Publications by Year
Genotypic and morphological variation between Galaxiella nigrostriata (Galaxiidae) populations: implications for conservation
Effects of anthropogenic acidification on aquatic ecosystems.
How representative are pit lakes of regional natural water bodies? A case study from silica sand mining
In many regions, regulators view pit lakes akin to natural lakes and impose similar guidelines for water quality and biodiversity. At Kemerton (south Western Australia), extraction of silica sands is creating a…
In many regions, regulators view pit lakes akin to natural lakes and impose similar guidelines for water quality and biodiversity. At Kemerton (south Western Australia), extraction of silica sands is creating a large deep dredge pond. This is progressively split into smaller lakes, which are then rehabilitated. The water quality and macroinvertebrate communities of a rehabilitated pond, 3 other artificial wetlands, and 13 nearby natural wetlands were investigated. Catchment rehabilitation has successfully returned some terrestrial vegetation, however the pond edge lacked a developed riparian zone. Species diversity and abundance was substantially lower (≈ 50% and 10% respectively) than in natural wetlands. Overall the macroinvertebrate communities and water quality of artificial wetlands were significantly different to the natural wetlands.
Setting restoration goals for restoring pit lakes as aquatic ecosystems: a case study from south west Australia.
Pit lakes may form when open cut mining leaves a pit void that then fills with ground and surface waters. This often replaces terrestrial ecosystems that existed prior to mining with an…
Pit lakes may form when open cut mining leaves a pit void that then fills with ground and surface waters. This often replaces terrestrial ecosystems that existed prior to mining with an aquatic ecosystem, affording an opportunity to improve regional aquatic biodiversity values through targeted aquatic restoration (McCullough and van Etten, 2011). Restoration theory provides guidance when restoring disturbed systems towards landscapes that are of regional value and relevance. But how do we identify a restoration target for a novel aquatic habitat that only exists in the new post-mining landscape? This paper presents a process of first identifying and then surveying local representative aquatic systems, to provide a direction for pit lake restoration efforts and achievement criteria for pit lake relinquishment, using a case study from a sand mining operation amongst wetlands in southwestern Australia. The company mines silica sands following mechanical removal of topsoil and then extraction of the ore from below the watertable by dredging. Assessment of wetland and riparian vegetation was achieved through the establishment and measurement of temporary monitoring transects acrossfive natural wetlands in the Kemerton area. Several more regional wetlands were also visited and observations made to supplement and validate these data. Distinct vegetation zonation was found across each wetland, although typically wetland basins were unvegetated or filled with younger woody plants with patchy distributions. Fringing riparian vegetation consisted of few species (commonly the paperbark Melaleuca rhaphiophylla and the sedgeLepidosperma longitudinale), but community composition and structure were variable between wetlands. The pattern of vegetation seen across natural wetlands was best explained by topography and soil chemistry, with low lying wetland areas more likely to experience regular flooding and accumulate organic matter and nutrients. In conclusion, where they are available, regional natural waterbodies may constitute the best valid restoration goal. Nevertheless, the goal may need to consist of a range of closure design opportunities, rather than a single target.
Black-stripe minnow Galaxiella nigrostriata (Shipway 1953) (Pisces: Galaxiidae), a review and discussion.
Vulnerability of organic acid tolerant wetland biota to the effects of inorganic acidification.
Aquatic toxicity of magnesium sulphate, and the influence of calcium, in low ionic strength water.
BiblioRakali: the Australian Water Rat, Hydromys chrysogaster Geoffroy, 1804 (Muridae: Hydromyinae), a subject-specific bibliography.
Aquatic toxicity assessment across multiple scales.
Wilson Park Wetlands: Development of a strategic rehabilitation plan.
Monitoring Program of the Cities of Joondalup and Wanneroo: A Review.
Predicting wetland response to nutrient enrichment: modelling temperature, algal blooms and nuisance midge swarms.
The spatial and temporal nature of changing acidity in a wetland: The case of Lake Jandabup on the Swan Coastal Plain, Western Australia
Removing filterable reactive P from highly coloured stormwater using constructed wetlands
Grappling with Filterable reactive P removal from highly coloured stormwater using constructed wetlands.
Nuisance midge (Chironomidae) plagues in urban wetlands: A catalyst for improved catchment management.
Perth has over 450 shallow urban lakes of which many have problems with nuisance midge plagues. Midges (Chironomidae) have aquatic larvae with non-biting adults emerging from the lake in the millions during…
Perth has over 450 shallow urban lakes of which many have problems with nuisance midge plagues. Midges (Chironomidae) have aquatic larvae with non-biting adults emerging from the lake in the millions during a plague. The sheer numbers severely impact on the quality of life for nearby residents. Lake Joondalup is a degraded urban lake that has experienced midge plagues over many years. Pesticide treatment is the only short-term solution currently available, however this is environmentally undesirable. Midge plagues galvanise, local communities, Politicians, Councilors and Agencies into dealing with the fundamental problem, as improved catchment management is the only long-term solution. Recent events at Lake Joondalup will be used as a case study of how plagues can result in improved catchment management.