lebra 2011 final report: suggested draft contents · web viewdetailed monitoring methodology was...

Lake Eyre Basin Rivers Assessment (LEBRA)

2012 Monitoring Report

Bernie Cockayne^, David Schmarr#, Angus Duguid& and Rupert Mathwin#

^ Queensland Department of Natural Resources and Mines, 30 Tennyson St, Mackay, QLD 4740

# South Australian Research and Development Institute (SARDI) Aquatic Sciences, PO Box 120, Henley Beach, SA 5022

&Northern Territory Department of Land Resource Management, PO Box 1120, Alice Springs, NT 0871

LEBRA 2012 Monitoring Report

Suggested citation:

Cockayne, B., Schmarr, D., Duguid, A., & Mathwin, R. (2013) Lake Eyre Basin Rivers Assessment 2012 Monitoring Report, A report to the Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities (SEWPaC), Canberra, ACT

LEBRA 2012 Monitoring Report

Executive Summary

The Lake Eyre Basin Rivers Assessment (LEBRA) is a monitoring program designed to assess the condition of watercourses and catchments in the Lake Eyre Basin (LEB), their related natural resources, and those factors likely to affect them such as water resource development and land use change. The LEBRA has been established to address a requirement of the LEB Intergovernmental Agreement, to review and report on the condition of the watercourses and catchments within the LEB Agreement Area at least every 10 years.

The aim of this report is to present monitoring results from spring 2011 and autumn 2012; the second year of the current monitoring program. The scope of this report is set by the 2012 LEBRA Project Plan (SEWPaC 2011). The current phase of the LEBRA monitoring operates under the ‘LEBRA Implementation Plan 2010-2018’ which was endorsed by LEB Ministerial Forum in April 2010. A more comprehensive assessment of the condition of LEB watercourses and catchments will be produced as part of the condition assessment required under the LEB Intergovernmental Agreement.

The 2012 LEBRA Project Plan identified the monitoring indicators for the 2012 LEBRA as hydrology, water quality and fish. Monitoring was undertaken by the South Australian Research and Development Institute (SARDI) Aquatic Sciences Division, Queensland Department of Natural Resources and Mines (DNRM) (formally Department of Environment and Resource Management) and Northern Territory Department of Natural Resources, Environment, the Arts and Sport (NRETAS) (now the Department of Land Resource Management).

Hydrology and water quality

Data was collected from 30 hydrological gauging stations throughout the basin and an additional 17 conductivity/temperature/depth loggers where installed in areas lacking hydrological monitoring. Comprehensive GIS-based bathymetric surveys were conducted at 20 waterholes.

All sites flowed during the 2011/12 reporting period. These sites did not experience significant dry spells to the extent that no monitoring sites completely dried. Flow volumes varied across the LEB and many sites did not experience flooding as severe or prolonged as previous years. However some sites did receive major flooding (e.g. Barcoo R at Blackall- February 2012).

Water quality parameters (temperature, dissolved oxygen, conductivity, pH and turbidity) were collected at each fish monitoring site and were found to be within the range of tolerance for fish species in the LEB. This report contains the first time-series conductivity data for the current phase of LEBRA.

Fish

The 2011/12 round of LEBRA monitoring builds on the basin-wide sampling regime implemented for the first time in 2011. The 2011/12 sampling round further strengthens the LEBRA program and opens the stage for expanded collaborative monitoring into the future.

LEBRA 2012 Monitoring Report i

A structured monitoring methodology was applied consistently throughout the LEB. This provided novel baseline data for many waterholes, tributaries, and in some cases whole river systems; updated data on fish distribution and abundance from sites previously studied; and, continuing data for long-term monitoring sites. A total of 53 fish monitoring sites were sampled (6 sites spring 2011 and 47 sites autumn 2012). The spring 2011 monitoring at 8 sites in Queensland was abandoned due to wet weather hindering access. Key fish results were:

A total of 55,544 fish were processed from 21 native and three exotic species

Bony herring was the most common and abundant species caught (53 sites; 14,212 individuals)

Site richness varied from 3 to 13 species per site

The highest abundance caught was 4,874 fish at Cuttapirra in autumn 2012, the lowest was 14 fish at Wadlarkaninna and Retreat.

Population booms recorded in the previous round were no longer apparent.

New (reach specific) species distributions were recorded, for the Warburton River (Diamantina catchment) and the Palmer River (Finke Catchment).

Most of the abundant fish species had a wide range of size-classes.

Disease was observed in nine species of fish.

Disease was predominantly observed in the Georgina (58% of sites) and Neales Rivers (20% of sites).

Three exotic fish species were collected; sleepy cod, eastern gambusia and goldfish.

Exotic fishes were generally in low abundances

This monitoring round enabled further refinement of the fish sampling methodologies. Survey techniques for catching some species of fish (e.g. Finke endemic species and desert goby) may need development to increase confidence in catch and to obtain meaningful scientific data for these species.

The continued involvement of the Tjuwanpa Rangers in the monitoring program in the Finke catchment was an important outcome for indigenous participation in LEBRA.

LEBRA 2012 Monitoring Report ii

AcknowledgmentsThe LEBRA requires the cooperation and goodwill of many. The contribution of many people in Lake Eyre Basin groups is acknowledged including: the Ministerial Forum; the Community Advisory Committee (CAC) the Scientific Assessment Panel (SAP), and the Technical Reference Group. Derek White, Dr Sonia Colville, Gayle Partridge and Sue Stefanoski provided valuable support from the Australian Government. Many state government people are also involved in sustaining the program and are thanked collectively.

We acknowledge the current land owners and managers and the traditional Aboriginal custodians of the lands at all of the sites surveyed for this project and pay our respects to the Aboriginal elders.

The following people are acknowledged for their participation in surveying sites in the NT. Angus Duguid, Peter MacDonald, Christie Stenhouse, Kelly Knights, Deon Grantham, Simon Rathbone, Daniel McCormack, Luke McLaren and Michelle Rodrigo (NRETAS); David Schmarr, Rupert Mathwin, David Cheshire, Gabriel Shepherd, Dale McNeil and Jed Macdonald (SARDI); Bernie Cockayne, David Preston, Sonia Robins and Jessica Saunders(Qld Govt.); Stephen Booth, James Malbunka, Byron Ratara, and Damien Williams (Tjuwanpa Rangers); Naomi Wilson (BLCA); Heidi Groffen (TNRM); Camilla Osbourne (CLMA). Leanne Rathbone participated as a volunteer. Ian Fox provided managerial support for NT participation in LEBRA and various NRETAS staff assisted with equipment and other support. The Scott family at Lake Nash Station are thanked for their generous hospitality. Ross Morton from Henbury Station provided additional information on the history of Snake Hole. Other landholders and managers readily provided advice on access conditions. Anthony Easman, Allan Russ and Hayden Lowe provided NT hydrological data for this report.

The following SARDI staff and volunteers conducted the monitoring in South Australia: David Schmarr, Rupert Mathwin, David Cheshire, Rod Ward, Gabriel Shepherd, Dale McNeil and Jed Macdonald. Owners and managers of several stations in South Australia are acknowledged for their help. Paul Broad and Jason Dunn at Etadunna station assisted us on several occasions with repairing equipment and giving directions to sites. Sharon Oldfield at Cowarie station is thanked for her support of the field work and her support of the LEBRA concept. Managers and owners of Peake, Allandale, Macumba and Pandie Pandie stations were, as always, very welcoming and patient with our enquiries. Gary Overton from Mulka station has helped us greatly with access to Lake Hope and advice. As usual, the staff and owners at Mungeranie and Pink roadhouse and many other businesses went out of their way to nourish and entertain us.

In Queensland we would like to thank Sam and Patricia Brown, Waddy Campbell, Joe and Michelle Cobb, Steve Cramer, Angus and Karen Emmott, Dot Gorringe, Lalena Graham, Judith Harrison, Wayne Hooper, Darren Lorenz, Gavin Miller, Linda and Gerard Penna, Steve and Wayne (Retreat station), Colin Saltmere, David Thompson, William and Elizabeth Tudehope, Brian and Marina Tully, Garth and Kathi Tully and Cheyne and Casey Williams.

Conducting fieldwork throughout the Lake Eyre Basin region required dozens of contributors and together we hope to gain a better understanding of this unique system.

LEBRA 2012 Monitoring Report iii

Table of Contents

Executive Summary.................................................................................................................................... i

Acknowledgments.................................................................................................................................... iii

1 Introduction......................................................................................................................................1

1.1 Background to the current Phase of LEBRA.............................................................................1

1.2 Scope........................................................................................................................................2

1.3 Items for Later Reporting..........................................................................................................3

2 Methods...........................................................................................................................................4

2.1 Draft Hypotheses and Thresholds of Potential Concern (ToPC)................................................4

2.2 Fish and Water Quality Site Selection and Sampling Frequency...............................................7

2.3 Hydrology and Water Quality...................................................................................................9

2.4 Fish.........................................................................................................................................14

3 Results............................................................................................................................................18

3.1 Hydrology...............................................................................................................................18

3.2 Water Quality.........................................................................................................................47

3.3 Fish.........................................................................................................................................52

4 Conclusion......................................................................................................................................61

5 References......................................................................................................................................62

6 Appendices.....................................................................................................................................64

List of Figures

Figure 1. Fish monitoring sites during spring 2011 and autumn 2012 were spread through SA, QLD and the NT.......................................................................................................................................................9

Figure 2. Map showing existing state and territory operated gauging stations and locations of installed CTD-Diver loggers (September 2012).....................................................................................................11

Figure 3. Example of an installed CTD-Diver. Note the secured cap (with stainless steel cable) and slotted galvanised pipe which was secured to a stable structure...........................................................13

LEBRA 2012 Monitoring Report iv

Figure 4. Water level (cm) (top graph), water temperature (°C) (middle graph) and electrical conductivity (mS/cm) (bottom graph) at Sandover River at junction waterhole for the period between May 2011 to April 2012. The arrow indicates the periods of fish sampling...........................................19

Figure 5. Water level (cm) (top graph), water temperature (°C) (middle graph) and electrical conductivity (mS/cm) (bottom graph) at Ooratippra Creek at Ooratippra waterhole for the period between May 2011 to April 2012. The arrow indicates the periods of fish sampling............................20

Figure 6. River flow (ML/day) at Burke River at Boulia (top graph) and Georgina River at Roxsborough Downs (bottom graph) for the period between 2008 and 2012.............................................................21

Figure 7. Water level (cm) (top graph), water temperature (°C) (middle graph) and electrical conductivity (mS/cm) (bottom graph) at Rankin River at Big Rankin waterhole for the period between May 2011 to April 2012. The arrow indicates the periods of fish sampling. Conductivity data from this site should be treated with caution due to dissimilar in situ and data logger measurements...............22

Figure 8. Water level (cm) (top graph), water temperature (°C) (middle graph) and electrical conductivity (mS/cm) (bottom graph) at Rankin River at Big Rankin waterhole for the period between May 2011 to April 2012. The arrow indicates the periods of fish sampling...........................................23

Figure 9. River flow (ML/day) at Georgina River at Roxborough Downs (blue line) and Burke River at Boulia (red line) for the period January 2011 to April 2012....................................................................24

Figure 10. Water level (cm) (top graph), water temperature (°C) (middle graph) and electrical conductivity (mS/cm) (bottom graph) at Bourke River at Barracks waterhole for the period between May 2011 to May 2012. The arrow indicates the periods of fish sampling...........................................25

Figure 11. Water level (cm) (top graph), water temperature (°C) (middle graph) and electrical conductivity (mS/cm) (bottom graph) at King Creek at Bedourie FNARH waterhole for the period between August 2011 to May 2012. The arrow indicates the periods of fish sampling. Conductivity data from this site should be treated with caution due to dissimilar in situ and data logger measurements........................................................................................................................................26

Figure 12. Water level (cm) (top graph), water temperature (°C) (middle graph) and electrical conductivity (mS/cm) (bottom graph) at Eyre Creek at Glengyle for the period between August 2011 to May 2012. The arrow indicates the periods of fish sampling. Conductivity data from this site should be treated with caution due to dissimilar in situ and data logger measurements......................................27

Figure 13. River flow (ML/day) at Diamantina River at Diamantine Lakes (blue line) and Mills Creek at Oondooroo (red line) for the period January 2011 to April 2012. The arrow indicates the period of fish sampling at Mills Creek...........................................................................................................................28

Figure 14. River flow (ML/day - blue line) at Diamantina River at Diamantina Lakes (top graph) and Mills Creek at Oondooroo (bottom graph) for the period between 2008 and 2012. The arrow indicates the period of fish sampling.....................................................................................................................29

Figure 15. River flow (ML/day - blue line) at Diamantina River at Birdsville for the period between 2008 and 2012. Arrows indicates the period of fish sampling........................................................................29

LEBRA 2012 Monitoring Report v

Figure 16. River flow (ML/day) at Thomson River at Stonehenge (blue line) and Darr River at Darr (red line) for the period January 2011 to April 2012. The arrow indicates the period of fish sampling (blue – Stonehenge; red Darr)............................................................................................................................31

Figure 17. River flow (ML/day) at Barcoo River at Retreat for the period January 2011 to April 2012. The arrows indicate periods of fish sampling.........................................................................................32

Figure 18. Water level (cm) (top graph), water temperature (°C) (middle graph) and electrical conductivity (mS/cm) (bottom graph) at Towerhill Creek at Lammermoor for the period between May 2011 to May 2012. The arrow indicates the periods of fish sampling...................................................33

Figure 19. Water level (cm) (top graph), water temperature (°C) (middle graph) and electrical conductivity (mS/cm) (bottom graph) at Vergemont Creek at Noonbah for the period between May 2011 to May 2012. The arrow indicates the periods of fish sampling...................................................34

Figure 20. Water level (cm) (top graph), water temperature (°C) (middle graph) and electrical conductivity (mS/cm) (bottom graph) at Thomson River at Ag college waterhole for the period between May 2011 to May 2012. The arrow indicates the periods of fish sampling. Conductivity data from this site should be treated with caution due to dissimilar in situ and data logger measurements................................................................................................................................................................35

Figure 21. Water level (cm) (top graph), water temperature (°C) (middle graph) and electrical conductivity (mS/cm) (bottom graph) at Cooper Creek at Windorah Bridge for the period between August 2011 to May 2012. The arrow indicates the periods of fish sampling. Conductivity data from this site should be treated with caution due to dissimilar in situ and data logger measurements.........36

Figure 22. Water level (cm) (top graph), water temperature (°C) (middle graph) and electrical conductivity (mS/cm) (bottom graph) at Cooper Creek at Lake Hope for the period between June 2011 to April 2012. The arrow indicates the periods of fish sampling............................................................37

Figure 23. Water level (cm) (top graph), water temperature (°C) (middle graph) and electrical conductivity (mS/cm) (bottom graph) at Barcoo River at Killman waterhole for the period between May 2011 to May 2012. The arrow indicates the periods of fish sampling. Conductivity data from this site should be treated with caution due to dissimilar in situ and data logger measurements...............38

Figure 24. River flow (ML/day - blue line) at Cullyamurra Waterhole on the Cooper Creek for the period between 2008 and 2012. Arrows indicates the periods of fish sampling....................................38

Figure 25. River flow (ML/day - blue line) at Barcoo River at Blackall (top) and Barcoo River at Retreat (bottom) for the period between 2008 and 2012. Arrows indicate periods of fish sampling................39

Figure 26. River flow (ML/day - blue line) at Cornish Creek at Bowen Downs (top) and Alice River at Barcaldine (bottom) for the period between 2008 and 2012. Arrows indicate periods of fish sampling................................................................................................................................................................40

Figure 27. River flow (ML/day - blue line) at Darr River at Darr (top) and Thomson River at Longreach (bottom) for the period between 2008 and 2012. Arrows indicate periods of fish sampling................41

LEBRA 2012 Monitoring Report vi

Figure 28. River flow (ML/day - blue line) at Thomson River at Stonehenge (top) and Cooper Creek at Nappa Merrie (bottom) for the period between 2008 and 2012. Arrows indicate periods of fish sampling.................................................................................................................................................42

Figure 29. Water level (cm) (top graph), water temperature (°C) (middle graph) and electrical conductivity (mS/cm) (bottom graph) at Finke River at Snake Hole for the period between December 2011 to March 2012. Fish and water quality were sampled at the beginning and end of the period of record.....................................................................................................................................................43

Figure 30. River flow (ML/day - blue line) on the Finke River at the Stuart Highway for the period between 2008 and 2012. Arrows indicates the times of fish sampling..................................................44

Figure 31. Water level (cm) (top graph), water temperature (°C) (middle graph) and electrical conductivity (mS/cm) (bottom graph) at Macumba River at Eringa for the period between December 2011 to March 2012. Conductivity data from this site should be treated with caution due to dissimilar in situ and data logger measurements...................................................................................................45

Figure 32. Water level (cm) (top graph), water temperature (°C) (middle graph) and electrical conductivity (mS/cm) (bottom graph) at Neales River at Warrarawoona waterhole for the period between May 2011 to November 2011. Conductivity data from this site should be treated with caution due to dissimilar in situ and data logger measurements...........................................................46

Figure 33. River flow (ML/day) (top graph), electrical conductivity (µS/cm) (middle graph) and water temperature (°C) (bottom graph) collected at Thomson River at Longreach (003202a) for the period from 2009 to 2012..................................................................................................................................51

Figure 34. Comparison of data logger and in situ electrical conductivity readings from 17 sites. Data periods of collection were within 2 hours of each other. Circled sites are those where both readings were considerably different...................................................................................................................51

Figure 34. Length frequency distribution of desert rainbowfish (Melanotaenia splendida tatei) populations in the Cooper, Diamantina, Georgina, Neales, Macumba and Finke catchments for the post 2011/12 wet season sampling........................................................................................................54

Figure 35. Length frequency distribution of silver tandan (Porochilus argenteus) for Cooper, Diamantina, Georgina and Macumba catchments for the post 2011/12 wet season sampling.............54

Figure 36. Length frequency distribution of Hyrtl’s tandan (Neosilurus hyrtlii) populations in the Cooper, Diamantina, Georgina, Macumba and Finke catchments for the post 2011/12 wet season sampling.................................................................................................................................................55

Figure 37. Length frequency distribution of Lake Eyre golden perch (Macquaria sp. B) populations in the Cooper, Diamantina and Georgina catchments for the post 2011/12 wet season sampling...........56

Figure 38. Length frequency distribution of Barcoo grunter (Scortum barcoo) populations in the Cooper, Diamantina and Georgina catchments for the post 2011/12 wet season sampling..................56

Figure 39. Length frequency distribution of Welch’s grunter (Bidyanus welchi) populations in the Cooper, Diamantina, Georgina and Macumba catchments for the post 2011/12 wet season sampling.

LEBRA 2012 Monitoring Report vii

...............................................................................................................................................................57

Figure 40. Length frequency distribution graph of the exotic fish, eastern gambusia (Gambusia holbrooki) (top graph) and goldfish (Carassius auratus) (bottom graph) populations for the post-2010/11 wet season sampling................................................................................................................58

Figure 41. Proportion of diseased catch for each of the nine fish species in which disease was observed. The Georgina and Neales Rivers had generally higher levels of disease than the other rivers in the Basin.............................................................................................................................................59

Figure 42. Proportion of total diseased fish by catchment.....................................................................59

List of Tables

Table 1 . LEBRA draft hypotheses and Thresholds of Potential Concern (ToPC)......................................5

Table 2. List of state and territory operated gauging stations and parameters they collect.................12

Table 3. Summary of in situ water quality data collected during the fish sampling of spring 2011 and autumn 2012. Sites marked with * indicate meter malfunction............................................................49

List of Appendices

Appendix A. Distribution of riverine fish fauna in the study area (updated from Unmack and Wager, 2000). ● known distribution; * exotic/introduced native fish; ^ endemic to the LEB............................63

Appendix B. Raw abundance of fish species collected during the 2011 post wet season sampling......64

Appendix C. Location Details for NT Sites..............................................................................................66

Appendix D. Sampling History for NT Sites.............................................................................................71

Appendix E. Selection Criteria Met by Fixed NT Sites............................................................................74

Appendix F. NT Sampling Summary Reports..........................................................................................84

LEBRA 2012 Monitoring Report viii

1 IntroductionThe Lake Eyre Basin Rivers Assessment (LEBRA) aims to assess the environmental condition of watercourses and catchments in the Lake Eyre Basin (LEB) as required under the LEB Intergovernmental Agreement. This report presents LEBRA monitoring data collected in the 2011-2012 financial year. The data consists of field survey data from spring 2011 and autumn 2012, plus continuous measurements of hydrological and water quality parameters.

