The major drivers of wetland function and habitat quality at Wasit were identified as salinity and inundation (Day and Ewart-Smith, 2005). Of these, salinity and the associated loss of freshwater inflows into the system were both considered critical to the sustainability of the wetlands as aquatic habitats, and rehabilitation measures centred on addressing these issues. Additional measures were also recommended, with the aim of improving habitat quality and diversity, by addressing seasonal flow and water quality regimes within Wasit, and by expanding the conserved area to include upstream corridors and important natural habitats. The following major intervention measures were recommended: