Indicators for monitoring the condition of estuaries and coastal waters

Abstract

Our main objective in developing this report is to establish a standard set of indicators and monitoring methods to be used in estuaries and coastal waters in Tasmania. Until now, most estuaries and coastal waters in Tasmania have not been monitored in any consistent manner, if at all. Thus the value of these data is greatly reduced because it is not possible to make comparisons over time or between regions. Hence, the purpose of this report is to provide a simple working document to be used in the monitoring of estuaries and coastal waters around Tasmania. Practical information is provided for a range of parameters, which can be easily applied during the establishment a monitoring program. Recommended methods have been divided, where appropriate, into two groups: (i) simple and inexpensive methods suited to community based monitoring and (ii) more complicated methods requiring some expertise and often external funding.