Ecosystem Reporting Categories
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Beaches
The part of a coast that is washed by waves or tides which cover it with sediments of various sizes and composition such as sand or pebbles (unconsolidated intertidal materials). This ecosystem is usually unvegetated.
MILLENNIUM ECOSYSTEM ASSESSMENT REPORTING CATEGORY
Coastal Ecosystems
What ecosystem functions do beaches perform?
Waves and tides cover parts of the coast with unconsolidated intertidal materials.
More information to come soon
Table 1 below presents the relative magnitude beaches perform different ecosystem functions (relative to other ecosystems) in SEQ.
Table 1:The relative magnitude (to other Ecosystem Reporting Categories) beaches perform each ecosystem function.
| Ecosystem Function Category | Ecosystem Function | 0 |
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
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| Regulating Functions |
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| Supporting Functions |
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| Provisioning Functions |
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| Cultural Functions |
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What types of beaches are in SEQ?
More information to come soon
What is the area and extent of beaches in SEQ
Raw materials are often harvested from beaches removing shelter and food for many animal species.
Four-wheel drives can compound sediments and cause erosion.
Links to other publications and websites
SEQ Coastal Management Plan
Griffith Uni. - Sandy Beach Ecology
USC - Coast Research Database
Qld Holidays - Islands and Beaches
Beachapedia
Beaches in SEQ cover approximately 108 km2. The beaches identified in this map are mostly high energy (surf beaches) covering the beaches from Cooloola in the north to Coolangatta in the south. Large stretches of uninterupted beaches occur on the eastern side of Bribie Island, Moreton Island and North Stradbroke Island. Other areas identified as beaches in this map include sand banks within Moreton Bay.
What is the vulnerability of beaches and threats to this ecosystem in SEQ?
More information to come soon
How do we manage beaches in SEQ?
More information to come soon