Changes in the distribution of mangroves and saltmarshes in Jervis Bay, Australia

The decline of saltmarsh in Currambene Creek and Cararma Inlet, in Jervis Bay, eastern Australia, in the period 1944-1999 has been documented through photogrammetric analysis. The area of saltmarsh has declined in Currambene Creek by approximately 52.5% and in Cararma Inlet by approximately 35%. In Currambene Creek the decline of saltmarsh is primarily due to the landward encroachment of mangroves, while in Cararma Creek the seaward encroachment of Melaleuca and Casuarina have more significantly contributed to losses of saltmarsh. Regional sea-level rise is excluded as a primary cause of this transgression. A more plausible hypothesis involves an increase in the delivery of freshwater and nutrients to the intertidal environments in response to higher rainfall and catchment modifications.