Coastal and Estuarine Resource Condition Assessment in the NRM South Region: Project Directions
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A Discussion Paper for CERCA in NRM South Coastal and Estuarine Resource Condition Assessment in the NRM South Region: Project Directions Nepelle Temby & Christine Crawford Tasmanian Aquaculture and Fisheries Institute, Marine Research Laboratories, Nubeena Crescent, Taroona, Tasmania 7053. Executive Summary The project to develop and implement a framework to measure change in marine, coastal and estuarine water quality aims to produce a framework with a standardised protocol for monitoring estuaries and coastal waters in the NRM South Region. This discussion paper is the first step in this process. It provides a review of the available information for key estuaries and coastal areas in the Region (including data from Local and State government, community groups, industry and research institutes). As there are not enough resources to monitor all estuaries in the region, this discussion paper also suggests priority estuaries and coastal waters for monitoring. The suggested locations for implementing the Coastal and Estuarine Resource Condition Assessment (CERCA) framework are: • Great Swanport/Moulting Lagoon (Glamorgan Spring Bay Council, highly representative and moderate condition, RAMSAR listed wetland, baseline assessment of Shelbourne Bay conducted in 2005 with support from Parks and Wildlife, DPIW, TAFI and Aquenal Pty. Ltd.) • Little Swanport (Glamorgan Spring Bay Council, moderate condition, estuarine monitoring currently being conducted by TAFI, TSQAP and the oyster farmers) • Pitt Water/Orielton (Clarence City Council/Sorell Council, poor condition, RAMSAR listed wetland, previously monitored by TAFI, currently being monitored by TSQAP) • North West Bay (Kingborough Council, poor condition, baseline assessment conducted by TAFI and Council in 2002, fish farm monitoring) • Port Cygnet (Huon Valley Council, poor condition, some estuarine monitoring being conducted by community, TSQAP and fish farmers) These locations have been proposed based on the activities occurring and support from stakeholders including community groups, councils, industry, and consultants. The Derwent and Huon estuaries received the highest priority in the selection process, however since large-scale studies, programs and/or frameworks already exist in these locations, they were excluded from selection. Other high scoring locations were also eventually excluded to maintain geographic spread throughout the Region or because of their remoteness (e.g. Bathurst Harbour). TAFI Internal Report Page i A Discussion Paper for CERCA in NRM South This discussion paper aims to ensure that all the water quality monitoring and related work that has already been done is recognised in this project, and that the project outcomes meet the needs of key stakeholders. We would appreciate comments from stakeholders, positive and negative, about the process identified for developing the CERCA framework, and the key estuaries we have suggested to commence the monitoring program. TAFI Internal Report Page ii A Discussion Paper for CERCA in NRM South Contents INTRODUCTION .............................................................................................................1 Objectives for a CERCA program in NRM South.........................................................1 Project description ......................................................................................................................................1 Purpose of the document ............................................................................................................................1 Partnerships ................................................................................................................................................2 Project Outline: Developing a CERCA framework .......................................................4 Step 1: Develop communication strategy...................................................................................................4 Step 2: Data and literature review ..............................................................................................................4 Step 3: Evaluation of values and threats in key estuarine and coastal areas...............................................4 Step 4: Identification of priority locations for monitoring..........................................................................5 Step 5: Selection of monitoring methods....................................................................................................5 Step 6: Preparation of a draft monitoring framework.................................................................................5 Step 7: Development of the implementation strategy.................................................................................6 Step 8: Testing the CERCA program .........................................................................................................6 Step 9: Establish an interactive database for water quality.........................................................................7 Step 10: Develop trigger levels and guidelines...........................................................................................7 Estuaries and coastal waters of the Southern Region ....................................................8 EXISTING DATA & INFORMATION ........................................................................13 Current management and monitoring programs.........................................................13 Current programs and practices................................................................................................................13 National programs ....................................................................................................................................13 State Government and Regional programs ...............................................................................................14 Local Government ....................................................................................................................................21 Huon Valley Council ......................................................................................................................22 Kingborough Council......................................................................................................................24 Clarence City Council.....................................................................................................................26 Sorell Council .................................................................................................................................28 Tasman Council ..............................................................................................................................29 Glamorgan Spring Bay Council......................................................................................................29 Other Research .........................................................................................................................................32 TAFI and the University of Tasmania.............................................................................................33 CSIRO.............................................................................................................................................36 Aquenal Pty Ltd ..............................................................................................................................36 Other consultancies and enterprises ................................................................................................37 Community groups ...................................................................................................................................37 Where are there gaps in the existing knowledge? ........................................................39 IDENTIFICATION OF PRIORITY AREAS FOR MONITORING.........................40 Prioritising areas for monitoring ...................................................................................40 Significance of the location ......................................................................................................................40 Practicality of monitoring.........................................................................................................................41 Capacity for collaboration ........................................................................................................................42 Key estuaries and coastal waters for inclusion in a monitoring program..................44 Project directions.............................................................................................................45 REFERENCES ................................................................................................................46 APPENDICES..................................................................................................................54 TAFI Internal Report Page iii A Discussion Paper for CERCA in NRM South Acronyms and Abbreviations ABS Australian Bureau of Statistics ACDC Assessment Committee for Dam Construction ANZECC Australian and New Zealand Environment Conservation Council ASQAP Australian Shellfish Quality Assurance Program AusRivAS Australian River Assessment System BOM Bureau of Meteorology CFEV Conservation of Freshwater Ecosystem Values COAG Council of Australian Governments CRC Cooperative Research Centre CSIRO Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial