Edith Cowan University School of Natural Sciences

Centre for Ecosystem Management 2009 Annual report Contents

Overview 2009 3 Highlights 2009 4-7 CEM Members 8-9 Grants 10 Publications 11-13 Higher Degree Students 14 Visitors & Collaborations 15 Community Engagement Activities & Linkages 15

2 Overview 2009

The Centre for Ecosystem Management consists of 22 members from across ECU who have diverse research interests that fit into the broad themes of sustainability, biodiversity and health and ecology. In 2009 we welcomed a number of new members, mostly amongst the ranks of post doctoral and early career positions.

Despite all the changes experienced with the rebirth of the CEM after the marine members split off in 2008, members had an outstanding research year. Some $0.91 million was spent on research during 2009. The magnitude of the research funding is a consequence of constructive engagement and research links between the researchers in boards or committees. The breadth and scope of the the CEM and State, National and International government contributions made by members of the CEM is remarkable organisations and research agencies. Members of the and reflects the strong research culture of the Centre and CEM also continued to produce high quality outputs in the its members. During the year 1 PhD student and 1 MSc form of refereed papers (32), reports (12) and conference student completed their studies under the supervision of proceedings (5). The breadth of research interests CEM members. in the CEM can be seen from the published outputs This report acknowledges the continued high quality and given later in this report. Centre members also made quantity research efforts of the members of the CEM and we significant contributions to professional and community look forward to the growth and evolution of CEM especially activities outside ECU. CEM members were invited to in terms of its ability to contribute to the research standing referee over 45 papers for national and international of ECU. journals, were editors of 2 journals, sat on 4 editorial boards and contributed to 26 professional or advisory Will Stock

3 Highlights 2009

Understanding pit lake Bioremediation of acid mine lakes resources within the Collie Basin Depending on local mineralogy, pit lakes may form into acid Open-cut coal mining operations in the Collie Basin have mine lakes (AMLs), a phenomenon quite common in Australia. continued for several decades resulting in pit lakes, many The Australian mining industry is facing major challenges in of considerable size. Currently, 15 pit lakes occur with developing methods to remediate the adverse effects due of varying depth, shape, chemical and biological characteristics. acid mine lakes. Though there are some chemical and biological Whilst these lakes represent a potential water resource for based technologies available, none are fully developed for recreational uses they are also potential human health and ready application. Bioremediation technologies are most environmental risks. A project entitled ‘Understanding Pit attractive to industry because of the low implementation costs Lake resources within the Collie Basin’ was jointly funded and their ability to develop ecologically sustainable recycling by the Department of Water, WA and the Australian processes. Recent research in the CEM has focussed on ways Government under the ‘Water for the Future Plan’. This to remove acidity, sulphate and heavy metals from acid mine project supported water resource planning and management lakes to enable a self-sustaining and functioning aquatic in Collie mine region through 5 main tasks. These include, ecosystem to establish. A series of Australian Coal Association collating and summarising historical pit lake water quality Research Program (ACARP) funded projects from 2006-2010 and ecological information collected by government has been researching sulphate reducing bacterial (SRB) based agencies, industry and researchers; determining how bioremediation for AML treatment on a North Queensland local communities use the pit lakes and what potential mine site using locally-available sewage sludge and garden health effects these uses might pose, developing a pit lake waste. Research has explored the technology including aspects monitoring strategy, conceptual modelling of fundamental pit such as organic matter quality and quantity and the influence lake hydro-chemical and ecological processes and risks and of environmental factors like wind mixing, cyclonic events and the numerical prediction of water quality and volume under incoming acidity sources. A critical factor in the success of different scenarios of altered groundwater abstraction and such treatments is the selection of the “right” organic matter climate change. All project tasks have been completed and and then applying it at an optimum dose to initiate and then are available as CEM reports. sustain the bioremediation process. The planned outcome of this research is for the expansion of this technology to the remediation of other acid mine lakes across Australia and internationally.

