Annex 1 - Noosa River Habitat Survey Report - ESP

                                                                   Ecological Service Professionals
                                                                                    Sustainable Science Solutions




Mangroves
Several mangrove species were growing adjacent to the investigation areas. The mangrove
assemblages were dominated by red mangroves (Rhizophora stylosa) and grey mangroves
(Avicennia marina) with occasional orange mangroves (Bruguiera gymnorhiza)
predominantly growing along the edge of the channel. These assemblages transitioned to a
low canopy of yellow mangroves (Ceriops tagal var australis), river mangroves (Aegiceras
corniculatum) and mangrove fern (Acrostichum speciosum) landwards.
Generally, mangroves grew in a narrow fringe along the sections of the proposed restoration
areas (Table 3.3). The mangrove patches were not continuous along the channel, being
separated by coastal forests growing on top of steep banks that did not support mangroves.
The canopy height of mangroves was no greater than 5 m and the trees were in moderate to
good condition, with some signs of insect damage and yellowing of leaves.


   Table 3.3     Mangrove community in each reach in November 2020

 Area          Description                                Photo
 Noosa         Narrow fringing mangrove forest
 Sound         between coastal rainforest communities
               dominated by red and grey mangroves
               with occasional orange and yellow
               mangroves. The lower canopy was
               dominated by jointed rush (Juncus
               kraussii), rusty sedge (Fimbristylis
               ferruginea), and saltcouch (Sporobolus
               virginicus) occurring particularly
               towards the mouth of Weyba Creek.
               While the mangrove fringe was
               generally <10 m wide, the mangroves
               were generally in good condition.
               There is a small creek halfway along
               the reach which extends to a large
               wallum swamp, landward of the
               investigation area.


 Goat          Patchy and narrow fringing mangrove
 Island        forest between coastal rainforest
               communities dominated by grey
               mangrove. Canopy height of 4 to 6 m.
               Forest extends to a large low canopy
               forest to the north east of the island,
               away from the restoration area.
               The mangroves in this reach are in
               good condition.




Noosa Oyster Reef Restoration: Marine Benthic Habitat Assessment                                             11