WETLANDS AND OTHER WATERBODIES

PRIORITY WW2

Robbins Passage – Boullanger Bay

Robbins Passage – Boullanger Bay is listed in the Directory of Important Wetlands in Australia and is one of the most significant natural assets in Tasmania, containing intertidal flats, reef assemblages, seagrass beds, Melaleuca swamp forests and the EPBC-listed Subtropical and Temperate Coastal Saltmarsh Threatened Ecological Community. As the largest coastal wetland in Tasmania, covering some 28,000 hectares, it is globally important as part of the East Asian-Australasian Flyway and is a major focus for both resident and migratory shorebird conservation. The wetland complex provides habitat for the largest aggregation of migratory birds in the state including more than 20 species of trans-continental migratory waders. The Robbins Passage – Boullanger Bay wetland site meets six of the eight criteria for being listed as a Wetland of International Importance under the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands.

outcome

By 2030, 50% of identified stakeholders are engaged with management actions to protect and enhance the natural values of Robbins Passage – Boullanger Bay.

threats

Local threats that can be addressed by NRM actions:

  • Land use pressures including development and intensification of industries
  • Land management practice in the catchment leading to chemical, nutrient and sediment runoff into the wetland
  • Weeds and pests
  • Aquaculture and fisheries management impacts

Actions

WW2.a

Review and update management planning for Robbins Passage – Boullanger Bay wetland including stakeholder identification and engagement.

Lead targeted activities in marine, coastal foreshore and wetland areas to mitigate threats associated with agricultural land management including runoff from farms, aquaculture, fisheries, renewable energy projects, coastal development and recreation.

Build on current community and industry education to increase awareness of the area’s natural and cultural values, the ecological character of Robbins Passage – Boullanger Bay and associated threats.

implementation

Investment Opportunity

  • Australian Government
  • Tasmanian Government
  • Regional or Local
  • Private or philanthropic

  • Information gathering activities including stakeholder analysis.
  • Policy and planning activities such as selecting appropriate strategies and locations for investment. Participate in land use planning in the wetland’s catchments.
  • On-ground work including supporting management practice change and threat mitigation actions on private land.
  • Behaviour-change and capacity-building activities – education, awareness and skill-building
    focused on biodiversity values and wetland ecological character for recreational fishers and farmers.

King Island Council; Government agencies (e.g., DPIPWE, FPA and PWS); Landcare groups (e.g., KI Landcare and community groups); KI Threatened Birds Conservation Action Planning Group (Birdlife Australia).

Citizen science monitoring involving community volunteers; field days, workshops and educational activities; extension, capacity building and on-farm support opportunities for landholders.