4 Australian Maternal Exposure to Toxic Substances The Australian Maternal Exposure to Toxic Substances (AMETS) study undertaken by Andrea Hinwood, Anna Callan Isotopes to determine and Caroline Barton recruited pregnant women in the South West of Western Australia in 2008/09. The study is examining water sources the extent to which pregnant women are exposed to a range During 2009 the CEM awarded a grant to Dimity Boggs of persistent toxic substances, including metals, brominated and Ray Froend to undertake an investigation into the use flame retardants, perfluorinated compounds and pesticides. of stable isotopes of water to investigate the water-use It is now recognised that persistent toxic substances, if requirements of groundwater dependent plant communities present at sufficiently high levels, have the potential to affect located in the south-west of WA. Isotope analysis allows a child’s health, with developing foetuses considered most for the determination of the dependence of ecosystems on vulnerable. The levels of toxic substances in maternal blood groundwater and can be used to complement qualitative and urine samples will provide an indication of the level to assessments of dependence. It allows us to distinguish how which foetuses and newborn infants are exposed. Participants much water is derived from deep groundwater versus surface complete a questionnaire and diet diary and provide samples soil-water. The patterns of water relations for four wetland of their blood, urine, drinking water, soil and dust in the last plant communities indicated that the plants investigated were weeks of their pregnancy. Following the birth of their child, all using groundwater to some extent during the monitoring participants are asked to provide details on the birth outcomes period. There was variability in groundwater use between of the infant including their gestational age, sex, birth weight species with Melaleuca preissiana consistently using a high to and length. This provides information as to whether the toxic exclusive proportion of groundwater. Shallow rooted shrubs substances under investigation are currently present in the accessed a combination of surface soil-water in late spring Australian environment at high enough levels to influence with increasing proportions of groundwater as the summer birth outcomes. To date it has proved extremely challenging to progressed. The success of the isotopic tracing method relies recruit pregnant women to participate in this study as although on a clear discrimination between the isotopic signatures of people are concerned about the presence of toxic substances different waters sources which were surprisingly good for in the environment many feel that they “would rather not this investigation considering the very shallow water tables know” the extent to which they are exposed. The aim was to and high rainfall of the region. An example of the results recruit 160 women however it became apparent that these derived from the technique are given in Fig x. The analyses for numbers would not be possible from the South West alone. this project were undertaken in the ECU School of Natural For this reason the study has recently expanded and will now Sciences Isotope Facility which has recently purchased a be seeking to recruit participants from across WA, with the Los Gatos Stable water Isotope Analyser through University study currently being promoted widely in areas including Perth and Faculty funds. The new equipment allows for rapid and metropolitan region, Kalgoorlie and Geraldton. Currently simultaneous analysis of both isotopes in water at a fraction 66 participants have been recruited and it is anticipated that of the cost of the separate determination of hydrogen and recruitment and sample collection will continue until the end oxygen isotopes on a mass spectrometer. of 2010.

5 Aquatic fauna and Water Quality at Lake Chandala Found between Muchea and Gingin, on the Swan Coastal Plain north-east of Joondalup, Lake Chandala is listed on the Directory of Nationally Important Wetlands. Lake Chandala is an important site for several wetland bird species, and as one of a limited number of wetlands with darkly stained waters remaining on the Swan Coastal Plain (SCP), is of regional significance too. The wetland consists of a permanent lake, which over winter and spring expands to inundate the surrounding melaleuca and eucalypt woodlands. In spring 2009 surveys of water quality and fauna were examined at Lake Chandala. Funding was provided by Tiwest in partnership with the Department of Environment and Conservation’s (DEC) nature conservation program in the Perth Hills District, and the project taken up by ECU with surveys carried out as a 3rd year student research Rottnest Island Sustainable project by Neisha McLure, with Pierre Horwitz and the DECs Visitor Capacity Robert Huston. Results from water testing indicate elevated nitrogen and phosphorus levels at Lake Chandala. While the Rottnest Island, located 20 kilometres west of Perth, is one levels present would usually be expected to be accompanied of Western Australia’s premier tourism destinations and is by very high primary productivity, often associated with a favourite holiday getaway for Perth residents. The island algae blooms, at the time of testing chlorophyll ‘a’ levels and its surrounds are designated as an A-class reserve (used as an indicator for primary productivity) were lower imposing a dual mandate of providing recreational and than expected. This trend has been noted in other coloured tourism opportunities, while conserving environmental wetlands on the SCP, with the colour and properties of the and cultural assets on the managing agency, the Rottnest tannin rich waters linked to reduced light, highlighting the Island Authority (RIA). To assist the RIA in balancing the importance of maintaining vegetation around the margins environmental, social and economic needs, a project lead of wetlands. Surveys also showed the wetland supports a by Pascal Scherrer from the CEM, Jeremy Northcote relatively diverse assemblage of aquatic invertebrates and (ECU) and Jim Macbeth (Murdoch) examined the level of a high proportion of regionally endemic species. Species visitation that selected sites on the Island can sustain in the composition varied significantly between sites, reflecting face of pressures on environmental conservation, visitor the different habitats, water quality and water permanence experience, heritage conservation and facility maintenance. across the wetland. The shield shrimp Lepidurus apus, a The concept of sustainable visitor capacity (SVC) was used species not previously recorded on the SCP was also found to specify the limits of visitation that each site can undergo during surveys. Some of the other exciting finds during before management of that site becomes unsustainable surveys of Lake Chandala include the discovery of two in environmental, social, cultural and facility maintenance freshwater fish, Bostockia porosa and the restricted and terms. The objective was to gain an in-depth understanding threatened Galaxiella nigrostriata (Black-striped minnow), of the SVC of a representative cross-section of sites, so that and a fresh water sponge. Results of water testing also they could be used by the RIA as a point of reference when appear to back up the belief that the northern part of dealing with similar sites across the Island in future planning the wetland contains permanent water, possibly fed by and management strategies. The project forms an important spring. A trip to the lake is planned for this summer to component of the Rottnest Island Management Plan investigate further. 2009‑2014 (RIMP) and the findings from the project are expected to inform other initiatives outlined in the plan.

