Teringie Wmp Final Small

Teringie Wetland Complex MANAGEMENT PLAN 2006

LAPS Lower Murray Local Action Planning Groups Kjartan Tumi Bjornsson

This management plan was written by Kjartan Tumi Bjornsson for the Coorong District Local Action Plan Committee, 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 et al. 2003) and as such fulfils obligations under the Water Allocation Plan for the River Murray Prescribed Watercourse. Disclaimer: The Coorong District Local Action Plan 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. (2006). Teringie Wetland Complex Management Plan. Coorong District Local Action Plan Committee, Tintinara. Acknowledgements: This wetland management plan has been developed with the support of a number of organisations, community groups and individuals. Special thanks go to Adrienne Frears and Jem Tesoriero for assistance with the draft. Ian Baird and Kim Rumbelow of Greening Australia for their cooperation in the restoration of the Teringie Wetland Complex. Thanks also go to those that contributed their knowledge including; Derek Gollan, Derek Walker and Steven Walker of the Ngarrindjeri nation (traditional landowner cultural values) the Teringie Wetland Complex landowners, Richard and Alison Hancock landowners of a large part of the Southern Basin of the Teringie Wetland Complex, the River Murray Catchment Water Management Board, SA MDB NRM Board and the members of the South Australian River Murray Wetland Technical Group. For further details contact: Coorong District LAP PO Box 1021 Tintinara SA 5266 Phone: (08) 8757 2100 Fax: (08) 8757 2222 Photographs: Cover photograph: Top Teringie wetland complex dry (TB), Middle photographs: Teringie Wetland Complex permanently wet depression (TB) Bottom: Teringie Wetland Complex and lake shore (TB) Photographs in document by Tumi Bjornsson (TB), Jem Tesoriero (JT) © Coorong District Local Action Plan 2006

Teringie Wetland Management Plan

TABLE OF CONTENTS TABLE OF CONTENTS ................................................................................................................... i LIST OF FIGURES...................................................................................................................... iii LIST OF MAPS .......................................................................................................................... iv LIST OF TABLES ....................................................................................................................... iv Chapter 1.

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

Section 1.01 (a)

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

History of Teringie Wetland Complex ........................................................................... 2

Section 1.02

Why does Teringie Wetland Complex need a management plan? ................... 3

(a)

Mission Statement ....................................................................................................... 3

(b)

Vision Statement ......................................................................................................... 3

(c)

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

(d)

Current Achievements ................................................................................................. 4

Chapter 2.

SITE DESCRIPTION OF TERINGIE WETLAND COMPLEX ................................... 5

Section 2.01

Wetland Location and description .................................................................... 5

Section 2.02

Survey Sites, Dates & Locations ...................................................................... 7

Section 2.03

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

(a)

Teringie Wetland Complex in Current State ................................................................. 8

(b)

Geomorphology, Geology And Soils .......................................................................... 10

(c)

Climate ...................................................................................................................... 10

(d)

Wetland Volumes and Water Requirements for various filling stages ........................ 10

(e)

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

Section 2.04

ECOLOGICAL FEATURES ............................................................................ 17

(a)

Flora .......................................................................................................................... 17

(b)

Fauna ........................................................................................................................ 19

Chapter 3.

SOCIAL ECONOMIC AND CULTURAL VALUES .................................................. 23

Chapter 4.

LAND TENURE, JURISDICTION AND MANAGEMENT ARRANGEMENTS ..... 24

Section 4.01

LAND TENURE .............................................................................................. 24

Section 4.02

LAND AND WATER USE ............................................................................... 24

Section 4.03

JURISDICTION AND MANAGEMENT AUTHORITY ...................................... 25

Section 4.04

ACCESS ........................................................................................................ 25

Section 4.05

CONTACT DETAILS ...................................................................................... 25

Chapter 5.

THREATS AND POTENTIAL SOLUTIONS TO TERINGIE WETLAND COMPLEX 26

Chapter 6.

MANAGEMENT OBJECTIVES .............................................................................. 29

Chapter 7.

IMPLEMENTATION OF PLAN ............................................................................... 32

Section 7.01

ON GROUND ACTION AND TIMETABLE ..................................................... 36

Section 7.02

WETLAND WATER OPERATIONAL PLAN ................................................... 38

Chapter 8.

MONITORING ....................................................................................................... 40

Chapter 9.

EVALUATION, REVIEW AND REPORTING .......................................................... 42 i

Teringie Wetland Management Plan Section 9.01

Evaluation and Review ................................................................................... 42

Section 9.02

Reporting ....................................................................................................... 42

Chapter 10.

REFERENCES ...................................................................................................... 43

Appendix A.

Wetlands Atlas Data for Wetland Main Body .......................................................... 46

Appendix B.

Surface Water Archive Graph ................................................................................ 47

Appendix C.

Baseline Survey Locations (Source SKM (2004)) .................................................. 48

Appendix D.

Baseline Survey DEM (Source SKM (2004)) .......................................................... 49

Appendix E.

Baseline Survey Groundwater ............................................................................... 51

Appendix F.

Baseline Survey Vegetation Zones ........................................................................ 56

Appendix G.

Species List for Teringie Wetland Complex ........................................................ 57

Section G.01

FLORA ........................................................................................................... 57

Section G.02

WETLAND AND FLOODPLAIN FAUNA ......................................................... 58

(a) Appendix H.

Birds of Teringie Surrounds and Lower Lakes ........................................................... 58 Evaporation and precipitation obtained using the Wetland Loss Calculator. ....... 61

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Teringie Wetland Management Plan

LIST OF FIGURES Figure 1: Marjorie and Norman Rumbelow, on the beach, Teringie, Lake Alexanrina, C. 1930. Raukkan (Point McLeay) in the background. ........................................................................... 2 Figure 2: Location 1, Most northern lagoon 17/03/05 (TB) .............................................................. 9 Figure 3: Location 1, Most northern lagoon 28/09/05 (TB) .............................................................. 9 Figure 4: Location 2, A normally dry wetland inundated (TB) .......................................................... 9 Figure 5: Location 3, Habitat availability for waders at one lagoon (TB) .......................................... 9 Figure 6: Location 4, permanent wetland 25/11/05 (TB) .................................................................. 9 Figure 7: Location 4, permanent wetland (TB) ................................................................................ 9 Figure 8: Location 5, Wet condition of the surrounding land (TB) .................................................... 9 Figure 9: Location 5, Wet condition of the surrounding land (TB) .................................................... 9 Figure 10: Wet condition of the southern most lagoon 25/11/05 (TB) ............................................ 10 Figure 11: Erosion of the lakeside banks 27/01/06 (TB) ................................................................ 10 Figure 12: Lakeside banks with foredunes 25/11/05 (TB).............................................................. 10 Figure 13: Area of Teringie used for volume estimates (SKM 2004) ............................................. 11 Figure 14: Rollover Dune formation adapted from (Davis and FitzGerald 2004) ............................ 15 Figure 15: Location 4, Sand bank build up due to waves (TB)....................................................... 16 Figure 16: Location 4, Waves bringing water into wetland (TB) ..................................................... 16 Figure 17: Sand bank build up on Lake Alexandrina foreshore following a storm 24/10/03 (JT) .... 16 Figure 18: Grass growing through deposited sand, on Lake Alexandrina foreshore, binding it 30/8/04 (JT) ........................................................................................................................... 16 Figure 19: Offshore reeds 27/01/06 (TB) ....................................................................................... 23 Figure 20: Offshore reeds 27/01/06 (TB) ....................................................................................... 23 Figure 21: Juncus acutus (JT) ....................................................................................................... 26 Figure 22: Juncus acutus detail far right, left and centre native species (JT) ................................. 26 Figure 23: Flow Channel at OGW1 (TB) ....................................................................................... 34 Figure 24: Flow Channel at OGW1 (TB) ....................................................................................... 34 Figure 25: Flow Channel at OGW3 (TB) ....................................................................................... 34 Figure 26: Flow Channel at OGW2 (TB) ....................................................................................... 34 Figure 27: Flow Channel at OGW2 (TB) ....................................................................................... 34 Figure 28: Lake Alexandrina water level at Narrung Jetty (10 year period) ................................... 47

