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RESEARCH PAPER NO.9 1989 i ">': I II' (,
Eden Aquatic Biota, .
Microflora and Microfauna of Yambulla State Forest
Catchments
by
D.W. Edwards
FORESTRY COMMISSION OF NEW SOUTH WALES EDEN AQUATIC BIOTA
MICRO FLORA AND MICRO FAUNA OF .1 l YAMBULLA STATE FOREST CATCHMENTS
by
D.W. Edwards Research Fellow
WOOD TECHNOLOGY AND FOREST RESEARCH DIVISION FORESTRY COMMISSION OF NEW SOUTH WALES SYDNEY 1989 Research Paper No.9 1989
Published by: Forestry Commission of New South Wales, Wood Technology an~ Forest Research Division, 27 Oratava Avenue, West Pennant Hills. N.S.W. 2120. P.O. Box 100, Beecroft. N.S.W. 2119. Australia.
Copyright © 1989 by Forestry Commission of New South Wales
ODC 116:14:16 (944) / EDW ISSN 0729-5340 ISBN 07305 77007 Eden Aquatic Biota Microflora and Microfauna -i- of Yambulla State Forest Catchments
TABLE OF CONTENTS...... PAGE
SUMMARY...... 1
INTRODUCTION...... 1
STUDY AREA...... 1
MATERIALS AND METHODS•...... 3
RESULTS •...... 4
DISCUSSION•...... 4
CONCLUSIONS•...... 12
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS•...... 14
BmLIGRAPHY...... 14
APPENDICES
APPENDIX 1. Vegetation of three YambuIla State Forest research catchments...... 19
APPENDIX 2. Sampling times for aquatic biota in YambuIla State Forest research ...... 19 catchments and their environs, 1986-1987.
APPENDIX 3. Bed load size class distribution (%) for YambuIla State Forest research weirs .... 20
APPENDIX 4. Water pH ranges in YambuIla State Forest research weirs ...... 20
APPENDIX 5. Notes,on some algae recovered'from YambuIla State Forest and its environs .....21
APPENDIX 6. Potential food sources of aquatic biota found in the current survey ...... 23 of the YambuIla research catchments.
APPENDIX 7. Sorensen's Quotients of Similarity for YambuIla State Forest research...... 24 weirs at each monthly sampling, November 1986-0ctober 1987.
APPENDIX 8. Eden District Report on algal deposits in the Wallagaraugh River...... 25
Research Paper No. 9 Forestry Commission of New South Wales Eden Aquatic Biota Microflora and Microfauna -1- of Yambulla State Forest Catchments
SUMMARY grow vigorously in polluted waters whilst others grow only in waters of high purity. Being green Forty-nine algal genera have been recorded from plants they require sunlight and a supply of nutrients experimental weirs and freshwater streams in Yambulla such as nitrogen and phosphorus. Feeding on these State Forest and its environs during 1986-87, together are a wide variety of invertebrates, mostly very small, with twenty-six invertebrate taxa. The significance of which in turn become a food base for larger or each taxa is discussed. ganisms, culminating in animals such as fish, amphibians and birds. No clear differences were apparent between logged and unlogged weirs or between burnt and unburnt weirs Many freshwater species of algae and invertebrates during the study. A quantitative assessment based on are cosmopolitan, but because of differences in selected algal taxa is considered necessary before any catchment geology, terrain, riparian vegetation, num final conclusions can be drawn. ber and size of riffle beds and other factors it did not appear reasonable to make extrapolations to the Eden Forest Region without a local survey. In November INTRODUCTION 1986 the Forestry Commission of New South Wales began a study of the flora and fauna of some Eden The Senate Standing Committee on Science and the forest streams to determine the effects of logging and Environment in a report on the woodchip industry fire on such ecosystems. This report outlines the (1977) emphasised the need for biological research in fmdings of an inventory of the microfauna and relation to forestry. Conclusion 69 stated "The extreme microflora of six catchments within Yambulla State lack of knowledge in the biological sphere in Australia Forest between November 1986 and October 1987. is a cause for serious national concern. It is hampering responsible decision making in areas of considerable STUDY AREA social importance". Conclusion 75 further stated that "taxonomic studies of the Australian fauna and flora, the invertebrates in particular, are absolutely basic to 1. Location research progress in many biological fields of impor tance to forestry". Recommendation 13 noted the value Yam bulla S.F. No. 126 is located in south-eastern 0 0 of part-time and amateur contributions to such work. New South Wales, at 37 29'S and 149 35'E (Mackay and Robinson, 1987) and has an area of 51 Michaelis (1984) Ieferring to a joint Forestry Commis 771 ha (18.6% of the total State Forests of the Eden sion/Australian Museum study of the effects on Region (278 529 ha) (Harris-Daishowa, 1988). terrestrial vertebrates of "clear felling" at Eden (Recher et al., 1980) as one of the most detailed forest ecology The six research catchments in Yambulla State Forest studies to date says that it emphasises the need for a (Fig. 1) were chosen for the survey because of the comparable study on the fresh water biota. This need considerable amount of hydrological and other data has also been advanced by Smith (1988) in an Eden available from sampling stations at weirs in each Environmental Impact Statement. catchment (Mackay and Cornish, 1982; Cornish and Binns, 1987; Mackay and Robinson, 1987; Olive and Studies of river biota have been made for the Cox's Reiger 1987). River in central New South Wales (Jolly and Chapman, 1966), for some streams in northern N.S.W. (playfair, 2. Geology 1914; Pidgeon and Cairns, 1981) for coastal rivers in southern N.S.W. ( Richardson, 1985), for the Sydney Beams (1977), Rieger et al., (1979), Mackay and Water Supply (Bowen and Smalls, 1980) and there is Cornish (1982) and Hough (1983) described the an early listing for the Sydney region (Whitelegge, geology of the Yambulla research catchments as 1889). based mostly on Adamellite granites. This rock type produces shallow, yellow duplex soils of low nutrient Victorian rivers have been the subject of many recent status (Lambert and Turner, 1983; Turner and Lam investigations (Maclennan, 1950; Tudor, 1971; Met bert, 1986) with some patches of red duplex soil in zling, 1977; Robinson, 1977; Yule, 1978; Blackburn catchments 5 and 6 (Mackay and Cornish, 1982). and Petr, 1979; Powling, 1980; Hortle and Lake, 1982; Blyth et al., 1984; Carr et al., 1984; Doeg, 1984; Catchment 4 is somewhat different from the other Marchant et al., 1984; Metzling et al., 1984; Brown et five catchments. Cornish (1986) reported a al. , 1986) and in south-eastern Queensland MacLeod hydrological response after wildfrre which was (1975) has reported on the known freshwater algae. separated from the other five catchments together with higher magnesium concentrations in the Two major components of river biota are algae and streams and a different ratio of monovalent to invertebrates. Algae are found in fresh waters divalent cations. He suggested that this indicated the throughout the world in rivers, streams, lakes, dams, presence of small areas of an undetected rock, puddles, marshes, bogs and temporary pools. Some possibly basalt.
Research Paper No. 9 Forestry Corrunission of New South Wales Eden Aquatic Biota Microflora and Microfauna of Yambulla State Forest Catchments -2-
3. Physical Features 5. Vegetation
The catchments range in area from 75 ha to 225 ha and Major forest types in the catchment have been occur in elevations from 180 m to 476 m (Mackayand described (Mackay and Cornish, 1982; Bridges, Robinson, 1987). Streams near the experimental weirs 1983). In order of importance these are Eucalyptus have rocky bottoms with very few riffle beds. sieberi L.A.S. Johnson (40%); E. agglomerata Maiden (20%) and E. muellerana Rowitt (10%). The topograghy is moderate, 68% of the slopes bein§ less than 15 and 5% of the slopes greater than 30 Minor species are E. consideniana Maiden, E. (Bridges, 1983). globoidea Blakely, E. obliqua L. Rerit. and E. cypel locarpa L.A.S. Johnson. The dominant height of the 4. Climate forest averages 25-30 m, rising to 40 m on wet sites (Mackay and Cornish, 1982). The understorey is described as sparse, except in localised, moderately Climatic features of the catchments are well docu dense stands, with Casuarina (Allocasuarina) lit mented (Mackay and Cornish, 1982; Bridges, 1983; toralis Salisb. on the ridges and slopes and dense Mackay and Robinson, 1987). The mean annual rain thickets of Melaleuca squarrosa Donn ex Srn. and fall is generally low and evenly distributed throughout Leptospermum juniperinum Srn. around drainage the year, but quite long dry and wet periods may occur lines and other wet areas. at any time. For 1976-80 the mean rainfall was 823 mm and annual totals varied from 509 mm to 1513 mm. Tree and large shrub species noted in retention strips There is a tendency for rain to be less frequent from mid 'on the banks of streams in Catchments I, 3 and 5 near winter to early spring. Winds are south-westerly for to littoral sampling stations are given in Appendix 1. most of the year, with strong easterlies in summer.
