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KNYSNA ESTUARY: Threats |
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| By far the biggest impact to the estuary is from the town in its immediate basin. Already about a quarter of the Knysna salt marsh has been destroyed by urban development such as the building of houses, canalisation, land reclamation, hardening of soils and road cuttings. Despite the marsh being an effective processor of organic material, sewage overflow stresses the system and does result in health risks. In addition pollutants that flow in via storm-water drains affect the functioning of microorganisms that are responsible for the processing of energy-rich materials. Indigestible plastics and other litter find their way into the gullets of such creatures as turtles and sea birds who may effectively starve to death as a result. | |
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