Swan Bay workshops the first step in restoring salt marshes

AUSTRALIAN salt marsh ecosystems such as Swan Bay are considered to be a global blue carbon “hotspot”, which is why it will serve as the perfect location for residents and visitors to take part in Blue Carbon Lab’s citizen science workshops on March 22, 23 and 24.

The workshops, being facilitated by the Port Phillip Bay Fund, aim to restore large areas of the Bellarine-based salt marsh by working in collaboration with private landholders at Swan Bay.

The importance lies with the fact that carbon is accumulated in salt marsh soil 55 times faster than tropical rainforests and is locked away for thousands of years.

Dr Paul Carnell, a marine ecologist by trade at Deakin University’s marine science station in Queenscliff is heading up the workshops and will show workshop participants the positive work that landowners are doing to maintain its wetlands.

“The workshops will serve in being able to show off the wonderful work that farmers are doing in trying to restore the salt marsh ecosystem and get the participants to help us to collect data,” Dr Carnell said.

“Each workshop will start with a briefing of what data we will be collecting on the day and an overview of the importance of coastal wetlands from Wadawurrung Traditional Owners.

“As we will be collecting data and measuring flora at multiple locations, those attending can expect to get a little bit muddy, so I urge anyone coming along to wear gumboots and long clothing.”

Dr Carnell noted that a lot of the issues associated with the damage done to wetlands and salt marshes fall in line with a lack of education and said the best way to minimise these issues is through increasing the appreciation of these areas.

“If people don’t care about something, they’re not going to go out of their way to do something about it,” Dr Carnell said.

“A lot of what we are trying to do here is get more people out in these environments and actually get them to see all the amazing birds and fish that are attracted to these wetlands, that’s the first step.”

Deakin University’s Blue Carbon Lab are partnering with Bellarine Landcare Group and the Bellarine Catchment Network for the project.

To confirm attendance, email Noyan Yilmaz at [email protected] to secure your spot. Participants only need to attend one of the three workshops.