The magic of our wonderful wetlands
So what is a wetland?
Wetlands are so much more than their name would suggest.
They are essential ecosystems that provide numerous benefits to our environment, communities, and economy.
The Queensland Government’s WetlandInfo website defines ‘wetlands’ as a broad term used for different types of ecosystems that are wet for a period of time.
Broad is right! There is a huge amount of variability both within and between wetlands. Swamps, marshes, billabongs, lakes, saltmarshes, mudflats, mangroves, fens, peat bogs, and even some shallow coral reefs can be classified as wetlands. There are even underground wetlands! The many different types of wetlands can be grouped into classes based on their diversity, values, and uses (you can check out the method here).
The takeaway is that while no two wetlands are the same, they all share a critical role in supporting our natural environment and local communities.
Why are they wonderful?
Let us count the ways.
- Wetlands act as natural filters, purifying water by trapping sediments and other pollutants, which makes them essential in preserving water quality. They serve as a buffer against floods and storm surges by absorbing and storing excess water, thereby reducing the impact of these natural disasters on adjacent areas. This means that they can protect people and properties from the effects of extreme climate events.
- Wetlands support some of South East Queensland’s (SEQ) primary industries. For example, saltmarsh, mangrove, and seagrass wetlands provide nurseries for fish and other seafood species to grow. Some wetlands provide water for irrigation and farm animals.
- Wetlands provide a rich and diverse habitat for countless plant and animal species, including threatened animals such as the dugong, little tern, wallum sedge frog, and loggerhead turtle. Rare plants such as the feather palm and the blue tassel fern are only found in SEQ’s wetlands. They serve as breeding grounds, nurseries, and migratory stopovers for a wide array of wildlife, including birds, fish, amphibians, and insects. Migratory shorebirds visit the Moreton Bay Ramsar wetlands every year from as far away as China, Alaska, and Siberia.
- Wetlands connect sections of landscape, allowing animals and plants to move or spread to different places to maintain their populations. They offer food, shelter, and protection, making them essential for biodiversity conservation and supporting stable ecosystems.
- Wetlands contribute to carbon sequestration and climate regulation. They store large amounts of organic carbon in their soils, helping to mitigate climate change by removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Wetlands also play a role in regulating the local climate by cooling surrounding areas through evapotranspiration, which can reduce the urban heat island effect.
A cultural landmark
Wetlands have been and still are extremely important to Traditional Owners. They have significance as ceremonial and initiation sites, traditional hunting and gathering grounds, and as boundary markers. Almost all wetland plants and animals have some form of traditional use as food, fibre, containers, tools, weapons, transport, shelter, and medicine. Many wetland species have significance as totems, symbols that acknowledge specific birds, animals, rocks, or flora species, and are considered sacred by their Owners.
Wetlands are also centres for cultural activity, as they offer recreational and spiritual benefits. They provide opportunities for birdwatching, fishing, and hiking, promoting tourism and connecting people with nature.
Moreton Bay Ramsar Wetland - an internationally important wetland
Did you know that our Moreton Bay Ramsar Wetland is recognised internationally for its importance?
In 1971, representatives from 18 nations signed the Convention on Wetlands of International Importance with the aim of stopping wetlands from being lost and conserving and managing the remaining ones. SEQ’s Moreton Bay wetland is on this list of international treasures, recognised for its extensive intertidal areas that are critical to the survival of waterbirds and other fauna of conservation significance, and provide important nursery habitat for fish and crustaceans (https://wetlandinfo.des.qld.gov.au/wetlands/facts-maps/ramsar-wetland-moreton-bay/).
The Moreton Bay Ramsar site is rich with biodiversity, ranging from freshwater lakes and swamps to intertidal mudflats, marshes, seagrass beds, and mangroves.
Healthy Land & Water has been actively working on a range of key projects to help protect the Moreton Bar Ramsar Wetlands and preserve and enhance the values of this important area.
Find out more here.
How can we help?
The Queensland Government has listed some actions that you can take to help keep our wetlands healthy (WetlandInfo – Department of Environment and Science):
- Don’t dump rubbish, weeds, or invasive species such as aquarium fish in wetlands.
- Keep pets under control.
- Find out about wetlands and what makes them special (if you are reading this, that’s a great start!).
- Make the most of wetlands by walking, bird watching, and fishing.
- Find a local wetland on a map to help you understand how it fits in within the broader landscape.
- Join a local conservation group that cares for wetlands.
- Most Queensland freshwater wetlands are on private land, so landholders can play a role in protecting wetlands. If you are a private landholder, you can:
- Learn how the wetland works and how to manage it sustainably.
- Establish a Nature Refuge (A nature refuge is a voluntary agreement between a landholder and the Queensland Government to conserve the significant natural and cultural values of privately managed land).
Wetlands are invaluable ecosystems that support water quality, flood mitigation, biodiversity conservation, and climate regulation, as well as our economy and way of life. Recognising their significance and protecting these vital habitats is crucial for the overall health and sustainability of our environment and communities.
Source: https://wetlandinfo.des.qld.gov.au/wetlands/what-are-wetlands/; https://wetlandinfo.des.qld.gov.au/wetlands/facts-maps/ramsar-wetland-moreton-bay/; https://www.qld.gov.au/environment/parks/protected-areas/private/program
Project collaborators
Our Moreton Bay Ramsar Wetland project is funded by the Australian Government National Landcare Program and delivered in collaboration with landowners, managers, local Landcare groups, and Traditional Owners.