Jocks Lagoon facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Jocks Lagoon |
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 Jocks Lagoon
Location in Tasmania
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| Coordinates | 41°20′24″S 148°18′00″E / 41.34000°S 148.30000°E |
| Type | Dystrophic |
| Basin countries | Australia |
| Designation | Ramsar site |
| Max. length | 650 m (2,130 ft) |
| Max. width | 150 m (490 ft) |
| Surface area | 18 hectares (44 acres) |
| Max. depth | 2–3 m (6 ft 7 in – 9 ft 10 in) |
| Designated: | 16 November 1982 |
| Reference #: | 258 |
Jocks Lagoon is a special freshwater lagoon located on the coast in north-eastern Tasmania, Australia. It covers an area of about 18 hectares. In 1982, it was recognized as a very important wetland for the whole world. This happened under something called the Ramsar Convention.
What is Jocks Lagoon Like?
Jocks Lagoon is about 5 kilometers south-east of the town of St Helens. It is partly on private land. The other part is inside the St Helens Point conservation area. This lagoon is one of many wetlands found along St Helens Point.
It sits about 200 to 300 meters inland from the coast. It is also near an area with sand dunes. The lagoon is about 650 meters long and 150 meters wide. Its waters are a bit unusual. They are called dystrophic, which means they have low nutrients. The water is also acidic and stained brown by natural plant material called tannin. The water level changes depending on how much rain falls. It can be between 2 and 3 meters deep.
Plants and Vegetation
The northern part of Jocks Lagoon is mostly open water. But the southern part is covered with many plants. These include tall rushes and sedges that grow out of the water.
Some very rare plants have been found here. Scientists think others might also be present. These include plants like jointed twigsedge, slender twigsedge, zigzag bogsedge, yellow onion orchid, and erect marshflower.
A recent study counted 51 different kinds of vascular plants at the lagoon. Vascular plants are those with special tissues to carry water and nutrients. Half of these plants grow in swamps or wet areas. The rest are common in dry areas, coastal forests, and Melaleuca forests. The plants that live in the water are also very diverse. Several rare water plants grow here too.
Why Jocks Lagoon is Important (Ramsar Site)
Jocks Lagoon is listed as a Ramsar Site. This means it is recognized internationally as a very important wetland. The Ramsar Convention is an agreement that helps protect wetlands around the world.
To be a Ramsar Site, a wetland usually needs to meet certain rules or "criteria." Jocks Lagoon is special because it meets most of these rules. However, it does not fully meet criterion four. This rule says a Ramsar Site should support species at critical life stages. It also says it should offer a safe place for them during difficult times. Even so, Jocks Lagoon is still a vital wetland that needs to be protected.
