Marchwiel Marsh, Marion Bay: Management Report

Marchwiel Marsh is a 92-ha wetland area dominated by saltmarsh vegetation communities, located in Marion Bay, south-east Tasmania. The area is the 6th largest contiguous saltmarsh patch in Tasmania and the largest in the southern part of the State.

The historical (pre-European) extent and condition of Marchwiel has been altered due to the construction of drainage ditches and grazing by cattle and sheep. The hydrology of the Marsh is also partly affected by the causeway development as part of the Marion Bay Road. A bridge on the eastern end and culverts on the western end of the causeway serve to maintain the tidal connectivity to the Marsh.

The Marchwiel Marsh is entirely within Private Land. The southern part of the Marsh, adjoining the causeway, is under a Conservation Covenant and forms part of the larger Long Spit Private Nature Reserve, co-managed by Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service. Marion Bay Coastcare (Inc.) is a volunteer led local community group which cares for the Marsh in undertaking conservation activities, including monitoring and management planning.

This Report documents the site context of Marchwiel Marsh, its biodiversity and other values, historic impacts and current threats. Management targets and recommendations are made to explore opportunities to enhance the biodiversity values and improve community appreciation through a designated ‘Saltmarsh Walk’. Detailed maps, photos and baseline data are used to provide a discussion point for further work and funding opportunities, and for a basis of a comprehensive citizen science project to engage the local community and provide scientific and educational opportunities at all levels.

This Report has been produced with funding assistance from Nightingale Pictures brokered by the managers of Marchwiel property.