DOCSLIB.ORG

Ecological Thinning Trial in New South Wales River Red Gum Forestsdownload

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Ecological Thinning Trial in New South Wales River Red Gum Forestsdownload Public Environment Report Ecological Thinning Trial in New South Wales River Red Gum Forests © 2014 State of NSW and Office of Environment and Heritage This report was prepared by the New South Wales Office of Environment and Heritage (OEH) National Parks and Wildlife Service with the assistance of AECOM Australia Pty Ltd and Regeneration Solutions Pty Ltd. The document has been compiled in good faith, exercising all due care and attention. No representation is made about the accuracy, completeness or suitability of the information in this publication for any particular purpose. OEH shall not be liable for any damage which may occur to any person or organisation taking action or not on the basis of this publication. Readers should seek appropriate advice when applying the information to their specific needs. This document may be subject to revision without notice and readers should ensure they are using the latest version. Reference: EPBC 2013/6713 This Public Environment Report has been authorised by: Michael Wright Deputy Chief Executive National Parks and Wildlife Service PO Box A290 Sydney South NSW 1232 Published by: Office of Environment and Heritage 59 Goulburn Street, Sydney NSW 2000 PO Box A290, Sydney South NSW 1232 Phone: (02) 9995 5000 (switchboard) Phone: 131 555 (environment information and publications requests) Phone: 1300 361 967 (national parks, general environmental enquiries, and publications requests) Fax: (02) 9995 5999 TTY users: phone 133 677, then ask for 131 555 Speak and listen users: phone 1300 555 727, then ask for 131 555 Email: [email protected] Website: www.environment.nsw.gov.au Report pollution and environmental incidents Environment Line: 131 555 (NSW only) or [email protected] See also www.environment.nsw.gov.au ISBN 978 1 74359 738 5 OEH 2014/0621 August 2014; revised October 2015 i Addendum to Public Environment Report - Ecological Thinning Trial in New South Wales River Red Gum Forests (EPBC2013/6713) Figures one and two detail the updated site names, locations, haulage routes and haulage distances for the ecological thinning trial. Figure One: Site Names & Haulage distances (single one-way trip) to stockpile site Site Common name Precinct Distance (km) 1 Rushy Road Moira 33 2 Coolamon Crossing Moira 14 3 Middle Road Millewa 5 4 Sandhills Road Millewa 9 5 James Swamp Road Millewa 13 6 Western Millewa River Road Millewa 13 7 Glens Road Millewa 18 8 Millewa River Road Millewa 18 9 Sams Road Millewa 24 10 Toupna Crossing Road Millewa 24 11 Box Plain Road Millewa 24 12 Millewa River Road East Millewa 27 13 Seven Mile Creek East Millewa 35 14 Seven Mile Creek West Millewa 37 15 Ferry Road Moira 45 16 Swifts Creek Road Moira 21 17 Porters Creek Road Moira 16 18 Poverty Point Road Moira 17 19 Log Dump Road Moira 4 20 Gerapna Road Millewa 7 21 Dudleys Road Millewa 15 22 Fishermans Bend Road Millewa 17 Average distance (km) 20 Ecological Thinning Trial in New South Wales River Red Gum Forests ii Figure Two: Site Locations & Haulage Routes Ecological Thinning Trial in New South Wales River Red Gum Forests iii Contents List of acronyms .................................................................................................................... xi Executive summary .............................................................................................................. xv Background ...................................................................................................................... xv Objectives of the ecological thinning trial .......................................................................... xv Proposed ecological thinning trial activities ..................................................................... xvi Description of the environment ........................................................................................ xvi Risks and potential impacts ......................................................................................... xvi Management of potential impacts during the trial ........................................................ xvii 1. General information ..................................................................................................... 1 1.1. Title of the action ................................................................................................... 1 1.2. Proponents ............................................................................................................ 1 1.3. Objectives of the action ......................................................................................... 1 1.4. Location ................................................................................................................. 2 1.5. Background to the development of the action ........................................................ 2 1.5.1. Decline in health of river red gum forests ........................................................... 2 1.5.2. Recommendation for an ecological thinning trial ................................................ 3 1.5.3. Rationale for the ecological thinning trial ............................................................ 4 1.6. How the action relates to other known actions ....................................................... 5 1.6.1. Perricoota and Koondrook State Forests ............................................................ 5 1.6.2. Gunbower State Forest ...................................................................................... 6 1.7. Current status of the action .................................................................................... 6 1.8. Consequences of not proceeding with the action ................................................... 7 2. Description of the action .............................................................................................. 8 2.1. Design of the ecological thinning trial ..................................................................... 8 2.2. Planning and site selection .................................................................................. 10 2.2.1. River red gum site quality, stem density and canopy condition ......................... 11 2.2.2. Logging and fire history .................................................................................... 11 2.2.3. Minimising impacts on matters of national environmental significance and native vegetation .............................................................................................. 17 2.3. Trial activities ....................................................................................................... 18 2.3.1. Establishment phase ........................................................................................ 18 2.3.2. Treatment phase .............................................................................................. 21 2.3.3. Site monitoring phase ....................................................................................... 27 2.4. Additional development sites ............................................................................... 27 Ecological Thinning Trial in New South Wales River Red Gum Forests iv 2.5. Supporting infrastructure ..................................................................................... 27 3. Feasible alternatives ................................................................................................. 28 3.1. Taking no action .................................................................................................. 28 3.2. Alternative trial approaches deemed to be unfeasible .......................................... 29 4. Description of the environment .................................................................................. 32 4.1. General ............................................................................................................... 32 4.1.1. Altitude ............................................................................................................. 32 4.1.2. Rainfall ............................................................................................................. 32 4.1.3. Land systems ................................................................................................... 32 4.1.4. Hydrology ......................................................................................................... 33 4.2. Method for determining presence and extent of EPBC Act-listed matters of national environmental significance ..................................................................... 33 4.2.1. Desktop assessment and field surveys ............................................................. 33 4.2.2. Understanding vegetation and threatened ecological community extent ........... 34 4.2.3. Likelihood of occurrence of matters of national environmental significance ...... 34 4.3. Matters of national environmental significance with a moderate or high potential to occur in the river red gum forests..................................................................... 47 4.3.1. Cattle egret Ardea ibis ...................................................................................... 47 4.3.2. Eastern great egret Ardea modesta .................................................................. 49 4.3.3. Fork-tailed swift Apus pacificus ........................................................................ 51 4.3.4. Rainbow bee-eater Merops ornatus ................................................................. 53 4.3.5. Superb parrot Polytelis
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Chapter 8. Aboriginal Water Values and Uses
    Chapter 8. Aboriginal water values and uses Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning 8. Aboriginal water values and uses The Murray-Darling Basin Plan requires Basin states to identify objectives and outcomes of water, based on Aboriginal values and uses of water, and have regard to the views of Traditional Owners on matters identified by the Basin Plan. Victoria engaged with Traditional Owner groups in the Water Resource Plan for the northern Victoria area to: • outline the purpose, scope and opportunity for providing water to meet Traditional Owner water objectives and outcomes through the Murray-Darling Basin Plan • define the role of the water resource plans in the Basin, including but not limited to the requirements of the Basin Plan (Chapter 10, Part 14) • provide the timeline for the development and accreditation of the Northern Victoria Water Resource Plan • determine each Traditional Owner group’s preferred means of engagement and involvement in the development of the Northern Victoria Water Resource Plan • continue to liaise and collaborate with Traditional Owner groups to integrate specific concerns and opportunities regarding the water planning and management framework. • identify Aboriginal water objectives for each Traditional Owner group, and desired outcomes The Water Resource Plan for the Northern Victoria water resource plan area, the Victorian Murray water resource plan area and the Goulburn-Murray water resource plan area is formally titled Victoria’s North and Murray Water Resource Plan for the purposes of accreditation. When engaging with Traditional Owners this plan has been referred to as the Northern Victoria Water Resource Plan and is so called in Chapter 8 of the Comprehensive Report.
