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EPA > WetlandInfo > What are Wetlands?

What are Wetlands?

Brown Lake North Stradbroke Island - Andrea FerrisIt is not easy to give a clear definition of what wetlands actually are. They are neither just land, nor just water. They can actually be both at the same time, or seasonally aquatic, or terrestrial. Every institute, government or organisation dealing with wetlands will have its own definition. Wetlands International

As the above quote states, there are a number of different definitions of wetlands.

Traditionally, people have thought of wetlands as swamps, billabongs and mangrove areas.  However, these areas represent only part of the landscape’s features defined as wetlands.  Other areas included in this definition are:

  • Rivers and creeks
  • Estuaries
  • Artificial wetlands for example dams
  • Springs
  • Lakes, lagoons, billabongs
  • Swamps
  • Bays and marine areas

For further information on wetland definitions in Queensland click here

Last updated: 17 December 2007