1. Australian Mangroves: Their Distribution and Protection

While coastal systems play a key role in the culture, economy and environment of Australia, perhaps the least understood of all Australian coastal systems are its mangroves and salt marshes. Subsequently their protection and conservation has not always been adequately or comprehensively addressed. At the national level there is no coordination of mangrove conservation with each State or Territory managing mangroves within its jurisdiction under a wide range of laws and policies. While at a broad level the importance of mangrove habitat has become better known, and decisions at local and state level in Australia now take into account the need to conserve and manage these coastal assets, over the past 30 years there has also been increasing development pressure which has resulted in clearing or degradation of many areas of mangroves. A national approach is required for implementing consistent management based not only on species but also on mangrove communities, using an approach of community assemblage combined with physical habitat, i.e., a “community-cum-habitat” approach, with assemblages viewed in an inter-related suite of habitats.