Understorey: The Black Bream of Ramsar 482

Just an hour south of the Perth CDB,  the Peel Harvey Estuary is a world renowned waterway, celebrated through its Ramsar listing, the international framework for the conservation and wise use of wetlands and their resources.  The 26,530Ha of Ramsar site 482  listed wetlands in the Peel Yalgorup system includes the largest and most diverse estuarine complex in south-western Australia, and is a promise to the world to protect these precious ecological habitats, alongside urban development, fisheries and  tourism.  To monitor progress and provide wise guidance, scientists from various disciplines, alongside citizen scientists and environmental groups, pour over their assiduously collected data.  The annual Wetlands Conference, held last month in Mandurah, was an invaluable opportunity to share information between communities, as well as showcasing the many activities in conservation, protection and remediation. Emeritus Professor Philip Jennings, chair of the Wetlands Conservation Society introduces the event, and Dr Steve Fisher, Program Manager Science and Waterways with Peel Harvey Catchment Council introduces Ramsar 482, and the black bream (Acanthopagrus butcheri), leading into an inspiring enhancement project by students and teachers from John Tonkin College ‘surf science’ program.

Photo design: A Glamorgan, E PO’.  Music:  George Walley “Raining on Djilba” by permission.