Hunting for treasures in Wagonga Inlet: How do we value our estuaries?

Narooma is a hidden gem on the South Coast, but what value does the community place on its natural treasures, particularly in and around the Wagonga Inlet?

If you live in or have visited Narooma, the Australian National University (ANU) wants to hear from you, about how you value the Wagonga Inlet and the changes that have been made through the Wagonga Inlet Living Shoreline (WILS) project.

Have your say online through the ANU Wagonga Inlet and Living Shoreline Community Survey

The recently completed WILS project restored oyster reefs, rehabilitated saltmarsh and riparian habitat, and installed new access points for people to enjoy the Inlet, including a boardwalk and a floating pontoon.

It was a collaborative effort co-funded by Eurobodalla Shire Council, NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development - Fisheries via the Marine Estate Management Strategy, The Nature Conservancy Australia (TNC), and the Australian Government’s Reef Builder initiative.

Following the completion of the WILS project, PhD student James (Jim) DelBene is leading research to better understand how people value the Wagonga Inlet, including the different natural habitats and new community infrastructure.

Jim DelBene is from the Fenner School of Environment & Society at ANU, and his research is funded through the ANU and the American Australian Association. He is exploring how people’s values vary across different habitats and locations in and around the Wagonga Inlet, through workshops with key stakeholders, interviews on site, and an online survey of Narooma residents and visitors.

Ultimately, this study aims to better understand how people connect with marine and coastal environments. The baseline information collected will help to assess the impact of human interventions, such as the construction of the Wagonga Inlet Living Shoreline, and also to understand the importance of estuaries for communities in NSW.

Results from the research will be shared with community groups, marine and coastal management communities, and broader audiences in Narooma and NSW.

By taking part in the survey you can also be in the prize draw for one of three $100 gift cards supplied through the research project.