In recent years there has been growing concern about the management of wetlands, particularly in the USA and increasingly in Europe. These wetlands, ranging from a small harbour, such as Christchurch in the UK, to the large mangrove swamps of Malaysia, are natural resources which require comprehensive management. Whilst considerable research has been undertaken and documented on the management of wetland ecosystems, little emphasis has been focused on the geomorphic, hydraulic and hydrologic behaviour of wetlands and the consequent implications for practical management solutions.