1.1 Background to the current Phase of LEBRALEBRA operates in the framework established by the Lake Eyre Basin Intergovernmental Agreement. The Agreement was enacted in the Parliaments of Australia, Queensland and South Australia in 2001, and was joined by the Northern Territory in 2004. The peak decision making body is the associated Ministerial Forum.

The history of LEBRA includes past assessment based on pre-existing data, and work to design a monitoring program (e.g. Sheldon et al., 2005). A comprehensive monitoring plan was prepared in 2009, ‘Lake Eyre Basin Rivers Assessment Implementation Plan and business governance model’ (Kiri-ganai Research, 2009; Price et al., 2009). The plan was endorsed by the Ministerial Forum in 2010, but the full plan could not be implemented due to insufficient resources. Representatives of the jurisdictions developed a monitoring plan with reduced scope to fit the available resources, which consisted of funds from the Ministerial Forum and associated in-kind contribution from each jurisdiction.

Detailed monitoring methodology was developed in consultation with an independent reviewer, Keith Walker of the University of Adelaide (McNeil and Cockayne 2011). The methodology was designed under the principles of the Strategic Adaptive Management (SAM) Framework (subsequently finalised - Kingsford & Biggs, 2012) and centred on detecting ‘Thresholds of Potential Concern’ (ToPC). ToPCs were developed with a view to identifying clear threshold points at which aspects of river health change significantly in a negative trajectory for ecological health. This monitoring strategy was approved by the LEBRA Strategic Oversight Group (SOG), Scientific Advisory Panel (SAP), Technical Reference Group (TRG) and Ministerial Forum.

The LEBRA Operations Group was formed to develop and carry out the monitoring work. The monitoring is carried out by the Northern Territory, Queensland and South Australian state governments with additional administrative support from the Australian Government). The first period of field survey for the current LEBRA monitoring program was carried out in autumn 2011; under the 2011 LEBRA Project Plan (SEWPaC 2011). Results were reported to the Scientific Advisory Panel and the Ministerial Forum (Cockayne et al., 2012).

The monitoring methodology was adjusted for the 2012 Project Plan through consultation between Operational group members and SAP members.

State and Territory government restructures mean that the names of the departments undertaking the LEBRA monitoring changed during the survey and reporting period. In Queensland the work was initially carried out by the Department of Environment and Resource Management (DERM) and is now the responsibility of the Department of Natural Resources and Mines (DNRM). In the Northern

LEBRA 2012 Monitoring Report 1

Territory the work was carried out by the Department of Natural Resources, Environment, the Arts and Sport (NRETAS) but the current report was completed in the Department of Land Resource Management (DLRM). In South Australia the work continues to be done by the government research agency: South Australian Research and Development Institute (SARDI).

1.2 ScopeThe 2011 and 2012 LEBRA project plans (SEWPaC 2011) specify the indicators to be assessed in the current phase of LEBRA as:

hydrology

water quality

fish assemblage and population structure.

These condition indicators were endorsed by the LEB Oversight Group in November 2010, and are a subset of those in Kiri-ganai’s Implementation Plan (Thoms et al., 2009). Hydrology monitoring at pre-existing government gauging stations is being supplemented by the installation of additional water data loggers (non-telemetered) and bathymetric surveys of waterholes. The current monitoring program has been dubbed ‘no regrets monitoring’ because not all the indicators identified in the Kiri-ganai Implementation Plan can be included with the current budget.

The LEB Agreement concerns all landscapes in the basin, and not just the rivers. The basin includes permanent spring-fed pools, where the Great Artesian Basin (GAB) discharges through fractures in the confining sediments. Some of these support fish populations including local endemics and are somewhat isolated from the river networks. The current LEBRA monitoring program is focussed on riverine waterholes and does not include sampling of GAB springs.

The 2011/12 LEBRA objectives, as described in the 2012 LEBRA Project Plan, are listed below.

1. Continue sampling across the established representative monitoring network for the fish assemblage diversity indicator

2. Continue sampling of the water quality monitoring program as recommended by Kiri-ganai research (methodology report p71) which is to sample water quality in conjunction with fish sampling during each survey time. (Indicators: conductivity, pH, dissolved oxygen, turbidity and water temperature).

3. Refine 2011 LEBRA hypotheses and review the current Thresholds of Potential Concern.

4. Collection of data from the installed waterlogger depth recorders. Install remaining three loggers from 2011 LEBRA to sites in South Australia and Northern Territory.

5. Continue to progress community/Aboriginal participation and engagement in the 2011/12 LEBRA sampling program in partnership with the Lake Eyre Basin Community Advisory Committee and LEBRA Oversight Group.

The monitoring design specifies three types of sites:


- waterholes monitored for fish populations, water quality, waterhole bathymetry and habitat condition;

- pre-existing hydrographic stations (river flow gauges and rainfall);

- new hydrographic stations.

The aim of this report is to present data from the spring 2011 and autumn 2012 surveys and hydrological monitoring data from July 2011 to June 2012. Data on hydrology, water quality and fish are summarised. Methodology is summarised, plus details are presented of minor changes to the 2011 LEBRA methodology. Further details on methods can be found in the 2012 LEBRA Project Plan and associated methodology documents (SEWPaC 2012, McNeil & Cockayne 2011).

1.3 Items for Later ReportingThis report is not a full scientific review of river and catchment health. It is not currently possible to do such review on an annual basis. A more comprehensive review is intended as part of the condition assessment required under the LEB Intergovernmental Agreement.

Not all details of the LEBRA data collected in 2011/12 are reported here. Information not reported includes:

Processing and interpretation of bathymetric mapping and other waterhole depth data. These will be reported in the 2012/13 report.

Analysis of water chemistry data, including samples from multiple depths. These will be reported in the 2012/13 report.

Outcomes from the comparison of fish sampling methodologies, which was undertaken in lieu of the abandoned spring 2011 Queensland sampling. These will be reported in the 2012/13 report.

Results of the length/weight/age relationships, which was undertaken in lieu of the abandoned spring 2011 Queensland sampling. These will be reported in the 2012/13 report.

Specimens lodged with museums and genetic samples are not yet reported.

The site selection criteria met by individual sites and expanded site descriptions will be reported in 2013.


2 Methods

2.1 Draft Hypotheses and Thresholds of Potential Concern (ToPC)The project methodology was developed to be consistent with the SAM Framework (Kingsford and Biggs 2012). The following hypotheses and ToPC (Table 1) underpin the methodology of the current LEBRA program. These were developed on the understanding that:

ToPC require further refinement and would be subject to change following the 2011 assessment, SAM outputs and as monitoring improves our knowledge of the LEB system;

there are limitations to testing some of these hypotheses due to the sampling methodology, monitoring timeframe and focus of LEBRA as a monitoring program; and

some ToPCs may need to be more specific and/or rephrased (e.g. hypotheses for each fish species).


Table 1 . LEBRA draft hypotheses and Thresholds of Potential Concern (ToPC).

DRAFT LEBRA HYPOTHESES TABLE

HYPOTHESISA healthy LEB aquatic system

has:Informed by

Possible Threshold of Potential Concern (general)

Resilient fish populations with regular (i.e. within its generation time) spawning and recruitment (species

specific)

Fish spawning, age to spawning, length data, counts of each species, correlation curve between length and age,

genetic structure endemism

Regular spawning and recruitment not detected (species specific)

Loss of endemic fish species from any waterhole/site it was previously recorded

Wide range of fish size classes for each fish species

Fish length data, correlation between length and age

Even distribution of strong cohorts indicates past breeding success and future capacity to respond.

‘Ark’at refugia where all expected fish species can be

found at all times

Fish assemblage data, fish species diversity, hydrology,

waterhole persistenceLoss of (or impacts on) 'Ark' refugia

‘Disco'^ refugia where fish populations can build during

wet periods

Fish assemblage data, fish abundance, hydrology, waterhole persistence

Loss of 'Disco' refugiaFish not found in a reconnected waterhole after it

was once dry (in line with resilience traits)

Periods of floodplain inundation

Hydrology, fish assemblages, event based sampling

Periods without flood inundation exceeds species longevity.

Long extended periods (>5years) without flood inundation

Connectivity (in channel) most years

Hydrology, fish assemblages, fish movement tracking

Periods without in channel connectivity exceeds species longevity

Systems remain unconnected for more than 2 consecutive years? (based on some zonation)

Rapid recolonisation of dry regions following drought

Fish assemblagesSlow recolonisation rates of dry regions following

drought

Connectivity patterns that support slower migrants (i.e.

3 years of in channel flow)

Fish assemblages (long term), hydrology

Less than 3 years of in channel flow

Recovery from fish disease periods

Instances of diseased fish (long term)

Above average increase in the prevalence of disease and presence of new diseases

Increase >20% in the prevalence of disease and presence of new diseases, diseases appearing outside on regular occurrence, i.e. after drying

Stable fish sex ratios Sex of some fish species (where Fish sex ratios shift significantly, where one sex


DRAFT LEBRA HYPOTHESES TABLE

HYPOTHESISA healthy LEB aquatic system

has:

Informed byPossible Threshold of Potential Concern

(general)

visual estimates are possible) makes up >75% of population

A range of water quality to support tolerant and

intolerant fish species

Water quality, fish assemblages, fish tolerances (EC, oxygen,

temp, pollutants)

Water quality parameters exceed fish species range of tolerance (for juvenile and adults)

The ratio of tolerant and intolerant species across the LEB shifts significantly?

Water quality monitoring detects worsening conditions

Low impact of terrestrial ferals (goats, camels, pigs

etc.)

Evidence of pugging and compaction of water banks and

substrates, water quality, turbidity, damage to riparian

vegetation

Increase in damage caused by feral animals and unrestricted stock access

Riverine and floodplain habitat that provide

abundant food resources for fish in times of high

flood/flow

Habitat characteristics, macroinvertebrates (bycatch), food chain isotope study, fish

diet

Low fish abundance following high/flood flows

Low impact of exotic fish and other aquatic biota

Presence and abundance of exotic fish and/or aquatic biota

(e.g. red claw)

Spreading and increased abundance of exotic fish or high relative abundance of exotic fish

compared to native competitors. Appearance of new invaders

Low impact from cane toadsCane toad presence/abundance in fish nets or spotted at night

Spreading and increased abundance of cane toads

Fish assemblage or abundance changes in areas affected and unaffected by toads

Adapted from Robson et al. (2008)atArk Refugia= used to describe waterbodies where conditions are appropriate for resident individuals to form a secure, viable complement of males and females in numbers sufficient to assure that there is a capacity for survival, breeding, dispersal and recovery of a population following drought disturbance. The complement would also preserve most if not all of the regional genetic diversity typical of the species. In wetter areas, or in wet periods, many waterholes may serve as Ark refugia, but during drought, only a very few habitats may be available for all species to survive. Ark refugia are critical in preventing local extinction as a result of dry periods.^Disco Refugia = used during good times, especially during recovery from drought. They protect fish through short dry seasons, but dry out completely during long periods of drought. As such they are waterholes where fish migrate, access booming resources and reproduce to rebuild populations following drought. Disco waterholes are critical to build resilience between drought periods. Polo Refugia = Harsh waterholes (i.e. very saline) where only a select group of species can tolerate environmental conditions. Most species cannot persist in these habitats during drought, but may be able to move in during wetter periods where water quality may improve due to fresh inflows. These waterholes are very important for those tolerant species that use them as they can build up populations without competition and predation from weaker species.


2.2 Fish and Water Quality Site Selection and Sampling Frequency

2.2.1 Field Site Selection Method

Each field visit to LEBRA sites involved sampling fish and water quality. At a subset of sites, data logging equipment has been installed for monitoring hydrological and water quality parameters. At a similar subset of the sites bathymetric mapping of the waterhole was undertaken. Logging equipment was installed at some sites in autumn 2011 and at others in the period covered by this report (2011/12).

Representative monitoring sites were selected from rivers across the LEB, with an emphasis on permanent waterholes. Site selection was based on the method agreed in the 2011 Project Plan. The sampling design incorporates some fish monitoring sites established prior to the current phase of LEBRA by the Queensland (QLD) and South Australian (SA) governments. Site selection criteria are given in the methodology documents and the 2011 and 2012 Project Plans (listed above). However, additional information is provided here on factors contributing to the selection of sites actually sampled.

The sampling strategy for fish and water quality is based on establishing fixed sites that are representative of habitat variation and which have a good geographic spread. This is a form of stratified sampling. The intention is that fixed monitoring sites will be monitored for many years into the future. Random selection, as used by the Murray-Darling Basin Authority’s Sustainable Rivers Audit (Davies et al. 2008), was not undertaken as it was considered too resource-intensive to ensure a representative sample. Although not using random selection has consequences for statistical analysis, the representative focus maximised the number of sites which has a benefit for statistical power (i.e. to ensure that significant differences could be detected, if they exist).

Site selection for fish and water quality was based on the following criteria:

recommendations in Kiri-ganai reports (Thoms et al 2009),

spatial distribution between and within the major LEB catchments,

suitability to progressively address the hypotheses and ToPCs with repeated sampling,

a focus on refugia waterholes but including some temporary waterholes (as described by Silcock (2009) and based on LEBRA Operations Group catchment knowledge),

includes legacy sites (i.e. those which have been continuously monitored through other research/monitoring programs),

includes of significant/high conservation value sites,

includes representatives of refugia types (Ark, Polo or Disco) (where known),

are representative of the surrounding landscape, hydrology, water chemistry and geomorphic diversity,


representative of a gradient of identified disturbance (where possible),

proximity to existing river flow gauges, and

logistical issue of travel time in remote areas.

Where possible, fish and water quality monitoring sites were co-located with pre-existing hydrological gauging stations, provided that fish site selection criteria were met.

In some catchments, knowledge of the component waterholes has improved considerably during 2011 and 2012. As a result, some sites that were intended as fixed sites in autumn 2011 were not continued in 2012. For the same reason, some new sites were added in 2012.

In an effort to rapidly achieve a better baseline for the Finke system, extra resources were made available by NT and SA to survey additional sites. These cannot be monitored as fixed sites under the current LEBRA budget. However, data from these are included in this report because they contribute to the aims of LEBRA. At some of these additional sites the full LEBRA method was applied as used at fixed sites. These sites have been termed ‘Supplementary Sites’. At other sites, the size of the waterhole or time constraints meant that fewer nets were used. These have been termed ‘Opportunistic Sites’. While the ‘Opportunistic Sites’ add to knowledge of the LEB rivers, the variations in sampling effort limit their use for LEBRA analysis. To clarify the situation for NT sites, the selection criteria met at each site are presented in Appendix E.

A small number of contingency sites were identified for monitoring if fixed sites are inaccessible during a particular monitoring period. Each contingency site has similar characteristics to a particular fixed site or is in the same catchment area. The method allows for additional contingency sites to be selected in the field when required.

2.2.2 Planned Frequency of Fish SamplingA sub-set of fixed long-term sites are to be assessed twice yearly, in spring and autumn, whilst some fixed sites will be sample only in autumn. The rationale for this is focussed on fish population issues as follows. Note that water quality is measured at every site visit.

Sampling in spring, when river systems are generally at their driest, provides maximal detail on refugia and potentially limiting thresholds (i.e. hydrologic conditions and antecedent flows and water quality). In the long-run, autumn monitoring will more often coincide with wetter conditions as LEB river systems most frequently flow during the summer. Accordingly, autumn sampling will often precede flowing periods, providing for assessment of connectivity, fish movement and recolonisation. Sampling in both spring and autumn allows the assessment of catchment scale range expansions and contractions and indicates the impact of hydrologic extremes on the ecology of fishes. Understanding fish response to these extremes under natural ranges of hydrologic variability allows assessment of river health trajectories, and informs the suitability of the chosen river health indicators.


The fixed sites have been selected to be representative of the basin. However, there is a trade-off in how resources are allocated. If all fixed sites were to be sampled twice yearly, then there can be fewer sites overall. A decision was made to only sample a subset of fixed sites in the spring sample periods. This allowed a more representative set of sites to be established. All sites are to be sampled in autumn each year (access permitting).

2.2.3 Sites Sampled in 2011/12Fifty-three (53) sites were sampled during the 2011/12 round, as shown in Figure 1.

Figure 1. Fish monitoring sites during spring 2011 and autumn 2012 were spread through SA, QLD and the NT.

2.3 Hydrology and Water QualityThe hydrology of the LEB contributes to maintenance of healthy aquatic and floodplain ecosystems, supports the social, cultural and aesthetic values of floodplains, channels and waterholes, and may provide an indicator of anthropogenic disturbances such as water availability or regime change land


use and floodplain modifications. Hydrologic data may also reveal broader climatic variations and climate change.

2.3.1 Monitoring equipment and methodsThere are 33 gauging stations in the LEB which are operated by state and territory government departments. These include 14 in Queensland (one station is operated by South Australia), 5 in South Australia and 14 in Northern Territory (Figure 2 and Table 1). All stations measure river height (and flow), and some record rainfall and water quality parameters (Table 2). During the 2011/2012 financial year several new telemetered logging stations were built in South Australia, including Algebuckina waterhole on the Neales River, Poothapoota waterhole (Diamantina River), Cooper Creek’s North West Branch (upstream of Coongie Lakes), and Alguchina Waterhole (Macumba River).

CTD-Diver (Schlumberger Water Services) water dataloggers were deployed at 20 of the fixed long-term LEBRA monitoring sites (fish and water quality) that were not co-located with gauging stations (Figure 2). These dataloggers monitor water level (with correction for ambient barometric pressure), water temperature and salinity (measured as electrical conductivity). Dataloggers were generally installed in the deepest section of waterholes (to avoid drying out) where the datalogger housing (40mm slotted galvanised piping) could be securely fixed. Dataloggers were attached to stainless steel cable and lowered into the pipe to a depth of approximately 10cm above the riverbed level. The tops of the pipes were capped with a galvanised cap, which was secured with crimped stainless steel cable. An example of an installed logger setup is shown in Figure 3.

At Queensland sites, data loggers were installed in the autumn 2011 survey. At South Australian sites, data loggers were installed at those sites sampled during the spring 2011 sampling event. In the NT, data loggers were installed at the three Georgina catchment sites in autumn 2011, plus a fourth site for which fish could not be sampled due to lack of time (a planned fixed site at 8 Mile Waterhole on the Georgina River). A single site on the Finke River had a logger installed in the spring 2011 survey.

Bathymetric surveys were also undertaken at 20 of the fish monitoring sites. These surveys, when combined with the waterhole depth (CTD-Diver) and/or gauged height data, will give an indication of the rate of loss of water from waterholes, thus permitting estimates of maximum waterhole persistence. The bathymetric maps also provide an insight into the morphology of the waterhole and the different types of potential fish habitat. The intent is to undertake bathymetric surveys at all fish monitoring waterholes, but restrictions on the availability of the specialised equipment only permitted the surveying of 20 waterholes. The remainder of waterholes will be surveyed over subsequent sampling rounds. It is known that the geomorphology of some waterholes changes with some flow events, particularly in systems with sand dominated alluvium (e.g. the Finke). While repeat bathymetric mapping will not be part of the standard monitoring it will be appropriate when substantial changes are known to have occurred.

Each bathymetric survey included measurements of the waterhole boundary and a detailed cross-sectional analysis of waterhole depth. Cross-sectional depth locations were collected using GPS (Garmin GPS 76) coupled to a depth measuring altimeter (Tritech PA200). Waterhole boundary was determined using the cross-sectional data points and confirmed using detailed aerial/satellite imagery. Key habitat features (e.g. submerged structures, root masses etc.) were also identified.


Following the bathymetric survey, a Digital Elevation Model (DEM) is created for each waterhole using the 3D analyst extension of ArcMAP (ver. 10). Waterhole storage and surface area curves were created for each waterhole. To allow comparisons between waterholes, the data were standardised to cease-to-flow (CTF) level, which was estimated during the field surveys.