    [Show full text]
  • Sun Country Official Visitor Guide
    OFFICIAL VISITOR GUIDE Sun Country on the Murray Yarrawonga Mulwala, Cobram Barooga, Numurkah, Nathalia, Barmah and more. Yarrawonga Mulwala Cobram Barooga NumurkahNathalia Barmah Here in Sun Country on the Murray, you’ll find a friendly welcome around every bend. 4 Connect with Us 5 Welcome 6 Arts & Heritage 7 Explore the Land 8 Events 9 Markets 10 Food & Wine 12 Golf 13 On the Water 14 Accommodation 15 Caravan the Sun Country 16 Sun Country on the Murray Regional Map 18 Yarrawonga Mulwala 20 Cobram Barooga 22 Numurkah 24 Nathalia 26 Barmah 28 Local Villages 30 Murray Regional Touring Route 32 Visitor Information Centre contact details Here in Sun Country on the Murray, you’ll find a friendly welcome around every bend. 3 Connect with Us @visitsuncountry #visitsuncountry Share your photos with us for a chance to receive random giveaways and allow us to feature your photos. 4 Welcome Enjoy the best the Murray has to the river, savour delicious produce offer, exploring the waterways, straight from the farm gate and visit towns and natural attractions nearby villages of Barmah, Berrigan, between Bundalong and Barmah. Finley, Nathalia and Numurkah – all Drenched in sunshine year-round, part of this beautiful region. you’ll soon see why we’re keen Sun Country on the Murray has a to share our ‘Sun Country on the relaxed yet contemporary atmosphere, Murray’. where watersports, fishing, golf, locally The twin towns of Yarrawonga grown produce, tourist attractions, Mulwala sit idyllically on either side of well-appointed accommodation, the Murray River, with Lake Mulwala great shopping and sophisticated adding to the mesmerising backdrop restaurants are all on offer.
    [Show full text]
  • Northern Region
    Section 5 Northern Region 109 5.1 Northern Region overview ............................................................................................... 111 5.2 Victorian Murray system .................................................................................................. 114 5.2.1 Barmah Forest ...................................................................................................... 116 5.2.2 Gunbower Creek and Forest ................................................................................ 119 5.2.3 Central Murray wetlands ...................................................................................... 124 5.2.4 Hattah Lakes ........................................................................................................ 129 5.2.5 Lower Murray wetlands ........................................................................................ 132 5.2.6 Lindsay, Mulcra and Wallpolla islands .................................................................. 137 5.3 Ovens system ................................................................................................................... 141 5.4 Goulburn system .............................................................................................................. 145 5.4.1 Goulburn River ..................................................................................................... 147 5.4.2 Goulburn wetlands ............................................................................................... 152 5.5 Broken system .................................................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • Ramsar Sites in Order of Addition to the Ramsar List of Wetlands of International Importance
    Ramsar sites in order of addition to the Ramsar List of Wetlands of International Importance RS# Country Site Name Desig’n Date 1 Australia Cobourg Peninsula 8-May-74 2 Finland Aspskär 28-May-74 3 Finland Söderskär and Långören 28-May-74 4 Finland Björkör and Lågskär 28-May-74 5 Finland Signilskär 28-May-74 6 Finland Valassaaret and Björkögrunden 28-May-74 7 Finland Krunnit 28-May-74 8 Finland Ruskis 28-May-74 9 Finland Viikki 28-May-74 10 Finland Suomujärvi - Patvinsuo 28-May-74 11 Finland Martimoaapa - Lumiaapa 28-May-74 12 Finland Koitilaiskaira 28-May-74 13 Norway Åkersvika 9-Jul-74 14 Sweden Falsterbo - Foteviken 5-Dec-74 15 Sweden Klingavälsån - Krankesjön 5-Dec-74 16 Sweden Helgeån 5-Dec-74 17 Sweden Ottenby 5-Dec-74 18 Sweden Öland, eastern coastal areas 5-Dec-74 19 Sweden Getterön 5-Dec-74 20 Sweden Store Mosse and Kävsjön 5-Dec-74 21 Sweden Gotland, east coast 5-Dec-74 22 Sweden Hornborgasjön 5-Dec-74 23 Sweden Tåkern 5-Dec-74 24 Sweden Kvismaren 5-Dec-74 25 Sweden Hjälstaviken 5-Dec-74 26 Sweden Ånnsjön 5-Dec-74 27 Sweden Gammelstadsviken 5-Dec-74 28 Sweden Persöfjärden 5-Dec-74 29 Sweden Tärnasjön 5-Dec-74 30 Sweden Tjålmejaure - Laisdalen 5-Dec-74 31 Sweden Laidaure 5-Dec-74 32 Sweden Sjaunja 5-Dec-74 33 Sweden Tavvavuoma 5-Dec-74 34 South Africa De Hoop Vlei 12-Mar-75 35 South Africa Barberspan 12-Mar-75 36 Iran, I. R.
    [Show full text]
  • Gambusia Forum 2011
    Gambusia Forum 2011 Crowne Plaza Hotel, Melbourne Wednesday 1st – Thursday 2nd June 2011 Edited by: Dr Peter Jackson and Heleena Bamford Small fish… …big problem! Published by Murray–Darling Basin Authority Postal Address GPO Box 1801, Canberra ACT 2601 Office location Level 4, 51 Allara Street, Canberra City Australian Capital Territory Telephone (02) 6279 0100 international + 61 2 6279 0100 Facsimile (02) 6248 8053 international + 61 2 6248 8053 E-Mail [email protected] Internet http://www.mdba.gov.au For further information contact the Murray–Darling Basin Authority office on (02) 6279 0100 This report may be cited as: Gambusia Forum 2011: Small fish.....big problem! MDBA Publication No. 154/11 ISBN (on-line) 978-1-921914-21-8 ISBN (print) 978-1-921914-22-5 © Copyright Murray–Darling Basin Authority (MDBA), on behalf of the Commonwealth of Australia 2011. This work is copyright. With the exception of photographs, any logo or emblem, and any trademarks, the work may be stored, retrieved and reproduced in whole or in part, provided that it is not sold or used in any way for commercial benefit, and that the source and author of any material used is acknowledged. Apart from any use permitted under the Copyright Act 1968 or above, no part of this work may be reproduced by any process without prior written permission from the Commonwealth. Requests and inquiries concerning reproduction and rights should be addressed to the Commonwealth Copyright Administration, Attorney General’s Department, National Circuit, Barton ACT 2600 or posted at http://www.ag.gov.au/cca.
    [Show full text]
  • Ulupna Island - Australia Day 2013
    MARCH 2013 Ulupna Island - Australia Day 2013 Official Newsletter of the Victorian Four Wheel Drive Club Inc Registration No A0002184F Page 2 of 18 Notice Board VFWDC GENERAL MEETING VENUE The club meets at the Bowling Club Rooms, Noble Park Football Club, 46-56 Moodemere St, Noble Park on the 1st Wednesday of every month at 8.00pm (No meeting in January and November meeting at selected location). Members and Guests are welcome to dine at the Bistro before attending the meeting. First WEDNESDAY of each month 8.00PM Start Venue: Bowling Club Rooms (Next to Car Park, down the far end of the car park) Noble Park Football Club 46-56 Moodemere Street Noble Park Melways ref: 89 D4 FREE WHEELING Hello and welcome to the March newsletter. This month see’s two long weekends and Easter coming around early, so check out some of the trips in the calendar and put your name down on the trip data forms. Catherine [email protected] Official Newsletter of the Victorian Four Wheel Drive Club Inc Registration No A0002184F Page 3 of 18 COMMITTEE OF MANAGEMENT 2012-2013 President Mark Felton [email protected] Vice President Catherine Felton [email protected] VFWDC Treasurer Steve Pitcher [email protected] ADVERTISING Secretary Andre Van Derwalt [email protected] GENERAL COMMITTEE DIRECTORY Assistant Secretary [email protected] Trip Co-ordinator David Bruinsma [email protected] BUSH-B-Q Newsletter Editor Catherine Felton [email protected] Manufacturer of the Barbeque of the Outback Web Manager Bruce Cremonesi [email protected] Don & Thelma Montague Ph: 9808 1200
    [Show full text]
  • Hattah-Kulkyne Ramsar Wetlands Protection Project: Can Fox Control Reduce Predation of Freshwater Turtle Nests? A
    Hattah-Kulkyne Ramsar Wetlands Protection Project: can fox control reduce predation of freshwater turtle nests? A. Robley, K. Howard, L. Woodford, A. Taglierini, and M. Thompson August 2017 Arthur Rylah Institute for Environmental Research Unpublished Client Report for the Mallee Catchment Management Authority Hattah-Kulkyne fox control and turtle nest survival Arthur Rylah Institute for Environmental Research Client Report Hattah-Kulkyne fox control and turtle nest survival Hattah-Kulkyne Ramsar Protection Project: can fox control reduce predation of freshwater turtle nests? Alan Robley1, Katie Howard1, Luke Woodford1, Angelo Taglierini2, and Malcolm Thompson2 1Arthur Rylah Institute for Environmental Research 123 Brown Street, Heidelberg, Victoria 3084 2Mallee Catchment Management Authority, PO Box 5017, Mildura, Vic 3502 August 2017 In partnership with and Arthur Rylah Institute for Environmental Research Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning Heidelberg, Victoria Hattah-Kulkyne fox control and turtle nest survival Report produced by: Arthur Rylah Institute for Environmental Research Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning PO Box 137 Heidelberg, Victoria 3084 Phone (03) 9450 8600 Website: www.delwp.vic.gov.au Citation: Robley, A., Howard, K., Woodford, L., Taglierini, A., and Thompson, M. (2017). Hattah-Kulkyne Ramsar Protection Project: can fox control reduce predation of freshwater turtle nests? Unpublished Client Report for the Mallee Catchment Management Authority. Arthur Rylah Institute for Environmental Research, Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning, Heidelberg, Victoria. Front cover photo: Lake Konardin and Red Fox (Vulpes vulpes) (Alan Robley); turtle nest monitoring (Malcolm Thompson). © The State of Victoria Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning 2017 This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Australia licence.
