Conservation Minister Eugenie Sage said more must be done to protect wetlands.

The greatest damage was caused by not protecting wetlands and riparian zones.

After sullying the protected wetland, Abbie is on a high.

DOC is worried about the impact on protected wetlands, like Waipapakauri, and its world-class scientific reserve at Motutangi.

It also suggests protecting wetlands, which act as natural waste processors, and saving animal waste to use as fertilizer.

A Waiau Trust in Southland is 20 years into its work with farmers to create and protect wetlands and waterways.

Sediment and nutrient run-off from paddocks is captured in protected wetland traps that have become a feature of the property.

More than 130 submissions have been made on the proposed development in Plimmerton, which is next door to a protected wetland.

Now, thousands face eviction as authorities try to protect wetlands critical for the river's flow - and the survival of local wildlife.

Among the dead were four other engineers who worked to maintain streets and protect wetlands and three right-of-way agents who reviewed property lines.

Other recommendations included adding river habitat to to the national policy for freshwater and developing a policy to protect wetlands, estuaries and groundwater ecosystems.

The Ramsar convention, which was set up in 1971, seeks to protect wetlands world-wide and selects sites based on their size and their biodiversity.

Once you've had your fill, head to Island Beach to soak up the sun or explore the protected wetlands of the nearby Pelican Lagoon.

The move to cut protected wetlands in half was spurred by the complaints of a group of oil-and-gas companies, utilities, and real-estate and farming interests.