|
Freshwater Regional Overview 2009
Overall SummaryThe 2008-09 Freshwater EHMP was based on the assessment of 135 sites situated along freshwater (non-tidal) reaches of SEQ streams. Assessments were undertaken during spring (October-November) 2008 and autumn (April-May) 2009 using five different indicators modified, directly or indirectly, by human activities: (1) Physical and Chemical, (2) Nutrient Cycling, (3) Ecosystem Processes, (4) Aquatic Macroinvertebrates and (5) Fish. Those indicators were chosen as representing the key elements of healthy freshwater ecosystems in SEQ (Smith and Storey 2001; Bunn et al., 2010). All assessments were conducted by staff of the Department of Environment and Resource Management. All assessments were conducted using standardised methods to ensure the comparability of results across years. Regional Results The annual score for the SEQ region for 2008-09 remained a very good 0.80, the same as for the previous year (2007-08), and was associated with equal numbers of rises and falls in Annual Report Card grades across the different reporting areas. The scores for 2007-08 and 2008-09 were both higher than those for the previous three years. Results by Reporting Area There was a general trend of improvement in grade for inland areas, and a decline in grade for coastal and urban areas, associated with the very heavy rainfall experienced during the year. The Albert had the greatest improvement in grade ('B-' to 'A-') during 2008-09, and replaced Tallebudgera/Currumbin as the highest scoring reporting area. The Mooloolah had the greatest decline ('B' to 'C') during 2008-09. The grade for five reporting areas remained unchanged. The Lower Brisbane and Redlands were awarded a grade of 'F' (lowest possible) for the fourth consecutive year. The Oxley was also awarded a grade of 'F', as it was in 2007-08 when it was first reported on separately from the Lower Brisbane area. The other two reporting areas to remain unchanged were Logan ('D'), and Maroochy ('C').
Annual Regional Score by year from commencement of the Freshwater EHMP to the present.
Annual reporting area scores and grades for 2008-09 in comparison to the same scores for the preceding year. Scores along the diagonal dividing line remain unchanged from year-to-year, those above the line (green section) improved, and those below (red section) decreased.
Annual reporting area scores for 2008-09 (black circles) in relation to results for previous years. Vertical bars represent the mean of results for 2003-2008, and error bars the 95% confidence limits of those means. Annual Regional Score by year from commencement of the Freshwater EHMP to the present.
Change in Annual Report Card Grades between 2007-08 and 2008-09. Physical/Chemical
The Physical and Chemical indicator returned the second highest score of all five Freshwater EHMP indicators during 2008-09, with a very good score of 0.87. pH During 2008-09, pH ranged between 4.8 and 8.8 (mean of 7.0), in comparison to a range of 5.0 to 8.6 (mean of 7.0) during the previous year. In spring 2008, pH ranged from 4.8 to 8.8 (mean of 6.9), and in autumn 2009, pH ranged from 5.0 to 8.4 (mean of 7.0). The average for pH across the region was an excellent score of 0.98, which ranked the highest of the fourteen indices scored. Eight reporting areas recorded a mean pH score of 1.00 in 2008-09, and these were: Noosa, Mooloolah, Mid Brisbane, Stanley, Albert, Pimpama/Coomera, Bremer, and Upper Brisbane. The three reporting areas with the lowest, albeit still excellent scores, in 2008-09, were Redlands (0.91), Tallebudgera/Currumbin (0.93) and Oxley (0.96). Conductivity Conductivity ranged from 51 to >20 000 µS cm-1 [1] (mean of 561 µS cm-1 [2]) during 2008-09, in comparison to a range of 50 to >20 000 µS cm-1 [1] (mean of 722 µS cm-1 [3]) during the previous year. In spring 2008, conductivity ranged from 55 to >20 000 µS cm-1 [1] (mean of 659 µS cm-1), and in autumn 2009, conductivity ranged from 51 to >20 000 µS cm-1 (mean of 463 µS cm-1 [3]). The average for conductivity across the region was a very good score of 0.84. The four reporting areas with the highest scores in 2008-09 were Pumicestone (1.00), Nerang (1.00), Tallebudgera/Currumbin (1.00) and Maroochy (1.00). The three lowest scoring reporting areas in 2008-09 were Lockyer (0.64), Upper Brisbane (0.71) and Bremer (0.71). Temperature Maximum temperature ranged between 14.8 and 32.3 ºC (mean of 21.3 ºC) during 2008-09, in comparison to a range of 10.8 to 29.8 ºC (mean of 21.0 ºC) during the previous year. In spring 2008, maximum temperature ranged from 16.0 to 32.3 ºC (mean of 22.2 ºC), and in autumn 2009, maximum temperature ranged from 14.8 to 27.2 ºC (mean of 20.4 ºC). Diel temperature ranged between 0.2 and 12.4 ºC (mean of 2.5 ºC) during 2008-09, in comparison to 0.3 to 12.8 ºC (mean of 2.5 ºC) during the previous year. In spring 2008, diel temperature ranged from 0.5 to 12.4 ºC (mean of 3.2 ºC), and in autumn 2009, diel temperature ranged from 0.2 to 5.0 ºC (mean of 1.8 ºC). The average for temperature across the region was a good score of 0.79. The four reporting areas with the highest score in 2008-09 were Pumicestone (1.00), Caboolture (1.00), Noosa (0.98) and Mooloolah (0.98). The three reporting areas with the lowest score in 2008-09 were Lockyer (0.55), Bremer (0.62) and Tallebudgera/Currumbin (0.66). Dissolved oxygen (DO) Diel Minimum DO Minimum DO ranged between 0 and 101% air saturation (mean of 48%) during 2008-09, in comparison to a range of 0 to 95% (mean of 44%) during the previous year. In spring 2008, minimum DO ranged from 0 to 82% air saturation (mean of 40%), and in autumn 2009, minimum DO ranged from 0 to 101% air saturation (mean of 56%). Diel DO Range Diel DO ranged between 0 to 193% air saturation (mean of 22%) during 2008-09, in comparison to 1 to 158% air saturation (mean of 23%) during the previous year. In spring 2008, diel DO ranged from 0 to 193% air saturation (mean of 27%), and in autumn 2009, diel DO ranged from 1 to 140% air saturation (mean of 17%). The average for DO across the region was a very good score of 0.87. Seven reporting areas recorded a mean DO score of 1.00 in 2008-09, and these were: Tallebudgera/Currumbin, Stanley, Pimpama/Coomera, Nerang, Mid Brisbane, Maroochy and Albert. The three reporting areas with the lowest score in 2008-09 were Upper Brisbane (0.69), Bremer (0.74) and Lockyer (0.79). Footnotes
[1] i.e. the upper measurement limit of the electronic meter used. Nutrient Cycling
The Nutrient Cycling indicator returned the lowest score of all five Freshwater EHMP indicators during 2008-09, with a fair score of 0.67. Scores for this indicator were derived solely from nitrogen stable isotope signature results (see below). Nitrogen Stable Isotope Signature (δ15N) Results of nitrogen stable isotope analyses ranged between -1.1 and 19.5 ‰ (mean of 6.1 ‰) during 2008-09, in comparison to a range of -0.4 and 18.2 ‰ (mean of 5.6 ‰) during the previous year. In spring 2008, δ15N ranged from -1.1 to 19.5 ‰ (mean of 6.2 ‰), and in autumn 2009, δ15N ranged from 0.5 to 17.5 ‰ (mean of 6.1 ‰). The average for δ15N across the region was a fair score of 0.67. The three reporting areas with the highest score