6 Wetlands and Human Health Wetlands can be perceived as environmental assets but they can also be perceived as places of danger or ill health. It is at this apparent point of contradiction that the relationship between a wetland ecosystem and human health takes on some interesting, multiple perspectives. In environmental science we are desperate to show to people that a healthy wetland is where you find healthy people, and vice versa; in other words a simple one to one relationship. But it’s not always like that. A healthy wetland Black cockatoos on the ECU might be a place where some people find great discomfort, or catch a disease, or be exposed to a particular type of contaminant, Bunbury campus even in a wetland that appears to be functioning perfectly A project was undertaken by Maree Weerheim and Will normally, and one full of biodiversity assets. The reciprocal is Stock to evaluate how important the ECU Bunbury Campus also true: there are considerable benefits that might come from is for the ecology of black cockatoos in the region. Three a degraded ecosystem. For example whenever we extract water species are known from the area and these include the forest from a system we use it for our own well-being, deriving from it red-tailed cockatoo (Calyptorhynchus banksii naso), the benefits like food, aesthetic surroundings, or places to recreate; long-billed white-tailed (Baudin’s) cockatoo (C. baudinii) and human well-being can be enhanced when we degrade an aquatic the short-billed (Carnaby’s) cockatoo (C. latirostris). All three ecosystem. These different perspectives on human health species are protected under state legislation in WA. The and the quality of ecosystems and what ecosystems provide, Commonwealth EPBC Act lists Carnaby’s as Endangered suggest that we have to look at this relationship in more depth, and Baudin’s and Red-tailed cockatoos as Vulnerable and and explain it more meaningfully to people. To manage, say, a thus of very high conservation value. Baudin’s Cockatoo wetland for its contribution to human well-being will involve was the species most commonly recorded on the Bunbury people’s perceptions of it, and must also involve disciplines and campus with flocks ranging in size from 4 to 54 birds government departments or agencies other than those normally recorded almost every day over the study period. Carnaby’s associated with the environment sector. These ‘others’ are Cockatoo and Forest Red-tailed Black-Cockatoo were the locus of different agendas, different audiences and usually recorded less frequently in smaller flocks of one or two different professional languages and behaviours. We seek to pairs. The roosting area on the Bunbury campus is of great influence outside of our sector, but what makes us think that significance to the local population of black cockatoos, as those ‘outside’ want to adopt our recommendations? In seeking it allows them to exploit feeding areas to the north, south understanding, and being able to articulate the relationships and east of the campus. The campus also contains high between wetlands and human health, and managing wetlands quality breeding habitat because it contains both nest appropriately, is to recognise that this will involve new discourses, trees and abundant food; a combination that is essential and possibly head in different directions altogether. A significant for successful breeding in black cockatoos. Only half of the challenge then for wetland management, or natural resource bushland surrounding ECU contains black cockatoo habitat management at large, is how to engage with very large sectors of a quality comparable to the campus bushland. Any future other than our own: how to be more open and inclusive of other removal of vegetation, particularly important roosting and agendas and languages, in the (albeit altruistic) hope that our breeding sites, from the campus could impact the cockatoo messages will be more widely adopted. Herein lies the public policy agenda of reciprocation, and one which, on the surface at populations of the area. It is likely that some of the Baudin’s least, is poorly developed in our governance systems. And the and Carnaby’s Cockatoos recorded on the ECU South problem lies with us, as much as it does with these others. These West Campus represent a resident population that utilises matters are currently being addressed by the Ramsar Convention the campus bushland year-round. If this is indeed the case, on Wetlands, through its Scientific and Technical Review Panel, then the campus bushland and nearby remnant areas are with Pierre Horwitz leading its thematic work area “Wetlands and of fundamental importance to these resident populations, Human Health”. His work will conclude at the Convention’s 2012 especially if both Carnaby’s and Baudin’s Cockatoos are Conference of Parties in Romania. shown to breed in the area.

7 CEM Members

Dr Dimity Boggs A/Professor Pierre Horwitz Water requirements of groundwater Aquatic ecology and management. Health dependent ecosystems. Plant ecology. and Ecology. Ecosystem Health.

Dr Anna Callan A/Professor Adrianne Kinnear Environmental exposures and health. Biodiversity and community ecology of soil Monitoring the biological effects of and litter fauna. persistent toxic substance exposure.

Dr Robert Davis Dr Annette Koenders Wildlife conservation and biology, impacts Growth and regeneration of muscle tissue of habitat loss and fragmentation on fauna, in crustaceans. Conservation of endemic plant-pollinator interactions, urban ecology, freshwater crayfish in south-western impacts of climate change on fauna, ecology Australia. and conservation of amphibians, reptiles and birds.

A/Professor Ray Froend Dr R Naresh Kumar Ecological water requirements. Bioremediation of mine pit lakes, Management of aquatic and groundwater bioremediation of metal contaminated dependent ecosystems. Groundwater soil and sediment; aerobic and anaerobic dependent vegetation. treatment of polluted water.

Honorary Research Fellow Dr Kristina Lemson Dr David Goodall Systematics and evolution of Ericaceae Plant ecology, vegetation classification and subfamility Epacridoideae (Epacrids). arid zone ecology. Interface between systematics and conservation biology.

Dr Andrea Hinwood A/Professor Mark Lund Environmental Exposures. Environmental Freshwater ecology. Mine pit lakes. Impact Assessment. Environmental Environmental acidity, nutrient dynamics, Epidemiology. Ecosystem Health. nuisance midges and lake rehabilitation.

8 Dr Clint McCullough Freshwater ecology. Macroinvertebrate community ecology and fisheries. Aquatic ecotoxicology. Mine pit lakes. Acid Sulfate soil contaminated lakes. Natural and constructed wetlands.

Emeritus Professor Harry Recher Structure of vertebrate communities, avian forage ecology and effects of habitat fragmentation on native ecosystems.

Dr Pascal Scherrer Environmental and social impacts of ecotourism. Alpine ecology related to land‑use.

Dr Bea Sommer Dr Eddie Van Etten Wetland ecology, aquatic invertebrates Terrestrial plant ecology and management and the impact of climate change on in arid zones, urban areas, and forested these systems. ecosystems. Fire ecology. Waste minimisation strategies.

Professor William Stock Ms Esmee Webb Plant nutrition, impacts of external factors Indigenous and European cultural heritage such as pollution and alien species on impact assessments. Landscape evolution. ecosystems. Terrestrial ecology and plant- Archaeological sedimentology. Megafaunal animal interactions. extinctions. Hominid evolution.Hhuman adaptations to arid/semi-arid environments.

Dr Graham Thompson Dr Lu Zhao Improving terrestrial fauna assessments and Soil science. Environmental surveys to support environmental impact biogeochemistry including the transport assessments. Ecology and physiology of and mobilization of pollutants in soil, water goannas. and air. Nutrient cycling and remediation technology for polluted soil and water.

9 Grants

Impacts of Fire on Reptiles in King’s Park Botanic Parks Davis

Mitigation of Impacts on Groundwater Dependent Vegetation ARC/WaterCorp Froend, Stock & Davies

Vegetation monitoring of ground water dependent ecosystems DoW Froend & Davies

Vegetation monitoring Swan Coastal Plain DoW Froend & Davies

Management Framework for Groundwater Dependent Vegetation DoW Froend

Eco-Hydrological Study - Gnangara Mound DoW Froend

Environmental Monitoring and Investigations for the Gnangara and DoW Froend Jandakot Mounds-Wetland Vegetation and End of Summer Monitoring

Establish Baseline Wetland Vegetation Monitoring for New Sites: DoW Froend & Wilson Shallow Groundwater Systems Investigation of the Gnangara and Jandakot Groundwater Mounds

Centre of Excellence in Ecohydrology UWA Froend

Ecophysiology Study of Riparian Vegetation DECWA Froend

Assessing Maternal Exposure to Persistent Toxic Substances and ARC Hinwood Adverse Birth Outcomes

Wetland Macroinvertebrates and Water Quality (Gnangara Mound) DoW Horwitz & Sommer

Australian Tourism in a Water Constrained Economy: Scoping Study - LaTrobe Horwitz Research Agenda

An investigation of aquatic macro invertebrate occurrence and water DECWA Horwitz quality at Lake Chandala (2009)

Surface and Interstitial Invertebrate Communities DoW Koenders & Horwitz

Midge and Related Research at Lake Joondalup City of Wanneroo Lund & McCullough

Overcoming Limitations to Bulk Organic Bioremediation of Acid Coal ACARP Lund & McCullough Mine Lakes

STCRC - Sustainable Resources Research Fellow CRCTourism Scherrer, Stock & Horwitz

Monitoring of Soil for Herbicide Residues in Urban Parks and City of Joondalup Van Etten Bushland Reserves

