Intertidal systems are constrained by landscape morphology. Where these systems do occur, they often experience a wide range of anthropogenic impacts, further exacerbated by sea-level rise (SLR). By mapping natural morphological constraints, anthropogenic impacts and modeled SLR, at an estuary-wide scale the Marine Vegetation Management Strategies (MVMS) identify and prioritize sites and interventions that could address key threats and risks to the system enabling rehabilitation. Development of MVMS is part of an initiative within the broader New South Wales (NSW) state government's Marine Estate Management Strategy to deliver healthy coastal habitats. The MVMS are being developed to take a policy of “no net loss of key fish habitats” toward more active management of intertidal systems that maximize and sustain the ecosystem values and services. Spatial indicators were developed for a pilot estuary (Tweed River) to map and quantify “macrophyte potential” which is defined a