Dowd Morass is an important wetland of the Gippsland Lakes Ramsar site. It is a popular breeding site for waterbirds, which enjoy wading through the Swamp Paperbarks.
Why we need to take action
Salinity levels in Dowd Morass wetland are generally low, but highly salty water can sometimes spill over from Lake Wellington. This happened in May 2016.
Swamp Paperbarks can become stressed and die if the wetlands are too salty. The loss of these trees would mean the loss of a significantly important bird breeding site, and with predicted sea level rises the risk salt water flooding into the wetland is increasing.
What we will do
This project will look at the impact of this and develop options in an attempt to stop it happening again.
What success will look like
- Better understanding of the seasonal, climatic, and hydraulic factors that contributed to the spill over in May 2016 and assess the risk of it happening again.
- Understand the risks to other Lake Wellington fringing wetlands.
- Identify actions to reduce the current saline water in Dowd Morass.
- Reduce future risks of similar uncontrollable spill overs.
Species living and breeding in the area
Pelican
Cormorant
Duck
White-necked heron
Great egret
Frog monitoring in Dowd Morass
Focus:
Species reintroduction
Wildlife conservation
Ecosystem balance
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