    [Show full text]
  • Nyah to Border Community Profile (Including Sunraysia, Victoria and NSW)
    Nyah to Border community profile (including Sunraysia, Victoria and NSW) Irrigation region Key issues for the region 1. Region’s population — The population of the Nyah to Border region is approximately 60,000, including 3,500 farm businesses. 2. Gross value of irrigated agricultural production (GVIAP) • The drought affected gross value of irrigated agricultural production was an estimated $600 million for 2008-09i. The non drought gross value of irrigated agricultural production, based on the existing area, is estimated to be $800 millionii. 3. Water entitlements (approximate) • Surface Water Long-term Cap -700 GL. • Victorian high reliability water shares 481 GL NSW High Security - 190 GLiii , NSW General security — 75 GLiv • Groundwater entitlements - negligible. 4. Major enterprises –Major enterprises for the Nyah to Border region include wine grapes, citrus, table grapes, almonds, dried fruit, and vegetables. 5. Government buyback- The Commonwealth Government buyback cannot be separated out for the Nyah to Border region as it is part of greater Murray valley buyback program. 6. Water dependence — Very high capital investment on-farm and off-farm makes the regional economy highly water dependent. 7. Current status • Nyah to Border’s regional economy of around $3 billionv has a high dependence on irrigation, with wineries, packing sheds and other food processing reliant on a consistent supply of irrigated crops. Around 25% of employment is associated with irrigated horticulture and associated manufacturing. • There is a high population of 60,000 people including 3,500 growers, 65% of whom farm 26% of the irrigation area on small farms in community districts. These districts were established as Government irrigation schemes from 1887 to 1947.
    [Show full text]
  • Outreach Survey on Natural and Working Lands
    Responses to Outreach Survey This document lists all responses to the question below, from the outreach survey open from January 25, 2021 through May 3, 2021. The survey was made available on the Oregon Global Warming Commission’s webpage on Natural and Working Lands. For more information on the Commission’s work, see https://www.keeporegoncool.org/ Natural and Working Lands Outreach Survey Q1 What should we propose as a goal for reduced emissions and increased sequestration in natural and working lands? Answered: 114 Skipped: 8 # RESPONSES DATE 1 50% reduction in emissions in the first 10 years, followed by additional 50% decreases in 5/3/2021 4:16 PM subsequent 10 year periods. 25% increased sequestration in first 10 years, followed by additional 25% increases in subsequent 10 year periods. 2 We recommend both an emissions reduction goal and an activity-based goal. An emissions 5/3/2021 3:54 PM reduction goal is important for determining whether we are making progress toward the state’s emissions reduction goals. The Commission should consider whether to recommend both an emissions reduction and carbon sequestration goal separately, or at least clarify how sequestration is calculated into an emissions reduction goal if it is part of that goal. And an activity-based goal will provide an opportunity for natural and working lands stakeholders, including farmers, ranchers, and foresters to engage. It can help to determine whether new programs, policies and practices have been effective and are resulting in measurable changes. An example of an activity-based goal is: Increase adoption of practices that have the potential to reduce emissions and/or sequester carbon in the soil.
