Cockrone Lagoon Aquatic Biological Survey-Final Report (PDF File ...

Cockrone Lagoon 

Catchment & Surrounds 

Freshwater Aquatic 

Biodiversity Survey 2010 

Project 100056 

Sub Report 100056 - 4 

Robert B. McCormack 

31st October 2010

Australian Aquatic Biological Pty Ltd 

Cockrone Lagoon Catchment 

& Surrounds 

Freshwater Aquatic 

Biodiversity Survey 2010 

© Australian Aquatic Biological Pty Ltd, 

PO Box 3, Karuah, NSW, 2324 

Email Correspondence: info@aabio.com.au 

Reference Project:100056 Aquatic Biodiversity Survey and Baseline Mapping of Freshwater 

Craysh & Aquatic Species of the Gosford LGA - A Subset of the Australian Craysh Project 

No.:100001 & Australian Aquatic Biodiversity Survey No.:100038 

About This Project. Australian Aquatic Biological Pty. Ltd. conducts aquatic research around 

Australia. Two of the major projects currently being conducted are Project No. 100001, the 

Australian Craysh Project (ACP) & Project No. 100038, the Australian Aquatic Biodiversity 

Survey (AABS). The aims of these Projects are to survey the whole of Australia, to record and 

identify every species of freshwater fauna & their distributions. The present report embodies the 

ndings for a subset of the ACP, Project No. 100056 Aquatic Biodiversity Survey and Baseline 

Mapping of Freshwater Craysh & Aquatic Species of the Gosford LGA. Project 100056 is major 

sponsored by Gosford City Council 

Disclaimer: 

Every effort has been taken to provide accurate information and taxonomic determinations, 

and to use names that are current at the time of report preparation. The Australian Aquatic 

Biological company has exercised due care and skill in the preparation and compilation of the 

information and data set out in this publication. Notwithstanding, Australian Aquatic Biological, 

its employees and advisers disclaim all liability, including liability for negligence, for any loss, 

damage, injury, expense or cost incurred by any person as a result of accessing, using or 

relying upon any of the information or data set out in this publication to the maximum extent 

permitted by law. The authors accept no liability for errors and omissions. 

Preferred way to cite this publication: 

McCormack, R.B., 2010. Cockrone Lagoon Catchment & Surrounds, Aquatic Biological 

Survey 2010. Australian Aquatic Biological for Gosford City Council, Gosford NSW. 

Cockrone Lagoon Catchment Aquatic Biodiversity Report 2


Report Summary 

Biological surveys were undertaken as part of both the broad Australian Craysh Project (ACP) 

& Australian Aquatic Biological Survey (AABS) and a targeted sub-project on Gosford LGA 

(Project #100056, Australian Aquatic Biological 2010). The main sponsors for this project were 

Australian Aquatic Biological and Gosford City Council under their Ecological Research Grants 

Program 2010 that was assisting with biological research projects for the whole Gosford LGA. 

Surveys of the Gosford LGA are completed on a catchment/drainage basis and the area from 

Copacabana to MacMasters Beach incorporating Cockrone Lagoon is the forth catchment area 

surveyed completely as part of the broader Gosford LGA project. 

The Cockrone Lagoon catchment was surveyed in late August and September 2010 and the ndings 

are presented in this report. Surveys were conducted during mild spring conditions when all the 

ephemeral creeks and swamps had some water in them. 

Only low numbers of native sh species were recorded, as well as exotic Gambusia. No freshwater 

craysh were found in the catchment. As expected no mussels or crabs were found within the 

catchment. Both freshwater snails and shrimp were recorded from the catchment. Generally, the 

riparian zones looked good, with low exotic terrestrial weeds and without litter or major exotic 

aquatic weed infestations which was excellent news. Despite this aquatic biodiversity & population 

densities within the upper catchment were exceptionally poor. 

The full results of this aquatic biodiversity survey are presented in this report. 

Key words: Cockrone Lagoon, Gambusia, amphipod, gudgeon, parrot’s feather 

Figure 1. Cockrone Lagoon from Lakeside Drive 



Table of Contents 

Report Summary 3 

Table of Contents 4 

1. Background 6 

2. Introducon 6 

3. Aim of This Study 7 

4. Research Methods 8 

4.1. Methods 8 

5. Results & Discussion 13 

5.1. Crustaceans 13 

5.1.1. Freshwater Craysh 13 

5.1.2. Euastacus Craysh 13 

5.1.3. Gramastacus Craysh 13 

5.1.4. Cherax Craysh 13 

5.1.5. Atyidae Shrimp 14 

5.2. Fish Species 15 

5.2.1 Poeciliidae 15 

5.2.2 Pseudomugilidae 16 

5.2.3. Eleotridae 16 

5.2.4. Anguillidae 16 

5.3. Mollusca 17 

5.3.1. Hyriidae 17 

5.3.2. Planorbidae 17 

5.4. Macroinvertebrates/ Insect Larvae/Tadpoles 18 

5.5. Birds 19 

5.6. Site Results 20 

5.6.1. Winney Bay 20 

5.6.2. Copacabana 21 

5.6.3. Cockrone Lagoon 22 

6. Field Notes 29 

7. Conclusion 32 

8. Recommendaons 32 

9. Acknowledgements 33 

10. References 33 

List of Maps 

Map 1. Aerial Map of Cockrone Lagoon Catchment 10 

Map 2. Cockrone Lagoon Catchment GPS Sites 11 

Map3. GPS Survey Sites 12 

List of Figures 

Figure 1. Cockrone Lagoon from Lakeside Drive 3 

Figure 2. The research vehicle, The Scienic Road 7 

Figure 3. Cockrone Lagoon 9 

Figure 4. An aquarium blue yabby 13 

Figure 5. Atyidae shrimp Paratya australiensis from Cockrone Creek 14 

Figure 6. POI015 The creek ows under The Scenic Road and from 

here to the Lagoon has excellent aquac biodiversity. 14 

Figure 7. Plague minnow Gambusia holbrooki WPT003 

forest pond o Bounty Hill Road 15 



Figure 8. Flathead gudgeons Philypnodon grandiceps POI015 & WPT004 16 

Figure 9. Freshwater snails creek crossing the Scenic Road POI015 & WPT004 17 

Figure 10. Dragon y larvae (mud-eyes) from swamp WPT012 o Bounty Hill Road 18 

Figure 11. Tadpoles from swamp WPT012 o Bounty Hill Road 18 

Figure 12. Brush-turkey Alectura lathami along the streets of Copacabana 19 

Figure 13. Brush-turkey Alectura lathami creang nesng mound beside a tributary 

of Cockrone Creek near corner of The Scenic Road and Bounty Hill Road 19 

Figure 14. WPT002 Creek Winney Bay 20 

Figure 15. Winney Bay 20 

Figure 16. POI011 Creek draining Copacabana at Del Rio Drive 21 

Figure 17. POI011 Creek draining Copacabana at Del Rio Drive looking toward 

bridge at Del Monte Place 21 

Figure 18. WPT008 The creek in Merchants Gully 22 

Figure 19. Green algae showing through 22 

Figure 20. WPT011 Shallow reed swamp 23 

Figure 21. Upper catchment of Cockrone CreekWPT010 23 

Figure 22. Upper catchment of Cockrone CreekWPT010 23 

Figure 23. WPT009 Upper Cockrone Creek 

with deep iron bacteria sediments 23 

Figure 24. POI013 Cockrone Creek beside The Scenic Road 24 

Figure 25. POI013 Cockrone Creek beside The Scenic Road is shaded by rainforest 24 

