Theme 3B: Restoration of wetlands.

Deterioration of coastal marine and estuarine habitats is inevitable in areas where human development is active. This is particularly the case in New South Wales (and throughout Australia) where a very large proportion of the population live on the edges of the coast-line. To sustain biodiversity and to maintain ecological processes and functions (for its own sake or for anthropocentric, human reasons), it will be necessary, for a very long time, to recreate, rebuild or repair habitats (Programme 3: Restoration of Disturbed Coastal Habitats). The science of restoration of coastal habitats is virtually unknown, and there is no sensible theory or understanding of how to create habitat that develops ecological function and maintains natural biodiversity.

Many areas of wetlands around Sydney have been destroyed or damaged by urban developments. Many of the remaining areas of salt-marsh and mangrove forest are in poor shape due to reduced tidal flushing or other encroachments by people.

The Centre for Research on Ecological Impacts of Coastal Cities (EICC) has generated many scientific papers and theses from research projects on the restoration of wetland habitats. The link to the URL provided in this record provides a link to this research.