During the study the rainfall was less than average and 6. Logging and Fire History several of the weirs ceased to flow. In January 1988, all weirs were dry. Table 1 shows logging and fife histories of each catchment sampled (Mackay and Cornish, 1982; Mackay and Robinson ,1987).
0..... __..... J km
Contour interval 100 m
Figure 1. Location of Yambulla S.F. research catchments.
Forestry Commission of New South Wales Research Paper No. 9 Eden Aquatic Biota Microflora and Microfauna -3- of Yambulla State Forest Catchments
Table 1. Logging and recent fire history of Yam bulla State Forest research catchments.
CATCHMENT RECENTHISWRY AND CURRENTPROPOSALS l. Pomaderris Creek Untreated control. Last fire 1972. Not to be logged at present. (7S.4 ha) 2. Geebung Creek Unlogged. Part to be logged in unburnt areas from February 1987. (80.2 ha) No recent fire. 3. Peppermint Creek 80% burnt in January 1979. Fire intensity generally low. (127.5 ha) Routine logging of SO% of catchment planned.
4. Grevillea Creek 9S% burnt 1972. Intended as a control. (92.5 ha)
S Stringybark Creek Whole area burnt in January 1979 with complete crown scorch. (140.0 ha) Logged by sQlall coupes after fir. Nine coupes clearfelled.
6. German's Creek 90% burnt in January 1979. Completely clearfelled soon (22S.1 ha) after 86 % of catchment).
MATERIALS AND METHODS 2. Sample Preparation
1. Sampling Immediately on receipt each sample was examined as follows:- Monthly littoral samples were taken from each of the weirs in the catchments and from their environs at (a) Littoral and benthic samples marked positions along stream banks near each weir. This was done by cutting aquatic plants just below Small amounts of sediment, plus scrapings and waterline and enclosing them, together with a water squeezings of plant stems and roots were examined sample plus bottom sediment, in 2S0 ml plastic bottles under a microscope and the results recorded. This was with snap-on lids. repeated the following day and the samples were then stood in subdued light for one week to allow the In addition, two benthic and four limnetic exploratory development of organisms favoured by changes in samplings were made between November 1986 and temperature, light and oxygen levels, before a fmal March 1987 as follows:- examination.
(a) Benthic samples (b) Limnetic samples
Water and sediment was taken from the centre of the As above except that the material was concentrated stream bed at points near the littoral samples and placed by passing through a plankton net. Some losses of into 2S0 ml plastic bottles similar to those used for the smaller organisms probably occurred because of this monthly samples. procedure. (b) Limnetic samples 3. pH Determination Water from pools or ponds was taken and also placed in 2S0 ml bottles. Some samples were increased to The pH of each sample was determined using a paper 1000 ml volume because of the small amount of the indicator (panphena). This was later supplemented by biota recovered. In addition a small plankton net was laboratory determinations of the pH of separate water used to ,collect a sufficient concentration of material in samples from another project a SO ml receiving bottle to fill 1000 ml plastic bottles. These latter collections were made either from the 4. Identification water near the centre of each weir or from the middle of the stream. Identification was made to generic level for several reasons. Firstly, many of the species encountered All specimens were packed in an insulated container required reference to texts which are difficult to plus "cooler bricks" and forwarded by air to ensure acquire, or needed specialist opinions. Secondly, arrival at the laboratory the following morning, within many groups are in taxonomic disarray and some taxa 24 hours of collection. Such rapid transit is necessary were identifiable only to generic or family level. to avoid changes in the biota because of temperature Finally there appeared little to be to be gained from and oxygen variations from stream conditions and specific identifications in the early stages of the study predation by invertebrates within the sample. since many genera do not play significant roles in water quality changes.
Research Paper No. 9 Forestry Commission of New South Wales p
Eden Aquatic Biota Microflora and Microfauna of Yambulla State Forest Catchments -4-
Publications used for indentification of the organisms Fig. 4 gives an Average Linkage Cluster Analysis were Deflandre (1959); NoIand (1959); Patrick (1959); based on Sorensen's Quotient of Similarity for algue Thompson (1959); Bertin (1972); McLeod (1975); occurring in the six weirs during August, 1987. Fig. Prestcott (1978); Williams (1980); Jabn et al.,(1981) 5 shows a Hill's Correspondence Analysis diagram and Needham and Needham (1981). PIayfair (1907; of the relationships between algal taxa found in the 1908; 1912; 1914; 1915a; 1915b; 1917; 1918; 1919; YambulIa weirs and Fig. 6 shows a similar diagram 1921; 1923) was consulted for some preliminary for algal taxa based on individual plots. determinations. DISCUSSION The genera ChlamYdomonas, Euglena, Phacus, Trachelomonas and Volvox have been treated as algae There are a number of recent texts on Australian (Prestcott, 1978; Bold et al., 1980) rather than as freshwater biota (Bayly et al., 1967; Lake, 1971; protozoa (Williams, 1980). MacLeod (1975); Aston (1977); Shiel and Koste (1979; 1986); Smith and Kershaw (1979); Williams 5. Comparison between Catchments (1980; 1981a; 1981b; 1981c; 1983); Bayly and Williams (1981); Sainty and Jacobs (1981); Llewellyn Two methods Of comparison of algal flora between (1983); DeDeckker and Williams (1986) Hynes (1960, catchments were used. 1970); Clegg (1965); Ingold (1976); Willoughby (1977); Jahn et al., (1981); and Needham and An Average Linkage Cluster Analysis of data obtained Needham, 1981) give a broad overseas perspective. from the calculation of Sorensen's Quotients of There are however few published studies of the Similarity (Appendix 7) between weirs for August microflora and microfauna of New South Wales rivers. 1987 was made using a SAS (computer) program package. The data from August 1987 were chosen To investigate the effects of logging and wildfire on because it was the only month during the study the aquatic biota of the Eden Region it was thus period when a full set of this data was available. desirable to establish a data base of the taxa present Hill's Correspondence Analyses of the relationships in each of the six catchments and to make a preliminary between algal taxa in all weirs was made for the evaluation of their role in the total biota. whole period of the study and of differences between plots in each of the four seasons, using a computer The major groupings studied were the microflora program developed by CSIRO. and microfauna of the littoral zones, plus a brief sampling of the benthic and limnetic regions. In RESULTS practical terms this means the algae, protozoa and some smaller invertebrates excluding insects. Table 2 lists the algae and invertebrates collected in the Yambulla weirs and the adjacent AlIan Brook, 1. Littoral Algae Towamba and Wallagaraugh Rivers during this study. The littoral region is inhabitated by a wide spectrum There were in addition over 270 fragments of of microflora and microfauna attached to, or moving filamentous algae with insufficient morphological over submerged plant stems, rocks and sediments features to allow identification and some 163 protozoa plus some larger algae which are trapped in slow not identified for various reasons. moving waters, e.g. in reed beds. Organisms in this zone are rich food sources for small invertebrates. During exploratory studies of the benthic and limnetic Many of these organisms are widely distributed in zones of the YambulIa catchments and adjacent rivers fresh waters throughout the world. Others are confined some additional taxa were found as follows:- to restricted habitats or geographical regions.
a) Yambulla Weirs. The composition of this littoral microflora and Rotifers. Trichocerca. microfauna varies throughout the year due to changes Crustaceans. OSTRACODA. in water temperature, oxygen, nutritional inputs, pH, b) Adjacent rivers. rate of flow and turbidity. Blue-green algae. Spirulina. Green algae. Anldstrodesmus, Littoral algae collected in each weir are grouped in Chlamydomonas, Scenedesmus. phyla according to Prestcott (1978) in Table 2 and Fig. 2 with the exception that the blue-green algae Table 3 shows the frequency of recovery of the are shown as Cyanochloronta after Bold et al., (1980) major taxa from pooled littoral samples Fig. 2 the because of their prokaryotic nature. Notes on their months and weirs for such recoveries, and Fig. 3 significance are given in Appendix 6. the average water temperatures at the collection points at the time of sampling.
