Investigation on the Impact of Boat Wakes to Mangrove Degradation

Mangrove ecosystem is one of the ecosystem that many people take it for granted due to lack of knowledge on the importance for having a healthier mangrove ecosystem. Several factors were identified to cause the mangrove degradation which not only because of nature activities but also factors induced by human activities. In recent days, human activities are seen the main factor leading to mangrove deterioration. Initially, boat wake was a negligible factor towards the mangrove erosion but since the increasing number of high speed craft, this issue became one of world’s concern. Previous research indicated that, boat wake could contribute to the mangrove erosion. Matang Mangrove Reserve Forest is the largest mangrove reserve in Malaysia. Unfortunately, few areas was observed facing erosion and plants gradually collapses along the mangrove fringe. This research aimed to investigate the threshold limit of the maximum wave height generated by the travelling boats that could lead to mangrove riverbank erosion.