Forest and Bird's Position on Mangroves

Research to date indicates that mangroves DO have high ecological values. Suggestions to the contrary have not been supported with credible scientific research.

Forest and Bird recognizes the importance of mangroves to fisheries, shell fisheries, wetland bird habitat, wading bird feeding, sediment retention, the protection of foreshores and property from changing sea levels with climate change, and the intrinsic value for national landscapes to which they contribute.

Forest and Bird sees the primary research priority as defining the extent of mangrove spread on a scale greater than selected local estuaries and identifying probable reasons for any major changes in abundance and distribution of mangroves.

Forest and Bird is concerned that the emphasis is on dealing with the symptoms by removing mangroves rather than identifying and addressing the probable causes (climate change and poor catchment management resulting in increased sediment loadings and nutrient runoff). Forest and Bird sees the primary regional and local management priority as being sustainable catchment management and support for Kyoto protocols. Forest and Bird sees measures to reduce New Zealand's contribution to greenhouse gases and other climate changing pollutants as being a positive national management priority.

Forest and Bird currently does not oppose seedling pulling around boat ramps, presently clear sandy beaches (average particle size greater than 0.1 mm) and key breeding and roosting areas for coastal birds as a way of keeping these areas clear of NEW mangrove growth. Forest and Bird opposes reduction or destruction of mature mangroves. Forest and Bird sees catchment management as an integral part of successful long-term 'mangrove management'.

Forest and Bird considers that there are existing mechanisms that allow mangroves to be managed where appropriate and OPPOSES the removal of mangrove protection from the NZCPS.

More information on this site

Forest and Bird article on Mangroves - August 2002

Coastal

Whangamata Harbour

Forest & Bird is pleased the Minister of Conservation declined the proposed marina development on 7 March 2006. His decision ensures the important natural features of the Whangamata harbour will be protected, including valuable mangrove and saltmarsh areas which provide habitat for wildlife such as the threatened banded rail...media release

Banded Rail - Dick Veitch/DOC

More information on this site

Submission by Forest & Bird on: Review of the New Zealand Coastal Policy Statement (November 2006) (PDF)

This page was updated on 16 November, 2006