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MANGROVE AND VEGETATION ESTABLISHMENT |
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| Noraini Mohd. Tamin | |
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International Erosion
Control Association Malaysia |
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| This paper highlights initial attempts to rehabilitate and re-vegetate disused prawn ponds that were constructed in former coastal mangrove swamps. The method used an innovative and cost-effective technique, incorporating ecological engineering for successful establishment of mangroves and mangrove associates. The project was carried out between 1999 and 2001 at Kuala Sala, in Yan, Kedah, along 1 km of the shoreline. The study site was severely eroded by strong, 1.5 m waves. Initially, non-woven geo-fibre mud bags, brush faschines and coir logs were installed on site as wave breakers and sediment traps. Later, pre-grown mangrove seedlings and saplings of mangrove associates were planted using conventional and non-conventional methods to ensure successful plant establishment and growth. The method has produced encouraging results as mangrove and non-mangrove plant species were established on coastal sites that were previously exposed. Unfortunately, following the Asian tsunami on 26 December 2004, newly-established mangrove stands that have reached heights of 4 m were subject to very strong waves. After six months, about 70% of the trees were uprooted. The study clearly shows that on eroding coastline, conventional mangrove planting will not succeed unless effective wave breakers are installed and regularly maintained to protect the developing mangrove trees. | |
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