Nambucca Mangroves Destroyed

[Ken A]

NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) Fisheries officers are investigating the destruction of mangrove trees on the Nambucca River adjacent to Riverside Drive, Nambucca Heads.

The vandalism has left a 20m scar in an otherwise healthy mangrove stand.

“DPI Fisheries officers will be investigating this latest bout of mangrove vandalism”, said Max Withnell, acting manager fisheries compliance.

“Mangroves are essential habitat, providing shelter for juvenile fish and other aquatic life. They also stabilise river banks and estuary beds and improve water quality.”

Mr Withnell said people who destroyed or harmed mangroves were liable to fines of up to $110,000 for an individual or $220,000 for a corporation.

“A previous offender in the Northern Rivers area was ordered to pay $60,000 in fines and costs for damaging mangroves,” Mr Withnell said.

“DPI takes these matters seriously and will prosecute anyone found damaging vital estuarine fish habitat such as mangroves, seagrass and saltmarsh.”

All information from the public is kept confidential. People who suspect mangroves or other aquatic vegetation have been damaged should report it to the Coffs Harbour Fisheries Office on 66523977 or the toll free Fisheries Watch on 1800043536.

[Guest bluecod]

hmmmm ... houses on Riverside Drive are just above water level - shouldn't be too difficult to work out just who has improved their water views