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Teringie Wetland Management Plan

LIST OF MAPS Map 1: Teringie wetland complex location ...................................................................................... 6 Map 2: Map of wetland complex monitoring locations ..................................................................... 8 Map 3: Major depressions and channels identified by Woodward-Clyde (2000) (adapted from (Woodward-Clyde 2000)) ...................................................................................................... 14 Map 4: Cadastral boundaries covering Teringie wetland complex and surrounds. ........................ 24 Map 5: Teringie existing and planned stock fences ....................................................................... 32 Map 6: On-groundwork and expected water movement and inundation within Teringie wetland complex................................................................................................................................. 33 Map 7: On-groundwork site 1 (OGW01) ........................................................................................ 35 Map 8: On-groundwork site 2 (OGW02) ........................................................................................ 36

LIST OF TABLES Table 1: Baseline survey monitoring of following parameters .......................................................... 7 Table 2: Summary of wetland volumes within Teringie wetland complex (adapted from (SKM 2004)) ................................................................................................................................... 11 Table 3: Water quality (SKM 2004) ............................................................................................... 11 Table 4: Groundwater monitoring locations (SKM 2004) ............................................................... 17 Table 5: Groundwater salinity EC (ms/cm) .................................................................................... 17 Table 6: Teringie Lakeshore Wetland Plant List 25/11/05 ............................................................. 18 Table 7: Habitat features identified in Teringie wetland complex table adapted from (SKM 2004). 20 Table 8: Native fish ....................................................................................................................... 21 Table 9: Introduced fish................................................................................................................. 21 Table 10: Teringie wetland complex responsible positions contact details .................................... 25 Table 11: Existing and prospective threats to Teringie wetland complex ....................................... 27 Table 12: Management objectives for Teringie wetland complex. ................................................. 30 Table 13: Potential surface areas inundated following on-groundwork .......................................... 33 Table 14: Implementation plan for Teringie wetland complex land based activities. ...................... 37 Table 15: Water use calculation at average lake height ................................................................ 39 Table 16: Monitoring plan for Teringie wetland complex................................................................ 41 Table 17: Teringie wetland complex, Wetland atlas data (Jensen, Paton et al. 1996) ................... 46 Table 18: Plant Associations at Teringie wetland complex (adapted from River Murray Wetlands Baseline Survey (SKM 2004)) ............................................................................................... 57 Table 19: Bird species identified at Teringie wetland complex (adapted from River Murray Wetlands Baseline Survey (SKM 2004))................................................................................ 58 Table 20: Water birds at 23 sites bordering Lakes Alexandrina and Albert (adapted from (Gosbell 2004)) ................................................................................................................................... 58 Table 21: Calculated water loss (evaporation – precipitation) from the Wetland Loss Calculator for the North Basin ..................................................................................................................... 61

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Teringie 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 Teringie Wetland Complex is mainly in response to 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” Teringie Wetland Complex is listed in the Water Allocation Plan for the River Murray (River Murray Catchment Water Management Board 2002) and has therefore a right to access to the 200GL. 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 et al. 1996) listed Teringie Wetland Complex as having a moderate conservation value and to be of international, national, basin and local importance (see Appendix A on page 46). The Teringie wetland complex was identified by Woodward-Clyde (2000) as being one of to six priority wetlands for restoration around the Lower Lakes. Australia is a signatory to the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands of National and International Significance and was the first nation to establish a Ramsar site. Ramsar listing recognises the importance of wetlands on an international scale on the basis of ecological, botanical, zoological, limnological or hydrological criteria with includes the role a wetland plays as a waterbird habitat (Bjornsson et al. 2002; National Wetlands Program 1998). Teringie is adjoined to Lake Alexandrina which is listed in the Ramsar area “The Coorong, Lake Alexandrina and Lake Albert” listed 1 st November 1985 (National Wetlands Program 1998), which provide habitats for a number of water birds including migratory species (see box). A part of the vision statement for the Coorong, and Lakes Alexandrina and Albert Ramsar Management Plan includes the protection and restoration of natural habitats and the restoration of viable native species (Anonymous 2000), this management plan is a contribution towards this vision. “The Coorong, Lake Alexandrina & Lake Albert. 01/11/85; South Australia; 140,500 ha; 35º40‟S 139º00‟E. National Park, Game Reserves and Crown Land; Shorebird Network Site. A saline to hypersaline lagoon separated from the ocean by a dune peninsula and connected to two lakes forming a wetland system at the river‟s mouth. The lakes contain fresh to brackish water. The site is of international importance for migratory waterbirds, providing habitat for more than 30% of the waders summering in Australia. The site includes important nesting colonies of cormorants, herons, egrets, ibises and terns. The globally endangered Orange-bellied Parrot (Neophema chrysogaster) over-winters on the reserve. Human activities include camping, boating and regulated duck hunting. The area is noted for its extensive aboriginal, historic and geological sites. Ramsar site no. 321.” (Peck 2000).

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Teringie Wetland Management Plan

(a) HISTORY OF TERINGIE WETLAND COMPLEX A short timeline of management at Teringie Wetland Complex (some data from local anecdotal evidence): Salinisation of the Lower Lakes following settlement until the construction of the barrages (Sim et al. 2004) Construction of channel 30 years ago into northern part of wetland with the purpose of restoring the wetland (or at least some of the basins in the complex). The intention was to restore the cultural value of the wetland with healthy growth of vegetation (basket weaving reeds, bush foods etc.) and bring back the water birds (D. Walker pers. com) Teringie grazed since the establishment of the Point McLeay Mission in 1859 (State Library of South Australia) 2000 included in the survey of wetlands around the lower lakes Identification of Potential Wetland Rehabilitation Sites (Woodward-Clyde 2000) 2003-2004 included in River Murray Wetlands Baseline Survey (SKM 2004) The photograph Figure 1, courtesy of Ken Strother, shows Teringie wetland complex lakeshore in the 1930‟s.

Figure 1: Marjorie and Norman Rumbelow, on the beach, Teringie, Lake Alexanrina, C. 1930. Raukkan (Point McLeay) in the background.

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Teringie Wetland Management Plan

SECTION 1.02 WHY DOES TERINGIE WETLAND COMPLEX NEED A MANAGEMENT PLAN? The Teringie Wetland Complex has over time been degraded to the extent that limited native vegetation remains, and the majority of the surrounding area is dominated by the introduced pasture and weed species such as veldt grass Ehrharta calycina and African boxthorn Lycium ferocissimum. Information on the natural inundation or hydrological regime and the wetland condition is very scarce, and to a large part only anecdotal. It is clear, however, that many changes to both the hydrology and flora of the area have occurred partly since the regulation of the river and partly due to introduced land use practices following settlement. (a) MISSION STATEMENT To restore the wetland condition for cultural values of the Ngarrindjeri nation as well as for ecological values such as habitat values (wetland fringing and aquatic vegetation) for the benefit of waterbirds, native fish species and native vegetation. (b) VISION STATEMENT The vision for Teringie wetland complex is a restored semi permanent wetland fulfilling a diversity of habitat requirements for both water birds and for native fish species. It is envisaged that the wetland will be a „healthy‟ shallow clear wetland with a high diversity of macrophytes (emergent and submerged) providing habitat for native fish and birds. The wetland would as a consequence be expected to have regular visits by water birds, including migratory species. The riparian area would be restored, through the active removal of weed species and the encouragement of the growth/reestablishment of native fringing vegetation. The restoration of the riparian areas through planting of Melaleucas and other suitable species would also be envisaged. (c) BROAD OBJECTIVES 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 developed. The objectives listed below, and in detail in Chapter 6 on page 29, fulfil a number of the water allocation criteria from Section 5.3 of the Water Allocation Plan for the River Murray (River Murray Catchment Water Management Board 2002). Once the wetland restoration has been achieved through the reinstatement of an appropriate water regime and on-groundwork, the wetland would need to be maintained. The maintenance of a restored wetland, fulfilling the functions described above and without an adverse impact on adjacent farming operations, wetland and lake salinity or fish habitat requirements would involve regular monitoring and adequate timely response to any issues that arose. The maintenance phase would require regular monitoring of water quality, bird life, fish and other aquatic dependent species as well as aquatic and fringing vegetation. The broad objectives of the wetland restoration include: Restore wetland (hydrological regime and water quality) Restore native aquatic and fringing vegetation and therefore habitat for native fauna Restore habitat diversity for water birds and aquatic wildlife: o Birds - assist to maintain diversity in the Ramsar area o Fish - increase diversity and abundance o Frogs - increase abundance and maintain (or increase) diversity o Tortoises - provide breeding and nesting habitat Monitor the impact of restored hydrology regime for adaptive management

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Teringie Wetland Management Plan

(d) CURRENT ACHIEVEMENTS The surrounding landholders have a grazing management plan implemented. The wetland shoreline has been fenced off to exclude stock. This fencing is to be extended to include a larger section of the wetland complex as can be seen in Map 5 on page 32. The Hancock‟s have fenced of the wetland area within their property boundary and commenced revegetation work.

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Teringie Wetland Management Plan

Chapter 2. SITE COMPLEX

DESCRIPTION

OF

TERINGIE

WETLAND

SECTION 2.01 WETLAND LOCATION AND DESCRIPTION Teringie wetland complex is listed as wetland number S0019 in the Wetlands Atlas (Jensen, Paton et al. 1996) and is part of the Lake Alexandrina fringing wetland complex. The wetland is located approximately 3 km south west of the Raukkan community within the Coorong District Council area (Map 1 on page 6). AMG coordinates 328147E 6066392N (Grid Zone 54). Teringie can be found on the 1:50,000 Narrung map sheet number 6726-4. The wetland is found in the Hundred of Baker. See Appendix A for more information. The wetland complex is listed as having areas of both permanent and temporary water regimes and considered to cover an area of 409 ha (Jensen, Paton et al. 1996), of which 270 ha is to have an altered hydrology as discussed in this wetland management plan. However only 30.9 ha was surveyed as part of the baseline survey (area information obtained from River Murray Wetlands Baseline Survey (SKM 2004)). The depth of the surveyed sections of Teringie is regarded as very shallow with most of the wetland lagoons having a depth of less than 0.5 m (SKM 2004). The wetland complex is separated from Lake Alexandrina by a small levee bank (foredune) built up through the sediment and wave actions since the wetland has been maintained at a constant level. Teringie Wetland Complex was classified mainly as a back-basin by Pressey (1986) although the lagoons closer to the lake shore were classified as well developed littoral wetlands (see box). Seaman (2003), as part of the Coorong and Lower Lakes habitat-mapping program, classified the habitat condition of Teringie wetland complex as degraded (see box). The wetland sits to a large degree on land owned by the Aboriginal Lands Trust being managed though the Raukkan community. The surrounding area is used mainly for grazing. All management decisions have been worked out and agreed to by the landholders.

“Littoral wetlands: areas of emergent vegetation, in many cases containing discrete basins of standing water, which fringe the lakes or which occur as „islands‟ on shallow banks within the lakes; Back Basin: essentially the same habitats as littoral wetlands except that they are largely surrounded by areas of high ground and linked to the lakes by relatively narrow openings;” (Pressey 1986) “Basic vegetation structure severely impacted by disturbance. Scope for revegetation but not to a state approaching good condition without intensive management. Disturbance to vegetation structure caused by cropping, grazing or clearance, presence of very aggressive weeds, partial clearing, dieback and livestock grazing. Weed presence greater than 70%. Habitats are impacted by disturbances and are not connected with remnant buffers.” (Seaman 2003).

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Teringie Wetland Management Plan

Map 1: Teringie wetland complex location

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Teringie Wetland Management Plan

SECTION 2.02 SURVEY SITES, DATES & LOCATIONS The River Murray Wetlands Baseline Survey (SKM 2004) monitored different wetland parameters (Table 1). The monitored area of Teringie wetland complex was not inundated for the entire time of the baseline survey, therefore not all parameters could be considered for monitoring. The baseline survey did; however, monitor water quality parameters in a small area near the access road from Raukkan at the start of the survey time. This pool did not remain until the end of the survey. As a consequence, of those parameters monitored for Teringie, not all were monitored as frequently as in other wetlands. The locations of the baseline survey sites can be seen in Appendix C. An area within the Teringie complex has now been identified as a permanently inundated wetland (drying only at very low lake levels), further monitoring was conducted on the 25th of November 2005 at this site. This extra monitoring was intended to establish a baseline of what may be achieved through appropriate management in the littoral lagoons of the complex (those closest to the lake edge). The parameters monitored during this visit are listed in Table 1. Table 1: Baseline survey monitoring of following parameters

Parameter

Surveyed

Date 1 (BLS)

Date 2 (BLS)

BLS

LL

Site physical

Y

N

Vegetation

Y

Y

Fish

N

Y

Birds

Y

N

Spring

Summer

Frogs

Y

Y

29/1/04

12/3/04

Macroinvertebrates

N

Y

Water Quality

Y

Y

17/12/0 3

Groundwater

Y

N

22/1/04

Date 3 (BLS)

Date 4 (BLS)

Date 5 (BLS)

Date 6 (LL)

See page 5

?

12/3/04

25/11/0 5

17

25/11/0 5

20 19

2/9/04

11/6/04

21/7/04 31/7/04

2/9/04

25/11/0 5

20

25/11/0 5

22

25/11/0 5

11 16

NR = Not Recorded, BLS = baseline survey (SKM 2004), LL = Littoral Lagoon

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Teringie Wetland Management Plan

Map 2: Map of wetland complex monitoring locations

SECTION 2.03 PHYSICAL FEATURES (a) TERINGIE WETLAND COMPLEX IN CURRENT STATE Teringie has been grazed for an extended period of time, probably since the establishment of the Point McLeay Mission in 1859, renamed Raukkan in 1982 (State Library of South Australia). As a result a lot of the native vegetation has been lost and weeds have been able to spread throughout the complex. The past land use would account for the degradation of the vegetation currently found in the wetland complex and therefore the weed infestation throughout. Figure 2 on page 9 through to Figure 9 on page 9 show the wetland and its fringing vegetation in its current state (photos taken on the 28th of September 2005 unless otherwise indicated). Figure 2 and Figure 3 show Teringie wetland complex at the same location during a dry autumn and a wet spring.

