A study investigating the value of the Vasse-Wonnerup wetland system is underway to shed light on why the wetlands matter to the community.
Murdoch University PhD candidate Shivani Purushothaman will circulate an online survey to understand attitudes and perceptions about the wetlands.
Ms Purushothaman hopes the study will help inform its future management, as well as provide analysis of the challenges and opportunities for the wetlands.
She said the consultations should reveal why the community values the wetlands environmental importance, agricultural land use, recreational opportunities or aesthetic beauty.
“This is an opportunity to express what the community hope for the future of the wetlands and to raise any concerns they may have,” she said. “It will inject a human element into the scientific research projects also taking place at the wetlands”.
The wetlands is home to more than 37,500 water birds, over 30 fish species and the largest regular breeding colony of Black Swan in the South West.