15 Aug 2017: August storms churn up waters in Gulf St Vincent

Recent Secchi readings have shown the damage caused from severe weather on our coastal waters. Many recent Secchi depth recordings along the metropolitan coast have been well below 1m. Given that it is only believed to be safe to swim in water where you can see your toes when in chest-high water, these secchi readings are concerning. While few will be venturing out in this storm weather, spare a thought for our seagrass and other marine life that don’t have a choice.

If we are to bring the “blue line” (where the seagrass starts) closer to shore, we will first have to get rid of the “brown line” of turbid waters that enter the gulf every time there is a storm.

Managing stormwater quality is the key.