The Degradation and protective countermeasures of the wetland in the Liaohe River Delta

The Liaohe River Delta is one of the four largest river deltas in China,its wetland plays an important role in the ecological conservation and environmental protection of the delta.The area of the bulrush wetland is the first in Asia and second in the world.Moreover,it is an important production base of petroleum and provisions of the country.However,the area of the wetland decreases because of the impact of agriculture development and petroleum exploitation.Disturbances from the natural and human activities lead to lack of freshwater in the wetland and destroy the water-salt balance in the estuary.So the bulrush wetland,“red beach” and some precious birds are confronted with severe threat.Based on the analysis of changes in precipitation,flows,sand and landscape,the study proposes that the economic development should collaborate with the protection of the wetland,and make good use of the natural resources of the wetland.The basin must implement united management in order to assure the ecological water requirement.The habitat management and habitat adjustment are key elements in preventing the degradation of the wetland.Finally,the authority should adjust the structure of industry,and develop ecological economy extensively.