Wetlands

- Wetlands

Wetlands are areas of land where water covers soil—all year or only at certain times of the year. They include:

• swamps, marshes
• billabongs, lakes, lagoons
• saltmarshes, mudflats
• mangroves, coral reefs
• bogs, fens, and peatlands

Wetlands can be natural or man-made, and the water within them can be static or flowing, fresh, brackish or salt. There are even underground wetlands.

Wetlands are an important part of our natural environment. They protect our coasts from wave action, reduce the effects of flooding, absorb pollutants and improve water quality. They provide habitats for flora and fauna, many of which harbor a wide variety of life, supporting plants and animals not found elsewhere.

Wetlands provide a range of important environmental, social and economic services. Many wetlands are areas of natural beauty, many of which are important to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Wetlands also provide important benefits to industry. For example, they form nursery grounds for fish and other freshwater and marine life and are vital to Australia's commercial and recreational fisheries.

Wetlands are an important link connecting land and water. 

[More to come ...]