Forestry Commission of New South Wales Research Paper No. 9 Eden Aquatic Biota Microflora and Microfauna -5- of Yambulla State Forest Catchments
The number and frequency of the collections (Table 3 ) On the basic of Table 3 a subjective decision was varied in different weirs and at different times of the made to regard taxa occuing on less than 1 % of year but many algal genera persisted throughout the occasions to be rare taxa when compiling Cor year in all six weirs. respondence and Similarity Analyses. '
Table 2. Littoral algal and invertebrate taxa found in Yambulla aquatic survey.
ALGAE
CYANOCHLORONTA (CYANOPHYTA) (blue-gt'een algae, cyanobacteria) Anabaena, Ckroococcus, Gloeothece, Nodularia, Oscillatoria. CHLOROPHYTA (green algae) Bulbochaete, Closterium, Cosmarium, Desmidium, EUaStrum, Gloeocystis, Micrasterias, Netrium, Nitella, Oedogonium, Pediastrum, Spirogyra,Staurastrum, Tetmemorus, Volvox, Zygnema. EUGLENOPHYTA (euglenids) Euglena, Phacus, Trachelomonas. PYRROPHYTA (dinoflagellates) Glenodinium. BACILLARIOPHYCEAE (diatoms) Ampmpleura, Amphora, Anomoeoneis, Cocconeis, Coscinodiscus, Cymbella, Denticulata, Diatomella, Diploneis, Frustulia, Gomphonema, Navicula, Nitzschia, Opephora, Pinnularia, Stauroneis, Surirella, Synedra, Tabellaria. RHODOPHYTA (red algae) Batrachospermum.
INVERTEBRATES PROTOZOA SARCODINA Actinophrys, Amoeba, Cyc/opyxis. CILIATA Dileptus, Euplotes, Paramecium, Stylonchia, Vorticella. PLATYHELMINTHES NEMATODA Unidentified Unidentified
ASCHELMINTHES ROTIFERA NEMATOMORPHA Collotheca, Colurella, Rotaria, Trochosphaera. Gordius 'GASTROTRICHS Unidentified GASTROPODA OUGOCHAETA TARDIGRADA Ferrissea Tubifex Unidentified ARACHNIDA CRUSTACEA Mites. Uniden!ified CLADOCERA,COPEPODA INSECTA Culicinae, Gyrinidae
Research Paper No. 9 Forestry Conunission of New South Wales Eden Aquatic Biota Microflora and Microfauna of Yambulla State Forest Catchments -6-
Found in Found in Taxon catchment Month recovered Taxon catchment Month recovered 123456 J FMAMJJ ASON D 1 23456 J FMAMJJASOND GREEN ALGAE C/osterlum Netrlum • Bulbochaete BLUE GREEN Cosmarlum Anabaena Zygnema Osclllatorla Euastrum Nodularla Tetmemorus Splrullna Nitella Gloeothece Volvox Chroococcus I Desmidfum Spirogyra Micrasterlas PROTOZOA Oegodonlum Parameclum Staurastrum Amoeba Chlamydomonas Euplotes Gloeocystls Vortlcel/a Pediastrum Stylonchla Actlnophrys EUGLENIDS Cyclopyxls Trachelomonas Dlleptus I Euglena Phacus TURBELLARIA • D.INOFLAGELLA NEMATODA Glenodinium Gordlus DIATOMS S'ynedra ROTIFERA Tabel/arla Amphipleura GASTROTRICHA Diatomella • Navicula Ferrlssea Cymbel/a • • Nitzschia Tubltex Frustulia • Gomphonema TARDIGRADA Surirella • • Pinnularia MITES Diploneis • • • Cocconeis CRUSTACEA Stauroneis Cladocera Opephora Copepoda • Amphora Ostracoda • Anomoeoneis .. • • INSECTA Denticulata Culclnldae Coscinodiscus Gyrlnidae • •
Figure 2. Littoral, benthic and limnetic algae and microfauna found in Yambulla in YambUlla S.F. research catchments; November, 1986 to October, 1987. (There is no direct relationship in this figure between occurrences by months and occurrences catchments)
Forestry Commission of New South Wales Research Paper No. 9 Eden Aquatic Biota Microflora and Microfauna -7- of Yambulla State Forest Catchments
Table 3. Frequency of taxa found in pooled littoral samples from Yambulla Research Catchments, 1986-1987.
TAXON (t) (%) Code* TAXON (t) (%) Code*
ALGAE r Synedra 256 11.0 D Oedogonium 16 <6.3 G Nitzschia 204 8.8 D Pinnularia 16 11 D Cymbella 176 7.6 D Amphora 12 11 D Amphipleura 160 6.9 D Volvox 10 11 G Navicula 158 6.8 D Desmidium 8 G Frustulia 154 6.6 D Phacus 8 11 E Closterium 152 6.5 G Tetmemorus 8 11 G Tabellaria 144 6.2 D Anomoeoneis 6 11 D Diatomella 120 5.2 D Batrachospermum 6 11 R Surirella 72 3.1 D Micrasterias 6 11 G Trachelomonas 66 2.8 E Nitella 6 11 G Netrium 56 2.4 G Spirogyra 6 11 G Anabaena 54 2.3 C Stauroneis 6 D Bulbochaete 54 2.3 G Denticulata 4 11 D Euglena 54 2.3 E Nodularia 4 11 C Gomphonema 54 2.3 .D Opephora 4 D Cosmarium 50 2.2 G Staurastrum 4 11 G Diploneis 40 1.7 D Chroococcus 2 11 C Euastrum 32 1.4 G Coscinodiscus 2 11 D Glenodinium 32 1.4 P Gloeocystis 2 11 G Zygnema 32 1.4 G Gloeothece 2 C Oscillatoria 30 1.3 C Pediastrum 2 G Cocconeis 28 1.2 D Total 6.3 Total 93.7
* G =G;een algae; E =Euglenids; P =Dinoflagellates; D =Diatoms; R =Red algae; C =Cyanophyta.
INVERTEBRATES Paramecium 100 38.8 P Dileptus 2 <4.4 R Nematoda 48 18.6 Rotaria 2 11 P Amoeba 16 6.2 P Stylonchia 2 P Rotifera (Unid.) 14 5.4 R Tardigrada 2 11 Ferrissea 12 4.7 G Trochosphaera 2 R Insecta 8 3.1 Collotheca 1 11 R Platyhelminthes 8 3.1 T Colurella 1 R Vorticella 8 3.1 P Total 4.4 Euplotes 6 2.3 P Gastrotricha 6 2.3 Actinophrys 4 1.6 P Cyclopyxis 4 1.6 P Gordius 4 1.6 N Acarina 4 1.6 Tubifex 4 1.6 0 Total 95.6
* P =Protozoa; R =Rotifera; G =Gastropoda; P =Platyhelminthes; N. Nematomorpha; 0 =Oligochaeta; C =Crustacea
Research Paper No. 9 Forestry Commission of New South Wales Eden Aquatic Biota Microflora and Microfauna of Yambulla State Forest Catchments -8-
Some of the genera listed in Table 2 contain nuisance 2. Littoral Invertebrates algae. These are the cyanobacteria Anabaena, Oscil latoria and Spirulina, the green algae Nitella. The protozoan taxa listed in Table 2 are common, Oedogonium, Pediastrum. Spirogyra, Volvox and Zyg cosmopolitan genera, found in abundance in fresh nema, Euglena and the diatoms Synedra and waters throughout Australia. Tabellaria. They are present in most natural waters and produce blooms, taints or clog water reservoir Turbellarians are flatworms which are widespread in Australia (Williams, 1980) as are nematodes which he filters only when special special sets of circumstances describes as among the most abundant animals on are present. earth.
