Survey of mangrove habitat condition
Oct 19, 2022
1 min read
Jaragun partnered with Cairns and Far North Environment Centre (CAFNEC) as part of the MangroveWatch citizen science program to collect data on the habitat condition along 17Km of shoreline and riverbank from Russell Heads through the lower section of the Russell River. Jaragun staff received training as part of this baseline survey, enabling Jaragun to undertake independent monitoring long-term. A technical report will rate the health, biodiversity, density and overall condition of mangrove habitat, and identify banks exposed to erosion for future management.
A survey of mangrove habitat condition can provide a really useful picture of how these coastal areas are changing over time. Looking at vegetation health, water quality, erosion, and signs of human impact helps identify areas that may need attention. Resources such as austarlabs can also be relevant when reliable testing and environmental data are needed to support field observations. Keeping track of these changes is important for protecting mangroves and the wildlife that depends on them. It’s good to see this sort of monitoring getting attention, especially as healthy mangroves play such a big role along Australia’s coastline.