Files and links (2)
Published (Version of record)CC BY-NC-ND V4.0, Open Access
Published (Version of record)CC BY-NC-ND V4.0, Open
Journal article
Investigation of Bara-Baruga (mangrove) ecosystem recovery after a hail storm in Boambee Creek, Gumbaynggirr, NSW
Marine and freshwater research, Vol.76(6), pp.1-16
09/04/2025
Metrics
3 File views/ downloads
27 Record Views
UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
This output has contributed to the advancement of the following goals:
Source: InCites
Abstract
Context: Understanding the causes of decline in mangrove forests requires on-ground investigations, which are best conducted in collaboration with Traditional Knowledge Holders.
Aims: To compare the ecological communities and contaminants in an unhealthy and healthy mangrove forest in Boambee Creek.
Methods: Nearmap Imagery identified the timing of mangrove die-back. On-site surveys included quadrat counts of pneumatophores, seeds and seedlings, timed searches and benthic cores for invertebrates. Samples were collected for nutrient analysis of water, elemental analysis of sediment and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry for volatile contaminants in pneumatophores.
Results: A hail storm in 2021 coincided with the mangrove die-back. Chemical analysis showed ongoing eutrophication, and high concentrations of sediment mercury, carbon disulfide and toxic hydrocarbons in pneumatophores at the unhealthy site. Invertebrate species richness and density of pneumatophores, seeds and seedlings were significantly lower at the unhealthy site. Infauna richness decreased at the unhealthy site compared with an historical baseline in 2006, but did not change at the healthy site.
Conclusions: These surveys confirmed contamination and a loss of ecological integrity at the unhealthy mangrove site.
Implications: Intervention may be required at the unhealthy site to assist natural recovery and restoration of mangrove ecosystem services.
Details
- Title
- Investigation of Bara-Baruga (mangrove) ecosystem recovery after a hail storm in Boambee Creek, Gumbaynggirr, NSW
- Creators
- Kirsten Benkendorff - Southern Cross UniversityRobert Briggs - NWACJesse Shilling - NWACAdam Davey - University of TasmaniaElani Boland-Hoskins - NWACAshley Dowell - Southern Cross UniversityStefano Caraco - Southern Cross UniversityMuhammad Islami - Southern Cross University
- Publication Details
- Marine and freshwater research, Vol.76(6), pp.1-16
- Publisher
- CSIRO Publishing
- Number of pages
- 16
- Grant note
- We are grateful for an Environmental Levy Grant from the City of Coffs Harbour to the Ngiyambandigay Wajaarr Aboriginal Corporation. The Gumbaynggirr Rangers and their cultural work is supported under the Australian Government Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water Sea Country Indigenous Protected Areas Program.
- Identifiers
- 991013276600202368
- Copyright
- © 2025 The Author(s) (or their employer(s)).
- Academic Unit
- Southern Cross Analytical Research Services; Faculty of Science and Engineering; National Marine Science Centre; Science
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Journal article