Coastal and marine environment - in summary

Component Summary Assessment grade Confidence
Very poor Poor Good Very good In grade In trend
  • Recent Trend
    • Trend improving Symbol Improving
    • Trend stable Symbol Stable
    • Trend deteriorating Symbol Deteriorating
    • Trend unclear Image Unclear
  • Level of confidence
    • Confidence low Evidence and consensus too low to make an assessment
    • Confidence limited Limited evidence or limited consensus
    • Confidence high Adequate high-quality evidence and high level of consensus
  • Grades
    • Grade Very Poor Very Poor
    • Grade Poor Poor
    • Grade Good Good
    • Grade Very Good Very Good

Extent and condition of coastal and marine ecosystems

The extent and condition of coastal ecosystems (including foreshore, rocky reefs, seagrass, saltmarsh and mangroves) are declining.

 The extent and condition of South Australia’s coastal and marine ecosystems receive an assessment of poor and deteriorating. Adequate high-quality evidence and high level of consensus Limited evidence or limited consensus

Disturbance and pollution

The quality and use of treated wastewater are increasing.

The capture and reuse of stormwater are increasing.

The area occupied by aquaculture is increasing.

Human population in the coastal zone is increasing.

The quality of coastal and marine waters is improving.

 South Australia’s disturbance and pollution receives an assessment of poor but stable. Adequate high-quality evidence and high level of consensus Adequate high-quality evidence and high level of consensus

Threatened species and ecosystems

Marine protected areas have increased in size and number.

New fishery recovery strategies have been implemented.

There has been an increase in some species (e.g. New Zealand fur seal and southern right whale).

Ocean salinity and currents are changing.

Ocean acidity is increasing.

Sea level is rising.

Coastal and marine ecosystem extent, condition and diversity are variable and declining.

There is a decline in some species (e.g. giant cuttlefish and little penguin).

 South Australia’s threatened species and ecosystems receive an assessment of poor but stable. Adequate high-quality evidence and high level of consensus Adequate high-quality evidence and high level of consensus

Pest plants and animals

Port handling and shipping traffic has increased, which increases the risk of pest species incursions.

 South Australia’s pest plants and animals receive an assessment of very poor and deteriorating. Adequate high-quality evidence and high level of consensus Adequate high-quality evidence and high level of consensus

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