Wetlands are places characterized by seasonal or year-round water at or above the soil surface, or within the rooting zone of plants. They include bogs, fens, marshes, swamps and estuaries and are arguably the most biologically productive ecosystems in the world.

Healthy wetlands are essential for many important ecological functions, including freshwater purification; protection of shorelines from erosion; flood regulation; carbon storage; and the storage of pollutants such as sulphur and heavy metals.

In addition, wetlands are disproportionately important for the conservation of plants, animals and other forms of wildlife. Amongst the most visible wildlife dependent on wetlands are waterfowl and other species of birds, but many other species including frogs, turtles, fish, dragonflies, snails, clams and a huge variety of plants are wetland specialists. In British Columbia, a number of species at risk are reliant on wetlands. These include the Oregon spotted frog, great blue heron, tiger salamander and painted turtle, among others.

Both Canada and British Columbia have lost a considerable amount of their wetlands in the past 100 years. According to Environment Canada, 80-98% of wetlands adjacent to urban centres have been drained, filled or otherwise lost and 70% of pacific estuary marshes have been lost or degraded. BC Environment states that approximately 80% of the south Okanagan’s wetlands have been lost since European settlement began.

Historically, drainage for agricultural purposes has had the greatest impact on wetlands, but urban growth, industrial expansion, hydro-electric development and recreation have also had significant impacts on British Columbia’s wetlands. In addition, invasive plant and animal species, such as Eurasian water milfoil, purple loosestrife and bull frog, can have significant impacts on wetland ecosystems.

Activities that can help to protect wetlands include measures that will prevent them from being drained or filled for agriculture or other development; invasive species control; pollution control; and effective water management.

For more information on wetlands we recommend you visit the following websites:

Wetlands