At sites in South Australia and at Finke River sites, digital bathymetric mapping equipment was not available in either spring 2011 or autumn 2012. Depth in the deepest part of the waterhole was measured for each sampling visit (all sites in autumn, and a sub-set in spring). At many of the waterholes a series of depths was measured across the waterhole (cross-section) to provide some bathymetric information.

Figure 2. Map showing existing state and territory operated gauging stations and locations of installed CTD-Diver loggers (September 2012).


Table 2. List of state and territory operated gauging stations and parameters they collect.

Gauging station Jurisdiction River height (m)

Rainfall (mm)

Water temp. (°C)

Electrical Conductivity (mS/cm)

Hugh R at South Road crossing NT

Finke R at South Road crossing NT

Palmer R at South Road crossing NT

Finke R at Finke railway NT

Unca R at Jervois Mine(now no longer maintained)

NT

Trephina Ck at Trephina Gorge NT

Roe Ck at South Road crossing NT

Todd R at Wills Terrace NT

Emily Ck at u/s Undoolya Road NT

Todd R at Amoonguna Settlement NT

Todd R at Near Rocky Ck NT

Todd R at Wigley Gorge NT

Charles R at Big Dipper NT

Todd R at Heavitree Gap NT

Alice Rat Barcaldine Qld

Barcoo Rat Blackall Qld

Barcoo Rat Retreat Qld

Burke Rat Boulia Qld

Cooper Ck at NappaMerrie Qld

Cornish Ckat Bowen Downs Qld

Darr R at Darr Qld

Diamantina Rat Diamantina Lakes Qld

Diamantina R at Birdsville Qld

Georgina R at Roxborough Downs Qld

Mills Ckat Oondooroo Qld

Thomson Rat Longreach Qld

Thomson Rat Stonehenge Qld

Diamantina River at Birdsville Qld (SA managed)


Gauging station Jurisdiction River height (m)

Rainfall (mm)

Water temp. (°C)

Electrical Conductivity (mS/cm)

Macumba R at Alguchina WH SA

Neales R at Algebuckina WH SA

Cooper Ck at North West Brach SA

Warburton R at Poothapoota WH SA

Cooper Ck at Cullyamurra WH SA

Figure 3. Example of an installed CTD-Diver. Note the secured cap (with stainless steel cable) and slotted galvanised pipe which was secured to a stable structure.


2.4 FishThere are 40 known fish species from the Lake Eyre Basin, including thirty four (34) native species, four introduced native species, and two exotic species. These numbers are based on those provided by Wager and Unmack (2000); supplemented with more recent records. Of the native species, 21 of these are endemic to the LEB; with nine of these species restricted to springs. An unconfirmed record exists of a third exotic species (European carp, Cyprinus carpio) found 20 years ago in a small catchment in the extreme south of the basin. An independent project will examine this record early in 2013.

In the riverine habitats sampled there are 23 known native species, 12 of which are endemic to the LEB (Appendix A).

The LEBRA fish indicators are based on information about the identity, origin and condition of individuals, their relative abundance and the species composition of communities. These methods were developed by the LEB Operations Group and were established using outcomes from previous LEB monitoring programs, including Pritchard et al. (unpublished data) and McNeil and Cockayne (2011).

The outcomes of the 2011/12 fish surveys (i.e. this report) will be used to test, refine and standardise methods for future LEBRA fish monitoring and estimation of indicators.

2.4.1 Monitoring EquipmentUnpublished data from the ARIDFLO survey (Pritchard, unpublished data) indicated that overnight (<24 hour) sets of fyke nets, combined with seining for smaller or more cryptic species provided the highest catches of resident fish species (see also Arthington et al. 2005).

Each site was sampled using a combination of two types of fyke net, a small seine net, and up to six box-style bait traps:

6 x Fyke small meshed single-winged design (3 m wing, 4mm mesh, 3m funnel, 0.6m high)- these nets are effective at sampling smaller bodied fish in shallow water habitats along the banks.

2 x Fyke large hoop double-wing design (2 x 10m wing, 12mm mesh,5 m funnels, 1.2m high)- these large fyke nets target large bodied fish and can be set in deeper waters.

1 x Seine Net (3m x 1.2m drop, 2mm mesh, in built collection bag, leaded rope on bottom) – used to supplement the more quantitative fyke net sampling when habitats and time permits – seine nets are effective at targeting very small fish and demersal (less mobile) species such as desert gobies, which are generally hard to catch using other gear types.

Box style bait traps- a pilot study was conducted to identify the most effective ways of using bait traps. This included un-baited, baited (cat food or similar) and glo-stick attractant.


Expert visual surveys - both nocturnal spotlighting and daytime surveys, when the water was clear enough and time permitting.

2.4.2 Sampling ProtocolsEvery effort was made to use all net types and numbers at each site; however this varied between sites depending on the size of waterholes and time allowed at each site.

The following process was undertaken in setting and retrieving the fyke and seine nets:

A rapid assessment of the physical structure of the waterhole, including identification of all major habitat types and depth profiles, was undertaken to determine the most appropriate location for net deployment

Small single fykes (6) were set with the wing (leader) perpendicular to and fixed to the bank and the net extending towards the centre of the river. The cod end was pulled tight and straight, with no gaps underneath. Small fykes were set at relatively shallow locations allowing the leader to remain in contact with the substrate. At deeper sites buoys were attached to the cod end and pulled straight to reduce net drop and allow mammals and reptiles to breath if caught in the net.

Two large double winged fykes were set in opposition in the middle of the channel in areas less than 2m deep. The two fyke nets were opened in an upstream and downstream direction respectively.

All fyke nets were set overnight for a period between 12 to 21 hours. This time period allowed capture during diurnal, crepuscular and nocturnal activity periods and allowed adequate time for nets to operate. The start and finish times for sampling were recorded for each net.

Seine sweeps were made opportunistically when appropriate habitat was available and time permitted. These were undertaken along a 10m stretch of the bank with the bank-end operator moving only a short distance, whilst the deep end operator moved in an arc with the seine extended, returning to the bank ten metres from the start point. Seine nets were not used at every site due to time constraints, locations where bank gradient and/or structure (i.e. rocks or snags) prevented efficient operation of the seine and previous sampling results which showed that the time required often resulted in no extra information. Bait traps were set at most sites, but other than for the pilot study, choice of glow-stick or food-based baits was at the discretion of the survey crew.

2.4.3 Sample processingThe following outlines the fish processing procedures:

All fish were identified from past experience and where required using recognised keys (Allen, Midgley and Allen, 2002; Wager and Unmack, 2000; J. Pritchard, unpublished data). Field identification of carp gudgeon species (Hypseleotris spp.) was not attempted and their records were pooled under this genus.


All specimens from each taxon were counted and measured (total length [TL] in mm) and released near the point of capture. The planned method was to measure TL of at least 100 individuals of each taxon for each site. The remaining fish in the net were counted. In some instances where very large numbers of fish were captured, random sub-sampling was employed for counting numbers of fish at the discretion of the researcher. At some sites a volumetric method was used to sub-sample; i.e. number of buckets of fish. The amount of time to process the catch at some sites meant that some other variations of the methods were adopted in order to reduce fish death and in order to have time to travel to the next site. At some sites not all nets were counted.

Fish condition indicators (e.g. spawning condition, external parasites, lesions or other abnormalities) were recorded for each individual before fish were returned to the water at the point of capture. Translocated and exotic fishes were euthanised. Voucher specimens were kept for any fish where identification was uncertain.

Capture or observations of the translocated redclaw crayfish (Cherax quadricarinatus) were recorded.

Large bodied angling species (Lake Eyre golden perch, Barcoo grunter and Welch’s grunter) over 250mm (TL) were tagged using individually numbered plastic T-bar tags (100mm length) implanted on the dorso-lateral surface at less than 45° from the body surface to minimise protrusion. Tag numbers were recorded along with the fish length and any other distinguishing features (e.g. gender and disease). All tagged fish records are stored in a central database (managed by InfoFish Australia).

Further samples of fish populations were collected to address specific questions about a species such as population genetics or age structure.

When moving between catchments, all nets were checked for aquatic and terrestrial weeds and thoroughly cleaned to prevent transfer of pathogens and pest plant and animal species. Within catchments, nets were thoroughly emptied and dried at each site to prevent movement of pest species within the catchment.

Water quality parameters, including temperature, dissolved oxygen, pH, conductivity/salinity and turbidity were measured at each site (at 1 location in a waterhole at/close to the fish sampling location) during each survey using a multi-station water quality meter. At some sites the deepest accessible part of the waterhole was selected for water quality measurement and this will be the standard for subsequent surveys. Water quality was measured at the surface and, where possible, at 50cm depth intervals.

Observations of the dominant substrate types, instream macrophytes and riparian vegetation were recorded at each site. Standard site description datasheets and fish measurement datasheets were distributed to all participating research organisations to ensure data consistency.

Photographs and site sketches were taken at each site on each sampling occasion to allow visual comparisons of sites from season to season.


2.4.4 Data assessment and analysisTotal length and count data for each fish species at each site were combined for the four sampling methods. Metrics derived from these primary data at each site included:

Species richness

Relative abundances of native, translocated and exotic species

Length-frequency histograms were also developed for the most abundant species.


3 Results

3.1 Hydrology

3.1.1 Georgina and Sandover CatchmentsThere was no surfacewater flow at any of the nine study sites during the fish sampling, with two gauging stations and five water logger sites indicating that flows had ceased between 1-3 months prior to the fish sampling. Consequently, some waterholes were near their maximum size.

The Sandover River (junction waterhole) received very little flow during the monitoring period of May 2011 to May 2012 (Figure 4). The logger was exposed (above the water level) during the period but it is not known if water persisted in the deepest part of the waterhole. A small flow event was observed during December 2011 and again in March 2012 (Figure 4). At the time of fish sampling, the Junction waterhole was very small (10m long x 4m wide x <1m deep); however despite this fish were collected (see section 3.3).

The water levels at Ooratippra Ck (Ooratippra waterhole) steadily declined following installation of the logger in autumn 2011, until the data logger was exposed during early February 2012 (Figure 5). Unprocessed bathymetry data suggests that up to 1.5m of surface water would still have been present at that time. The Ooratippra waterhole was refilled during February/March 2012 when a flow event in excess of 3m occurred (Figure 5). It is likely that some water persisted in the waterhole throughout the period.

Flows in the Georgina catchment for the 2011/12 reporting period were significantly less than previous years (Figure 6). Water levels in the Rankin River (Big Rankin waterhole) suggested that this catchment contained flows which were sufficient enough to refill waterholes, but not enough to cause any significant overbank flooding events (Figure 7). Several small flow events were observed further downstream at 8 mile waterhole (Figure 8), but these had an little effect at Roxborough Downs (Figure9). Flows from Burke River (Barracks waterhole [Figure 10] and Boulia gauging station [Figure 9]) and Georgina River (Roxborough Downs) (Figure 9) between November 2011 and March 2012, whilst not significant, did reach the lower Georgina Catchment (Eyre Ck [Glengyle] and King Creek [FNARH]) (Figure 11 and Figure 12). Interestingly most of these flows were only recorded at Eyre Creek, with the


Summary

Most sites flowed during the 2011/12 reporting period.

Most sites did not experience significant dry spells

Most sites did not experience flooding as severe or prolonged as previous years.

exception being the March 2012 flow event (Figure 11 and Figure 12). This suggests that Eyre Creek is the main channel in the lower Georgina River, with King Creek only flowing following larger upstream flow events (or localised rainfall events).

Bathymetric surveys have been conducted at five of the nine fish sampling sites (Big Rankin waterhole, Ooratippra Creek, Lake Nash, King Creek and Eyre Creek). These data are yet to be processed. The remaining sites were either inaccessible due to wet weather (e.g. Lake Mary [Georgina River]) or too small to survey (e.g. Junction waterhole [Sandover Creek]; Kelly Creek and Burke River [Barracks waterhole]).

Sandover R @ junction waterhole

water level (cm)

water temp. (deg. C)

EC (mS/cm)

0

50

100

150

200

250

12

17

22

27

32

37

42

0

0.1

0.2

0.3

0.4

0.5

Jan 2011 Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan 2012 Feb Mar Apr May Jun

Figure 4. Water level (cm) (top graph), water temperature (°C) (middle graph) and electrical conductivity (mS/cm) (bottom graph) at Sandover River at junction waterhole for the period between May 2011 to April 2012. The arrow indicates the periods of fish sampling.


Ooratippra Ck @ Ooratippra waterhole

water level (cm)


EC (mS/cm)

0

100

200

300

400

13

17

21

25

29

33

0

0.5

1

1.5

2

2.5

3


Figure 5. Water level (cm) (top graph), water temperature (°C) (middle graph) and electrical conductivity (mS/cm) (bottom graph) at Ooratippra Creek at Ooratippra waterhole for the period between May 2011 to April 2012. The arrow indicates the periods of fish sampling.


QLD DNRM SWDB HYPLOT V133 Output 10/09/2012

Period 4 Year Plot Start 00:00_01/07/2008 2008-12

Interval 1 Day Plot End 00:00_01/07/2012001202A Burke_R at Boulia 141.00 Maximum Discharge (ML/day)

001203A Roxborough Dow ns 141.00 Maximum Discharge (ML/day)

0

50000

100000

150000

0

50000

100000

150000

200000

250000

2008/09 2009/10 2010/11 2011/12

Figure 6. River flow (ML/day) at Burke River at Boulia (top graph) and Georgina River at Roxsborough Downs (bottom graph) for the period between 2008 and 2012.


Rankin R @ Big Rankin waterhole

water level (cm)


EC (mS/cm)

0

40

80

120

160

200

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

0

0.04

0.08

0.12

0.16

0.2


Figure 7. Water level (cm) (top graph), water temperature (°C) (middle graph) and electrical conductivity (mS/cm) (bottom graph) at Rankin River at Big Rankin waterhole for the period between May 2011 to April 2012. The arrow indicates the periods of fish sampling. Conductivity data from this site should be treated with caution due to dissimilar in situ and data logger measurements.


Georgina R @ 8 Mile waterhole

water level (cm)


EC (mS/cm)

50

100

150

200

250

300

350

10

15

20

25

30

35

0

0.05

0.1

0.15

0.2

0.25

0.3


Figure 8. Water level (cm) (top graph), water temperature (°C) (middle graph) and electrical conductivity (mS/cm) (bottom graph) at Rankin River at Big Rankin waterhole for the period between May 2011 to April 2012. The arrow indicates the periods of fish sampling.



Period 18 Month Plot Start 00:00_01/01/2011 2011

Interval 1 Day Plot End 00:00_01/07/2012

001203A Roxborough Downs 141.00 Maximum Discharge (ML/day)

001202A Burke_R at Boulia 141.00 Maximum Discharge (ML/day)

0

50000

100000

150000


Figure 9. River flow (ML/day) at Georgina River at Roxborough Downs (blue line) and Burke River at Boulia (red line) for the period January 2011 to April 2012.


Burke R @ Barracks waterhole

water level (cm)


EC (mS/cm)

0

100

200

300

400

15

20

25

30

35

40

45

0

0.1

0.2

0.3

0.4

0.5


Figure 10. Water level (cm) (top graph), water temperature (°C) (middle graph) and electrical conductivity (mS/cm) (bottom graph) at Bourke River at Barracks waterhole for the period between May 2011 to May 2012. The arrow indicates the periods of fish sampling.


King Ck @ Bedourie FNARH

water level (cm)


EC (mS/cm)

50

100

150

200

250

300

17

21

25

29

33

37

0.1

0.3

0.5

0.7

0.9

1.1


Figure 11. Water level (cm) (top graph), water temperature (°C) (middle graph) and electrical conductivity (mS/cm) (bottom graph) at King Creek at Bedourie FNARH waterhole for the period between August 2011 to May 2012. The arrow indicates the periods of fish sampling. Conductivity data from this site should be treated with caution due to dissimilar in situ and data logger measurements.


Eyre Ck @ Glengyle

water level (cm)


EC (mS/cm)

180

230

280

330

380

430

17

19.5

22

24.5

27

29.5

0.3

0.55

0.8

1.05


Figure 12. Water level (cm) (top graph), water temperature (°C) (middle graph) and electrical conductivity (mS/cm) (bottom graph) at Eyre Creek at Glengyle for the period between August 2011 to May 2012. The arrow indicates the periods of fish sampling. Conductivity data from this site should be treated with caution due to dissimilar in situ and data logger measurements.

3.1.2 Diamantina & Warburton CatchmentsThe hydrology in the Diamantina Catchment for the 2011/12 reporting period was monitored at three gauging stations and four data loggers.

Mills Creek (Oondooroo), in the upper Diamantina catchment near Winton, was not flowing at the time of sampling, although some small flow events had been observed in the months prior to sampling (Figure 13). Likewise flows had ceased in the mid-Diamantina catchment (Diamantina Lakes and Davenport Downs) and this followed six months of regular flow events (Figure 13), the magnitude of which was similar to the 2010/11 wet season (Figure 14).

Flows persisted in the lower Diamantina (Birdsville) throughout the entire 2011/12 reporting period (Figure 15). Flows were characteristic of the autumn seasonal flow but at a much lower volume than seen in previous years. Data loggers could not be accessed in the lower Diamantina (Brumby waterhole) due to flooded conditions. The flow at Pandie Pandie was still moderate during autumn sampling and further downstream at Stony Crossing (Kalamurina Station) the flow was still high but receding. A data logger was installed in an anabranch of Warburton Creek in Wadlarkininna


Waterhole (Kalamurina Station) during the autumn 2012 sampling trip. This waterhole filled during the 2010/11 flood and then refilled from local rains over summer 2011/12.

Bathymetric surveys have been conducted at four sites in the Diamantina River (Mills Creek, Mayne River, Davenport Downs and Wokingham Creek). Data from these sites are yet to be processed.




002104A Diamantina Lakes 141.00 Maximum Discharge (ML/day)

002105A Mills_Ck Oondooroo 141.00 Maximum Discharge (ML/day)

0

20000

40000

60000

80000

100000


Figure 13. River flow (ML/day) at Diamantina River at Diamantine Lakes (blue line) and Mills Creek at Oondooroo (red line) for the period January 2011 to April 2012. The arrow indicates the period of fish sampling at Mills Creek.




Interval 1 Day Plot End 00:00_01/07/2012002104A Diamantina Lakes 141.00 Maximum Discharge (ML/day)

002105A Mills_Ck Oondooroo 141.00 Maximum Discharge (ML/day)

0

50000

100000

150000

200000

250000

300000

0

10000

20000

30000

40000

2008/09 2009/10 2010/11 2011/12

Figure 14. River flow (ML/day - blue line) at Diamantina River at Diamantina Lakes (top graph) and Mills Creek at Oondooroo (bottom graph) for the period between 2008 and 2012. The arrow indicates the period of fish sampling.

1/07

/200

8

1/01

/200

9

1/07

/200

9

1/01

/201

0

1/07

/201

0

1/01

/201

1

1/07

/201

1

1/01

/201

2

0

50000

100000

150000

200000

250000

Figure 15. River flow (ML/day - blue line) at Diamantina River at Birdsville for the period between 2008 and 2012. Arrows indicates the period of fish sampling.


3.1.3 Cooper and Barcoo CatchmentsThe hydrology of the Cooper and Barcoo catchments are monitored by 9 gauging stations (6 Thomson/Cooper catchment; 3 Barcoo catchment) and 6 data loggers (5 Thomson/Cooper catchment; 1 Barcoo catchment).

Many sites within the upper to mid Cooper and Barcoo catchments were not flowing, or had a very low flow (i.e. est. <5 ML/day), at the time of sampling. Gauged flows indicate that flow ceased within 2 months prior to sampling (Figure 16 and Figure 17). Data logger data showed that all sites received several flow events, with peak heights ranging from 3.4m (Lammermoor Creek) to over 8m (Windorah bridge) (Figure 18 to Figure 23). Three sites were sampled along the South Australian reach of the Cooper Creek. At the uppermost of these sites (Cullyamurra Waterhole) a flow gauging station recorded that flow had ceased during spring of 2011. At this time flow persisted downstream providing low flow at both Lake Hope and the lowest Cooper site, Cuttapirra Waterhole. By autumn 2012 this situation had reversed with a pulse flow providing 9,000 ML/day at Cullyamurra (Figure 24), while at the lower sites flow had ceased.

