Waterway
habitat
Key findings for habitat in the Ross and Black Basins from the 2026 Report Card
Habitat health in freshwater zones
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In the freshwater (upstream) zones, waterway habitat measures riparian vegetation (the plants that grow along our creeks and rivers) and wetlands. The habitat grade shows how the area covered by riparian vegetation and wetlands has changed between data collection years.
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Riparian vegetation wasn’t measured in 2024-2025. In the 2024 Report Card, when it was last updated, riparian areas were stable in the Ross Basin Freshwater zone, whilst the Black Basin Freshwater zone recorded a slight increase.
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Wetland extent, or size, was updated in this year’s Report Card. The data shows that wetland extent in the Ross Basin has declined by an area roughly equal to three NRL playing fields (try line to try line), which is less than 1% of the initial size. This resulted in the grade dropping from ‘good’ to ‘moderate.’ In the Black Basin, wetland extent has increased, which led to the score climbing within the ‘very good’ rating.
Tracking habitat health in estuarine zones
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Further downstream, in the estuarine zone, waterway habitat measures riparian vegetation and coastal wetlands (mangroves and saltmarshes).
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Riparian vegetation grades weren’t updated in this year’s Report Card. In the 2024 Report Card, riparian areas were stable in the Ross Basin Estuarine zone, whilst the Black Basin saw grades fall from ‘good’ to ‘very poor’ in its estuarine environment.
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Saltmarsh extent and mangrove extent were also not updated in 2024-2025. However, a new indicator was added for Shoreline Mangrove Condition in the Ross Basin.
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Shoreline Mangrove Condition surveys were carried out in Alligator Creek, the Bohle River, the Ross River (lower) and on Magnetic Island, using Earthwatch Australia’s MangroveWatch citizen science program – Shoreline Video Assessment Method (S-VAM). Surveys were conducted by MangroveWatch volunteers and the Port of Townsville Limited. The surveys collect data on mangrove habitat structure, canopy cover and impacts, which includes habitat damage and modifications to the shoreline.
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The inclusion of this new data stream saw estuarine habitat in the Bohle and Lower Ross River increase from ‘moderate’ to ‘good,’ while habitat increased from ‘good’ to ‘very good’ on Magnetic Island. Overall, the Ross Basin saw a slight score increase for the mangrove and saltmarsh indicator, which maintained a ‘good’ grade. As there was no new data for the Black Basin, the grade for mangroves and saltmarshes remained ‘very good.’
The hidden world of habitats in keeping waterways healthy
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Waterway habitats, such as riparian vegetation, wetlands, mangroves and saltmarshes, are vital areas that connect land to rivers and sea. They work together, playing a crucial role in water quality.
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Along creeks and rivers, riparian plants help stabilise banks, reduce erosion, and slow runoff so sediments and pollutants can settle out before reaching the water. They can also help stop litter from entering our waterways. Wetlands act like natural filters, trapping sediments, and removing excess nutrients and other pollutants. Mangroves and saltmarshes extend this protection by filtering sediments and nutrients from tidal flows, and reducing erosion.
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All these habitats provide shelter and breeding grounds for fish, birds and other wildlife, supporting healthy ecosystems while helping keep our waterways clean and resilient.
