They act as a buffer between the sea and land protecting it from erosion, waves and storms. They trap silt, chemicals and other run off from the land, helping to purify the water. They are vital recyclers of nutrients. They provide protection from floods by absorbing and slowly releasing water. They are natural fire breaks.
Wetlands are an important part of our life support systems.
Mangrove walks were organised for Seaweek in several parts of Australia, this is Lamb Island in Moreton Bay. The mangrove communities of Moreton Bay provide significant nursery areas, that play an important role and contribute greatly to the fishing industry. The continuing loss or deterioration of wetlands is of global concern. Over the five days field trips were conducted to freshwater ephemeral wetlands, mangrove communities, intertidal seagrass mudflats, rocky shores and sandy beaches. Some classes combined the field trips with activities back at school where they planted mangrove aquariums or investigated the multiple connections between wetlands and the terrestrial and marine environments.