Ecosystem Research & Monitoring Program
The objective of the Ecosystem Research and Monitoring Program (ERMP) is designed to provide high level information on the health of Port Curtis and Port Alma ecosystems and observe and provide advice on any potential impacts caused by the dredging program and practices.
The information will be used by the Western Basin Dredging and Disposal Project and government regulators to monitor, manage and improve the marine environment and to offset any impacts on listed threatened and migratory species and the values of the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area.
The ERMP is developed and implemented by an independent panel of marine experts.
What does the ERMP do?
The expert panel monitors actual and potential impacts on the environment arising from all project activities to examine the short, medium and long-term impacts.
The ERMP funds research projects, which will run from the when the dredging started in 2011 to at least 2020 to examine the short, medium and long-term impacts on a range of marine megafauna and plant life including:
- Turtles
- Inshore dolphins
- Dugongs
- Migratory shorebirds
- Mangroves
- Seagrass
- Corals and associated benthos
- Any other species relevant to the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area
View the approved Ecosystem Research and Monitoring Program.
Request for proposals
GPC invites all suitable applicants to deliver proposals in application for the following ERMP contracts:
- CA130019 - Migratory Shorebirds: Understanding Ecological Impact. - Tender closing date: 17 July 2013 at 2pm.
- CA130030 - Migratory Shorebirds: Annual Summer Surveys - Tender closing date: 17 July 2013 at 2pm.
- CA130033 - Monitor Marine Megafauna Population Health and Causes of death - Tender closing date: 15 July 2013 at 2pm
Information about these projects must be downloaded from the QLD eTender Website (http://secure.publicworks.qld.gov.au/etender/index.do). Please note that proposals must be delivered in hard copy to the Tender Box in Gladstone, Queensland by the due date. The lowest or any tender will not necessarily be accepted.
The survey area of the ERMP is shown on the map below:
