Morgans Lagoon Final Large

MORGAN’S LAGOON (MOORUNDI WETLAND COMPLEX) WETLAND MANAGEMENT PLAN 2005

LAPS Lower Murray Local Action Planning Groups Kjartan Tumi Bjornsson

This management plan was written by Kjartan Tumi Bjornsson for the Mid Murray Local Action Planning Committee and The Swan Reach and Districts Landcare Group, and reviewed and endorsed by the SA River Murray Wetland Technical Group. Funding was provided by the National Action Plan for Salinity and Water Quality, the Natural Heritage Trust, and the River Murray Catchment Water Management Board. The management plan has been prepared according to the Guidelines for developing wetland management plans for the River Murray in South Australia 2003 (River Murray Catchment Water Management Board and Department of Water Land and Biodiversity Conservation 2003) and as such fulfils obligations under the Water Allocation Plan for the River Murray Prescribed Watercourse. Disclaimer: The Mid Murray Local Action Planning Committee do not guarantee that the publication is without flaw of any kind or is wholly appropriate for your particular purposes and therefore disclaim all liability for any error, loss or other consequences which may arise from you relying on any information in this publication. Cite as: Bjornsson, K. T. (2005). Morgan’s Lagoon (MOORUNDI WETLAND COMPLEX) Wetland Management Plan. Mid Murray Local Action Planning Committee Inc., Cambrai. Acknowledgements: This wetland management plan has been developed with the support of a number of organisations, community groups and individuals. Special thanks go to Judy Pfeiffer and Adrienne Frears for assistance with the draft. Thanks also go to those that contributed their knowledge including, The Swan Reach and Districts Landcare Group and surrounding landholders particularly Wayne Brice and Jason Higham (for advice on wetland snagging) the River Murray Catchment Water Management Board and the members of the South Australian River Murray Wetland Technical Group. For further details contact: The Mid Murray LAP PO Box 10 Cambrai SA 5353 Phone: (08) 8564 6034 Fax: (08) 8564 5003 Photographs: Cover photograph: Top Morgan‟s Lagoon, Bottom River Murray & cliffs opposite Morgan‟s Lagoon Photographs in document by Tumi Bjornsson.

Swan Reach & Districts Landcare Group c/- 15 Arthur Street, Tranmere SA 5073 Phone (08) 8332-1929 Email [email protected]

20th March 2006

To Whom It May Concern, The Swan Reach and Districts Landcare Group would like to confirm our involvement with the Morgans Lagoon Wetland Management Plan. Our group was very keen to have close involvement to firstly ensure the Baseline survey was completed then have the management plan written. Our group previously received funding from the then NHT 1 & 2 funding periods to construct and replace six water management flow paths under the name of the Moorundie Wetland complex. Of these, two were constructed at Morgans Lagoon. One that connects directly to the River Murray and the other to a backwater creek. These sites were purposely built to provide water manipulation options together with carp control gates. The goal is to ensure the lagoon is maintained at his current ecological health and then to demonstrate to the local community ways to improve the overall health of the lagoon and surrounding floodplains. In summary the group is happy to submit the Management Plan and understands its contents, together with applying for a long-term water licence.

If you require further information, please do not hesitate to contact.

Wayne Brice Chairman, Swan Reach Landcare Group

Morgan’s Lagoon (Moorundi Complex) Wetland Management Plan

TABLE OF CONTENTS TABLE OF CONTENTS ................................................................................................................... I LIST OF FIGURES..................................................................................................................... III LIST OF MAPS .......................................................................................................................... III LIST OF TABLES ....................................................................................................................... IV Chapter 1.

INTRODUCTION ..................................................................................................... 1

Section 1.01 (a)

Environmental, Social and Cultural Significance of wetland ............................. 1

History of Morgan’s Lagoon ......................................................................................... 1

Section 1.02

Why does Morgan’s LAGOON NEED a management plan? ............................ 2

(a)

Mission Statement ....................................................................................................... 2

(b)

Vision Statement ......................................................................................................... 2

(c)

Broad Objectives ......................................................................................................... 3

(d)

Current Achievements ................................................................................................. 3

Chapter 2.

SITE DESCRIPTION OF MORGAN’S LAGOON ..................................................... 5

Section 2.01

Wetland Location ............................................................................................. 5

Section 2.02

Stakeholders .................................................................................................... 6

Section 2.03

Survey Sites, Dates & Locations ...................................................................... 6

Section 2.04

PHYSICAL FEATURES ................................................................................... 8

(a)

Morgan’s Lagoon ......................................................................................................... 8

(b)

Geomorphology, Geology And Soils ............................................................................ 8

(c)

Climate ........................................................................................................................ 9

(d)

Wetland Volumes and Water Requirements for various filling stages .......................... 9

(e)

Surface and Groundwater Features ........................................................................... 11

Section 2.05

ECOLOGICAL FEATURES ............................................................................ 21

(a)

Flora .......................................................................................................................... 21

(b)

Fauna ........................................................................................................................ 24

Chapter 3.

SOCIAL ECONOMIC AND CULTURAL VALUES .................................................. 31

Chapter 4.

LAND TENURE, JURISDICTION AND MANAGEMENT ARRANGEMENTS ..... 31

Section 4.01

LAND TENURE .............................................................................................. 31

Section 4.02

LAND AND WATER USE ............................................................................... 31

Section 4.03

JURISDICTION AND MANAGEMENT AUTHORITY ...................................... 31

Chapter 5.

THREATS AND POTENTIAL SOLUTIONS TO MORGAN’S LAGOON.................. 33

Chapter 6.

MANAGEMENT OBJECTIVES .............................................................................. 36

Chapter 7.

IMPLEMENTATION PLAN ..................................................................................... 39

Section 7.01

ON GROUND ACTION AND TIMETABLE ..................................................... 39

Section 7.02

WETLAND WATER OPERATIONAL PLAN (Hydrology – Water Regime) ...... 41

Chapter 8.

MONITORING ....................................................................................................... 47

Chapter 9.

EVALUATION, REVIEW AND REPORTING .......................................................... 49

Section 9.01

Evaluation and Review ................................................................................... 49 I

Morgan’s Lagoon (Moorundi Complex) Wetland Management Plan Section 9.02

Reporting ....................................................................................................... 49

Chapter 10.

REFERENCES ...................................................................................................... 50

Appendix A.

Wetlands Atlas Data for Wetland Main Body .......................................................... 52

Appendix B.

Surface Water Archive Graph ................................................................................ 53

Appendix C.

Bore Profiles (adapted from Smitt, Jolly et al. (2003)) ............................................ 54

Appendix D.

Morgan’s Lagoon Inlet Morphology and Culvert Designs ....................................... 55

Appendix E.

Baseline Survey Locations ..................................................................................... 56

Appendix F.

Baseline Survey Vegetation Zones ........................................................................ 59

Appendix G.

Groundwater maps ............................................................................................ 60

Appendix H.

Species List for Morgan’s Lagoon .......................................................................... 62

Section H.01 (a)

Riparian and floodplain species ................................................................................. 62

Section H.02 (a) Appendix I.

FLORA ........................................................................................................... 62 WETLAND AND FLOODPLAIN FAUNA ......................................................... 68

Birds of Morgan’s Lagoon .......................................................................................... 68 Evaporation and precipitation obtained using the Wetland Loss Calculator. ....... 71

II

Morgan’s Lagoon (Moorundi Complex) Wetland Management Plan

LIST OF FIGURES Figure 1: Recent flood levels ........................................................................................................... 2 Figure 2: Photo location 3 culvert to River Murray ........................................................................... 4 Figure 3: Photo location 4 channel to Wetland from River Murray ................................................... 4 Figure 4: Photo location 1 culvert to Yarramundi Creek .................................................................. 4 Figure 5: Photo location 1 channel to Wetland from Yarramundi Creek .......................................... 4 Figure 6: Photo location 2 looking NNE........................................................................................... 8 Figure 7: Photo location 2 looking SSW .......................................................................................... 8 Figure 8: Photo location 2 looking W ............................................................................................... 8 Figure 9: Photo location 4 ............................................................................................................... 8 Figure 10: Photo location 5 ............................................................................................................. 8 Figure 11: Photo location 5 ............................................................................................................. 8 Figure 12: Groundwater levels ...................................................................................................... 17 Figure 13: Cross section of Morgan’s Lagoon (transect 3), comparing topography and groundwater (adapted from (Australian Water Environments 2005)) .......................................................... 18 Figure 14: Decision support framework (DSF) for Morgan’s Lagoon ............................................. 43 Figure 15: 6 year water regime scenario for Morgan’s Lagoon (benefit description) ...................... 44 Figure 16: 6 year water regime scenario for Morgan’s Lagoon (volume description) ..................... 44 Figure 17: Downstream water level at Lock 1................................................................................ 53 Figure 18: Photopoint and water level monitoring sites ................................................................. 56 Figure 19: Morgan’s Lagoon fish survey sites ............................................................................... 57 Figure 20: Morgan’s Lagoon vegetation monitoring sites .............................................................. 58 Figure 21: Morgan’s Lagoon ecological zones .............................................................................. 59 Figure 22: Ground water depth ..................................................................................................... 60 Figure 23: Ground water salinity ................................................................................................... 61

LIST OF MAPS Map 1: Morgan’s Lagoon ................................................................................................................ 5 Map 2: Map of wetland complex (photographic locations 30th April 2005) ....................................... 7 Map 3: Hydrogeology of the Moorundi Wetland Complex (Barnett 1989) ........................................ 9 Map 4: Historical flow connections between Morgan’s Lagoon and the River Murray .................... 11 Map 5: Flowpath levels (m AHD) adapted from Moorundi Wetland Complex Management Plan 2002 (Jensen and Turner 2002) ............................................................................................ 14 Map 6: FIM III flow volume and connection between Morgan’s Lagoon and the River Murray ....... 15 Map 7: Expected water movement within Morgan’s Lagoon .......................................................... 16 Map 8: Piezometer locations ......................................................................................................... 20 Map 9: Cadastral boundaries covering Morgan’s Lagoon and surrounds. ..................................... 32

III

Morgan’s Lagoon (Moorundi Complex) Wetland Management Plan

LIST OF TABLES Table 1: Baseline survey monitoring of following parameters .......................................................... 6 Table 2: Photo locations.................................................................................................................. 7 Table 3: Water volume requirements at Morgan’s Lagoon at different depths (adapted from (Australian Water Environments 2005)) ................................................................................. 10 Table 4: Water quality ................................................................................................................... 12 Table 5: Groundwater monitoring locations ................................................................................... 19 Table 6: Ecological zones around Morgan’s Lagoon ..................................................................... 21 Table 7: Habitat features identified in Morgan’s Lagoon; Table adapted from (Australian Water Environments 2005). ............................................................................................................. 25 Table 8: Frogs at Morgan’s Lagoon, habitat and significant aspects. ............................................ 26 Table 9: Native fish - table adapted from (Australian Water Environments 2005) .......................... 28 Table 10: Introduced fish - table adapted from (Australian Water Environments 2005) ................. 28 Table 11: Community group fish survey 27th January 2002 ........................................................... 28 Table 12: Community group fish survey 25th November 2002 ....................................................... 29 Table 13: Community group fish survey 23rd November 2004 ....................................................... 29 Table 14: Morgan’s Lagoon responsible positions contact details ................................................. 31 Table 15: Existing and prospective threats to Morgan’s Lagoon.................................................... 34 Table 16: Management objectives Morgan’s Lagoon. ................................................................... 37 Table 17: Implementation plan for Morgan’s Lagoon. .................................................................... 40 Table 18: 6 year hydrological operational plan (HOP) for Morgan’s Lagoon .................................. 45 Table 19: Water use calculation .................................................................................................... 46 Table 20: Water Allocation Requirements ..................................................................................... 46 Table 21: Monitoring plan for Morgan’s Lagoon. ........................................................................... 48 Table 22: Morgan’s Lagoon, Wetland atlas data (Jensen, Paton et al. 1996) ................................ 52 Table 23: Plant species at Morgan’s Lagoon (baseline survey) ..................................................... 62 Table 24: Plant species at Morgan’s Lagoon (community monitored)............................................ 66 Table 25: Waterbird species observed in Morgan’s Lagoon Wetland Complex, adapted from (Australian Water Environments 2005) .................................................................................. 68 Table 26: Non-Waterbird species observed in Morgan’s Lagoon Wetland Complex, adapted from (Australian Water Environments 2005) .................................................................................. 69 Table 27: Calculated water loss (evaporation – precipitation) from Wetland Loss Calculator ........ 71

IV

Morgan’s Lagoon (Moorundi Complex) Wetland Management Plan

Chapter 1. INTRODUCTION Since the adoption of the Water Allocation Plan for the River Murray in 2002 the wetlands of South Australia have an annual water allocation of 200GL. To access this water allocation for wetland management, a licence is now required. The allocation of water required for Morgan‟s lagoon is mainly in response to the Section 5.1. Objectives of the Water Allocation Plan for the River Murray (River Murray Catchment Water Management Board 2002) Principle; 2 “Provide for the water needs of water-dependent ecosystems” and 6(e) “Provide for the allocation and use of water to prevent adverse impacts on the health, biodiversity status of habitat value of floodplains, or wetlands of conservation significance” This wetland management plan is structured in accordance with the criteria set out in the Guidelines for developing wetland management plans for the River Murray in South Australia (River Murray Catchment Water Management Board and Department of Water Land and Biodiversity Conservation 2003).

SECTION 1.01 ENVIRONMENTAL, SOCIAL AND CULTURAL SIGNIFICANCE OF WETLAND The Wetland Atlas of the South Australian Murray Valley (Jensen, Paton et al. 1996) listed Morgan‟s Lagoon (wetland name used in Wetland Atlas is Yarramundi North) as having a highmoderate conservation value and to be of basin and local importance (see Appendix A on page 52). As part of the Management of Wetlands of the River Murray Valley Draft Action Plan 1996-1999 (South Australian River Murray Wetlands Management Committee (SARMWMC) 1996), Portee complex was listed as having a high priority (first in the High rankings) for maintenance or rehabilitation. The Floodplain Wetlands Management Strategy (Murray-Darling Ministerial Council 1998) lists the Portee Creek wetlands as a large and significant floodplain wetland complex in the Murray Darling Basin. The valuation of the wetland has been rated at High-moderate by Thompson (1986), however both the Wetlands Atlas of the South Australian Murray Valley (Jensen, Paton et al. 1996) and the Moorundi Wetland Complex Management Plan 2002 (Jensen and Turner 2002) called for a reevaluation of the wetland, as its health increased during five years of inundation experienced during overbank flows after 1989. (a) HISTORY OF MORGAN’S LAGOON A short summary of the history of the wetland complex is provided in Moorundi Wetland Complex Management Plan 2002 (Jensen and Turner 2002). 1841 Area settled including irrigation development (see Moorundi Wetland Complex Management Plan 2002 (Jensen and Turner 2002)) 1986 Thompson report (Thompson 1986) 1993 flood (see Figure 1 on page 2) 1996 flood (see Figure 1 on page 2) Vegetation surveys 1999 Wetland Management Study (Jensen, Marsh et al. 1999) 2001 flood (see Figure 1 on page 2) 2002 Wetland Management Plan (Jensen and Turner 2002) 1

Morgan’s Lagoon (Moorundi Complex) Wetland Management Plan

2002 Installation of two culverts, with carp screens and sluice gates at the culvert connecting the wetland to the River Murray Fish monitoring projects (Jan. 2002, Nov. 2002 and Nov. 2004 (see Section 1.01(a)(iii) on page 27 for data)) 2003 installation of groundwater monitoring network (Smitt, Jolly et al. 2003) 2003 – 2004 the wetland dried to a large extent (down to 40% of normal volume) leaving only a small refuge for native fish. 2003-2004 baseline survey (Australian Water Environments 2005) Recent floods were in 1993 (peak 7/12/93 at 115,000 ML, photo 29/11/93 at 111,500 ML Figure 1), 1996 (peak 19/12/96 at 63,800, photo 10/12/96 at 59,850 ML Figure 1) and 2001 (peak 11/12/00 at 39,215 ML, photo 17/01/01 at 6,810 ML Figure 1).

1993

1996

2001

Figure 1: Recent flood levels

SECTION 1.02 WHY DOES MORGAN’S LAGOON NEED A MANAGEMENT PLAN? (a) MISSION STATEMENT To develop a water regime strategy which enhances native vegetation, riparian and aquatic, as well as the reduction of carp within the wetland. (b) VISION STATEMENT A plan for the management of the entire Moorundi wetland complex was developed in 2002 for the Mid Murray Local Action Planning Association by Wetland Care Australia (Jensen and Turner 2002). The vision statement identified in this early plan is summarised here. The fish screens will keep large carp from entering the wetland, whilst allowing the movement of water and smaller fish. The periodic drying will be used to reduce the numbers of carp within the Lagoon. Due to the altered water regime and the reduction in the impact of carp, macrophytes and macroinvertebrates will prosper. Further, there will be an improvement in water quality due to sediment compaction (i.e. less re-suspension of sediment through bioturbation (feeding action of carp)), and the sedimentation mechanisms of macrophytes and their nutrient uptake capacity. With the increase in habitat availability, through the healthy vegetation growth and re-snagging, the 2

Morgan’s Lagoon (Moorundi Complex) Wetland Management Plan

wetland will be expected to support increased numbers of native fish, yabbies and waterbirds. To achieve this the on-ground action will focus on; habitat development through snagging, removal of weeds both fringing the wetland and on the banks, and the control of feral animals particularly carp and rabbits. (c) BROAD OBJECTIVES The objectives remain similar to past objectives of the Landcare group. However, the management of the wetland, due to a change in legislation, now requires a water licence for which a detailed operational management plan needs to be structured. The objectives for the restoration of Morgan‟s Lagoon, listed in detail in Chapter 6 on page 36, fulfil a number of the water allocation criteria, as outlined in Section 5.3 of the Water Allocation Plan for the River Murray (River Murray Catchment Water Management Board 2002). The objectives include the restoration of the wetland condition and associated habitat values (wetland fringing and aquatic vegetation). The purpose of which is the restoration of native vegetation, which will benefit waterbirds and native fish species. This will be partly achieved through the appropriate management of the water regime, i.e. the restoration of a pattern of wetting and drying cycles, and partly through on ground action such as weed control and feral animal control. Other objectives include the restoration of habitat for native fish communities, facilitating their recruitment and reduction of the impact of exotic fish. (d) CURRENT ACHIEVEMENTS The Moorundi Wetland Project is led by the Swan Reach and Districts Landcare Group and supported by local landowners. This group has installed flow control structures in six locations throughout the Moorundi wetland complex and intend to install more as was envisaged in the Moorundi Wetland Complex Management Plan 2002 (Jensen and Turner 2002). Morgan‟s Lagoon has two of these constructed inlets in the form of box culverts, connecting the wetland to the River Murray and Yarramundi Creek (see Figure 2 to Figure 5 on page 4). They have flow control structures (sluice gates) allowing the control of flows into the wetland. These culverts can be fitted with fish exclusion grills to hinder large fish such as European Carp (Cyprinus carpio) from entering the wetland. Morgan‟s Lagoon has been fenced off to exclude stock. Wayne Brice has undertaken some revegetation work in the wetland area with mixed success rates. The major achievements at Morgan‟s Lagoon include: Building of flow control structures o 1st stage NHT 1999-2000

$160,100

o 2nd stage NHT 2000-2001

$103,100

o Total

$263,200

Removal of stock Installation and monitoring of Piezometers Fish monitoring Vegetation surveys

3

Morgan’s Lagoon (Moorundi Complex) Wetland Management Plan

Figure 2: Photo location 3 culvert to River Murray

Figure 3: Photo location 4 channel to Wetland from River Murray

Figure 4: Photo location 1 culvert to Yarramundi Creek

Figure 5: Photo location 1 channel to Wetland from Yarramundi Creek

4

Morgan’s Lagoon (Moorundi Complex) Wetland Management Plan

Chapter 2. SITE DESCRIPTION OF MORGAN’S LAGOON SECTION 2.01 WETLAND LOCATION Morgan‟s Lagoon is listed as wetland number S0094 in the Wetlands Atlas of the South Australian Murray Valley (Jensen, Paton et al. 1996) and number M060 by Thompson (1986). Morgan‟s Lagoon is part of the Moorundi wetland complex also known as the Portee wetland complex. The current water regime is permanent with a connection through a narrow channel to the river and a second connection, which disconnects during low river levels, to Yarramundi Creek. The wetland is located approximately 13 km south of Blanchetown (Map 1 below). AMG coordinates 371291E 6184566N (Grid Zone 54). Morgan‟s Lagoon can be found on the 1:50,000 map, Blanchetown map sheet number 6829-3.

Map 1: Morgan’s Lagoon

The wetland is found in the Hundred of Fisher, Section 10 (part) and Hundred of Skurray, Section 10 (part), 11 (part), 12 (part) and 13 (part). The water depth of Morgan‟s Lagoon is shallow at below 1 meter depth (Australian Water Environments 2005), with a surface area of approximately 26 ha when the water is at pool level (~0.8 m AHD (see Section 7.02 on page 41). The lowest point of the wetland is at – 0.1 m AHD. The surface area if the wetland were to be filled to its maximum holding capacity (~1 m above pool level (i.e. 1.8 m AHD)) is 36 ha. The connection between the wetland and the River Murray is through a box culvert at 371545E and 6184722N and a smaller connection via Yarramundi Creek through a box culvert at 371439E and 6185365N (designs of which can be seen in Appendix D). The wetland sits to a large degree on freehold land (see Chapter 4 on page 31). Grazing has, with 5

Morgan’s Lagoon (Moorundi Complex) Wetland Management Plan

the exception of Portee station, been excluded from lands adjacent to Morgan‟s Lagoon (Brice 2005). The Swan Reach and Districts Landcare Group and local landowners are heavily involved in the management and restoration of Morgan‟s lagoon as well as surrounding wetlands of the Moorundi (Portee) Complex.

SECTION 2.02 STAKEHOLDERS The stakeholders identified by Moorundi Wetland Complex Management Plan 2002 (Jensen and Turner 2002) include: Mid Murray Local Action Planning Committee Swan Reach and Districts Landcare Group Mid Murray Council Irrigators and Landholders Portee Station Blanchetown Shackowners Association.

SECTION 2.03 SURVEY SITES, DATES & LOCATIONS The Morgan’s Lagoon Wetlands Baseline Survey (Australian Water Environments 2005) monitored different wetland parameters (Table 1) on separate occasions. The locations of the baseline survey sites can be seen in Appendix E. Table 1: Baseline survey monitoring of following parameters

Parameter

Site

Surveyed Date 1

Date 2

Date 3

Date 4

Location

Site physical

Y

on page 8

Vegetation

Y

on page 21

Fish

1

Y

25/11/03

14/04/04

2

Y

25/11/03

13/04/04

3

Y

26/11/03

14/04/04

4

Y

26/11/03

13/04/04

5

Y

26/11/03

13/04/04

Birds (Main Survey 8hrs + night surveys)

Y

18 to 19/09/04

Birds (Opportunistic)

Y

Frogs and Reptiles

Y

Macroinvertebrates

Y

Water Quality Groundwater

Y

on page 27

on page 29 24/11/03

07/02/04

08/02/04

24/11/03

07/2/04 08/02/04

18/09/04 19/09/04

10/12/03

12/03/04

22/07/04

21/10/04

10/12/03

12/03/04

22/07/04

21/10/04

02/08/04

04/03/05

on page 30

on page 11 on page 16

NR = Not Recorded

6

Morgan’s Lagoon (Moorundi Complex) Wetland Management Plan

Photos of the wetland were taken on the 30th April 2005 at 5 photo locations. The photo locations were at the following coordinates; Table 2: Photo locations

Easting

Northing

Photo Location 1

371439

6185365

Photo Location 2

371238

6184552

Photo Location 3

371545

6184722

Photo Location 4

371564

6184857

Photo Location 5

371556

6184937

Map 2: Map of wetland complex (photographic locations 30th April 2005)

7

Morgan’s Lagoon (Moorundi Complex) Wetland Management Plan

SECTION 2.04 PHYSICAL FEATURES (a) MORGAN’S LAGOON

Figure 6: Photo location 2 looking NNE

Figure 7: Photo location 2 looking SSW

Figure 8: Photo location 2 looking W

Figure 9: Photo location 4

Figure 10: Photo location 5

Figure 11: Photo location 5

(b) GEOMORPHOLOGY, GEOLOGY AND SOILS The wetland is sitting on alluvial/fluvial sediments from the Holocene. The bottom of lagoon, which is uniformly flat, consists of silt and fine clay (Australian Water Environments 2005). The hydrogeology, which consist of Coonambidgal formation over Monoman Formation is taken into consideration for the development of a groundwater monitoring network for Morgan‟s Lagoon. This 8

Morgan’s Lagoon (Moorundi Complex) Wetland Management Plan

is presented in Map 3 below (adapted from Smitt, Jolly et al. (2003)). The groundwater monitoring is described in Section 1.01(a)(ii) on page 16. The bore profiles show the geology to consist of mainly dark brown clay characteristic of the Coonabidgal Formation, for a detailed account for all profiles refer to Appendix C on page 54.

Map 3: Hydrogeology of the Moorundi Wetland Complex (Barnett 1989)

(c) CLIMATE The following climatic conditions are taken from the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) Waikerie station (number 024018) (Latitude (deg S): -34.1778; Longitude (deg E): 139.9806) (BOM 2005). The recording of data commenced at Waikerie in 1896; the latest records used in the assessment of the climatic condition of the area stemming from 2001. The area has Mediterranean climatic conditions with warm dry summers and cool wet winters. The median (5th decile) annual rainfall is 249 mm. The mean monthly maximum rainfall is in October (26.2 mm), the minimum in March (12.5). The expected mean daily maximum temperature is highest in January at 33 C, lowest in July at 16.5 C, and has an annual mean of 23.5 C. The minimum daily temperature is at its maximum in January at 15.2 C, and its minimum in July at 5.2 C. The annual mean daily minimum temperature is 9.5 C. (d) WETLAND VOLUMES AND WATER REQUIREMENTS FOR VARIOUS FILLING STAGES An approximate wetland volume was calculated as part of the baseline survey. Table 3 on page 10 summarises the wetland water requirement for Morgan‟s Lagoon. The volumes at selected hydrology regimes including evaporative losses are covered in Section 7.02 on page 41.

9

Morgan’s Lagoon (Moorundi Complex) Wetland Management Plan Table 3: Water volume requirements at Morgan’s Lagoon at different depths (adapted from (Australian Water Environments 2005))

Fill stage

Water Level (m AHD)

Incremental Incremental Total Volume 3 Volume (m ) Plan Area (m2) (m3)

Total Plan Area (m2)

1.8

70946

19411

445265

364373

1.6

67011

19878

374319

344962

1.4

62971

20637

307308

325085

1.2

58732

21808

244337

304448

1.0

54102

24943

185605

282640

Full

0.8

49129

23792

131503

257697

¾ Full

0.6

43346

48654

82374

233905

Half full

0.4

27498

94715

39028

185251

¼ Full

0.2

10422

69629

11530

90536

0.0

1108

20907

1108

20907

10

Morgan’s Lagoon (Moorundi Complex) Wetland Management Plan

(e) SURFACE AND GROUNDWATER FEATURES (i) Surface water Natural Flow Regime

According to a 1905 map of Morgan‟s Lagoon, obtained from the Swan Reach and Districts Landcare Group (Brice 2005), the lagoon had more connections with the river than is currently the case. See Map 4 below. The wetland would have acted as a through flow wetland with the wetland and the river interacting when the river levels established a connection between the two.

Map 4: Historical flow connections between Morgan’s Lagoon and the River Murray 11

Morgan’s Lagoon (Moorundi Complex) Wetland Management Plan Current Flow Regime

Culverts at both connections in and out of the wetland can control the flow in and out of Morgan‟s Lagoon. The culverts are box culverts with flow barriers and large fish grills (control structures). Water quality monitoring was undertaken as part of the baseline survey and is summarised in, Table 4 below. For a description of the implications of water quality in wetlands refer to Your Wetland: Supporting Information (Tucker, Dominelli et al. 2003). Table 4: Water quality

Parameters pH

EC μS/cm

Location

10/12/03

12/03/04

22/07/04

21/10/04

Morgan East

7.2

Morgan West

7.2

Morgan East

463

491

507

583

Morgan West

468

479

506

582

River 400 Murray above Lock 1*

380

508

502 (1st September „04)

Suspended Solids Morgan (mg/L) East

106

216

54

118

Morgan West

112

394

51

166

Morgan East

180

240

81

110

Morgan West

180

280

69

130

Filt. Reactive Morgan Phosphorus as P East (mg/L)

0.015

0.006

0.009

Morgan West

0.018

0.007

0.013

Phosphorus as P Morgan (mg/L) East

0.297

0.262

0.103

0.194

Morgan West

0.356

0.348

0.094

0.237

Turbidity NTU

* Obtained from the Surface Water Archive (Department of Water Land and Biodiversity Conservation 2005a)

The EC is well below that of seawater (~50 mS/cm), and is similar to that of the River Murray indicating a good connection between the two waterbodies. As a comparison the River Murray EC levels at Lock 1 (upstream), obtained from the Surface Water Archive (Department of Water Land and Biodiversity Conservation 2005a), was 400 μS/cm on the 10th December 2003 compared to 463/468 μS/cm in the wetland, 380 μS/cm on the 12 March 2004 compared to 491/479 μS/cm in the wetland, 508 μS/cm on the 22nd July 2004 compared to 506/507 μS/cm in the wetland and 502 μS/cm on the 1st September 2004 the last day on the record obtained and therefore closest to the wetland monitored date of 21st of October 2004, which was measured at t 583/582 μS/cm. 12

Morgan’s Lagoon (Moorundi Complex) Wetland Management Plan

The relatively high turbidity within the wetland may contribute to the lack of submerged macrophytes, although the cause for them not being present may have been a rapid refill event, i.e. the rate of inundation of the wetland following the last dry event, or bioturbation. Bioturbation through European carp feeding strategy can lead to sediment resuspension and macrophyte uprooting. The factors affecting turbidity and therefore limiting/restricting submerged macrophyte germination, growth and survival will be addressed in this Wetland Management Plan. The surface water levels in the River Murray below Lock 1, obtained from the Surface Water Archive (Department of Water Land and Biodiversity Conservation 2005b) can be seen in Appendix B, the calculated median water level over the 5 years is at 0.78 m AHD. This water level will have a direct impact on the water level in Morgan‟s Lagoon. The bottom of the culvert (commence to flow level) between Morgan‟s Lagoon and the River Murray is at 0.147 mAHD, the bottom of the culvert between Yarramundi Creek and Morgan‟s Lagoon is at 0.415 mAHD (see Appendix D). The flow path levels for Moorundi Complex is shown in Map 5 below and the river flood volumes as simulated in the Flood Inundation Model III can be seen in Map 6 on page 15. The Flood Inundation Model III was used to study the potential critical flow volumes of the River Murray for Morgan‟s Lagoon. Map 6 on page 15 shows that at a flow level of 40,000 ML/day the banks will overflow in multiple locations, therefore surpassing the flow control structure of the wetland. Prior to such a flow level the stop logs and fish screens should be removed to allow free passage of fish and water between the wetland and the river. During flood events, depending on feasibility and access, the flow control structures should be manipulated to allow inundation of the wetland at a slow rate and the recession of wetland water levels to occur slowly. As can be seen in both Map 4 on page 11 and Map 5 on page 14 the wetland has in the past had more connection to the river, many of these old connections still remaining as bank overflow channels, the lowest of these at 1.3 m AHD (Jensen, Marsh et al. 1999). If the water level is anticipated to surpass 1.3 m AHD (which occurs at approximately 15,000 ML/day (Department of Water Land and Biodiversity Conservation 2005b)) the bank of the wetland will overflow and access to the culvert, between the river and the River Murray, will be hindered. Fish screens and stop logs should be removed before access to the culvert is restricted.