An example of such problems occurred in January Adult gordian worms are fr~-living in fresh water. 1985 when there were reports of slime/sludge deposits From their eggs larvae emerge to encyst on stream in the Wallagaraugh arm of Mallacoota Inlet attributed side vegetation where they are eaten by insects in by a Canberra Times correspondent to wood chipping, whose bodies they reach the adult stage. presumably because of logging in the Yambulla catch ments which drain into the Wallagaraugh River. Rotifers and gastrotrichs are common in all fresh Bridges investigated this in February 1985 and waters and are omnivorous. reported (Appendix 8) that samples of "sludge/slime" collected from the Wallagaraugh River were examined Ferrissea are freshwater limpets common in south by Dr. J Harris of the N.S.W. Fisheries Division. All eastern Australian streams (Smith and Kershaw, samples were said to be essentially similar. 1979). They may prove useful indicator species in studies of stream pollution. The main organism was identified by a specialist from Sydney University as being a species of pennate, Tubi/ex was rarely found in this study. In polluted "feather-form" diatom. Such diatoms secrete a waters however it builds up into large populations mucilaginous coating, which if population densities are especially near sources of raw sewage. high, may result in them aggregating into "clumping colonies". The Wallagaraugh River "sludge" was said The role of tardigmdes and mites has been little to be a mixture of "clumping colonies" of diatoms with studied in Austmlian river systems apart from some detritus and other stream debris. Dr. Harris advised work on mites in Victorian water reservoirs. that the abundance of "sludge" in the Wallagaraugh River was most likely due to low water levels and low Crustaceans found in the Yambulla weirs may be flow rates. expected to play an important role in the food chain and on occasion occur in large numbers. The remainder of the genem in Table 2 are epipelic (living on muds); epilithic (living on stones); epiphytic (living on plants); or planktonic (either submerged or 3. Riparian Vegetation at the air/water interface). They are food sources for small invertebrates. A primary source of energy in small streams comes from leaves, twigs and other plant materials produced Batrachospermum is of interest in that Jolly and by riparian vegetation. This material, which in Chapman (1966) describe it as rare in Austmlia. This Australia is available throughout the year, is then may well be because it prefers cool seasons and low broken down by bacteria, fungi, protozoa, inver light intensities aqd so has largely escaped the attention tebrates and water. This is the first step in the food of the few workers in this field. chain (Barlocher and "Kendrick, 1976; Metzling, 1977; Blackbum and Petr, 1979; Pidgeon and Cairns, Comparison of the taxa listed in Table 2 with those 1981; and Michaelis, 1984). given by Jolly and Chapman (1966) for the Cox's River and Farmer's Creek on the N.S.W. Centml West Protection of stream edge vegetation thus ensures a Dividing Range show that of the 45 algal genera found constant contribution of such organic matter and to by them, some 19 were also present in the Yambulla provide shade which lowers stream temperature and streams. Similiar comparisons may be made with so raises the level of available oxygen. Such retention Bowen and Smalls (1980) for the Sydney Water Supply or buffer strips have other advantages. In a study of where 21 genera are common to both systems. the effects of logging on stream environments in Nelson, New Zealand Graynoth (1979) found that Notes on the potential roles of the Yambulla microflora when precautions were taken to control erosion, are given in Appendix 5. buffer strips were effective for the protection of streams from the results oflogging operations. Proce Many algae found in the littoral zone also occur in the dures to minimise stream pollution recommended by benthic and limnetic zones. Should conditions of high Cornish (1983), include such measures. turbidity occur, life in these three zones will be reduced by a smothering action and reduction of light available In recent years considerable attention has been for photosynthesis. given to the role of fungi in freshwater environ-
Forestry Commission of New South Wales Research Paper No. 9 , Eden Aquatic Biota Microflora and Microfauna -9- of Yambulla State Forest Catchments ments (Barlocher and Kendrick, 1976; Berrie, 1976; algal mass, reducing food for dependent aquatic Dick, 1976; Gleason, 1976; Ingold, 1976 and Masters, microfauna. It also affects aquatic life by blanketing 1976). Barlocher and Kendrick summarised the posi animals and plants on stream bottoms, by filling tion by saying that aquatic fungi "play a key role in niches suitable for many bottom-dwelling life forms, unlocking and distributing a major source of energy in by inhibiting fish egg and larval development, by streams". There do not appear to be any Australian killing fish directly or indirectly, by abrasive action, studies however which have investigated the separate by acting as a transport and storage medium for activities of bacteria, fungi and invertebrates in ,the pesticides and toxic heavy metals and by reducing the breakdown of litter. However, immersion of bags of ability of some fish to capture their food ~, 1974)'- leaf litter in streams by Blackburn and Petr (1979) suggests that the overall process may be fairly slow, i.e. Hart (1974) considers that there are insufficient data more than 92 days. to allow minimum turbidity levels to be set for the A.:. protection of Australian aquatic freshwater life, but Most Yambulla samples contained fungal hyphae and suggests that levels below 80 mg/l of non-ftlterable bacteria intermingled with decaying plant detritus. residues should support moderately good fisheries. He further states that at concentrations of 150 mg/l no 4. Water Properties light is transmi~ into.streams and lakes below 8 cm.
(a) Colour and turbidity We thus have a situation where according to Hart (1974) "every effort should be made to control all activities that contribute directly or indirectly to the Hart (1974) considers changes in colour which reduce finely-divided solids load in Australian surface light penetra,tion by more than 10% of normal should waters". The importance of this matter has been be regarded as serious because of the reduction of algal clearly recognised by the Forestry Commission of photosynthesis. There are no reports of sudden intense N.S.W. and extensive monitoring of turbidity has been changes in colouration in the Yambulla Research carried out throughout the Eden region (Cornish, Catchments due to factors other than turbidity. 1975, 1983; 1986; Rieger et al., 1979; 1982; Burgess et al., 1980; 1981; Mackay et al., 1980; Mackayand Turbidity has important effects on stream biota. In Cornish, 1982; Olive and Rieger, 1985, 1987; Cornish creased turbidity lowers photosynthetic rates and hence and Binns, 1987; Mackay and Robinson, 1987).
