- New scientific data finds total seagrass in the
Bindjareb Djilba (Peel-Harvey estuary) increased by 16 per cent from 2021 to
March 2025
- Seagrass meadows provide habitat and food for
birds, fish and crustaceans and are an indicator of overall estuary health
- Surveys conducted by Healthy Estuaries WA
support delivery of the Bindjareb Djilba (Peel-Harvey estuary) Protection Plan
New data shows total
seagrass in Bindjareb Djilba (Peel‑Harvey estuary) increased by 16
per cent over the last four years, demonstrating the Cook Labor Government is
delivering on its commitment to improving the health of this ecologically and
culturally significant waterway.
Scientists from Healthy
Estuaries WA, part of the Department for Water and Environmental Regulation,
recorded substantial growth in seagrass meadows, particularly in the southern
basin of the Harvey Estuary, where dense seagrass is now flourishing in areas
that previously had sparse or minimal coverage.
The 2024 - 2025 Seagrass
Snapshot shows seagrass now covers more than 9,200 hectares, accounting for
around 71 per cent of the total estuary area.
Seagrasses are flowering
plants vital to estuary health, providing habitat and food for birds, fish and
crustaceans, while also stabilising shorelines and boosting climate resilience
through carbon storage and oxygen release.
Their distribution is a
key indicator of overall estuary health and water quality.
While the increase in
seagrass is a positive sign of ecological recovery, ongoing nutrient reduction
remains critical to sustaining this progress.
The monitoring program
forms part of the Bindjareb Djilba (Peel‑Harvey estuary) Protection Plan, a
whole‑of‑government
initiative delivered through Healthy Estuaries WA to protect the estuary's ecological, cultural, social and
economic values and ensure it remains a vital asset for future generations.
For more information
visit: www.wa.gov.au/peel-harvey-seagrass-snapshot
Comments attributed to Water and Climate Resilience Minister Don Punch:
"The latest seagrass
snapshot highlights the results of sustained, science‑led efforts
across government, industry and local communities, while underscoring the
ongoing need to reduce nutrients flowing into the estuary.
"The Bindjareb Djilba
(Peel‑Harvey
estuary) Protection Plan is a 2025 State Government election commitment, and
the work being delivered through Healthy Estuaries WA, in partnership with
local groups, is critical to building on this progress.
"Seagrasses play an
essential role in climate resilience by storing carbon, releasing oxygen and
supporting healthy ecosystems.
"Ongoing monitoring and
continued efforts to reduce nutrients will be key to securing long‑term
improvements for the health of the estuary."
Comments attributed to Peel Minister Jessica
Stojkovski:
"It is heartening to see Bindjareb Djilba coming back to life, with
seagrass returning to places where it was once lost.
"This recovery gives real hope for the future health of the Peel‑Harvey estuary and the communities who care
for it."