    [Show full text]
  • Cedar River Watershed Tour and Wood Sourcing Workshop – Wednesday, September 11
    Cedar River Watershed Tour and Wood Sourcing Workshop – Wednesday, September 11 Why attend: The members of the US Green Building Council recently voted to approve a new version of LEED, the largest green building program in the world, which maintains a credit for use of Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified wood. And the Living Building Challenge, the most rigorous benchmark of sustainability in the built environment, requires all new wood to be FSC certified. Builders, architects, developers, and chain-of-custody managers should attend this tour to learn about green building opportunities with FSC products and what this sourcing means for forests and Puget Sound watersheds. Overview: Join this tour for a rare opportunity to visit the City of Seattle’s Cedar River Watershed, a 100,000 acre FSC certified forest that serves as the drinking water source for 1.4 million residents. Participants will explore the woods with trained experts to get a firsthand experience of responsible forest management, habitat restoration, and connectivity from forest to market. Forest cover and sustainable management are key forces in protecting watershed dynamics and the biological and economic health of Puget Sound. Following the interactive tour, a lunchtime presentation and Q&A about the timber supply chain will provide a distinct perspective on production, distribution, and sourcing opportunities. Participants will then engage in a hands-on workshop to improve the flow of FSC certified timber and grow the FSC market in the Northwest. This tour has
    [Show full text]
  • Rivers and Streams Special Investigation Final Recommendations
    LAND CONSERVATION COUNCIL RIVERS AND STREAMS SPECIAL INVESTIGATION FINAL RECOMMENDATIONS June 1991 This text is a facsimile of the former Land Conservation Council’s Rivers and Streams Special Investigation Final Recommendations. It has been edited to incorporate Government decisions on the recommendations made by Order in Council dated 7 July 1992, and subsequent formal amendments. Added text is shown underlined; deleted text is shown struck through. Annotations [in brackets] explain the origins of the changes. MEMBERS OF THE LAND CONSERVATION COUNCIL D.H.F. Scott, B.A. (Chairman) R.W. Campbell, B.Vet.Sc., M.B.A.; Director - Natural Resource Systems, Department of Conservation and Environment (Deputy Chairman) D.M. Calder, M.Sc., Ph.D., M.I.Biol. W.A. Chamley, B.Sc., D.Phil.; Director - Fisheries Management, Department of Conservation and Environment S.M. Ferguson, M.B.E. M.D.A. Gregson, E.D., M.A.F., Aus.I.M.M.; General Manager - Minerals, Department of Manufacturing and Industry Development A.E.K. Hingston, B.Behav.Sc., M.Env.Stud., Cert.Hort. P. Jerome, B.A., Dip.T.R.P., M.A.; Director - Regional Planning, Department of Planning and Housing M.N. Kinsella, B.Ag.Sc., M.Sci., F.A.I.A.S.; Manager - Quarantine and Inspection Services, Department of Agriculture K.J. Langford, B.Eng.(Ag)., Ph.D , General Manager - Rural Water Commission R.D. Malcolmson, M.B.E., B.Sc., F.A.I.M., M.I.P.M.A., M.Inst.P., M.A.I.P. D.S. Saunders, B.Agr.Sc., M.A.I.A.S.; Director - National Parks and Public Land, Department of Conservation and Environment K.J.
    [Show full text]
  • Approved Conservation Advice for Craterocephalus Fluviatilis (Murray Hardyhead) (S266b of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999)
    This Conservation Advice was approved by the Minister on 3 March 2012 Approved Conservation Advice for Craterocephalus fluviatilis (Murray hardyhead) (s266B of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999) This Conservation Advice has been developed based on the best available information at the time this Conservation Advice was approved; this includes existing plans, records or management prescriptions for this species. Description Craterocephalus fluviatilis, McCulloch 1912, Family Atherinidae, also known as Murray hardyhead, are a small highly mobile schooling fish that attains 76 mm length (Ivantsoff and Crowley, 1996; Ebner and Raadik, 2001; Ellis, 2005). They are moderately deep bodied with a small protrusible mouth which projects forward as a tube when open (Crowley and Ivantsoff, 1990; Ellis, 2005). The colour varies from silver or silvery-green to dark golden dorsally, with a silvery-black (sometimes golden or reddish) mid-lateral stripe running along the body, and a pale abdomen with a silvery iridescent sheen (Crowley and Ivantsoff, 1990; Ellis, 2005; Hammer and Wedderburn, 2008). The body and fins may develop an orange sheen during the spawning period (Ebner and Raadik 2001; Ellis, 2005). Conservation Status The Murray hardyhead is listed as endangered. This species is eligible for listing as endangered under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (Cwlth) (EPBC Act) as: it has undergone a severe reduction in numbers in the last 10 years, and recovery may depend upon translocations or restocking of hatchery-bred fish, and it has a restricted area of occupancy, which is precarious for the species’ survival due to ongoing threats (TSSC, 2011).
    [Show full text]