Vegetation Study of the Mt Gibson Sanctuary AWC Van Etten

10 Publications

Books and Book Chapters Craine J., Ballantyne F., Peel M., Zambatis N., Morrow C. & Stock W.D. (2009) Grazing and landscape controls on Horwitz P. and Wardell-Johnson G. (2009) Cultural nitrogen availability across 330 South African savanna sites. Conservation Biology. Chapter 26. In Environmental Austral Ecology 34: 731-740. Biology (eds M. Calver, A. Lymbery, M. Bamford and Craine J.M., Elmore A.J., Aidar M.P.M, Bustamante M., Dawson J. McComb) Cambridge University Press. T.E., Hobbie E.A., Kahmen A., Mack M.C., McLauchlan K.K., Horwitz P., Sommer B. and Froend R. (2009) Biodiversity Michelsen A., Nardoto G.B., Pardo L.H., Peñuelas J., Reich of wetlands and groundwater dependent ecosystems. P.B., Schuur E.A.G., Stock W.D., Templer P.H., Virginia R.A., Chapter 4 In Biodiversity values and threatening processes Welker J.M. & Wright I.J. (2009) Global patterns of foliar of the Gnangara groundwater system. Edited by B. Wilson nitrogen isotopes and their relationships with climate, and L.E. Valentine. Department of Environment and mycorrhizal fungi, foliar nutrient concentrations, and Conservation, Perth Western Australia. nitrogen availability. New Phytologist 183: 980-992. Horwitz P., Sommer B. and Hewitt P. (2009) Wetlands: Cross B.C.S., McKibbin C., Callan A.C., Roboti P., Piacenti changes, losses and gains. Chapter 5 In Biodiversity values M., Rabu C., Wilson C.M., Whitehead R., Flitsch S., Pool and threatening processes of the Gnangara groundwater M.R., High S. & Swanton E. (2009) Eeyarestatin I inhibits system. Edited by B. Wilson and L.E. Valentine. Department Sec61-mediated protein translocation at the endoplasmic of Environment and Conservation, Perth Western Australia. reticulum. Journal of Cell Science 122: 4393-4400. Koenders, A. Adapting author (February 2009) Instructor’s Davis W.E. Jnr & Recher H.F. (2009) Use of native cherry Manual for Biology, 1st Australian version by Campbell/ (Exocarpos aphyllus) (Santalaceae) by birds in the Great Reece/Meyers. ISBN 9781442502222 Western Woodlands, Western Australia. W. A. Naturalist 26: van Etten, E.J.B. (2009). Fire in rangelands and its role in 278-283. management, in Range and Animal Sciences and Resources Doody J.S., Roe J., Mayes P. & Ishiyama L. (2009) Telemetry Management, edited by V.R. Squires, in Encyclopedia of Life tagging methods for some freshwater reptiles. Marine and Support Systems (EOLSS), Developed under the Auspices Freshwater Research 60: 293-298. of the UNESCO, Eolss Publishers, Oxford ,UK, Goodall D.W. (2009) The further ‘ascent’ of Man. The Biologist [http://www.eolss.net] 56: 229-232. Wardell-Johnson G. and Horwitz P. (2009) The Science Goodall D.W. (2009) Human evolution – Where to from here? of Conservation Biology. Chapter 25. In Environmental Rendiconti Lincei-Scienze e Naturali 19: 359-381. Biology (eds M. Calver, A. Lymbery, M. Bamford and J. McComb) Cambridge University Press. Horwitz P., Rogan R., Halse S., Davis J. & Sommer B. (2009) Wetland invertebrate richness and endemism on the Swan Journal Articles coastal Plain, Western Australia. Marine and Freshwater Research 60: 1006-1020. Blake D., Hinwood A.L. & Horwitz P. (2009) Peat fires and Kumar R.N. & Nagendran R. (2009) Fractionation behavior of air quality: Volatile organic compounds and particulates. heavy metals in soil during bioleaching with Acidithiobacillus Chemosphere 76: 419-423. thiooxidans. Journal of Hazardous Materials Callan, A.C. & Milne E. (2009) Involvement of the IGF system in 169: 1119‑1126. fetal growth and childhood cancer: an overview of potential Kingsford R.T., Watson J., Lundquist C., Venter O., Hughes L., mechanisms. Cancer Causes and Control 20: 1783-1798. Johnston E., Atherton J., Gawel M., Keith D., Mackey B., Canham C.A., Froend R.H. & Stock W.D. (2009) Water Morley C., Possingham H., Raynor B., Recher H. F. &Wilson stress vulnerability of four Banksia species in contrasting K. (2009) Major conservation policy issues for biodiversity ecohydrological habitats on the Gnangara Mound, Western in Australia, Melanesia, Micronesia, New Zealand and Australia. Plant, Cell and Environment 32: 64-72. Polynesia. Biological Conservation: 23: 834-840. Clemente C.J., Thompson G.G. & Withers P.C. (2009) Neil L.L., McCullough C.D., Lund M.A., Evans L.H. & Tsvetnenko Evolutionary relationships of sprint speed in Australian Y. (2009) Toxicity of acid min pit lake water remediated varanid lizards. Journal of Zoology 278: 270-280. with limestone and phosphorus. Ecotoxicology and Clemente C. J., Withers P. C. & Thompson G.G. (2009) Environmental Safety 72: 2046-2057. Metabolic rate and endurance capacity in Australian varanid Parkes M.W. & Horwitz P. (2009) Water, ecology and lizards (Squamata; Varanidae; Varanus). Biological Journal of health: ecosystems as settings for promoting health and the Linnean Society 97: 664-676. sustainability Health Promotion International 24: 94-102.

