James Cook University Subject Handbook - 2003

BZ3212:03

Tropical Wetlands Ecology and Management *

16 hours lectures, 6 hours tutorials, 12 hours practicals, 40 hours field work. July block mode.

Staff: Professor R Pearson.

This subject will be based largely on field work and associated lectures and practicals, to be run in the July vacation, with assignment work to be completed subsequently. Field work will make full use of the magnificent wetlands within close proximity of Townsville, which demonstrate most aspects of ecology, disturbance and management problems to be found in tropical wetlands.

Topics to be covered include: dynamics of large river, estuarine and floodplain systems; physico-chemical and ecological processes in permanent and intermittent lowland freshwater and saline lakes, swamps and mangroves; biodiversity of wetlands (plants, invertebrates, fish, birds, etc.); management requirements and methods for tropical wetlands, including integration of wetlands in agricultural, industrial and urban areas; use of artificial wetlands for treatment of waste waters.

Learning Objectives:

1. understand the dynamics of tropical wetland systems and major factors affecting them;
2. gain experience in sampling and assessing water quality, plants and animals in tropical wetlands;
3. understand methods of identification of plants and animals;
4. understand major ecological processes in tropical wetlands;
5. ability to apply ecological knowledge to appropriate management of natural and artificial wetlands, for ecological and amenity values, such as sustained biodiversity, high water quality and enhanced fish and bird populations.

Assessment by take-home examination (30%); field reports (40%); assignment (30%).