Learn about seagrass habitats

A family activity to learn about seagrass habitats and animals that live in Brisbane Water will be held at Woy Woy on Saturday, April 2, from 9:30am to 11:30am.

The event will be conducted by the Community Environment Network's Waterwatch program, which is part of a national water quality monitoring and catchment education program involving schools, community groups and landholders.

"Estuaries, streams, rivers, wetlands and lakes are home to many small animals without a backbone, called invertebrates," said Waterwatch coordinator Ms Karen O'Neill.

"They include crustaceans, molluscs and worms.

"In estuaries, these bugs are often called benthic invertebrates.

"This means they live in or on the estuary floor.

"Water bugs are often used to help identify impacts of pollution or for assessing changes in habitats.

"The presence and abundance of different types of bugs can provide an indication of the health of the ecosystem.

"We will be dip-netting to find out what water bugs live in our estuaries," said Ms O'Neill.

The Central Coast Waterwatch program is supported by the Hunter-Central Rivers Catchment Management Authority with sponsorship from Gosford-Wyong Council's Joint Water Authority.

Bookings are essential as places are limited and morning tea will be provided.

With inquiries, phone Karen on 4349 4757.

Media Release, 16 Mar 2011 Karen O'Neill, CEN Waterwatch