https://www.publish.csiro.au/book/7676/

By Daryl McPhee

CSIRO Publishing

ISBN: 9781486307210

AUD$69.95 (paperback)

The premise of the book is that to manage Moreton Bay, you need to understand the Bay and is catchments in their entirety: the geophysical, ecological, historical and social settings and how they interact.  This book provides that synthesis, drawing together the wealth of scientific and popular literature on the Bay and its catchment. 

However, this is no quick gloss over, each chapter presents extensive, well cited details that include older (pre-google) texts and the most recent literature.  The book is structured well, progressing from the physical setting (geology, geomorphology and sedimentology); through the history of human use; benthic habitats; fish and invertebrates; species of significance to conservation; fisheries; impacts from nutrients, sediment and pollutants; and with the last chapter discussing and suggesting management responses to current issues such as restoration of the upper catchments, oyster reef restoration, stormwater improvements, and control of human-dolphin interactions. 

Potential impacts such as climate change are treated well, drawing on the substantial literature, and applying this to the habitats in Moreton Bay.  For example, the discussion on likely impacts to corals recognizes that on face value subtropical areas such as Moreton Bay may be potential refuge for more tropical coral species impacted by climate change.  However, it concludes that this is unlikely for a variety of reasons including that: corals are sensitive to flooding and the incidence of flooding is likely to increase; the distribution of corals in Moreton Bay is restricted, with little if any intertidal coral; that corals in Moreton Bay, like corals anywhere, would be subject to ocean acidification; and that while branching Acropora are the dominant structural components in tropical waters, there are few in Moreton Bay.

First reading of the book results in a profound sense of loss, due to the significant impact humans have had to date on the Bay.  However, the book concludes with six key strategies to improve the ecological health of the Bay. 

The publication of this book is particularly timely, as we have reached a new understanding of the impact of humans, and human landuse on the Bay, and face ongoing challenges for management.  The beauty of the book is that it crosses boundaries, and consequently has wide appeal: it may be picked up by a historian, who will then read the chapters on ecology and vica versa – each gaining a greater understanding of the Bay, ultimately leading to its better management.

Reviewed by Carol Conacher