MANGROVES at Wellington Point Reserve, including on King Island, have been vandalised.
An investigation is underway into the destruction of the marine plants which can carry fines of up to $365,700.
Plants at the reserve and on King Island have been cut down near the waterline recently with residents having found the destroyed plants on Tuesday and others last week.
Mangroves, casuarinas and salt water couch in the nearby Geoff Skinner Wetlands also show signs of deliberate poisoning.
Wellington Point councillor Wendy Boglary urged the public to come forward with any information about the culprits.
“These senseless acts of vandalism are illegal and attract huge fines,” she said.
Queensland Boating and Fisheries Patrol officer Mathew Davidson said all marine plants were protected by the Queensland Fisheries Act 1994.
“Mangroves and other marine plants are vital natural resources providing shelter, food and nursery areas for fish species in Moreton Bay,” he said.
“They are also important to coastal ecosystems, support community activities such as fishing and help protect the coastline from erosion.”
He said that as a protected habitat, prior approval was required for any work or activities that could disturb, destroy or damage the marine plants.
“This protection applies to all marine plants on private, leasehold and public land, regardless of whether the plants are deemed to be dead or alive.”
“Fines of up to $365,700 can be imposed for the destruction of marine plants.”
Cr Boglary said it was the third time this year that the mangroves in the reserve had been deliberately damaged.
“Council and the QBFP need assistance from the public to determine what happened to the marine vegetation and who is responsible.”
Investigations are continuing.
Anyone with information about the destruction can contact the Fishwatch hotline on 1800 017 116.