11 Publications (cont.)

Recher H.F., Lunney D. & Matthews A. (2009) Small mammal Wilson D., Stock W.D. & Hedderson T. (2009) Historical populations in a eucalypt forest affected by fire and drought. nitrogen content of bryophyte tissue as an indicator of I. Long-term patterns in an era of climate change. Wildlife increased nitrogen deposition in the Cape Metropolitan Research 36: 143-158. Area, South Africa. Environmental Pollution 157: 938-945. Scherrer P., Alonso A. & Sheridan L. (2009) Expanding the destination image: wine tourism in the Canary Islands. Refereed Conference International Journal of Tourism Research 11: 451-463. Proceedings Schultz M.B., Smith S.A., Horwitz P., Richardson A.M.M., Froend R.H., Sommer B. and Pettit N. E. (2009) Phreatophytic Crandall K.A. & Austin C.M. (2009) Evolution underground: vegetation response to climate change and groundwater A molecular phylogenetic investigation of Australian drawdown on the Swan Coastal Plain of Western Australia. burrowing freshwater crayfish (Decapoda: Parastacidae) HydroEco 2009: 2nd International Multidisciplinary with particular focus on Engaeus Erichson. Molecular Conference on Hydrology and Ecology, Vienna, Austria, Phylogenetics and Evolution 50: 580-598. April 2009. Short M., Smith F.P. & Van Etten E. (2009) Oil mallees Chapman, K., Horwitz, P., Scherrer, P. & Northcote, J. (2009) provide foraging habitat for the Western Pygmy Possum Tourism research to tourism practice: The need for adaptive (Cercartetus concinnus) in the wheatbelt of Western institutions in Western Australia’s Ningaloo region. In: J. Australia. Ecological Management & Restoration Carlsen, M. Hughes, K. Holmes & R. Jones (Eds.) Proceedings 10: 233‑235. of the 18th Annual CAUTHE Conference – See change: Smith A., Scherrer P. & Dowling R. (2009) Impacts on tourism and hospitality in a dynamic world. 10-13 February Aboriginal Spirituality and Culture from Ecotourism in the 2009, Fremantle, Australia. ISBN 1 86308 152 6. Kimberley Coastal Waterways. Journal of Ecotourism Kumar, R.N., McCullough, C.D. & Lund, M.A. (2009) Water 8: 82-98. resources in Australian mine pit lakes. Proceedings of Sommer B. & Horwitz P. (2009) Macroinvertebrate cycles AUSIMM Water in Mining 2009, 15-17 September 2009. of decline and recovery in the Swan Coastal Plain Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (AUSIMM), (Western Australia) wetlands affected by drought-induced Perth, Australia, 247-252. acidification. Hydrobiologia 624: 191-203. Scherrer, P., Northcote, J. & Macbeth, J. (2009) Because Staver A.C., Bond W.J., Stock W.D., Van Rensburg S. & numbers do matter – Refining the Sustainable Visitor Waldram M. (2009) Browsing and fire interact to suppress Capacity framework. 15th International Symposium tree density in an African savanna. Ecological Applications on Society and Resource Management: Meet old and 19: 1909-1919. new worlds in Research, Planning, and Management Thompson G.G. & Thompson S.A. (2009) Comparative (ISSRM 2009). temperature in funnel and pit traps. Australian Journal of Scherrer, P., Smith, A.J. & Dowling, R.K. (2009) Expedition Zoology 57: 311-316. cruising in Australia: proactive steps towards change for Thompson S.A. & Thompson, G.G. (2009) A case for in-situ sustainability. In: J. Carlsen, M. Hughes, K. Holmes & R. management of Western Ringtail Possums, Pseudocheirus Jones (Eds.). Proceedings of the 18th Annual CAUTHE occidentalis, in development areas. Journal of the Royal Conference – See change: tourism and hospitality in a Society of Western Australia 92: 269-276. dynamic world. 10-13 February 2009, Fremantle, Australia. Thompson S.A., Thompson G.G. & Finlayson G.R. (2009) ISBN 1 86308 152 6. Range extensions for the Barking Gecko, Nephrurus milii (Squamata: Gekkonidae). Journal of the Royal Society of Reports Western Australia 92: 27-29. van Etten E.J.B., McCullough C.D. & Lund M.A. (2009) Umada S., Kawanishi T., Hayashi Y., Hamano H., Kawarasaki S., Evaluation of Post-mining Rehabilitation at the Kemerton Aikawa S., Takahasi N., Egashira Y., Tanouchi H., Kojima T., Silica Sands Project in November 2008. Centre for Kinnear A. & Yamada K. (2009) Effects of different Ecosystem Management Report 2009-2, Edith Cowan mobilities of leaf and woody litters on litter carbon dynamic University, Perth, Australia. 47pp. Unpublished commercial- in arid ecosystems in Western Australia. Ecological in-confidence report to Kemerton Silica Sands Pty Ltd. Modelling 220: 2792-2801. Sommer B., Horwitz P. & Hewitt P. (2009) Impact of Acid Valentine L.E. & Schwarzkopf L. (2009) Effects of Weed- Sulfate Soils on freshwater ecosystems of southwest WA. Management Burning on Reptile Assemblages in Australian Final Report to the WA Department of Water. CEM Report Tropical Savannas Conservation Biology 23: 103-113. No. 2009-03. Edith Cowan University, Joondalup. van Etten E.J.B. (2009) Inter-annual Rainfall Variability of Arid Wilson J., Inostroza K., & Froend R. (2009) Establishment of Australia: greater than elsewhere? Australian Geographer Wetland Vegetation Monitoring for New Sites – Shallow 40: 109-120. Groundwater System Investigations – 2009. Gnangara van Etten E.J.B., & Vellekoop S.E. (2009) Response of fringing and Jandakot Mounds. A report to the Department of vegetation to flooding and discharge of hypersaline Water, CEM report no. 2009 - 5. Edith Cowan University, water at Lake Austin, Western Australia. Hydrobiologia Joondalup. 626: 67-77.

