WETLANDS in BETTY’S BAY

The legal definition of a wetland – National Water Act (Act 36 of 1998)

“Wetland” means land which is transitional between terrestrial and aquatic systems where the water table is usually at or near the surface, or the land is periodically covered with shallow water, and which land in normal circumstances supports or would support vegetation typically adapted to life in saturated soil.

This definition can include the fragmented privately-owned wetland sections found scattered throughout the urban area, predominantly in the lake system between Rondevlei and Bass Lake. Small wetlands should be considered as a collective system rather than as individual units.

Our wetlands in Betty’s Bay provide rich habitat for birds, fauna, amphibians, you name it, and offer excellent ecosystem support. Although wetlands are variable in classification, they are most easily identified by the presence of reeds and other hydrophytic vegetation.

Fig 3 – roadside wetland (All photographs in this article are credited to Carol Clark)

Here you will hear the delightful tjrrrooo-tjrrooo of the Black Crake (swartriethaan) with its striking neon beak, with more of them often cascading into a duet. The peculiar old winding watch-turning krrrkrrrkrrr of the critically endangered microfrog and the persistently sweet clicks of the clicking stream frog delight us and tell us they are still here. Wetlands are vital habitat for the survival of our amphibians and even reptiles such as the Herald snake, that feasts here. Otters frequent these wetlands as well as using the spaces as corridors. Unfortunately this rich biodiversity is under great threat due to rapid development here in Betty’s Bay and some chosen building methods that are driven by cost rather than by environmental sustainability.

As if the biodiversity of our wetlands is not enough to convince you of the immense value that each and every fragment of remaining wetland contributes to Betty’s Bay, let’s talk about just some of the wetland superpowers, which:

• Trap pollutants and naturally filters water. Typha capensis absorbs nutrients.
• Performs carbon storage services
• Provides critical habitat and, for some creatures, the only habitat
• Absorbs and slows down flood waters by acting like a sponge
• Are economically significant, as explained in the next section

The cumulative effect of wetlands being able to provide flood attenuation is economically significant. In one study in the USA it was found that flood flows were reduced by as much as 80% in basins with wetlands. In another USA report it was noted that the construction of storm water facilities for flood control is estimated to be 130% more costly than just simply using and maintaining natural wetlands.

The “Phase 2: Overberg DM Sea Level Rise and Flood Risk Modelling 2012” report has warned about “possible flooding of low elevation areas around the coastal Betty’s Bay Lake System (from west to east, Rondevlei, Grootvlei and Malkopsvlei).”

What you can do to look after our wetlands

Participate in the local, provincial and national processes inviting public comment. If you find yourself in or adjacent to a wetland, embrace your wet environment and you will never need fertilizer or pesticides. If you plan to develop your erf, build sustainably, build wisely and be careful with our sensitive and immensely valuable wetlands. It can be done. We can do it!

Many thanks to my guest writer, Liezel Bohdanowicz: Wetlands Coordinator, Betty’s Bay Conservancy.