What can we do about eutrophication?
Phytoplankton blooms and excessive growth of macroalgae which have been observed since the 1960’s have had detrimental effects on the estuarine ecology and human use of the estuary. A channel was cut between the estuary and the ocean to improve flushing and water circulation within the Peel-Harvey estuary. Improving the tidal exchange between the ocean and the estuary resulted in a more constant saline environment in the estuary, improved water quality and has made conditions unfavourable for the toxic phytoplankton Nodularia which flourishes in fresh to brackish water conditions. Flushing nutrients to the ocean The principal aim of constructing the Dawesville Channel was to increase the flushing of nutrients from the estuary into the ocean. Once the channel was open (April 1994), it was necessary to monitor the movement of the estuary water into the ocean. The Department of Transport’s nutrient monitoring program shows that water leaves the estuary and forms a clearly defined plume, e
