Unique plants and animals

The Coorong, Lower Lakes and Murray Mouth region is an internationally important wetland. It is home to a diverse range of wetland ecosystems, habitats and bird, fish and plant species.

In the recent past, challenging conditions have allowed other species to invade areas where they were historically absent - salt water species such as tubeworms have become more common in the lakes as salinity has risen.

There are a number of projects underway to help restore habitat, while others seek to protect important native animals until conditions in the region improve.

Projects include:

work to save endangered freshwater fish
rescuing freshwater turtles from tubeworm infestation
restoring key vegetation in the Coorong.

These projects will ensure the conservation of these animals. Critical captive breeding programs are successfully breeding highly threatened fish in order to restore them once conditions in the region improve.

Vegetation projects across the region, including along Meningie's lakefront, are re-establishing native plants and helping to restore habitats. These projects aim to promote connection between habitats that will help secure a healthy future for the region.

Work also continutes towards an understanding of the factors influencing the distribution and abundance of Ruppia tuberosa in the South Lagoon. This information will ultimately enable the successful re-establishment of this important plant.

More about:

Further resources