Arabic version: توقيت أعمال التجريف في تاونزفيل يثير مخاوف بشأن تفريخ الشعاب المرجانية

According to ABC News, the Port of Townsville plans to resume maintenance dredging on November 4, days after inshore reef corals in Queensland are expected to begin spawning. Sediment from shipping channels is due to be placed at sea, 6 kilometres offshore from Magnetic Island’s Florence Bay.

James Cook University coral ecologist Andrew Baird said coral spawning was an important part of reef recovery, particularly after reefs are disturbed. Corals release egg and sperm bundles simultaneously, and the resulting larvae need suitable surfaces on which to settle.

Australian Institute of Marine Science coral ecologist Katharina Fabricius said larvae could be sensitive to poor water quality for up to two weeks after spawning, or longer. She said they search for clean reef surfaces and that silt and sediment can affect spawning regardless of its source.

Magnetic Island diving instructor Chad Bertram said dredge spoil had muddied local waters, with easterly winds and currents generally bringing it towards the island’s shores and fringing reefs. He said poor visibility had at times required scuba and snorkel trips to be cancelled for safety reasons.

The Port of Townsville said it had voluntarily avoided dredging during the main predicted October spawning window. A spokesperson said the 10-day program was essential to remove naturally occurring sediment build-up and support the safe movement of vessels, a statutory responsibility. The port said modelling did not predict impacts on sensitive coral reefs and noted it had conducted maintenance dredging and sea placement at this time of year previously, most recently in 2024.