Mangrove Ecology
Mangroves are highly specialised plants with unique physiological adaptations that allow them to survive in highly saline deoxygenated soils. Their typical habitats include tropical and subtropical sheltered coastal areas in regions of large tidal movement, and as such are widely distributed along the northern coastline of Western Australia.
From an ecological perspective, mangrove communities represent a significant ecosystem at the fringe of the terrestrial and marine environments, providing a refuge and nursery habitat for a variety of marine, intertidal and terrestrial species. Mangrove communities also offer considerable natural stability to cyclone prone coastlines.
Astron personnel have conducted a number of scientific investigations, ecological surveys and monitoring programs within the mangrove communities of northern Western Australia.
Key areas of expertise for Astron’s personnel include:
- Surveys, assessments and mapping of mangrove communities
- Mangrove condition assessment monitoring
- Detailed investigations into mangrove ecosystem function, including the interaction between mangroves, groundwater and coastal geomorphological processes
- Mangrove community rehabilitation, site stability and monitoring