in 2008-09 were Noosa (1.00), Albert (0.93) and Upper Brisbane (0.88). The three reporting areas with the lowest scores in 2008-09 were Lower Brisbane (0.22) Redlands (0.25) and Oxley (0.45). Water Column Nutrients Whilst not used in deriving scores for the Annual Report Card, water samples have been collected and analysed for the concentration of nutrients over the past two years. That work has been undertaken to provide information for the derivation of additional ecological indices within the Nutrient Cycling indicator. Total Nitrogen (TN) Total Nitrogen concentration ranged between 0.06 and 14.60 mg L-1 (mean of 0.70 mg L-1) during 2008-09, in comparison to a range of 0.05 to 5.80 mg L-1 (mean of 0.59 mg L-1) during the previous year. In spring 2008, TN ranged from 0.06 to 3.30 mg L-1 (mean of 0.59 mg L-1), and in autumn 2009, TN ranged from 0.10 to 14.60 mg L-1 (mean of 0.81 mg L-1). Nitrogen Oxide (NOx) The concentration of Nitrogen Oxides ranged between 0.00 and 1.40 mg L-1 (mean of 0.10 mg L-1) during 2008-09, in comparison to a range of 0.00 to 3.30 mg L-1 (mean of 0.08 mg L-1) during the previous year. In spring 2008, NOx ranged from 0.00 to 1.40 mg L-1 (mean of 0.07 mg L-1), and in autumn 2009, NOx ranged from 0.00 to 1.40 mg L-1 (mean of 0.14 mg L-1). Ammonia Ammonia concentration ranged between 0.00 and 1.80 mg L-1 (mean of 0.04 mg L-1) during 2008-09, in comparison to a range of 0.00 to 8.30 mg L-1 (mean of 0.09 mg L-1) during the previous year. In spring 2008, Ammonia ranged from 0.00 to 1.80 mg L-1 (mean of 0.04 mg L-1), and in autumn 2009, Ammonia ranged from 0.00 to 1.40 mg L-1 (mean of 0.04 mg L-1). Total Phosphorus (TP) Total Phosphorus ranged between 0.01 and 0.91 mg L-1 (mean of 0.10 mg L-1) during 2008-09, in comparison to a range of 0.00 to 1.00 mg L-1 (mean of 0.10 mg L-1) during the previous year. In spring 2008, TP ranged from 0.01 to 0.59 mg L-1 (mean of 0.09 mg L-1), and in autumn 2009, TP ranged from 0.01 to 0.91 mg L-1 (mean of 0.11 mg L-1). Filterable Reactive Phosphorus (FRP) The concentration of Filterable Reactive Phosphorus ranged between 0.00 and 0.43 mg L-1 (mean of 0.03 mg L-1) during 2008-09, in comparison to a range of 0.00 to 3.50 mg L-1 (mean of 0.03 mg L-1) during the previous year. In spring 2008, FRP ranged from 0.00 to 0.43 mg L-1 (mean of 0.03 mg L-1), and in autumn 2009, FRP ranged from 0.00 to 0.36 mg L-1 (mean of 0.03 mg L-1). Dissolved Organic Carbon (DOC) Dissolved Organic Carbon concentration ranged between 0.50 and 37.10 mg L-1 (mean of 6.39 mg L-1) during 2008-09, in comparison to a range of 0.50 to 51.70 mg L-1 (mean of 6.80 mg L-1) during the previous year. In spring 2008, DOC ranged from 0.60 to 22.80 mg L-1 (mean of 22.80 mg L-1), and in autumn 2009, DOC ranged from 0.50 to 37.10 mg L-1 (mean of 6.30 mg L-1). Ecosystem Processes
The Ecosystem Processes indicator returned the highest score of all five Freshwater EHMP indicators during 2008-09, with a very good score of 0.88. Carbon Stable Isotope Signature (δ13C) Results for carbon stable isotope analyses ranged between -46.3 and -7.2 ‰ (mean of -30.7 ‰) during 2008-09, in comparison to a range of -43.5 to -9.8 ‰ (mean -31.9 ‰) during the previous year. In spring 2008, δ13C ranged from -44.4 to -7.2 ‰ (mean of -31.0 ‰), and in autumn 2009 δ13C ranged from -46.3 to -17.9 ‰ (mean of -30.5 ‰). The average for δ13C across the region was a good score of 0.79. The four reporting areas with the highest scores in 2008-09 were Nerang (0.97), Bremer (0.92), Tallebudgera/Currumbin (0.90), and Albert (0.90). The three reporting areas with the lowest score in 2008-09 