25 I- Weir • 1 Po'maderris Ck. • 2 Geebung Ck. ... 3 Peppermint Ck. + 4 Grevillea Ck. 20 - tl. Stringy bark Ck. () + 5 0 + + 6 German's Ck, + tl. <> W ... a: ~ tl. ~AA ::> ... + .A- ... i- 15 r- • •• ~ 4: . tA a: • 0 w ~ tl.e+ a.. • tl. ....0 ::E tl..... W • ~ i- 10_ ce + tl.. 5 - A-• 0 I I I I I I N D J F M A M J A S· 0 N 1986 1987 TIME OF SAMPLING Figure 3. Average water temperature at time of collection of biota from Yambulla S.P. research weirs. Research Paper No. 9 . Forestry Cominission of New South Wales ' Eden Aquatic Biota Microflora and Microfauna of Yambulla Stale Forest Catchments -10- Appendix 3 shows the bed load composition of the six From whatever source Hart (1974) considers that weirs between November 1985 and April 1986 nitrogen levels should not exceed 0.1 of the 96 hr (Forestry Comm. Unpubl.). Differences between the LCDso value using the water in question and the most two samplings of Weir 1 and Weir 2 show the constant important sensitive plant or animal in the locality as a ly changing nature of the stream beds. test organism. (b) Water temperature The importance of certain blue-green algae found in the Eden biota for nitrogen fixation is unknown. Water tempemture influences the growth and reproduc However Anabaena, Gleothece, Nodularia, Oscil tion of aquatic organisms directly by affecting the mte latoria and Spirulina are reported to fix nitrogen of metabolic processes and indirectly by factors such as (Stewart, 1980). This group of algae, sometimes changes in the amount of available oxygen. referred to as cyanobacteria, commonly form blooms during ponding conditions after long spells of dry Water temperatures in the Yambulla weirs during the weather. Such blooms are quickly dissipated by the first major spate. Care is needed when assessing the study are shown in Fig. 3. importance of suc:h contributions to the nitrogen pool as Postgate (1988) suggests that many ghost effects Differences in tempemture' between the weirs are have been recorded due to difficulties in exclusion of probably due to 9ifferences in shading by riparian other nitrogen sources. vegetation and to stream depth. These differences are s.mall and all show a marlced decline from April to June. At Yambulla although maximum nitrate concentra The range of temperatures suggests that a wide tions were observed to increase markedly spectrum of algae and invertebrates may be expected to immediately after fire the long te~ levels appear to occur throughout the year. be low ie., ~.43 x 10-3 me~ N03 L- for Catchment 1 to 7.26 x 10- meq N03 L-1 for Catchment 5 (Mackay (c) pH and Robinson, 1987). Hart (1974) recommends that pH changes of more than Problems caused by excess nitrogen are likely to 0.5 units from the natural seasonal maxima and minima occur only when there are agricultural lands under should be examined. Bayly and Williams (1981) intensive animal husbandry draining into the catch however consider that there is a poor correlation ments or where there is excessive or incorrect use of between pH and the level and composition of aquatic fertilizers. biota and conclusions as to its effects should be treated with caution. (ii) Phosphorus Appendix 4 shows a mnge of pH from 4.8 to 8.6 over a The role of inorganic phosphates in aquatic nutrition period often years but in 1986-1987 the mnge was pH is complex and realistic criteria for water quality for 6.1 to 7.2. Bayly and Williams (1981) say that the vast human consumption are hard to establish (Hart 1974). majority of Australian inland streams have pH ranges Hart referS to the Williams and Wan (1972) study of of from 4 to 10 which suggests that there is nothing unusual about these results. certain Victorian lakes which showed t!rt mean phosphate contents of 0.02-0.63 mg P04IL- did not produce excessive algal growth. Canadian sources set (d) Dissolved oxygen a limit of 0.2 mg P04IL-1 for water used in food preparation and for drinking water but say that even There is a la«k of data on the dissolved oxygen this may be too high (JIart 1974). Jv.lean P041evels at requirements of \ Australian freshwater aquatic or Yambulla mnged from 1.0 x 10- mN P04 L-1 for ganisms. Hart (1974) suggests that a minimum Catchment 3 to6.8x 10- meqP04L- for Catchment constant dissolved oxygen concentration of 5 mg/l 5 between March 1977 and January 1985 (Mackay should be adequate to protect freshwater fish and their and Robinson, 1987) . . forage organisms. 5. Comparison of Catchments Data on dissolved oxygen is not available for the Eden catchments but unless serious pollution occurs it would be unproductive to monitor oxygen levels. North Determination of the effects of logging and fire on American and European workers however pay much stream biota presents considerable difficulties. attention to this factor because of widespread problems Boughton (1970) warns of the problems which may of agriCUltural and ind~strial pollution of surface arise when using paired catchments for hydrological waters. studies and gives some examples. By extension this caution needs to be considered in the present context (e) Nitrogen and phosphorus Two problems are apparent. Differences in flow rates (i) Nitrogen between weirs may not be constant and differences in nutrient input and shading may be hard to separate from changes due to turbidity. Forestry Commission of New South Wales Research Paper No. 9 Eden Aquatic Biota Microflora and Microfauna -11- of Yarnbulla State Forest Catchments Comparisons between catchments should take into unlogged catchments. For example Catchment 1 an~ account the problems of rare single species, sample Catchment 5 are shown to be related. However the size and sequential sample recoveries. (Southwood former was an unlogged control with the last fire in (1976). One of the simplest and commonly used 1972, whereas the latter was completely burnt in 1979 indices is Sorensen's Quotient of Similarity (QS) with complete crown scorch. Similarily, Catchment 2 which was part logged in 1987 but has no recent This is expressed as: fire history was linked to Catchment 4 of which 95 % was burnt in 1972. The latter also has a different QS = 2j hydrological response, higher magnesium concentra a+b tions and different monovalent to divalent cation ratios. Again Catchments 3 and 6 are shown to be j = the number of taxa common related and have similiar fire histories but different to both catchments logging intensities. a and b = the number of taxa in each of the two groups being To explore further the relationships betw.een all plots compared. sampled (3 per weir) for each of four seasons and to examine difference:; between the algal taxa recovered The QS index may place too great a value on the scores from each weir, recourse was had to Hill's Correspon for a single species and it is affected by sample size. dence ·AnaIysis using a computer program developed In this study it has been used only for algae found in by the CSIRO. weirs where three fixed points could be sampled in any one month. Correspondence Analysis is a subjective attempt to detect patterns of data which suggest hypotheses Because of the nature of the data and the apparent testable by subsequent field experiments. No sig uniformity of the biota across all the weirs, recourse nificant trends were apparent from such' analyses for was had to an Average Linkage Cluster Analysis of either plots or species when examined on a seasonal Sorensen's Quotient of Similarity using a series of basis. There was some indication (Fig. 5) of differen twelve Quotients available for August 1987 (FigA). ces between green algae and diatoms based on one Such data are not quantitative in a statistical sense but year's results. This was probably due to differences are intended to suggest possible hypotheses for further in mobility and niches occupied by the respective evaluation. genera. No differences between plots per season were evident (Fig. 6). The results did not reveal close links between burnt and unburnt catchments or between logged and f/) ~ Q) 1.1 -f/) :::J 0 1.0 I -. 