The Coca-Cola Foundation (TCCF), in partnership with the Great Barrier Reef Foundation, has launched a seagrass restoration project in Far North Queensland.
Funded by AUD$799,000 from TCCF, the initiative aims to revive the Great Barrier Reef’s seagrass meadows following damage caused by Cyclone Jasper in December 2023.
The three-year project will focus on replanting and regenerating seagrass meadows across 1,500 hectares in Kurrimine and Cowley Beach on the Cassowary Coast – critical habitat within the Mandubarra people’s Sea Country. These meadows are essential for marine life, including endangered dugongs and green turtles.
Anna Marsden, Managing Director of the Great Barrier Reef Foundation, said thanks to the support from The Coca-Cola Foundation, this is the first time a seagrass restoration project of this kind has been attempted in tropical Australia at scale.
“This is more than just habitat restoration – it’s a lifeline for the Reef’s marine species that rely on this critical ecosystem and the communities who have cared for them for generations.
“Seagrass meadows are underwater powerhouses, improving water quality and protecting coastlines from storm surges, all while capturing carbon to help combat climate change. Ultimately, healthy reefs are reliant on healthy seagrass.”
The Foundation will work with James Cook University TropWATER researchers, Mandubarra and Goondoi Rangers, and local community groups to trial and scale methods for restoring seagrass. Special nurseries will grow seagrass from locally collected flowers to restore meadows near King Reef.
Jayden Crump, Seagrass Project Officer at Mandubarra Aboriginal Land and Sea Inc, said the health of seagrass is culturally and ecologically important.
“The health of seagrass is deeply connected to our key cultural indicator species – the turtles and dugongs – and it reflects the health of the surrounding habitat and the health of the species that rely on it for shelter and food.
“This project gives the Mandubarra people the opportunity to deepen our understanding of data collection, strengthen our knowledge of how seagrass, turtles, and dugongs interact, and better share the significance of this relationship with our community.”
The Coca-Cola Foundation said the project is part of its global Climate Resilience Strategy.
Carlos Pagoaga, President of The Coca-Cola Foundation, said it’s a privilege to partner with Indigenous groups and local government to scale seagrass restoration on the Reef.
“The Great Barrier Reef is one of our world’s most critical ecosystems, a crucial component of the region’s marine health, and a vital part of Australia’s natural heritage.”
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