What are marine & estuarine habitats?
South Australia has 4000 kilometres of coastline, ranging from
cliffs, rocky shores and sandy beaches, to mud flats, seagrass,
samphire and mangrove habitats. Estuaries, put simply, are regions
where freshwater meets the sea. This is most commonly at a river
mouth, although estuaries can also be found where fresh groundwater
seeps into the sea.
South Australian rivers and streams often flow intermittently,
resulting in estuary mouths being closed by sand during dry periods.
This is usually a natural process. During the next high flow the
sand will most likely be washed out, allowing sea water to flow
into the estuary again.
Why are our marine and estuarine waters important?
Marine and estuarine waters are habitat for a diverse range of
plants and animals, including internationally and nationally important
species such as southern right whales, Australian sea lions, dolphins
and the leafy seadragon. Our marine waters are among the most
biologically diverse in the world, with many species found only
in southern Australia. Marine waters are highly valued not only
for the substantial fisheries they support, but also for beaches
that provide recreational opportunities for the community. >>
More
What concerns are there for the future of
these waters?
Pollution of marine and estuarine habitats compromise their environmental
value. Pollutants can enter these habitats via diffuse runoff
from urban and rural catchments, as well as from point-source
discharges by industry. Marine waters are also subject to pollution
from aquaculture, shipping, fishing and boating. >>
More
The main problem for South Australian coastal waters is the loss
of seagrass and the degradation of sub-tidal macroalgal reefs.
These systems are sensitive to increases in nutrients and sediment
in the water. A loss of these habitats results in lower biodiversity
and productivity, and smaller fish populations.
>> More on seagrass
>> More on reefs
What is being done to protect our marine
and estuarine regions?
Policy and behaviour change
The Environment
Protection (Water Quality) Policy 2003
aims to protect South Australia's waters from pollution. In the
past, South Australian laws to protect the state's water resources
from pollution were inconsistent and had little to do with the
environmental value of our waters. This meant that the state's
rivers, marine and ground waters were in danger of being degraded,
with potential negative effects on the economy, community and
the environment. The new Water Quality Policy addresses these
problems and brings South Australia into line with the National
Water Quality Management Strategy. >>
More
The EPA has also released several codes of practice for industry
for best environmental management practice for some activities.
>> More
The Department of Environment & Heritage have released a
draft policy for the protection of estuaries in South Australia.
This policy will improve our knowledge of estuaries to help us
manage them better, and change the way people think about estuaries.
>>
More
An environmental authorisation from the EPA is required before
prescribed activities can be undertaken. This is a requirement
of the Environment Protection Act 1993. All wastewater
treatment plants, septic tank effluent disposal schemes and industrial
activities that have the potential to pollute water are required
to be licensed. Licence conditions may impose restrictions or
require improvements to operations.
Monitoring
The Environment Protection Authority's Water Quality Monitoring
Program includes 13 beaches which are sampled every month >>
More. Due to the increased frequency of use during summer,
water is sampled every two weeks and compared against recreational
values. Recent results are available
here.
The EPA's Water Quality Monitoring Program also samples four
true estuaries and four coastal embayments. These locations are
sampled every month for the protection of ecosystem values and
aquaculture. >> More
Links
Natural Resources Management in South Australia
Regional Natural
Resource Management Boards
Department for Environment & Heritage - Coast & Marine
Department
for Environment & Heritage - Coast & Marine
Department of Primary Industries
Department
of Primary Industries - Fisheries
Department
of Primary Industries - Aquaculture
WaterCare
www.watercare.net
Waterwatch South Australia
www.sa.waterwatch.org.au
This page was last modified 18-12-2007
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