6 t: I I 3 Q) Q) 0.9 I I ~ 1 5 -Q) . .0 0.8 Q) 0 t: co 0.7 -f/) "'0 Q) 0.6 01 co ~ Q) 2 4 0.5 > < Figure 4. Average Linage Cluster Analysis of Sorensen's Quotients of Similarity for all Yambull Research Weirs, August 1987. (1. Pomaderris Ck., 2. Geebung Ck., 3. Peppermint Ck., 4. Grellea Ck., 5. Stringybark Ck. and 6. German's Ck.) Research Paper No. 9 Forestry Commission of New South Wales Eden Aquatic Biota Microflora and Microfauna of " Yambulla State Forest Catchments -12- .... Green algae 8 f- • • Euglenlds .... Diatoms ll. Red algae 6 ll. <> Blue-green algae Dinoflagellates ~ • X « 4 • ...J« a. • 0 z • • ex: 2 • • a...... • • • 0 • z • .... • .... • 0 • • '0 0 w ...... ~ <> .... -4 ...... t I t I I I ~ 4.5 . 3.3 2.1 0.9 0.3 1.5 2.7 3.9 FIRST PRINCIPAL AXIS Figure 5. Hill's Correspondence Analysis of relationships between algal taxa found in all Yambulla weirs November 1986- October 1987 . • 5 Season • Spring 4 + Summer • • Autl.!mn .... • Winter 3 f- x~ « • •• • . «...J a. 2 • • • • + 0 • .... • ~ • • • • .... ex: • • ••• • • a. 1 + ~ • ••. .... • + .... 0 e. .... z ".~ • •+ • • 0 +e...... • .... ~ .... • •• 0 ...... • • • ...... • w 0 • en ... . • •• • • ~ &A. A.••• ...... la. • .... ! --.:1~- ~ • • • .JJI _...... • . -1 ...... • ...... • • • • ...... -2 .... • • .... -3 I I I _1 -3 -2 -1 o 2 3 FIRST PRINCIPAL AXIS Figure 6."Hili's C~rrespondence Analysis for all plots samp~ed in Yambulla Weirs Noverhber 1986- October 1987. Forestry Commission of New South Wales Research Paper No.-9 Eden Aquatic Biota Microflora and Microfauna -13- of Yambulla State Forest Catchments Indices such as those of Shannon-Weiner (Margalef, samplings. The potential value of the less common 1951); Krebs, 1972) were not determined in this taxa as monitors of change is being examined but no preliminary study. The relevance of these indices and firm conclusions can be arrived at until specific identifications are made. Because of the lack of problems with their application are discussed by Mar overall ecological information on the Australian galef (1951; 1957) [Quoted in Southwood]; Wilhm micro.flom and the time needed to process the diatom (1967); Dickman (1968); Gaufin (1973); Hulbert material this may take some time.. (1971); Southwood (1976); Norris and Georges (1986) and Stewart-Oaten et al. (1986). The use of algal components of the aquatic biota appears to offer the best prospect for determining any To obtain such indices it is necessary to quantify the significant differences between logged and unlogged . ·areas. Two techniques show promise. These are microflora in some way. Preliminary trials with micro Shannon-Weiner type indices based on the deposition scope slides placed in holders at the bottom of several of algae on slides exposed at the bottom of the weirs weirs has shown promise once the problems of rapid (Beak et al., 1976, Patrick 1976) or sampling based on heavy deposition of a few algal species can be over plankton net recoveries. From experience at Yambul come. These deposits are so intense as to make counts la the former is more likely to be effective. of individual cells difficult A lessening of the time The invertebrate fauna did not appear to offer a of exposure appears to be the simplest solution but sufficient basis for determining differences between may be complicated by a change in the composition weirs due to the absence of riffle beds of a size and of the microalgae deposited. frequency which would allow unbiased monitoring. CONCLUSIONS The study was made in a dry year and was confined to identifications to a generic level. The first factor indicates the need for a flexible approach to sampling The main finding was the presence of many algal taxa times when investigating the effects of turbidity. in all six weirs and in all seasons. Twenty three out of Attention will also need to be given to specific forty seven taxa occurred in at least five weirs and identifications especially of the algae and the setting sixteen were recovered in eleven out of twelve inonthly up of a herbarium collection for future reference. Research Paper No. 9 Forestry Commission of New South Wales Eden Aquatic Biota Microflora and Microfauna of Yambulla State Forest Catchments -14- ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Blackburn, Wendy, M. and Petr, T. (1979). Forest litter decomposition in a mountain stream in The assistance of Mr. John Dawson, Mr. Steve Victoria, Australia. Arch. Hydrobiol. 86. 453- Roffey (Eden For.est R~search Staff} an~ M? 498. Rebecca Williams m makmg monthly collectlOns IS gratefully acknowledged as is the c?nstant and .a~le Blyth, J.D., Doeg, T.J. and St. Clair, R.M. (1984). assistance of Mrs. Val Bowman (Soils and NutntlOn Response of the macroinvertebrate fauna of Section). Thanks are also due to Mr. Peter Lind the Mina Mitta River, Victoria to the con (Biometrician) for guidance with statistical inferen struction and operation of Dartmouth Dam. 1. ces and to Dr. Peter Cornish and Mr. Steve Mackay Construction and initial filling period. Dcc. (Forest Hydrology Section) for advice on ~he Pap. Mus. Vict.l, 83-100. hydrological aspects of the study and for locatlon maps. Mr. F.R. Hu~phreys, Mrs. M. Lambert and Bold H.C., Alexopoulos, C.J., and Delevoryas, T. Dr. J. Turner kin<;ily read the draft and made many (1980). Morphology of plants and fungi. Har valuable suggestions·. . per and Row, New York. 819 pp. BIBLIOGRAPHY Boughton, W.C. (1970). 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Proc. distribution of aquatic macro-invertebrates Linn. Soc. N.S.W., 32, 160-201. found in sections of streams flowing through art:as with diffen.:nl amounts of vegetal ion Playfair, G.I. (1908). Some Sydney desmids. Proc. cover. B.sc. HOlls. Thesis, Monash Univ., Me/ Linn. Soc. N.S. w., 33, 603~608. bourne. 76 pp. Playfair, G.I. (1912). Plankton of the Sydney Mctzling, L., Uraesser, A., SUler, P. and Mar Water Supply. Proc. Linn. Soc. N.s. w., 37, chant, R. (1984). The distribution of aquatic 512-552. macroinvertebrate!> in the upper catchment of the Latrobe River, Victoria. Occ. Pap. Mus. Playfair, G.I. (1914). Contributions to a Vict. 1, 1-62. knowledge of the biology of the Richmond River, N.S.W. Proc. Linn. Soc. N.S.W., 39, 93- Michadi~, F.B. (1984). Possible effects of forestry 151. . on inland waters of Tasmania. A review. EII l'irvll. Comerv. 11, 331-343. Playfair, G.I. (1915a). The genus TraciJe/omonas. Proc. Linll. Soc. N.s. W., 40, 1-41. NCl.!dham, J.G. and Ncedham, P.R. (1981). A guide to the study of fresh-water biology. 5th. Playfair, G.I. (1915b). Freshwater algae of the Ed., Holden-Day Inc.; San Franc~co. 108 pp. Lismore District: With an Appendix on the algal fungi and Schizomycetes. Proc. Lilln. Soc. Noland, L.E. (1959). CiliopJwra. (In Freshwater N.S. w., 40, 310-362. Biolugy. Ward, H.B. and Whlpple, G.C. ELl. Edmondson, W.T.pp. 265-292. 2nd. Ed., Wilcy Playfair, G.l. (1917). Australian freshwater and Sons, New York, 1248 pp. phytoplankton. lProtococcoideae]. Proc.. Linn. Suc. N.S. w.. 41, 823-852. Nurr~,~R.H. and Georgt.:s, A. (19~(»). Design and analysis for assessment of water quality. In Forestry Commission of New South Walc;s Research Paper No. 9· Eden Aquatic Biota Microflora and Microfauna -17- . of Y~bulla State Forest Catchments Playfair, G.1. (191~). New and rare freshwater Shiel, RJ. !.lnd Koste, W. (1986). Australian algae. Pr~. LiI1I1. Soc. N.S. w., 43, 497-543. Rotifera : Ecology and Biogeography. III Lim nology in Australia.:Ed. DeDeckker, P. and Playfair, G.l. (1919). Peridinae of New South Williams, W.D.,pps. "141-150".,. CSIRO/DR. W. Wales. Proc. Linn. Soc. N.S.W., 44, 793-818. Junk, Melbourne. 