8

Teringie Wetland Management Plan Figure 2: Location 1, Most northern lagoon 17/03/05 (TB)

Figure 3: Location 1, Most northern lagoon 28/09/05 (TB)

Figure 4 shows a normally dry lagoon in wet state. Figure 5 shows mudflats developed within one of the lagoons during the wet spring phase.

Figure 4: Location 2, A normally dry wetland inundated (TB)

Figure 5: Location 3, Habitat availability for waders at one lagoon (TB)

Figure 6 and Figure 7 show the state of the littoral lagoon.

Figure 6: Location 4, permanent wetland 25/11/05 (TB)

Figure 7: Location 4, permanent wetland (TB)

Figure 8 and Figure 9 below show the very wet condition of the surrounding land between the different littoral pools (lagoons) and Figure 10 on page 10 shows the inundated southern lagoon.

Figure 8: Location 5, Wet condition of the surrounding land (TB)

Figure 9: Location 5, Wet condition of the surrounding land (TB)

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Teringie Wetland Management Plan

Figure 10: Wet condition of the southern most lagoon 25/11/05 (TB)

Figure 11 shows the significant erosion of approximately 1 meter of lakeshore banks Figure 12, taken 2 months earlier, shows the same bank approximately 20 m to the north with minimal erosion.

Figure 11: Erosion of the lakeside banks 27/01/06 (TB)

Figure 12: Lakeside banks with foredunes 25/11/05 (TB)

(b) GEOMORPHOLOGY, GEOLOGY AND SOILS The soil in the southern part of the wetland, marshy area, consists mainly of clay with some layers of clay with minimal sand content. The soil in the northern part of the wetland has a shallow 0.5m clay profile on mainly sand and clayey sand (SKM 2004). Copies of the soil logs from the baseline survey can be found in Appendix E on page 51. Locations are presented in Section 2.03(e)(ii) on page 16. The wetland complex sits on the Saint Kilda Formation from the Holocene. (c) CLIMATE The following climatic conditions are taken from the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) Meningie station (number 024518) (Latitude (deg S): -35.6904; Longitude (deg E): 139.3375) (BOM 2005). The recording of data commenced at Meningie in 1864; the latest records used in the assessment of the climatic condition of the area stemming from 2004. Teringie wetland complex has a Mediterranean climate with warm dry summers and cool wet winters. The median (5th decile) annual rainfall is 457 mm. The mean monthly maximum rainfall is in June (61.9 mm), the minimum in February (16.9 mm). The expected mean daily maximum temperature is highest in February at 25.4 C, lowest in July at 14.9 C, and has an annual mean of 20.8 C. The minimum daily temperature is at its maximum in January and February at 13.8 C, for both months, and its minimum in July at 6.7 C. The annual mean daily minimum temperature is 10.3 C. (d) WETLAND VOLUMES AND WATER REQUIREMENTS FOR VARIOUS FILLING STAGES The wetland volume was calculated in the baseline survey. Table 2 on page 11 summarises the wetland water requirement for Teringie wetland complex as calculated for the area shown in Figure 13. A DEM was developed for this area by the baseline survey (see Appendix D on page 49). Unfortunately this does not cover the full extent of area intended for restoration, an estimate for the

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Teringie Wetland Management Plan

remaining area had to be made. The water requirement including evaporative losses are covered in Section 7.02 on page 38.

Figure 13: Area of Teringie used for volume estimates (SKM 2004) Table 2: Summary of wetland volumes within Teringie wetland complex (adapted from (SKM 2004))

Filling Stage

Area (ha)

2

Area (m )

RLm Depth m (AHD)*

Volume m3 (KL)

Volume ML

Full

30.9

308947

1.04

1

133203

133

Three quarters full

24.4

204365

0.78

0.74

69252

69

Half full

11.3

112840

0.52

0.481

27447

27

5.1

51208

0.26

0.221

6047

6

Quarter full

Result Reliability 70% (SKM 2004); *Base of wetland is at -0.038 mAHD.

(e) SURFACE AND GROUNDWATER FEATURES (i) Surface water For a short time, at the commencement of the baseline survey monitoring, some water remained within the wetland, which was monitored for water quality (see Table 3 below). A second independent monitoring date on the 25th of November 2005 was performed at 2 separate locations. One location (TER01 at 54H 328735 E 6067880 N (6m accuracy)) was within the northern pool of the lagoons included in the baseline survey and the other (TER02 at 54H 327247 E 6066479 N (7.7m accuracy)) was at the permanent lagoon south of the baseline survey monitored lagoons. Table 3: Water quality (SKM 2004)

Parameters

17/12/03

25/11/05 (TER01)

25/11/05 (TER02)

25/11/05 Lake 11

Teringie Wetland Management Plan

Alexandrina EC μS/cm

-1

DO mg/L

pH

Turbidity NTU

Water Temperature C

Mean

>100,000 ± 0

Min.

>100,000

Max.

>100,000

Mean

0.9 ± 0.2

Min.

0.3

Max.

1.3

Mean

7.75 ± 0.07

Min.

7.53

Max.

7.84

Mean

435 ± 74

Min.

279

Max.

581

Mean

20.8 ± 0.1

Min.

20.6

Max.

20.9

n

4

49,100

2,280

16 (@ 25 cm depth)

18 (@ 40 cm depth)

20.1

23.9

1,265

22

N = sample size

The very high salinity within the lagoon as well as the time of year (minimal precipitation) would indicate evapoconcentration within the lagoon which is potentially exacerbated by saline groundwater intrusion (SKM 2004). Most of the lagoons of the wetland complex are not permanently connected with the lake and are only rarely flushed. This condition would contribute to the high saline concentrations within the lagoons due to the repeated evapoconcentrations. The concentration within the wetland is more than double that of the EC expected in seawater of approximately 50,000 μS/cm. In comparison the monitored Lake Alexandrina salinity obtained from the, DWLBC Surface Water Archive (Department of Water Land and Biodiversity Conservation 2005), has a median (calculated from mean daily readings between 16/01/2004 and 27/04/2004) EC of 1364 μS/cm. The monitoring location from which the DWLBC Surface Water Archive is derived is at Narrung Jetty (Zone 54, 335275E and 6068331N). The dissolved oxygen concentrations were low, SKM (2004) attributed this to the high salt concentration within the wetland as well as the time of day the samples were taken. High water temperatures and organic content is however a more likely cause for the low DO concentrations. The turbidity of the wetland were high, this can potentially be contributed to the shallow nature of the wetland and therefore the extreme likelihood of resuspension of sediment as a consequence of wind action. Lake Alexandrina water temperature on the day of wetland monitoring was equivalent to the wetland water temperature at 20.6 C (Department of Water Land and Biodiversity Conservation 2005). These temperatures reflected the ambient summer air temperatures (SKM 2004). The median water levels within Lake Alexandrina for a 10-year period (1994 to 2004) is 0.774 m AHD (calculated from the daily mean water level obtained from the, DWLBC Surface Water Archive (Department of Water Land and Biodiversity Conservation 2005)). For a description of the implications of water quality in wetlands refer to Your Wetland: Supporting Information (Tucker et al. 2003). The Flood Inundation Model (FIM III) does not extend downstream beyond Mannum and is therefore unavailable for this region. No simulations were therefore performed for Teringie Wetland Complex based on the Flood Inundation Model. 12

Teringie Wetland Management Plan

Woodward-Clyde (2000) identified two major depressions in the north of the complex (see Map 3 on page 14), both currently blocked from Lake Alexandrina by what they termed artificial blockages. Their recommendation is the connection, through these two channels, of two of the northern lagoons to Lake Alexandrina, thereby providing shallow habitat for waders. To achieve this the sill level of the banks of the southern most lagoon could be brought down to allow easier access of lake water into the wetland lagoon, reinstating a more frequent inundation regime driven by lake height.

