Wilson Inlet Sandbar Management Presentation

6. DoW Advice

The main environmental issue is nutrient enriched state of Wilson Inlet - growth of ruppia and algae.
Nutrient inputs and recycling drive this growth.
Few nutrients leave via sandbar - approx 4% DIN + DIP (Report to the Community 5, 2002). River displacement rather than salt water intrusion causes loss of nutrients.
Experience elsewhere shows even with permanent opening (eg. Oyster Harbour) algal growth can occur.
Natural variations in salt water intrusion are considerable and do not show change in inlet condition.
Dredging and location of openings have proven to be costly and contentious.
The DoW recognises there is a level of support for increasing salt water intrusion. However, DoW considers this will not address the main environmental condition of the inlet.
The DoW does not consider the sandbar opening location to be a significant factor in improving the condition (and has advised this since 1996).
The DoW does not advocate dredging as a means of improving inlet condition - but would not object to minor dredging if proposed and supported within the community.