| Wetlands in the
Murray-Darling Basin | 
| What are wetlands?
A wetland is defined as land that is inundated with shallow, slow moving or stationary water, on a temporary or permanent basis, that may be fresh, brackish or saline
The complexity and range of wetlands makes them difficult to define. A wetland is exactly what the name suggests: wet land. Wetlands typically contain shallow water, but they may not always be wet. However, they are areas that are wet for long periods, so that plants and animals living in them are adapted to, and often dependant on, living in wet conditions for at least part of their life cycle.
The period of inundation determines the type and productivity of the soils, as well as plant and animal communities
Wetlands are areas such as swamps, lakes, bogs and billabongs, which are permanently or temporarily covered by water. They line the Rivers of the Murray-Darling Basin. They separate land environments from water environments. They have features of both land and water ecosystems.
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Different names for wetlands
Billabong
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Why are wetlands important?
There are many benefits derived from wetlands, for example they:
- purify water and provide protection from floods by absorbing and slowly
releasing water;
- are the breeding grounds for many animals;
- are the habitat for many aquatic species, some rare and endangered;
- are rich in cultural heritage, both Aboriginal and European;
- support wildlife that can aid in the control of pests on farms;
provide recreational places for many people.
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Why are wetlands threatened?
Despite a growing understanding of wetland values and functions they remain one of our most threatened resources.
Wetlands are one of the most degraded habitats in the world. In Australia it is estimated that 50% of wetlands have been lost since in 1788 (Commonwealth Government, 1997).
Wetlands have long been regarded as "wastelands" and breeding grounds for disease vectors such as mosquitoes.
Until recently, many wetlands have been severely degraded, mainly through drainage, inundation, vegetation clearance, grazing and agriculture practises, and their use as a dumping ground for rubbish and effluent.
Many of these activities occurred in the absence of a clear understanding of the values of wetlands.
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How many wetlands are in MDB?
The Murray-Darling Basin supports over 30,000 wetlands. Ten of these are of international significance and listed as Ramsar Wetlands.
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Why do you need to wet and dry wetlands?
During their cycles of wetting and drying, they perform a variety of important functions.
Dry wetlands absorb large volumes of water during flood periods – slowing the rate at which the river rises, mitigating the impact of floods. Also retain water for long periods after floods, therefore providing back-up sources of water for wildlife and stock.
When wet, floodplains support a huge range of plants and animals by providing an abundance of food. Silt, the decaying matter of animal and vegetable matter create rich soils making them a valuable resource for grazing by stock.
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What can I do?
Join a group associated with field work and monitoring of wetlands along the River Murray.
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Information Sheets
Murray-Darling Freshwater Research Centre - Billabongs, floodplains and river health, CRC for Freshwater Ecology
Murray Darling Association or River Murray Urban Users Committee - What’s What about Wetlands along the River Murray, Fact Sheet 5, 1997
- What’s What about Wetland Cycles and the River Murray, Fact Sheet 12, 1997
Websites
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