13

Teringie Wetland Management Plan

Map 3: Major depressions and channels identified by Woodward-Clyde (2000) (adapted from (Woodward-Clyde 2000))

14

Teringie Wetland Management Plan

Due to the formation of fore dunes (rollover dunes) along the lake edge the flow paths into the lakeside lagoons has been restricted (see Figure 15 to Figure 18 on page 16). The development of the fore dune is most likely a historically recent issue as a result of the stable lake height and the loss of reed beds. The reed beds that used to grow around both lakes were significantly destroyed through salinsation of the lakes (Sim and Muller 2004). Prior to the stable lake height any fore dunes in the process of developing would have been eroded due to the constant change in lake water levels. The sill level of the flow paths into the lakeside lagoons would therefore not have been as high. These fore dunes have become rollover dunes, which have a gradual landward migration. This landward migration is often caused through storm over wash, this is where beach sand is transported (eroded) from the beach through the dune and deposited on the landward side of the barrier (Carter 1988; Davis et al. 2004). Effectively the shore and the fore dune recede landwards. A diagram of the process can bee seen in Figure 14 below. Figure 15 and Figure 16 on page 16 show the wave action slowly filling the semi permanent lagoon, at that date (28th of September 2005) the lake height varied between 0.808 and 0.956 m AHD. Figure 17 and Figure 18 on page 16 show the build up of sand following a storm in the area, i.e. a prime example of over wash. Figure 17 shows the deposit of sand and Figure 18 the start of stabilisation through the growth of grass. In situ fore dunes at Teringie can be seen in Figure 23, Figure 24 and Figure 25 on page 34. A lower barrier is found on the south lagoon allowing it to be inundated on an annual basis (R. Hancock pers. com.).

Figure 14: Rollover Dune formation adapted from (Davis and FitzGerald 2004)

15

Teringie Wetland Management Plan

Figure 15: Location 4, Sand bank build up due to waves (TB)

Figure 16: Location 4, Waves bringing water into wetland (TB)

Figure 17: Sand bank build up on Lake Alexandrina foreshore following a storm 24/10/03 (JT)

Figure 18: Grass growing through deposited sand, on Lake Alexandrina foreshore, binding it 30/8/04 (JT)

If the reed beds were re-established their role in preventing beach side erosion and therefore over wash of sand onto the lee side of the fore dunes would be reinstated. Reed reestablishment would therefore contribute to the prevention of further shore erosion. The most relevant management or restoration of these wetlands would therefore be the removal of the fore dune from the flow path into the wetland lagoons, to allow the free flow of lake water into and out of the lagoons at a lower sill level. This will not be required for the south basin (lagoon) as the water flow into this section of the complex overcomes the barrier on an annual basis. Map 3 on page 14 shows the identified channels in the wetland complex. To reduce or stop landwards migration of fore dune and the erosion of the lakeshore the sand of the beach needs to be stabilised. The stabilisation would also ensure the long-term restoration of the wetland flow paths by preventing the build up of fore dunes. This stabilisation of the lakeside beach could be achieved through the restoration/revegetation of offshore reed beds using river club-rush (Schoenoplectus validus), primarily in front of the flow paths into the wetland lagoons and, within the near future, along the entire wetland complex beachfront. (ii) Groundwater The baseline survey installed 4 groundwater wells within Teringie wetland complex. These wells were monitored 6 times during the survey period (22nd January, 12th March, 11th June, 21st July, 31st July and 2nd September 2004). The water level measurement of TE4 on the 31st of July was erroneous. The locations of the wells are presented in Table 4 on page 17 and a map of the groundwater flow direction in Appendix E.

16

Teringie Wetland Management Plan Table 4: Groundwater monitoring locations (SKM 2004)

NAME EASTING

Elevation of Bore Ground Elevation NORTHING Hole casing (m-AHD) (m-AHD)

TE1

328746.212

6067866.040

2.907

1.763

TE2

329623.279

6066176.919

3.050

2.058

TE3

327667.090

6065267.852

1.751

1.689

TE4

327351.856

6065326.480

2.880

1.784

Benchmark (m-AHD) 1.8100

Broken

The groundwater appears to flow in a south-easterly direction from the lake towards the floodplain (SKM 2004). The ground water levels were found to fluctuate with the seasonal climatic fluctuation, with the depth (mbgl) increasing towards March and then decreasing with the onset of winter (SKM 2004) (see Appendix E). The groundwater salinity was found to be relatively high, see Table 5 below. The high salinity of the groundwater and the shallow groundwater table has probably been contributing to the surface salinity of the complex through evapoconcentration (SKM 2004). Table 5: Groundwater salinity EC (ms/cm)

NAME

22/1/04

11/6/04

21/6/04

TE1

21.02

29.00

TE2

28.8

44.7

TE3

32.7

48.6

TE4

28.3

39.5

(iii) Implications for management The salinity of the system seems to be the main detrimental impact to the water quality. Through the restoration of a regular hydrology regime a freshwater lens may be developed under the lagoons of the wetland complex, this would effectively restrict the evapoconcentration of the ground water eliminating this source of salts to the wetland area. The free connection to the lake would allow the exchange of water and therefore minimise the evapoconcentration within the wetland maintaining the wetland lagoons at a similar salinity to Lake Alexandrina. The high turbidity within the wetland may decrease following revegetation of the fringing banks and the growth of emergent macrophytes. The reduction of turbidity would occur both through the reduction of wind reaching the water surface area and the increased sedimentation though the emergent macrophytes. The threats to the wetland posed by the current water quality and additional threats are discussed in Chapter 5 on page 26.

SECTION 2.04 ECOLOGICAL FEATURES (a) FLORA There is not much remnant native vegetation remaining within the Teringie wetland complex (Woodward-Clyde 2000) although some native species and areas of native grasses can be found (Jem Tesoriero pers. com.) (see species list Appendix G Section G.01). The wetland basins themselves are not vegetated; see Appendix F on page 56 and much of the surrounding area is heavily infested with either African boxthorn *Lycium ferocissimum and/or artichoke thistle *Cynara cardunculus. Both these weeds exclude native species and therefore reduce the value of habitat. The boxthorn shrubland has an understorey with introduced grasses, these grasses being mainly wimmera rygrass *Lolium rigidum, sea barley-grass *Critesion marinum and perennial veldt grass *Ehrharta calycina (SKM 2004). 17