were Noosa (0.45), Pine (0.58) and Stanley (0.63). Benthic Respiration (R24) Respiration ranged between 0.0 and 2.3 gC m-2 day-1 (mean of 0.3 gC m-2 day-1) during 2008-09, in comparison to a range of 0.0 and 1.5 gC m-2 day-1 (mean of 0.3 gC m-2 day-1) during the previous year. In spring 2008, R24 ranged from 0.0 and 2.3 gC m-2 day-1 (mean of 0.3 gC m-2 day-1), and in autumn 2009, R24 ranged from 0.0 to 1.3 gC m-2 day-1 (mean of 0.3 gC m-2 day-1). The average for R24 across the region was an excellent score of 0.92. Five reporting areas recorded a mean R24 score of 1.00 in 2008-09, and these were: Noosa, Maroochy, Pumicestone, Pine and Redlands. The four reporting areas with the lowest scores in 2008-09 were Upper Brisbane (0.72), Mid Brisbane (0.80) and Lockyer (0.84). Gross Primary Production (GPP) Gross primary production ranged between 0.0 and 2.6 gC m-2 day-1 (mean of 0.3 gC m-2 day-1) during 2008-09, in comparison to a range of 0.0 and 2.1 gC m-2 day-1 (mean of 0.4 gC m-2 day-1) during the previous year. In spring 2008, GPP ranged from 0.0 to 2.6 gC m-2 day-1 (mean of 0.3 gC m-2 day-1), and in autumn 2009, GPP ranged from 0.0 to 1.9 gC m-2 day-1 (mean of 0.3 gC m-2 day-1). The average for GPP across the region was an excellent score of 0.93. Seven reporting areas recorded a mean GPP score of 1.00 in 2008-09, and these were: Noosa, Mooloolah, Maroochy, Pumicestone, Oxley, Redlands and Tallebudgera/Currumbin. The four reporting areas with the lowest scores in 2008-09 were Upper Brisbane (0.77), Mid Brisbane (0.79), Lockyer (0.87) and Lower Brisbane (0.87). Macroinvertebrates
One hundred and twenty six of the 149 aquatic macroinvertebrate taxa collected to-date during the Freshwater EHMP were recorded during 2008-09. A total of 28 741 individual macroinvertebrates were identified (to primarily family level) during the year, bringing the cumulative total to 246 814. Three new taxa were recorded; being the mayfly family Teloganodidae, and caddis fly families Polycentropodidae and Philopotamidae. The aquatic macroinvertebrate indicator returned the third highest score of all five Freshwater EHMP indicators during 2008-09, with a good score of 0.78. Number of Taxa Number of macroinvertebrate taxa ranged between 2 and 31 taxa (mean of 19) during 2008-09, in comparison to a range of 5 to 38 (mean of 21) during the previous year. In spring 2008, number of macroinvertebrate taxa ranged from 2 to 31 (mean of 20), and in autumn 2009, number of macroinvertebrate taxa ranged from 4 to 28 (mean of 17). The average for number of macroinvertebrate taxa across the region was a very good score of 0.82, which ranked sixth amongst the fourteen indices scored. The three reporting areas with the highest scores in 2008-09 were Mid Brisbane (1.00), Pimpama/Coomera (0.93) and Tallebudgera/Currumbin (0.93). The three reporting areas with the lowest scores in 2008-09 were Oxley (0.55), Lower Brisbane (0.69), and Redlands (0.69). PET Richness (PET) The number of Plecoptera, Ephemoptera and Trichoptera taxa recorded ranged between 0 and 11 (mean of 3) during 2008-09, larger than a range of 0 and 8 (mean of 3) during the previous year. In spring 2008, PET ranged from 0 to 8 (mean of 3), and in autumn 2009, PET ranged from 0 to 11 (mean of 3). The average for PET across the region was a good score of 0.70, which ranked twelfth amongst the fourteen indices scored. The three reporting areas with the highest scores in 2008-09 were Mid Brisbane (1.00), Albert (0.97) and Pimpama/Coomera (0.93). The three reporting areas with the lowest scores in 2008-09 were Lower Brisbane (0.29), Oxley (0.34) and