Fisheries Queensland, part of the Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation, has issued a reminder to the residents of Magnetic Island that mangroves and other marine plants must not be removed or trimmed for views or aesthetic reasons. Fisheries officer Iony Woolaghan said the development of waterfront apartments in areas such as Nelly Bay had meant more new residents coming in who may not be aware of mangrove protection laws.
Ms Woolaghan further said that the views of the people should be change over time with the growth of mangroves and other marine plants. She added that mangroves and other marine plants are an important, natural part of the tropical environment and are protected under the Fisheries Act 1994.
She informed that approval from Fisheries Queensland is required to remove or trim any marine plants. Fines may be issued for unauthorised marine plant destruction or removal. She asked the residents of the island to become mangrove guardians, actively discouraging any unauthorised damage or removal of marine plants or other disturbances to habitat.
She also remind that the fish habitats are extremely important, contributing significantly to our fisheries productivity. Not only are these habitats important from an environmental perspective, but they play a valuable role in the economy. It is true that 75 percent of commercially-landed seafood is dependent on estuarine habitats. A high proportion of species targeted by recreational fishers, including barramundi and mangrove jack are dependent on estuarine habitats during part or all of their life cycles, opines Ms Woolaghan.
