The environment

The Coorong, Lower Lakes and Murray Mouth region has been designated a Ramsar Wetland of International Importance. It contains a wide range of plants, fish, birds (including 30 percent of all migratory wading birds that spend summer in Australia) and other animals, many of which are endangered or threatened.

A number of migratory birds that use the site are also protected by the Convention of Migratory Species, bilateral agreements with Japan, China and the Republic of Korea and through the East Asian Australasian Flyway Partnership.

Under the Ramsar Convention, Australia seeks to protect and manage the area in a sustainable way that maintains the natural character of the region and ensures it will be available for future generations to enjoy.

The area is also one of six icon sites under the Murray-Darling Basin Authority's Living Murray initiative - a program to restore the river's environment.

Due to the impact of prolonged drought and over-allocation of water throughout the Murray-Darling Basin, these important wetlands have been under stress.

Recent rains have provided much needed short-term relief, and wetlands and habitats around the lakes have reconnected for the first time in several years. However action plans and sustained periods of above-average rainfall are still needed for the long-term health of the wetlands.

A long-term plan to secure a healthy, sustainable future for the region has been developed. It aims to build resilience into the environment so that it can recover when consistent fresh water flows return.

Dr Luke Mosley of the Environmental Protection Agency discusses the water quality risks in the Lower River Murray and Lakes associated with the extreme drought of 2007-10.

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