A leading scientist on coastal ecosystems, Professor Patrick Hesp, has documented the highest erosion rates anywhere in the world. This erosion is severely affecting the Coorong, a highly important wetland ecosystem in South Australia. He pointed out that “catastrophic coastal erosion” has heavily affected most of the state. This area encompasses the Coorong, a key breeding ground for large numbers of bird species. This lack of transparency has alarmed environmentalists and scientists alike and threatened the long-term health of this diverse ecosystem.
The Coorong continues south across the mouth of the Sir Richard Peninsula. This low, sandy barrier extends from Goolwa to the mouth of the Murray River. The region’s (NSW) coastal lagoons are known for their ecological importance and form a cluster of these lagoons within a Ramsar-listed wetland site. Newer infrastructure improvements have been designed to help track the impact of increasing sea levels and storm surges on this fragile ecosystem.
Erosion and Its Impact
Speaking on the urgency of the fire, Professor Hesp, who toured affected areas along the coast, expressed the severity of the erosion. He noted that “down at 42 Mile Crossing … we saw 2, 3 metres of horizontal erosion in a couple of days and 10-metre high cliffs.” These rapid rates of erosion present an enormous risk to wildlife and deeply entrenched local communities.
Professor Hesp noted that this discovery has profound effects on erosion hotspots. He warned that even places like Goolwa, not usually seen as major erosion areas, have gone through substantial alteration. “We saw several metres of recession, loss of the first foredune at the back of the beach,” he remarked. Yet despite this alarming erosion, many studies related to the need for continued monitoring and research in the field have disappeared.
Evan Corbett, a researcher tracking flood dynamics, noted that the recent flood events in January and February 2023 exacerbated these conditions. “There was probably two or three months there where it was really intense,” Corbett stated, referring to the flood plume’s expansion from the river mouth into surrounding waterways. The impacts of this flooding are currently under increased scrutiny to determine what they mean for the Coorong’s future.
Innovative Monitoring Techniques
To combat these effects, scientists embedded probes in the sands from Goolwa Beach to the Coorong lagoons. These oceanographic probes will be able to measure water levels and salinity on deep holes left behind by sediment core extractions. Professor Hesp underscored how crucial this data is. It will help us understand how increasing sea levels and storm surges better affect the Coorong today and in the future.
“I think we’ve proven that this is a very good technique of tracking it, that provides a pretty rapid response,” he added. This new method provides data in real-time. It helps set priorities for targeted conservation efforts and more clearly guides policy decisions about how we should manage our coastal resources.
Importance of Biodiversity
The Coorong’s lagoons act as crucial feeding and nesting grounds for a wide range of migratory and resident bird species, highlighting their importance as a key conservation priority. As coastal erosion continues to threaten these habitats, researchers stress the importance of immediate action to protect this unique ecosystem from further degradation.
Continuing research at the Coorong emphasizes the precarious tension among natural processes and anthropogenic effects. It serves as a symbol of our commitment to preserving our natural world. With rising sea levels and changing weather patterns, understanding these dynamics is essential for preserving biodiversity in this renowned wetland.
