Flood run-off will kill dugongs: experts

Environmental experts warn dugongs will be Queensland's next flood victims as plumes of contaminated sediment pour into the ocean.

Floodwaters carrying silt and pollutants from southeast and central Queensland are expected largely to settle on inshore seagrass beds where dugongs feed.

WWF says the sediment will starve the seagrass of much-needed sunlight, resulting in a massive dieback with disastrous consequences for dugongs, a species listed as vulnerable to extinction.

"Dugongs' favourite habitats are inshore seagrass beds," WWF spokeswoman Lydia Gibson said.

"Unfortunately these are the areas most likely to be affected by a massive dump of sediment, topsoil, rubbish and debris, not to mention toxic industrial and agricultural run-off.

"(Judging) from previous flood events we can expect to see increased deaths in a few months' time from starvation and sickness and population numbers declining due to impaired reproduction."

Ms Gibson said increased habitat protection was urgently needed to give dugongs a fighting chance to recover not only from the floods but future natural disasters and human impacts.

The state's environment minister Kate Jones announced on Wednesday that scientists were assessing the impact flood plumes would have on marine life.

"We know that the flood plumes will affect seagrass beds, corals, and other sensitive marine habitats including important wetlands and marine parks with high conservation values," Ms Jones said.

"The widespread nature of the plume right along the coast will also limit the ability of species such as dugong and marine turtles to find alternative food and could cause malnutrition and death."

CSIRO scientists will use a torpedo-like ocean glider, packed with sensors, to determine the impact the floods are having on ecosystems in the waters of Moreton Bay, off Brisbane.

The robotic glider will monitor the extent of the flood plume and assess the damage on marine life.

Bob Irwin, renowned environment advocate and father of the late crocodile hunter, Steve Irwin, said urgent action was need to save dugong habitat.

He said more Australians needed to back campaigns to stop the destruction of dugong habitat such as proposed marina developments adjacent to the World Heritage-listed Fraser Island at Tin Can Bay, north of Brisbane.

"This is not a local issue. The area provides habitat for species that are threatened all over the world - and we need to make a stand and save some critical habitat for them," he said.