Teringie Wetland Management Plan

For most of the complex the lagoons are surrounded by Halosarcia pergranulata ssp. pergranulata shrubland with invasive pasture grasses in some areas (SKM 2004). The baseline survey (SKM 2004) identified Ruppia polycarpa herbland in the southernmost lagoon of the complex. The rest of the lagoons in the complex were dry at the time of sampling. Ruppia polycarpa is a high salt tolerant species that often inhabits temporary water bodies. It is able to persist through unfavourable conditions (Nicol 2005). It could therefore be anticipated that Ruppia polycarpa would inhabit most lagoons within the wetland complex. The water flowing into this lagoon stems from Lake Alexandrina flooding over saltwater couch Paspalum vaginatum grassland with emergent spiky club-rush Schoenoplectus pungens. The western shores of the lagoon have the plant association Halosarcia pergranulata ssp. pergranulata (see below) and supported an aquatic herb understorey in the wetter areas with water buttons *Cotula coronopifolia, streaked arrowgrass Triglochin striatum and creeping brookweed Samolus repens (SKM 2004). The aquatic macrophytes identified in the lagoon include creeping monkey-flower Mimulus repens, amphibious milfoil Myriophyllum simulans, fennel pondweed Potamogeton pectinatus and widgeon grass Ruppia tuberosa. An area identified by SKM (2004) as a large depression adjacent to the shore, and is most probably the semi permanent wetland identified since, has broad-leaf bulrush Typha orientalis and river club-rush Schoenoplectus validus sedgelands. At the lake edge there were salt-water couch Paspalum vaginatum grassland in the low areas, scattered tussocks of Juncus sp., and kikuyu *Pennisetum clandestinum grasslands in the higher areas (SKM 2004). A supplementary plant survey was included in the follow up monitoring which was conducted on the 25th of November 2005. The plants identified are listed in Table 6 below. Table 6: Teringie Lakeshore Wetland Plant List 25/11/05

Scientific Name

Common Name

Azolla filiculoides

Floating duck weed (Pacific Azolla)

Ceratophyllum demersum

Hornwort

Chara sp.

Charophytes

Eleocharis acuta

Common spike-rush

Halosarcia pergranulata

Beaded samphire (Black-seed samphire)

Isolepis nodosa

Knobby clubrush

Lemna sp. Paspalum distichum

Water couch

Rumex bidens

Mud-dock

Samolus repens

Creeping brookweed

Schoenoplectus pungens

Sharpleaf rush

Schoenoplectus validus

River clubrush

Suaeda australis

Austral sea-blight

Triglochin procerum

Water ribbons

Triglochin striatum

Streaked arrow-grass

Typha domingensis

Cumbungi

The three plant associations were surveyed by the baseline survey were: Halosarcia pergranulata ssp. pergranulata / Frankenia pauciflora var. gunnii Low Closed Shrubland Schoenoplectus validus Sedgeland over Paspalum vaginatum Ruppia polycarpa Herbland

18

Teringie Wetland Management Plan

A detailed list of species found within the plant associations can be found in Appendix G Section G.01 on page 57. For a description of the function of vegetation in wetlands refer to Your Wetland: Supporting Information (Tucker, Dominelli et al. 2003). (i) Implications for management The River Murray Wetlands Baseline Survey (SKM 2004) recommends a weed control program to address the heavy infestation of African boxthorn and artichoke thistle. The removal of African boxthorn and artichoke thistle and the revegetation with local native species is a priority in the restoration of the Teringie wetland complex. Greening Australia, in a partnership between the local landholders and Indigenous community of the Ngarrindjeri Nation, the Coorong District and Goolwa to Wellington LAPs, as part of the river restoration demonstration sites project is currently producing the weed management and revegetation management plan. (b) FAUNA The River Murray Wetlands Baseline Survey (SKM 2004) conducted a number of surveys on fauna in the wetland environment. These surveys are described below. (i) Birds The bird assessment of the River Murray Wetlands Baseline Survey (SKM 2004) was conducted in the north western part of the wetland close to the lake edge. Seven species of waterbird were observed in the wetland complex with only 58 individuals in total (SKM 2004). Three of these species were EPBC (Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999) listed, one of these regarded as rare in South Australia. These include the Cape Barren goose, the Caspian tern and the masked lapwing, all migratory species (SKM 2004). Table 19 in Appendix G Section G.02(a) contains a list of the birds observed at the Teringie wetland complex. SKM (2004) believe that the Australian Pelican uses the wetland area for resting although the complex itself does not provide suitable habitat. The black swan Cygnus atratus was seen to use one of the wetland lagoons on the 25th of November 2005. The limited habitat conditions, due to the degradation of the wetland complex, were considered to have influenced the diversity and abundance of bird populations in Teringie wetland complex. The reason therefore for the lack of birds using Teringie, is considered to be the poor habitat condition and variability in the wetland complex. The habitat availability identified by the baseline survey (SKM 2004) are listed in Table 7 on page 20. The inundation of the wetland should contribute to the development of more diverse habitats than presently available, e.g. open water, water‟s edge, mud flats and sedges. The development of a more diverse habitat within Teringie wetland complex should consequently benefit the birds found in the surrounding Ramsar area. A surveys of bird species found in the area of the Lower Lakes from the period of January 2003 and February 2004 was preformed (Gosbell 2004). This survey was conducted at 23 sites over a period of twelve months; Table 20 in Appendix G Section G.02(a) contains a list of the water birds seen as part of this survey. The findings of the survey were that waterfowl made up 94% of all observations with 45 species, compared to 17 species of waders. It is anticipated that some of these species would take advantage of the increased habitat availability at a restored Teringie wetland complex. Of the 17 waders, 8 were migratory. The scarcity of waders may indicate a lack of suitable habitat or habitat quality. Further, a steady decline in waterbirds over the past 30-40 years may be due to a loss of habitat and habitat diversity (Gosbell 2004). Further, a duck hunter has reportedly, seen a Painted Snipe Rostratula benghalensis (CAMBA listed & listed as vulnerable in the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1972) in samphire area close to Narrung, however this sighting was not been confirmed by D. Dadd (2005). The CAMBA (China Australia Migratory Birds Agreement) and JAMBA (Japan Australia Migratory Birds Agreement) listed species were taken from (Anonymous 1986a; Anonymous 1986b). CAMBA and JAMBA are intergovernmental agreements for the protection of migratory birds and their habitats. 19

Teringie Wetland Management Plan

Teringie Wetland Complex is listed as a potential habitat for the orange bellied parrot Neophema chrysogaster by Seaman (2003). Seaman (2003) also identifies Teringie Wetland Complex as a potential habitat for Migratory wadders including Sharp-tailed Sandpiper Calidris acuminata, Curlew Sandpiper Calidris ferruginea, Red-necked Stint Calidris ruficollis and Common Greenshank Tringa nebularia. Table 7: Habitat features identified in Teringie wetland complex table adapted from (SKM 2004).