Flood events were again a significant feature in the Copper/Barcoo catchment for the 2011/12 period. Most notable were those recorded at Blackall (Barcoo River) with the February 2012 flow event the second largest on record (DNRM 2012) (Figure 25). Significant flood events were also recorded at Alice River (February 2012- 7th largest recorded event) and Cornish Creek (February 2012- 8th largest recorded event) (DNRM 2012) (Figure 26). The remaining gauging stations had flood events which were similar to previous wet seasons (Figure 27 and Figure 28).

To date bathymetry surveys have been completed at 11 of the 14 waterholes. Data from these surveys are yet to be processed.





003203A Stonehenge 141.00

Maximum Discharge (ML/day)

003205A Darr R at Darr 141.00


0

25000

50000

75000


Figure 16. River flow (ML/day) at Thomson River at Stonehenge (blue line) and Darr River at Darr (red line) for the period January 2011 to April 2012. The arrow indicates the period of fish sampling (blue – Stonehenge; red Darr).





003301B Barcoo_Retreat 141.00


0

50000

100000

150000


Figure 17. River flow (ML/day) at Barcoo River at Retreat for the period January 2011 to April 2012. The arrows indicate periods of fish sampling.


Towerhill Ck @ Lammermoor

water level (cm)


EC (mS/cm)

50

100

150

200

250

300

350

14

18

22

26

30

34

0.1

0.14

0.18

0.22

0.26

0.3


Figure 18. Water level (cm) (top graph), water temperature (°C) (middle graph) and electrical conductivity (mS/cm) (bottom graph) at Towerhill Creek at Lammermoor for the period between May 2011 to May 2012. The arrow indicates the periods of fish sampling.


Vergemont Ck @ Noonbah

water level (cm)


EC (mS/cm)

50

150

250

350

450

550

10

15

20

25

30

35

0.05

0.15

0.25

0.35

0.45

0.55


Figure 19. Water level (cm) (top graph), water temperature (°C) (middle graph) and electrical conductivity (mS/cm) (bottom graph) at Vergemont Creek at Noonbah for the period between May 2011 to May 2012. The arrow indicates the periods of fish sampling.


Thomson R @ Ag college waterhole

water height (cm)


EC (mS/cm)

0

100

200

300

400

500

10

15

20

25

30

35

0.1

0.35

0.6

0.85


Figure 20. Water level (cm) (top graph), water temperature (°C) (middle graph) and electrical conductivity (mS/cm) (bottom graph) at Thomson River at Ag college waterhole for the period between May 2011 to May 2012. The arrow indicates the periods of fish sampling. Conductivity data from this site should be treated with caution due to dissimilar in situ and data logger measurements.


Cooper Ck @ Windorah bridge

water level (cm)

water temperature (deg. C)

EC (mS/cm)

100

350

600

850

17

22

27

32

0

0.4

0.8

1.2

1.6

2


Figure 21. Water level (cm) (top graph), water temperature (°C) (middle graph) and electrical conductivity (mS/cm) (bottom graph) at Cooper Creek at Windorah Bridge for the period between August 2011 to May 2012. The arrow indicates the periods of fish sampling. Conductivity data from this site should be treated with caution due to dissimilar in situ and data logger measurements.


Cooper Ck @ Lake Hope

water level (cm)

water temp. (deg C.)

EC (mS/cm)

180

230

280

330

380

430

480

10

15

20

25

30

35

0.9

1.3

1.7

2.1

2.5

2.9


Figure 22. Water level (cm) (top graph), water temperature (°C) (middle graph) and electrical conductivity (mS/cm) (bottom graph) at Cooper Creek at Lake Hope for the period between June 2011 to April 2012. The arrow indicates the periods of fish sampling.


Barcoo R @ Killman waterhole

water level (cm)


EC (mS/cm)

100

200

300

400

500

600

700

10

14

18

22

26

30

0

0.1

0.2

0.3

0.4

0.5


Figure 23. Water level (cm) (top graph), water temperature (°C) (middle graph) and electrical conductivity (mS/cm) (bottom graph) at Barcoo River at Killman waterhole for the period between May 2011 to May 2012. The arrow indicates the periods of fish sampling. Conductivity data from this site should be treated with caution due to dissimilar in situ and data logger measurements.

2008 2009 2010 2011 20120

50000

100000

150000

200000

250000

300000

350000

Figure 24. River flow (ML/day - blue line) at Cullyamurra Waterhole on the Cooper Creek for the period between 2008 and 2012. Arrows indicates the periods of fish sampling.



Period 4 Year Plot Start 00:00_01/07/2008 2008-12Interval 1 Day Plot End 00:00_01/07/2012

003303A Barcoo_R Blackall 141.00


003301B Barcoo_Retreat 141.00


0

25000

50000

75000

100000

125000

0

50000

100000

150000

2008/09 2009/10 2010/11 2011/12

Figure 25. River flow (ML/day - blue line) at Barcoo River at Blackall (top) and Barcoo River at Retreat (bottom) for the period between 2008 and 2012. Arrows indicate periods of fish sampling.



Period 4 Year Plot Start 00:00_01/07/2008 2008-12Interval 1 Day Plot End 00:00_01/07/2012

003204A Bowen Downs 141.00 Maximum Discharge (ML/day)

003302A Alice_R Barcaldine 141.00 Maximum Discharge (ML/day)0

10000

20000

30000

40000

50000

0

10000

20000

30000

40000

50000

2008/09 2009/10 2010/11 2011/12

Figure 26. River flow (ML/day - blue line) at Cornish Creek at Bowen Downs (top) and Alice River at Barcaldine (bottom) for the period between 2008 and 2012. Arrows indicate periods of fish sampling.




Interval 1 Day Plot End 00:00_01/07/2012003205A Darr R at Darr 141.00 Maximum Discharge (ML/day)

003202A Thomson R_Longreach 141.00 Maximum Discharge (ML/day)

0

10000

20000

30000

40000

50000

60000

0

50000

100000

150000

200000

250000

300000

2008/09 2009/10 2010/11 2011/12

Figure 27. River flow (ML/day - blue line) at Darr River at Darr (top) and Thomson River at Longreach (bottom) for the period between 2008 and 2012. Arrows indicate periods of fish sampling.




Interval 1 Day Plot End 00:00_01/07/2012003203A Stonehenge 141.00 Maximum Discharge (ML/day)

003103A Nappa Merrie 141.00 Maximum Discharge (ML/day)

0

100000

200000

300000

400000

0

50000

100000

150000

200000

250000

300000

2008/09 2009/10 2010/11 2011/12

Figure 28. River flow (ML/day - blue line) at Thomson River at Stonehenge (top) and Cooper Creek at Nappa Merrie (bottom) for the period between 2008 and 2012. Arrows indicate periods of fish sampling.

3.1.4 Finke River CatchmentThis round examined 11 sites within the Finke River Catchment (one site during spring 2011 and all 11 during autumn 2012). In spring 2011, only Snake Hole was visited and was not flowing. During the autumn 2012 sampling visits, all sites were flowing slightly except the opportunistic Palmer River crossing (Ernest Giles Road) where only a few remnant pools remained, and at Main Camp waterhole which was an extra site sampled further down the Finke.

Flow had ceased at Snake Hole prior to the spring sampling visit, when the logger was installed. The NT Government flow gauge at the Finke Road bridge, up stream of Snake Hole, shows that a very long duration flow event stopped in this area during the winter.

Water persisted at Snake Hole through 2011/12, with water levels dropping steadily from when the logger was installed until a flow event at the end of February 2012.

No bathymetric surveys were conducted in the Finke River in 2011/12; however depth profiles were manually measured at most sites. These data will be reported in the 2013 report.


Finke River @ Snake Hole

water level (cm)


EC (mS/cm)

100

150

200

250

300

350

20

22

24

26

28

30

1

3

5

7

9

11


Figure 29. Water level (cm) (top graph), water temperature (°C) (middle graph) and electrical conductivity (mS/cm) (bottom graph) at Finke River at Snake Hole for the period between December 2011 to March 2012. Fish and water quality were sampled at the beginning and end of the period of record.


Figure 30. River flow (ML/day - blue line) on the Finke River at the Stuart Highway for the period between 2008 and 2012. Arrows indicates the times of fish sampling.

3.1.5 Macumba River CatchmentA total of three Macumba sites were sampled during this round (three in spring 2011 and one repeat sample in autumn 2012). No flow was observed at any Macumba River site during this sampling period. A telemetered station has been logging water height and salinity data at this site since October 2011. This data remains unverified and unavailable at the current time. It is anticipated that this will become available for future reports.

A CTD-Diver datalogger has been deployed at Eringa Waterhole since December 2011. To date no bathymetric surveys have been undertaken in the Macumba River.


Macumba R @ Eringa

water level (cm)


EC (mS/cm)

100

150

200

250

300

350

20

22

24

26

28

30

0

0.4

0.8

1.2

1.6

2

Jan 2011 Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan 2012\ Feb Mar Apr May Jun

Figure 31. Water level (cm) (top graph), water temperature (°C) (middle graph) and electrical conductivity (mS/cm) (bottom graph) at Macumba River at Eringa for the period between December 2011 to March 2012. Conductivity data from this site should be treated with caution due to dissimilar in situ and data logger measurements.

3.1.6 Neales River CatchmentA total of five Neales River sites were sampled during this round (two in spring 2011 and four in autumn 2012). No flow was observed at any Neales River site during this sampling period.

A telemetered gauging station has been recently constructed at Algebuckina Waterhole. This station has been logging water height, temperature and salinity since September 2011. It is anticipated that this data will become available for future reporting rounds.

A CTD-Diver datalogger has been deployed at Warrarawoona Waterhole since May 2011. River height dataloggers are installed at Stewarts and Algebuckina Waterholes and Peake Crossing by Justin Costello (University of Melbourne) but have not been downloaded at the time of this report. These data may be available for future reports. To date no bathymetric surveys have been carried out in the Neales River.


Neales R @ Warrarawoona waterhole

water level (cm)


EC (mS/cm)

20

40

60

80

100

120

12

16

20

24

28

32

1.7

2.1

2.5

2.9

3.3

3.7


Figure 32. Water level (cm) (top graph), water temperature (°C) (middle graph) and electrical conductivity (mS/cm) (bottom graph) at Neales River at Warrarawoona waterhole for the period between May 2011 to November 2011. Conductivity data from this site should be treated with caution due to dissimilar in situ and data logger measurements.


3.2 Water Quality

In situ water quality measurements were collected at all sites during the 2011/12 period (Table 3). Water quality varied between sites; however values were generally consistent for the sample period and hydrological conditions (e.g. Cockayne et al 2012, Sheldon & Fellows, 2010, McNeil et al 2008, McNeil and Schmarr 2009).

Sites in the lowest reaches of the Neales , Macumba and Cooper catchments had much higher salinities than other rivers, with the exception of the Finke River (Table 3). A prolonged period of no flow caused the salinity in Cuttapirra Waterhole on the lower Cooper to increase (Table 3). Turbidity in the Diamantina River in South Australia was elevated and salinities decreased due to ongoing flood conditions (Table 3).

Thomson River at Longreach (003202a) is the only gauging station in the LEB which collects water quality data (Figure 33). Conductivity during the 2011/12 period was generally low and did not exceed 0.250 mS/cm. Conductivity appears to be strongly influenced by flow with a steady increase during the low/no flow periods, followed by a sharp lowering of conductivity when flows resumed. Water temperature follows a strongly seasonal pattern, with higher temperatures recorded over the summer periods.

Water conductivity from the 17 installed data loggers also showed a general pattern of increasing conductivity throughout the low/no flow periods, followed by sharp lowering during flow events. At some sites there is a distinct initial rise in salinity when the first flood water arrives. However data from nine of the 17 loggers appears suspect, with dissimilar in situ and data logger measurements collected at the same time (Figure 34; suspect data includes Figure 7, Figure 11, Figure 12, Figure 20, Figure 21, Figure 23, Figure 31 and Figure 32). Field records indicate that silt covering the loggers were the most probable cause for these erroneous results. Future fieldwork will ensure modifications are made to each data logger’s installation to reduce the likelihood of silt ingress. Of the remaining sites:

Georgina R at 8 Mile (Figure 8), Towerhill Ck at Lammermoor (Figure 18) and Cooper Ck at Lake Hope (Figure 22) – these sites followed the general pattern of increasing conductivity throughout the low/no flow periods, followed by sharp lowering during flow events

Ooratippra Ck at Ooratippra waterhole (Figure 5) and Finke R at Snake Hole (Figure 29) - high EC readings during the initial stages of the flow event followed a rapid recession, indicated flushing downstream of salt in water from residual pools upstream followed by run-off from the surrounding landscape. Discharged groundwater at springs is the likely source of these salts. Concentrations increase in residual pools between flows. More diffuse groundwater


Summary

Water quality were within the expected ranges, considering the time of year and flow conditions

Some sites experienced naturally saline water quality

Unprecedented time series data were collected for some rivers

discharge from unconfined watertables into the river bed and pools may also be a source of salts.

At some sites, distinct changes in conductivity were recorded down the profile. At Two Mile Waterhole there was a very strong contrast indicating saline groundwater discharging at depth into the waterhole, while fresh water was still flowing down the channel, and was staying near the surface in the pool with limited mixing. The sampling occurred only a few weeks after a flow event that is expected to have completely mixed and flushed out the residual water pool that persisted upto the rain and flow event. Further analysis of water chemistry profiles is warranted at various sites for the mid-term review.

Macumba R at Eringa (Figure 31) – Two flows entered this waterhole during the measurement period with the February flow being significantly higher EC indicating the two flows may have emanated from a separate sub-catchments.

Burke R at Barracks waterhole (Figure 10)- A peak in EC readings during the February 2012 event suggests that these flows may have come from a sub-catchment with high EC.

Vergemont Ck at Noonbah (Figure 19)- EC steady increased over time, despite receiving a number of flow events throughout the season.


Table 3. Summary of in situ water quality data collected during the fish sampling of spring 2011 and autumn 2012. Sites marked with * indicate meter malfunction.

Catchment Site Name Date_Sampled Time Depth (cm)

Temp (°C)

Conductivity (mS/cm) pH Turbidity

(NTU)DO

(mg/L)Cooper Ag College waterhole 6/05/2012 08:15 0.25 17.5 0.129 7.4 72 *Cooper Lammermoor 2/06/2012 08:15 0.30 17.8 0.133 7.6 90 *Cooper Cullyamurra Waterhole 20/11/2011 10:05 0.04 25.21 0.404 9.36 11.3 6.35Cooper Cullyamurra Waterhole 17/04/2012 13:13 0.06 21.78 0.161 7.72 43.7 6.63Cooper Cuttapirra Waterhole 10/11/2011 10:31 0.01 24.54 0.958 9.85 22.5 10.01Cooper Cuttapirra Waterhole 3/05/2012 16:07 0.01 19.52 7.258 9.74 34.7 12.64Cooper Lake Hope 13/11/2011 09:30 0.01 25.82 1.839 9.92 4 11.03Cooper Lake Hope 30/04/2012 08:52 0.01 18.02 2.223 9.78 11.7 9.94Cooper Darr 17/05/2012 08:00 0.30 17.3 0.145 7.6 126 *Cooper Durham Downs 14/05/2012 08:02 0.30 13.9 0.214 7.4 166 *Cooper Killman Waterhole 18/05/2012 10:50 0.40 18.2 0.13 7.8 146 *Cooper Nooccundra 15/05/2012 07:55 0.30 13.4 0.114 7.8 340 *Cooper Noonbah 28/05/2012 08:30 0.30 13.8 0.57 7.6 130 *Cooper One Mile 22/05/2012 10:50 0.40 17.3 0.231 8 354 *Cooper Retreat 21/05/2012 10:50 1.00 16.7 0.148 7.2 228 *Cooper Stonehenge 27/05/2012 08:30 0.30 14 0.144 7.7 138 *Cooper Windorah Bridge 23/05/2012 08:30 1.20 19 0.128 7.7 193 *Diamantina Conn Hole 30/05/2012 08:30 0.40 16 0.143 7.5 290 *Diamantina Oondooroo 31/05/2012 08:25 0.30 17.1 0.206 8.4 126 *Diamantina Winton Jundah Rd 29/05/2012 08:40 0.20 13.4 0.48 7.6 46 *Diamantina Pandi Pandi Waterhole 21/05/2012 09:31 0.03 15.5 0.167 8.09 863.3 8.69Diamantina Stony Crossing 18/05/2012 10:02 0.04 14.79 0.162 8.09 474.3 8.39

Diamantina Wadlakaninna Waterhole 19/05/2012 11:19 0.01 13.01 0.255 7.90 1322.4 7.58

Diamantina Brumby waterhole 12/05/2012 08:00 0.40 18.6 0.13 7.7 550 *Diamantina Davenport Downs 4/05/2012 07:00 0.20 19.2 0.078 7 581 *Finke 2 Mile Waterhole 21/03/2012 11:45 0.05 23.09 10.82 7.12 10.7 0.41Finke Ellery Waterhole 20/03/2012 12:21 0.10 19.38 0.734 6.50 14.9 0.19


Finke Glen Helen Gorge 23/03/2012 16:12 0.13 21.54 3.052 7.68 21.2 2.94Finke Main Camp Waterhole 28/03/2012 12:20 0.11 21.69 0.883 8.04 164.2 1.7Finke Ormiston Gorge 22/03/2012 13:15 0.12 21.08 0.273 7.13 7.1 0.2Finke Owen Springs 19/03/2012 11:51 0.03 23.87 0.5 7.52 23.5 1.13Finke Palmer 26/03/2012 13:48 0.01 21.24 0.33 8.63 108.6 7.51Finke Palmer 26/03/2012 13:57 0.01 20.49 0.28 8.54 77.9 7.69Finke Pioneer Creek 24/03/2012 11:13 0.01 22.62 11.07 8.23 2.5 8.09Finke Running Waters 26/03/2012 16:21 0.03 22.22 1.291 8.13 19.2 8.7Finke Snake Hole 30/11/2011 12:42 0.04 22.81 6.718 9.15 10.6 0.96Finke Snake Hole 27/03/2012 17:56 0.04 22.39 1.43 8.36 22.1 5.55Georgina Barracks Waterhole 3/05/2012 07:50 0.40 20.4 0.139 7.4 68 *Georgina Bedourie Fnarh 10/05/2012 08:00 1.50 18.3 0.216 7.4 344 *Georgina Big Rankin Waterhole 27/04/2012 07:15 0.40 19.5 0.067 6.7 445 *Georgina Camooweal 26/04/2012 08:00 0.30 18.3 0.095 6.6 3 *Georgina Glengyle 11/05/2012 08:00 1.00 18.4 0.16 7.3 447 *Georgina Lake Nash 28/04/2012 07:45 0.40 18.5 0.083 7.4 531 *Hay Cockatoo Waterhole 2/05/2012 07:00 0.40 19.4 0.086 7.3 269 *Macumba Andaranna Waterhole 16/05/2012 08:59 0.01 13.79 1.349 8.09 7.5 7.88Macumba Eringa Waterhole 1/12/2011 14:33 0.04 19.24 0.083 9.21 26.1 1.82Macumba Eringa Waterhole 30/03/2012 13:08 0.04 21.79 0.075 6.91 38.1 0.74Macumba Ethawarra Waterhole 31/03/2012 16:37 0.02 23.07 0.113 7.15 32.9 1.12Neales Algebuckina Waterhole 27/11/2011 15:35 0.02 25.89 20.96 8.91 6.1 11.47Neales Algebuckina Waterhole 11/05/2012 10:05 0.02 18.05 3.136 8.11 71.2 5.92Neales Hookeys Waterhole 1/04/2012 17:02 0.03 21.93 0.165 6.97 41.7 0.84Neales Peake Crossing 13/05/2012 15:20 0.01 18.62 44.97 9.20 10.2 8.98Neales Stewarts Waterhole 15/05/2012 09:49 0.02 14.93 0.579 7.97 35.8 4.96

Neales Warrarawoona Waterhole 3/11/2011 16:38 0.03 24.93 4.3 9.90 14.7 13.71

Sandover Ooratippra waterhole 30/04/2012 07:18 0.30 18.4 0.314 7.8 24 *




Interval 1 Day Plot End 00:00_01/01/2013003202A Thomson R_Longreach 141.00 Maximum Discharge (ML/day)

003202A Thomson R_Longreach 2010.00 Maximum E Conduct. (us/cm)

003202A Thomson R_Longreach 2080.00 Maximum Water Temp (Deg. C)

0

50000

100000

150000

200000

250000

300000

50

90

130

170

210

250

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

2009 2010 2011 2012

Figure 33. River flow (ML/day) (top graph), electrical conductivity (µS/cm) (middle graph) and water temperature (°C) (bottom graph) collected at Thomson River at Longreach (003202a) for the period from 2009 to 2012.

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 80

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

in situ

data

logg

er

Figure 34. Comparison of data logger and in situ electrical conductivity readings from 17 sites. Data periods of collection were within 2 hours of each other. Circled sites are those where both readings were considerably different.


3.3 Fish

3.3.1 Fish richness, abundance and size-classesA total of 24 fish species were collected from a total of 46 sites during 63 sampling occasions (Appendix B). The most commonly encountered fish were bony herring, which were collected at 46


Summary

A total of 55,544 fish were processed this round from 21 native and three exotic fish species

Bony herring was the most common and abundant species (53 sites, n=14,212)

Site richness varied from 3 to 13 species per site

The highest recorded abundance of fish was approximately 4800 (Cuttapirra 2012), the lowest was 14 fish Wadlakaninna and Retreat.

Population booms recorded in the previous round were no longer apparent.

Two new (reach specific) species distributions were recorded, both for the Warburton River (Diamantina catchment).

Four new species were recorded for the Palmer River at an opportunist sampling site.

Finke Mogurnda were caught in moderate numbers in fyke nets for the first time in autumn 2012 (compared to preceding autumn and spring samples).

Finke Hardyhead continued to be cryptic (2 individuals caught in autumn) although more were caught in opportunistic winter sampling in a saline spring-fed pool.

Finke Goby continued to be recorded mainly by active search with none caught in fyke nets at sites where visual survey indicated an apparent abundance.

Golden Goby were highly abundant at a shallow contingency site with well-established macrophytes

The first systematic sample of fish in the Hugh River and at various refugia in other parts of the Finke catchment.

Most of the abundant fish had a wide range of size-classes

Disease was observed in nine species of fish.

Disease was predominantly seen in the Georgina (58%) and Neales Rivers (20%)

Three exotic fish species were collected; sleepy cod, eastern gambusia and goldfish.

Exotic species were generally observed in low abundance

sites, on 63 sampling occasions; followed by spangled perch (43 sites, 52 occasions), desert rainbowfish (39 sites, 52 occasions) and Hyrtl’s tandan (34 sites, 46 occasions) (Appendix B). The lowest site richness was three species, recorded at Eringa and Ethawarra Waterholes on the Macumba River; whilst 13 species were the highest site richness recorded at AG College Waterhole on the Thompson River (Appendix B).

Two new fish records were identified during the current sampling round compared to records from the autumn 2011 sampling and prior to the current LEBRA program (per ARIDFLO 2007, Wager and Unmack 2000 and Duguid et al. 2005). These were the barred grunter (A. percoides) and the desert goby (C. eremius) which were identified for the first time in the Warburton Creek. Both species have been previously recorded in the upstream Diamantina River but have not been observed this far downstream.

The most abundant fishes across all sites were bony herring, Hyrtl’s tandan, desert rainbow fish and desert glass fish, making up 69% of the total fish abundance. Species with the highest site specific abundance were Lake Eyre hardyhead, bony herring, Hyrtl’s tandan and desert rainbowfish had the greatest relative abundance. The population structure of the three most abundant fish species (bony herring, desert rainbowfish and Hyrtl’s tandan) showed a relatively wide range of size classes, which possibly suggests recruitment conditions have been favourable for a period of time (i.e. >2 years); however peaks in fish size-classes varied between catchments (Figure 35 and Figure 36).

The desert rainbowfish were generally larger in the Neales catchment (Figure 35), with the size-class peaking at between 60-70mm TL, whereas desert rainbowfish in the Macumba catchment were most abundant between size-classes 20-40mm. The eastern drainages (i.e. Diamantina, Georgina and Cooper) showed less variable patterns, with smaller fish collected in the Diamantina (size-class peak between 30-40mm) and larger fish collected in the Cooper and Georgina (size-class peak between 40-50mm) (Figure 35). Silver tandans were only reported for the Cooper, Diamantina, Georgina and Macumba catchments. A wide range of size-classes possibly indicates favourable recruitment over a number of years; however only one fish was recorded in the Macumba, a significant reduction in numbers from the previous sampling seasons. Size classes were generally similar in the Diamantina and Georgina catchments, with most fish measuring between 100-150mm. In contrast, a previously unobserved cohort of fish between 70-90mm was recorded within the Cooper catchment (Figure 36). This was also shown in Hyrtl’s tandans within the Cooper and Diamantina catchments, where fish were the majority of fish were between 60-100mm, whilst size patterns in the Finke and Georgina catchments remained similar to previous sampling occasions with most size classes between 110-150mm (Figure 37).


0-9 10-19 20-29 30-39 40-49 50-59 60-69 70-79 80-89 90-99 >1000

10

20

30

40

50

60Cooper (n=927)Diamantina (n=225)Finke (n=748)Georgina (n=145)Macumba (n=161)Neales (n=326)

Total Length (mm)

Rela

tive

Abun

danc

e (%

)

Figure 35. Length frequency distribution of desert rainbowfish (Melanotaenia splendida tatei) populations in the Cooper, Diamantina, Georgina, Neales, Macumba and Finke catchments for the post 2011/12 wet season sampling.

0-910-19

20-2930-39

40-4950-59

60-6970-79

80-8990-99

100-109

110-119

120-129

130-139

140-149

150-159

160-169

170-179>1

800

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40Cooper (n=952)Diamantina (n=357)Georgina (n=186)Macumba (n=1)

Total Length (mm)

rela

tive

abun

danc

e (%

)

Figure 36. Length frequency distribution of silver tandan (Porochilus argenteus) for Cooper, Diamantina, Georgina and Macumba catchments for the post 2011/12 wet season sampling.


0-910-19

20-2930-39

40-4950-59

60-6970-79

80-8990-99

100-109

110-119

120-129

130-139

140-149

150-159

160-169

170-179

180-189

190-199

200-209

210-219

220-229

230-239

240-249>2

500

5

10

15

20

25

30Cooper (n=1023)

Diamantina (n=177)

Finke (n=780)

Georgina (n=1083)

total length (mm)

rela

tive

abun

danc

e (%

)

Figure 37. Length frequency distribution of Hyrtl’s tandan (Neosilurus hyrtlii) populations in the Cooper, Diamantina, Georgina, Macumba and Finke catchments for the post 2011/12 wet season sampling.

Of the larger bodied species, Lake Eyre golden perch, Welch’s and Barcoo grunters had sufficient abundances to allow a length frequency assessment. The population structure of the Lake Eyre golden perch was moderately variable between catchments (Figure 38). The Diamantina and (to a lesser extent) Cooper catchments had a large proportion of fish in the 40-100mm size-class, whilst in the Georgina the highest proportion of fish was found in the 20-30mm size class. The Diamantina had relatively low numbers of larger sized fish; however the Georgina and Cooper catchments both had a second peak in abundance around the 330-400mm size class. Conversely Barcoo grunter population size-classes also showed similar patterns between the Cooper and Diamantina catchments, both with peak size classes between 80-100mm, with similar numbers of fish caught throughout all three catchments (Figure 39). Barcoo grunter in the Georgina catchment were generally larger (i.e. >100mm), with very few fish caught below 100mm. Size classes of Welch’s grunter in the Diamantina and Georgina catchments were relatively similar, with sizes peaking around 100-120mm; whilst fish in the Cooper were generally larger in size (210-300mm). Only one Welch’s grunter was captured in the Macumba, this was a very large fish measuring over 400mm in length.


0-920-29

40-4960-69

80-89

100-109

120-129

140-149

160-169

180-189

200-209

220-229

240-249

260-269

280-289

300-309

320-329

340-349

360-369

380-389

400-409

420-429

440-4490

2

4

6

8

10

12

14

16

18

Cooper (n=319)

Diamantina (n=657)

Georgina (n=110)

total length (mm)

rela

tive

abun

danc

e (%

)

Figure 38. Length frequency distribution of Lake Eyre golden perch (Macquaria sp. B) populations in the Cooper, Diamantina and Georgina catchments for the post 2011/12 wet season sampling.

0-910-19

20-2930-39

40-4950-59

60-6970-79

80-8990-99

100-109

110-119

120-129

130-139

140-149

150-159

160-169

170-179

180-189

190-199

200-209

210-219

220-229

230-239

240-249>2

500

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

Cooper (n=40)

Diamantina (n=45)

Georgina (n=53)

total length (mm)

rela

tive

abun

danc

e (%

)

Figure 39. Length frequency distribution of Barcoo grunter (Scortum barcoo) populations in the Cooper, Diamantina and Georgina catchments for the post 2011/12 wet season sampling.


0-920-29

40-4960-69

80-89

100-109

120-129

140-149

160-169

180-189

200-209

220-229

240-249

260-269

280-289

300-309

320-329

340-349

360-369

380-389>4

000

5

10

15

20

25

30Cooper (n=173)

Diamantina (n=114)

Georgina (n=14)

Macumba (n=1)

total length (mm)

rela

tive

abun

danc

e (%

)

Figure 40. Length frequency distribution of Welch’s grunter (Bidyanus welchi) populations in the Cooper, Diamantina, Georgina and Macumba catchments for the post 2011/12 wet season sampling.

3.3.2 Exotic SpeciesThree exotic fish species were collected during this reporting round, sleepy cod, eastern gambusia and goldfish. Sleepy cod were identified in the Queensland reach of the Cooper catchment in low numbers (29 in total). In the Cooper three sites contained sleepy cod with the highest densities observed at Stonehenge (n=18).

Eastern gambusia were collected at six sites in the Cooper catchment and two sites in the Neales catchment. Gambusia numbers were comparatively lower this round than in the previous sampling round. Only two sites collected over 100 gambusia, both in the Cooper Creek (Durham Downs and Cuttapirra Waterhole).

Goldfish were identified at 15 sites, all in the Cooper Creek catchment, and were in relatively low abundances (58 fish caught in total).

The population structures of both goldfish and eastern gambusia suggest a continuous recruitment pattern, with a broad size range in the fish collected (Figure 41). Goldfish population structures also showed some recruitment activity, with a wide range of size classes encountered.


0-4 5-9 10-14 15-19 20-24 25-29 30-34 35-39 40-44 45-49 50-54 55-59 60-640

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

90

100

Cooper (n=273)

Diamantina (n=1)

Neales (n=112)

total length (mm)

rela

tive

abun

danc

e (%

)

0-910-19

20-2930-39

40-4950-59

60-6970-79

80-8990-99

100-109

110-119

120-129

130-139

140-149

150-159

160-169

170-179

180-189

190-199>2

000

5

10

15

20

25

Cooper (n=38)

total length (mm)

rela

tive

abun

danc

e (%

)

Figure 41. Length frequency distribution graph of the exotic fish, eastern gambusia (Gambusia holbrooki) (top graph) and goldfish (Carassius auratus) (bottom graph) populations for the post-2010/11 wet season sampling.

Redclaw crayfish (Cherax quadricarinatus), which do not occur naturally within the LEB, were also collected and/or observed in the upper to mid reaches of the Georgina, Diamantina and Cooper catchments. In the Georgina catchment, redclaw were collected at sites as far south as Boulia, whilst in the Diamantina catchment, redclaw were found as far south as the Diamantina Gates National Park (B. Cockayne pers. obs). Redclaw movement in the Cooper catchment has extended to as far south as Stonehenge (Angus Emmott pers com.). Future monitoring will track the movement of redclaw crayfish, and translocated other introduced fish species, throughout the LEB.

3.3.3 Fish DiseaseCollections of diseased fish were less prevalent during the 2011/12 monitoring round compared to the previous reporting round. Disease was observed in nine species of fish (Figure 42) and accounted for


only 1.2% of the total catch in species where disease was observed. The Georgina catchment had the highest proportion of diseased fish (Figure 43).

Golden perch, desert glassfish and spangled perch had the highest rates of disease observed. Spangled perch had the most spatially diverse disease patterns with diseased fish recorded in every catchment. Rainbowfish had the lowest prevalence of disease with >1% of rainbowfish captured observed with disease and only ever in the Neales catchment (Figure 42).

Amn per Hyp sp Lei uni Mac amb Mel spl Nem ere Neo hyr Por arg Sco bar0

2

4

6

8

10

12

14

16

18

Cooper Diamantina Finke Georgina Macumba Neales

Diseased fish species (abrv)

Prop

ortio

n of

catc

h (%

)

Figure 42. Proportion of diseased catch for each of the nine fish species in which disease was observed. The Georgina and Neales Rivers had generally higher levels of disease than the other rivers in the Basin.

6%

11%

2%

58%

4%

20%

Cooper (n=9)Diamantina (n=16)Finke (n=3)Georgina (n=87)Macumba (n=6)Neales (n=30)

Figure 43. Proportion of total diseased fish by catchment.


4 ConclusionThe second round of LEBRA sampling has been an important step towards the implementation of a monitoring program to improve our understanding of the ecosystems of the LEB. This document constitutes the second data report for the project. Further analyses and testing of hypotheses and ToPCs will be included in the 2014 (mid-term assessment) and 2018 (10 year assessment) reports.


5 ReferencesAllen, G.R., Midgley, S.H. and Allen, M. (2002). Field Guide to the Freshwater Fishes of Australia. CSIRO Publishing, Collingwood.

Brim Box, J., Duguid, A. Read, R. Kimber, R.G., Knapton, A., Davis, J. and Bowland, A.E., 2008, Central Australian waterbodies: the importance of permanence in a desert landscape. Journal of Arid Environments 72, pp. 1395-1413.

Department of Natural Resources and Mines (DNRM) (2011) Queensland Water monitoring Database (Hydstra). Date accessed November 2011.

Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities (SEWPaC) (2011). Lake Eyre Basin Rivers Assessment Project Plan (Tier 3), Canberra, ACT.

Duguid, A., Barnetson, J., Clifford, B., Pavey, C., Albrecht, D., Risler, J. and McNellie, M. (2005) Wetlands in the arid Northern Territory. A report to the Australian Government Department of the Environment and Heritage on the inventory and significance of wetlands in the arid NT. Northern Territory Government Department of Natural Resources, Environment and the Arts. Alice Springs.(http://www.nt.gov.au/nreta/wildlife/nature/aridwetlands.html)

Kingsford, R.T. and Biggs, H.C. (2012). Strategic adaptive management guidelines for effective conservation of freshwater ecosystems in and around protected areas of the world. IUCN WCPA Freshwater Taskforce, Australian Wetlands and Rivers Centre, Sydney.

Kiri-ganai Research (2009). Lake Eyre Basin Rivers Assessment Implementation Plan and business governance model: <http://www.lebmf.gov.au/publications/pubs/lebra-implementation-plan-2010-18.pdf>

McNeil, D. and Cockayne, B. J. (2011). Proposed Guidelines for Fish Monitoring Lake Eyre Basin Rivers Assessment (LEBRA).

McNeil, D.G., Reid, D.J., Schmarr, D.W. and Westergaard, S. (2008) Preliminary Fish Surveys for the Lake Eyre Basin Rivers Assessment: Testing the Fish Trajectory Model in South Australia, SARDI Aquatic Sciences Publication No. F2008/000844-1, South Australian Research and Development Institute (Aquatic Sciences), Adelaide, 89pp.

McNeil, D.G. and Schmarr, D.W. (2009) Recovery of Lake Eyre Basin Fishes Following Drought: 2008/2009 Fish Monitoring Report. SARDI Publication No. F2009/000407-1. South Australian Research and Development Institute (Aquatic Sciences), Adelaide, 61pp.

Price, R., Thoms, R., Capon, S. and Watkins, D., 2009, Lake Eyre Basin Rivers Assessment Implementation Plan Project. Final Report - December 2009, Kiri-ganai research, Canberra.

Robson, B.J., Chester, E.T., Mitchell B.D., Matthews T.G. (2008). Identification and management of refuges for aquatic organisms: Waterlines report.' National Water Commission, Canberra.

Sheldon, F. & Fellows, C. S. (2010). Water quality in two Australian dryland rivers: spatial and temporal variability and the role of flow. Marine and Freshwater Research 61: 864–874.

Sheldon F, McKenzie-Smith F, Brunner P, Hoggett A, Shephard J, Bunn S, McTainsh G,Bailey V & Phelps D (2005) Methodology for Assessing the Health of Lake EyreBasin Rivers, Final Report to Land & Water Australia, Griffith University.


Thoms, M., Capon, S., Price, R. & Watkins, D. (2009). Lake Eyre Basin Rivers Assessment Implementation Plan Project- Milestone 2 Report: Proposed LEB Rivers Assessment Methodology. Kir-ganai Research.

Wager, R.N. & Unmack, P.J. (2000).Fishes of the Lake Eyre Catchment of Central Australia. Brisbane: Department of Primary Industries and Queensland Fisheries Service.


6 AppendicesAppendix A. Distribution of riverine fish fauna in the study area (updated from Unmack and Wager, 2000). ● known distribution; * exotic/introduced native fish; ^ endemic to the LEB

CatchmentFamily Genus Species Common name Cooper Diamantina Finke Georgina Macumba Neales Ambassidae Ambassis mulleri Desert Glassfish^ ● ● ● ● ● -Atherinidae Craterocephalus centralis Finke River Hardyhead^ - - ● - - -

Craterocephalus eyresii Lake Eyre Hardyhead^ ● ● - ● ● ●Clupeidae Nematalosa erebi Bony Bream ● ● ● ● ● ●Cyprinidae Carassius auratus Goldfish* ● - - - - -Eleotridae Hypseleotris spp. (3 species) Carp Gudgeon ● - - - - -

Mogurnda clivicola Flinders Ranges Mogurnda^ ● - - - - -Mogurnda larapintae Finke Mogurnda^ - - ● - - -Mogurnda sp. Frew Mogurnda^ - - - ● - -Oxyeleotris lineolatus Sleepy Cod* ● - - - - -

Gobiidae Chlamydogobius eremius Desert Goby^ - ● - - - ●Chlamydogobius japalpa Finke Goby^ - - ● - - -Glossogobius aureus Golden Goby^ - ● - ● - -

Melanotaeniidae Melanotaenia splendida tatei Desert Rainbow Fish^ ● ● ● ● ● ●Percichthyidae Macquaria ambigua Murray-Darling golden

perch* - - - ● - -

Macquaria sp. B Lake Eyre golden perch^ ● ● - ● ● ●Maccullochella peelii peelii Murray cod* ● - - - - -

Plotosidae Neosiluroides cooperensis Cooper Catfish^ ● - - - - -Neosilurus hyrtlii Hyrtl's Catfish ● ● ● ● ● ●Porochilus argenteus Silver Tandan ● ● - ● ● ●

Poeciliidae Gambusia holbrooki# Eastern Gambusia* ● ● - ● - ●Retropinnidae Retropinna semoni Australian Smelt ● - - - - -Terapontidae Amniataba percoides Barred Grunter - ● ● ● ● ●

Bidyanus bidyanus Silver Perch* - - - ● - -Bidyanus welchi Welch's Grunter^ ● ● - ● ● ●Leiopotherapon unicolour Spangled Perch ● ● ● ● ● ●Scortum barcoo Barcoo Grunter ● ● - ● - -


Appendix B. Raw abundance of fish species collected during the 2011 post wet season sampling.

Date Catchment Site A. m

ulle

ri

A. p

erco

ides

B. b

idya

nus

B. w

elch

i

C . a

urat

us

C. e

rem

ius

C. ja

palp

a

C. ce

ntra

lis

C. e

yres

ii

G. h

olbr

ooki

G. a

ureu

s

H. k

lunz

inge

ri

Hyps

eleo

tris

spp.

