Australia's Mangroves

Question 1

What’s happened since the European settlement?

Answer 1

17% of mangroves have been destroyed

Question 2

Where has a landfill site been put in place?

Answer 2

Moreton Bay near Brisbane removing the mangroves

Question 3

Where are most mangroves?

Answer 3

In sparsely populated northern regions (Queensland) so remain near pristine environments

Question 4

What are happening in the Northern territory which is not good for the mangroves?

Answer 4

Expanding and becoming a major pop. centre - 2% clearing in harbour area

Question 5

What are the main threats?

Answer 5

Tourism & pollution
CC
Agricultural run off (herbicides from sugar cane production)
Coastal development
Eutrophication
High sediment discharge from estuary to sea to Great Barrier reef

Question 6

What roles do mangroves serve?

Answer 6

trap sediment with roots reducing run off to reefs
Filter salt
Absorb O2 and use it to decompose sediment debris so require aerobic cond. to survive
Provide shelter/nurseries to small fish
Reduce erosion/storm protection
Act as carbon sinks
Allow sequestration

Question 7

What are the negatives of mangroves?

Answer 7

Can grow out of control and take over previous habitats 
Bad image (seen as wastelands, breeding ground for mosquitoes, smelly and distasteful, site for landfill sites to develop on)