Figure 26. Upper Cockrone Creek 25 

Figure 27. WPT006 Side Stream 26 

Figure 28. WPT003 Small dam in Forest 26 

Figure 29. WPT012 Ephemeral Swamp 27 

Figure 30. Turkey nest near dam WPT003 27 

Figure 31. Brush Turkey was interested in my surveying at corner of 

Bounty Hill and The Scenic Roads 27 

Figure 32. WPT004 The side stream between The Scenic Road and Cockrone Creek 28 

Figure 33. POI015 The side stream running under The Scenic Road 28 

List of Tables 

Table 1. Proposed Surveys Gosford LGA. 8 

Table 2. AABio Survey Site Record Sheets 29 

Table 3. Cockrone Lagoon and surrounding area survey sites data sheet 30 

Appendix A 

AABio Voucher Data Base - Cockrone Lagoon 36 



1. Background 

The Gosford LGA is experiencing rapid growth and development. This high population coastal 

area represents a significant environmental asset that is fundamentally important to our lifestyle 

and economy. Implementing the infrastructure needed to support the increased population, 

agriculture and tourism must be undertaken so as to minimize or avoid ecological impacts on 

coastal vegetation, wetlands and threatened species. It is essential that management agencies have 

the information on hand to wisely plan the development and future of these fragile coastal regions. 

Additionally, Gosford LGA will be increasingly affected by global warming and climate change. 

Any decisions made today could have lasting effects on the biodiversity of this coastal area. 

Currently, however, management agencies do not have access to all the appropriate information to 

enable the protection of our coastal crustacean and fish species and their fragile aquatic habitats. 

Over the last few years the Australian Crayfish Project (ACP) and Australian Aquatic Biodiversity 

Survey (AABS) has been surveying eastern Australia for freshwater crayfish and aquatic fauna. 

These surveys have made numerous important discoveries. In addition to recording new knowledge 

and describing several new species of crayfish in the region, the survey has also revealed that an 

alarming proportion of the region’s endemic species appear to be facing serious threats. 

With the support of Gosford City Council the whole of the Gosford LGA will be surveyed on a 

catchment by catchment basis and the results collected will greatly increase the knowledge base 

and allow better management of these fragile coastal ecosystems and help the conservation of our 

aquatic species. 

2. Introduction 

Cockrone Lagoon is located between Copacabana and MacMasters Beach which are small coastal 

communities located on the NSW Central Coast. This is a growing residential and recreation area. 

The survey area started south of Avoca Lagoon at Winney Bay Copacabana. 

• Winney Bay catchment consists predominantly of forested areas and reserves with a 

catchment area of approximately 1km². Two small ephemeral streams drain this area and run 

directly into the Bay. The catchment drains from approximately 100m a.s.l. to sea level. This is 

a relatively steep gradient to the Bay, combined with the short stream distances of approx 700m 

makes these two small ephemeral streams unsuitable for permanent aquatic habitation. 

• The majority of the suburb of Copacabana is nestled within a small valley drained by 

a small creek that flows directly to sea towards the northern end of Copacabana Beach. This 

small unnamed watercourse has a catchment of approximately 1km² and consists of entirely urban 

development. 

Cockrone Lagoon has a surface area of approximately 0.3km² and a total catchment area of 7km². 

It is a shallow Lagoon with average depth under 1m. 

The Lagoon has two main feeder streams, Merchants Gully to the north and Cockrone Creek to the 

south west. There are also several other smaller feeder streams. 

• Merchants Gully is located to the northern side of Cockrone Lagoon. This small stream 

has a catchment of approximately 0.39m² and the catchment consists of mixed urban and rural 



developments. 

• Cockrone Creek located to the south west is the main feeder stream of Cockrone Lagoon. 

This creek has a catchment of approximately 2.345km² 

Freshwater biological surveys were conducted in these two main freshwater creeks, several other 

inflow lines and drains were observed but found to be dry. Several small streams located along the 

north western shoreline between these two main streams were not surveyed due to lack of easy 

access. The main Lagoon proper was generally not included in this survey. 

Note: The Gosford LGA for the purpose of AABio biological surveying is divided into grids. This 

Cockrone Lagoon catchment and surrounds survey represents grids: 98, 99, & 109. 

3. Aim of This Study 

The primary aim of Project No. 100056 is to determine what freshwater crayfish occur where in 

the Gosford LGA. Primarily freshwater crayfish are the priority and the Gosford LGA represents a 

significant area for crayfish distributions, yet little is known on the distributions of crayfish in this 

area. Prior to the start of this research project only two species have recorded distributions within 

the LGA (Euastacus australasiensis and Euastacus spinifer) yet the extent of their distribution 

are unknown. Additionally, the area includes a number of coastal lagoons and streams all with 

independent catchments draining directly to the Tasman Sea that have been isolated from each 

other for millions of years and many containing unrecorded crayfish species. 

The project also records information on all the other aquatic fauna found in the LGA as well as 

information on landforms and vegetation. All this is in order to facilitate the better conservation 

and management of the aquatic ecosystems of the Gosford LGA. 

Figure 2. The research vehicle the Scenic Road 

Note: For environmental and hygiene reasons (transfer of pests, diseases & weeds, etc.) each of the 

catchments are treated as individual systems and are surveyed separately with equipment and personnel 

being sterilized between catchments. A copy of our Hygiene Protocol and Code of Practice 

is available online at www.aabio.com.au 



TABLE 1 

Proposed Catchment Surveys Gosford LGA 

PROJECT 100056 SURVEY LIST 

No. Catchment Project No. Status Grid 

1 Wamberal Lagoon 100056-1 Completed 79, 80, 89, 90. 

2 Terrigal Lagoon 100056-2 Completed 79, 89. 

3 Avoca Lagoon 100056-3 Completed 89,99, 98 

4 Cockrone Lagoon & 

Surrounds 

100056-4 Completed 98, 99, 109 

5 Kincumber to Kilcare 

& Bouddi NP – Coastal 

Streams 

6 Erina Creek 100056-6 In Prep 

7 Narara Creek 100056-7 

8 Brisbane Water –western 100056-8 

side streams 

9 Mullet Creek 100056-9 

10 Mooney Mooney Creek 100056-10 

11 Mangrove Creek 100056-11 

100056-5 Completed 87, 88, 97, 98, 107, 

108, 117 & 118. 

4. Research Methods 

A large proportion of the Cockrone Lagoon catchment was surveyed (Map 1-3) to identify potential 

habitat areas. The survey was relatively unobtrusive and consisted of various methods: 

4.1 Methods 

Site co-ordinates and altitude were recorded using a Magellan Explorist 600 handheld GPS. 

Specimens were collected using a variety of methods to suit the conditions at each survey site. 

• Visual observation of crayfish presence/activity. Generally burrowing activity is the most 

common indication of crayfish in the area, although visual observation is also often a useful 

technique to record the presence of crayfish that are active on the forest floor or stream bed 

during sampling. 

• Visual search for shell fragments and remnants of crayfish or molluscs. Crayfish moult their 

shells to grow a new larger shell discarding the old shell, they lose claws due to fighting or 

claws are left from animal predation. Snail and mussel shells are often stranded as water recedes 

or carried onshore by predators. Searching for shell remnants can give a good indication of the 

species present, the numbers of animals in the population and an indication of the predators 

in the area feeding on the crayfish/molluscs as each predator has its own signature re shell 

remains. 

• Active netting. Scoop nets were used to scoop the bottom sediments, under logs, through leaf 

litter, under banks or through reedy sections, etc. This is a particularly important method to 

detect species that do not respond to baits or traps and particularly effective in muddy/turbid 

water. Three scoop nets were utilized: Small - 300 mm diameter hand held scoop. Medium - 



rectangular rake with 600 mm x 200 mm opening. Large – 600 mm x 700 mm scoop net. 

• Cast Net. 3m diameter cast net. 

• Structure removal and probing. Crayfish & molluscs shelter under rocks and logs, etc. and time 

was allocated to lifting such shelter objects and searching by hand for fauna. This is another 

particularly important method to detect species that do not respond to traps or nets. 

• Burrow excavation by hand. Most crayfish species construct burrows, thus an integral part 

of the survey involved careful excavation of burrows by hand to search for crayfish. This is a 

particularly important method to detect species that do not respond to traps or nets. 

Most animals were examined at the collection site and released after identification. Some voucher 

material was retained where appropriate and all retained specimens were placed in transport 

containers with a small amount of water and some vegetation from the site and returned to the 

laboratory. Selected specimens were placed in glass aquaria and photographed. Crustacean 

specimens were then euthanized by freezing for at least 24 hours and subsequently stored in clear, 

labelled specimen jars containing 70% ethanol. Tissue samples were retained in cell lysis buffer 

from selected specimens for subsequent DNA analysis, as part of the broader ACP. 

These simple methods were used to find and capture freshwater aquatic animals for identification 

in the Cockrone Lagoon Catchment & surrounding area. However, AABio employs a code of 

practice that is designed to limit the transfer of any pests and diseases from one catchment to 

another. For each catchment separate traps and nets are utilized and boots, etc. of field workers are 

sterilized between catchments. 

Use of traps in eastern drainages is prohibited under the Fisheries Management Act and all methods 

and collection was authorized under special scientific collection permits. All collections were 

authorized by the NSW Department of Industry and Investment under Scientific Collection Permit 

P05/0077-4.1. All collections were authorized by the National Parks and Wildlife Service, under 

Scientific Licence S13112. 

Figure 3. Cockrone Lagoon 



Kincumber Creek 

Catchment 

Avoca Lake 

Catchment 

Winney Bay 

Catchment 

Kincumber Broadwater 

Catchment 


Catchment 

MAP 1. 


& Surrounding 

Catchments 


151°24' 151°25' 151°26' 


POI020 

-33°29' 

WPT010 

WPT011 

POI012 

WPT009 

WPT008 

POI013 

POI011 

POI014 

WPT004 

POI015 

WPT005 

WPT006 

WPT007 

WPT012 

WPT003 

POI016 

POI017 

-33°30' 

MAP 2 


& Surrounds 

Cockrone Lagoon Catchment Aquatic Biodiversity Report 11 

MapSend Lite v.2.00e Beta (build 1303). Copyright © 2006 Thales Navigation, Inc. All rights reserved. 

WPT001 

POI018 

WPT002 

POI019 

1 km

POI011 

POI011 

POI011 

POI011 

POI011 

POI011 

POI011 

POI011 

POI011 

POI012 

POI012 

POI012 

POI012 

POI012 

POI012 

POI012 

POI012 

POI012 

POI013 

POI013 

POI013 

POI013 

POI013 

POI013 

POI013 

POI013 

POI013 

POI014 

POI014 

POI014 

POI014 

POI014 

POI014 

POI014 

POI014 

POI014 

POI015 

POI015 

POI015 

POI015 

POI015 

POI015 

POI015 

POI015 

POI015 

POI016 

POI016 

POI016 

POI016 

POI016 

POI016 

POI016 

POI016 

POI016 

POI017 

POI017 

POI017 

POI017 

POI017 

POI017 

POI017 

POI017 

POI017 

POI018 

POI018 

POI018 

POI018 

POI018 

POI018 

POI018 

POI018 

POI018 

POI019 

POI019 

POI019 

POI019 

POI019 

POI019 

POI019 

POI019 

POI019 

POI020 

POI020 

POI020 

POI020 

POI020 

POI020 

POI020 

POI020 

POI020 

WPT001 

WPT001 

WPT001 

WPT001 

WPT001 

WPT001 

WPT001 

WPT001 

WPT001 

WPT002 

WPT002 

WPT002 

WPT002 

WPT002 

WPT002 

WPT002 

WPT002 

WPT002 

WPT003 

WPT003 

WPT003 

WPT003 

WPT003 

WPT003 

WPT003 

WPT003 

WPT003 

WPT004 

WPT004 

WPT004 

WPT004 

WPT004 

WPT004 

WPT004 

WPT004 

WPT004 

WPT005 

WPT005 

WPT005 

WPT005 

WPT005 

WPT005 

WPT005 

WPT005 

WPT005 

WPT006 

WPT006 

WPT006 

WPT006 

WPT006 

WPT006 

WPT006 

WPT006 

WPT006 

WPT007 

WPT007 

WPT007 

WPT007 

WPT007 

WPT007 

WPT007 

WPT007 

WPT007 

WPT008 

WPT008 

WPT008 

WPT008 

WPT008 

WPT008 

WPT008 

WPT008 

WPT008 

WPT009 

WPT009 

WPT009 

WPT009 

WPT009 

WPT009 

WPT009 

WPT009 

WPT009 

WPT010 

WPT010 

WPT010 

WPT010 

WPT010 

WPT010 

WPT010 

WPT010 

WPT010 

WPT011 

WPT011 

WPT011 

WPT011 

WPT011 

WPT011 

WPT011 

WPT011 

WPT011 

WPT012 

WPT012 

WPT012 

WPT012 

WPT012 

WPT012 

WPT012 

WPT012 

WPT012 

POI116 

POI116 

POI116 

POI116 

POI116 

POI116 

POI116 

POI116 

POI116 

POI117 

POI117 

POI117 

POI117 

POI117 

POI117 

POI117 

POI117 

POI117 

POI118 

POI118 

POI118 

POI118 

POI118 

POI118 

POI118 

POI118 

POI118 

POI119 

POI119 

POI119 

POI119 

POI119 

POI119 

POI119 

POI119 

POI119 

POI120 

POI120 

POI120 

POI120 

POI120 

POI120 

POI120 

POI120 

POI120 

POI121 

POI121 

POI121 

POI121 

POI121 

POI121 

POI121 

POI121 

POI121 

POI122 

POI122 

POI122 

POI122 

POI122 

POI122 

POI122 

POI122 

POI122 

POI123 

POI123 

POI123 

POI123 

POI123 

POI123 

POI123 

POI123 

POI123 

POI124 

POI124 

POI124 

POI124 

POI124 

POI124 

POI124 

POI124 

POI124 

POI125 

POI125 

POI125 

POI125 

POI125 

POI125 

POI125 

POI125 

POI125 

POI126 

POI126 

POI126 

POI126 

POI126 

POI126 

POI126 

POI126 

POI126 

POI127 

POI127 

POI127 

POI127 

POI127 

POI127 

POI127 

POI127 

POI127 

POI128 

POI128 

POI128 

POI128 

POI128 

POI128 

POI128 

POI128 

POI128 

POI129 

POI129 

POI129 

POI129 

POI129 

POI129 

POI129 

POI129 

POI129 

POI130 

POI130 

POI130 

POI130 

POI130 

POI130 

POI130 

POI130 

POI130 

POI131 

POI131 

POI131 

POI131 

POI131 

POI131 

POI131 

POI131 

POI131 

POI132 

POI132 

POI132 

POI132 

POI132 

POI132 

POI132 

POI132 

POI132 

POI133 

POI133 

POI133 

POI133 

POI133 

POI133 

POI133 

POI133 

POI133 

POI134 

POI134 

POI134 

POI134 

POI134 

POI134 

POI134 

POI134 

POI134 

POI135 

POI135 

POI135 

POI135 

POI135 

POI135 

POI135 

POI135 

POI135 

POI136 

POI136 

POI136 

POI136 

POI136 

POI136 

POI136 

POI136 

POI136 

POI137 

POI137 

POI137 

POI137 

POI137 

POI137 

POI137 

POI137 

POI137 

POI138 

POI138 

POI138 

POI138 

POI138 

POI138 

POI138 

POI138 

POI138 

POI139 

POI139 

POI139 

POI139 

POI139 

POI139 

POI139 

POI139 

POI139 

POI140 

POI140 

POI140 

POI140 

POI140 

POI140 

POI140 

POI140 

POI140 

POI141 

POI141 

POI141 

POI141 

POI141 

POI141 

POI141 

POI141 

POI141 

POI142 

POI142 

POI142 

POI142 

POI142 

POI142 

POI142 

POI142 

POI142 

POI143 

POI143 

POI143 

POI143 

POI143 

POI143 

POI143 

POI143 

POI143 

POI022A1 

POI022A1 

POI022A1 

POI022A1 

POI022A1 

POI022A1 

POI022A1 

POI022A1 

POI022A1 

POI015A2 

POI015A2 

POI015A2 

POI015A2 

POI015A2 

POI015A2 

POI015A2 

POI015A2 

POI015A2 

POI018A2 

POI018A2 

POI018A2 

POI018A2 

POI018A2 

POI018A2 

POI018A2 

POI018A2 

POI018A2 

KPOI006 

KPOI006 

KPOI006 

KPOI006 

KPOI006 

KPOI006 

KPOI006 

KPOI006 

KPOI006 

KPOI007 

KPOI007 

KPOI007 

KPOI007 

KPOI007 

KPOI007 

KPOI007 

KPOI007 

KPOI007 

KPOI008 

KPOI008 

KPOI008 

KPOI008 

KPOI008 

KPOI008 

KPOI008 

KPOI008 

KPOI008 

OI009 

OI009 

OI009 

OI009 

OI009 

OI009 

OI009 

OI009 

OI009 

KPOI010 

KPOI010 

KPOI010 

KPOI010 

KPOI010 

KPOI010 

KPOI010 

KPOI010 

KPOI010 

KPOI011 

KPOI011 

KPOI011 

KPOI011 

KPOI011 

KPOI011 

KPOI011 

KPOI011 

KPOI011 

KPOI012 

KPOI012 

KPOI012 

KPOI012 

KPOI012 

KPOI012 

KPOI012 

KPOI012 

KPOI012 

KPOI013 

KPOI013 

KPOI013 

KPOI013 

KPOI013 

KPOI013 

KPOI013 

KPOI013 

KPOI013 

KPOI014 

KPOI014 

KPOI014 

KPOI014 

KPOI014 

KPOI014 

KPOI014 

KPOI014 

KPOI014 

KPOI015 

KPOI015 

KPOI015 

KPOI015 

KPOI015 

KPOI015 

KPOI015 

KPOI015 

KPOI015 

KPOI016 

KPOI016 

KPOI016 

KPOI016 

KPOI016 

KPOI016 

KPOI016 

KPOI016 

KPOI016 

KPOI017 

KPOI017 

KPOI017 

KPOI017 

KPOI017 

KPOI017 

KPOI017 

KPOI017 

KPOI017 

KPOI018 

KPOI018 

KPOI018 

KPOI018 

KPOI018 

KPOI018 

KPOI018 

KPOI018 

KPOI018 

KPOI019 

KPOI019 

KPOI019 

KPOI019 

KPOI019 

KPOI019 

KPOI019 

KPOI019 

KPOI019 

KPOI020 

KPOI020 

KPOI020 

KPOI020 

KPOI020 

KPOI020 

KPOI020 

KPOI020 

KPOI020 

KPT005 

KPT005 

KPT005 

KPT005 

KPT005 

KPT005 

KPT005 

KPT005 

KPT005 

151°22' 151°23' 151°24' 151°25' 151°26' 151°27' 151°28' 

-33°28' 

-33°29' 

-33°30' 

-33°31' 

2 km 

MapSend Lite v.2.00e Beta (build 1303). Copyright © 2006 Thales Navigation, Inc. All rights reserved. 


Cockrone Lagoon Catchment Aquatic Biodiversity Report 12 

Map 3 

GPS Survey Points 

Surrounding Area


5. Results and Discussion 

Please note that results listed here reect the species at that site at that time. Over time during 

different conditions different species or numbers may be present. 

5.1. Crustaceans 

5.1.1. Freshwater Craysh. 

Prior to this research project only Euastacus australasiensis and Euastacus spinifer were recorded 

from the Gosford LGA, neither was known to occur within the Cockrone Lagoon catchment 

and these two species were specically searched for. Additionally, coastal habitats in NSW are 

known to contain two undescribed species of freshwater craysh of genus Tenuibranchiurus and 

Gramastacus and these were also targeted. 

Survey No.:100056-1 of Wamberal Lagoon identied two species of craysh in that catchment, 

an endemic species Gramastacus sp and an invasive introduced species Cherax destructor. Both 

these species were specically searched for in the Cockrone Lagoon, Winney Bay and Copacabana 

catchments. 

Both Wyong LGA to the north and Gosford LGA to the south represent a signicant freshwater 

craysh distribution area. Though the knowledge base is small there seems to be a cut off line 

roughly running from Wamberal Lagoon, through Narara and then up through Central Mangrove 

that represents a species distribution line with one species (Euastacus spinifer) occurring on both 

sides, two species (Cherax setosus and Gramastacus sp) only north of the line and one species 

(Euastacus australasiensis) only south of the line. This project will map that line and the distribution 

of these craysh species along the line, and the surrounding region. A scientic manuscript on 

those ndings is proposed. 