13

Morgan’s Lagoon (Moorundi Complex) Wetland Management Plan

Map 5: Flowpath levels (m AHD) adapted from Moorundi Wetland Complex Management Plan 2002 (Jensen and Turner 2002)

14

Morgan’s Lagoon (Moorundi Complex) Wetland Management Plan

5,000 ML/day flow

30,000 ML/day flow

40,000 ML/day flow

102,000 ML/day flow

Map 6: FIM III flow volume and connection between Morgan’s Lagoon and the River Murray 15

Morgan’s Lagoon (Moorundi Complex) Wetland Management Plan

To provide some understanding of the current and anticipated flow within Morgan‟s Lagoon with the commencement of management, Map 7 below shows the anticipated flow direction. As the flow direction of both the River Murray and Yarramundi Creek can change direction as a consequence of wind direction, the level of both can change rapidly therefore reversing flow in and out of the wetland. This rapid change can lead to high fluctuations in water levels within the wetland over a matter of hours.

Map 7: Expected water movement within Morgan’s Lagoon

(ii) Groundwater On the floodplain surrounding Morgan‟s Lagoon 14 groundwater wells, as part of a case study on the Moorundi Wetlands Groundwater Monitoring Network (Smitt, Jolly et al. 2003), were planned and installed by CSIRO Land and Water on behalf of the Swan Reach and Districts Landcare Group and the Mid Murray LAP. These wells existed prior to the baseline survey at Morgan‟s Lagoon and were monitored twice during the survey period (in August 2004 and March 2005). The baseline survey found the spring salinity reading to be unreliable (Australian Water Environments 2005). Salinity data is therefore only discussed for the March sampling period. The groundwater salinities monitored during the March sampling period, ranged from very low (1.5 mS/cm) to equivalent of seawater (54 mS/cm), with most wells ranging between the mid 20s to low 40s mS/cm, the median being 26 mS/cm. The groundwater levels, the groundwater salinity and details of the piezometers are presented in Table 5 on page 19, this table was adapted from the baseline survey at Morgan‟s Lagoon (Australian Water Environments 2005), a map of the piezometer locations can be seen in Map 8 on page 20. Maps showing the depth of the ground water and its salinity content can be seen in Appendix G. The depth of the groundwater compared to the ground level can be seen in Figure 12 on page 17. The assumed groundwater flow described in the Moorundi Wetlands Groundwater Monitoring Network (Smitt, Jolly et al. 2003) is in a southerly direction, down valley, parallel to the river flow. The trend observed by Smitt, Jolly et al. (2003) is that the ground water was flowing from Morgan‟s 16

Morgan’s Lagoon (Moorundi Complex) Wetland Management Plan

lagoon towards both the River Murray and Yarramundi Creek. During their survey the water level within Morgan‟s Lagoon was slightly higher than in the River Murray, suggesting that the downstream winds push water up Yarramundi and into Morgan‟s Lagoon. The baseline survey interpolated the groundwater height in relation to the topography (see Figure 13 on page 18). Figure 13 suggests the intersection of the wetland base and the groundwater level. Careful attention should therefore be payed to the wetland if it is dried completely. If groundwater salinity intrusion becomes evident, adaptive management will need to introduce a slow partial inundation of the wetland. The layer of freshwater would allow a semi dry phase to continue through the provision of a freshwater seal to the wetland base, thereby reducing the evapoconcentration of the groundwater. It is to be noted that the groundwater salinity is higher than that of the surface water. Any dry period within the wetland should therefore not be maintained for an overly extended period as this would risk the loss of a freshwater lens below the wetland and allow salinity intrusion through encroaching groundwater. 5 4

2 1

M L 15

M L 14

M L 13

M L 12

M L 11

M L 10

M L 09

M L 08

M L 07

M L 06

M L 05

M L 04

-1

M L 02

0

M L 01

W ater L evel m A H D

3

-2 -3

B o re ID

W a te r le ve l m A H D 0 2 /0 8 /2 0 0 4

W a te r le ve l m A H D 0 4 /0 3 /2 0 0 5

W a te r le ve l m A H D 2 4 /1 1 /2 0 0 5

W a te r le ve l m A H D 0 1 /0 1 /2 0 0 3

N a tu ra l su rfa ce m A H D

Figure 12: Groundwater levels

17

Morgan’s Lagoon (Moorundi Complex) Wetland Management Plan

Figure 13: Cross section of Morgan’s Lagoon (transect 3), comparing topography and groundwater (adapted from (Australian Water Environments 2005))

18

Morgan’s Lagoon (Moorundi Complex) Wetland Management Plan Table 5: Groundwater monitoring locations Name Easting Northing To obtain Elevation of Ground Water level m AHD (Piezometer) water level at Bore Hole Elevation mAHD casing (m AHD) (m AHD) 02/08/04 04/03/05 24/11/05

Depth to water table**

Calculated water level m AHD**

Conductivity mS/cm

02/08/04 04/03/05 24/11/05

ML01

371576 6185335

4.375

3.605

0.043

-0.139

1.285

4.00

-0.40

38.4

40.7

ML02

371558 6185293

2.308

1.198

0.393

0.088

0.588

1.45

-0.25

10.72

21.1

ML03

NR

NR

14.81

17.32

ML04

371263 6184670

NR

NR

4.791

3.691

0.201

0.01

0.391

3.03 4.46

-0.77

54

68

ML05

371123 6184775

3.988

2.788

0.028

0.018

0.278

2.80

-0.01

38.2

ML06

371014 6184855

4.126

2.626

0.036

-0.021

2.66

-0.03

1.701

0.763

ML07

371064 6184316

2.498

0.998

0.318

0.098

0.628

0.75

0.25

40.1

43.6

ML08

370931 6184379

3.702

3.202

0.117

0.027

0.332

3.22

-0.02

41.4

ML09

370877 6184416

3.3

2.69

0.185

0.08

2.10

0.59

34.8

ML10

370662 6184148

5.204

3.754

0.209

0.026

3.70

0.05

16.86

ML11

370940 6183998

2.417

1.267*

0.137

-0.229

ML12

370997 6183794

3.813

2.193

-0.837

-1.012

ML13

371319 6184047

4.125

2.605

0.165

-0.286

ML14

371247 6184140

2.941

1.171

0.186

-0.329

ML15

371430 6184553

2.4

0.98

0.345

0.21

ML16

371502 6184529

5.531

4.131*

4.50

ML17

370924 6184934

NR

NR

7.00

0.467

0.571

2.85

19.49

29.1

4.20

-2.01

3.60

-1.00

1.90

-0.73

1.85

-0.87

23 7.41 1.477

9.25

1.501 14.81

17.32

GB 1

Southern end GB +0.2 GB 2 Northern end GB +0.37 GB 3 Yarramundi Creek GB +0.4 River Murray 371531 6184734 Top of regulator Inlet structure structure deck is 1.82 GB = Gauge Board; * table and map mAHD in report do not correspond; ** (Smitt, Jolly et al. 2003)

19

Morgan’s Lagoon (Moorundi Complex) Wetland Management Plan

Map 8: Piezometer locations

20

Morgan’s Lagoon (Moorundi Complex) Wetland Management Plan

SECTION 2.05 ECOLOGICAL FEATURES (a) FLORA Flora was surveyed by Thompson (1986) who identified mature red gums Eucalyptus camadulensis and some red gum regeneration. Thompson also identified lignum Muehlenbeckia florulenta close to the wetland banks and sedges of 1m height fringing the wetland. Moorundi Wetland Complex Management Plan 2002 (Jensen and Turner 2002)) discuss the varying density of lignum found around Morgan‟s Lagoon and its role in providing habitat during flood events. Thompson (1986) did not identify any submerged macrophytes. The baseline survey divided the lagoon surrounds into five ecological zones for which the vegetation was assessed (see Appendix F). These ecological zones, as well as a summary/assessment for each zone, are described in Table 6 below, for a more detailed description refer to the Morgan’s Lagoon Baseline Wetlands Survey (Australian Water Environments 2005). A survey of the complex by Wetland Care Australia (1998) found 70% of wetland edge zone (red gum community) to be disturbed as well as 25% of the floodplain zone (black box E. largiflorens and lignum). Other species observed included spiny sedge Cyperus gymnocaulus (extensive), emu bush Eremophila divaricata ssp. divaricata (patchy), river cooba Acacia stenophylla and grevillea (occasional). Other vegetations surveys conducted by the community group are presented in Appendix G Section H.01 on page 62. Table 6: Ecological zones around Morgan’s Lagoon

Zone

Description

Near Shore Zone

Permanent or prolonged inundation

Sedge and Rush Community

Shallow water at edge of lagoon Condition ratings good to excellent 5 to 10 m wide. Splendid flat sedge Cyperus exaltatus dominant species with aprox. 50% cover. South west corner of lagoon in excellent condition with red gum Eucalyptus camadulensis regeneration and lack of weeds.

Rising Ground Sedge and Herbaceous species (Red Gums)

Measured from the edge of the high water mark in an average season this zone was 5 to 10 metres wide, up to 20 metres wide. Seasonally inundated – spring flows

Summary/Assessment Good to excellent Healthy growth

sedge

and

rush

Red gum E. camadulensis regeneration

Mainly in good condition Healthy native vegetation including red gums, lignum rushes, reeds and herbs.

Conditions rated mainly good, some poor

Red gum regeneration

Reeds, rushes and herbs in good condition, with some weed species present (buffalo grass Stenotaphrum secundatum and water couch Paspalum vaginatum). Buffalo grass covers up to 75% in some areas. Other areas poor condition with few native species and weed being predominant. Some red gum and lignum Muehlenbeckia florulenta regeneration.

Some weed presence Buffalo grass Stenotaphrum secundatum and water couch Paspalum vaginatum are the most significant weeds

At Yarramundi creek inlet the vegetation is in good condition, with healthy red gums (various ages) and other natives, some weeds present, particularly where track crosses inlet. Around the river itself the conditions were very poor through to good. At inlet into the lagoon there is low native diversity with weed presence (spear thistle Cirsium vulgare and wild oats Avena fatua). Common reed expanding into red gums suggesting a more permanent water regime. Around caravan area the condition is poor with bare ground, some native vegetation. Dense red

21

Morgan’s Lagoon (Moorundi Complex) Wetland Management Plan gum presence north of caravans (good condition). Floodplain Lowland Flats Red Gum Forest and Woodlands

Flat land

Frequent regeneration

Seasonal/sporadic inundation

red

gum

Red gum heath excellent

Some spring flood

Healthy lignum

Inundated during high floods Condition 50% moderate 50% good. 10 to 20 metres around wetland have extensive red gum regeneration (young trees at less than 20 years old). Conditions for red gum regeneration must have been frequent, this being mainly around the inlets. Area close to lagoon assumed to inundate annually has very health and dense red gums (closed canopy) with healthy sparse native understorey. Older red gums fringe the young ones with a more open canopy and healthy lignum understorey.

and

regenerating

Some weed infestation (main degradation in area) Where the surrounding area is mainly influenced by the River Murray and Yarramundi Creek, the vegetation was in a more degraded condition and lacked the regeneration seen in the wetland influenced area. Rabbits impact on area

Some juvenile red gums and regenerating lignum throughout this zone. Some areas with very healthy red gums and no weed infestation. The moderately rated areas had no regeneration of red gums with only sparse mature trees and lignum and ruby saltbush Enchylaena tomentosa as groundcover. Generally the wetland was fringed by healthy young red gums with more mature trees behind. The groundcover included native species such as lignum. Where the red gums had a closed canopy (young trees) weeds were absent due to the litter layer. Weeds were otherwise the main degradation within this zone, these weeds often included buffalo grass and californian burr Xanthium orientale. In the zone influenced mainly by the river the condition ranges from poor to good. The general trend is of poor condition red gums and lignum close to the river, with improving condition (to excellent) the further the zone moves from the river. There is evidence of numerous rabbits in this area. On the Yarramundi Creek side only mature red gums were found in moderate health (some dead). There seems to be less red gums and lignum than would be expected for that area. Upper Floodplain

Flat land

Lignum Shrubland

Inundated only infrequent)

during

high

floods

(very

Very degraded areas due to a lack of inundation Large areas of bare ground

Condition mostly very poor, some poor.

Weed infestation

Covers area between Yarramundi Creek and the red gum woodland fringing the lagoon (cracking clay soils). Due to the infrequency of flooding the lignum was very degraded with large areas of bare ground. Weeds were often the predominant groundcover. In a depression in the southwestern section the lignum was in a better health condition. Dead red gums indicate water/salinity

Water/salinity stress evident

22

Morgan’s Lagoon (Moorundi Complex) Wetland Management Plan stress. Rises on Floodplain

Upper

Black Woodland

Box

Rises on floodplain

Minimal area

Inundated sporadically during high floods

Excellent condition

Condition rating good to excellent.

Minimal impact by rabbits

Small area within the wetland property in south west corner next to Yarramundi Creek. This area is a black box woodland with Spreading Emubush Eremophila divaricata ssp. divaricata as groundcover. The property is in an excellent condition due to the diverse understorey, the lichen crust protecting the soil, the presence of mature black box E. largiflorens as well as their regeneration and the minimal impact of rabbits.

The main issue in the wet „Rising Ground‟ area is the buffalo grass and water couch, therefore the main management issue in this area would be the removal of these species, careful spraying with glyphosate herbicide probably the best method of removal (Nicol 2006). Other weeds are also present although natives outnumber these. The management action required for this area is weed reduction. There is a heavy rabbit infestation to the north of the caravans in the „Floodplain Lowland Flats‟ (in between the wetland and the River Murray) with some spread throughout the property. The control of this rabbit population would reduce the impact on the regenerating vegetation. Red gum and lignum regeneration is successful in the zones influenced by the wetland, however this is not reflected in the areas mainly influenced by the River Murray and Yarramundi Creek. The regeneration within the wetland-influenced area should be encouraged through mimicking of the past inundation regime, i.e. minimum alteration for the majority of the time. The regeneration within the river-influenced area is more of a regional issue. There is a possibility that Yarramundi Creek could be influenced through a change in its hydrology regime to induce more red gum and lignum regeneration. That is, the construction of flow control structures for Yarramundi Creek could be used to imitate the hydrology regime of Morgan‟s Lagoon, and therefore hopefully elicit similar regeneration patterns. A management plan would have to be purposely written for Yarramundi Creek to address this assumption. A future baseline survey is therefore recommended for Yarramundi Creek. The creek (flow channel) connecting the Morgan‟s Lagoon and Yarramundi creek is currently choked with Typha and water primrose Ludwigia peploides (water primrose). Management of the wetland will require regular channel maintenance, where excessive growth in the channel is cleared to allow exchange of water between the wetland and Yarramundi creek. Golden Dotter Cuscuta campestris has been identified within the wetland area and is being addressed by the local Animal and Plant Control Board. However, this should be taken into consideration during future weed management strategies as well as regional planning. A detailed list of species found within the plant associations can be found in Appendix G Section H.01 on page 62. For a description of the function of vegetation in wetlands refer to (Tucker, Dominelli et al. 2003). (i) Implications for management The weeds identified in Morgan‟s Lagoon do not pose an immediate threat. The only one that poses a control problem is the californian burr Xanthium orientale (Australian Water Environments 2005) and should therefore be addressed as soon as possible. The restoration of the wetland area would optimally require the regeneration of the vegetation directly influenced by the River Murray and Yarramundi Creek. This vegetation is stressed, most probably as a result of a reduction in flood 23

Morgan’s Lagoon (Moorundi Complex) Wetland Management Plan

frequency and extent. It is also possible that groundwater salinity is increasing and/or the water table rising. Continued monitoring of the groundwater is therefore necessary. If degradation continues chenopod low shrubland will establish with native colonising species and weeds (Australian Water Environments 2005). However, this area is outside the influence of the hydrology regime that can be managed by the wetland. This regeneration issue for these areas therefore remains a regional issue. The management of Yarramundi Creek may possibly provide an opportunity for the restoration of the area influenced though its hydrological regime. This aspect should therefore be considered in the selection of a wetland for future restoration work. Optimally future management plans should focus on the inclusion of all wetlands within the complex. The main issues directly surrounding the wetland area, which can be addressed by this plan, therefore include the presence of weeds and the rabbit infestation. On-ground works should address each of these in turn paying particular attention to the minimisation of further spread of weeds within the „wet‟ areas. The main recommendation from the baseline survey (Australian Water Environments 2005) for the restoration of the vegetation is the control of the rabbit population. This rabbit control would be significant within the „Floodplain Lowland Flats‟. (b) FAUNA (i) Birds Many bird species are dependent on healthy wetlands, particularly waterbirds. Wetlands provide birds with habitat, food and breeding sites. The condition of a wetland plays a significant role as to whether habitat conditions are available or suitable for a variety of birds. For example, the water regime directly influences the availability of food from macroinvertebrates through to fish. Further, healthy vegetation around wetlands presents breeding opportunities for many waterbirds, particularly following flood events. Permanently inundated wetlands provide waterbirds with refuge areas during times of drought and can therefore be important in a regional context, if not an national or international context, particularly as river regulation throughout Australia is reducing the availability of flooded habitat (Scott 1997). The restoration of wetlands should attempt to provide waterbird habitat and at the very least maintain the habitats available. A good summary of the role wetlands play for waterbirds is presented in Relationships between waterbird ecology and river flows in the Murray-Darling Basin (Scott 1997). During the survey by Thompson (1986) many waterbirds were recognised as using Morgan‟s Lagoon. These birds included the yellow billed spoonbills Platalea flavipes and black swans Cygnus atratus. Black swans were known to nest in the area (Thompson 1986). Other bird species, other than water birds, were also known to use the area including the sulphur-crested cockatoo Cacatua galerita. The black swan was again found breeding at Morgan‟s Lagoon and another 10 species are assumed to breed in this area as well. The Morgan’s Lagoon Baseline Wetlands Survey (Australian Water Environments 2005) found 21 of the estimated 62 species of waterbirds that are likely to frequent the area and a further 41 non-waterbirds. The main habitats used by the water birds include open water, sedgelands and reed beds, a summary of the habitats identified at Morgan‟s Lagoon can be found in Table 7 on page 25. The bird survey conducted during the Morgan’s Lagoon Baseline Wetlands Survey (Australian Water Environments 2005), recognises Morgan‟s Lagoon as an important wetland for waterbirds in the River Murray floodplain. Most species that were expected at Morgan‟s Lagoon, given the habitat and time of year in which the surveys were conducted, were identified. A total count of water birds came to 372 individuals, the most common of which were the Australian wood duck Chenonetta jubata, pacific black duck Anas superciliosa, grey teal Anas gracilis, australian pelican 24

Morgan’s Lagoon (Moorundi Complex) Wetland Management Plan

Pelecanus conspicillatus and little grassbird Megalurus gramineus. Some bird species would use Morgan‟s Lagoon for seasonal breeding. As for vegetation (see 0(a) on page 21) the need for extensive flooding in a regional scale was identified. A large „regional‟ flood acts as a trigger for breeding by many bird species. This flooding would provide both additional food and habitat (flooding of lignums and red gums) required for breeding. The extensive area of fringing reeds and regenerating red gums provides valuable habitat for birds as well as frogs, which are preyed upon by some bird species (herons and egrets). The mudflats developed when the wetland dries over summer may provide a further habitat for wading birds. The habitat diversity provided by lignum and red gums would be of great benefit for breeding for a large variety of water birds during a flood event. The European carp within the wetland may impact on the food availability for birds, which feed in the open water. However, the permanent inundation of the wetland, which is of an advantage to the European carp, provides a refuge for waterbirds when other wetlands are dry. The large diversity of non-waterbirds is also dependent on the health of the floodplain vegetation. The maintenance and restoration of this vegetation is therefore of significance on their behalf. Of particular interest identified during the survey were; the diamond firetail Stagonopleura guttata, a declining species, and the regent parrot Polytelis anthopeplus, both listed as Vulnerable in South Australia: National Parks and Wildlife Act 1972 (Anonymous 1972), which indicates suitable habitat availability in the surrounding area. Table 7: Habitat features identified in Morgan’s Lagoon; Table adapted from (Australian Water Environments 2005).

Habitat features

Description

Open water (O)

Open water >30cm deep

Reedbeds (R)

Typha, Phragmites Schoenoplectus >1m tall

Sedges (S)

Eleocharis, Cyperus, Juncus in shallow water

Mud (M)

Bare mud, shallow water <10cm

or

Lignum (L) Red Gum (G) Dead Logs + Debris (D)

25

Morgan’s Lagoon (Moorundi Complex) Wetland Management Plan

(ii) Frogs All the expected frog species were heard at Morgan‟s Lagoon. The frogs heard at Morgan‟s Lagoon included the Peron‟s Tree Frog Litoria peroni, Spotted Grass Frog Limnodynastes tasmaniensis, Eastern Banjo Frog L. dumerili, Common Froglet Crinia signifera, Eastern Sign Bearing Froglet C. parinsignifera, Southern Bell Frog Litoria raniformis. L. raniformis is a significant finding, as it is listed as „Vulnerable‟ under the EPBC Act 1999 (Anonymous 1999) and the South Australian National Parks and Wildlife Act 1972 (Anonymous 1972). It is commonly found, but in low abundances, in the Riverland, however it is less common downstream of Blanchetown (Walker 2002). For a summary of the frogs identified at Morgan‟s Lagoon see Table 1 below. Frogs were heard mainly around the wetland (shallow riparian environments with thick vegetation) and not as much around the river, despite the presence of reed beds. Around the wetland significant habitat includes vegetation (low and dense), which provides shelter from predators, provides insect food resources and helps to maintain moisture. Other reptiles identified during the baseline survey were the red bellied black snake Pseudechis porphyriacusm, eastern water skink Eulamprus quoyii, common snake-eye Morethia boulengeri and shell remains of the Murray River turtle Emydura macquarii, this species was also identified by Thompson (1986). Table 8: Frogs at Morgan’s Lagoon, habitat and significant aspects.

Name Spotted Frog

Grass

Eastern Frog

Banjo

Scientific Name

Habitat

Significance

Limnodynastes tasmaniensis

Numerous from all locations. Edge of Lagoon.

Males and females identified.

L. dumerili

Numerous at southern end of Lagoon.

>20

Foam nests with 90-1300 eggs, floating attached to vegetation. Breed throughout year. Large foam nest with 1000-4000 eggs, attached to vegetation.

Common Froglet

Crinia signifera

Edge of Lagoon. Good fringing rush in area heard. Anticipated that if rushes return to wetland, the habitat conditions will be suitable for this frog species.

Lay eggs on underside of grass and reeds. Tadpoles need still shallow water for 5 to 6 weeks.

Eastern Sign Bearing Froglet

C. parinsignifera

All around lagoon up to a few meters away from water edge in thick waterlogged grass.

Eggs are scattered. Breeds in winter

Southern Frog

Litoria raniformis

At 2 sites (few, up to 5). Tall reeds. Large permanent water bodies with abundant growth of vegetation near the bank. Many more expected to be at wetland.

Listed as Vulnerable in SA (may become “Endangered”). Eggs on floating rafts which later sink. Sighting in this section of the River Murray valley significant.

Litoria peroni

Live under loose bark on gum trees during day. Move to vegetation near water at night

Breeding between Oct. and Jan.

Peron’s Frog

Bell

Tree

26

Morgan’s Lagoon (Moorundi Complex) Wetland Management Plan

(iii) Fish Wetlands play an important part in the life-cycle of fish. Wetlands provide food, habitat for breeding and shelter from predators. Fish can therefore be used as bio-indicators of the long-term habitat availability, habitat conditions and water quality within individual wetlands. Fish are also important in the complex structure of the wetland ecosystem, for example providing nutrients to birds, they can also impact the water quality such as through bioturbation (European carp feeding habits). There was a good diversity of native fish throughout the wetland with the expected species for a Lower River Murray wetland identified (Australian Water Environments 2005). The distribution within the wetland showed the tendency for the generalist species to occupy the open water of the wetland. The species occurring in great abundance were the Australian smelt with 589 individuals and Bony herring with 448 individuals, with the more specialist species (e.g. un-specked hardyhead and Murray rainbowfish) occupying the inlet channels (gudgeon‟s were more abundant at the inlet channels) (Australian Water Environments 2005). This indicated that the open water of Morgan‟s Lagoon, with shallow turbid waters and sparse submerged habitat, favoured these generalist species (Australian Water Environments 2005). To increase the abundance of the more specialist species the submerged habitat in the wetland would have to be increased. This could be achieved through the increase in snags (dead red gum branches) and through the encouragement of submerged macrophyte growth. The full native fish species list can be seen in Table 9 on page 28. Historical records identified by the baseline survey (Australian Water Environments 2005) list chanda perch, southern purple spotted gudgeon and Murray hardyhead as having been caught in wetlands close to Morgan‟s Lagoon. These species may still persist in the area (Australian Water Environments 2005). Providing suitable habitat through healthy wetlands would potentially assist in restoring their numbers. The baseline survey identified different sizes for most fish species. This size distribution indicates the presence of both juvenile and mature individuals within the wetland. The seasonal distribution of the size of the fish suggests the use of the wetland for recruitment and growth by native fish species (Australian Water Environments 2005). Four exotics were caught at Morgan‟s Lagoon. These were mainly gambusia Gambusia holbrooki and the European carp Cyprinus carpio. Currently there are no effective management strategies for the control of gambusia, although it is thought that promoting habitat suitable for native fish may increase the competitive advantage in favour of the native fish. Carp control strategies available include fish screens, which restrict the movement of large fish between the wetland and the river, and fish separation cages for the removal of carp (currently in development stages), however both have inherent restrictions in their use. The fish screens will exclude the entry of all large fish, including native species intending to breed. The intent of these screens is to exclude large carp from entering the wetland and therefore minimise bioturbation. Smaller carp are however able to pass through the barriers and then become trapped in the wetland once they grow large. The fish separation cages are still in the development stage and have not been trialled in South Australian wetlands. The community group at Morgan‟s Lagoon is keen to become involved in the trialling of the carp separation cages. For details on the exotic fish species caught at Morgan‟s Lagoon see Table 10 on page 28. Table 11, Table 12 and Table 13 below show the fish species (native and exotic) caught in 2002 and 2004 during community group surveys. The community group add records of long necked turtle, shrimp and yabbie within the wetland.

27

Morgan’s Lagoon (Moorundi Complex) Wetland Management Plan Table 9: Native fish - table adapted from (Australian Water Environments 2005)

Common Name

Scientific Name

Abundance November

Abundance April

Status SA

Australian smelt

Retropinna semoni

290

299

Bony herring (bream)

Nematalosa erebi

221

227

Flathead gudgeon

Philypnodon grandiceps

15

17

Dwarf flathead gudgeon

Philypnodon sp.

4

11

Un-specked hardyhead

Craterocephalus stercusmuscarum fulvus

18

14

R

Murray rainbowfish

Melanotaenia fluviatilis

4

3

V

Carp gudgeon (two species and hybrid form)

Hypseleotris spp

151

79

Murray Darling golden perch (callop)

Macquaria ambigua

7

1

8

8

ambigua

Number of Species

Australia

R = Rare (taxon in decline or naturally limited presence), V = Vulnerable (high risk of extinction in wild), E = Endangered (very high risk of extinction in wild) (Anonymous 1999; National Parks and Wildlife Council and Department for Environment and Heritage 2003)

Table 10: Introduced fish - table adapted from (Australian Water Environments 2005)

Abundance

Abundance

November 2003

April 2004

Common Name

Scientific Name

Common carp

Cyprinus carpio

492

24

Goldfish

Carassius auratus

10

4

Redfin

Perca fluviatilis

14

0

Gambusia

Gambusia holbrooki

48

1396

4

3

Number of Species

Table 11: Community group fish survey 27th January 2002

Net1 9pm10am

Net 2 9:15pm12pm

Net 2 1pm5:45pm

Australian smelt

6

110

2

Bony herring

2

8

Flathead gudgeon

2

5

Hardyhead

1

Western carp gudgeon

4

7

4

5

11

31

Midgely's carp gudgeon

3

7

1

3

4

18

Number of Species

6

5

3

4

4

6

Common Name

Carp

Net 3 Net 4 1pm- 1pm-6pm 5:30pm

Total

1

11

130

6

8

24 7 1

1

1

Gambusia

5

1

1

4

3

14

Number of Species

1

2

1

1

1

2

28

Morgan’s Lagoon (Moorundi Complex) Wetland Management Plan Table 12: Community group fish survey 25th November 2002

Net1 4:15pm12:30am

Net 2 4:30pm11am

Net 3 4:45pm11:30am

Net 4 5:15pm12pm

Total

Australian smelt

7

6

2

5

20

Bony herring

49

33

21

33

136

4

4

40

145

Common Name

Hardyhead Murray rainbowfish

25

35

Western carp gudgeon

2

2

Shrimp

10

30

45

4 26

Yabbie

13

2

2

Long neck turtle Number of Species

5

5

Carp

5

4

4

6

8

4

4

Goldfish Number of Species

20 0

79

1

20

1

0

2

Table 13: Community group fish survey 23rd November 2004

Site 1 Common Name

6pm-10am

Site 2

Site 3

Total

6:15pm-10:30am 6:30pm-11am

Australian smelt

101

3

Bony herring

38

38

Flathead gudgeon

1

1

Un-specked hardyhead

22

Murray rainbowfish

7

1

104

23 7

Carp gudgeon

10

45

11

66

Cherax (Yabbie)

50

20

100

170

Macrobrachium (Prawn)

15

300

25

340

Paratya (Shrimp)

300

100

25

425

Tadpoles

2

2

4

8

Number of Species

5

10

7

10

Carp

10

47

6

63

Goldfish

4

Gambusia

2

Number of Species

2

4 2

2

1

3

(iv) Implications for management Birds

To manage the wetland with an aim of maintaining the bird habitat availability, and increase the diversity and abundance, the wetland water regime should not be altered significantly. An accentuation of the water level fluctuations, although slower than has recently been the case, may 29

Morgan’s Lagoon (Moorundi Complex) Wetland Management Plan

increase or ensure the development of habitat for wading species as well as increase the food availability following inundation. The drawdown would also provide an opportunity of removing some of the carp present within the wetland. A regional large flood would provide great benefit to waterbird breeding in the area, with Morgan‟s Lagoon providing significant habitats during such an event. Frogs

Most of the frog species identified require vegetation including reeds at or close to the waters edge. Morgan‟s Lagoon is identified by the baseline survey (Australian Water Environments 2005) as one of the best remaining frog and reptile habitats of the remaining River Murray wetlands. Therefore, to assist the survival of the identified frog species, the vegetation at the waters edge of Morgan‟s Lagoon needs to be maintained. A decrease in sporadic or seasonal flooding at Morgan‟s Lagoon could severely impact frog populations. Therefore, the habitat value at Morgan‟s Lagoon may potentially decrease through a change in vegetation due to long term lack of flooding, dry conditions and increasing salinity. A regional approach to the maintenance of the current habitat condition is required to address this threat. Fish

To enhance the habitat availability within Morgan‟s Lagoon more snags, such as dead red gum branches, should be introduced into the open water of the wetland as well as the encouragement of submerged macrophyte germination. That is, the germination and growth of submerged macrophytes needs to be encouraged in the wetland to provide shelter, as well as food sources such as through the growth of plankton and epiphytes. Partial drying of the wetland would initiate this macrophyte germination still leaving open water for the generalist species. Morgan‟s Lagoon can be an ideal case study for what can be done in the restoration of native fish and their habitat. Further fish monitoring, conducted by the community group, to elicit a comprehensive list of fish species dependent on Morgan‟s Lagoon, is recommended by the baseline survey report (Australian Water Environments 2005). This list would assist in planning future management for the encouragement of the maintenance and development of appropriate fish habitat. The monitoring of the fish species within Morgan‟s Lagoon is included in the monitoring schedule of this management plan (see Chapter 8 on page 47). As for future development of the wetland complex, flow control structures can have an impact on the movement of fish in and out of wetland environments, the cause for this impact includes water quality and/or water flow (velocities and turbulence), for more details on this impact see (Tucker, Dominelli et al. 2003)). This impact on fish movement should be kept in mind in the future when planning further flow control structures in the Moorundi complex. Summary

Based on the review of the fauna identified during the baseline survey some management strategies required could be identified. Hydrological management entails the drawdown of the wetland. This drawdown should stimulate the germination of submerged macrophytes as well as compact some of the clay substrate. During this time the active removal of carp and the reintroduction of snags through submerging red gum branches should be conducted. Some water should remain in the wetland as this would be used by waterbirds and waders, further the remaining water would also leave a refuge for native fish, which are present in the wetland water body. On land in the riparian area a management focus should be on the removal or reduction of the rabbit population, which is impacting on the vegetation. A regional management issue is the increase in regional flooding levels and frequency. This is needed to restore riparian vegetation germination and regrowth, as well as minimise the potential salinity impact. This requirement has been identified for both Morgan‟s Lagoon and Sugar Shack Lagoon some 7 km downstream. 30

Morgan’s Lagoon (Moorundi Complex) Wetland Management Plan

Chapter 3. SOCIAL ECONOMIC AND CULTURAL VALUES Most wetlands of the River Murray are of cultural value to the local indigenous population. In recognition aboriginal input is sought on any projects having a significant impact on the River Murray wetlands, such as the construction of sluice gates. Indigenous consultation was obtained for the Wetland Management Plan written in 2000 (Jensen and Turner 2002) for the structures planed for the wetland complex.

