Mangrove Mates
OzFish joined forces with students from grades 3 and 4 at St Mary’s and St Joseph’s Primary School to immerse themselves in a habitat restoration project aimed to revitalise the mangrove forests nestled within Hastings Foreshore, Westernport Bay in Victoria.
The next generation
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.
The John Eddy Restoration method was taught to students as they carefully learnt how to plant the mangrove seed
Students got stuck right in and the day encompassed 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 onto bamboo stakes. These prepared stakes were then strategically implanted into the muddy substrate during low tide, precisely targeting areas witnessing decline.
Marvels of mangrove forests
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 like coastal development and pollution, exacerbated by climate change. Conservation efforts are urgently needed to protect these crucial ecosystems.
Ongoing care and healthy communities
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 like 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.
