13.2 The Wallis Lake Estuary Management Committee - Great Lakes ...

Wallis Lake Estuary Management Plan
E.5
Management Area A, B, C, D, E, F
Management Objective
Establish abundance and distribution data for aquatic vegetation within the estuary
Action
Action
Indicative Priority Responsibilities Progress
No
Cost
E.5.1 Continue with Posidonia australis surveys on a regular basis $5,000 +
staff time
Medium (B5) GLC First survey conducted in
2002
E.5.2 Continue the seagrass monitoring program, coordinated under the HLP In HLP Medium (B5) GLC Ongoing
budget
E.5.3 Record the timing, frequency, magnitude, location and species of phytoplankton Staff time High (A5) GLC
and macro-algae blooms
Comments
Posidonia australis surveys conducted approximately biannually will allow a detailed assessment of any changes in the health and size of all Posidonia australis beds in the
estuary. Whereas the SMP will provide information on any seasonal and long-term changes in health and density for a selection of seagrass beds containing Posidonia australis,
Zostera spp, Ruppia sp and Halophila sp.
Sporadic phytoplankton and macro-algae (eg Elodea, Eurasian Watermilfoil, Chaetomorpha sp) blooms that may occur after rainfall events or during Spring when water
temperatures warm up are likely to be missed during aquatic vegetation surveys. Details on these blooms should be recorded so that any patterns in their occurrence or
information on the causes of the blooms can be assessed.
NSW DPI repeated the survey of West et al (1985) in 2004 to accurately determine the current distribution of aquatic habitats and identify and assess any long-term changes.
This will help identify aquatic habitat areas under threat that require immediate management action.
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