Coastal biodiversity
Newcastle’s coastline is an exceptional natural asset for residents and visitors.
A study of Newcastle’s rock platforms has found they have a great diversity of plants and animals and have high habitat diversity.
The study found marine invertebrate populations are healthy.
- 10 different habitat types and 170 species of intertidal flora and fauna were recorded
- 20 species of rock platform frequenting birds were recorded including some species listed as endangered or having internationally significant conservation value, including the Little Tern (Endangered), Sooty Oystercatcher (Vulnerable), and the Grey-tailed Tattler, Rednecked Stint, and Ruddy Turnstone.
People can have significant ecological impacts on the coast. Activities such as trampling on sensitive marine species and collecting algal weed and invertebrates for bait can cause significant declines in population sizes and irreversible habitat damage.
As Newcastle's population grows it will be important to protect the rich biodiversity of coastal rock platforms for future generations.
Contact us
City Administration Centre
282 King Street
Newcastle NSW 2300
Tel: 02 4974 2000