12 Cullinane T., Wilson J., & Froend R. (2009) End of Summer Assessment of Condition of Gnangara and Jandakot Criteria Groundwater Dependent Ecosystems. A report to the Department of Water. CEM report no. 2009 - 6. Edith Cowan University, Joondalup. Cullinane T., Wilson J., & Froend R. (2009) End of Summer Assessment of Condition of Gnangara and Jandakot Criteria Groundwater Dependent Ecosystems. A report to the Department of Water. CEM report no. 2009 - 7. Edith Cowan University, Joondalup. Cullinane T., Wilson J., & Froend R. (2009) Wetland Vegetation Monitoring 2008 – Survey of Gnangara Wetlands. A report to the Department of Water. CEM report no. 2009-08. Edith Cowan University, Joondalup. Wilson J., & Froend R. (2009) Wetland Vegetation Monitoring Jandakot Wetlands 2008 Survey. A report to the Department of Water. CEM report no. 2009-09. Edith Cowan University, Joondalup. Finn H, Stock W.D. & Valentine L. (2009) Pines and the ecology of Carnaby’s black-cockatoos (Calyptorhynchus latirostris) in the Gnangara Sustainability Strategy study area. A report to Forest Products Commission. CEM report no. 2009-10. Edith Cowan University, Joondalup. Cullinane T., Wilson J. & Froend R. (2009) End of Summer Assessment of Selected Shallow Groundwater System Sites - Gnangara and Jandakot Mounds. A report to the Department of Water. CEM report no. 2009 - 11. Edith Cowan University, Joondalup. Non Refereed Papers/ Boyd T.C. & Froend R.H. (2009) Ecophysiology of southern Proceedings/Editorials Australian riparian vegetation. A literature review for the Boles, W.B. and Recher, H.F. (2009) Obituary: James Department of Environment and Conservation. CEM report Allen Keast 15 November 1922-8 March 2008. Emu no. 2009-12. Edith Cowan University, Joondalup. 109: 272‑274. van Etten E.J.B., McCullough C.D. & Lund M.A. (2009) Ehrlich, P.R. and Recher, H.F. (2009) The future of Riparian Vegetation Characterisitcs of Seasonal Wetlands conservation in Polynesia. Pacific Conservation Biology in Kemerton, South-West Australia. Centre for Ecosystem 15: 2-3. Management Report 2008-17, Edith Cowan University, Recher, H.F., Calver, M.C. and Saunders, D.A. (2009) Perth, Australia. 65pp. Unpublished commercial-in- Communication and the publication process. Pacific confidence report to Kemerton Silica Sands Pty Ltd. Conservation Biology 15: 77-79. Kinnear A., Boyce M., Sparrow H., Middleton S. & Cullity Recher, H.F. (2009) Assuming responsibility. Pacific M. (March, 2009) ALTC FINAL REPORT: Diversity: Conservation Biology 15: 150-152. A longitudinal study of how student diversity relates to resilience and successful progression in a new Recher, H.F. (2009) Good luck. Pacific Conservation Biology generation university. 15: 230-231.