No craysh species at all were found within the Cockrone Lagoon, Winney Bay and Copacabana 

Catchments. 

5.1.2. Euastacus Craysh 

We were unable to conrm the presence of either E. spinifer or E. australasiensis. It would be our 

conclusion that the area is unsuitable for both species as the tributary creek system is too small 

and without sufcient highland catchment to support the clean, clear permanently owing creek 

systems preferred by these species. 

5.1.3. Gramastacus Craysh 

No craysh have been collected within any of the catchment areas surveyed. Suitable habitat areas 

were found but too small to sustain viable populations. 

5.1.4. Cherax 

Yabbies Cherax destructor were not 

found within the catchment. This was 

a good sign and it is hoped that better 

education will keep them out. Their vivid 

colours make them popular aquarium pets 

but unfortunately uneducated or uncaring 

people release them into the wild creating 

major environmental problems. 

Figure 4. An aquarium blue yabby 



Figure 5. Atyidae shrimp Paratya australiensis from Cockrone Creek 

5.1.5. Atyidae 

Freshwater shrimp were not found within the upper catchment. This is considered a problem and a 

major area of concern. As the base food source for most native aquatic fauna, the lack of this food 

source would seriously impact on other species like gudgeons, galaxias and blue-eyes, etc. 

Atyidae shrimp were found at several sites downstream of the Scenic Drive POI015 

Figure 6. POI015 The creek flows under The Scenic Road and from here to the Lagoon has 

excellent aquatic biodiversity. 



5.2. Fish Species 

5.2.1. Poeciliidae 

Gambusia holbrooki are an introduced species that is a major pest and is having devastating 

repercussions on our native species. They are live bearers protecting their eggs and young and an 

exceptionally robust species, surviving in conditions that will kill most native species. They eat 

the eggs and larvae of our native species, and the same food and survive in both fresh and marine 

environments. They are an exceptionally robust species surviving in water conditions that are 

unsuitable for our native species. 

Exceptionally small numbers of mosquito sh Gambusia holbrooki were captured. This was very 

disappointing, if the aquatic conditions are not even suitable for mosquito sh then there is no 

hope or future for native species. Most of the upper catchments were devoid of mosquito sh with 

specimens not appearing till lower down closer to the Lagoon proper. 

Other pest and exotic sh species like swordtails, guppies, mollies, carp & goldsh were all absent 

from the catchment. Much of eastern NSW is impacted by these pest species and their absence in the 

catchment was fantastic news and very encouraging for the future health of the local environment 

and prosperity of the native aquatic fauna. 

Figure 7. Mosquito fish or plague minnow Gambusia holbrooki 

WPT003 Forest pond off Bounty Hill Road 



5.2.2. Pseudomugilidae 

Pacic blue-eyes Pseudomugil signi er were not found in the catchment. 

5.2.3. Eleotridae 

Stripped gudgeon Gobiomorphus australis were captured in Merchants Gully. No other shrimp, 

craysh or aquatic insects were in the water with these sh, which was not a good sign. 

Flathead gudgeons Philypnodon grandiceps were captured in Cockrone Creek together with, 

shrimp, snails and Gambusia. 

Figure 8. Flathead gudgeons Philypnodon grandiceps POI015 & WPT004 

5.2.4. Anguillidae 

Freshwater eels Anguilla reinhardtii were expected to be in most of the permanent creek systems, 

however, they were not targeted in this survey and none were captured or sighted. 



5.3. Mollusca 

5.3.1. Hyriidae 

Freshwater mussels were not identied from the Copacabana and MacMasters Beach area. Despite 

our best efforts we were unable to conrm the presence of any freshwater bi valves. We expect the 

small catchment and intermittent ow rates of feeder creeks are unsuitable for these species. 

5.3.2. Planorbidae 

Freshwater snails Glyptophysa gibbosa were found in several areas. Only small numbers but even 

so their presence does indicate that suitable habitat is available. 

Figure 9. Freshwater snails creek crossing the Scenic Road POI015 & WPT004 



5.4. Macroinvertebrates/ Insect Larvae/Tadpoles 

Mud eyes, beetles and bugs were scattered throughout all the surrounding catchments sampled but 

were absent from some Cockrone Lagoon sample sites which was not a good sign. 

Figure 10. Dragon fly larvae (mud eyes) from swamp WPT012 off Bounty Hill Road 

Figure 11. Tadpoles from swamp WPT012 off Bounty Hill Road 



5.5. Birds 

Birds were not a part of this survey, however, some of the species recorded will be listed here. 

These were the common species in the catchment but only in only small numbers. 

Chestnut teals Anus castanea, Dusky morhens Gallinula tenebrosa, Brush-turkey Alectura lathami 

were the most common in the area. 

Figure 12. Brush-turkey Alectura lathami along the streets of Copacabana 

Figure 13. Brush-turkey Alectura lathami creating nesting mound beside a tributary of Cockrone 

Creek near corner of The Scenic Road and Bounty Hill Road 



5.6. Site Results 

Generally the catchment of Cockrone Lagoon was in a relatively good state without any large 

aquatic weed outbreaks. 

Results 

5.6.1. Winney Bay 

Access was obtained by parking the vehicle at the water reservoir tank located on Cape Three 

Points Road (POI020) and following the gravel track down to Winney Bay. 

The creek system draining into Winney Bay has two branches. The northern branch was sampled 

at (POI018). Here the creek was owing mostly underground but damp wet areas were common 

and turning rock is the wet conditions indicated good numbers of amphipods and insect larvae. 

The creek was also sampled further upstream at (WPT001). Here the creek was owing with water 

in the stream bed. Stream conditions were clear owing water but a thick brown orange sediment 

layer covered the bottom of the small stream. 

Generally the streams have a steep gradient owing down the hillside to the lower sections of the 

small valley where it attens and water movement slows. Water was owing but ow was low and 

clarity was high. 

The lower sections of the stream had all surfaces coated with a brown/orange scum layer that I 

would generally associate with the presence of iron bacteria. This thrives in waters with high iron 

concentrations, low oxygen and lower sunlight levels. It’s not toxic as such, but it will smoother 

other aquatic plants and makes life hard for other aquatic organisms. 

Our survey of the small sections of the northern creek indicated no macroinvertebrates within the 

stream but amphipods and dobsony’s larvae (Archichauliodes sp) under rocks in damp sections 

of stream with some lamentous algae cover and no iron bacteria. 

The southern stream was sampled at (POI1019). The stream was not owing and consisted of 

damp areas/cumbungi swamps without water and some smaller deep pools with low water levels 

and solid brown orange scum. No macroinvertebrates or other species identied at this site. 

The stream was also sampled at WPT002 after the junction of the northern and southern streams 

before they entered the sea. The stream was owing with high clarity and all surfaces coated with 

iron bacteria. No macroinvertebrates were present. 

The small catchments, small ows and ephemeral nature of these streams would make them 

unsuitable for most molluscs and crustaceans. During rain events they would ow and ush rapidly 

then dwindle to nothing as dry spells ensue. 

