This World Wetlands Day (2 February) is an opportunity to recognise the vital role local wetlands play in supporting water quality, wildlife, culture and community wellbeing.
Wetlands are some of the most valuable and vulnerable ecosystems in the Port Macquarie-Hastings region. These include extensive coastal wetlands, such as mangroves and saltmarsh, as well as freshwater wetlands found along river systems and floodplains. Many of the region’s most significant coastal wetlands are located within National Parks, where they are protected for their ecological and cultural values.
The Port Macquarie-Hastings area contains 22, 553 hectares (ha) of wetlands within its boundaries.
- 16,477 ha of forested wetlands: Includes communities like Melaleuca and Swamp Mahogany forests along coastal floodplains and Paperbark and Banksia forests low lying swamp areas.
- 4,658 ha of freshwater wetlands: Mostly in low lying coastal floodplain areas cut off from estuarine influence and heath areas up on the New England escarpment.
- 1,418 ha of saltwater wetlands: Dominated by mangrove forests and vulnerable saltmarsh communities.
Our region is rich in wetlands, supporting a wide range of habitats and the many species that depend on them.
Why wetlands matter:
Wetlands perform a range of important environmental functions that benefit both nature and people:
Improving water quality
Wetlands act as natural filters, trapping sediments and nutrients before they reach rivers, estuaries and the ocean.Providing habitat
Wetlands are among the most biodiverse ecosystems on the planet, supporting fish, frogs, birds, insects and plant species, including many that are threatened or migratory.Reducing flood and storm impacts
By slowing and absorbing water, wetlands help buffer floodwaters and storm surges, protecting downstream communities and infrastructure.Storing carbon
Coastal wetlands such as mangroves and saltmarsh store large amounts of carbon in their soils, helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.Supporting recreation and wellbeing
Wetlands provide places for birdwatching, fishing, boating, swimming and quiet enjoyment of nature, contributing to physical and mental wellbeing.
Cultural significance:
Wetlands hold deep cultural significance for First Nations Australians, providing food, materials, medicines and places of connection, learning and story. Wetlands are part of long-standing cultural landscapes that continue to support cultural practices and knowledge today.
Looking after wetlands together:
Some wetlands are listed as threatened ecological communities because of their high ecological value and vulnerability to damage.
By protecting wetlands, we are investing in cleaner water, healthier ecosystems and more resilient communities. Simple actions to protect these communities include:
- Preventing pollution from entering stormwater drains and waterways
- Respecting fenced and signposted wetland areas
- Staying on designated paths and boardwalks
- Supporting local wetland protection and restoration efforts
This World Wetlands Day, take a moment to appreciate the wetlands that quietly work behind the scenes to support life across the Port Macquarie-Hastings region.
Interested in the latest sustainability news and stories in the Port Macquarie Hastings region? Check out the Environment Matters newsletter to stay up to date.
Reference List:
Australian Government Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water. (2025). Blue carbon and coastal ecosystems. https://www.dcceew.gov.au/environment/marine/coastal-blue-carbon-ecosystems
iNaturalist. (n.d.). iNaturalist. https://www.inaturalist.org/
Retrieved January 29, 2026
NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water. (2025). Wetlands. NSW Government. https://www.nsw.gov.au/environment-land-and-water/coasts-waterways-and-marine/wetlands
Ramsar Convention on Wetlands. (2018). Global wetland outlook: State of the world’s wetlands and their services to people.
