Bush 'n Beach Fishing Magazine Location reports & tips for fishing, boating, camping, kayaking, 4WDing in Queensland and Northern NSW
Recently, OzFish Unlimited joined forces with primary school students in a habitat restoration project aimed at revitalising the mangrove forests nestled within Hastings Foreshore, Westernport Bay in Victoria.
The students engaged in an immersive classroom session exploring the significance of mangroves, delving into their growth mechanisms and understanding their pivotal role in preserving the environment and supporting fish productivity.
Subsequently, they translated their knowledge into practical action by embarking on a restoration project outdoors.
Students got stuck in, with the day encompassing a series of tasks, starting with the collection of mangrove seeds followed by their preparation.
Students were taught the John Eddy restoration method, which required each viable seed to be diligently secured to bamboo stakes.
These prepared stakes were then strategically implanted into the muddy substrate during low tide, precisely targeting areas witnessing decline.
Mangroves are vital ecosystems, providing habitat for diverse marine life and acting as natural barriers against erosion and storms.
However, they are declining due to human activities such as coastal development and pollution, exacerbated by climate change.
Conservation efforts are urgently needed to protect these crucial ecosystems.
The ongoing restoration project holds significant importance for the region, representing a collaborative long term revitalisation project involving OzFish, local primary schools and dedicated volunteers spanning several years.
Their collective mission aims to reclaim lost mangrove forests along the foreshore, revitalising vital coastal ecosystems.
OzFish volunteers and the school students will closely monitor the new seedlings, conducting vegetation surveys to determine the success rate of their plantings.
Projects such as this serve as platforms for OzFish to actively engage with the local community, fostering awareness about the environmental significance of mangrove habitats.
Beyond ecological benefits, these efforts highlight the relationship between healthy mangroves, healthy communities and enhanced fishing opportunities.
Iconic species such as King George whiting, snapper and flathead thrive within these restored habitats, underlining the connection of both ecosystems and local economies.
Involving school students in environmental activities such as this fosters ocean literacy, enhancing awareness and understanding of marine ecosystems to support restoration into the future.
