Mapping the remote, ‘dynamic’ habitats of the Pilbara coast
Researchers have carried out the first-ever comprehensive mapping of the Pilbara’s remote coastal habitats, shedding light on the ecological diversity of one of Western Australia’s least explored regions.
Led by Dr Sharyn Hickey from The University of Western Australia as part of WAMSI’s Mardie Offset Marine and Intertidal Research Program, the team mapped intertidal and coastal environments across the northwest coast —from Exmouth Gulf to Karratha.
An uncharted range of habitats was captured, including algal mats, saltmarsh and mangroves. The team uncovered five times more saltmarsh than initially expected, and found that algal mats covered an area twice the size of mangroves.
Dr Hickey said the work revealed the incredible extent of ecological features in the region, as well as the condition and connectivity of the habitats at various timepoints.
“Mapping can be quite static, yet this environment is incredibly dynamic. As soon as you add water, it gets complicated.” Dr Sharyn Hickey
Utilising aerial and satellite imagery, and field-based surveys to label 3000 points along the coastline, researchers pieced together a detailed picture of these unique habitats despite the challenges posed by limited historical data. The Pilbara’s rugged terrain presented further obstacles, with fieldwork requiring researchers to navigate knee-deep in mud while carrying heavy equipment.
“Most of your time is spent knee-deep in mud, or walking across the salt flats, with a laptop attached to your front and a spectral sensor pack on your back,” Dr Hickey explained. “It’s challenging, but these insights are invaluable.”
The mapping effort highlights the transitional nature of these habitats over time while providing a critical foundation for understanding how they respond to natural events and human pressures.
The team plans to further refine its research through finer-scale mapping of the area and compare previous data and historical records to study seasonal trends and natural variability across the Pilbara’s intertidal habitats.