Swan Bay

Swan Bay is a shallow, semi-enclosed bay located within Port Phillip, near Queenscliff, Victoria, Australia. It is designated as a Ramsar Wetland of International Importance due to its significance as a habitat for migratory waterbirds.

The bay is characterised by extensive mudflats, saltmarshes, and seagrass beds. These habitats support a rich variety of invertebrate life, which in turn provides food for a large number of birds, including many species of waders, ducks, and swans.

Swan Bay's ecosystem is crucial for the survival of numerous bird species, especially during the southern hemisphere summer when migratory birds arrive from the northern hemisphere. Significant bird species observed in the area include the Orange-bellied Parrot, the Curlew Sandpiper, and the Fairy Tern.

The area around Swan Bay is managed to balance conservation with recreational activities such as fishing, boating, and birdwatching. Environmental challenges facing Swan Bay include water quality issues related to nearby agricultural and urban areas, and the impacts of climate change, particularly rising sea levels. Conservation efforts are focused on maintaining the health of the bay's ecosystems and protecting its unique biodiversity.