Mangroves shield cyclone effects

Friday, 19 March 2010 17:05

Written by Tim Mulherin

With Cyclone Ului bearing down on the central Queensland coast, Fisheries Queensland has some timely advice for boat owners.

Minister for Primary Industries, Fisheries and Rural and Regional Queensland Tim Mulherin said mangroves could provide significant protection from the destructive winds of a cyclone.

"One of the best areas to shelter boats is in a mangrove-lined creek because the vegetation reduces the impacts of cyclonic winds," he said.

"When Cyclone Larry crossed the Queensland coast in 2006, commercial, recreational and naval vessels in the port of Cairns moored in the mangrove-lined creeks of the inlet for shelter.

"A scientific paper prepared by researchers from Fisheries Queensland and the South East Asian Fisheries Development Centre after Cyclone Larry looked at this and highlighted the protection offered by mangroves.

"The Port of Cairns requires all boat owners to moor in mangrove-lined creeks durin g a cyclone as the protection in this spot has proved to be so effective."

Mr Mulherin said Queensland was fortunate to have an abundance of mangrove areas due to good coastal planning and the protection of mangroves under State fisheries legislation.

"Planning to retain mangrove areas is a critical step that governments can take to protect foreshores, coastal properties and related infrastructure from many cyclone impacts," Mr Mulherin said.

"There are approximately 350,000 ha of mangroves throughout Queensland as well as 880,000 ha of declared fish habitat areas (FHAs).

"FHAs protect large areas of mangroves and other fish habitats from development, while still allowing for all forms of legal fishing.

"For example, Trinity Inle, in Cairns is almost totally protected by a FHA and this area in particular has proved to be an effective place for boats to shelter during a cyclone."

Mr Mulherin said that all mangroves in Queensland were protected under the Fisheries Act 1994.

"Heavy penalties apply to any unauthorised disturbances that impact on marine plants no matter whether they grow on private or public land," Mr Mulherin said.

"Marine plants are a vital natural resource providing shelter, food and nursery areas for about 75 per cent of fish species caught in Queensland."

For more information on FHAs or marine plants visit www.deedi.qld.gov.au or contact us on 13 25 23.