Site 1
(High human activity area)
Site one was chosen as it was located near the mouth of the estuary where there was clear evidence of human activity.
Pnuematophores at site 1.
A 10m x 10m quadrat was constructed at the site.
Plants present within the quadrat were identified,counted and recorded.
Identifying the mangrove.
Leaves with some small spots on underside.
A dichotomous key was used to identify the single species of mangrove present at site 1.
The mangrove was identified as as an Orange Mangrove
Low number of immature mangroves present at site 1.
The number of immature mangrove plants was measured to draw conclusions about the impact of human activity on mangrove reproduction. Plants were recorded according to height and density.
Sacrificial leaves.
The number of sacrificial leaves on a two metre plant at each site was comparable. This initial indication was that human activity had no impact on how the mangrove used its body system to offset the affects of the environment.
Pollution at site 1.
Site 2
(Low human activiy site)
Site 2 location.
240m from further up the estuary.
10m x 10m quadrat contructed.
Higher density pneumatophores observed at site 2.
Large number of shells observed, counted and recorded.
Early indications show increased number of species present at site 2.
A diagrammatic identification chart was used to identify the shells as Hercules Whelks and Small Whelks.
A second species of mangrove was observed at site 2. The mangrove was identified as a Spotted Mangrove.
Orange Mangrove plants present at site 2.
Aerial prop roots of the Spotted Mangrove.
Spotted Mangrove located at site 2.
Leaves with many small black and brown spots on underside.
