Our Research Shows

Marine heatwaves are becoming more frequent and intense, putting seagrass meadows across Western Australia at risk. Seagrasses are rooted in place, meaning they cannot move away from warm water, and some are more sensitive to heat than others.

Our research investigates how different seagrass species respond to warmer temperatures, giving us a clearer picture of their thermal limits. By testing seagrasses from different locations, we can see which species - and which places - are most vulnerable during a marine heatwave. 

We then compare these thermal limits with forecasted and observed temperatures to identify the seagrass meadows most at risk. This approach helps us target monitoring, early-warning, and management efforts where they are needed most.