Conserving the mangrove forests.

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1 Conserving the mangrove forests. The mangrove forests of Pretty Pool Creek and Four Mile Creek not only lend a unique beauty to the area, they also serve an important role in the environment s ecosystem. Comprised of Grey Mangroves (Avicennia Marina), with patches of Long-style Stilt Mangroves (Rhizophora Stylosa), the forests protect the coast from erosion and improve the quality of run-off to the ocean. The mangrove forests provide habitat and food to marine and terrestrial wildlife, including many species that have been recognised as having conservation significance. These include Black-necked Storks, Beach Stone-Curlews, Little North-western Freetail Bats and Water Rats. Fish and other wildlife enjoy a constant supply courtesy of the mangrove s leaves, nutrients and tidal flushing. Pretty Pool Creek and Four Mile Creek are also of great cultural and historic importance to Australia. For centuries, the land s traditional owners, the Kariyarra People, have used the twigs of the Grey Mangroves to gather bait for fishing. Although mangroves are renowned for their resilience, they can be negatively affected by excessive nutrient inputs from urban developments and contamination from landfill sites. We ve installed large swales and nutrient-stripping drainage basins throughout Pretty Pool to minimise the estate s impact on the mangrove forests. There s also measures you can take to help maintain a harmonious relationship with the mangrove forests. Minimising your impact on the mangroves: To reduce the runoff of nutrients from your garden to the mangrove forests, only use organic mulches, compost or slow release fertilisers specifically made for native species. Appropriately dispose of domestic rubbish and don t litter. Avoid releasing pollutants into the storm water system, such as petroleum-based substances.

2 Protecting migratory waterbirds. There s no denying that Pretty Pool s an attractive place. But did you know that it s so attractive that some birds travel over 20,000kms from Russia and Alaska to visit the area, annually. During these migrations, some birds travel up to 8,000km non-stop before stopping for several weeks to recuperate and prepare for the next stage of their journey. Throughout the year, approximately 30 different species of migratory and non-migratory waterbirds can be found in Pretty Pool. These include Bar-tailed Godwits (Limosa Lapponica), Great Knots (Calidris Tenuirostris), Sanderling (Calidris Alba), Grey-tailed Tattlers (Tringa Brevipes), Red-necked Stints (Calidris Ruficollis), Greater Sand Plovers (Charadrius Mongolus), Red-capped Plovers (Charadrius Ruficapillus) and Silver Gulls (Larus Novaehollandiae). Migratory waterbirds are present in the Port Hedland area between September and April. During this period, they feed in the intertidal area at low tide and roost at hight tide. Peak numbers occur in October/November (southern migration) and March/April (northern migration). When the birds stop, it s important that they rest and feed sufficiently to gain enough energy to continue migrating. Recreational activities such as fishing, off-road driving and windsurfing have the potential to disrupt roosting waterbirds, so we strongly encourage people to refrain from these activities during migration periods.

3 Minimising waterbird disturbance: Keep dogs on a lead, particularly during the migration periods in October/November and March/April. Discourage dogs from chasing birds on the beach. Do not drive off-road vehicles on the beach. Avoid approaching waterbirds on the beach or in the intertidal area. Recognise recreational activities such as fishing, walking and windsurfing have the potential to disrupt foraging and roosting waterbirds. Pretty Pool s migratory waterbirds. Great Knot (Calidris Tenuirostris) The Great Knot is a moderate-sized migratory waterbird that reaches 26 28cm in size. It inhabits tidal mudflats, sandy shores, estuaries and shallow saline and freshwater wetlands. The Great Knot breeds in north-east Siberia and is common in coastal areas of north-west Australia between September and March. Greater Sand Plover (Charadrius Leschenaultii) The Greater Sand Plover is a migratory waterbird that grows to 20 25cm. It s very common in coastal north-western Australia. The species inhabits wide sandy or shelly beaches, sandspits and tidal mudflats. The Greater Sand Plover breeds throughout western China, Mongolia and southern Russia. It s thought that some birds fly non-stop from their feeding grounds in Australia to their breeding grounds in China (approximately 8000km). The North-West is one of the most important feeding grounds for this species. Red Capped Plover (Charadrius Ruficapillus) The Red Capped Plover, also known as a Sandlark or Sandpiper, is a small (14 16cm) non-migratory waterbird that s found throughout Australia. It inhabits broad sandy and shelly beaches, tidal mudflats and sandflats, as well as coastal and inland wetlands, including saltmarshes and lakes. It breeds year-round in northern Australia and lays 2 3 sandy/mottled brown eggs per clutch. Eggs may be laid in sand or on bare ground.

4 Keeping the Flatback Turtle safe. The Flatback Turtle is Pretty Pool s most unique resident. One of seven remaining species of marine turtle in the world, the Flatback Turtle s protected under Western Australian and Australian legislation, as well as international agreements, including CITES (Conservation for International Trade in Endangered Species) and the Bonn Convention. Unlike other marine turtles, Flatback Turtles nest exclusively in northern Australian beaches. Most of their nesting areas are located on offshore islands, however Port Hedland s one of the few locations where they nest on WA s mainland. The Flatback Turtle nests between October and February. During this time, each female turtle lays, on average, three clutches of 55 eggs. The incubation time for these eggs is approximately two months. Upon hatching, the hatchlings make their way to the top of the nest and wait until sunset before making a frenzied dash to the ocean, hopefully avoiding predators such as birds, crabs, lizards, foxes and dogs. There are many threats to marine turtles and their hatchlings, including accidental capture in fishing gear, ingestion of plastics and nest predation. Disturbance to nesting turtles, both from human and animals, can result in turtles aborting their nesting attempt or relocating to another beach that may be unsuitable for egg development. We ve worked in close consultation with local community groups, environmental experts to address turtle nesting habits and minimise threats from increased residential activity and wildlife.

5 Turtle friendly design: A number of turtle sensitive design concepts have been incorporated into the estate s design, including: Use of bollards to restrict vehicle access to the beach. Controlled beach access for pedestrians. Interpretive signage indicating turtle nesting areas to help identify and protect nesting sites. Hatchlings are attracted to light, so they can become disorientated and travel away from the ocean if there s lighting behind them when they emerge from their nests. To prevent this, we ve set up light barriers along the beach and installed turtle-friendly lighting in the estate s houses and streets. To minimise threats to the Flatback Turtle from wildlife, we ve implemented a fox-trapping program. We also encourage people to keep their dogs on a lead when walking them at the beach. About the Flatback Turtle Flatback Turtles are an olive-grey colour, with a yellowish-cream coloured underside. The most distinguishing feature of the Flatback Turtle is their flattened shell (carapace) with its upturned edges. The carapace is softer and more flexible than most other marine turtle species, and possibly more easily damaged. A mature Flatback Turtle grows to approximately 90cm carapace length. Flatback Turtles are carnivorous, feeding on a variety of invertebrates including jellyfish, sea pens, molluscs and sea cucumbers.