L. u

nico

lor

M. a

mbi

gua

and

sp. B

M. s

plen

dida

tate

i

M. l

arap

inta

e

N. e

rebi

N. c

oope

rens

is

N. h

yrtli

i

O. l

ineo

lata

P. a

rgen

teus

R. se

mon

i

S. b

arco

o

Grand Total

Species Richness

6/05/2012 Cooper AG College Rep 1 199 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 59 8 8 394 0 70 0 10 1 16 5 0 770 107/05/2012 AG College Rep 2 114 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 11 0 15 3 3 15 157 0 384 0 4 2 43 5 0 758 138/05/2012 AG College Rep 3 27 0 0 3 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 18 0 2 23 69 0 60 0 8 2 10 0 0 225 11

AG College Avg. 113 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 5 0 11 21 4 15 207 0 171 0 7 2 23 3 0 584 1313/04/2012 Cullyamurra Rep 1 120 0 0 44 6 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 62 0 76 2 0 21 0 13 0 0 0 0 345 915/04/2012 Cullyamurra Rep 2 627 0 0 40 3 0 0 0 0 22 0 0 55 6 67 25 0 112 0 43 0 0 0 0 1000 1016/04/2012 Cullyamurra Rep 3 532 0 0 15 8 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 54 0 18 35 0 135 0 7 0 0 0 0 804 817/04/2012 Cullyamurra Rep 4 218 0 0 16 5 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 95 10 38 2 0 58 0 15 0 0 0 0 457 918/04/2012 Cullyamurra Rep 5 381 0 0 27 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 73 0 36 0 0 150 0 7 0 0 0 0 676 7 Cullyamurra Avg. 376 0 0 28 5 0 0 0 0 5 0 0 68 3 47 13 0 95 0 17 0 0 0 0 656 1020/11/2011 Cullyamurra WH 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 42 0 0 27 0 0 0 0 138 0 7 0 0 0 0 215 510/11/2011 Cuttapirra WH 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 189 6 0 0 14 3 1 20 0 361 0 0 0 0 0 1 595 8

3/05/2012 Cuttapirra WH 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2875 313 0 0 750 1 0 5 0 930 0 0 0 0 0 0 4874 617/05/2012 Darr WH 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 4 2 10 0 0 45 0 11 4 0 12 0 89 814/05/2012 Durham Downs 678 0 0 12 2 0 0 0 0 173 0 0 25 278 25 202 0 40 0 371 0 49 0 0 1855 1118/05/2012 Killman Rep 1 32 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 5 6 6 129 0 28 0 35 0 1 0 0 242 819/05/2012 Killman Rep 2 3 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 72 0 2 0 0 10 0 34 0 2 0 0 124 720/05/2012 Killman Rep3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 11 1 2 0 0 5 0 45 0 0 0 0 64 5

Killman Avg. 12 0 0 0.3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 29 2 3 43 0 14 0 38 0 1 0 0 143 6.713/11/2011 Lake Hope Rep 1 0 0 0 4 4 0 0 0 0 16 0 0 26 1 1 51 0 71 0 0 0 0 0 0 174 830/04/2012 Lake Hope Rep 2 1 0 0 4 0 0 0 0 3 22 0 0 186 0 0 1 0 1051 0 1 0 0 0 0 1269 8

1/05/2012 Lake Hope Rep 3 26 0 0 4 0 0 0 0 5 25 0 0 57 0 2 20 0 2874 0 2 0 0 0 0 3015 9Lake Hope Avg. 9 0 0 4 1 0 0 0 3 21 0 0 90 .3 1 24 0 1332 0 1 0 0 0 0 1486 8

2/06/2012 Lammermoor 26 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 12 8 0 110 0 33 0 96 0 3 0 0 288 715/05/2012 Nooccundra 89 0 0 0 6 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 190 0 15 0 11 0 296 0 1171 1 0 1779 828/05/2012 Noonbah 6 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 6 0 0 7 0 16 0 23 0 1 61 722/05/2012 One Mile 43 0 0 1 10 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 77 4 17 0 37 0 9 0 238 0 0 436 921/05/2012 Retreat 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 2 0 8 0 0 0 2 14 427/05/2012 Stonehenge 1 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 16 98 0 0 245 6 77 18 78 0 90 631 1123/05/2012 Windorah 7 0 0 4 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 24 27 6 0 76 0 100 0 52 1 2 301 1124/05/2012 Windorah 7 0 0 1 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 15 36 3 0 187 0 102 0 73 0 4 432 1012/05/2012 Diamantina Brumby WH 1 0 0 61 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 18 201 11 0 215 0 26 0 74 0 1 608 930/05/2012 Conn WH 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 18 7 0 15 0 4 0 10 0 0 54 5

4/05/2012 Davenport Downs 2 0 0 9 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 57 295 26 0 477 0 65 0 267 0 17 1215 9

31/05/2012 Oondooroo 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 28 59 3 0 378 0 0 0 1 0 0 469 5

21/05/2012 Pandi Pandi 2 0 0 43 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 77 1641 3 0 114 0 71 0 89 0 27 2067 9

18/05/2012 Diamantina Stony Crossing 0 13 0 0 0 15 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 4 299 4 0 396 0 0 0 1 0 0 733 819/05/2012 Wadlarkaninna 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 6 0 0 2 0 0 0 2 0 0 14 529/05/2012 Winton Jundah Rd 11 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 1 171 0 5 0 11 0 0 0 0 202 6


Date Catchment Site A. m

ulle

ri

A. p

erco

ides

B. b

idya

nus

B. w

elch

i

C . a

urat

us

C. e

rem

ius

C. ja

palp

a

C. ce

ntra

lis

C. e

yres

ii

G. h

olbr

ooki

G. a

ureu

s

H. k

lunz

inge

ri

Hyps

eleo

tris

spp.

L. u

nico

lor

M. a

mbi

gua

and

sp. B

M. s

plen

dida

tate

i

M. l

arap

inta

e

N. e

rebi

N. c

oope

rens

is

N. h

yrtli

i

O. l

ineo

lata

P. a

rgen

teus

R. se

mon

i

S. b

arco

o

Grand Total

Species Richness

20/03/2012 Finke Ellery WH 0 9 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 381 0 755 80 1 0 247 0 0 0 0 1473 623/03/2012 Glen Helen Gorge 4 193 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 280 0 292 0 62 0 0 0 0 834 721/03/2012 Lower 2 Mile 31 351 0 0 0 0 0 5 0 0 0 0 0 13 0 182 1 165 0 230 0 0 0 0 978 828/03/2012 Main Camp WH 15 78 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 69 0 10 1 234 0 172 0 0 0 0 580 8

22/03/2012 Ormiston Gorge 0 336 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 130 0 234 1 113 0175

4 0 0 0 0 2568 619/03/2012 Owen Springs 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 129 0 449 0 46 0 436 0 0 0 0 1061 526/03/2012 Palmer 1 & 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 82 0 1 0 43 0 1 0 0 0 0 127 424/03/2012 Pioneer Creek 0 0 0 0 0 0 20 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 490 0 8 0 0 0 0 0 0 519 4

26/03/2012 Running Water 224 425 0 0 0 0 20 0 0 0 0 0 0 82 0 74 14 213 0220

1 0 0 0 0 3253 830/11/2011 Snake Hole 184 94 0 0 0 0 0 16 0 0 0 0 0 60 0 235 3 338 0 128 0 0 0 0 1058 827/03/2012 Snake Hole 94 134 0 0 0 0 101 1 0 0 0 0 0 57 0 102 8 102 0 886 0 0 0 0 1485 9

3/05/2012 Georgina Barracks WH 9 12 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 5 15 30 0 343 0 219 0 77 0 2 713 1010/05/2012 Bedourie Fnarh 4 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 10 25 0 0 426 0 282 0 15 0 18 788 927/04/2012 Big Rankin WH 26 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 0 55 15 4 0 72 0 151 0 19 0 2 347 926/04/2012 Camooweal 1321 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 158 0 0 156 0 144 0 293 0 205 0 0 0 0 2278 711/05/2012 Glengyle 1 5 0 13 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 9 17 0 0 92 0 346 0 70 0 31 584 928/04/2012 Lake Nash 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 8 38 2 0 195 0 9 0 5 0 0 260 7

16/05/2012Macumba Andaranna

Waterhole 4 2 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 6 63 0 31 0 0 0 1 0 0 111 81/12/2011 Eringa WH 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 19 0 1007 0 381 0 0 0 0 0 0 1407 3

30/03/2012 Eringa WH 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 10 0 330 0 140 0 0 0 0 0 0 480 331/03/2012 Ethawarra WH 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 61 0 210 0 99 0 0 0 0 0 0 370 327/11/2011 Neales Algebuckina West 0 10 0 0 0 8 0 0 17 5 0 0 0 0 0 881 0 174 0 0 0 0 0 0 1095 611/05/2012 Algebuckina West 0 17 0 0 0 70 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 6 5 0 229 0 0 0 0 0 0 329 7

1/04/2012 Hookeys WH 0 9 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 7 0 60 0 115 0 0 0 0 0 0 191 413/05/2012 Peake Crossing 0 23 0 0 0 89 0 0 297 4 0 0 0 26 0 50 0 149 0 0 0 0 0 0 638 715/05/2012 Stewarts WH 0 11 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 4 0 27 0 158 0 0 0 0 0 0 200 4

3/11/2011 Warrarawoona 0 4 0 0 0 2 0 0 1 182 0 0 0 50 0 657 0 633 0 0 0 0 0 0 1529 730/04/2012 Ooratippra Ooratippra WH 1063 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 997 0 117 0 11 0 1 0 0 2192 6

Grand Total 6626 1730 1 337 59 184 143 23 3388 836 162 44 1678228

3 3207 8986 1081421

2 6885

8 33 2414 27 198 55544


Appendix C. Location Details for NT Sites.

Note that the following tables are included for the NT only due to the potential confusion over the status of sites in the NT. For SA and Qld site details are as given in preceding plans and reports.

Table 1. Fixed Sites (sorted alphabetically by catchment and waterhole name; names not starting with capitals are not official place names)

State Waterhole NameSub-catchment

or River Section

Water Course Name

Property Site Abbreviation Short Abbreviation

Lat-itude

Long-itude

Finke Catchment

NT Ellery Creek Big Holeupper Finke – Ellery

Ellery CreekWest MacDonnell National Park

Ellery Creek at Ell.Crk. Big Hole Ell_CkBH -23.7769 133.0736

NTLower Two Mile Waterhole

upper Finke Finke RiverWest MacDonnell National Park

Finke R. at 2 Mile L2Mile -23.6754 132.6706

NTOwen Springs Waterhole

Hugh Hugh RiverOwen Springs Reserve

Hugh R. at Owen Springs Ow_SpW -23.9111 133.436

NT Running Waters upper Finke Finke River Henbury Station Finke R. at Running Waters Run_Wtrs -24.3022 132.9079

NT Snake Hole mid-Finke Finke River Henbury Station Finke R. at Snake Hole Snake_H -24.5594 133.3122

Georgina Catchment (includes Sandover)

NT Big Rankin Waterhole Rankin Rankin RiverAvon Downs Station

Rankin R. at Big Rankin Waterhole Big_Rank -20.3167 137.3064

NT Lake Nash Waterhole Georgina Georgina River Lake Nash StationGeorgina R. at Lake Nash Waterhole

Lk_Nash -20.9675 137.9319


NT Junction Waterholeinitial Sandover floodout / Bundey River

Sandover River

Derry Downs Station (Ammaroo)

Sandover R. at Junction Waterhole Jnctn_Sndvr -21.7483 135.6217

NT Ooratippra Waterhole Ooratippra CreekOoratippra Creek

Arapunyah Station (Ammaroo)

Ooratippra Ck. at Ooratippra Waterhole

Ooratip_W -22.3619 135.6547

Table 2. Supplementary NT Sites Surveyed with Full LEBRA Method

Site Type Catch-ment

Waterhole Name

Sub-catchment or River Section

Water Course Name

Property Site Abbreviation

Short Abbrev-

iation

Lat-itude

Long-itude

Northern Territory

Supplementary (planned repeat sampling)

FinkeGlen Helen Gorge Waterhole


Finke R. at Glen Helen Gorge

Glen_HlnGW -23.6886 132.6764

Supplementary FinkeJay Creek Fish Hole (aka Fish Hole)

Hugh Jay CreekWest MacDonnell National Park

Jay Ck. at Fish Hole Jay_FH -23.6747 133.5431

Supplementary FinkeMain Camp Waterhole

mid-Finke Finke River Idracowra WaterholeFinke R. at Main Camp

Main_Camp -24.9300 133.5581

Supplementary FinkeOrmiston Gorge Waterhole

upper FinkeOrmiston Creek

West MacDonnell National Park

Ormiston Ck. at Ormiston Gorge

Orm_GW -23.6286 132.7272

Supplementary Finke Boggy Hole upper Finke Finke RiverFinke Gorge National Park

Finke R. at Boggy Hole

Boggy -24.1394 132.8680


Table 3. Other Additional NT Sites Surveyed for Fish in Association with LEBRA, Plus Contingency Sites

Site Type Catch-ment

Waterhole Name

Sub-catchment or River Section

Water Course Name

Property Site Abbreviation

Short Abbrev-

iation

Lat-itude

Long-itude

Northern Territory

Opportunistic & planned supplementary

FinkeSalty Snakes Tail Spring Pools

mid-Finke Finke River Henbury StationFinke R. at Salty Snakes Tail Spring

Snake_Spr -24.5760 133.2954

Opportunistic (planned repeat sampling)

Finke

waterholes in Palmer River near Ernest Giles Road crossing

Palmer River Palmer River Henbury StationPalmer R. at Ernest Giles Rd.

Palm_EGR -24.5692 132.7800

Opportunistic FinkePioneer Creek Mound Spring Pool

upper Finke Pioneer CreekWest MacDonnell National Park

Pioneer Ck. at mound spring

PCMSpr -23.6806 132.7247

Opportunistic FinkeUpper Two Mile Waterhole


Finke R. at Upper 2 Mile Waterhole

U2Mile 132.6694 -23.6699

Opportunistic Finke

waterhole in Bowmans Gap area Ormiston Ck. at Bowmans Gap area

upper FinkeOrmiston Creek


Ormiston Ck. at south of Bowmans Gap

BGAW1 132.7594 -23.6142

Opportunistic Finke Giles Yard Springs upper Finke

unnamed tributary of Ormiston Creek


Ormiston Catchment at Giles Yard Spring

GYS -23.6433 132.8979


Opportunistic Finke

Upper Serpentine Gorge Pool (Serpentine Gorge - upper gorge - pool in slot gorge)

upper Finke - Ellery

unnamed tributary of Ellery Creek


Ellery Catchment at Upper Serpentine Gorge

Serp_UGP -23.7435 132.9842

Opportunistic Finke

Lower Serpentine Gorge Pool (Serpentine Gorge - pool in lower gorge)

upper Finke - Ellery

unnamed tributary of Ellery Creek


Ellery Catchment at Upper Serpentine Gorge

Serp_LGP -23.7506 132.9784

planned opportunistic

Finke Fringe Lilly Gorge Hugh Riverunnamed tributary of Hugh River


Hugh Catchment at Fringe Lilly Gorge

Fringe_LG -23.7125 133.3004

planned supplementary

FinkeSalty Snakes Tail Waterhole

mid-Finke Finke River Henbury StationFinke R. at Salty Snakes Tail Waterhole

Snk_Tail_W -24.5770 133.3032


FinkeThree Mile Waterhole

mid-Finke Finke River Henbury StationFinke R. at Three Mile Waterhole

3MW -24.5139 133.2214


Finke Ilara RockholePalmer River (Areyonga Creek)

Areyonga Creek

Urrampinyi Iltjiltjarri Aboriginal Land Trust

Palmer R. at Ilara Waterhole

Illara -24.3239 132.3603

planned supplementary/opportunistic

FinkeFerrar Springs (aka Alaruka, Farrar's Spring)

Palmer River (Petermann Creek)

unnamed tributary of Petermann Creek

Urrampinyi Iltjiltjarri Aboriginal Land Trust

Palmer Catchment at Ferrar Springs

Ferrar -24.4167 131.9882

possible contingency

Georgina (Sandover)

Argadargada Waterhole

lower Sandover floudout

Sandover River

Argadargadad Station (Lake Nash)

Sandover R. at Argadargada

Arg -21.5171 136.9437


Waterhole


GeorginaSoudan Waterhole

Rankin Rankin RiverSoudan Station (Alexandria)

Rankin R. at Soudan on Barkly Highway

Soudan -20.0494 137.0183


GeorginaAvon Downs Waterhole

Rankin (James) James River Avon Downs StationJames R. at Avon Downs on Barkly Highway

Avon -20.0297 137.4894

(logger only) GeorginaEight Mile Waterhole

Georgina Georgina RiverAustral Downs Station (Avon Downs)

Georgina R. at 8 Mile Waterhole

8Mile -20.7111 137.6969

OpportunisticGeorgina (Sandover)

Ooratippra Creek at Arapunyah Staion Access Road

Ooratippra Ck.Ooratippra Creek

Arapunyah Station (Ammaroo)

Ooratippra Ck. at main road to Arapunya

Oora_CkXng -22.2697 135.7236


Appendix D. Sampling History for NT Sites.

n = no

ns = not sampled

o = previous/opportunistic sampling is known to have occurred

s = previous systematic sampling is known to have occurred

u = uncertain

rp = resources permitting

Full = full LEBRA method used

partial = methods included some overnight fyke nets

rapid = no fyke nets used

visual = only visual survey usedWaterhole Name

Status/Type CatchmentPrevious

Systematic Sampling

Autumn 2011

Spring 2011

Autumn 2012

Proposed Spring 2012

Proposed Autumn

2013


Northern Territory Fixed Sites

Ellery Creek Big Hole Fixed Finke ovisual only

ns Full n y n

Lower Two Mile Waterhole Fixed Finke o Full ns Full n y n

Owen Springs Waterhole Fixed Finke n ns ns Full n y n

Running Waters Fixed Finke o Full ns Full n y n

Snake Hole Fixed Finke o FullFull + logger

Full y y y

Big Rankin Waterhole Fixed Georgina nFull + logger

nsFull +

bathymn y n

Lake Nash Waterhole Fixed Georgina n ns nsFull +

logger + bathym

n y n

Junction Waterhole Fixed Georgina o Full ns partial n y n


(Sandover)(seine only)

Ooratippra Waterhole FixedGeorgina (Sandover)

oFull + logger

nsFull +

bathymn y n

Northern Territory Additional SitesBoggy Hole Supplementary Finke o Full ns ns n n n

Glen Helen Gorge Waterhole

Supplementary (planned repeat sampling)

Finke o Full ns Full n rp n

Jay Creek Fish Hole (aka Fish Hole) Supplementary Finke o Full ns ns n n n

Main Camp Waterhole Supplementary Finke n ns ns Full n n n

Ormiston Gorge Waterhole Supplementary Finke o ns ns Full n rp n

Salty Snakes Tail Spring Pools

Opportunistic & planned supplementary

Finke n ns nsns (+ opp in winter)

rp rp rp

Salty Snakes Tail Waterhole


Finke n ns ns ns rp rp rp


Opportunistic (?repeat sampling)

Finke n ns ns partial n rp n

Giles Yard Springs Opportunistic Finke o ns ns rapid n n n


Opportunistic Finke o ns ns visual n n n

Pioneer Creek Mound Spring Pool Opportunistic Finke o

partial (many fykes)

ns seine only n n n

Upper Serpentine Gorge Pool (Serpentine Gorge -

Opportunistic Finke n ns ns partial n n n


upper gorge - pool in slot gorge)Upper Two Mile Waterhole Opportunistic Finke u ns ns partial n n n


Opportunistic Finke n ns ns rapid n n n

Fringe Lilly Gorge planned opportunistic

Finke o ns ns ns n n n

Ilara Rockhole planned supplementary

Finke o ns ns ns rp n n

Three Mile Waterhole planned supplementary

Finke n ns ns ns rp n n

Waterhole Name Status/Type CatchmentPrevious

Systematic Sampling

Autumn 2011

Spring 2011

Autumn 2012


Proposed Autumn

2013


Ferrar Springs (aka Alaruka, Farrar's Spring)

planned supplementary/opportunistic

Finke n ns ns ns rp n n

Eight Mile Waterhole (logger only) Georgina n(logger only)

ns ns n n n

Avon Downs Waterhole possible contingency

Georgina n ns ns ns n n n

Soudan Waterhole possible contingency

Georgina n ns ns ns n n n

Ooratippra Creek at Arapunyah Station Access Road

OpportunisticGeorgina (Sandover)

n partial ns ns n n n

Argadargada Waterhole possible contingency

Georgina (Sandover)

n ns ns ns n n n


Appendix E. Selection Criteria Met by Fixed NT Sites.

