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Ramsar Convention spotlights Moreton BayThe World's Wetlands are under increasing threat from man. Pollution, drainage and development are all destroying the wetlands which support an abundance of wildlife, including birds, turtles, fish, frogs and mammals. Wetlands are being lost at an alarming rate. They must be retained, as they are
The Convention on Wetlands of International Importance is commonly known as the Ramsar Convention. In 1971, representatives from 18 nations met in the small town of Ramsar in Iran. Australia was one of those nations, and at that meeting an historic agreement was signed. Wetlands are greatly threatened throughout the world. The Ramsar Convention seeks to conserve wetlands, including lakes, rivers, coastal areas and land which is from time to time inundated with water. The Ramsar Convention supports the wise use of wetlands. It hopes to modify human use of wetlands so that these will be maintained for future generations. Presently, many human practices are ecologically unsustainable and cause the loss of wetlands. This leads also to losses within the myriad of wildlife who depend on the wetlands for food and shelter.
Moreton Bay is one area that the Ramsar Convention recognises as being significant and worthy of protection. Wetlands must meet a number of criteria before being judged significant. The mangroves in Moreton Bay are a nursery for fish and crustaceans like crabs and prawns. This area is the backbone of commercial fishing, which is a valuable asset to Queensland. Moreton Bay is also an essential feeding and resting area for the migratory birds, some of whom come from as far away as Siberia. Destruction of the birds' feeding and resting places will mean they will not build up the energy reserves necessary for the long return journey, and death is their inevitable fate. The loss of wetlands in Australia has been dramatic and extensive. Further losses are likely to see the extinction of many species.
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