Habitat for nationally or internationally rare or threatened species or communities. Habitat for threatened Australasian Bittern (Botaurus poiciloptilus) and the Banded Dotterel (Charadrius bicinctus bicinctus). ¹

Critical habitat for the life cycles of indigenous fauna which are dependent on wetlands.  The area is important as a refuge, feeding and breeding areas for a wide range of wetland birds. Birds that breed in the area include Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos), shoveller, Black Swan (Cygnus atratus), Swamp Hen/Pukeko (Porphyrio porphyrio melanotus), Pied Stilt (Himantopus himantopus) and Black-backed Gull (Larus dominicanus). Shags (Phalacrocoracidae), Gulls (Laridae), Royal Spoonbill (Platalea regia), Terns, White-faced Heron (Ardea novaehollandiae novaehollandiae), Oystercatchers (Haematopodidae) and Paradise Shelduck (Tadorna variegata) also use the area. The Marsh Crake (Porzana pusilla affinis) has also been observed here. ¹

High degree of wetland naturalness.^{1, 2}

Scarce in Otago in terms of its ecological or physical character. A Scarce wetland type: saltmarsh and Leptocarpus sp. marsh. ¹ Less than 15% of swamps remain in Otago. ²

Highly valued by Kai Tahu for cultural and spiritual beliefs, values and uses, including mahika kai and waahi taoka.¹