Volunteers have been recording Secchi Depths around the Gulf for over 2 years and some interesting readings have emerged. Secchi Depths around the Gulf have ranged from a very low 70cm at Henley Beach up to 730cm at Port Noarlunga where waters are generally less turbid.

Secchi Depths around the Gulf have ranged from a very low 70cm at Henley Beach up to 730cm at Port Noarlunga where waters are generally less turbid.It is suggested by some that a Secchi Depth of 1.2 or less is unsafe for swimming. In the two years of data collection, 8 readings have fallen below that level at sites around the Gulf.

It is suggested by some that a Secchi Depth of 1.2 or less is unsafe for swimming. In the two years of data collection, 8 readings have fallen below that level at sites around the Gulf.  As yet there is not enough data to say whether there are any trends, but many sites seem to be showing an increase in turbidity rather than a decline. Although there is not enough data to say this with confidence.

The Friends group was formed in 2003 in response to a perceived need for a coordinated approach by the coastal community to the protection and conservation of Gulf St Vincent. The Friends of Gulf St Vincent is a member group of Friends of Parks Inc.

The Friends’ objectives are to:

• To foster a unified community approach to the protection and wise use of Gulf St Vincent
• To advocate for the
  • The conservation of marine and coastal environments
  • Protection of key habitats in the Gulf
  • Sustainable use of marine resources
• To promote awareness of issues relating to the health of Gulf St Vincent
• To provide a means of conveying community concerns to the government

Acknowledgements

The Friends of Gulf St Vincent would like to thank the Adelaide and Mount Lofty Ranges Natural Resources Management Board for funding the Secchi Disk Project.