Reconnect wetlands

Disconnected wetlands, referring to wetland systems that experience a break or interruption in hydrological connectivity, exhibit several characteristic features. These features may vary depending on the degree and nature of disconnection, but common characteristics include:

• Different habitats in the ecosystem can become isolated from each other. This isolation can create barriers for certain species, especially fish, during important life stages like breeding or feeding. When organisms can't access specific habitats, it can disrupt their natural behaviors and life cycles.

• During a drought, wetlands that are not connected to water sources may be more vulnerable. The natural water flow disruption can result in larger dry areas within the wetland when there's little rain. This can worsen the impacts of the drought, affecting both the water and land parts of the ecosystem.

• Disconnected wetlands often lose their ability to provide essential ecosystem services, such as water purification, flood control, and habitat provision, due to the lack of natural connectivity.