Flood killed mangroves, not chemicals, says EPA

Sustainability, Climate Change and Innovation Minister, Andrew McNamara has released results of an investigation into dead mangroves on the Fitzroy river – and chemicals are ruled out as the cause.

“Last month the Rockhampton Morning Bulletin expressed concern that dying mangroves could be caused by chemical pollution from the mine water," Mr McNamara said.

“Large numbers of mangroves along the Fitzroy River were reported as dead.

“We launched an investigation and examined the mangroves and the river banks.

“The EPA concludes that the die-back was a result of the major flooding that occurred in January and February of this year.

“The major flood that hit Rockhampton this year reached 7.5m in height resulting in many mangroves being continuously immersed for up to four weeks.

“Mangroves do not cope well if they are immersed in water for long periods. They were drowned."

The die-back of mangroves is a natural occurrence after a major flood event due to the direct effects of the flood itself inundating the mangroves.

“Also the resulting siltation that comes with the flood covers the aerial rooting system of some mangrove species."

“The good news is that the mangroves are already starting to recover with numerous seedlings starting to germinate and many of the shrubs and trees that appeared dead re-shooting”.

A copy of the report – Mangrove Die-back in the Fitzroy River – is available on the EPA website at http://www.epa.qld.gov.au/