Lower Lakes, Coorong and Murray Mouth

An aerial view of the Murray Mouth and Coorong
Photo: Michael Bell

A unique and significant estuary

The Lower Lakes, Coorong and Murray Mouth extend over approximately 140,000 hectares, covering 23 different wetland types, from very fresh to saltier than the sea. This area, where the River Murray meets the sea, is one of the 10 major havens for large concentrations of wading birds in Australia, and is recognised internationally as a breeding ground for many species of waterbirds and native fish.

The Living Murray first step ecological objectives

The objectives for the Lower Lakes, Coorong and Murray Mouth are to achieve a healthier Lower Lakes and Coorong estuarine environment, as indicated by:

• an open Murray Mouth
• more frequent estuarine fish spawning and recruitment
• enhanced migratory waterbird habitat in the Lower Lakes and Coorong.

A new environmental water management plan is being developed which will replace the 2006–07 environmental management plan for the Lower Lakes, Coorong and Murray Mouth icon site.