Derwent habitats and species
A variety of unique communities of plants and animals live in the Derwent estuary, specially adapted for life between land and sea. Little penguins, sea dragons, black swans, platypus, dolphins and many other species depend on the wetlands, seagrasses, tidal flats and rocky reefs of the estuary. Over time, much of the Derwent estuary's biodiversity has been lost to development, pollution, introduced pests and other forces. Our challenge is to prevent further losses and to work together to recover our iconic species and the habitats they depend on.
The DEP has undertaken a number of projects to conserve and restore the Derwent's unique habitats and species. Many of these have been supported through the Australian Government's Natural Heritage Trust.
Derwent habitat atlas
This atlas will illustrate the types and distribution of key habitats found between New Norfolk, Tinderbox and the Iron Pot Light, using a user-friendly, web-based format. The information will also be used to support teacher workshops and community field trips.
Purchase of Murphys Flat
This 66 hectare wetland, which can be seen from the Lyell Highway, between Granton and New Norfolk, was saved from being converted into a paddock through the combined efforts of the Australian, State and Local Governments, the Boyer Paper Mill and the Tasmanian Conservation Trust. A recent survey has confirmed the high conservation value of this wetland, with over 20 species of fish and 40 species of birds.
Community Action for Derwent Penguins
This project has nearly doubled the number of little penguins nesting along the Derwent foreshores, from 98 breeding pairs in 2004 to 192 pairs in 2007. Community and conservation groups, state and local governments and businesses have worked together to restore foreshore vegetation, protect breeding colonies from roaming dogs and install new burrows.
The DEP has undertaken a number of projects to conserve and restore the Derwent's unique habitats and species. Many of these have been supported through the Australian Government's Natural Heritage Trust.
Derwent habitat atlas
This atlas will illustrate the types and distribution of key habitats found between New Norfolk, Tinderbox and the Iron Pot Light, using a user-friendly, web-based format. The information will also be used to support teacher workshops and community field trips.
Purchase of Murphys Flat
This 66 hectare wetland, which can be seen from the Lyell Highway, between Granton and New Norfolk, was saved from being converted into a paddock through the combined efforts of the Australian, State and Local Governments, the Boyer Paper Mill and the Tasmanian Conservation Trust. A recent survey has confirmed the high conservation value of this wetland, with over 20 species of fish and 40 species of birds.
Community Action for Derwent Penguins
This project has nearly doubled the number of little penguins nesting along the Derwent foreshores, from 98 breeding pairs in 2004 to 192 pairs in 2007. Community and conservation groups, state and local governments and businesses have worked together to restore foreshore vegetation, protect breeding colonies from roaming dogs and install new burrows.
