Moreton Bay

A mecca for marine biodiversity, Moreton Bay near Brisbane, Australia, hosts tropical, subtropical and temperate species within its matrix of mangroves, mudflats, seagrass, coral reefs, and sand islands. The subtropical location cultivates a unique year-round habitat for marine life such as dugongs and sea turtles, as well as seasonal aggregations including manta rays, humpback whales and grey nurse sharks. However, Moreton Bay's close proximity to a rapidly growing population also places pressure on this environment, and fishing restrictions that the government once put in place were relaxed in 2014. Luckily, citizen science efforts and community involvement has ignited international support for the official protection of the area, and stakeholders are hopeful that comprehensive conservation plans for Moreton Bay are not too far from being realized.