the structure and composition of these coastal communities. Erosion occurs predominantly from wind and wave actions but can be increased by reducing vegetation cover or reducing stability in other ways. It can also be increased by high levels of human traffic or the public accessing areas of wetland that are off limits to the public. Water regimes and pollution The water in the Cheetham Wetlands is dependent on the pumping of water from Skeleton Creek. Pumping of water from the estuary must continue for the wetlands to flourish and maintain diversity in habitats as well as fauna species. Pollution of waterways and lakes is a real threat to the biodiversity of the parklands. Pollutants from sewage discharge points in Port Phillip Bay include elevated levels of Nitrogen. Other pollutants that need to be reduced come from storm-water runoff, such as heavy metals, oils, and litter. There is also the potential threat of pollutants in runoff after heavy rainfall events, which can include biocides, sediments and nutrients. This can lead to blooms of blue-green algae if nutrient levels are high. Pumping of water from the Skeleton Creek during periods of high runoff may lead to the accumulation of these pollutants in the wetlands. Litter, especially plastics have the potential to harm or kill wildlife in the park and in the marine sanctuary as waterbirds and marine mammals often consume or get trapped in these plastic that don't break down. Public access Some visitors to the park can have detrimental impacts on the flora and fauna of the area. Accessing areas of the park such as the wetlands that are off limits to the public without a guide can lead to degradation, soil compaction, erosion, introducing species as well as disturbing birds on feeding grounds or roosting sites. Disturbing bird species that are breeding, feeding or roosting can lead to decreased survival rates particularly for species that are specialized. Access to areas of the park by vehicles in the past has also been damaging to the fragmented communities present. Management and benefits Management of the Point Cook Coastal Park is undertaken by Parks Victoria and encompasses managing recreation, environmental conservation, indigenous heritage and non-indigenous heritage. Due to the variety of important areas that require management the park has been split into seven zones that have different management goals and plans. The Linking People and Spaces strategy is used by Parks Victoria to