Chapter 4. LAND TENURE, MANAGEMENT ARRANGEMENTS

JURISDICTION

AND

SECTION 4.01 LAND TENURE The land tenure of Morgan‟s Lagoon and surrounding area is all in freehold, held by S. Roberts. To the north of the wetland from the Lagoon itself the landowner is Lomond PTY LTD, this area is also held as a freehold title. A map covering the property borders across the wetland area is presented in Map 9 on page 32.

SECTION 4.02 LAND AND WATER USE The wetland is situated on private land with its only use being recreational. The current use, mainly around Easter, is the use of caravans permanently stationed between the wetland and the River Murray. A property on the western side of Yarramundi creek irrigates some crops although this irrigation is not large (Brice 2005).

SECTION 4.03 JURISDICTION AND MANAGEMENT AUTHORITY The Swan Reach and Districts Landcare Group will be responsible for the management of the wetland in consultation with the landholders. The contact person is Wayne Brice, the chairman of the Swan Reach and Districts Landcare Group. The wetland falls within the Mid Murray LAP area. See Table 14 below for contact details. Table 14: Morgan’s Lagoon responsible positions contact details

Position

Present Officers

Phone number

Organisation

Mailing Address

Chairman of the Wayne Swan Reach and Brice Districts Landcare Group

Swan Reach and Districts Landcare Group

15 Arthur Street

Mid Murray LAP Judy Project Officer Pfeiffer

PO Box 10

PO Box 10

Cambrai SA 5353

(08) 8564 6034

Wetland Project Adrienne Officer, Lower Frears Murray

SA MDB NRM BOARD

PO Box 2056

Murray Bridge

SA 5253

(08) 8232 6753

Mt. Lofty Ranges Mount Catchment Centre Barker Upper Level, Cnr Mann and Walker St's

SA 5251

(08) 8391 7515

Wetland Tumi Lower LAPS Management Bjornsson Planning Officer

Tranmere SA 5073

(08) 8332 1929 0409 102 814

31

Morgan’s Lagoon (Moorundi Complex) Wetland Management Plan

Map 9: Cadastral boundaries covering Morgan’s Lagoon and surrounds.

32

Morgan’s Lagoon (Moorundi Complex) Wetland Management Plan

Chapter 5. THREATS MORGAN’S LAGOON

AND

POTENTIAL

SOLUTIONS

TO

There are a number of existing and potential threats to Morgan‟s Lagoon, some of which have become apparent in the description of the wetland and assessment of the available data in the chapters above. The identification of these threats is essential for appropriate adaptive management of the wetland. Their early recognition allows for an appropriate monitoring strategy for early identification of adverse impacts of management and therefore rapid response through management. The major current threat to the wetland is the lack of regional flooding, which is well outside the scope of this plan. Other threats to the wetland include the lack of regeneration of submerged macrophytes due to the permanent inundation of the wetland, weeds and rabbits. These threats can be and are addressed by this management plan. However, the altered management of a wetland will in itself bring with it potential threats that need to be identified. The awareness of the potential threats is central to future management actions and monitoring set out in this Wetland Management Plan. The potential as well as the existing threats identified so far have been listed in Table 15 on page 34.

33

Morgan’s Lagoon (Moorundi Complex) Wetland Management Plan Table 15: Existing and prospective threats to Morgan’s Lagoon

SYMPTOM Dying red gums, lignums and black box

Lack of water Possible increase in groundwater salinity

Permanent inundation

Degraded wetland plant communities

Lack of regeneration phase Dry period missing, nutrient therefore not available in substrate for plant growth.

Rapid change in water level

Vegetation dieback

Salinisation of the wetland through evapoconcentration (If the water

Increasing EC of wetland water body Potential degradation in macrophytes and native fauna (including some bird species)

The rapid fluctuations do not allow the macrophytes to respond appropriately to the altered water levels. The support offered by the water (required by some macrophytes) is not available. The water level rises, too quickly for the macrophyte to compensate by increased growth, above the optimal height for the macrophyte, effectively drowning it. Evapo-concentration Existing control structure (closed)

Existing Potential

exchange between the wetland and the river is minimised)

Poor Water Quality: Turbidity

Turbid wetland, loss of macrophytes and potential algal bloom

Saline intrusion from groundwater during extended dry periods of lagoon Saline intrusion from groundwater (probably a small

Increased salinity on wetland basin

Groundwater salinity higher than surface water

Vegetation dieback Saline depressions

Potential groundwater flow gradient from irrigation on west side of Yarramundi creek

Potential Potential Potential

ABIOTIC

CAUSE

Lack of regional floods

Existing

Existing

THREATS

risk as irrigation has diminished in the area)

Bioturbation (Carp) Wind resuspension Algal blooms

IMPACT

CATEGORY

EXTENT (IF KNOWN)

POTENTIAL SOLUTION

Loss/degradation of native vegetation and associated communities (e.g. red gum and lignum) Encouragement of the spread of robust weeds Less bird habitat (long term impact on breeding through lack of floodplain vegetation) Dieback of native vegetation (Aquatic) Loss of habitat variability for Fauna (Birds, Fish, Frogs, Turtles, Macroinvertebrates) Decreased nutrient uptake by macrophytes leading to increased nutrient availability to algae Decreased competition by macrophytes, algae therefore obtains more light for growth Loss of Macrophytes

Regional

River Murray

Outside of the scope of this management plan

Regional & Local Local management response

Wetland

Addressed in this management plan Introduce “natural” water regime Control dry period and inundation rates to promote macrophyte growth

Local

Wetland and fringing vegetation

Slow the exchange rate Potentially close/restrict the direct connection to the river side of the wetland. Leave the Yarramundi creek inlet open to allow some variability as would have been occurring naturally due to wind. I assume that the Yarramundi Creek inlet should react slower due to the restricted flows along Yarramundi Creek, the higher elevation of the inlet (fluctuation should then only occur when it is high enough to pass and for a long duration).

Degradation of wetland water quality Degradation of wetland environments Degradation of habitat quality for native fish Less native fish diversity Degradation of habitat quality for some bird species

Local

Wetland

If the connections (or at least one) are left open some exchange will be possible alleviating this threat to the wetland. The salt escaping into the river would potentially be slow if the Yarramundi Creek inlet is the only one left open. The salt load would not be any different than if the wetland had dried naturally)

Blocking of light penetration and therefore reducing macrophyte growth Lack of macrophytes – less nutrient uptake which become available to algae which are not as impacted on by high turbidities Algal blooms Degradation of habitat quality for fauna (e.g. macroinvertibrates, native fish and birds) Prevention of planktonic and epiphytic primary production (impact on the food chain) Stalinisation of the wetland

Local

Wetland

Local

Wetland

Exclude large carp (this would minimise the impact of the feeding behaviour of carp) Restoration of macrophytes (macrophytes have been shown to increase sedimentation within wetlands and therefore reduce turbidity) Restoration of fringing vegetation (the riparian vegetation will act as a windbreak and may therefore reduce wind induced resuspension) Monitor wetland and ground water during dry phase and respond through adaptive management if necessary. Limit dry phase to 6 months maximum.

Saline groundwater inflow into the wetland area

Local

Wetland

Monitor groundwater If groundwater impact is serious discuss adaptive management options/irrigation efficiency with local landholders

34

Morgan’s Lagoon (Moorundi Complex) Wetland Management Plan

CAUSE

IMPACT

CATEGORY

EXTENT (IF KNOWN)

Their absence

Rapid refilling following a dry spell Lack of dry periods for germination Turbidity Rapid water level fluctuation Carp feeding strategy

Loss of habitat availability and diversity for native fish species and macroinvertebrates Reduced numbers of specialist native fish species Reduction in plankton and epiphytes (impact on the food chain)

Local

Wetland

Weeds

Their presence

Degradation of native vegetation cover

Competition with native species Do not deliver same habitat requirements of native fauna as native species do

Local

Wetland and floodplain

POTENTIAL SOLUTION Addressed in this management plan Dry wetland edge, compact sediment Remove carp Slow refill allowing germination and growth Slow water regime fluctuation Monitor impact of water level and turbidity and respond adaptively Active weed removal strategies as recommended by experts

Rabbits

Destruction of native vegetation and limited succession

Rabbits feeding on the vegetation

Degradation in native vegetation communities and species dependent on these communities

Local

Floodplain

Control of rabbit population (poisoning and/or shooting)

Invasive fish species (carp, gambusia, goldfish and redfin)

Turbid wetlands Reduction in native fish diversity and abundance

Competition with native fish for habitat (domination of available habitat) Competition for food resource with native fish, i.e. reduction in insect and crustacean fauna Predation/aggressive interaction on/with small and young native fish (redfin/gambusia) Damage to aquatic vegetation Decrease in water quality, e.g. turbidity increase (carp) Reduction in food availability for birds

Regional and local (Managed locally)

Wetland

Fish grills to exclude large specimens. If carp exclusion trials are successful in other wetlands it could be considered for Morgan’s Lagoon Removal of large carp during dry phase Monitor abundance of invasive species with comparative monitoring of abundance of native species

No habitat development for larger native fish species

Reduction/low numbers of large native fish

Well known environmental problem in region (large pest population), introduced for various reasons including mosquito control, aquaculture and aquarium industry (discarded specimens) Rapid breeding cycles (carp ~2/year), live bearing (gambusia), unpalatable eggs (redfin) Predation on native fish (redfin) Fish screens Lack of snags

Loss of recruitment and grow out habitat Loss of potential increase in abundance of large native fish

Local

Wetland and river

Consider carp separation cages rather than fish screens

Potential

Existing

BIOTIC

SYMPTOM

Loss of submerged aquatic vegetation

Existing

Existing

Existing

THREATS

35

Morgan’s Lagoon (Moorundi Complex) Wetland Management Plan

Chapter 6. MANAGEMENT OBJECTIVES Based on the objectives presented in Section 1.02(c) on page 3 and the threats to the wetland discussed in Chapter 5 on page 33, management objectives can now be developed in detail. The objectives, including solutions, actions needed and priorities are detailed in Table 16 on page 37. Adaptive management will drive the actions undertaken to achieve the objectives. The detailed objectives remain as those identified by the Landcare group. The objectives listed below have been adapted from the Moorundi Wetland Complex Management Plan to correspond to the baseline survey data and recommendations and therefore for Morgan‟s Lagoon. These objectives are as follows: A healthy environment More native fish, yabbies, waterbirds More submerged macrophytes (water plants), Maintained emergent macrophytes, More prickly bottlebrush and river cooba Maintained red gums Clearer fresher water The issues that need to be addressed to achieve these objectives include: Continued no grazing Reduction in the stress to trees (outside the scope of this management plan) Reduction in weeds Control of carp population No rabbits Reduction in bare banks on the lagoons or mainstream Better management Appropriate seasonal flows throughout the complex, including rate of exchange/water level fluctuation (adaptive management) Integrate human uses to minimise impacts Greater knowledge of ecosystem plants and animals (Jensen and Turner 2002).

36

Morgan’s Lagoon (Moorundi Complex) Wetland Management Plan Table 16: Management objectives Morgan’s Lagoon.

Native Native

SOLUTIONS

ACTIONS (Management (M) or Engineering or structural (ES))

Regeneration of wetland aquatic species (submerged macrophytes)

Management of inundation/drawdown periods Manage water regime to trigger/induce aquatic and riparian vegetation regeneration

Maintenance of native fringing and riparian vegetation

Manage water regime to maintain vegetation (woodland, sedgeland and herbland plant communities) Weed removal

Close and partly dry the wetland (M) Open flow control gates (ES) Control hydrology regime adaptively (see Section 7.02 on page 41) (M) Establish a water regime which allows flooding when possible (M) Establish a water regime which allows draw down and therefore regeneration (M)

Increased numbers of prickly bottlebrush and rive coobah

Seed collection and revegetation

MONITOR (TIMING)

PRIORITY

WAP (water license)

High

No loss in diversity Maintain current healthy status No more spread of weeds

Photo point (Y) Vegetation survey (Y)

WAP (water license)

High

Survival of >50% of revegetation

Photo point (Y) Vegetation survey (Y)

Weed control as per expert recommendations (M)

Reduction of weeds (as per expert assessment)

Restore native fish habitat (One of the management objectives is the increase in native fish diversity. The attempt will be made to provide a diverse habitat.)

Manage water regime to restore habitat values for native fish and therefore enhance their breeding. Improved fish habitat through improved and more diverse ecological niches, such as macrophytes (emergent and submerged), snags (therefore need riparian vegetation) and open water. As well as more food sources, biofilms (plankton and epiphytes). This would lead to an increased diversity and abundance of small native fish, which are preyed upon by larger native fish. Both are in turn prayed upon by waterbirds who also obtain a more diverse habitat though the development of aquatic and riparian vegetation Active removal of carp Restrict reinfestation by large carp Manage water regime to benefit native species

Open flow control gates (M) Control refilling speed to optimize for aquatic vegetation germination and growth Maintenance of a stable, still water environment Restore riparian vegetation

Maintenance of species diversity Increase in specialist species abundance

Fish survey (Y)

Instillation (Yarramundi Creek connection) and operation of existing fish grills (River Murray connection) (ES & M) Potential future instillation of carp exclusion cages (River Murray connection) (ES) Manage wetland water regime to minimize turbidity and maintain and increase aquatic vegetation (M)

Decreased numbers of carp (No large carp)

Fish survey (Y) Observation (carp come to surface)

FISH

LEGISLATION

Vegetation survey (Y) Monitor water quality (M)

Diversity of aquatic species (Presence of greater numbers of submerged macrophytes) Maintain clear wetland (Turbidity NTU 80 for ~ 90% of time)

Establish weed removal projects in the wetland area

Reduce threat of invasive fish species

Invasive

Active revegetation/seeding

QUANTIFIABLE /MEASURE OF ACHIEVEMENT

Removal of weeds from wetland area

Native

Invasive

VEGETATION

Native

MANAGEMENT OBJECTIVES

Vegetation survey (Y)

Low

N/A

Low

WAP (water license)

High

High

37

Morgan’s Lagoon (Moorundi Complex) Wetland Management Plan

Native/Migratory

Provide increased submerged habitat (submerged macrophytes and snags) Increase fringing and submerged vegetation Spring flooding

Maintained habitat for water birds (Waterfowl, waders and shorebirds, etc.)

