Wetland System Definitions
As part of Queensland’s Wetland Mapping and Classification process, wetlands systems have been divided into different groups based on their general characteristics. These clear definitions will allow us to manage our wetlands more effectively.
Following are the various categories of wetland systems. For further information see the Queensland wetland mapping map server (WetlandMaps) and the Wetland Mapping and Classification Methodology.
System definitions
Einasleigh River Photo: Cathy Ellis
Riverine wetlands are all wetlands and deepwater habitats within a channel. The channels are naturally or artificially created, periodically or continuously contain moving water, or connecting two bodies of standing water.
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Chinchilla Weir Photo: Cathy Ellis
Lacustrine wetlands are large, open, water-dominated systems (for example, lakes) larger than 8ha. This definition also applies to modified systems (for example, dams), which are similar to lacustrine systems (for example, deep, standing or slow-moving waters).
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100 Mile Swamp Photo: Cathy Ellis
Palustrine wetlands are primarily vegetated non-channel environments of less than 8 hectares. They include billabongs, swamps, bogs, springs, soaks etc, and have more than 30% emergent vegetation.
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Cape Bedford Photo: Nick Cuff
Marine wetlands include the area of ocean from the coastline or estuary, extending to the jurisdictional limits of Queensland waters (3 nautical mile limit). This definition differs from that in Ramsar, as it includes waters deeper than 6m below the lowest astronomical tide.
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Mangrove Photo: Cathy Ellis
Estuarine wetlands are those with oceanic water sometimes diluted with freshwater run-off from the land.
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Subterranean wetlands are wetlands occurring below the surface of the ground and that are fed by groundwater i.e. caves and aquifers. These wetlands provide water to groundwater dependent ecosystems.
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Springs are not included as a wetland system as they are surface expressions of subterranean wetlands. More information on springs may be found in the Great Artesian Basin springs profile.
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Mangrove Photo: Cathy Ellis
Estuarine wetlands are those with oceanic water sometimes diluted with freshwater run-off from the land.
Cape Bedford Photo: Nick Cuff
Marine wetlands include the area of ocean from the coastline or estuary, extending to the jurisdictional limits of Queensland waters (3 nautical mile limit). This definition differs from that in Ramsar, as it includes waters deeper than 6m below the lowest astronomical tide.
Chinchilla Weir Photo: Cathy Ellis
Lacustrine wetlands are large, open, water-dominated systems (for example, lakes) larger than 8ha. This definition also applies to modified systems (for example, dams), which are similar to lacustrine systems (for example, deep, standing or slow-moving waters).
100 Mile Swamp Photo: Cathy Ellis
Palustrine wetlands are primarily vegetated non-channel environments of less than 8 hectares. They include billabongs, swamps, bogs, springs, soaks etc, and have more than 30% emergent vegetation.
Einasleigh River Photo: Cathy Ellis
Riverine wetlands are all wetlands and deepwater habitats within a channel. The channels are naturally or artificially created, periodically or continuously contain moving water, or connecting two bodies of standing water.
Subterranean wetlands are wetlands occurring below the surface of the ground and that are fed by groundwater i.e. caves and aquifers. These wetlands provide water to groundwater dependent ecosystems.
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Last updated: 21 February 2012
— Department of Environment and Resource Management