Redlands (0.43). SIGNAL Score (SIGNAL) SIGNAL scores ranged between 2.0 and 5.9 (mean of 3.8) during 2008-09, in comparison to a range of 2.3 to 5.0 (mean of 3.6) during the previous year. In spring 2008, SIGNAL ranged from 2.0 to 5.3 (mean of 3.8), and in autumn 2009, SIGNAL ranged from 2.9 to 5.9 (mean of 3.9). The average for SIGNAL across the region was a very good score of 0.81, which ranked seventh amongst the fourteen indices scored. The three reporting areas with the highest scores in 2008-09 were Pimpama/Coomera (0.99), Tallebudgera/Currumbin (0.99) and Stanley (0.97). The three reporting areas with the lowest scores in 2008-09 were Lower Brisbane (0.64), Mid Brisbane (0.64) and Upper Brisbane (0.69). Fish
Forty-four (34 native, 3 translocated, 6 alien and 1 estuarine-marine) of the 54 fish species recorded during the Freshwater EHMP were collected during 2008-09. A total of 51 762 fish were caught and released, bringing the cumulative catch to 260 599 individuals. One species new to the program was recorded during 2008-09, being the Tamar River goby Afurcagobius tamarensis. The fish indicator returned the second lowest score of all five Freshwater EHMP indicators during 2008-09, albeit with a good score of 0.71. Percentage of Native Species Expected (PONSE) The percentage of native species expected ranged between 8 and 249% [1] during 2008-09 (mean of 92%), in comparison to a range of 9 to 249% (mean of 86%) during the previous year. In spring 2008 PONSE ranged from 8 to 215% (mean of 89%), and in autumn 2009, PONSE ranged from 12 to 249% (mean of 95%). The average for PONSE across the region was a good score of 0.78, which ranked tenth amongst the fourteen indices scored. The four reporting areas with the highest scores in 2008-09 were Maroochy (1.00), Tallebudgera/Currumbin (0.98), Caboolture (0.97) and Mid Brisbane (0.97). The three reporting areas with the lowest scores in 2008-09 were Lockyer (0.46), Upper Brisbane (0.62) and Bremer (0.69). Ratio of Observed to Expected Native Species (O/E50) The ratio of observed to expected native species during this period ranged between 0.10 and 1.29 [2] (mean of 0.62) during 2008-09, in comparison to a range of 0.00 to 1.21 (mean of 0.58) during the previous year. In spring 2008, O/E50 ranged from 0.10 to 1.29 (mean of 0.61), and in autumn 2009, O/E50 ranged from 0.11 to 1.15 (mean of 0.63). The average for O/E50 across the region was a fair score of 0.61, which ranked last amongst the fourteen indices scored. The three reporting areas with the highest scores in 2008-09 were Mid Brisbane (1.00), Albert (0.93) and Stanley (0.90). The three reporting areas with the lowest scores in 2008-09 were Lockyer (0.40), Oxley (0.45) and Redlands (0.50). Proportion Alien Fish The proportion of alien fish species ranged between 0 and 99% during 2008-09 (mean of 25%), in comparison to a range of 0 to 98% (mean of 27%) in the previous year. In spring 2008, the proportion of alien fish species ranged from 0 to 98% (mean of 21%), and in autumn 2009, the proportion of alien fish species ranged from 0 to 99% (mean of 29%). The average for the proportion of alien fish species across the region was a good score of 0.75, which ranked eleventh amongst the fourteen indices scored. The three reporting areas with the highest scores in 2008-09 were Pimpama/Coomera (0.99), Mid Brisbane (0.98), Mooloolah (0.98) and Noosa (0.98). The three reporting areas with the lowest scores in 2008-09 were Oxley (0.31), Redlands (0.49) and Lower Brisbane (0.49). Footnotes
[1] Values were automatically truncated to a maximum of 100% during analysis. |
