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Out & About Wetlands in Malaysia A SENSITIVE ECOSYSTEM Wetlands are very sensitive ecosystems that can be affected by a number of factors. Salinity has a strong influence on wetland water chemistry, particularly in wetlands along the coast. In non-riverine wetlands, natural salinity is regulated through interactions between ground and surface water through the elements’ natural cycles. FLOOD CONTROL Wetlands close to the headwaters of streams and rivers can slow down rainwater runoff so that it doesn’t run straight off the land into water courses. This can help prevent sudden, damaging floods downstream. The flood plains of major rivers act as natural storage reservoirs, enabling excess water to spread out over a wide area, which reduces its depth and speed. The resistance is even greater with lush wetlands full of vegetation. SEDIMENT TRAPS Rainfall run-off is responsible for moving sediment through waterways. These sediments move towards larger and more sizable waterways through a natural process that moves water towards oceans. All types of sediments which may be composed of clay, sand, silt, and rock can be carried into wetland systems through this process. Larger vegetation or forests located in wetlands act as physical barriers to slow waterflow and trap sediment. FLORA T<strong>here</strong> are four main groups of hydrophytes that are found in wetland systems throughout the world: submerged, floating and emergent water plants, and the surrounding trees and shrubs. Submerged water plants: this type of vegetation is found completely underwater. Submerged wetland vegetation can grow in saline and fresh-water conditions. Floating water plants: this vegetation is usually small although it may take up a large surface area in a wetland system. Emergent water plants: these are water plants that can be seen above the surface of the water but its roots are completely submerged. Finally, the surrounding trees and shrubs known as forested wetlands are generally known as swamps. The upper level of these swamps is determined by the tide levels, mangrove swamps are included in this group. FAUNA Fishes are more dependent on wetland ecosystems than any other type of habitat as every single species of both fresh water and saltwater fish spends part of its life-cycle in a coastal wetland. Tropical fish species need mangroves for critical hatchery and nursery grounds and the coral reef system for food. Frogs are the most crucial amphibian species in wetland systems as they need both terrestrial and aquatic habitats in which to reproduce and feed. Their population acts as an indicator of the ecosystem health 11 I!
due to their thin skin which absorbs both nutrient and toxins from the surrounding environment. The wetland ecosystem also attracts mammals due to its prominent seed sources while for insects and invertebrates, a total of more than 100,000 known species are found in wetlands, as insects and invertebrates can be submerged in the water or soil, on the surface, and in the atmosp<strong>here</strong>. GROUNDWATER REPLENISHMENT The surface water which is the water visibly seen in wetland systems only represents a portion of the overall water cycle which also includes atmospheric water and groundwater. Wetland systems are directly linked to groundwater and acts as a crucial regulator of both the quantity and quality of water found below the ground. Wetland systems that are made of permeable sediments like limestone are porous allowing water to filter down through the soil and overlying rock into aquifers. SHORELINE STABILISATION AND STORM PROTECTION Tidal and inter-tidal wetlands protect and stabilise coastal zones. Coral reefs provide a protective barrier to coastal shoreline while mangroves stabilise the interiors of coastal zones and will migrate with the shoreline serving as a front liner against the water. These wetlands offer protection against storms and tidal waves through its ability to reduce the speed and height of waves and floodwaters. NUTRIENT RETENTION Wetlands recycle both sediments and nutrients by balancing land and water ecosystems. A natural function of wetland vegetation is the up-take and storage of nutrients found in the surrounding soil and water. These nutrients are retained in the system until the plant dies or is harvested by animals or humans. WATER PURIFICATION Many wetland systems possess bio-filters, hydrophytes, and organisms that in addition to enriching the nutrient content also have the capacity to remove toxic substances that come from pesticides, industrial discharges, and mining activities. Shellfish can filter more than 200 litres of water per day while grazing for food, removing nutrients, suspended sediments and chemical contaminants in the process. I! 12
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