Edithvale–Seaford Wetlands

Nowadays they are largely surrounded by residential areas, and some parts of the wetlands have been converted to parks, recreational reserves and golf courses.

They are seasonal floodplain systems deriving most of their water as runoff from their local catchments, the areas of which are no more than 500 ha (1,200 acres) each, and are essential components of the regional drainage system in receiving, retaining and naturally treating stormwater and other surface runoff, thus protecting surrounding areas from flooding as well as helping to protect the water quality of Port Phillip Bay.

The 4000 ha swamp's freshwater and brackish wetlands supported many animals and plants, including brolgas and magpie geese which are now locally extinct.

The wetlands were listed on 29 August 2001 under the Ramsar Convention, as Ramsar site 1096,[5] Australia's 11th site, in recognition of their international importance, and specifically because they:[2] They are also considered to be of exceptional significance as examples of cost-effective management of wetlands in an urban setting to provide conservation benefits, manage storm water, and encourage environmental education and research.

[2] A dryland vegetation association present, though degraded by invasive weeds, is river red gum dune woodland, a community that has not been recorded elsewhere in Victoria and is of high conservation significance.

Species listed as protected under Victoria's Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988 are the great egret, Australasian bittern, Baillon's crake, Lewin's rail and the white-bellied sea eagle.