Habitat features

Spring

Summer

Site 1

Site 2

Site 1

Site 2

Shoreline

Simple

Simple

Simple

Simple

Fringing vegetation

Continuous low cover

Continuous low cover

Continuous low cover

Continuous low cover

Reeds

Absent

Absent

Absent

Absent

Sedges

Absent

Absent

Absent

Absent

Herbs

Extensive

Extensive

Extensive

Extensive

Wet mud

Extensive

Extensive

Absent

Absent

Dry mud

Occasional

Occasional

Extensive

Extensive

Hollow bearing trees

Absent

Absent

Absent

Absent

Perching trees

Absent

Absent

Absent

Absent

Water‟s edge

1–10 veg

1–10 m from veg

NA

NA

Fringing River Red Gums

Absent

Absent

Absent

Absent

Water depth (m)

0.05

0.05

0

0

Water level

Falling

Falling

NA

NA

m

from

(ii) Frogs No frog species were recorded at Teringie. The common froglet Crinia signifera and spotted grass frog Limnodynastes tasmaniensis were heard in the vicinity of the wetland. During an independent survey of the permanent wetland, identified and discussed on page 7, numerous tadpoles were caught. No identification was made of the individual species, although two separate morphological species were seen. (iii) Fish The baseline survey did not include a fish survey for Teringie wetland complex due to the lack of water during the survey. Therefore, an independent survey was conducted on the 25th November 2005. This independent survey was performed on the small permanent wetland identified and discussed earlier. During this survey no fish were collected within the wetland, although numerous small native fish were caught in a seine net on the lakeside of the shoreline. As no fish were collected within the wetland, the Lower Lakes Fish Inventory (Wedderburn et al. 2003), provides the best available data as to the fish that may potentially migrate into the wetland complex. Within the Lower Lakes Fish Inventory (Wedderburn and Hammer 2003) the fish species and relative abundance presented in Table 8 and Table 9 on page 21 were recorded for Lake Alexandrina (tables were adapted from (Wedderburn and Hammer 2003)) close to the Teringie wetland complex. The sampling point of the Lower Lakes Fish Inventory for Teringie wetland complex was located near the Raukkan community at 54H 330954E 6069594N. The site at Raukkan had the most native species of all the sites for this region of Lake Alexandrina 20

Teringie Wetland Management Plan

(Wedderburn and Hammer 2003). Wedderburn and Hammer (2003) recommend the protection and restoration of sheltered fish habitat around the lake. The fish found in Lake Alexandrina, 3 km NE of the Teringie wetland complex, may take advantage of the development of habitat within the wetland complex. The wetland restoration would thereby contribute to the preservation of these species. However, flow control structures can have an impact on the movement of fish in and out of wetland environments, due to changes in water quality and/or water flow (velocities, turbulence) (see Your Wetland: Supporting Information (Tucker, Dominelli et al. 2003)). This will be taken into account when considering flow management. Table 8: Native fish

Abundance

Abundance

Teringie 18/02/03

Lake Alexandrina

Status

Common Name

Scientific Name

Australian smelt

Retropinna semoni

12

34

Bony herring

Nematalosa erebi

1

42

Common galaxias

Galaxias maculatus

1

33

Congolli

Pseudaphritis urvillii

4

5

R (C)

Dwarf flathead gudgeon

Philypnodon sp.

3

R (C)

Flathead gudgeon

Philypnodon grandiceps

Flyspecked hardyhead

Craterocephalus stercusmuscarum fulvus

Lagoon goby

Tasmanogobius lasti

Midgley‟s carp gudgeon

Hypseleotris sp.

2

Murray Darling carp gudgeon

Hypseleotris sp.

3

Sandy sprat

Hyperlophus vittatus

2

2

Smallmouthed hardyhead

Atherinosoma microstoma

13

13

Southern pygmy perch

Nannoperca australis

70

Western blue spot goby

Pseudogobius olorum

54

Number of Species

4

SA

10 2

57

8

Australia

R

82

C

P

14

R = Rare (taxon in decline or naturally limited presence), C = provisional State conservation concern under the draft Threatened Species Schedule NPWSA, P = protected under the Fisheries Act 1982 (Anonymous 1982; National Parks and Wildlife Council et al. 2003)

Table 9: Introduced fish

Common Name

Scientific Name

Gambusia

Gambusia holbrooki

Goldfish

Carassius auratus

Abundance

Abundance

Teringie 18/02/03

Lake Alexandrina

Status SA

Australia

1130 1

21

Teringie Wetland Management Plan Common Carp

Cyprinus carpio

4

Redfin

Perca fluviatilis

2

Number of Species

0

4

(iv) Macroinvertebrates The River Murray Wetlands Baseline Survey (SKM 2004) did not monitor macroinvertebrates at Teringie. Macroinvertebrates were therefore included in the separate monitoring event on the 25th November 2005. These included snails Physa acuta, water boatmen, ostracods, bloodworms and the mayfly larvae. For a description of the function of macroinvertebrates in wetlands refer to Your Wetland: Supporting Information (Tucker, Dominelli et al. 2003). (v) Implications for management The SKM (2004) bird survey found the abundance of birds at Teringie to be below the mean of all wetlands included in the survey. Their recommendations aimed at waterbirds of the wetland complex were the development of more diverse habitat; principally open water, fringing vegetation and mud flats. Therefore, to manage the wetland with an aim of increasing bird habitat availability, the diversity must be increased and maintained. With the establishment of more diverse and healthy aquatic habitats, the abundance of frogs within Teringie wetland complex itself should also increase. The improvement in connection between the wetland and the lake should provide fish habitat. The movement of fish in and out of the wetland should play a role in contributing to their reproduction in Lake Alexandrina.

22

Teringie Wetland Management Plan

Chapter 3. SOCIAL ECONOMIC AND CULTURAL VALUES Teringie wetland complex is a culturally significant area for the Ngarrindjeri community, Teringie being the Ngarrindjeri word for burial ground (Carter 2006). The summary of the cultural significance as described by Ngarrindjeri elders Derek Gollan, Derek Walker, and Ngarrindjeri man Steve Walker, which is detailed below discusses some of the significant cultural aspects of the Teringie wetland complex area. The wetland area encompassed traditional hunting grounds for the Cape Barren Goose, ducks and kangaroos. Of significance to any on-groundwork in the future are the 2 significant burial sites, which are to be found on the wetland complex area. Any work disturbing the soil should therefore seek site clearance from the local indigenous representatives. Protection of these burial sites will be undertaken as part of the revegetation plan in preparation by Greening Australia (Baird 2006). Some of the vegetation that can be found in the wetland complex is also very important to the Ngarrindjeri community. Cyperus gymnocaulos was and still is used by Ngarrindjeri women for basket weaving. This important tradition is still practiced and the presence of Cyperus gymnocaulos is an important cultural resource. Derek Gollan spoke of reeds extending along the lakeshore protecting the shoreline from erosion, some of the reeds extending into the wetlands immediately adjacent to the lake. Some patches of reeds are still visible on the foreshore as can be seen in Figure 19 and Figure 20 below. The wetland complex is of current cultural significance as it is used for community recreation, including fishing on the lakeshore, camping and hunting of rabbits. In conclusion, Teringie wetland complex is a highly significant area for the Ngarrindjeri community and they are very supportive of its restoration, not only for the ecological benefits but also for cultural benefits. Of significant interest is the increased community ownership of restoration works and the improvements to the site, the active involvement of the community particularly the younger generations through capacity building is seen as essential. The Ngarrindjeri community is actively involved in the current management planning and on-going management of the area. 1. The Ngarrindjeri community recommend that environmental/cultural waters be allowed to enter the Teringie lagoons again to allow rejuvenation of this once important wetlands/nursery. 2. The Ngarrindjeri community recommend that native revegetation take place in Teringie wetland complex. 3. The Ngarrindjeri community needs to be a party to the management/restoration of the Teringie wetland complex.

Figure 19: Offshore reeds 27/01/06 (TB)

Figure 20: Offshore reeds 27/01/06 (TB)

23

Teringie Wetland Management Plan

Chapter 4. LAND TENURE, MANAGEMENT ARRANGEMENTS

JURISDICTION

AND

SECTION 4.01 LAND TENURE There are multiple properties, which encompass Teringie wetland complex. The Aboriginal Lands Trust owns most of the properties with the south end of Teringie wetland complex owned by R. R and A. P. Hancock. The ownership of the wetland properties is under „Fee Simple Entirety‟. The property boundaries and the ownership details can be seen in Map 4 below.

