IPPET in Bass Strait, Tasmania

The Bass Strait islands in Tasmania are home to some of the region's most important wetland ecosystems, including peat-forming ones. These wetlands support unique species, particularly fauna such as migratory birds. Unfortunately, the impacts of climate change and wildfires have significantly affected these ecosystems and continue to pose a threat, especially to the peat-forming wetlands.

Earlier studies have assessed peat loss in swamps across the region, including the largest Ramsar reserve on King Island. IPPET will build on this work to enhance our understanding of spatio-temporal peat loss and changes in wetlands that support important bird species. This research will help inform ongoing management efforts on King Island, such as those carried out by the Cradle Coast Natural Resource Management. Also, in collaboration with the truwana Aboriginal community, the largest swamp on Cape Barren Island (truwana) will be mapped and reassessed to estimate stored carbon, which will potentially reveal the swamp’s high ecological value.