Table 1. Summary of Site Selection Information.

comm. = commercial

cons. res. = conservation reserve (gazetted)

cons. mgmt. = managed for conservation

mod. = moderate

perm = permanent

H = High

M = Moderate

Waterhole Name(F) if fixed

(S) if supplementary(PS) if proposed

supp.(C) if possible contingency

Catch-ment

Kiri-ganai

Report

Cont-ribution to

Geographic Spread

Contribute to

Addressing TOPC

Longevity (refugia)

Past Monitoring (legacy)

“High Value”

Site

Refuge Type

Distinct Landscape or Habitat

Land Use (disturbance)

Near Flow-gauge

Ease of Access

(logistic)

Northern Territory Fixed Sites

Ellery Creek Big Hole (F) Finke M y perm y arc y cons. res. good

Lower Two Mile Waterhole (F)

Finke H y perm y arc/polo y cons. res. good

Owen Springs Waterhole (F)

Finke H y near-perm disco y cons. res. good

Running Waters (F) Finke M y perm y arc y cons. mgmt. mod

Snake Hole (F) Finke H y perm y arc/polo y cons. mgmt. y good


Big Rankin Waterhole Georgina H yperm /near-

permy arc y comm. grazing * mod

Lake Nash Waterhole Georgina M yperm /

near-permy arc y comm. grazing mod

Junction WaterholeGeorgina (Sandover)

H y intermittent y comm. grazing difficult

Ooratippra WaterholeGeorgina (Sandover)

H y near-perm ydisco/

arcy comm. grazing difficult

Northern Territory Additional Sites

Boggy Hole (S) Finke y perm y arc y cons. res. mod

Glen Helen Gorge Waterhole (S)

Finke yperm

/near-permy arc y cons. res. good

Jay Creek Fish Hole (aka Fish Hole) (S)

Finkeperm

/ near-perm? y cons. res. disused mod

Main Camp Waterhole (S)

Finke H y perm y arc/polo y comm. grazing y mod

Ormiston Gorge Waterhole (S)

Finke ynear-perm /

permy

arc (?non-

perm)y cons. res. good

Ferrar Springs (aka Alaruka, Farrar's Spring)

Finke H yperm /

near-permy ? y

anecdotal high feral impacts

mod

Ilara Rockhole Finke H y perm y arc ?anecdotal high feral impacts

mod


Salty Snakes Tail Waterhole

Finke ynear-perm /

rarely dryn polo/arc cons. mgmt. y mod

Three Mile Waterhole Finke y perm y arc y cons. mgmt. y good

Fringe Lilly Gorge Finke M rarely-dry y cons. res. mod

Giles Yard Springs Finke M perm y ?arc y cons. res. difficult


Finkenear-perm / long-term

y cons. res. mod

Pioneer Creek Mound Spring Pool

Finke near-perm y ? y cons. mgmt. mod


Finke ynear-perm /

rarely dryy polo/arc y cons. mgmt. y good

Upper Serpentine Gorge Pool (Serpentine Gorge - upper gorge - pool in slot gorge)

Finke perm y arc y cons. res. difficult

Upper Two Mile Waterhole

Finke perm y arc/polo cons. res. good


Finke M unknown ? y cons. res. helicopter


Finke H y intermittent y cons. res. good

Argadargada Waterhole (C)

Georgina (Sandover)

M y intermittent y comm. grazing n difficult


Avon Downs Waterhole (C)

Georgina ynear-perm /

rarely dryy comm. grazing good

Soudan Waterhole (C) Georgina M yrarely dry / intermittent

y comm. grazing disused good

Eight Mile Waterhole Georgina y near-perm y comm. grazing mod

Ooratippra Creek at Arapunyah Station Access Road

Georgina (Sandover)

intermittent y comm. grazing n n/a

* Big Rankin Waterhole is downstream of a disused gauge at Soudan, last operating in early 2011.


Further Details on Sites Regarding Site Selection

Fixed SitesFinke Catchment

Running WatersSummary: permanent, permanently flowing, fresh-semi-saline, shallow, unique

Selection Description: Chosen as a fixed site because: permanent, distinctly different from any other site, permanent water, near-permanent river flow from a large volume spring, expected to have relatively consistent moderate salinity, high cultural and historical values contribute to stakeholder engagement; although there is substantial travel time (c 2-2.5 hours from the Stuart Highway) it is justified; the site is at the transition from the rocky headwater (MacDonnell Ranges Bioregion) to the more open landscape of the mid-Finke (Finke Bioregion) and adds to geographic spread; inclusion of this site also allows opportunistic sampling in the Palmer River en-route with no extra travel time (there are no fixed sites in the Palmer catchment of the Finke system).

Conservation Significance: permanent refuge for endemic fish, endemic palm, part of suggested DIWA aggregate.

Landscape and Habitat Summary: major river, transition from rocky headwater bioregion to lowland, unique groundwater discharge feature with near-permanent flow.

Accessibility: moderately long travel time, dirt road & track.

Snake HoleSummary: permanent, saline, moderately deep

Selection Description: Chosen as a fixed site because: permanent, furthest downstream permanent waterhole with feasible travel time, which adds to geographic spread and number of bioregions sampled (it is the only fixed site in the Finke Bioregion); salinity fluctuates strongly; proximity to homestead facilitates stakeholder consultation. This is the most downstream fixed Finke site and is close to the only 'rated' flow gauge in the Finke system.

Conservation Significance: permanent refuge for endemic fish, part of suggested DIWA aggregate.

Landscape and Habitat Summary: major river, surrounds includes tall sanddunes; groundwater connection;

Accessibility: short travel time on dirt track, bitumen section on route to other sites.

Lower Two Mile WaterholeSummary: permanent saline/highly saline, moderately deep.

Selection Description: Chosen as a fixed site because: permanent, mostly saline to strongly saline (rapid increase in salinity after flow ceases), much more dense fringing emergent macrophytes than the other fixed sites, very close to the start of the Finke River (as a named river), may have the highest impact from camping (free and relatively unrestricted off-road camping and no toilets facilities). This is the most upstream fixed Finke site.

Conservation Significance: permanent refuge for endemic fish, part of a suggested DIWA aggregate.

Landscape and Habitat Summary: headwaters but low gradient, saline aquifer discharge, extensive emergent macrophytes.

Accessibility: close to bitumen, clustered with other sites .


Ellery Creek Big HoleSummary: permanent, fresh, deep

Selection Description: Chosen as a fixed site because: permanent, freshwater (the only fresh-permanent fixed site), the only fixed Finke site in a shaded gorge, also very unusual overall size and extent of deep area; can be sampled without any extra travel time, while adding to the geographic spread and samples one the major sub-catchments of the upper-Finke, which has several permanent springs in the upper headwater gullies and gorges.


Landscape and Habitat Summary: headwaters but low gradient, in gorge cutting through high range

Accessibility: short travel time on dirt track, bitumen section en-route to other sites.

Owen Springs WaterholeSummary: non-permanent (long-term), fresh, moderately shallow, distinct sub-catchment

Selection Description: Chosen as a fixed site because: contributes to geographic spread and spread across sub-catchments (the only fixed site in the Hugh River part of the Finke system); appears to be the largest long-lasting waterhole in the Hugh with a moderate-high proportion of Finke Fishes; has fresh water; known to dry up in droughts (dried in 2008 & 2009 for the first time in several decades) so in the long-term will inform regarding recolonisation. This site was substituted for Jay Creek Fish Hole in 2012 (same sub-catchment -Hugh R- more diverse and easier access).

Conservation Significance: one of the longest lasting waterholes in the Hugh River

Landscape and Habitat Summary: lowland, sporadic groundwater connection.

Accessibility: short travel time on dirt track

Georgina Catchment (including Sandover)Big Rankin WaterholeSummary: near permanent, highly turbid, fresh, contributes to geographic spread.

Selection Description: Chosen as a fixed site because: near-permanent and particularly long (the straight line length between the upstream and downstream ends was 7.5 km on Google Earth), identified by station manager as the only/main waterhole on the Rankin on Avon Downs that did not dry up in the 2008 drought, contributes well to the geographic spread (most westerly site in the Georgina system) This site is downstream of disused gauge at Soudan .notes: (i) people from the Alexandria group of stations are yet to be consulted regarding longevity of waterholes further upstream on the Rankin; (ii) the 2012 Plan erroneously had the state as Qld and Catchment as Cooper; (iii) the section at the downstream end at the road crossing where 2 of the 6 small fykes were set in 2012 was isolated from the main waterhole on the Google Earth image of 4 December 2004, but was probably still connected during sampling; (iv) different habitat with dense surrounding woodland can be seen on Google Earth at the upstream end requiring about 1.5 km off road driving.


Landscape and Habitat Summary: major river, lowland, clay soil plains on limestone 'tablelands', highly turbid water, extensive fringing woodland at upstream end.

Accessibility: moderately long travel time on dirt road & tracks .

Lake Nash Waterhole


Summary: permanent or near-permanent, fresh, highly turbid, contributes to geographic spread.

Selection Description: Chosen as a fixed site because: it was identified as not having gone dry since European settlement (George Scott pers. comm.), contributes well to the geographic spread, is located downstream of the confluence of various tributaries and is the furthest downstream of the large waterholes in the NT portion of the Georgina catchment. It is alos in the general area in which the Sandover meets the Georgina in large flow events. Access to this site is good given that it is not on a bitumen road. There are good wash down facilities at the station. This site was adopted as a fixed site in 2012, based on new knowledge as permanent/near-permanent and because it improves the spread of sites (substituted for 8 Mile Waterhole where a logger was installed in 2011 but fish were not sampled due to time constraints).

Conservation Significance: refuge for endemic fish, part of a suggested DIWA aggregate.

Landscape and Habitat Summary: major river, lowland, clay soil plains on limestone 'tablelands', highly turbid water.

Accessibility: moderately long travel time on dirt road & tracks.

Junction Waterhole

Summary: temporary, fresh, contributes to geographic spread.

Selection Description: Chosen as a fixed site because: although temporary (not lasting 12 months without inflow) it is one of the longer lasting waterholes on the Sandover River and can be filled from flows down the Sandover River, from the Ammaroo floodout area and down the Bundey River, so is possibly filled more frequently than most Sandover waterholes apart from those in the Dulcie Range. Likewise the site effectively samples both the Bundey and upper Sandover sub-catchments. Turbidity is moderate. There will be sample trips when this site is dry, but in those situations access to the logger is less than a 1 hour round trip off the Sandover Highway en-route to Ooratippra Waterhole. There will probably be occasions when there is water but no fish. This site is important for learning about fish movement and recolonisation in the Sandover catchment. This is the most westerly site in the Georgina catchment.

Conservation Significance: one of the longest lasting waterholes in the main Sandover River.

Landscape and Habitat Summary: major lowland river, adjacent to sandplain, low rocky upland and extensive clay floodout flats

Accessibility: very long travel time from Lake Nash for Queensland teams but en-return route to Alice Springs for NT teams; requires some cross country/river bed 4WD.

Ooratippra Waterhole

Summary: near-permanent, fresh, a surrogate for inaccessible permanent sites in this sub-catchment.

Selection Description: Chosen as a fixed site because: although not permanent it is long-lasting; this site may be the most accessible of the long-term sites in the Ooratippra Creek system which is notable for drought refuges that are believed to be permanent. Turbidity is low in contrast to many of the Georgina system fixed sites. Travel time to this site is extreme but it adds greatly to the geographic spread of sites and to information on refuge and migration dynamics. It is possible that access may be established to a permanent waterhole in the catchment in the future (e.g. in the Arapunya Spring area). It is hoped that further survey of refuge waterholes in the Dulcie Range will provide an improved baseline for the Ooratippra Catchment. (note errors in the 2012 Plan had state as Qld and Catchment as Diamantina).

Conservation Significance: in a CFOC priority HCVAE aggregate.

Landscape and Habitat Summary: upland with low gradient, adjacent gently rising stony slopes.


Accessibility: very long travel time; requires substantial cross country 4WD.

Additional (not-fixed) Sites – All in the Finke CatchmentBoggy Hole (sampled in 2011)

Summary: permanent mod-saline, deep.

Selection Description: Initially identified as a probable fixed site and sampled in autumn 2011, but travel time and improved understanding of the range of habitats in the catchment contributed to dropping this as a fixed site. This site is culturally important and a permanent waterhole, so further sampling here would be valuable, subject to resources. However, other sites would be a higher priority when it becomes possible to increase the number of fixed sites.


Landscape and Habitat Summary: major river in very long headwaters gorge, groundwater discharge feature.


Glen Helen Gorge Waterhole (sampled in 2011 & 2012)

Summary: permanent, moderately saline, very deep

Selection Description: Initially identified as a possible fixed site because it is permanent or nearly so and is a type locality. This was by far the deepest site sampled in the initial LEBRA survey (autumn 2011). Ellery Creek Big Hole is a similar depth and provides greater habitat contrast to other fixed sites (fresher). It is intended to continue to sample Glen Helen Gorge, subject to either the assistance of rangers (NTPWS &/or Tjuwanpa), or of time in the schedule for an extra night. Benefits of including this site in the set of sites regularly monitored with the full LEBRA method are: very deep in combination with dense emergent macrophytes fringing on some banks (no other site has this combination); moderately saline but potentially increasing more slowly between flows than Snake Hole (to be tested); type locality for Chlamydogobius japalpa); highly visited and close to a commercial resort with potential for sewage or chemical contamination of the waterway.


Landscape and Habitat Summary: headwaters but low gradient, in gorge cutting through low range

Accessibility: close to bitumen, clustered with other sites.

Jay Creek Fish Hole (aka Fish Hole) (sampled in 2011)

Summary: permanent or near-permanent, fresh, geographic spread

Selection Description: Initially identified as a probable fixed site and sampled in autumn 2011, but travel time and low fish diversity at the site (1 species) contributed to dropping this as a fixed site. Probably doesn't justify regular monitoring but some repeated sampling could provide useful data on population dynamics of spangled perch. The waterhole is near-permanent (possibly permanent) and there is a record of a second species from several decades ago (Hyrtl's Catfish). There is a disused flow gauge downstream of this site.

Conservation Significance: permanent/near-permanent but low fish species diversity.

Landscape and Habitat Summary: headwaters flanked by hills and gorge, moderate gradient, down-stream barriers restricting access for most fish species.

Accessibility: moderate travel time, dirt road and rough track, inaccessible during flows.


Ormiston Gorge Waterhole (sampled in 2012)

Summary: permanent or near-permanent, fresh, very deep

Selection Description: Sampled in autumn 2012 with the full LEBRA method, as part of an NCCARF project. Has extremely deep and fresh water. It would add balance to the fixed sites if resources allowed this site to become a fixed site. Proximity to Two Mile and Glen Helen Gorge make adding this site logistically straightforward, but Three Mile Waterhole and Salty Snakes Tail Spring would add more in terms of habitat diversity and Main Camp Waterhole and Illara would add more for geographic spread.


Landscape and Habitat Summary: upland headwaters, moderate gradient, gorge through high range.

Accessibility: close to bitumen, clustered with other sites.

Main Camp Waterhole (sampled in 2012)

Summary: permanent moderate to highly saline, geographic spread.

Selection Description: Sampled in autumn 2012 with the full LEBRA method, as part of an NCCARF project. Extremely deep and probably the most down-stream of the permanent waterholes of the Finke. Sampling here when resources allow could be a high priority as it is one of the deepest waterholes and strongly connected to a watertable that appears to be highly saline at depth. Also, this site is on a commercial grazing property and none of the fixed sites are. This site is the nearest long-term waterhole to the river gauge at the railway bridge.


Landscape and Habitat Summary: major lowland river, adjacent plains, sand dunes.



Summary: semi-permanent, running spring, saline, shallow, and possibly unique.

Selection Description: Possible high significance for endemic Hardyhead, based on a preliminary survey. It is proposed to add this and/or the "Salty Snakes Tail Waterhole" as a regular opportunistic site, resources permitting, due to unusual/unique habitat and possible importance for Finke Goby and Finke Hardyhead. This site would be a priority if the number of fixed sites is increased since there is minimal extra travel time and the water chemistry is notably different from Snake Hole. The spring-fed pools are very shallow. It is not known if these persist longer in a drought than the deeper waterhole downstream ("Salty Snakes Tail Waterhole"). It could be possible to sample these as a combined site, or sample one with the full LEBRA method and the other as for ancillary/opportunistic data with fewer nets.

Conservation Significance: suspected high value.

Landscape and Habitat Summary: major lowland river, adjacent sanddunes, gently rising stony slopes.

Accessibility: close to a fixed LEBRA site.

Additional Potential Supplementary SitesIlara Waterhole (proposed)

Summary: permanent, possibly permanent flowing, probably fresh to semi-saline, probably shallow, geographic spread.


Selection Description: Planned sampling - LEBRA related - will provide data to support LEBRA but not undertaken with LEBRA funds. Subject to landholder permission and increased resources, this site would be a valuable additional fixed site. It is a permanent waterhole with near-permanent spring flow. It may prove to be somewhat analogous to Running Waters but with a lower flow volume, but would be an obvious candidate for a fixed site in the Palmer catchment of the Finke system if LEBRA resources are increased.

Conservation Significance: permanent refuge for endemic fish, part of a suggested DIWA aggregate; within a CFOC priority HCVAE aggregate.

Landscape and Habitat Summary: major river, transition from rocky headwater bioregion to lowland, significant groundwater discharge feature (usually flowing).

Accessibility: moderate travel time, dirt road & track.

Salty Snakes Tail Waterhole (proposed)

Summary: non-permanent (long-term), saline, moderately deep.

Selection Description: see comment for "Salty Snakes Tail Spring Pools".

Conservation Significance: unknown.

Landscape and Habitat Summary: major lowland river, adjacent sanddunes, gently rising stony slopes.

Accessibility: close to fixed LEBRA site - requires some scary 4WD or walking.

Three Mile Waterhole (proposed)

Summary: permanent, moderately fresh, moderately deep.

Selection Description: Sampling here when resources allow could be a high priority as it appears to be relatively fresh in the context of the mid-Finke; this site may be more easily accessed than Snake Hole if wet conditions occur. In the long-tern this may be a potential alternative to Snake Hole. This site would be a priority if the number of fixed sites is increased since there is minimal extra travel time and the water chemistry is notably different from Snake Hole.

Conservation Significance: permanent refuge for endemic fish, part of suggested DIWA aggregate.

Landscape and Habitat Summary: major lowland river, adjacent plains, sand dunes, low rocky range.

Accessibility: close to a fixed site, short distance of bitumen on a good track.


Appendix F. NT Sampling Summary Reports

The follow extracts from project administrative reports add additional context for the NT data.

Autumn 2011 - NT Sampling Summary Report

Field work was completed for the NT sites in March-May 2011 as detailed below.

Finke River systemSampling was undertaken in the Finke system from 30 April to 6 May. Seven core LEBRA sites were sampled in the order: Running Waters, Snake Hole, Lower Two Mile, Glen Helen Gorge, Boggy Hole, and Jay Creek Fish Hole. An opportunistic extra site was sampled overnight at Pioneer Creek Mound Spring, which was possible due to help from Tjuwanpa Rangers and NT Parks and Wildlife rangers. Visual survey was conducted at Ormiston Gorge Waterhole, Ellery Creek Big Hole, McMinns Creek and the Hugh River.

Sites were established and sampled in the Finke River system in collaboration with Dr Dale McNeil and David Schmarr from SARDI (SA Government). Four NRETAS staff participated in the full survey: Angus Duguid, James Aitkin, Jochem van der Reijden, and Anne Pye. Several NT Parks and Wildlife Rangers assisted prior and during the survey: Chris Day (approvals and site selection), Phil Cowan (navigation to Fish Hole), Kelly Knights, Deon Grantham and Luke McLaren (Two Mile and Glen Helen Gorge), Gary Weir (Boggy Hole). Tjuwanpa Ranger Group rangers assisted at Two Mile, Glen Helen Gorge and Pioneer Creek Mound Spring (Jeremy Kenny, James Malbunka, Christopher Ungawanaka and Damien Williams).

