Westport has partnered with the Western Australian Marine Science Institution (WAMSI) to deliver the $13.5 million WAMSI-Westport Marine Science Program. This 3-year program is developing the latest data, information and modelling on the complex environmental systems and community values associated with Cockburn Sound.
Project 3.1.4: Water and Sediment Quality Monitoring – Final report
Theme: Water and sediment quality
Researchers: Wilson, K. Wienczugo (2025)
Creating a seasonal and spatial baseline dataset for dredging-relevant water quality variables
With the proposed development of the new container port and marine infrastructure, Westport needs a robust baseline dataset to of water and sediment quality in Cockburn Sound to inform development activities and environmental management strategies.
For 24 months from September 2022 to August 2024, 19 sampling sites were positioned in Owen Anchorage, Cockburn Sound and south of the Cockburn Sound causeway. Two extra sites were added to Owen Anchorage between the proposed shipping channel and the Cockburn Cement Wash Plant, totalling 21 strategic sampling sites.
At each site, the water column was measured for turbidity, dissolved oxygen, salinity, temperature and pH, light attenuation and Secchi depth measurements (visual measurements used to understand the transparency of water). Samples were also taken to measure total suspended solids.
How Westport will use the report
Westport will use this report to inform environmental management strategies and monitoring of water quality during the construction and operation of the new container port.
