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3 months ago
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Threats to Stromatolites
Hamelin Pool is perfect for Stromatolites because it’s hypersaline. Seagrass forms a ‘barrier’ between Hamelin Pool and the rest of the ocean, preventing ocean circulation, which would dilute the super-salty water.
But seagrass meadows are being damaged by the runoff caused by floods and extreme temperature events. Climate change is likely to lead to more frequent tropical storms and more frequent flooding events in the area, threatening the Stromatolites of Hamelin Pool.
Human interference is another threat. To protect the delicate structures, visitors are restricted to the boardwalk. From here they may be underwhelmed: Stromatolites look a little like cow pats from that vista. But, as Stromatolite expert Dr. Erica Suosaari says:
“Underwater, the shapes, the sizes and the different mat surfaces are overwhelming in their variety…you feel like you’re in you in a Precambrian world!”
What’s Bush Heritage doing?
On the border of Hamelin Pool lies Hamelin Station, a 202,000 hectare property that we purchased in 2015. Hamelin Station was once a pastoral property running sheep and goats. We’ve since removed stock and have begun a process of restoration and revegetation. These land management practices will help to lessen the damage caused by runoff events in the future.
