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Biodiversity and Stewardship Insights

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Biodiversity and Stewardship Insights

You are part of a youth advisory team reviewing the future of a fictional Australian coastal wetland. Use the briefing, data table and your knowledge of biodiversity and stewardship to make a recommendation. Biodiversity includes variety within species, between species and among ecosystems. Ecosystem services are benefits people and nature receive from functioning ecosystems.

The Wattle Inlet proposal

Wattle Inlet is a fictional coastal wetland in northern Australia. Its mangroves and saltmarsh provide nursery habitat for fish and crabs, feeding places for shorebirds, and a natural buffer that can reduce wave energy. The inlet also supports small-scale fishing and guided nature visits. A developer has proposed filling part of the wetland to build a car park and visitor centre. The council is considering whether to approve the plan, change it or refuse it.

Measure

Current condition

If proposal proceeds

Mangrove and saltmarsh habitat

40 hectares

12 hectares removed

Native fish species recorded

18 species

Likely decline in nursery habitat; the size of any population change is unknown

Estimated annual local fishing catch

2.4 tonnes

Catch may fall if fish nursery habitat is reduced

Storm-wave exposure

Vegetation slows some incoming waves

Less vegetation may increase exposure; local effect needs assessment

Investigate the evidence

Answer using the briefing and evidence table. Where evidence is uncertain, distinguish a reasonable prediction from a proven result.

1.Which statement best describes biodiversity? Select one.

The number of large animals in one habitat
The variety of life within species, between species and across ecosystems
The amount of land used by people
The total number of visitors to a nature reserve

2.Identify two ecosystem services provided by Wattle Inlet and explain one way each service benefits people or other living things.

3.The table says 12 hectares of habitat would be removed from a current 40 hectares. What percentage of the current habitat is that? Show your working.

4.Complete the cause-and-effect chain: removing wetland vegetation could reduce fish nursery habitat, which could lead to , affecting .

5.True or false? The table proves that the proposal will cause a specific percentage decline in fish numbers. Explain your choice.

6.Match each wetland feature to its most direct benefit.

Mangrove roots and sheltered water
Vegetation along the shore
Feeding areas and wildlife

Slows some incoming wave energy
Nature viewing and recreation
Nursery habitat for fish and crabs

7.A community member argues, “The visitor centre will create jobs, so there is no reason to consider wetland loss.” Give one strength in this argument and one important factor it overlooks.

8.Choose a stewardship action that could reduce harm while allowing some visitor access. Explain how it would help and name one group that should be involved in deciding or carrying it out.

9.Make a recommendation to the council: approve the proposal as planned, require changes, or refuse it. Use at least two pieces of evidence from the table and explain one uncertainty that should be investigated before a final decision.