| 词条 | Awarua Wetland |
| 释义 |
| name = Awarua Wetland | photo = | photo_alt = | photo_caption = | photo_width = | map_image = {{Location map |New Zealand |label= Awarua Wetland | lat_deg = 46.563109 | lat_dir = S | lon_deg = 168.595505 | lon_dir = E |position=right |width= |float=right |caption=The Awarua Wetland is on the southern coast of the South Island. }} | location = Southland Region of New Zealand | nearest_city = | coordinates = {{coord|46.563109|S|168.595505|E|region:NZ_type:waterbody|display=inline,title}} | coords_ref = | area = {{convert|20,000|ha}} | refnum = | visitation_num = | visitation_year = | governing_body = | url = | embedded = {{Designation list | embed = yes | designation1 = Ramsar | designation1_date = 13 August 1976 | designation1_number = 102[1]}} }} The Awarua Wetland is a peatland area of {{convert|20,000|ha}} in the Southland Region of New Zealand. The site, which was initially an area of about {{convert|3,556|ha}}, was designated as having international significance under the Ramsar Convention in 1976, using the name Waituna Wetlands Scientific Reserve.[2][3] Conservation Minister Steve Chadwick unveiled a plaque at New River Estuary on 4 May 2008. This wetland is unique in New Zealand as it includes privately owned ground (Gamble, Nicol, and Rance families).[4] On the northeast corner of the Toetoes Wetlands is an area of native bush of approximately {{convert|25|ha}}, which along with other areas of bush close by was covenanted to the QEII Trust by the Nicol Family.[5] While not a true wetland it is an area of natural vegetation with an unmodified stream flowing from the wetlands through native brush and into the Mataura river. It is a small sanctuary for the declining native fresh water fish population. Intensive farming in the catchment for the wetland has raised fears that the Waituna Lagoon, which is a part of the wetland, may soon begin to suffer from eutrophication.[6] |