Tasman Council

Natural Resource Management

WHAT WILL AUSTRALIA'S COAST LOOK LIKE IN THE FUTURE?

21/02/2013 UPDATE

The below photo was taken at Eaglehawk Neck during a recent king tide.  We need you, and as many other coastal communities as possible, to take a photo or two as part of the Wtiness King Tides project. Your photos of the impacts of king tides will form a collection of snapshots of what our coastline could look like in the future as a result of sea level rise. King tides are the highest tides of the year and in most locations occur once in summer and once in winter. They are a natural part of tidal cycles and give observers a sneak preview of what high sea levels look like. It's fun, free to participate and can help in understanding our coasts. Visit to register and find out when to grab your camera and head to the coast. Witness King Tides is a Green Cross Australia project and is proudly supported by the NSW and Tasmania Governments and Tasman Council.

To avoid confusion, it's important to know that king tides aren't part of climate change; they are a natural part of tidal cycles but they do give us a sneak preview of what higher sea levels could look like. The actual height reached bya king tide will depend on the local weather and ocean conditions on the day. It is possible that by 2060 to 2070 we could experience tides of the magnitude of summer's king tide events every month due to sea level rise induced by climate change. This project aims to promote awareness of the impacts of sea level rise, and help to visualise coastal areas that are vulnerable to tidal inundation which can be monitored over time. Towards the end of this century it is possible that all of Australia's coastal regions will experience impacts from rising sea levels and eroding shorelines. Many of the ricks can be managed by planning ahead.

Past, current and future scenarios of the Tasman Municipality climate, from the Climate Futures for Tasmania project.

 Feral Pacific Oyster control for 2013

Whilst a gourmet delight for many, the pacific oyster can impact on both recreational and environmental values of out beaches.  Whilst it is not possible to eradicate them completely we can control their numbers in strategic locations.  Control of these feral oysters has been ongoing for many years on White Beach, Parsons Bay, Stewarts Bay Beach and Lime Bay.  These beaches in the Tasman have been kept oyster free by dedicated community members and help from Conservation Volunteers and the Southern Coastcare Association of Tasmanian

For more information on NRM in the Tasman Municipality contact:

Tasman Council Natural Resource Management (NRM) Officer

Working to achieve positive NRM outcomes, in collaboration with NRM South and the Tasman Landcare Group