Encounter Bay, in South Australia, is currently working to re-establish its native mussel population. The area has been very honest and forthright about the extensive damage suffered due to last year’s algal blooms. Victor Harbor Coast Care chairman Loreto Cameron, with citizen scientist Samantha Sea, is at the helm of an inspiring new citizen science project. They are now set to deploy 90 eco-engineered coconut fibre mats to protect the eroding coast. These mats will become an important substrate onto which mussel larvae can attach themselves and grow.
The Encounter Bay area is home to roughly eight native species of mussels, among them the rough beaked mussels. Mussels are essential in maintaining excellent water quality. They mop up excess algae and absorb nutrients from the water column. The bloom has raised alarm bells regarding impacts on the health of these animal species. In response, local communities are working to bring their population back.
Local Collaboration and Community Efforts
Loreto Cameron has been tasked with gathering volunteers to assist in the placement of the mats across three strategic sites in Encounter Bay. This important collaborative effort will create a safer and more welcoming habitat for mussel larvae, which will earnestly attach themselves using their wayward byssal threads.
Samantha Sea has been on the ground working to extract and analyze water samples from the area. She discussed her research on the effects of environmental changes on local mussel populations. She emphasized the need for more knowledge about their habitats and behaviors:
“We just don’t know enough about our environment. We just don’t know enough about what happens with the mussels, our native mussels.” – Samantha Sea
Brad Martin, the marine ecologist leading NC State’s work in the project, was upbeat about the state’s current mussel population. He noted that the survival of these mussels in the region is a positive indicator for recovery efforts:
“The fact that they’re surviving down here is really good.” – Mr. Martin
Importance of Mussels in Ecosystem Health
Mussels are important indicators of clean water and vital members of healthy aquatic ecosystems. By filtering algae, they not only contribute to cleaner waters, but they play a vital role in creating healthier marine habitats. Mr. Martin highlighted that given the decline of native oysters in Encounter Bay, focusing on mussel restoration is likely the best course of action:
“This is probably the way to go.” – Mr. Martin
The state government has been responsive to the call, acknowledging the planning and implementation of significant marine restoration initiatives. Recently announced funding will support large-scale projects aimed at restoring native oyster reefs and seagrass in Gulf St Vincent as part of an algal bloom summer plan.
Martin, who recently donned waders to locate existing native mussel beds, noted that understanding these ecosystems is crucial:
“The information about where the mussel beds actually are, what their size is and their current condition, just isn’t there.” – Brad Martin
Signs of Hope Amidst Challenges
Though these conditions make it tough to endure for the mussels amid algal blooms, there are hopeful signs of their survival in Encounter Bay. The community’s proactive approach to restoring the reef illustrates their dedication to being good environmental stewards and caring for local marine health.
Cameron shared her observations about changes in the local environment since the algal bloom began affecting the waters around Victor Harbor:
“As soon as I woke up I used to be able to smell it in the air. But now I haven’t smelt it for ages.” – Loreto Cameron
Restoration efforts bringing back the native mussel population are already underway. Residents are happy to have these important species return to Encounter Bay’s waters.
