Loss of Mangroves

In the Territory we have over a third of Australia's mangroves - protecting our coastline, filtering our waters and providing vital nurseries for our fish stocks. 

In 2016, the Territory suffered one of the worst mangrove dieback events in the world which affected over 1000 kilometres of coastline. Extreme weather caused by climate change caused the dieback. Mangroves are known to be resilient to impacts, but they have their limits.

Limmen Bight Marine Park was a heavily impacted area that supports many important species such as many coastal dolphins, turtles and dugongs, as well as commercial and recreational fisheries.

Sea levels are rising three times faster in the Territory than elsewhere, with the rise between six and 13 millimetres a year. This sea level rise is flooding and killing our valuable mangrove forests, the kidneys of our oceans as well as providing habitat for many species. 

While banned in some states, unbelievably clearing of mangroves is still permitted here in the NT. This is taking its toll - clearing vast areas of mangroves, reducing protection against storm surges and cyclones, and impacting local fishing and tourism.