. Fish and invertebrate diversity in the Moreton Bay region

Introduction

Seagrass assemblages

Mangroves, mangrove creeks and riverine environments

Saltmarsh

Coral reefs

Unvegetated soft sediment habitats: intertidal

Unvegetated soft sediment habitats: subtidal

Surf zone assemblages

Pelagic environment

Fauna of artificial habitats

Venomous and poisonous fish and invertebrates in Moreton Bay

Conclusion

6. Species of conservation significance in Moreton Bay: the charismatic inhabitants

Introduction

Dugong

Marine turtles

Dolphins and whales

Wader birds

Sharks

Other species of conservation significance

Conclusion

7. The fisheries of Moreton Bay and the fisheries biology and ecology of key species

Introduction

Indigenous fisheries

Commercial fisheries

Recreational fishing

Biology and ecology of key fished species

Conclusion

8. Nutrients, sediments, pollutants and their impacts

Introduction

Acid sulphate soil impacts

Nutrients and sediments

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons

Perfluorinated compounds

Polychlorinated biphenyls

Faecal coliforms

Pesticides and herbicides

Metals

Antifoulants

Fireweed blooms and their impacts

Improving water quality and ecosystem health in Moreton Bay

Conclusion

9. Where to now?

Introduction

Restoration of upper catchments

Oyster reef restoration

Stormwater improvements

Public access to Moreton Bay waters and foreshores

Control human–dolphin interactions at North Stradbroke Island

A Minister for Moreton Bay?

Conclusion

Index