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

Firstly, Gramastacus sp was confirmed in the May survey (ACP Specimens 2924, 2925,
2926, 2927 & 2928) (WT001, WT002 & WT003). Until recently Gramastacus crayfish were
not known to occur in NSW, as the only described species Gramastacus insolitus is found
900km away around the Grampian Region of Victoria and into South Australia. The
Australian Crayfish Project has identified Gramastacus in NSW and is currently undertaking
research on this species. To date Gramastacus species have been found from Tuggerah
Lakes to Wallis Lake. This new population discovered in Wamberal Lagoon catchment
represents a significant increase in the knowledge base for this species. This distribution
represents the most southern distribution for this species. The habitat area consists of
only two small areas less than 50m diameter each with low population densities in each.
These two small remnant populations are extremely vulnerable and increasingly threatened
as they occur on private land (currently undeveloped) and divided by the Entrance Road
(a main arterial road).
Figure 13. Gramastacus sp Wamberal Lagoon Catchment
A follow-up survey utilizing baited traps was conducted in early June. This survey
confirmed the presence of Gramastacus crayfish restricted to the one small area north
of the Entrance Road (ACP Specimen 2983 & 2984). Two Gramastacus crayfish were
captured in baited box traps, one was alive and well (1POI020), the other was killed by
aggressive interactions with another species of Cherax crayfish also captured in the
trap (1POI016). Additionally, another Gramastacus crayfish was seen outside one of the
traps. (1POI019).
This new species of Gramastacus crayfish is currently being described by Robert B
McCormack (Research & Aquaculture Director, Australian Aquatic Biological P/L) and
Professor Pierre Horwitz (Edith Cowan University, Western Australia). The significant
information discovered in this survey will be included in that scientific manuscript.
Wamberal Lagoon Catchment Report Australian Aquatic Biological P/L 18