Figure 14. WPT002 Creek Winney Bay 

Figure 15. Winney Bay 



Figure 16. POI011 Creek draining Copacabana at Del Rio Drive 

5.6.2. Copacabana 

The township of Copacabana has a small stream 

draining it running directly to the sea through 

Copacabana Beach. This unnamed watercourse 

has a fully developed urban catchment and is 

a small short stream. Despite the urbanized 

catchment the creek was in reasonably good 

condition with good biodiversity. 

Figure 17. POI011 Creek draining Copacabana at Del 

Rio Drive looking toward bridge at Del Monte Place 

The creek was sampled at (POI011) on Del Rio Drive. Here the stream was no more than an open 

stormwater drain that was heavily vegetated. Native cumbungi, common reed and soft reeds were 

common in the stream bed. These native aquatic plants attract native species so that’s another good 

sign. 

There was also a smattering of nasturtium (fast growing annual from Peru) that is common 

along Central Coast streams. There was also small amount of “parrot’s feather” (Myriophyllum 

aquaticum) another South American weed but otherwise quite good. 

The stream was gently owing with high clarity and no iron bacteria, which was encouraging. Aquatic 

biodiversity was high reecting the water conditions with large numbers of macroinvertebrates 

present, water beetles and mudeyes most common. Mosquito sh (Gambusia holbrooki) were 

common as were native freshwater snails (Glyptophysa gibbosa). 



5.6.3. Cockrone Lagoon 

Merchants Gully is located to the northern side of Cockrone Lagoon. This small stream has a 

catchment of approximately 0.39m² and the catchment consists of mixed urban and rural 

developments. This creek was surveyed at (WPT008) at the corner of Copacabana Drive and 

Laguna Avenue. Here Merchant Creek meanders through a mixed palm rainforest and Melaleuca 

swamp forests. Its an extremely pretty area with large cabbage palms and paperbark trees shading 

the owing stream. 

The stream had high clarity with just a small intermittent coating of iron bacteria. Patches of green 

algae covering sticks and logs was showing through, the substrate was a dark rainforest soil with 

ne sediments and heavy leaf litter. 

Macro invertebrates mostly aquatic beetles and some mudeyes and mayies were present in small 

numbers. The only vertebrates captured were stripped gudgeons (Gobiomorphus australis) that 

were present under the ledges and larger palm fronds in the water. 

Despite an intensied effort no other sh, shrimp, snails or craysh were found in this section of 

creek. The stream and riparian zone was in good visual condition but the aquatic diversity was low. 

Figure 18. WPT008 The Creek in Merchants Gully 

Fig 19. Green algae showing through 



Cockrone Creek located to the south west is the main feeder stream of Cockrone Lagoon. This 

creek has a catchment of approximately 2.345m². 

The creek was rst surveyed at (POI012). Here the creek looked good with tannin stained water in 

swamps and pools to the north of The Scenic Drive (WPT011), but orange brown sediments and 

clear water on the south side draining under The Scenic Drive into Cockrone Creek (WPT010). 

Figure 20. WPT011 Shallow reed swamp 

Figure 21. Upper catchment of Cockrone 

CreekWPT010 

By (WPT009) we had gently owing water with high clarity and deep iron bacteria sediments and 

oc coatings up to 50 mm thick. Despite our best efforts no sign of life in the water at all. 

Figure 22. Upper catchment of Cockrone 

CreekWPT010 

Figure 23. WPT009 Upper Cockrone Creek 

with deep iron bacteria sediments 



Cockrone Creek was sampled further down (POI013). Iron bacteria coatings were reduced and the 

stream was wider and deeper with some turbidity. The riparian zone was rainforest and the whole 

area looked a lot better. We did nd freshwater snails, which was a good sign as well as a few 

macroinvertebrates. No other sh, eels or shrimp were located but all expected to be in this area. 

Figure 24. POI013 Cockrone Creek beside The Scenic Road 

A side stream/drain was sampled at (POI014). Some macroinvertebrates (water beetles and one 

mudeye) was captured at this site. The roadside deeper drains had ooded grasses, soft reeds and 

lamentous algae and looked promising but biodiversity was very low. 

Figure 25. POI013 Cockrone Creek beside The Scenic Road is shaded by rainforest 



Iron bacteria was utilizing iron as a source of energy in many of the creeks. It thrives in low light, 

low oxygen conditions and feeds on iron, it can grow rapidly creating voluminous quantities of an 

orange brown slime such as was observed in several of the surveyed upper tributaries. 

While it may be unsightly, this orange slime coating is a naturally occurring microorganism and 

is not a health hazard. Examination of all the creeks and streams in the Cockrone Lagoon and 

surrounding areas did not detect any adverse smell emanating from the bacteria affected creeks. 

However, it is known to cause unpleasant odours especially when there is a die off. 

It is not aesthetically pleasing and will clog the aquatic system, reducing water ows and smothering 

substrates and habitat areas making them unsuitable for native aquatic ora and fauna. 

Figure 26. Upper Cockrone Creek 



A side stream draining from the south crosses The Scenic Drive near the intersection of Bounty 

Hill Rd and then enters Cockrone Creek. This area looked exceptionally good so an intensied 

effort was applied to this area. 

The side stream was 1 -2 mtrs wide with turbid water up to 1mtr deep with earthen banks, high 

leaf litter content and only a touch of iron bacteria draining though mixed paperbark and rainforest. 

It looked good and we expected good results. We sampled the creek at (WPT005, WPT006 & 

WPT007) and produced zero results, nothing was captured. 

Figure 27. WPT006 Side Stream 

At WPT003 was a small dam in the forest 

and this contained mosquito sh, Gambusia 

holbrooki and macroinvertebrates. The 

water quality in this dam looked good. 

Figure 28. WPT003 Small Dam in Forest 



At WPT012 are small ephemeral swamps beneath the paperbark trees. These paperbark swamps 

were in excellent condition and contained dark tannin stained water. The water in these swamps 

was full of macroinvertebrates and tadpoles. The biodiversity here was phenomenal and a pleasure 

to see, all sorts of aquatic beetles and bugs, (mostly damselies and dragony larvae, boatman and 

small black beetles). The tadpoles were in the hundreds if not thousands and seemed to be all of 

the same species. 

Of note is that throughout this forested area were Brush-turkeys (Alectura lathami). Large sections 

of forest oor had been scratched clean of leaf litter and scratched into huge nesting mounds. 

Several huge nesting mounds were in this area with Brush-turkeys joining me in my survey efforts 

and keeping an eye on me. 

Figure 29. WPT012 Ephemeral Swamp 

Figure 30. Turkey nest near dam 

WPT003 

Figure 31. Brush Turkey was interested in my surveying 

at corner of Bounty Hill and The Scenic Roads 



This side stream runs under The Scenic Road around (POI015), the creek was owing and dropped 

400 mm from the under road concrete drain back into the earthen creek. Here on the northern 

side of The Scenic Drive with the water owing through narrow channels was more oxygenated 

and biodiversity was good. We captured at (POI015 & WPT004) athead gudgeon (Philypnodon 

grandiceps), mosquito sh (Gambusia holbrooki), freshwater shrimp (Paratya australasiensis), 

freshwater snails (Glyptophysa gibbosa) and some macroinvertebrates. 

