Wet, wet, wet: celebrating World Wetlands Day
Some of the most biologically diverse ecosystems found on our planet, wetlands are filled with unique plant life and organisms that contribute to the ecological health of the surrounding environment.
An area which is saturated or flooded with water, the distinction of a wetland is the aquatic vegetation which has adapted to thrive in these permanently saturated soils.
Understanding, managing and protecting wetlands has been some of the impetus behind a new Freshwater Minor announced at the School of Aquatic and Fisheries Sciences (SAFS). And on World Wetlands Day, celebrated globally since 1997, new courses specifically focused on freshwater ecosystems are important to highlight.
Led by SAFS Professor Julian Olden, the new Minor recognizes the complex relationships between freshwater ecosystems, such as wetlands, and human societies including topics associated with climate change, land use, watershed management and water pollution.
Delivering a hands-on experience for students to get directly involved in field-based research, the Freshwater Minor at SAFS is focusing on a holistic approach of science, management and sustainability to give students a deeper understanding of the myriad of environmental challenges facing freshwater ecosystems.