Manage water regime to maintain habitat values for water birds and (All habitat including open water) Increase food source though improved native fish, invertebrates and crustacean populations Manage water regime to restore habitat values for migratory bird species (Waders during wetland drawdown)

Reduce rabbit population

Active removal

Removal of any stock which wander into wetland area

Inform Portee Station when sheep are seen in wetland area

Salinity

Manage water regime to minimise salinity impact of management strategy, maximising the wetland restoration

Turbidity

Manage water regime to minimise turbidity of wetland water of management strategy, maximising the wetland restoration

WQ Fish Screens

Structural

MANAGEMENT

SOLUTIONS

Increase numbers of insects, macroinvertebrates, crustaceans, plankton and epiphytes Frogs- maintain or increase abundance and diversity of frogs, particularly SBF

WQ

OTHER TERRESTRIAL SPECIES Stock Rabbits removal

BIRDS

OTHER AQUATIC SPECIES Native

MANAGEMENT OBJECTIVES

Installation of fish screen at Yarramundi Creek inlet into wetland

ACTIONS (MANAGEMENT (M) OR ENGINEERING OR STRUCTURAL (ES)) Drawdown of wetland, drying and compacting the sediment (M) Introduction of snags (dead branches etc) Refilling of wetland, inducing submerged macrophyte germination (M) Manage water regime to induce and maintain submerged and emergent macrophyte growth Drawdown of wetland, drying and compacting the sediment (M) Refilling of wetland, inducing submerged macrophyte germination (M) Manage water regime to induce and maintain submerged and emergent macrophyte growth

Shooting and/or poisoning

Inform Portee Station when sheep are seen in wetland area

Allow exchange of water between wetland and river when the wetland is not being dried

Establish an occasional wetland partial dry phase (1 of 2 years) If sediment does not compact and reduce turbidity establish a full drying event Application for funding Construction and installation of fish grills

QUANTIFIABLE /MEASURE OF ACHIEVEMENT Increased habitat Increased relative species numbers

MONITOR (TIMING)

LEGISLATION

PRIORITY

Low

???

WAP (water license)

Medium

Maintenance of bird diversity using wetland Waders using mudflats during drawdown Increase in habitat (temporary mudflats and submerged vegetation) diversity

Bird survey (1/2Y) Vegetation survey (Y) Observation

Improved regeneration of native species where rabbit degradation has been identified

Vegetation survey (Y)

High

Continual Observation

Medium

Monitor water quality (M)

Medium

Monitor water quality (M) Observation

Low

No stock presence 99% of the time

Monitor wetland salinity (no net increase over time)

Visibly clear water Turbidity of wetland water below 80 NTU for majority of time (~90%) Presence of fish grills

N/A

Medium

WMP, Wetland Management Plan; GW, Ground Water; WQ, Water Quality; W, Weekly; M, Monthly; Y, Yearly

38

Morgan’s Lagoon (Moorundi Complex) Wetland Management Plan

Chapter 7. IMPLEMENTATION PLAN Based on the threats to Morgan‟s Lagoon, the management objectives, developed from both the baseline survey data and the vision/mission statement, management actions have been developed. These management actions include on-ground works as well as the alteration of the wetland hydrological regime. A monitoring plan, designed to assist in adaptive management of the wetland and therefore focus on the fulfilment of the vision statement, is discussed in the next chapter (Chapter 8 on page 47). The major actions identified include: Partial drying of wetland Active removal of carp Increase snags in wetland Slow refill of wetland Baiting and/or shooting of rabbits Weed control Installation of fish grills at Yarramundi Creek inlet into wetland Monitoring as per the monitoring plan (see Chapter 8 on page 47)

SECTION 7.01 ON GROUND ACTION AND TIMETABLE Table 17, on page 40, provides a timetable for the on ground works in Morgan‟s Lagoon, prior to the dry period, during the dry period and after inundation. The table does not address monitoring which is discussed in Chapter 8 on page 47. A log of all activities should be maintained. This log would assist in the review process of the Wetland Management Plan discussed in Chapter 9 on page 49.

39

Morgan’s Lagoon (Moorundi Complex) Wetland Management Plan Table 17: Implementation plan for Morgan’s Lagoon.

PRIOR TO WETLAND DRY PERIOD

ACTIVITY

DRY

Increase snags in wetland (add some dead red gum branches)

PERIOD

PARTIAL DURING AFTER INUNDATION AS APPROPRIATE

Install stopper logs

PRIORITY High

Medium

RESOURCES Min. 2 People Stopper logs

Working party (possibly 4x4 vehicle or tractor) Available red gum branches (do not remove all from the surrounding area) Existing grills (see council) 1 person 5 minutes

TIMETABLE

RESPONSIBILITY

January 2006

Community group

Possible at any time.

Community group

September

Community group Community group with assistance form the Mid Murray LAP & SA MDB NRM BOARD Community group

Install fish exclusion grills (River Murray inlet)

High

Active removal of carp

High

Fishnets Large group of volunteers

Prior to opening of flow control structures

Inundate wetland Less than 1cm/day (need to maintain a clear flow path, i.e. remove debris from exclusion mesh) Control water level fluctuation (buffer the rate of fluctuation if necessary (Adaptive management)). If necessary close connection between the River Murray and Morgan’s Lagoon diverting all water exchange through Yarramundi Creek, therefore slowing the fluctuation and potentially reducing the adverse impact of rapid water level fluctuations on submerged macrophytes Potentially clean fish exclusion grills

High

1 person 15 minutes/day for time that culvert is open

September

High

Adjust stopper logs at inlets Min. 2 People Stopper logs

On going (only if submerged macrophytes are established following a dry event and these macrophytes are being impacted on by the rapid water level change)

Community group decision made with assistance form the Mid Murray LAP & SA MDB NRM BOARD

1 person 1 hour

As necessary

Community group

Asap

Community group with assistance from the Mid Murray LAP

On going

Community group with assistance from the Mid Murray LAP Community group with assistance form the Mid Murray LAP & SA MDB NRM BOARD Community group with assistance form the Mid Murray LAP & SA MDB NRM BOARD Community group with assistance from the Mid Murray LAP Community group with assistance from the Mid Murray LAP

Medium

Removal of weeds (terrestrial)

Low

Rabbit control

High

Monitor GW flow direction

Medium

Funding On ground works project Buffalo grass and water couch careful spraying with glyphosate herbicide Funding (poison and/or qualified marksman) 1 person ½ hour/quarter

On going

Establish whether high turbidity is a result of suspended sediment or algae

Low

Sampling Funding

As necessary

Installation of fish screen in Yarramundi Creek inlet

High

Funding

Asap

Clear flow channel (creek) between wetland and Yarramundi Creek

High

Funding On ground works project

Asap/ On going

40

Morgan’s Lagoon (Moorundi Complex) Wetland Management Plan

SECTION 7.02 WETLAND WATER OPERATIONAL PLAN (HYDROLOGY – WATER REGIME) The strongest tool in managing a wetland is the control of the wetland hydrology. The hydrology controls the germination and growth of aquatic and riparian vegetation. The healthy vegetation and appropriate inundation leads to the growth of biofilm, the vegetation and biofilm being a food source for macroinvertebrates and small native fish. The vegetation and appropriate water regime also provide a more diverse habitat for waterbirds and fish. The restoration of Morgan‟s Lagoon and fulfilment of the major objectives, the restoration of a complex wetland ecosystem, is therefore reliant upon the establishment of an appropriate water regime. Morgan‟s Lagoon is presently a permanently inundated wetland with a good through-flow connection to the River Murray. The benefits of the good connection include the constant access to and exchange of water, the wetland therefore not becoming saline due to evapoconcentration. The benefit to the river is the nutrient retention of the wetland or a functional role in the reduction of nutrients within the river itself. There are however disadvantages associated with this open connection with the river. One disadvantage is the short term and rapid fluctuations of water level as a direct result of river height, the river height being determined by both the operation of Lock 1 and the wind direction (as stated previously the wind direction can alter the flow direction of the River Murray below Lock 1). Another disadvantage is the very long-term inundation of the wetland. The long-term inundation does not allow for the drying out of the wetland banks and the germination of macrophytes following rewetting of the wetland. Through the long therm permanent inundation the seed bank within the wetland may also now be depauperate. By re-establishing an appropriate seasonal and slowly fluctuating water regime, adapted to the current conditions in the River Murray and Morgan‟s Lagoon, it is anticipated that the macrophyte germination and growth can be encouraged, the lack of submerged macrophytes being a particular issue in Morgan‟s Lagoon. The increased growth of submerged macrophytes and maintenance of the emergent macrophytes and riparian vegetation would provide increased habitat than currently available for macroinvertebrates, fish, amphibians and water birds. The management of the hydrology regime and the fill rate, volume and drying stage will be based on observed conditions and on monitored data. This management is facilitated by previous work by the community group members from the Swan Reach and District Landcare Group and Wetland Care Australia in the planning and construction of flow control structures. Adaptive management of Morgan‟s Lagoon is controlled through the 5-year hydrological operational plan (HOP), which is described in Table 18 on page 45. This intended hydrological regime is described below and shown in Figure 15 and Figure 16 on page 44. The HOP includes an assessment of the water volumes needed annually over the 5-year period (Table 20 on page 46). An annual review of the WMP is essential for best practice management to guide efforts according to the vision and therefore objectives. This will assist to assess whether the submerged vegetation has set seed and if the wetland is due for a dry period. Therefore, at the end of each inundation season a decision should be made as to whether the hydrology regime intended as described in this plan is to be followed based on monitored data and past experiences. This decision would be as part of an annual review of the Wetland Management Plan (WMP). The wetland hydrology regime (management) options available are; Stage 1. Partial dry the wetland. The wetland should remain dry for at least 3 months and no more than 6. Drying should therefore commence at the end of February beginning of March. The wetland should be maintained at approximately 0.4 m AHD to provide a refuge for native fish species and water birds. Stage 2. Refill the wetland. The filling of the wetland stage should proceed slowly at maximally 2cm depth per day (preferably at 1cm/day). The filling should therefore take between 40 and 80 days. 41

Morgan’s Lagoon (Moorundi Complex) Wetland Management Plan

Stage 3. (Not part of water licence) If the water level is adequate the wetland should be allowed to flood. The flood should then to be contained within the wetland for as long as possible to allow the full wetting of the riparian zone. Stage 4. The submerged macrophytes established following refilling of the wetland should be monitored and the impact of the relatively rapid water level fluctuations and/or turbidity established. Future water regime management will depend on this impact, e.g. the relatively rapid rate of water level fluctuations might need to be addressed if this is impacting on the submerged macrophyte survival (see Figure 14 on page 43). Through control of the flow structures a more stable seasonal water regime could be reinstated (the issue here is, due the constant water levels maintained in the river through the operation of lock 1 and the barrages combined with wind action there can be rapid and short lived water fluctuations). The wind-induced fluctuations are not new, only exaggerated by the barrages. The optimal hydrology could therefore become quite complex. Leaving the Yarramundi creek inlet open and closing of the river connection would stabilise the fluctuations. This would allow the submerged macrophytes to survive and to set seed. Stage 5. Monitor whether the macrophytes have set seed, expected in a two year wet and dry cycle (Tucker, Harper et al. 2002). Prior to re-drying there needs to be a confirmation that the macrophytes have seeded. This would be achieved through monitoring. The cycle of partial drying with a refill to maintain the germination and growth of submerged macrophytes can then be reinitiated. Stage 6. Return to stage 1. Although this second stage 1 could be a fully dry cycle, this would be determined by the monitored data and experience of the community group (see Figure 14 on page 43). A representation of these stages is made in Figure 15 and Figure 16 on page 44. Water allocation (WA) required during a dry year is calculated using Equation 1; see Figure 16 on page 44 for a description of the parameters. The water allocation required during a wet year is calculated using Equation 2, which accounts for the evaporation used during that year. If the wetland needs to be fully dried the volume required is adjusted using Equation 3. The calculated water allocation requirements for Morgan‟s Lagoon over the period of the Wetland Management Plan are calculated in Table 19 on page 46 and presented in Table 20 on page 46. The calculated water allocation requirements for Morgan‟s Lagoon over the period of the Wetland Management Plan are presented in Table 20 on page 46. Equation 1: WA 1

Rfv 1

Equation 2: WA 2

Ev 2

Equation 3: WA 3

WA 1

Ev 1

Ev 1

Ev 2

Rfv 2

The evaporation rates were obtained using the Wetland Loss Calculator obtained from RMWCMB. The details of the estimated volume of evaporation used for the calculation of water requirements can be seen in Appendix I. The salinity impact of wetland management was to be estimated using the SIWM model. However the Department of Water, Land and Biodiversity Conservation (DWLBC) has withdrawn the use of the SIWM model. Some inherent difficulties were found in developing and finalising this model for general use leading to a new modelling approach to be undertaken. DWLBC is presently developing a new model for the simulation of, the impact wetland management will have on salt accumulation within wetlands, as well as, the potential impacts to the river (Croucher 2005). A salinity assessment will be conducted on Morgan‟s Lagoon once the model is available for use, a brief report outlining the results of this modelling will be included in the plan in the future.

42

Morgan’s Lagoon (Moorundi Complex) Wetland Management Plan

Continual Monitoring (see monitoring schedules Chapter 8 on page 47)

Partially dry wetland

Slow refill of wetland

Growth of submerged macrophytes

Yes

No

Increase in native specialist fish species

Yes Partial dry again in next dry stage

Did refill occur slowly?

Yes

No

No

Turbid wetland >80 NTU >20% of time

Increase snags in wetland

Yes

Refill slower following next dry period

No

Fully dry wetland next dry stage (monitor wetland base salinity for evidence of saline groundwater intrusion)

Close the connection between the River Murray and the wetland following the next dry stage (the exchange of water should occur slower through Yarramundi creek).

Reduced carp numbers?

No

Yes Repeat carp management (active removal during dry phase and installation of fish screens).

Install separation cage

Restart Management & Decision Process Figure 14: Decision support framework (DSF) for Morgan’s Lagoon

43

Morgan’s Lagoon (Moorundi Complex) Wetland Management Plan Maintain wetland volume by compensating for evaporation

Slow refill between 1 & 2 cm/day. Promote aquatic plant growth (emergent and submerged macrophytes). Monitor for success & adjust fill rate.

Draw down, provide mudflat for wadders.

Allow seasonal variability Leave the connection open for the variability experienced over past few years. Consider future carp management depending on research. Review whether the direct connection with the rive should b closed to slow the water level fluctuations

Compact sediment. Kill exotic fish. Maintain presence of native fish. Introduce snags to develop habitat for fish and macroinvertebrates.

Revise Wetland Management Plan

Maintain/develop habitat for fish, frogs and birds.

mAHD

1.8

1.0 0.8 0.6 0.4 0.2 0.0

To minimise impact on native fish present in Morgan‟s Lagoon the wetland will be drawn down during the first drying regime, leaving refuge for the fish. If the wetland remains turbid to the extent of restricting the growth and survival of submerged macrophytes, the second drying event will need to dry the wetland completely with the aim of compacting the bottom sediment of the lagoon.

WA3

-0.1

September

January 2006 Equation used

WA1

January 2007

September WA2

January 2008

WA3 January 2009

September WA1

September WA2

January 2010

January 2011

September WA1

September WA2

Figure 15: 6 year water regime scenario for Morgan’s Lagoon (benefit description)

Ev1 = Evaporation during partial dry event Ev2 = Evaporation during normal volume Rfv1 = Required fill volume after partial dry

Revise Wetland Management Plan

Rfv2 = Additional required fill volume after complete dry (wetland bed dry)

mAHD

1.8

Ev2

1.0 0.8

Ev1

0.6 0.4 0.2 0.0

Ev2 Ev1

Rfv1

Ev2 Ev1

Rfv1 Rfv2

Rfv1

-0.1

January 2006 Stage

September 1

2

January 2007

September 4

January 2008 5

September 6/1

3

2

January 2009 3

September 4

January 2010 5

September 6/1

January 2011

2

September 4

3

Figure 16: 6 year water regime scenario for Morgan’s Lagoon (volume description)

44

Morgan’s Lagoon (Moorundi Complex) Wetland Management Plan Table 18: 6 year hydrological operational plan (HOP) for Morgan’s Lagoon

Stage

Stage description

Water Level Depth (m) Measured @ deepest point of wetland.

1 2 3

4

5 6

Draw down of wetland volume Refill wetland. Refill depth at 1 to 2 cm/day to allow macrophyte germination and growth. (Not part of water licence) If the water level is adequate the wetland should be allowed to flood. The flood should then to be contained within the wetland for as long as possible to allow the full wetting of the riparian zone. Respond to submerged macrophyte growth. The submerged macrophytes established following refilling of the wetland should be monitored and the impact of the relatively rapid water level fluctuations and/or turbidity established. Monitor whether the macrophytes have set seed, Return to stage 1.

Wetland Depth (mAHD)

Timing

Triggers

0.5 0.9

0.4 0.8

March to August September to end October

Closing of flow control structures. Opening of structure.

>0.9

>0.8

From October on (when possible)

High water level in river allowing the wetland to flood.

0.9

0.8

On-going

Macrophyte health.