Vehicle tracks to access all sites were in reasonable condition but travel times between sites made it challenging to do the processing (net pulling, counting and measuring fish), packing, travelling and setting a new site on the same day. Some reduction of sites or clustering may be necessary. Rescue of a visitor vehicle bogged in the running river near Boggy Hole was also time consuming.

The river was flowing slightly at Running Waters (including upstream of the spring area), at Snake Hole, at Upper Two Mile Waterhole, and at Glen Helen Gorge. Water was flowing over the Namatjira Drive causeways in the Hugh River and Ellery Creek. Jay Creek Fish Hole was slightly below cease-to-flow. Flow was not assessed at Boggy Hole. Water levels were high and probably at or just below cease-to-flow level.

This was the first systematic survey of fish in the Finke system. Very large numbers of fish were caught at most sites (except Boggy Hole where the nets were set late and the weather turned cold and windy, and Fish Hole where the nets were set late and only one species was present). At most sites, seven or eight of the nine species of fish were caught or observed. Only at one site were all nine species recorded. This was Two Mile where a Finke Hardyhead was caught in one of the seine net sweeps. This was the only record of the species for the survey.

Three species were not effectively sampled with the nets: Finke Goby, Finke Hardyhead and Finke Mogurnda. The Finke Goby and Finke Mogurnda were mainly recorded from visual survey, made possible by clear water conditions. Targeted netting with dip nets and aquarium nets was used to confirm identities of a sub-sample of visually detected fish. Spotlighting at night was effective. Mogurnda were caught once using the seine net in submerged macrophytes. However, from visual estimates, Mogurnda seemed to be abundant at some sites, and particularly in a cobbled riffle at Running Waters. Seine netting was done at night in the shallow riffle but no Mogurnda were caught even though they could be seen to be abundant. Gobies were not seen to be abundant at any location but Deon Grantham reported that he had seen more in past visual observation at Two Mile. Experience with the Lake Eyre Hardyhead by SARDI scientists indicates that the species can be sampled effectively with fyke nets. Since this species is extremely closely related to the Finke Haryhead, it was concluded that the abundance of hardyhead may be very low at the Finke sites when sampled.


Georgina and Sandover river systemsSampling was undertaken in the Georgina - Sandover system from 16-23 May. Three core LEBRA sites were sampled: Big Ranken Waterhole, Junction Waterhole (Sandover River) and Ooratippra Waterhole. A proposed site at Eight Mile Waterhole was not sampled due to time constraints but a data logger was installed. An opportunistic extra site was sampled overnight at Ooratippra Creek, adjacent to the Arapunyah access road crossing.

Sites were established and sampled in collaboration with DERM staff from Queensland: Niall Connolly, Konrad Czaja, Richard Hunt, and Michaelie Pollard. Angus Duguid was the NRETAS participant. Amanda Johnson from Avon Downs Station visited during sampling at Big Ranken Waterhole and her three children assisted with sampling. At Ooratippra Waterhole, the owners, Stuart and Anna Weir, visited by helicopter.

Vehicle tracks to Big Ranken Waterhole were in good condition. Travel time to the Sandover sites required a travel day. Navigation issues and the need to find an off-road route to Junction Waterhole and to Ooratippra Waterhole required an additional travel day. More than one day was also required to reach the first site and a travel day was needed for the return to Alice Springs.

Water was observed to be running strongly from the Ranken River into the Georgina River, while all other river crossings in the Barkly on this trip were dry. The flow is assumed to be from the large swamp and floodout area around Blue Bush Swamp. Ooratippra Waterhole and the Ooratippra Creek sites were at the cease-to-flow level, with water trickling over the bottom sills (the road crossing on Ooratippra Creek and a cobble area at Ooratippra Waterhole). Junction Waterhole was below cease-to-flow level with the sill being the sandy bed of the Bundey River. Saturated surface sand was present downstream in the Sandover River (several hundred metres). The downstream end of Big Ranken Waterhole was not observed.

This was the first systematic survey of fish in the Sandover and Ooratippra drainages. New species were recorded for the Sandover River (at Junction Waterhole: Hyrtl’s Catfish, Glass Fish, Spangled Perch) and for Ooratippra Creek and the Dulcie Range (at Ooratippra Waterhole: Hyrtl’s Catfish, Silver Tanden, Bony Bream).

Very large numbers of fish were caught at Big Ranken Waterhole and Junction Waterhole. All ten species known from the Georgina were recorded at Big Ranken Waterhole but some in very low numbers (Golden Goby, Welches Grunter, Barcoo Grunter).

Visual survey was undertaken at Junction Waterhole and Ooratippra Waterhole. This was done thoroughly in a shallow cobbled area on Ooratippra Creek. No additional species were seen.

Preliminary Assessment of Methods

The fyke nets were highly effective. A reduction in net number has been discussed (and adopted). A consistent approach to sub-sampling for length measurement is being developed. More consistent use of seine nets is appropriate since the only record of Finke Hardyhead was with a seine net and one of the only two records of Golden Goby was with a seine net. Seine netting was not undertaken consistently due to time constraints. An additional seine net with a more open mesh would enable better sampling.

Spring 2011 & Autumn 2012 - NT Sampling Summary Report

Field work was completed for the NT sites in March-May 2012 as detailed below.

Finke River system

Sampling was undertaken in the Finke River system from 18 – 28 March. Nine sites were sampled with the full LEBRA method: Owen Springs Waterhole, Ellery Creek Big Hole, Lower Two Mile Waterhole, Glen Helen Gorge Waterhole, Ormiston Gorge Waterhole, Running Waters, Snake Hole, and Main Camp Waterhole. Six additional


sites were sampled with reduced or different methods: Upper Two Mile Waterhole, Pioneer Creek Mound Spring, Giles Yard Springs, Upper Serpentine Gorge slot gorge pool, Bowmans Gap area waterholes, and the Palmer River near the crossing of the Ernest Giles Road. The sampling of the extra sites was possible by combining the LEBRA survey with sampling for an NCCARF project (discussed below) and due to assistance from NT Parks and Wildlife Rangers (NTPWS) and Tjuwanpa Rangers.

Two of the core sites sampled in 2011 were not sampled due to access difficulties resulting from recent river flows: Boggy Hole and Jay Creek Fish Hole. Alternative sites were sampled with the full LEBRA method: Owen Springs Waterhole and Ellery Creek Big Hole. It may be appropriate to make these the core sites.

Two SARDI staff (D. Schmarr & R. Mathwin) were present at all permanent sites along with A. Duguid from NRETAS. Rangers from the West MacDonnell National Park assisted from 18 -23 March (Christie Stenhouse, Kelly Knights, Deon Grantham, Simon Rathbone, Daniel McCormack, and Luke McLaren. Michelle Rodrigo (NRETAS & LEB Communication Officer) assisted on 19 March. Tjuwanpa Rangers (an Aboriginal ranger group based at Hermannsburg) assisted from 19 – 22 March (Stephen Booth, James Malbunka, Byron Ratara, and Damien Williams). Peter McDonald (Biodiversity Scientist, NRETAS, assisted from 25-28 March. Leanne Rathbone participated as a volunteer (at Ormiston Gorge Waterhole).

The new manager of Idracowra Station visited Main Camp Waterhole during the survey. Two senior managers of RM Williams Agricultural Company (owners of Henbury Station) visited Snake Hole during the survey.

The project funded by NCCARF focussed on collecting material for analysis of genetic variation. As far as possible, the standard LEBRA methods were used for compatibility. Dr Dale McNeil and Jed Macdonald from SARDI joined the survey crew from 21-24 March to enable the extra sampling. The additional sites that were sampled for the NCCARF project were: Ormiston Gorge Waterhole (full LEBRA overnight method); Main Camp Waterhole (full LEBRA overnight method); Upper Two Mile Waterhole (modified LEBRA method with some overnight netting); Giles Yard Springs (rapid assessment with electro fishing and visual survey); Upper Serpentine Gorge slot gorge pool (rapid assessment with electro fishing and visual survey; plus two overnight fyke nets); Bowmans Gap area waterholes (rapid assessment with electro fishing and visual survey); Palmer River pools (overnight netting).

The following issues should be considered with respect to reassessing which sites should now be the core LEBRA sites. Owen Springs Waterhole (Hugh River) is quicker to access than Jay Creek Fish Hole and typically has more species present. Owen Springs Waterhole did dry out in 2008 and 2009. Jay Creek Fish Hole could be changed to an alternate site to be sampled if Owen Springs Waterhole is dry. Ellery Creek Big Hole was substituted for Boggy Hole. Ellery Creek Big Hole is permanent (like Boggy Hole) but with lower salinity and some other biophysical differences. It improves the representativeness of the monitoring sites and is much quicker to access. Boggy Hole is somewhat similar to Running Waters. Both are in Finke Gorge and are fed by groundwater from the Mereenie Sandstone. Boggy Hole is deeper, while Running Waters has permanent flow. Ormiston Gorge Waterhole also has merit as a possible core LEBRA site. It can be sampled from the same base camp as Two Mile and Glen Helen Gorge and the proximity to the ranger station increases the potential for assistance from local rangers. New information has indicated that Ormiston Gorge Waterhole is near-permanent. Like Ellery Creek Big Hole, it has low salinity and one of these two should be included in the permanent sites. Main Camp Waterhole should also be considered for inclusion as a permanent LEBRA site. Main Camp Waterhole is now believed to be a permanent drought refuge and is therefore the most downstream of these. It would add significantly to the spread of monitoring sites. However, access is time consuming, potentially challenging an already difficult field schedule for the permanent sites. Installation of a CTD-Diver logger at Main Camp Waterhole would add considerably to hydrological monitoring of the Finke system and this should be explored by the Operations Group.

A sub-sample of fish were weighed as well as measurement of length, and specimens were retained for analysis of otilith and potential age determination. This component was undertaken when time permitted and was done for approximately one species per full LEBRA site.


Overnight sampling was conducted at two adjacent temporary waterholes on the Palmer River. This is believed to be the first targeted survey of fish for this entire branch of the Finke River system. The waterholes were too small for a full LEBRA net set. Four species were recorded, none of which had previously been recorded from the Palmer: Bony Brim, Hyrtl’s Catfish, Desert Rainbow Fish, and Spangled Perch.

An application was submitted to the Central Land Council to survey fish in the upper Palmer River catchment in autumn 2012, on Aboriginal Land. There have been delays in consultation with tradional owners, so sampling has not occurred yet. If permission is obtained this will also be a priority, and inclusion of a site in the Palmer catchment, in the set of core LEBRA sites, should be considered.

Two sites have been identified on the mid-Finke River that have not yet been sampled but could add considerably to understanding population dynamics and habitat preferences of fishes in the Finke system. Survey of these sites should be a priority if additional funds are obtained for either one-off sampling or long-term monitoring. These sites are both on Henbury Station and could be sampled from a base camp at Snake Hole, which would reduce travel times. Three Mile Waterhole is permanent and preliminary data indicate that relative fresh (low salinity) groundwater contributes to longevity. It is hypothesised that in a moderate to severe drought that this may be substantially less saline than any other of the mid-Finke drought refuges. It has never been sampled for fish. Three Mile Waterhole is about 20 minutes drive from Snake Hole. Salty Snakes Tail Waterholes are a string of waterholes about 10 minutes drive from Snake Hole. They are fed by a significantly saline spring and may be near-permanent. The only fish survey was a brief visual survey in 2012, and significantly this was the only site where Finke Hardyheads were observed in abundance for both the 2011 and 2012 monitoring. It is hypothesised that this may be a very important core site for this endemic species.

A new species was recorded for the upper part of the Hugh River tributary of the Finke River System – the Finke Hardyhead – at Owen Springs Waterhole. This was the only specimen of this species caught in a standard fyke net for the whole autumn sample of the Finke. The only other record for autumn 2012 was from a seine net sweep at Upper Two Mile Waterhole. In 2011, only a single Hardyhead was caught, also with a seine net at Two Mile.

The Finke Mogurnda was caught in moderate abundance in fyke nets at Ellery Big Hole and also at Ormiston Gorge Waterhole. None were caught in fyke nets at any of the Finke system sites in 2011.

A depth transect was surveyed through the deepest point of each of the Finke system sites. Since all but one site was at the cease to flow point (typically with an outflow depth of < 2cm), this provides an accurate measurement of cease to flow depth at this point in time. Some of the results were unexpected. Ellery Creek Big Hole was reputed to be the deepest in the system. However, Glen Helen Gorge, Ormiston Gorge and Main Camp waterholes were all deeper. Main Camp Waterhole was the only site where there was no water flow and was well below the cease-to flow level, probably because the sill was the full width of the predominantly sandy riverbed.

Profiles of water chemistry were recorded at all the sites sampled with the full LEBRA method and at Upper Two Mile Waterhole. At both the Two Mile waterholes, the data provided a surprising and valuable insight. Surface salinity was moderate but at depth was over 8000 micro siemens. Surface water flowing into Upper Two Mile was below 500 micro siemens. The waterhole is assumed to have been fully flushed by river flows three weeks earlier, which closed the Ormiston causeway for several days. This illustrates how salty the groundwater is and the rate at which it raises the salinity of these two waterholes.

Journalists from ABC TV and Radio interviewed survey staff and filmed at Ellery Creek Big Hole on Tuesday 20 March. This resulted in various versions of a TV segment airing on ABC TV over the following week (Stateline, 7:30 report, ABC channel 1 News, ABC 3 News, ABC 24), a recorded radio interview on the ABC Country Hour and a written piece on the ABC web site for Rural News.

Georgina and Sandover river systems

Four core LEBRA sites were sampled in the Georgina – Sandover river system from 26 April – 1 May: Big Ranken Waterhole, Lake Nash Waterhole, Junction Waterhole and Ooratippra Waterhole. Four Queensland Government


staff (B. Cockayne, D. Preston, S. Robins & J. Saunders) along with A. Duguid from NRETAS were present at all sites. Naomi Wilson from Barkly Landcare and Conservation Association assisted at Lake Nash Waterhole. Heidi Groffen from Territory NRM and Camilla Osbourne from the Centralian Land Management Association assisted from 28 April – 1 May. The station manager’s wife and children visited the site during the survey at Lake Nash Waterhole (Dianne, Daniel and Samual Scott). The LEBRA was discussed with the new station manager at Avon Downs, Matthew Barrett.

The downstream sill was inspected at Big Rankin Waterhole. It is a broad cobbled area, with a station track crossing the river bed at the natural riverbed height. The data logger from 8 Mile Waterhole (Austral Downs) was moved to Lake Nash Waterhole, which is now to be the permanent monitoring site. This follows discussions with the manager of Lake Nash Station in 2011, who had historical evidence that Lake Nash Waterhole is permanent or very nearly so. Residual water was found at Junction Waterhole, with two species of fish confirmed, despite prior assurances from the pastoralist that there was no water. Access to the remote site at Ooratippra Waterhole was found to be suitable with a trailer (this had been in doubt) and travel times were reduced from the previous year.

All sites sampled were below the cease-to-flow level. The data loggers and other signs, indicated that the Ranken and Georgina River flow heights over summer were not high. Blue Bush Swamp (a floodout area of Big Ranken) was generally dry and did not appear to have received any over-bank flooding. The data logger for Junction Waterhole showed that a small flow occurred from the Ammaroo Sandover Floodout in early March. Stuart Weir indicated that there was flow in the Bundey River but that it only reached as far as the area of the Ammaroo-Arapunya station track crossing (upstream of it) and did not reach to Junction Waterhole.

The following incidental survey records were obtained in transit to Queensland. Elkira Spring was sampled overnight with a fyke net. No fish were caught or observed despite a record from 2001. At Old Huckitta Spring, spangled perch were observed (visual survey in shallow spring-fed pools). Spangled perch were abundant where the main Huckitta Station track crossed the Plenty River (visual survey in depressions excavated for road work). The Queensland Government team also sampled at Cockroach Waterhole (no fish seen or caught) and Kelly Creek (no fish seen or caught in seine netting) on 2 May.

Three of the Georgina-Sandover sites were bathymetrically mapped from the dingy. One site (Junction Waterhole) was not navigable.

Fish Numbers

Fish numbers in the Finke, Georgina and Sandover systems were noticeably reduced compared to the autumn 2011 monitoring round.

Effects of Wildfire

One site in the Finke system was strongly affected by wildfires that occurred in the catchment in 2011. The water pools of Upper Serpentine Gorge had very high turbidity, with grey coloured water, presumed to be ash. The water appeared to be anoxic with a sulfur smell and no aquatic fauna were observed. The stream flow in early March was the first since the fires and appears to have been strong enough to fill the pools with ash laden water but not of enough strength or duration to subsequently flush them out with cleaner water (observations and interpretation provided by R.Mathwin, D.Schmarr & D. McNeil). This is important data to show the impact of a natural process resulting in temporary nullification of the drought refuge provided to fish by a permanent waterhole. Unfortunately, it also means that there is still no comprehensive survey data providing a census of fish species at this important site.

Pools further downstream were relatively clear, due to flows from an unburnt tributary. Visual observation of the pool at lower Serpentine Gorge resulted in records of 4 species: Spangled Grunter, Rainbow Fish, Bony Bream, & Finke Mogurnda.


A sooty black layer was visible in the littoral zone at Ellery Creek Big Hole during the autumn 2012 sampling, presumably caused by the same fire event, but with a much less intense effect.

An anoxic fish kill event was observed at Owen Springs Waterhole following a low volume, short duration flow in December 2006. It was not associated with a previous wildfire in the catchment and was assumed to be due to mixing of sediment in the waterhole without thorough flushing.

Methods

Bait traps, baited with a ‘glow stick’, were used at all Finke system sites where the full LEBRA method was deployed. A minor contribution to the census of species was achieved with some catches of Mogurnda and one Goby (at Snake Hole). The bait traps do not add much to the work load and so should be continued. At all Georgina-Sandover LEBRA sites, bait traps were baited with small opened tins of cat food. Further work is needed to establish if a ‘glow stick’ or food based bait is better.

Back-pack mounted electro-fishing was trialled as a method to supplement the very low catch rate for the cryptic species (Mogurnda and Goby). The results indicated that this method adds little for detecting those species. Salinity levels were too high for effective use of this method at several key Finke River sites. Even where the salinity levels were appropriate, the electro-fishing did not result in catches of the target cryptic species. Backpack electro-fishing was not found to be a usefull addition to the methods. Seine netting continued to be used sparingly but yielded one of only two records of Finke Hardyhead. Jed Macdonald recommended that a slightly longer seine net with a coarser mesh be included in the methods for use where the length is not cumbersome. A new seine net of coarser mesh but the same length as the existing seine net should also be included in the equipment. Visual observation was used less systematically in 2012 compared to 2011. At some sites (eg Running Waters) turbidity was slightly higher than previously. This, plus densely swarming midges made visual survey less effective. However, at Glen Helen Gorge Waterhole, night time spot lighting was still highly effective and was used to collect specimens for genetic analysis of Mogurnda and Goby. Daylight visual location of the Goby was also effective, at Two Mile, to collect specimens for genetic analysis. It is recommended that the LEBRA data sheets be modified to encourage the use of visual survey and seine netting and recording of sampling effort.

The data loggers are already providing very valuable new data, particularly on flows, residual water levels and salinity. Water level dropped below the level of the four loggers in the Georgina – Sandover system (at Big Ranken Waterhole, 8 Mile Waterhole, Junction Waterhole and Ooratippra Waterhole). However, it is likely that all of these waterholes held some water in the deeper parts of the waterhole, prior to refilling from fresh river flows. The method of logger deployment to a secure object, often on the bank, has this drawback of not being in the deepest part of the waterhole. Bathymetric mapping will enable extrapolation to estimate whether each waterhole has gone completely dry. The logger at Snake Hole, remained in the water. It showed a steady rise in conductivity from deployment in the spring sample (30/11/2011) until river flow in early March 2012. It is not yet possible to determine if the increase was due to concentration driven by evaporation, or also influenced by an inflow of saline groundwater.


lebra 2011 final report: suggested draft contents · web viewdetailed monitoring methodology was...

Documents