How we can protect our mangroves
What you can do to protect the mangrove ecosystems
When visiting the mangroves:
- try not to step on their 'pneumataphores'. These roots, which mangroves use to breathe,are very easy to spot as they are soft, tubular roots sticking straight up out of the mud. Damaging any part of a marine plant, such as a mangrove unlawfully is also a prosecutable offence under the Fisheries Act 1994.
- Leave only footprints behind. Litter and other forms of pollution can make nutrient levels in the mangrove ecosystem too high for mangroves to prosper and may even threaten their survival. By damaging the health of mangroves, careless littering can also affect the species that depend upon the mangroves for habitat, and food... fish, prawns, and crabs, which people love to eat, all depend on mangroves in some way for habitat or food.
If you see anyone clearing or damaging mangroves, please contact the Department of Primary Industries (DPI) - Fisheries on 13 25 23 (cost of local call anywhere in Queensland).
Planning Policy and Legislation protects mangrove from indirect and direct threats through....
Fisheries Act 1994
- Mangroves are protected "marine plants" under the Fisheries Act 1994.
This is a brief summary of the basic provisions of the Fisheries Act 1994 that apply to the protection of mangroves in Queensland. However, the specific legislation must be consulted for any legal actions/proceedings.
The reason mangroves, as a "marine plant", are protected by the Act is due to their significance as fish habitats. Therefore, according to Part 6 - Protection and Conservation of Fish Habitats - of the Fisheries Act 1994:
- No person may unlawfully remove, destroy or damage a marine plant, nor may any person cause this to occur (Part 6: s123).
- Persons who are suspected on reasonable grounds of polluting and thereby degrading marine plants and/or fish habitat, are required to take whatever specific action(s) about the polluting matter required by the "chief executive" within any time period and/or any way specified (Part 6: s125).
- Any person found to be responsible for unlawful removal, destruction or damage of mangroves may be required to pay for the State to rehabilitate or restore the plants/fish habitat, along with other possible penalties.
Coastal Protection Act 1995
Mangroves are an integral part of the coastal environment, and, as such, any developmen impacting on mangroves should adhere to the requirements of the Coastal Protection Act 1995.
Moreton Bay Strategic Plan
Mangrove wetlands of Redlands have been identified as critical habitat in the Moreton Bay Strategic Plan. As an environmentally sensitive feature of Moreton Bay Marine Park, the plan consolidates the need to preserve the few significant, remaining patches of mangroves in Redlands - Hilliards Creek, Eprapah Creek, Moogurrapum Creek and at the mouth of the Logan River.
Redland Shire Local Planning Laws and Policies
Redland Shire Council's Local Planning Policies, which help to protect, conserve or rehabilitate mangrove environments include:
- Waterways, Wetlands and Coastal Zone Policy:
This policy was developed to satisfy the objective of the Local Governement (Environment and Planning) Act 1990, which clearly infers that the protection of the environment is a priority and responsibility of the Local authority.
This policy sets out the objectives in respect of Redland Shire's waterways, wetlands and coastal zone on which Council shall base decisions in determining any form of development including subdivision, consent or rezoning applications over any land within or in close proximity to any waterway, wetland or coastal zone area. The Council may refuse a proposal suggest or ask for mitigation measures to minimize or eliminate the effects of a development proposal on waterways, wetlands and/or the coastal zone area.
- Environmental Assessment of Proposals Policy:
This policy has implications for any activity or development which is specifically a 'designated development' (listed in the policy) or any non-designated developments where it is considered that such a development may have asignificant impact on aquatic environments. An Environmental Impact Statement will be required before Council will consider any such development proposal.