Wetlands are the unsung superheroes of local biodiversity and we’re lucky to boast several on our doorsteps.  And now an exciting collaboration is supporting Council’s ongoing initiatives to improve these vital waterways, by boosting water quality and improving habitats.

Since 2022, our Coast and Catchment team has been testing floating wetlands, artificial islands of vegetation, to restore natural habitats that have been damaged by impacts of urban development. The first was in Curl Curl Lagoon and a second established in Manly Lagoon late last year.

Saltmarsh plants were initially planted to filter out pollutants like excess nutrients and sediments, help improve water quality and provide a haven for fish, birds and other aquatic animals. The floating wetlands have been able to withstand adverse weather, flooding and birds eating some of the plants.

Building on this experience, the latest stage of project is a collaboration with the University of New South Wales (UNSW), that has seen 200 mangrove seedlings planted within the floating wetland resulting in a natural species mix of both saltmarsh and mangrove plants. Mangroves have not been tested in floating wetlands to date, so this trial is an exciting first step. 

Researchers and Council will monitor water clarity, oxygen, salinity, nutrients, plant and animal life to measure the overall health of the Lagoon. The results will also form part of a bigger research effort funded by UNSW to explore how combining mangroves with floating wetlands can help rehabilitate and strengthen degraded coastal areas.

So next time you skirt the edges of Manly Lagoon, see if you can spot the floating wetlands and the emerging mangroves.

And spare a moment to pay homage to these wetland warriors quietly doing their thing to improve the water quality, its’ place as a desirable home for local species and a more beautiful environment for us all to enjoy. 
Learn more about your local wetlands on our website.