Ramsar Wetlands: Internationally important sites for migratory birds
Ramsar - Wetlands of international importance
The coastal wetland of the Great Sandy Strait, (including Tin Can Inlet and Tin Can Bay) are listed as an internationally important site under the Ramsar convention and as such is afforded protection under the Federal EPBC legislation.
These sites are important for migratory birds as roosting and feeding grounds where they can both recover and prepare for the long flights between locations.
The Great Sandy Strait site is recognised as being an important location for 18 species of internationally listed migratory birds.
The Information Sheet on the Great Sandy Strait (including Great Sandy Strait, Tin Can Bay and Tin Can Inlet) states the following as a cause for concern for this wetland.
“Landfill, dredging and spoil dispersal (associated with marine infrastructure development) are also major issues for the Great Sandy Strait, particularly in Tin Can Inlet”. (RIS, 2009, p. 11)
Many bird lovers recognise the value of this area with bird watching attracting many visitors to the region. This type of low impact tourism is good for the environment and the economy.
Great Sandy Straits Ramsar Wetland Area
Courtesy Qld Govt Wetland Maps - Great Sandy Straits Ramsar Wetlands
What are the main threats to the Ramsar Wetlands from these marina developments?
- Reduction in water quality, including increased sedimentation.
- Habitat destruction resulting from construction, ongoing maintenance and increased boating activity
- Increased boating activity discouraging birds from roosting
Any roosting sites that are destroyed necessitate the birds needing to find an alternative roosting site. Continuing destruction of mangrove forests and mudflats increases the risks to the long term survival of these birds.
With one of the proposed marina development falling completely within the Ramsar designated wetland and the other bordered on both sides it is clear they will both have direct impacts.
This is one of the factors listed in the controlled action designation for both projects.
Mangrove wetland area adjacent to Carlo Point - the site of one of the proposed marina's
References and links
- Link to the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands web site: Ramsar Convention
- Link to the Commonwealth Government page on the Great Sandy Strait wetlands Commonwealth - Great Sandy Strait wetlands
- Link to DERM site providing information on the Great Sandy Strait wetland, including a PDF version of the Information Sheet referenced above: DERM - Great Sandy Strait wetlands
- Link to Commonwealth Government - DEHWA information regarding migratory birds and the threats they face