Abstract
Characterises rivers and their drainage basins, reservoirs and lakes, estuaries, and nearshore marine areas. The relative importance of wetland types is noted, paying attention to flowing waters, reservoirs, farm dams, lakes, estuaries and nearshore marine areas. Current management of wetlands is considered, and threats noted, in particular general loss and structural alteration, addition of chemicals (including salinization) and biological contamination (including microbiological contamination, invasion of exotic species and livestock damage). Discussion on priorities in the conservation of wetlands concludes that public attitude is the crucial factor in sustaining wetland ecosystems.