0.9

0.8

Expected in a two year wet and dry cycle (Tucker, Harper et al. 2002)

0.9

0.8

Late Summer/Autumn second year March to August second year

This second stage 1 could be a fully dry cycle, this would be determined by the monitored data and experience of the community group (see Figure 14 on page 43).

45

Morgan’s Lagoon (Moorundi Complex) Wetland Management Plan Table 19: Water use calculation

Volume (ML) * Rfv1** Partial Dry Year (A)

Rfv2**

90

Wet Year (B) 90

Full Dry Year (C)

40

Potential Evaporation (ML)**

Comment

Total Annual Water Requirement (ML)

220

No water requirements during the drying event (4 months)

310

370

Fluctuations are expected due to a open connection with the river

370

200

Drying event, no water allocation is required following the closing of the structures in February, until opening of the structure in September

330

* Obtained from the baseline survey (Australian Water Environments 2005) ** Rounded to nearest 10

Table 20: Water Allocation Requirements

2006

Partial Dry Year

310 ML

2007

Wet Year

370 ML

2008

Partial Dry Year *

310 ML

2009

Wet Year

370 ML

2010

Partial Dry Year *

310 ML

2011

Wet Year

370 ML

* If a decision is made through adaptive management that a partial dry year is to be a fully dry year 20 ML more will be used due an increased refill requirement (some savings are made due to a reduction in evaporative loss).

46

Morgan’s Lagoon (Moorundi Complex) Wetland Management Plan

Chapter 8. MONITORING For the development of a wetland management plan for Morgan‟s Lagoon a baseline survey was conducted during 2003 to 2004. The data collected during this survey provided a basis by which objectives for the wetland management could be refined, hydrology guidelines could be developed and review procedures scheduled. As part of adaptive management and best practise wetland management, monitoring of the wetland has been devised to study the potential implications of the unknowns to the changed hydrological regime. That is, ongoing monitoring during wetland management plays a role in adaptive management by providing managers with information on how the wetland is responding to management strategies, whether the objectives are being met, whether there are off-target implications (wetland in regional context) or (as per Your Wetland: Monitoring Manual (Tucker 2004)) whether the Golden Rules are being broken. The Golden Rules being: Don‟t salinise your wetland. Don‟t kill long lived vegetation. Don‟t destroy threatened communities or habitats of threatened species. The schedule and parameters included for monitoring, and parties responsible, are presented in Table 21 on page 48. To ensure that monitored data is available for evaluation, review and reporting, a log of all activities, monitoring and site description should be maintained at an accessible and convenient location. A copy of the monitoring data should be regularly backed up (or copied) and stored at a separate location so as to minimise potential loss or destruction of the data. The purpose of such a log is to maintain a record of management steps undertaken, their justification and observed impacts/implications. The maintenance of a log is both good management practice, allowing future reference to potential impacts of management, and a requirement of the Wetland Water License. Refer to Your Wetland: Monitoring Manual (Tucker 2004) for examples of data log sheets and further description of monitoring methods.

47

Morgan’s Lagoon (Moorundi Complex) Wetland Management Plan Table 21: Monitoring plan for Morgan’s Lagoon.

Parameter

Method

Groundwater

Level and Conductivity

Surface Water

Fish

Vegetation

Frogs Birds Macroinvertebrates

Priority

SEP OCT NOV DEC JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG Time Required

MODERATE Three monthly following The Swan Reach and Districts Landcare Group scheduled meetings

Water quality monitoring (cond, turb, temp)

HIGH

Surface level (using gauge boards)

HIGH

Sample of water when turbidity is high

Low

Seine net, dip net (and fyke nets if deep enough)

HIGH

Photopoint monitoring

HIGH

Quadrat/line intercept*

MODERATE

half day

Community group

Three monthly following The Swan Reach and Districts Landcare Group scheduled meetings

half day

Community group

Three monthly following The Swan Reach and Districts Landcare Group scheduled meetings

0.5 hour

Community group

When turbidity is high

0.5 hour

Community group

1 day

Volunteers

2 hours

Community group



Set up- 2 days,

Volunteers



0.5 hour

Volunteers



half day (from dawn)

Volunteers

1 day (not including identification)

Volunteers



Dip net survey

MODERATE LOW





Three monthly following The Swan Reach and Districts Landcare Group scheduled meetings

Recording Calls MODERATE  Fixed area search

Responsible









The community group (The Swan Reach and Districts Landcare Group) intends to monitor on a 3 monthly basis following scheduled meetings (Brice 2005).

48

Morgan’s Lagoon (Moorundi Complex) Wetland Management Plan

Chapter 9. EVALUATION, REVIEW AND REPORTING SECTION 9.01 EVALUATION AND REVIEW The review of the implications of changed management of Morgan‟s Lagoon needs to be an ongoing process. For the Wetland Management Plan to be an adaptive and complete document, periodic reviews have been scheduled in the monitoring and evaluation framework. The full impact of a changed hydrology regime and the effectiveness of the new regime cannot be fully predicted. Therefore, the data obtained through monitoring need to be regularly reviewed to respond to impacts of the management strategy. An annual review of the monitored data and the condition of the wetland should be conducted by the community group, if necessary assistance should be available from the Mid Murray LAP. A full review of the Wetland Management Plan should be scheduled in 5 years. For the annual review to be effective it needs to include an upgrade of the; Hydrological regime based on new knowledge and understanding. Decision Support Framework based on experiences and monitoring. Monitoring schedule to reflect changes in the Wetland Management Plan.

SECTION 9.02 REPORTING The wetland management plan for Morgan‟s lagoon is comprehensive and includes an estimation of the water requirements over the period covered in this plan. Should the volume used deviate substantially from the plan the Department of Water, Land and Biodiversity Conservation (DWLBC) will need to be notified. The records noted in the activity and monitoring logs will assist in reporting to DWLBC. Further as part of the requirements of the water license, any substantial change in the wetland management plan, e.g. objectives, monitoring timetable or planed hydrology regime change, also need to be reported to DWLBC.

49

Morgan’s Lagoon (Moorundi Complex) Wetland Management Plan

Chapter 10. REFERENCES Anonymous (1972). South Australia: National Parks and Wildlife Act 1972. Accessed July 25 2005, http://www.parliament.sa.gov.au/Catalog/legislation/Acts/N/1972.56.un.htm. Anonymous (1999). Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act. Australian Water Environments (2005). Morgan's Lagoon Wetlands Baseline Survey. Adelaide, Australian Water Environments. Draft Barnett, S. R. (1989). The hydrogeology of the Murray Basin in South Australia with special reference to the alluvium of the River Murray floodplain. in K. Holland (2003). Moorundi Wetlands Groundwater Monitoring Network: Case Study - Morgan's Lagoon. CSIRO Land and Water. BOM (2005). Climate Averages. Accessed 27 June 2005, http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/averages/tables/cw_024018.shtml. Brice, W. (2005). Personal Communication. Chairman of the Swan Reach and Districts Landcare Group. Croucher, D. (2005). Personal Communication. Salinity Management Officer: DWLBC. Department of Water Land and Biodiversity Conservation (2005a). AW426902: MURRAY RIVER @ Lock 1 Upstream (274.3km). Accessed 31 August 2005, http://www.dwlbc.sa.gov.au/subs/surface_water_archive/sites/aw426902/aw426902.htm. Department of Water Land and Biodiversity Conservation (2005b). AW426903: MURRAY RIVER @ Lock 1 Downstream (274.3km). Accessed 31 August 2005, http://www.dwlbc.sa.gov.au/subs/surface_water_archive/sites/aw426903/aw426903.htm. Jensen, A., F. Marsh, et al. (1999). Wetland Managment Study: Moorundi Wetland Complex. Berri, Wetland Care Australia. Jensen, A., P. Paton, et al. (1996). Wetlands Atlas of the South Australian Murray Valley. ADELAIDE, South Australian River Murray Wetlands Management Committee. South Australian Department of Environment and Natural Resources. Jensen, A. and R. Turner (2002). Moorundi Wetland Complex Management Plan. Berri, Wetland Care Australia. Murray-Darling Ministerial Council (1998). Floodplain Wetlands Management Strategy: For the Murray-Darling Basin. Canberra, Murray-Darling Basin Commission. A component of the Natural Resources Management Strategy National Parks and Wildlife Council and Department for Environment and Heritage (2003). 2003 Review of the Status of Threatened Species in South Australia: Proposed Schedules under the South Australian National Parks and Wildlife Act 1972, Government of South Australia. Discussion Paper Nicol, J. (2006). Personal Communication. Senior Research Officer Wetland & Riparian Plant Ecology Inland Waters Sub-Program: SARDI aquatic sciences. River Murray Catchment Water Management Board (2002). Water Allocation Plan for the River Murray Prescribed Watercourse. Berri, South Australia, Government of South Australia. 50

Morgan’s Lagoon (Moorundi Complex) Wetland Management Plan

River Murray Catchment Water Management Board and Department of Water Land and Biodiversity Conservation (2003). Guidelines for Development of Wetland Management Plans for the River Murray in South Australia. Scott, A. (1997). Relationships between waterbird ecology and river flows in the Murray-Darling Basin. Canberra, CSIRO Land and Water. Technical Report Smitt, C., I. Jolly, et al. (2003). Moorundi Wetlands Groundwater Monitoring Network: Case Study - Morgan's Lagoon, CSIRO Land and Water. South Australian River Murray Wetlands Management Committee (SARMWMC) (1996). Management of Wetlands of the River Murray Valley: Draft Action Plan 1996-1999. Adelaide, Wetlands Management Program: Department of Environment and Natural Resources. Thompson, M. B. (1986). River Murray Wetlands, their Characteristics, Significance and Management. Adelaide, Department of Environment and Planning and Nature Conservation Society of S.A. Tucker, P. (2004). Your Wetland: Monitoring Manual - Data Collection. Renmark SA, River Murray Catchment Water Management Board Australian Landscape Trust. Tucker, P., S. Dominelli, et al. (2003). Your Wetland: Supporting Information. Renmark SA, Australian Landscape Trust. Tucker, P., M. Harper, et al. (2002). Your Wetland: Hydrology Guidelines. Renmark SA, Australian Landscape Trust. Walker, S. (2002). FROG CENSUS 2001: Community monitoring of water quality and habitat condition in South Australia using frogs as indicators. Adelaide, Environment Protection Agency. Wetland Care Australia (WCA) (1998). Wetlands Management Study. in A. Jensen and R. Turner (2002). Moorundi Wetland Complex Management Plan. Berri, Wetland Care Australia.

51

Morgan’s Lagoon (Moorundi Complex) Wetland Management Plan

Appendix A. Wetlands Atlas Data for Wetland Main Body Table 22: Morgan’s Lagoon, Wetland atlas data (Jensen, Paton et al. 1996) Area

352344.2

Perimeter

3608.99

Wetlands_

664

Wetlands_i

663

As2482

44190

Aus_wetlan

S0094

Thom_wetla

M060

Thom_chang

Y

Wetland_na

YARRAMUNDI NORTH

Complex_na

PORTEE COMPLEX

Should be Morgan’s Lagoon

Cons_value

2

Mdbc_distn

4

Water_regi

PERMANENT

Internatio

0

National

0

Basin

1

Valley

1

High_conse

1

Moderate_c

1

Low_conser

0

Should_rea

1

Should_ass

0

52

Morgan’s Lagoon (Moorundi Complex) Wetland Management Plan

Appendix B. Surface Water Archive Graph DWLBC, Surface Water Archive Period

5 Year

Plot Start

00:00_01/01/2000

Interval

1 Day

Plot End

00:00_01/01/2005

AW426903

HYPLOT V128 Output 14/10/2004

2000-05

MURRAY RIVER @ Lock 1 Downstream (274.3km) 100.10

Line

Level (m)

Daily Read

3.2

2.7

2.2

1.7

1.2

0.7

0.2 2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

Figure 17: Downstream water level at Lock 1

53

Morgan’s Lagoon (Moorundi Complex) Wetland Management Plan

Appendix C. Bore Profiles (adapted from Smitt, Jolly et al. (2003)) Bore ID

Geology Profile Description

ML01

Hard dark brown clay characteristic of the Coonabidgal Formation

ML02

Dark brown clay characteristic of the Coonabidgal Formation

ML03

Dark brown and orange clay indicative of present Jarosite or Iron III oxides

ML04

Predominately grey to black silty sand with come clay lenses

ML05

Dark brown clay characteristic of the Coonabidgal Formation

ML06

Dark brown clay characteristic of the Coonabidgal Formation

ML07

Dark brown clay characteristic of the Coonabidgal Formation

ML08

Dark brown clay characteristic of the Coonabidgal Formation

ML09

Dark brown clay characteristic of the Coonabidgal Formation

ML10

Hard dark brown clay characteristic of the Coonabidgal Formation

ML11

Predominately grey to black silty sand with come clay lenses

ML12

Hard dark brown clay characteristic of the Coonabidgal Formation

ML13

Predominately grey to black silty sand with come clay lenses

ML14

Hard dark brown clay characteristic of the Coonabidgal Formation

ML15

Predominately grey to black silty sand with come clay lenses

ML16

INCOMPLETE. Sandy with a small thin clay lens at 1.5m below surface

ML17

INCOMPLETE. Hard dry clay with calcareous nodules in the top 2m

54

Morgan’s Lagoon (Moorundi Complex) Wetland Management Plan

Appendix D. Morgan’s Lagoon Inlet Morphology and Culvert Designs

55

Morgan’s Lagoon (Moorundi Complex) Wetland Management Plan

Appendix E. Baseline Survey Locations

Figure 18: Photopoint and water level monitoring sites 56

Morgan’s Lagoon (Moorundi Complex) Wetland Management Plan

Figure 19: Morgan’s Lagoon fish survey sites

57

Morgan’s Lagoon (Moorundi Complex) Wetland Management Plan

Figure 20: Morgan’s Lagoon vegetation monitoring sites

58

Morgan’s Lagoon (Moorundi Complex) Wetland Management Plan

Appendix F.

Baseline Survey Vegetation Zones

Figure 21: Morgan’s Lagoon ecological zones 59

Morgan’s Lagoon (Moorundi Complex) Wetland Management Plan

Appendix G. Groundwater maps

Figure 22: Ground water depth 60

Morgan’s Lagoon (Moorundi Complex) Wetland Management Plan

Figure 23: Ground water salinity

61

Morgan’s Lagoon (Moorundi Complex) Wetland Management Plan

Appendix H. Species List for Morgan’s Lagoon SECTION H.01 FLORA (a) RIPARIAN AND FLOODPLAIN SPECIES Plant species at Morgan‟s Lagoon are presented in Table 23 below (adapted from River Murray Wetlands Baseline Survey (Australian Water Environments 2005) and Table 24 on page 66 which were monitored by community members.

1

Eucalyptus camaldulensis var. camaldulensis

River Red Gum

1

Eucalyptus largiflorens

Black Box (River Box)

2

Acacia stenophylla

River Cooba

2

Muehlenbeckia florulenta

Lignum

3

Asclepias rotundifolia

Round-leaf Cotton Bush

3

Atriplex acutibractea

Pointed Saltbush

3

Atriplex sp. vesicaria or stipitata)

3

Atriplex suberecta

Lagoon Saltbush

3

Callistemon brachyandrus

Prickly Bottlebrush

3

Cullen australasicum

Tall Scurf-pea

3

Enchlaena tomentose tomentosa

var.

Eremophila divaricata divaricata

ssp.

3

(A. A.

Conservation Rating

Plant Association 2

3a 3b 4

5

*

*

*

MU

1 SA

AUS

Common Name

Strata

Species

Introduced

Table 23: Plant species at Morgan’s Lagoon (baseline survey)

*

* *

*

*

*

*

*

*

*

*

* *

Bladder Saltbush or Bitter Saltbush * R

R

*

*

*

*

* * *

Ruby Saltbush

U

Spreading Emubush *

*

*

3

Marrubium vulgare

Horehound

*

3

Muehlenbeckia horrida

Spiny Lignum

3

Salsola kali

Buckbush

3

Solanum nigrum

Black Nightshade

*

*

3

Xanthium californicum

Californian Burr

*

*

4

Ammania multiflora

Jerry Jerry

*

R

*

*

*

*

*

*

62

Morgan’s Lagoon (Moorundi Complex) Wetland Management Plan 4

Agrostis avenacea var. avanacea

Common grass

*

4

Alternathera denticulata

Lesser Joyweed

4

Amphibromus nervosus

Veined Swamp Wallaby-grass

4

Apium prostatum ssp. Prostatum

Native Celery

4

Asperula gemella

Twin-leaf Bedstraw

4

Aster subulatus

Aster-weed

*

4

Atriplexprostata?

