Wamberal Lagoon Catchment Aquatic Survey Final Report (PDF ...

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 Wamberal Lagoon Catchment. 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/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.
5. Results and Discussion
Please note that results listed here reflect 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 Crayfish.
Only Euastacus australasiensis and Euastacus spinifer are recorded from the Gosford
LGA, neither were known to occur within Wamberal Lagoon catchment and these two
species were specifically searched for. Additionally, recent research indicates that many
coastal habitats in NSW may contain two undescribed species of freshwater crayfish of
genus Tenuibranchiurus and Gramastacus and these were also targeted.
Figure 4. Euastacus spinifer Somersby
Figure 5. Euastacus australasiensis Patonga
Wamberal Lagoon Catchment Report Australian Aquatic Biological P/L 10