Key vegetation types found within the Hunter Estuary include:
Two species of
mangrove can be found in the Hunter Estuary, including the River Mangrove
(Aegiceras corniculatum) and the Grey Mangrove
(Avicennia marina) (10). River Mangroves can be identified by their brown bark and rounded tips of the leaves
(10). Grey Mangroves have grey bark, a pointed tip on their leaves and above ground roots called pneumataphores
(10).
Grey Mangrove (Avicennia marina) pneumataphores
The Hunter Estuary has the
largest area of mangroves in NSW, covering 19.217km
2 (13). Mangroves provide valuable food and habitat for a range of animals, especially fish.
Saltmarsh is a threatened species that is protected at both the state and federal level. Common saltmarsh species found in the Hunter Estuary include Seablite
(Suaeda australis), Glasswort
(Sarcocornia quinqueflora), Saltwater Couch
(Sporobolus virginicus) and Sea Rush
(Juncus kraussii).
The Hunter Estuary has the
fourth largest area of saltmarsh in NSW, covering 5.204km
2 (13). Saltmarsh provides valuable food and habitat for a range of animals, especially birds (including migratory shorebirds).
Seagrasses are different to seaweed
(12). Seagrasses are land plants that have moved into the marine environment
(12). Unlike seaweed, seagrasses flower and can absorb nutrients from the sediments. Six seagrass species can be found in NSW, including Strapweed
(Posidonia australis) and Paddleweed
(Halophila spp.) (12).
The Hunter Estuary does not have any seagrass
(14). Small areas of Sea Tassel
(Ruppia spp.) have been found in the estuary, but Sea Tassel is not considered a true seagrass because it can live in freshwater and is pollinated above the water surface
(12). Seagrass has not been seen in the Hunter River for the past 45 years
(14). All other rivers similar to the Hunter River in NSW have seagrass, so it is thought that the Hunter River would have historically had seagrass
(14). The reasons for the absence of seagrass in the Hunter River are not well understood, however it is thought that high turbidity and poor water quality may be contributing to the lack of seagrass.
Another important type of estuarine vegetation found in Newcastle is Swamp Oak
(Casuarina glauca) forest. Swamp Oak forest is a threatened species which is protected by state legislation. Further information about this threatened species can be found at the Office of Environment and Heritage
website.
Revegetation Works
Council, Landcare, and others are undertaking ongoing revegetation works around the estuary. The goals of Council's ongoing revegetation works are to:
- Protect and enhance shorebird habitat
- Protect and enhance native estuarine habitat values, and threatened vegetation species
- Minimise the impacts of weeds and pests.
Some examples of the works Council has undertaken are shown below.

Pirate Point 2014

Pirate Point 2015

Stockton Ballast Ground 2013

Stockton Ballast Ground 2015
A number of significant wetland conservation projects are being undertaken by other stakeholders within the Hunter Estuary including the Hexham Swamp Rehabilitation Project, Kooragang Wetlands Rehabilitation Project and Tomago Wetlands Restoration Project.