Our coastlines need our help.
On Tuesday the 19th of January, a group of passionate, local conservationists gathered at Anderson Inlet foreshore, off Doyles Road in Venus Bay, to learn the ins and outs of mangroves. Tarwin Landcare invited enthusiasts to attend a mangroves presentation delivered by Greg Parry from Western Port Seagrass Partnership. The presentation was followed by the planting of a small pilot trial of mangrove seeds, which had been collected from local mangroves.
Mangrove forests make up one of the most productive and biologically diverse ecosystems on the planet. They grow in a variety of depths and are the only tree species which thrive in conditions of salty, coastal water, tolerating the endless ebb and flow of the tide.
Mangroves, more specifically the underwater habitat their roots provide, offer critical nursing environments for juveniles of thousands of fish species. They further protect shorelines from damaging storms, winds, waves and floods by forming a natural, sturdy barrier.
The rapid erosion taking place at Anderson Inlet (and far beyond), is of great concern. Michael Buckley, whose family stems from original settlers in the area, resides on a property directly behind the Anderson Inlet foreshore. He claims the rapid rate of erosion and weathering damage to the shoreline has seen it recede approximately 4 metres over the past four years. The shoreline is now adjacent to private properties such as his, which is a far cry from earlier years and extremely worrying.
Mangroves can greatly assist with this issue. Water and land sediments are trapped by their roots, which in turn help protect coastlines by slowing the erosion. They grow quite quickly initially and can eventually attain a height of 2 metres. Therefore, a pilot project, together with the support of the community, is vital to strive towards helping preserve our stunning Anderson Inlet sea-coast from further deterioration. By planting and safeguarding mangroves, we can help protect the future of our natural environment and inevitably our planet.
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