Figure 32. WPT004 The side stream between The Scenic Road and Cockrone Creek 

Another creek/drain enters the Lagoon and crosses 

Lakeside Drive at (POI016). This creek/drain is dry 

on the southern side of the road and scattered pools 

on the north side. Only mosquito sh (Gambusia 

holbrooki) were in these pools. 

Another small creek/drain occurs at (POI017) but the 

creek and associated swampy areas were dry at time 

of survey and no indications of burrowing species in 

the streambeds. 

Figure 33. POI015 The side stream running 

under The Scenic Road 



6. Field Notes. 

Survey sites were recorded on a Magellan 600 GPS. Additionally, at each survey site a survey 

sheet was lled in which recorded the following: 

1. Date. 

2. Grid reference. 

3. Location-Street address. 

4. GSP location (digital Longitude & Latitude). 

5. Height. 

6. Time. 

7. Mileage. 

8. Habitat description. 

9. Land use. 

10. Water ow/clarity/condition, etc. 

11. Aquatic plants. 

12. Species/collection methods. 

The following is the survey site information brief. 

Table 2. AABio Survey Site Record Sheets. 



TABLE3 

CockroneLagoon&surroundingareaSurveySitesDATASHEET 

Height 

Creator Latitude Longitude Mtrs Name Description Symbol 

MapSend 

Lite 33.489667 151.432717 12 POI011 Opengrassybanks,banksias,riveroaks,clearflowing,reeds,lantana, cumbungi,someparrotsfeather,gambusia,snails,macroslots. 

Crossed 

Square 

MapSend 

Lite 33.48605 151.4037 22 POI012 Rainforest,shallowreedswampnothingdead 

Crossed 

Square 

MapSend 

Lite 33.4879 151.404817 19 POI013 SNAILDeeperwater,someturbidity,heavyleaflitter,looksbetterexpect eelsfish. 

Crossed 

Square 

MapSend 

Lite 33.49095 151.408067 11 POI014 Macroinverts,moredrain,floodedgrasses,filalgae,softreeds,looked OK. 

Crossed 

Square 

MapSend 

Lite 33.492133 151.4102 16 POI015 Ferns,teatree,flowing,someturb,bestsofarGudgeons,shrimp,macro, snails 

Crossed 

Square 

MapSend 

Lite 33.493 151.422917 10 POI016 DRY 

Crossed 

Square 

MapSend 

Lite 33.4952 151.425383 36 POI017 DRY 

Crossed 

Square 

MapSend 

Lite 33.48105 151.441433 13 POI018 Clearflowing,softreeds,ironbacteria,nothingincreekAmphipods underrocks 

Crossed 

Square 

MapSend 

Lite 33.482333 151.4412 22 POI019 DRY 

Crossed 

Square 

MapSend 

Lite 33.478133 151.43675 122 POI020 CAR 

Crossed 

Square 

MapSend 

Lite 33.480573 151.441076 36 WPT001 flowing/nothing/ironsediments 

Crossed 

Square 

MapSend 

Lite 33.481534 151.442163 15 WPT002 flowing/nothing/ironsediments 

Crossed 

Square 

MapSend 

Lite 33.492889 151.410503 30 WPT003 Gambusia/macroinvertdam,waterlooksgood,paperbark,gahnia, turkeynests 

Crossed 

Square 

MapSend 

Lite 33.491928 151.410444 21 WPT004 Heavilyshaded,looksgoodStrippedgudgeons,shrimp 

Crossed 

Square 



MapSend 

Lite 33.492568 151.410063 24 WPT005 looksgood,heavyleaflitter,shaded,turbiddeadnothing 

MapSend 


MapSend 


MapSend 

Peaceful,palms,ferns,rainforest,clearwater,lightironsediments,some 

Lite 33.486385 151.424926 29 WPT008 algaeshowingthruonlystrippedgudgeonx3 

MapSend 

Clearflowing,IronBacteriadeepsediments,rainforest,palms,treeferns, 

Lite 33.486188 151.404074 36 WPT009 nonothing,deadwater. 

MapSend 

DeepIronBacterianonothingshallow,flowing,heavyleaflitter,fern 

Lite 33.485892 151.403193 36 WPT010 edges. 

MapSend 

Lite 33.485769 151.403868 36 WPT011 Reedswamp,tanninstained,nomacro,notadpoles,nonothing 

MapSend 

Lite 33.492567 151.410506 28 WPT012 Ephemeralswamp,tadpolesmudeyesbeetlesbon 

Crossed 

Square 

Crossed 

Square 

Crossed 

Square 

Crossed 

Square 

Crossed 

Square 

Crossed 

Square 

Crossed 

Square 

Crossed 

Square 



7. Conclusion 

Copacabana, Cockrone Lagoon and MacMasters Beach is another scenic coastal residential and 

recreational area. This high level of scenic and natural beauty is a major attraction drawing both 

residents and holiday makers to the area. The area has it all, rocky headlands, beautiful sandy 

beaches, tranquil Lagoon, rainforests and reserves all located within a high population suburban 

setting 

Preliminary surveys of the Lagoon indicated a range of native species present within the Lagoon 

proper. However, aquatic biological surveys of the catchment area indicate the biodiversity 

within the freshwater aquatic tributary system is extremely low. As we progressed upstream from 

the Lagoon proper, biodiversity diminished rapidly. The upper reaches of the catchment were 

seemingly devoid of aquatic life. The Cockrone Lagoon and surrounding areas aquatic ecosystems 

consisted of a very poor diversity of aquatic fauna which was very disappointing. 

Exotic invasive aquatic weeds, however, were absent from the majority of the catchments which 

was an encouraging sign. The majority of riparian zones were also in good condition with few 

terrestrial weeds, etc. 

Most steams were heavily laden with orange brown iron bacteria which was unsightly. This 

bacteria thrives in low light, low oxygen and high iron environments, it is not toxic but also not 

inducive to native aquatic ora or fauna and is usually a precursor to exotic weeds that thrive in 

these conditions. 

Both Winney Bay and Copacabana creeks are too small and short to sustain much in the way of 

aquatic biodiversity. 

The freshwater tributary streams feeding into Cockrone Lagoon are very small with highly 

urbanized catchments; there just isn’t sufcient catchment or stream ow rates to adequately 

sustain and ush these short creeks systems. The small catchment size limits the capacity of the 

system to be self cleansing and this is amplied in drought conditions but wet conditions rapidly 

ush and clean the system. This uctuation creates unstable conditions not inducive to native 

species. 

8. Recommendations 

This survey records the current status of the ecological health of streams in the Cockrone Lagoon 

and Surrounding Catchments. It provides a baseline for future comparison after initiation of any 

catchment or local remediation strategies. The following recommendations are offered to Gosford 

City Council for the Cockrone Lagoon and surrounding area. 

• Continued support and encouragement of local environmental community or landcare 

groups to continue with riparian regeneration and weed control, etc. 

