Sediment washing from our catchments into Moreton Bay is one of the most significant pressures on the Bay’s ecosystems. It can cloud the water, smother seagrass and coral habitats, and affect the plants and animals that depend on them. Reducing sediment entering the Bay is a key priority for protecting Moreton Bay’s biodiversity, fisheries, cultural values and community enjoyment.

Following recommendations in the Blueprint for a Sustainable Moreton Bay (2025–2035), The Moreton Bay Foundation commissioned a synthesis of the best available knowledge on sedimentation impacts in the Bay. The report was prepared by David Brewer Consulting, with contributions and expert review from researchers and other knowledgeable colleagues across South East Queensland. Together, they have drawn on decades of research and local knowledge to explain how sediment affects different ecosystems and values across Moreton Bay.


Sediment impacts on Moreton Bay’s many values

Within the full report, a series of short sedimentation impact statements has been prepared for individual habitats, species groups and community values. These are available as standalone documents, designed to be easy to read and share. We encourage community members, researchers, organisations and decision-makers to explore the individual sedimentation impact statements. These summaries can be used to better understand how sediment affects different parts of the Bay, and to advocate for stronger action to reduce sediment pollution and protect the future of Moreton Bay.

Sediment Impact Statements – Moreton Bay Values (click to download):

Traditional Custodian Values
Seagrass
Mangroves
Saltmarshes
Phytoplankton
Zooplankton
Benthic Macrofauna
Hard Corals
Epibenthic Bivalve Reefs
Sharks and Rays
Teleost Fish
Sea Turtles
Shorebirds
Marine Mammals
Moreton Bay Fisheries
Visual Amenity
Catchment Management and Regulation