One of the Tamar Valley's most important natural resources was once again open to the public as the Tamar Island Wetlands hosted its World Wetlands Day event on Sunday.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The annual day commemorates the Ramsar Wetlands Convention that was adopted in 1971 which recognised the significance of preserving the biodiversity of wetland areas.
It also serves as a day to educate the public on the importance of wetlands, says Parks and Wildlife Service business enterprise co-ordinator Amber Travica.
"We [Tamar Island Wetlands] use World Wetlands Day to raise awareness about the importance of protecting wetlands and their conservation," Ms Travica said.
"This year's theme was wetlands and biodiversity - that was our opportunity to have the diverse range of activities that we had here so people can learn about the animals that live in the wetlands.
"Not only the animals, but the plants as well ... giving people and understanding and getting them to have a connection to the wetlands, just so the community can feel empowered to help us conserve the wetlands."
In other news
Ms Travica said the weather dampened attendance numbers.
"The people that did attend seemed happy with the event and the information they received," she said.
The day hosted numerous organisations such as UTAS, Birdlife Tasmania and Hydro Tasmania discussing everything from saltmarsh flora, plastic alternatives, the life cycle of eels and man-made waste ingested by water birds.
"We're finding the community are more and more engaged with finding solutions to not using so much plastic," Ms Travica said.
She said wetlands in general are very important in filtering waterways.
"They act like our kidneys," Ms Travica said.
"They're also hugely important to help stem flooding, during periods of high rainfall they act like a huge sponge.
"They provide an important habitat and breeding ground for a range of animals ... they're also important economically, socially. and recreationally as well."
Ms Travica added that the drier-than-average spring and summer felt across Tasmania would also be felt in the wetlands, however to what extent is unknown at this time.
"Without the rainfall, the lagoons out here aren't as full so that would impact on perhaps the feeding of wildlife," Ms Travica said.
"At the moment it's hard for us to see ... the waters are at lower levels."