Creeping Saltbush

*

4

Atriplex semibaccata

Creeping (or Berry) Saltbush

*

4

Austrostipa nitida

Balcarra grass

*

4

Avena sp.

Wild Oat

4

Brachycome basaltica gracilis

Blown*

*

Q

*

*

K

* * *

Spear-

R

Swamp Daisy

R

*

* *

*

*

*

*

*

var.

4

Bromus rubens

Red Brome

*

*

4

Bulbine semibarbata

Small Leek-lily

4

Calotis cuneifolia

Purple Burr-daisy

4

Calotis hispidula

Hairy Burr-daisy

4

Carrichtera annua

Ward’s Weed

4

Cassytha sp.

Dodder-laurel

*

4

Centipeda cunninghamii

Common Sneezeweed

*

4

Chenopodium murale?

Nettle-leaf Goosefoot

*

4

Chondrilla juncea?

Skeleton Weed

*

4

Cirsium vulgare

Spear Thisle

*

*

4

Conyza bonariensis

Flax-leaf Fleabane

*

*

4

Crassula colorata var. acuminate

Dense Crassula

4

Cynodon dactylon

Couch

4

Eclypta platyglossa

Yellow Twin-heads

4

Ehrharta calycina

Perennial Grass

4

Einadia nutans ssp. nutans

Climbing Saltbush

4

Epaltes australis

Spreading heads

4

Epilobium hirtigerum

Hairy Willow-herb

4

Eragrostis

Cane-grass

* U

* *

*

*

*

*

* *

* *

Veldt

Nut-

U

*

*

*

* * U

*

*

* *

63

Morgan’s Lagoon (Moorundi Complex) Wetland Management Plan australasica 4

Euphorbia drummondii

Caustic Weed

4

Euphorbia terracina

False Caper

4

Glycyrrhiza acanthocarpa

Native Liquorice

4

Heliopium curassavicum

Smooth Heliotrope

4

Lactuca serriola

Prickly Lettuce

4

Lavatera plebeia

Australian Hollyhock

4

Lepidium africanum

Common Peppercress

4

Lythrum hyssopifolia

Lesser Loosestrife

4

Lythrum salicaria

Purple Loosestrife

4

Maireana brevifolia

4

* *

* U

* *

*

*

*

* * *

*

Short-leaf Bluebush

*

*

Maireana radiata

Radiate Bluebush

*

4

Melilotus indica

King Island Melilot

*

4

Pasphalum disticum

Water Couch

*

4

Persicaria lapathifolia

Pale Knotweed

U

*

4

Persicaria prostata

Creeping Knotweed

U

*

4

Phyla canescens

Lippia

4

Plantago cunninghamii

Clay Plantain

4

Poa fordeana

Forde’s Poa

4

Polycalymma stuartii

Poached-egg Daisy

4

Polygonum aviculare

Wireweed

4

Polypogon monspeliensis

Annual grass

4

Pseudognaphalium luteoalbum

Jersey Cudweed

4

Reichardia tingitana

False Sow-thistle

*

4

Rostraria cristata

Annual Cat’s Tail

*

4

Sclerolaena muricata muricata

Five-spine Bindyi var.

Sclerolaena muricata villosa

var.

4

4

Senecio glossanthus

*

* * R

R

*

*

*

*

*

* * U

*

* *

* Beard-

Five-spine Bindyi

Annual Groundsel

*

*

*

*

*

*

*

* *

R

R

*

*

*

*

*

64

Morgan’s Lagoon (Moorundi Complex) Wetland Management Plan 4

Senecio lautus

Variable Groundsel

*

4

Senecio runcinifolius

Thistle-leaf Groundsel

4

Setaria jubiflora (was Paspalidium jubiflorum)

Warrego Summergrass

4

Sporobolus mitchellii

Rat-tail Couch

4

Stellaria palustris var. tenella?

Swamp Starwort

4

Silene apetala

Sand Catchfly

*

4

Sisymbrium erysimoides

Smooth Mustard

*

4

Sonchus asper

Rough Sow-thistle

*

*

4

Sonchus oleraceus

Common thistle

*

*

4

Stemodia florulenta

Bluerod

4

Stenotaphrum secundatum

Buffalo Grass

4

Swainsona microphylla

Small-leaf Swainson-pea

U

4

Teucrium racemosum

Grey Germander

U

4

Vittadinia dissecta

New Holland Daisy

4

Vulpia muralis

Wall Fescue

*

*

4

Wahlenbergia fluminalis

River Bluebell

*

*

4

Zygophyllum aurantiacum

Twinleaf

5

Bolboschoenus caldwellii

Salt Club-rush

*

5

Cyperus difformis

Variable Flat-sedge

*

5

Cyperus exaltatus

Splendid sedge

*

5

Cyperus gymnocaulos

Spiny Flat-sedge

5

Cyperus vaginatus

Stiff Flat-sedge

5

Eleocharis acuta

Common rush

5

Juncus aridicola

Inland Rush

5

Juncus pallidus

Pale Rush

5

Juncus usitatus

Common Rush

5

Ludwigia peploides spp. montevidensis

Water Primrose

5

Phragmites australis

Common Reed

U

* *

*

Sow-

R

V

*

*

*

*

* *

*

*

*

*

* *

*

*

* *

* *

* * *

Flat-

Spike-

*

*

*

*

*

*

* *

* * *

*

*

65

Morgan’s Lagoon (Moorundi Complex) Wetland Management Plan 5

Schoenoplectus validus

River Club-rush

*

5

Typha domingensis

Narrow-leaf Bulrush

*

5

Vallisneria spiralis

River Eel-grass

U

*

*

*

Jersey Cudweed

*

AUS = Australia, SA = South Australia, MU = Murray Region (V = Vulnerable, rare & at risk, R = Rare, U= Uncommon, K = Status not known, Q = ?) Strata; 1 = Large tree, 2= Small tree & Tall Shrub, 3 = Small to Medium Shrub, 4 = Ground hugging shrubs, Groundcovers, Tussocks, Herbs, Grasses, Ferns, Annuals, 5 = Reeds, Sedges, Rushes & Aquatic plants Ecological Zone; 1 = Near Shore, 2 = Rising Ground, 3 = Lowland Floodplain (a = Lagoon, b = River), 4= Lignum Shrubland, 5 = Black Box Woodland

Table 24: Plant species at Morgan’s Lagoon (community monitored) Quadrat Number

MMLT1-01 2

MMLT1-02 4m

2

MMLT1-03 4m

2

MMLT2-01

MMLT2-02

4m

Date

18/08/03

18/08/03

18/08/03

18/08/03

18/08/03

Observers

Matt Rose Natural State

Matt Rose Natural State

Matt Rose Natural State

Matt Rose Natural State

Matt Rose Natural State

Wayne Brice

Wayne Brice

Wayne Brice

Wayne Brice

Wayne Brice

Climatic Conditions

W = rainfall a few days prior

W = rainfall a few days prior

W = rainfall a few days prior

W = rainfall a few days prior

W = rainfall a few days prior

Vegetation unit

Top of riparian zone

Riparian zone

Chenopod herbland

Riparian zone of Lagoon

Sedgeland

GPS

WGS 84

WGS 84

WGS 84

WGS 84

WGS 84

E 342821

E 342820

E 342838

E 342214

E 342836

N 1393552

N 1393542

N 1393555

N 1393722

N 1393551

Species

Abundance

Abundance

Abundance

Abundance

Abundance

Acacia stenophylla River cooba

N 2

Atriplex stipatata

N

4m

2

Quadrat size

Atriplex semibaccata Spreading saltbush

4m

2

Bitter saltbush Brachycome basaltica spp gracilis Swamp daisy

T

N

Bracteantha bracteate Yellow everlasting Chlorus sp Windmill grass

T 2

Cyperus gymnocaulos Spike rush

2

Einadia nutans Spreading saltbush

N

Enchylaena tomentosa

1

3

4

1

66

Morgan’s Lagoon (Moorundi Complex) Wetland Management Plan Ruby saltbush Eucalyptus camadulensis River red gum

2

Juncus pavaflous Loose flower rush

2

Maireana brevifolia Short leaf blue bush

2

Maireana sp. Blue bush

2

Muehlenbeckia florulenta Lignum

N

N

Panicum sp. Native Millet

2

1

Teucrium racemosum Grey germander

2

Wahlenbergia sp. Blue bells

N

N

Charichtera annua Wards weed

N

Critesion sp. Barley grass

2

*Cynodon dactylon Couch grass

4

3

*Medicago polymorpha var. polymorpha Burr medic

N

*Sonchus oleraceus Sow thistle

T

*Vicia monantha Spurred Vetah

N

N

2 2

N

N

N

N

* = Introduced species N = Not many (1-10 plants & < 5%) T = sparsely present, cover small < 5% of area 1 = Plentiful, but of small cover < 5% of area 2 = Any number of individuals covering 5 – 25% of area 3 = Any number of individuals covering 25 – 50% of area 4 = Any number of individuals covering 50 – 75% of area 5 = Covering more than 75% of area

67

Morgan’s Lagoon (Moorundi Complex) Wetland Management Plan

SECTION H.02 WETLAND AND FLOODPLAIN FAUNA (a) BIRDS OF MORGAN’S LAGOON Table 25: Waterbird species observed in Morgan’s Lagoon Wetland Complex, adapted from (Australian Water Environments 2005)

Common Name

Scientific Name

Feeding

Roosting

Status

Abundan ce

Count

Feed

Roost

Habitat Breeding

Species

Black Swan* (R)

Cygnus atratus

R, S

S, O

O

Res

UB

12

S, O

O

Australian Shelduck

Tadorna tadornoides

G

S

M, D

Sum

UB

2

S

O

Chenonetta jubata

G

M, L

M, D

Res

CB

150

S

D

Pacific Black Duck

Anas superciliosa

G, L

S, O

O, D, M

Res

CB

20

S, O

O

Grey Teal

Anas gracilis

G

S, O

O, D, M

Res

CB

20

S, O

O, D

Hoary-headed Grebe

Poliocephalus poliocephalus

R, S

O

O

Res

R

1

O

O

Darter

Anhinga melanogaster

G

O

G, D

Res

R

2

Australian Duck

Wood

Little Cormorant

Pied

Phalacrocorax melanoleucos

G

O

G, D

Res

U

1

O

D, G

Little Cormorant

Black

Phalacrocorax sulcirostris

G

O

G, D

Irreg

U

35

O

D, G

Great Cormorant

Phalacrocorax carbo

G

O

G, D

Irreg

R

2

O

D, G

Australian Pelican

Pelecanus conspicillatus

M

O

O, D, M

Res

C

65

O

O

White-faced Heron

Egretta novaehollandiae

G

S, M

G, M

Res

UB

3

S

G

White-necked Heron

Ardea pacifica

G

S, M

G, M

Irreg

R

1

S

G

Nankeen Heron

Night

Nycticorax caledonicus

G

S, M

G

Res

R

1

S

G

Australian Ibis

White

Threskiornis molucca

G, L

S, M

G, D, M

Res

U

1

S

D, G

Yellow-billed Spoonbill

Platalea flavipes

G

S, M

G, D, M

Res

UB

30

S

G, D

Eurasian Coot

Fulica atra

L, R, S

S, O

O

Res

U

12

S, O

O

Purple Swamphen

Porphyrio porphyrio

R

R, M

R

Res

UB

3

R

R

Caspian Tern

Sterna caspia

M

O

M

Res

U

2

O

Clamorous Reedwarbler

Acrocephalus stentoreus

R

R

R

Sum

UB

4

R

R

Little Grassbird

Megalurus

R

R, S

R

Res

CB

5

R, S

R

68

Morgan’s Lagoon (Moorundi Complex) Wetland Management Plan gramineus Total Count

372

Total Species

21

* Seen to Breed in Wetland Area Habitats: R = reedbeds, S = sedgelands, L = lignum, O = open water, M = muddy verges, G = gums, D = logs and other debris Status: Res = Resident, Irreg = Irregular visitor, Sum = spring/summer visitor, Win = autumn/winter visitor Abundance: c = common (likely to be seen in reasonable numbers on most visits), U = uncommon (likely to be seen in reasonable numbers on some visits), R = rare (recorded rarely and in small numbers), B = likely to breed regularly

Table 26: Non-Waterbird species observed in Morgan’s Lagoon Wetland Complex, adapted from (Australian Water Environments 2005)

Species Common Name

Scientific Name

Count

Black Kite

Milvus migrans

1

Whistling Kite

Haliastur sphenurus

Several

Brown Goshawk

Accipiter fasciatus

1

Little Eagle

Hieraaetus morphnoides

1

*Rock Dove

Columba livia

2

Crested Pigeon

Ocyphaps lophotes

2

Peaceful Dove

Geopelia striata

Several

Galah

Eolophus roseicapilla

Several

Sulphur-crested Cockatoo

Cacatua galerita

Several

Purple-crowned Lorikeet

Glossopsitta porphyrocephala

2

Regent Parrot

Polytelis anthopeplus

8

Yellow Rosella

Platycercus elegans

2

Red-rumped Parrot

Psephotus haematonotus

Several

Horsfield’s Bronze-Cuckoo

Chrysococcyx basalis

1

Southern Boobook

Ninox novaeseelandiae

1

Barn Owl

Tyto alba

1

Tawny Frogmouth

Podargus strigoides

1

Australian Owlet-nightjar

Aegotheles cristatus

1

Laughing Kookaburra

Dacelo novaeguineae

Several

Sacred Kingfisher

Todiramphus sanctus

1

Brown Treecreeper

Climacteris picumnus

2

Superb Fairy-wren

Malurus cyaneus

1 group

Variegated Fairy-wren

Malurus lamberti

1 group

Striated Pardalote

Pardalotus striatus

Several

Noisy Miner

Manorina melanocephala

Several + (Nest with young)

White-plumed Honeyeater

Lichenostomus penicillatus

Several

New Holland Honeyeater

Phylidonyris novaehollandiae

1

White-fronted Chat

Epthianura albifrons

2

flaveolus

69

Morgan’s Lagoon (Moorundi Complex) Wetland Management Plan White-browed Babbler

Pomatostomus superciliosus

1 group

Grey Shrike-thrush

Colluricincla harmonica

1

Magpie-Lark

Grallina cyanoleuca

2

Willie Wagtail

Rhipidura leucophrys

Several

Dusky Woodswallow

Artamus cyanopterus

2

Pied Butcherbird

Cracticus nigrogularis

2

Australian Magpie

Gymnorhina tibicen

Several

Zebra Finch

Taeniopygia guttata

Several (7/02/04)

Diamond Firetail

Stagonopleura guttata

2

Welcome Swallow

Hirundo neoxena

Several

Tree Martin

Hirundo nigricans

Several

Fairy Martin

Hirundo ariel

Several

*Common Starling

Sturnus vulgaris

2

Total Species

41

* Introduced

70

Morgan’s Lagoon (Moorundi Complex) Wetland Management Plan

Appendix I.

Evaporation and precipitation obtained using the Wetland Loss Calculator.

Table 27: Calculated water loss (evaporation – precipitation) from Wetland Loss Calculator

Dry Year JAN

FEB

Area used in calculation (ha)

26

Net Loss (ML)

51

MAR

APR

MAY

JUN

Drying event no refill 0

0

0

0

JUL

AUG

SEP

OCT

NOV

TOTAL

DEC

18.5

18.5

18.5

23

26

26

26

6

5

12

24

24

45

52

Evaporation at a given surface area (Ev#)

219

Ev1 = 23

Wet Year JAN

FEB

MAR

APR

MAY

JUN

JUL

AUG

SEP

OCT

NOV

TOTAL

DEC

Area used in calculation (ha)

26

26

26

26

26

26

26

26

26

26

26

26

Net Loss (ML)

51

45

44

30

19

9

7

17

27

24

45

52

370

71