to their location in the water catchment area, education programs need to teach about total catchment management programs. Educational programs include guided tours for the general public, school visits, media liaison, information centres, conference presentations, interpretive signage, publications and facts sheets. Staff should also include education officers. Actiontoo little is known about the intertidal wetland system to successfully reinstate all natural conditions. Management plans focus on the rehabilitation of the site and the removal of human-induced stresses. For example, fox and rabbit baiting, removal of weeds (at Weedy Pond). DesignDesign interventions have proved successful in minimising sources of natural stress. At Towra Point Beach, for example, there is a sandbag wall to help prevent salt water from leaking into the fresh-water Towra Lagoon. LegislationLegislation and regulations are used to protect Towra Point Wetlands. Conventions that Australia has signed in regard to Towra Point Wetlands are the Ramsar Convention, the Japan–Australia Migratory Bird Agreement and the China–Australia Migratory Bird Agreement (CAMBA). Legislation that Australia and New South Wales have passed in regard to Towra Point Wetlands are the Australian Wetlands Policy, the New South Wales Wetlands Management Policy (1996) and the State and Environmental Planning Policy 14 on Coastal Wetlands. Negative effects Changed wind patternsdue to high-rise near some wetland areas e.g. Bicentennial Park South, at Rockdale. Alteration of water flowsthrough construction of roads. Removal of resources for urban and industrial land usesThese also increase turbidity and toxins in the water supplied to mangroves. (The removal can also result in changed energy flows and nutrient cycles, affecting food chains for both sedentary and migratory fauna) Replacement of wetland areasfor parks, playing fields or pasture. Destruction of sea grassesin areas adjoining wetlands can affect energy flows and nutrient cycles as species levels will be affected. Introduction of exotic speciese.g. foxes, rabbits, sheep, cattle, pigs. – change energy flows and nutrient cycles. Birds are particularly affected, for example the little tern. Indirect influences from adjacent sitese.g. weed infestation (lantana – Towra Point) – carried into the wetlands by horses from the nearby stables. Tramplingfrom illegal access Threat of oil spillsKurnell Refinery near Towra Point, 31 oil spills between 1957 and 1987 averaging . Recreational horse ridingon the reserve and unsupervised recreational use of the reserve (e.g. dog walking) Boatingdisturbs wildlife in the park, and creates pollution. Fishingkills fish, which affects the food chains operating within the reserve. Erosion of Towra Beachdue to wave