671 pp. . Playfair, G.1. (1921). Australian freshwater Smith, J. (1988). Aquatic Life, pps 8.49-~.51. III flagellates. Proc. Lilm. Soc. N.S. JY., 46, 99-146.. Forestry Operations in Eden Management area. Enviromental Impact Statement. Har Playfair, G.I. (lale). (1923). Notes on freshwater ris-Daishowa (Australia) Pty. Lty. Appendix 1. . algae. Proc. LiIlI1. Soc. N.S. w., 50, 206-228. Postgate, J. (19~8). The ghost in the laboratory. Smith, B.l. and Kershaw, R.e. (1979). Field . New Scientist, 117, 49-52. Guide to the Non-marine Molluscs of South Eastern Australia. ANU Press, Canberra. 285 Pow ling, U. (1980). Limnological features of pp. some Victorian reservoirs. "In An ecological basis for water resources management. Ed. Southwood, T.R.E. (1976). Ecological methods Williams, W.D., pp. 332-342 . A.N.U. Press. with particular reference to the study of insect Canberra. 417 pp. populations. Chap man and Hall, London. 391 pp. Prestcotl, G.W. (1978). How to know the Fresh water Algae. W.C. Brown. Iowa 3rd Ed., 293 Stewarr, W.O.P. (1980). Some aspects of struc pp. ture and function i~ N 2- fIXing cyanobacteria. Ann. Rev. Microbiol. 34, 497-536. Recher, H.F., Rohan-lones, W ..and Smith, P. (19~O). Effects of the Eden woedchip in Stewart-Oaten, A., Murdoch, W.W. and Parker, dustry on terrestrial vertebrates with· K.R. (1986). Environmental impact assess recommendations for management. Forestry, ment. "Pseudoreplication" in time. Ecology, 67, Comm. N.s.W. Res. Note 42. Gov. Printer, 929-940. Sydney. 83 pp. Thompson, R. H. (1959). Algae. In Freshwater Richard~on, B.A. (19~5). The impact of fore!.t Biology. Ward, RB., and Whipple G.C. Ed. road construction on the benthic invertebrate Edmondson, W.T. pp. 115-170. Wiley and Sons, and fish fauna of a coastal stream in southern New York. 1248 pp. New South Wales. Aust. Soc. Limnol. Bull. No. 10, 65-88. Tudor, E.R. (1971). Diatoms as indicators of nutrient status of water bodies of Victoria, Rieger, W.A., Olive, L.J. and Burgess, l.S. (1979). Tasmania and South Australia. B.sc. Hons. Sediment discharge response to clear-fell log 17lesis, Monash Univ. 249 pp. ging· in selected small catchments at Eden, N.S.W. Proc. 10th N.Z. Geography COil! Turner, J. and Lambert, M.J. (1986). Effects of Auckland. pp. 44-48. forest harvesting nutrient removals on soil nutrient reserves. Oecologia, 70, 14(J..148. Rieger, W.A., Olive, LJ. and Burgess, J.S. (1982). The behaviour of sediment concentrations in Whitelegge, T. (1889). Marine and freshwater ~mall forested catchments. First Nat. Symp. invertebrate fauna of Port lackson. Proc. Roy .. Fvre~·t Hydrology. Inst. Engin. Aust. Pub. 82i6, Soc. N.s.U~ 23, 163-323. pp. 79-83. Wilhm, J.L. (1967) Comparison of some diversity Robinson, O.P. (1977). The study of the inver indices applied to populations of benthic mac tebrate fauna of three mouD£ain streams in roinvertebrates in a stream receiving organic rdation to the type of land use in each of the wastes. L Water Pol/Ill. Control Fed. 39, 1674- three stream c·atchments. B.sc. Hons. Thesis, 1683. MOllush Uni~'., 71 pp. Williams, W.D. (19~0). Australian Freshwater Sainty, G.R. and Jacobs, S.W.L. (19~1). Water Life. MacMillan, Melbourne. 321 pp. plants of New South Wales. Water Res. Comm. N.S.W. 550 pp. Williiims, W.D. (1981a). Inland aquatic systems: .An overview. In Ecological Biogeography-of Shicl, RJ. and Kostc, W. (1979). Rvcifera Australia. Ed., Keast, A. pp. 1079-1O9~ •. n:cordcq from Australia. TraIlS. Rvy. S. Allst. MOllog. Bioi. 41. Dr. W. Junk, The Hague. 103, 57-68. . 1434 pp. Research Paper No. 9 Forestry Commission of New South Wales Eden Aquatic Biota Microflora and Microfauna of Yambulla State Forest Catchments -18- William~, W.O. (19~Hb). The Crnstacea of Williams, W.D. and Wan; H.F. (1972). Some Au!>tratian inland waters.[/1I Ecological distinctive features of Australian Inland Biogeography of Australia. Ed., Keast, A. pp. Waters. Water Res. 6, 829-836. /J02-1J38. MOllog. Bioi. 41. Dc. W. Junk, The Hagul.:. 1434 pp. Willoughby, L.G. (1977). Freshwater Biology. Pica Press, New York. 167 pp. William!>, W.O. (lY81c). Aquatic insects: An overview. /Ill Ecological Biogeography of Yule, C.M. (1978). Fauna-subsrrarc relationships Australia. Eo., Keast, A. pp. 1213-1229/. in a Victorian coastal stream with considera MOllllg. BioI. 41. Dr. W. Junk, The Hague. 1434 pp. tion of the impact of dam construction. B.sc. HOlls. Thesis, Monash Ulliv. 74 pp. William!>, W.O. (19~3). Life in inland waters. Blackwell Sci. Pub., Melbourne. 252 pp. Forestry Commission of New South Wales Research Paper No. 9 Eden Aquatic Biota Microflora and Microfauna -19- of Yambulla State Forest Catchments APPENDIX 1. Vegetation of three Yambulla State Forest research catchments. CATCHMENT SITE OVERHANGING VEGETATION 1 1 Acacia longifolia (Andr.) Willd., Melaleuca squarrosa Donnex. Srn. 1 2 Acacia longifolfa, LeptospennumJuniperinwn Srn., Melaleuca squarrosa. 1 3 Acacia longifolia, Galmia radula Benth., Melaleuca squarrosa. 3 2 AUocasuarina littoralis Salisb., Exocarpos cupressifonnis Labill., Kunzea sp. 3 3 Acacia longifolia, Dodonea triquetra Wendl. Lasiopetalum sp., Melaleuca squarrosa. 5 1 Allocasuarina littoralis, Galmia radula. 5 2 Lomandra longifolia Labill., Melaleuca squarrosa, Pittosporum undulatum Vent. 5 3 Acacia longifolia, Galmia radula, Lomandra longifolia. APPENDIX 2. Sampling times for aquatic blota in Yambulla State Forest research catchments and their environs. 1986-1987. DATE SAMPLE DAYS SEASON WEIRS REMARKS NO. FROM STAR!' 1986 5/11 1 0 Spring 1,3,5 17/11 2 12 1,3,5 25/11 3(1) 20 2,3,4,5 17/12 4 42 Summer 2,3,4,5 Weir 4/3 dry(2). 1987 20/1 5 76 2,3,4,5 W4/2 and W4/3 dry. .4/2 6 91 11 1 to 6 16/3 7 131 Autumn 1 to 6 W4/l and W5/ 1 dry. 13/4 8 159 11 1,2,3,5,6 W2/1 & 2, W4 dry. 11 11 19/5 9 195 11 and W5/2 dry. 15/6 IQ. 222 Winter 11 W2/1 & 3, W4 dry. 13/7 11 250 11 1,3,4,5,6 Weir 2 dry. 11/8 12 279 11 1 to 6 8/9 13 307 Spring 1,3,4,5,6 Weir 2 dry. 14/10 14 343 11 1,3,5,6 Weirs 2 & 4 dry. (1) Includes samples from the Towamba, Allen Brook and Wallagaraugh Rivers together with Flume 2 and Gipple's (CSIRb) Weirs (Catchment 2). (2) W4/3 means. Weir 4 at sample position 3 Research Paper No. 9 Forestry Commission of New South Wales Eden Aqua.tic Biota Microflora and Microfauna of Yambulla State Forest Catchments -20- APPENDIX 3: Bed load size class distribution (%) for Yambulla State Forest research weirs (Forestry Comm. Unpublished). SIZE DISTRIBUTION WEIR 1 1 2 2 3 4 5 6 >19 mm 4.5 1.0 17.5 0 0 4.5 5-19 mm 7.0 1.8 4.5 4.9 6.9 15.5 4.7 10.9 2.4-5 mm 22.5 14.8 13.0 24.2 15.6 22.6 29.4 17.7 1.2-2.4 mm 34.2 62.9 34.7 57.9 25.7 32.5 52.5 29.5 0.5-1.2 mm 33.4 14.4 36.4 8.3 29.7 24.6 12.0 30.0 <0.5 mm 2.9 1.6 11.4 3.6 4.7 4.8 1.4 7.4 Month Sampled 11/85 3/86 11/86 3/86 4/86 3/86 3/86 11/85 APPENDIX 4: Water pH ranges in Yambulla State Forest research weirs. CATCHMENT AND WEIR PERIOD 1 2 3 4 5 6 31/3/77 to 1/1/85 4.9-8.1 5.6-7.9 4.8-8.0 5.1-7.9 5.3-8.6 (Mackayand Robinson (1987) 28/10/86 to 27/5/87 6.1-7.0 6.4-6.9 6.3-7.1 6.5-6.8 6.5-7.1 6.7-7.2 Forestry Commission of New South Wales Research Paper No. 9 Eden Aquatic Biota Microflora and Microfauna -21~ of Yambulla State Forest Catchments APPENDIX 5: Notes on some algae recovered from Yambulla State Forest and its environs. Algae are listed in order ofPrestcott (1976) with exception of Cyanochloronia (Bold et al. 1980). POTENTIAL CAUSES OF TAXON BLOOMS TAINTS FILTER REMARKS CLOGGING CYANOCHLORONTA This group includes many (CYANOPHYrA) nuisance algae. (blue-green algae, cyanobacteria) Chroococcus Epiphytic. Eu -and tychoplanktonid2). May fix nitrogen(4). Gloeothece Epipelid1). Spirulina * +* OsciHatoria * * * Produces cyanotoxins which under some conditions are toxic to animals and many cause liver damage and skin complains in hum9.ns. + Anabaena * Nodularia * CHLOROPHYrA (green algae) + Chlamydomonas Found in eu- and tychoplankton(2). Volvox * Blooms of short duration