13 higher degree students

The following PhD and Masters students were supervised by members of the Centre – * Completed 2009

PhD MSc David Blake - P Horwitz/W Stock/M Boyce. Fire induced Jessica Allia – W Stock/L Valentine. Seasonal use of pine hydro-biogeochemical responses in wetland sediments of cones by Carnaby’s Cockatoo on the Gnangara. the northern Swan Coastal Plain. Muriel Bertuch – E van Etten. Mulga (Acacia aneura F.Muell. John Bunn – P Horwitz/A Koenders. Mechanisms affecting the Ex Benth.) death adjacent to haul roads in the northern replacement of Cherax tenuimanus (Smith 1912) by Cainii Goldfields. Austin 2002 from the Margaret River. Rob Campbell – P Horwitz. Perceptions of soil health in the Quinton Burnham – A Koenders/P Horwitz. Biogeography Bremer River Catchment. of the Australian burrowing freshwater crayfish genus *Stephen Danti – A Kinnear. The influence of different Engaewa (Decapoda : Parastacidae). silvicultural treatments on saproxylic beetles in southwest Caroline Canham – R Froend/W Stock. Phreatophyte root forests of Western Australia. growth dynamics and relationships between growth David Galeotti – C McCullough/M Lund. Biology and habitat phenology, plant water relations and groundwater. requirements of Blackstriped Jollytail. Zoe Car – P Horwitz. Seeing with other eyes: Exploring Victoria Lazenby – A Hinwood. Personal exposure of children western scientific and indigenous environmental to formaldehyde. knowledge. Heather McQueen – A Hinwood. Estimating prenatal Jeffry Cargill – W Stock/E van Etten. Fate of Eucalyptus exposure to glyphosate formulations using maternal marginata seed from canopy-store to emergence in the exposure assessment techniques - a preliminary northern jarrah forests of Western Australia: a comparison investigation. between spring and autumn burns in shelterwood (retained – M Lund/B. Sommer/C McCullough. overstorey) treatments. William Phelps Structural characterization of suspended detrital floc *May Carter – P Horwitz. Urban design, contact with nature in the Yanchep Wetland suite, Swan Coastal Plain, and population health. Western Australia. Kelly Chapman – P Horwitz/G Syme. Research knowledge Marie Raphael – A Hinwood. Defining appropriate options transfer in Ningaloo. for post-closure land-use of Tamala Park: A community Graham Fulton – P Horwitz/T Perkins. The nesting ecology of participation process. an endangered woodland avifauna. Ryan Sawyer – C McCullough/M Lund. The impact of acid Chatchai Intatha – P Horwitz/ A Hinwood. Community capacity sulfate soils on water quality treatment in a constructed and coastal erosion in the Upper Gulf of Thailand. urban stormwater treatment wetland in Gwelup, Pat Karatna – P Horwitz. Mangrove forest communities in Western Australia. south-eastern Thailand. Kelly Sheldrick – W Stock. Managing the over abundance of Craig Pentland – A Kinnear. Behaviour and population Acacias in Jarrah forest rehabilitation. dynamics of translocated populations of the black-flanked Niall Somesan – C McCullough/M Lund. Can rock wallaby, Petrogale lateralis lateralis. macroinvertebrate community development in seasonal Malarvili Ramalingam – A Hinwood/M Boyce. Maternal wetlands be predicted by hydrology alone? exposure to metals and contribution of environmental Meenu Vitarana – W Stock /A Hinwood. Lichens as pollution sources. biomonitors in the Collie Region.

14 COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT ACTIVITIES & LINKAGES

Editorial Responsibilities „„Pacific Conservation Biology „„EcoHealth „„Austral Ecology „„Plant and Soil „„African Journal of Range and Forage Science „„Plant Ecology

Refereed papers for the following journals „„Journal Toxicology and Environmental Health „„Journal of Applied Ecology „„Austral Ecology „„Plant and Soil „„Australian Journal of Botany „„Journal of Fish Biology „„Pacific Conservation Biology „„Amytornis, WA Journal of Ornithology „„Journal of Materials Processing Technology „„Journal of Arid Environments „„Mine Closure 2009 Proceedings Reviews „„Science of the Total Environment „„International Journal of Wildland Fire „„Agriculture Ecosystems & Environment „„Diversity and Distributions visitors & „„Wildlife Research „„Environmental Management collaborations „„Journal of the Royal Society of Western Australia „„International Journal of Environmental Health Research „„Ecology „„Plant Ecology and Diversity Strong local collaborations were maintained during 2009 „„Pacific Science with Bush Heritage Australia and the Western Australian Herbarium. International collaborations during 2009 „„EcoHealth included an existing research agreement with Seikei „„Journal Health and Place University, Japan and a new agreement with George „„The Western Australian Naturalist Mason University from the US. Individual members of „„Oecologia the CEM also collaborated with a wide range of local and international colleagues and many of these relationships „„Ecology Letters are productive and have resulted in multi-authored papers „„Journal of Ecology which are given in the publication outputs section. „„Hydrogeology Journal „„EMU „„Global Change Biology „„Ecography „„Australian Zoologist „„Ecohydrology

15 For further information contact School of Natural Sciences Joondalup Campus 270 Joondalup Drive Joondalup WA 6027 Telephone (61 8) 6304 5089 Facsimile (61 8) 6304 5070 Email [email protected]

CRICOS IPC 00279B Information contained in this report was correct at the time of printing and may be subject to change. key2design_31633_09/10