Preliminary results from research undertaken in Geographe Bay indicate the seagrass meadows are in good condition, with shoot density having increased by up to 17 per cent at some sites.
Each year, scientists and divers from Edith Cowan University and the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions monitor the seagrass at eight sites across the Bay as part of the "Keep Watch" project.
The project was officially launched in 2012 and is coordinated by GeoCatch and funded by Water Corporation.
Although results from this year's three-day sampling exercise are yet to be fully assessed, Edith Cowan University associate professor Kathryn McMahon said the Bay's seagrass meadows appear to be in overall good condition.
"Shoot density has increased at three sites, not changed at two sites and declined at two sites," she said.
"Changes in shoot density from year to year are normal and we are not concerned unless the changes are large, or continue over time."
Shoot density in the Vasse Diversion Drain has increased by 17 per cent, while sites in Dunsborough and Forrest Beach showed increases of between 8 and 11 per cent.
Algal epiphyte load, which grow on the surface of the seagrass leaf, varied across the Bay, ranging from low at Vasse Wonnerup and Forrest Beach, to high at Buayanyup, the Vasse Diversion Drain and Port Geographe.
Although, according to the scientists, epiphyte load can fluctuate from year to year and the results are not currently a cause for concern.
Associate professor McMahon said the ongoing monitoring of Geographe Bay's seagrass was important as declines in seagrass health and extent have been observed in other areas of WA.
GeoCatch chairperson Dr Felicity Bradshaw said the organisation was particularly interested in ensuring that land-based activities, such as nutrient run-off from urban and rural areas, were not impacting on the Bay,
"Seagrass is a great indicator of the overall health of the Bay, so this program is really important for us to track any water quality problems coming from the catchment," she said.
A report is being compiled and will be published in the coming months.
For more information, visit www.geocatch.asn.au