in s~mmer ponds. Favours waters rich in nitrogen(2). + GloeocysUs Common(2). +* Ankisirodesmus Planktonid 1,2). +* Scenedesmus Epipelic, planktonid 1). +* Pediasirum * Forms blooms in very cold waters. Epipelid2), planktonic(l). Bulbochaele On stems of su bmerged plants(2). Oedogoniwn * Forms blooms especially in rush beds(2). Prefers still waters. Epiphytid1) +* Spirogyra * Produces green clouds of filaments in floating mats(2). Prefers still waters(l). + Zygnema * Forms green clumps and floating mats. Not as dense as Spirogyrd2). Prefers still waters( 1). Neirium Saccoderm desmid(2). +* Closterium. Ubiquitous(3) . +* Cosmarium Large genera with many variations of morphology(2). + Desmidium Filamentous desmid(2). Euasirum Prefers acid waters(2). Micrasterias Planktonic. Most species found in soft or acid waters(2). Research Paper No. 9 Forestry Commission of New South Wales ""_ 7~ • _. Eden Aquatic Biota Microflora and Microfauna of' Yambulla State Forest Catchments . -22- +* Staurasirwn Most species found in acid waters(2). Tetmemorus In USA is confin~d to acid waters(2). * NiteUa * Found in soft or acid waters, bogs(2). EUGLENOPHYfA (euglenids) + Euglena * * * Occasionally forms dense red blooms on still surface water(2). Planktonic( 1). Phacus - (1) + Trachelomonas Planktonic(l). Occurs in shallow water, bogs and among aquatic weeds. A large genus common in fresh water(2). PYRRHOPHYfA (dinoflagellates) Some species produce blooms. Glenodinium ? BACILLARIOPHYCEAE (diatoms) Coscinodiscus Common in fresh water, especially in algal blooms(2). Planktonic(l). Opephora Epiphytic. * Synedra * * Common in plankton and as scums on substrates(2). Blocks water fIlters and taints water. Benthic(1) +* TabeUana * Eu-and tychoplankton(2). Blocks fIlters. Cocconeis Epilithic, epiphytic(l). Amphipleura Benthic(2). * Anomoneoneis . Benthic or tychoplankton. Grows mingled with-other algae(2). * Diploneis Planktonic, epipelic(2). * Frustulia Epipelic(l). +* Navicula " (1) Pinnularia Planktonic(2) . Stauroneis Epipelic(1). +* Gomphonema Epiphytic(1). +* Amphora Epipelic(l). Epiphytic(2). +* Cymbella Epipelic, epiphytic but mostly free floating(1,2). Denticulata May be epiphytuc( 1). +* Nitzschia Sometimes in strands, epipelic(1). Usually solitary, epipelic. +* Sunrella Eu -and tychoplankton(2), epipelic( 1). RHODOPHYfA (red algae) * Batrachospermum On stones and sticks in cold, flowing wated1) Prefers low light intensities(2) . • Indicates taxon was found also by Jolly and Chapman. (1966) in the Cox's River and its tributary. + Indicates taxon was found also in the Sydney Water Supply by Bowen and Smalls (1980). (I)Hynes (1970); (2)Prestcott (1978); (3)Bold et al. (1980); (4)Stewart (1980) Forestry Commission of New South Wales Research Paper No. 9 Eden Aquatic Biota Microflora and Microfauna -23- of Yambulla State Forest-Catchments APPENDIX. 6: Potential food sources of the aquatic biota recorded in the current survey of the Yambulla research catchments. TAXON FOOD SOURCE Bacteria Organic matter. Important factor in primary release of plant nutrients(2.4)~ Fungi Parasitic on fish. invertebrates. breakdown of organic matter such as leaflitterl4). Algae Dissolved nutrients and photosynthesis. Some blue-green algae (Cyanobacteria) fix nitrogen(2) Protozoa Wide variety of feeding methods. i.e. parasitism. phagotrophy. saprozoic grazing(l). Platyhelminthes Graze on diatoms. protozoa. small crustaceans. annelids. (1) Nematoda Organic matterl3). Nematomorpha Some larvae parasitic on insects(3). Rotifers 'Microscopic plants and animals. particles of organic matter(3). Gastrotricha Detritus. bacteria. algae. protozoa(3). Molluscs Filter feeders. Small particles of organic matterl3). Annelida Most are mud feeders. Some are blood feeders(l). Tardigrada Some are carnivores. Most feed onjuices of lower plants. Arachnida Carnivorous or parasitid3). Crustacea Cladocera .Microscopic plants(l). Copepoda Carnivorous. Crustaceans. insects. diatoms. filamentous algae. (11. Insecta Wide variety of food sources. (l)Bertin (1972); (2)Bold et aL (1980); (3)Williams (1980); (4)Bayly and Nilliams (1981) Research Paper No. 9 Forestry Conunission of New South Wales Eden Aquatic Biota Microflora and Microfauna of Yambulla State Forest Catchments -24- ... APPENDIX 7: Sorensen's Quotients of Similarity for Yambulla State Forest research weirs at each monthly sampling (November 1986 - October 1987). WEIRS COMPARED MONTH 1-2 1-3 1-4 1-5 1-6 2-3 2-4 2-5 2-6 Nov 0.50 0.40 Dec 0.57 0.53 Jan 0.70 0.44 Feb 0.59 0.40 0.53 0.67 0.57 0.44 0.63 Mar 0.53 0.44 0.45 0.44 Apr 0.69 0.60 May 0.53 0.67 0.53 Jun 0.60 0.73 0.62 Jul 0.59 0.62 0.62 Aug 0.54 0.50 0.43 0.43 0.46 0.50 0.27 0.42 0.56 Sep . 0.52 0.54 0.67 0.59 Oct 0.65 0.75 0.58 WEIRS COMPARED MONTH 3-4 3-5 3-6 4-5 4-6 5-6 Nov 0.53 Dec 0.50 Jan 0.46 Feb 0.44 0.47 0.55 Mar Apr 0.53 May 0.62 0.62 0.57 Jun 0.64 0.76 0.67 Jul 0.46 0.52 0.56 Aug 0.47 0.46 0.60 0.48 0.53 0.50 Sep 0.67 0.53 0.63 0.55 0.53 0.52 Oct 0.59 0.65 0.52 ... QS= ~ where J = Taxa common to both weirs and a+b a and b = Taxa in each seperate weir. Forestry Commission of New South Wales Research Paper No. 9 Eden Aquatic Biota Microflora and Microfauna -25- of Yambulla State Forest Catchments APPENDIX 8. Eaen District report on algal deposits in the Wallagaraugh Rivers. Following reports in the Canberra Times (31.1.85) by J. The coating material is black-brown in colour, has a Turnbull. reported slime/sludge deposits, which he peaty odour when crushed and in very shallow water attributed to wood chipping, in the Wallagaraugh arm was green-tinged on the surface. of Mallacoota inlet.attributing slime/sludge deposits in the WallagarauglLarm of Mallacoota Inlet. For the most part the sandy bottom of the river appeared clean. The river bottom is not visible at On 13.2.85 an inspection was made of the Wal depths greater than about 75 cm due to organic l~garaugh River from Johnson's Bridge upstream to the staining of the water. N.S.W.-Victorian border; a distance of about 6.5 km. One noticeable feature during 4 hours on the river was A number of samples of the coating material were the prevalent "jumping"'of large fish (mullet?), and the collected. many fish visible in the water. Samples 3-6 were collected from brackish water about The part of the river inspected is open water; the tidal 3 km south of the border. A thin layer (5 mm) of the influence and brackish water extended to within about material had coated accumulations ofleaves and twigs 15 km of the border. Upstream from the border the in depressions on the sandy bottom. It had similarly river consists of pools separated by rocky rapids. coated weed beds in the area. The water depth was 10 - 30 cm and water flow was minimal. The river was flowing at a low level. Monthly rainfall from October 1984 have been 28.5 mm; 61 mm; 124.5 Sample 8 was collected in freshwater at the N.S.W. mm; 15.5 mm and 25 mm to 12th February. The Victorian border. The material formed a thick matte (1 long-term monthly average is 60 - 70 mm. cm) over a rocky bottom in a shallow (10 cm) backwater. A matte-like coating was found on rocks, logs and weed and litter accumulations along the river. The The samples collected during this inspection have coating was best developed over rocks in shallow been sent to Dr. John Harris at the N.S.W. Fisheries water, particularly the fresh-water area immediately Department for possible identification and comment. south of the border. Here in shallow water, up to 50 cm His reply will be provided as soon as it is received. deep, the coating formed a 1 cm thick layer over the rocky bottom. The build-up of the matter was greatest "Material similar to that collected in this part of the in backwater and low flow areas. Wallagaraugh R. has also been found coating rocks in upstream tributaries." Research Paper No. 9 Forestry Commission of New South Wales