Cell Descriptions - South East Natural Resources Management Board

SE1 – Piccaninnie Ponds
221 bird species have been recorded in this cell, notably the EPBC listed critically endangered
Orange-bellied Parrot (Neophema chrysogaster) and State endangered Magpie Goose (Anseranas
semipalmata), Azure Kingfisher (Ceyx azureus), White-bellied Sea Eagle (Haliaeetus leucogaster),
Eastern Osprey (Pandion cristatus), and Little (Sternula albifrons) and Fairy (Sternula nereis) Terns. 22
butterflies, 15 mammals, 11 reptiles and 6 amphibians have also been recorded and include the
State endangered Swamp Antechinus (Antechinus minimus) and Swamp Skink (Lissolepis coventryi).
Land Use/ Land Ownership
Piccaninnie Ponds CP, referred to as PP CP below (Management Plan 1992). Lower South East
Marine Park. 33% of the cell protected in Conservation Park. 73% vegetated area is protected.
Western extent of Piccaninnie Ponds / Pick Swamp wetland complex in private ownership.
Western half of Browns Bay to Danger Point dominated by linear strip of rural living zoned
private allotments on the coast.
Values/ Uses (Field visits and local reports)
Coastal dune ridges flattened, grazed and subdivided into small allotments near Danger Point.
Larger farmed allotments at the western end of the cell. Well used area for fishing, ORVs and for
surfing at Browns Bay. Danger Point is an internationally significant site due to the seasonal
migratory presence of large numbers of Sanderling (Calidris alba). It is also a nationally significant
site due to large numbers of migratory Ruddy Turnstones (Arenaria interpres). Aboriginal Heritage
values throughout.
Threats (Field visits and local reports)
Grasslands are threatened by shrub incursion and inappropriate fire regime. Coastal wetlands are
threatened by many small informal farm drains connecting to the sea and now tidal incursion. Air
photo analysis shows ORV activity in dune ridges near Glenro, Browns Bay.
Falling groundwater pressure and current rising sea level constitute a potential threat to
freshwater coastal swamps and lakes and to conservation values. (See Scholz O, 1990, p.240, 241
“Water within the aquifer had a lower salinity and different ionic dominants than the water
present within the ponds. The water within the aquifer was characterized by calcium and
bicarbonate as dominant ions, whereas sodium and chloride predominated within the ponds.
This marked difference in composition and total salinity, in conjunction with the proximity of the
ponds to the coast, suggests that there is a subterranean contribution of sea water to the ponds
via the Chasm, resulting in a 4-5 fold increase in salinity.”). A recent scientific review
(Department of Water, 2010) has confirmed a regional trend of fall in water table within the
Limestone Coast region, with clear threats for all wetlands.
Opportunities
Monitoring of groundwater and coastal lake salinity (impact of regional farming practices and sea
level rise).
Vegetation management from parks plan (1992):
Limestone Coast and Coorong Coastal Action Plan 197