Threats

Threats to mangrove ecosystems include;

• developments of the coastline such as reclaiming land (e.g. for building canal estates and marinas);
• erosion of shorelines in coastal lakes and estuaries;
• Declining water quality (increased levels in sediments, nutrients and pesticides) from land clearing, overgrazing and cropping;
• increased levels of heavy metals such as copper, lead, cadmium, zinc and mercury from anti-fouling paints;
• marine oil pollution from sewage systems and drains, which are estimated at 16,000 tonnes a year over the whole of Australia;
• accidental spills during re-fuelling of vessels in ports;
• Aquaculture (increased siltation, erosion and nutrients);
• Uncontrolled stock access;
• Climate change (sea level rise and increase in storm/cyclone frequency and intensity)
• Pressure: disturbance events (storms, cyclones, outbreaks and invasions by pests)
• Human use (fishing, off-road vehicles, dumping of rubbish/waste and collecting).