Tuesday February 1 2005

Residents living in the Great Barrier Reef catchment are being urged to consider the important role wetlands play in keeping our water clean, as part of World Wetlands Day tomorrow *February 2.*

GBRMPA Director of Water Quality and Coastal Development, Hugh Yorkston, said World Wetlands Day was an ideal opportunity to highlight the importance of wetland areas and to recognise those landowners and land managers who are doing great things to revegetate and rehabilitate wetlands.

“While most of us know something about wetlands, a lot of people are unaware of their immense value to our environment, our lifestyle and economy,” Mr Yorkston said.

Wetlands act as a buffer between land use activities and nearby waterways. In particular, they help trap fine sediment and nutrients (from fertilisers and animal wastes) before they reach waterways.

“Many farmers and other land managers have been working with land-care groups, industry and governments to rehabilitate wetlands in their area”.

Wetlands are under pressure and are affected by a range of human activities including urban development, land clearing and filling, stock grazing, cropping, dumping of rubbish and littering.

“By looking after and rebuilding these vital water features, farmers and community groups are helping to reverse the declining quality of water entering the Reef,” he said.

Wetlands provide water passage and storage, regulate water discharge from catchments, contribute to flood mitigation and protect the landscape from erosion.

“It is essential that we all recognise the importance of wetlands and work together to protect them In the Great Barrier Reef catchment, wetland areas often reflect the health of the catchment and are essential in linking the catchment with the coast,” he said.

Wetlands occur in many different sizes, forms and locations, from coral reefs, seagrass meadows, mud flats and mangroves to lakes, dams and constructed wetlands in urban areas. They are also vital breeding and nursery grounds for fish, crab and other aquatic species and provide habitats for birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians and insects.