Gippsland Lakes. 15/12/82; Victoria; 60,015 ha; 38°00'S 147°36'E. State Wildlife Reserves, Crown Land Reserves, Coastal Park, National Park. A group of coastal lagoons and marshes fed by river systems and subject to regular flooding. The site is separated from the sea by dunes and fringed by beach forming the largest navigable inland waterway in Australia. The aquatic vegetation is highly variable, reflecting seasonal factors, light penetration, salinity and nutrient availability. The site is an important drought refuge for waterbirds, regularly holding up to 50,000 individuals. Several birds, mammals, amphibians, fish and invertebrates supported are rare, vulnerable or endangered in Victoria. The site supports commercial and recreational fisheries, recreation, grazing, residential development and water extraction, while the surrounding area has been developed for agricultural, residential and tourism purposes. Ramsar site no. 269. Most recent RIS information: 1998.