Management of estuaries in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park The Australian Government, along with state and local governments, and landholders and the wider community have responsibility for managing estuaries in the Reef catchment. Responsibilities are formalised in laws and through international obligations. Various government agencies manage estuaries by applying a range of laws, policies and programs. Up-to date information on these laws, policies and programs can be found at WetlandInfo: Figure 9: Coastal mangroves Appendix 1: Vulnerability assessment matrix Commercial marine tourism Exposed to source — Yes localised pressure of pressure (Yes/No) Degree of exposure Low: (low, medium, high) Boat wake, propellers, anchors, mooring chains and rope, vessel waste discharge and small spills are possible impacts. There is high volume visitor access to Reef areas with established infrastructure rather than estuarine habitats, although there is small-scale visitation and operation in and around estuaries generally near urban centres. Associated marina development to moor vessels can have localised impacts, although most use existing port infrastructure. Sensitivity to Low: source of pressure Although disturbances from anchoring and boat propellers do occur69,70, it is only likely on a small scale within estuaries. (low, medium, high, Sensitivity is not attributable to any one source. very high) Adaptive capacity Good: natural Estuarine communities have the ability to regrow or recolonise small areas following disturbance. (Poor, moderate, good)
Management of estuaries in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park The Australian Government, along with state and local governments, and landholders and the wider community have responsibility for managing estuaries in the Reef catchment. Responsibilities are formalised in laws and through international obligations. Various government agencies manage estuaries by applying a range of laws, policies and programs. Up-to date information on these laws, policies and programs can be found at WetlandInfo: Figure 9: Coastal mangroves Appendix 1: Vulnerability assessment matrix Commercial marine tourism Exposed to source of pressure (Yes/No) Yes — localised pressure Degree of exposure (low, medium, high) Low: Boat wake, propellers, anchors, mooring chains and rope, vessel waste discharge and small spills are possible impacts. There is high volume visitor access to Reef areas with established infrastructure rather than estuarine habitats, although there is small-scale visitation and operation in and around estuaries generally near urban centres. Associated marina development to moor vessels can have localised impacts, although most use existing port infrastructure. Sensitivity to source of pressure (low, medium, high, very high) Low: Although disturbances from anchoring and boat propellers do occur69,70, it is only likely on a small scale within estuaries. Sensitivity is not attributable to any one source. Adaptive capacity natural (Poor, moderate, good) Good: Estuarine communities have the ability to regrow or recolonise small areas following disturbance.
Vulnerability-Assessment-Estuaries-2016.docx