• biodiversity monitoring of the freshwater catchment streams on an ongoing basis would 

also be recommended. To obtain signicant information approximately 5 sites should be 

monitored for aquatic biodiversity twice per year (winter/summer) on the same day and 

then over time trends can be seen, etc. 

• water quality monitoring of the freshwater catchment streams on an ongoing basis would 

also be recommended. To obtain signicant information approximately 5 sites should be 

monitored for water quality twice per year (winter/summer) on the same day and then 



over time trends can be seen, etc. 

• continue to educate the residents and commercial entities on pollutant reduction at source. 

• continue to educate the residents and commercial entities on the dangers of exotic ora 

and fauna and the consequences of escape into the environment. 

• continue to educate the residents and commercial entities on aquatic weeds and how to 

identify outbreaks, with monitoring of their local streams to identify outbreaks early. 

• Gosford City Council has in place a Coastal Lagoon Management Plan that covers the 

Cockrone Lagoon and catchment. This comprehensive Plan covers most issues and 

should be promoted and supported to help improve the overall health and prosperity of 

the catchment systems. 

9. Acknowledgements 

Sponsorship for the Cockrone Lagoon & Surrounding Catchment Project was supported by Gosford 

City Council under the Ecological Research Grants Program 2010 and we are thankful to Gosford 

City Council and Michael Ebert, Environment Ofcer, Education and Compliance. 

Unless otherwise referenced, information presented on Cockrone Lagoon, NSW has arisen 

from recent biological surveys undertaken as part of the broader Australian Craysh Project & 

Australian Aquatic Biological Survey and we are thankful to Australian Aquatic Biological Pty Ltd 

for sponsoring that work and for providing access to laboratory and eld equipment. 

There are a number of people to thank for their assistance with this report; our thanks to Dr 

Stephen Keable, Collection Manager, Marine Invertebrates (Natural Science Collections) 

Australian Museum, for his help, support and assistance with making the Australia Museum 

collection available for study; Helen Stoddart and Rodger Springthorpe (Australian Museum) for 

all the work I keep creating for them, I really do appreciate all your efforts, much thanks; Janet 

Waterhouse, (Australian Museum) for assistance with the conrmation of identication of the 

freshwater snails in the Gosford LGA; Amanda (Australian Museum) for assistance with Gudgeon 

identication; Brian Patterson, Palm Grove Ourimbah Creek Landcare Inc., https://sites.google. 

com/site/palmgroveourimbahcreeklandcare for help with weed/plant identication. 

All collections were authorized by the NSW Department of Industry and Investment under 

Scientic Collection Permit P05/0077-4.1. Special thanks to Bill Talbot (Director, Fisheries and 

Aquaculture) for organizing our permit. 

All collections were authorized by the National Parks and Wildlife Service, under Scientic 

Licence S13112. 

10. References: 

Allen, G.R., Midgley, S.H., Allen, M., 2002. Field Guide to The Freshwater Fishes of Australia. 

CSIRO Publishing. ISBN 0-7307-5486-3. 

Australian Craysh Project, 2005 – 2010. Collection records c/- Australian Aquatic Biological Pty 

Ltd, Karuah NSW Australia. 

Coastal Lagoons Management Plan, 1995. Gosford City Council, PO Box 21, GOSFORD NSW 

2250. 



Coughran, J., McCormack, R.B., Daly, G. 2009. Translocation of the Yabby, Cherax destructor, 

into eastern drainages of New South Wales, Australia. Australian Zoologist. Vol 35 (1). 

McCormack, R.B., Horwitz, P. (in prep). Gramastacus n. sp. (Decapoda: Parastacidae): A new 

species of freshwater craysh from coastal New South Wales, Australia. (Peer-reviewed scientic 

journal article). 

McCormack, R.B., Horwitz, P., Coughran, J. (in prep). Conservation of Imperilled Craysh – 

Gramastacus sp. nov. (decapoda: parastacidae), a lowland coastal craysh from the central & mid 

north coast, New South Wales, Australia. (Peer-reviewed scientic journal article). 

McCormack, RB. 2008 “The Freshwater Craysh of NSW Australia” Australian Aquatic Biological 

Pty Ltd., Karuah, NSW. ISBN 978-0-9805144-1-4 

Weeds of National Signicance, Weed Management Guide. CRC for Australian Weed Management 

and the Commonwealth Department of the Environment and Heritage. http://www.weeds.gov.au/ 

publications/guidelines/wons/pubs/c-caroliniana.pdf 

Wilson, J. & Evans, P., 2002. Observation of Water Quality in Cockrone Lagoon on 13 March 

2002. Centre for Natural Resources, Dept Land and Water Conservation. 



This Report Prepared 

for 

Gosford City Council 

By 

Robert B McCormack 

……………………………………………………………………………….. 

……………………………………………. 

Research Director 


31st October 2010 



Collecti 

onID# 

Family Genus Species Collector'sIDNote LOCALITY LATITUDE LONGITUDE ALTITUDE COLLECTIONDATE COLLECTOR(S) Vouchered OTHERNOTES 

3400 Eleotridae Gobiomorphus australis strippedgudgeon 

MerchantsCrk,offcnrLagunaAv&CopacabanaDr,Copacabana 

(CockroneLake) 

33.48662 151.42489 16 9Sep2010 RBMcCormack yes scoop 

3419 Poeciliidae Gambusia holbrooki mosquitofish Unnamedwatercourse,besideDelRioDrive,Copacabana(DirecttoSea) 33.48967 151.43271 6 23Sep2010 RBMcCormack yes scoop 

3420 Planorbidae 

Glyptophysa 

gibbosa snail Unnamedwatercourse,besideDelRioDrive,Copacabana(DirecttoSea) 33.48967 151.43271 6 23Sep2010 RBMcCormack yes scoop 

3421 Planorbidae 

Glyptophysa 

gibbosa snail CockroneCreek,CockroneLake,MacMastersBeach(CockroneLake) 33.48790 151.40482 15 23Sep2010 RBMcCormack yes scoop 

3422 Poeciliidae Gambusia holbrooki mosquitofish nPaperbarkforestTribCockroneCrk,CockroneLake,MacMastersBeach(Co 33.48150 151.44220 15 23Sep2010 RBMcCormack yes scoop 

3423 Eleotridae Philypnodon grandiceps flatheadedgudgeon kroneCrk,CockroneLake,belowTheScenicDrive,MacMastersBeach(Cockr 33.49214 151.41020 15 23Sep2010 RBMcCormack yes scoop 

3424 Poeciliidae Gambusia holbrooki mosquitofish kroneCrk,CockroneLake,belowTheScenicDrive,MacMastersBeach(Cockr 33.49214 151.41020 15 23Sep2010 RBMcCormack yes scoop 

3425 Eleotridae Philypnodon grandiceps flatheadedgudgeon kroneCrk,CockroneLake,belowTheScenicDrive,MacMastersBeach(Cockr 33.49190 151.41040 14 23Sep2010 RBMcCormack yes scoop 

APPENDIXASPECIMENCOLLECTIONRECORD

Cockrone Lagoon Aquatic Biological Survey-Final Report (PDF File ...

Create successful ePaper yourself

Delete template?

Save as template?