Population growth and inappropriate land use practices are putting the Hastings Catchment environment and its fisheries resources under increasing pressure. Streambank erosion represents one of the most pressing management issues facing the estuary. A number of factors contribute to streambank erosion including removal of riparian vegetation, damage from stock, and wave action generated from wind and boat wash. Rock fillets were installed along 200 m of the Maria River at Port Macquarie on the NSW mid north coast to provide a sheltered microhabitat for mangroves to naturally regenerate. These works were supplemented by stock exclusion fencing and riparian zone revegetation with a mixture of suitable riparian species. Completed in 2011. (Project description courtesy Fish Habitat Network, https://www.fishhabitatnetwork.com.au/fish-fillets-in-the-hastings)

Mangroves

Method: Hybrid, Rehabilitation, Supplementary revegetation

Rehabilitation - method: Grazer control

Supplementary revegetation: Mixture of suitable riparian species

Hybrid structure: Rock fillets

Method: Rehabilitation, Revegetation

Rehabilitation - method: Grazer control

Saltmarsh species: Mixture of suitable riparian species