Saturday, September 17, 2011

Mangroves





These photos show how the make up of the inter-tidal zone is changing texture due to (the marina) structures being placed into the Whangamata estuary.  These photos are taken on the banks of the low tide channel.  Previously this area was hard clean sand.
The area in these photos is dry for around two to three hours each side of low tide, otherwise they are covered in flowing tidal waters.  Yet they have turned to mud, enough for mangroves to sprout.  In an area where there were no mangroves previously.
The Waikato Regional Council consented the structures, which promote the mangrove growth.  They then placed a special mangrove tax on the landowners of Whangamata to pay for the removal of mangroves.