Changes in coastal wetland habitats in Careel Bay, Pittwater, N.S.W., from 1940 to 1996

Abstract

Between 1940 and 1996 the saltmarsh habitats of Careel Bay were significantly reduced in size, while the mangrove habitat of the bay expanded, in both a landward direction, encroaching upon the saltmarsh habitats, and a seaward direction. This is one of many examples of mangrove incursion upon saltmarsh habitats along the New South Wales coastline. Natural and anthropogenic influences upon Careel Bay were examined in an effort to determine possible causes. Patterns of change in regional sea level, sedimentation and increase freshwater delivery were found to coincide with the mangrove and saltmarsh changes, partly due to influences of the urbanization of the catchment.