Map 4: Cadastral boundaries covering Teringie wetland complex and surrounds.

SECTION 4.02 LAND AND WATER USE The main land use in the surrounding area is cattle grazing. In the past Teringie wetland complex was open to stock access. Most of the wetland is now fenced off to exclude all stock. See Map 5 on page 32 for fence locations. However, evidence of stock grazing impact was evident for both the baseline survey (SKM 2004) and the report complied by Woodward-Clyde (2000), which had the aim of identifying potential wetland rehabilitation sites. The social, economic, and environmental benefits of stock exclusion from sensitive areas, identified by Woodward-Clyde (2000) are: Improved wetland water quality Increased aquatic invertebrate diversity and abundance Promotion of wading bird habitat Promotion of waterbird habitat 24

Teringie Wetland Management Plan

Stabilisation of dunes The restoration of areas culturally significant to the Ngarrindjeri. Therefore the River Murray Wetlands Baseline Survey (SKM 2004) recommends the exclusion of stock from sensitive areas to promote the value and diversity of natural habitats this recommendation is echoed in the report by Woodward-Clyde (2000). The removal of stock has been agreed to by Derek Walker (pers. com.) with new fencing being funded by the Coorong District LAP. This new fence will encompass the entire wetland complex (see Map 5 on page 32). Crash grazing may be required to reduce fuel load in parts of the wetland until revegetation has been undertaken. The landholder on the southern end of the complex uses a small area of the wetland parallel to the lakeshore for grazing during extreme draught periods (R. Hancock pers. com.). This area has been fenced off to exclude stock at all other times and revegetation works, supported by the Coorong District LAP, are well under way within this area.

SECTION 4.03 JURISDICTION AND MANAGEMENT AUTHORITY The Raukkan community with support from the Coorong District LAP and Greening Australia will be responsible for the management of the wetland in consultation with the neighbouring landholders.

SECTION 4.04 ACCESS Access can be gained through Raukkan, the Raukkan Dairy or to reach the south end of the wetland through the Hancock‟s property. Access needs to be arranged through consultation with the relevant landholder.

SECTION 4.05 CONTACT DETAILS Contact persons for Teringie wetland complex management will be Raukkan community, Coorong District LAP Officers, Wetland Management Planning Officer or SA MDB NRM Board Wetland Project Officer, see Table 10 below for contact details. Access to the wetland will need to be arranged through consultation with the relevant landowner. Table 10: Teringie wetland complex responsible positions contact details

Position

Present Officers

Dairy manager

Derek Walker

Landholder

Richard Hancock

Phone number

Organisation

Mailing Address

Raukkan Dairy

Loveday Bay Rd

Narrung

SA 5259

0418 830 848

Loveday Bay Rd

Narrung

SA 5259

(08) 8574-0067

Coorong District Graham LAP Project Gates Officer

Coorong District LAP PO Box 1021

Tintinara SA 5266

(08) 8757 2100

Lower Lakes Project Officer

Coorong District LAP PO Box 2056 & Goolwa to Wellington LAP

Murray Bridge

SA 5253

(08) 8532 5262 2100

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

SA 5251

(08) 8391 7515

SA 5253

(08) 8232 6753

Jem Tesoriero

Wetland Tumi Lower LAPS Management Bjornsson Planning Officer Wetland Project Adrienne Officer, Lower Frears Murray

SA MDB NRM Board PO Box 2056

Murray Bridge

25

Teringie Wetland Management Plan

Chapter 5. THREATS AND POTENTIAL TERINGIE WETLAND COMPLEX

SOLUTIONS

TO

There are a number of existing and potential threats to Teringie wetland complex, some of which have become apparent in the description of the wetland and 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 altered management. The major current threat to the wetland is the infrequent inundation and associated groundwater salinity intrusion and the loss of biodiversity such as the surrounding vegetation and therefore habitat. The lack of inundation facilitates the saline groundwater intrusion through evapoconcentration of groundwater leading to salinisation of the wetland soil with saltpans evident. This „source‟ threat, a lack of inundation, is being addressed by this management plan. The past clearing of the wetland area and the heavy infestation of African boxthorn and artichoke thistle have degraded native habitat leaving few native flora and fauna species. Particularly evident is the lack of habitat for water bird species. The disconnection from the Lake Alexandrina would also limit the use of the wetland lagoons by native fish, the lack of escape during the following drying event being a detriment should fish have found their way into the wetland during overbank flooding. However, the altered management of a wetland will in itself bring with it potential threats that need to be identified, these and other threats identified so far have been listed in Table 11 on page 27. The most immediate threat, as a result of the proposed wetland restoration management, i.e. the change in wetland inundation, is the initial hypersaline lagoons. It is hoped that a freshwater lens will form below the wetland effectively reducing the impact of the ground water salinity intrusion allowing the wetland lagoons to freshen over time. The awareness of this potential threat is therefore central to future management actions and monitoring set out in this wetland management plan, the monitoring designed to observe whether the wetland lagoons do freshen over time. One threat recently identified in the Lower Lakes area is the invasive weed sharp rush Juncus acutus Figure 21 and Figure 22. It should be included in future weed removal strategies as part of the wetland surrounding area restoration work.

Figure 21: Juncus acutus (JT)

Figure 22: Juncus acutus detail far right, left and centre native species (JT)

26

Teringie Wetland Management Plan Table 11: Existing and prospective threats to Teringie wetland complex

THREATS

CATEGORY

EXTENT (IF KNOWN)

POTENTIAL SOLUTION

Wetland proper and fringing low lying areas (Regional cause river and lake regulation, Local cause man made structures) Wetland proper and fringing low lying areas (Regional cause river and lake regulation, Local cause man made structures)

Addressed in this management plan Introduce “natural” water regime Lowering of sill level of overflow channels Instillation of flow control structures

Regional & Local Local management response

Large stretch of lake shore of Lakes 95% of shoreline of wetland complex

Reestablishment of offshore reeds

Open up flow path.

Regional & Local Local management response

Dry wetland Saltpan

Bank build-up through wave action/deposition of sand (see Section 2.03(e)(i) on page 11) Possible artificial blockages

Regional & Local Local management response

Bank erosion/ loss of land

Erosion of banks (see Figure 11 on page 10)

Loss of reeds protecting the shore from wave action and erosion

Salinisation of the wetland

Increasing EC of wetland water body Increasing salinity in wetland base/soil

Local

Wetland proper and fringing low lying areas

Poor Water Quality: Turbidity

Turbid wetland, restricting growth/loss of macrophytes and therefore potential algal bloom

Blockage of flow path Evapo-concentration Loss of wet phase Lack of exchange with Lake Alexandrina Saline seepage from groundwater No water license Wetland maintained at a dry phase for to long leading to a loss of freshwater lens (becomes relevant once management is initiated and freshwater lens is developed, need to install piezometers in wetland base to monitor if freshwater lens develops) Hydraulic pressure from lake Alexandrina (pushes saline groundwater toward southern end of wetland) Wind resuspension of sediment

Dry wetland No outflow of water once inundated followed by; Evapoconcentration of water No freshwater lens below wetland Increase in salinity of groundwater Loss of habitat for native fauna (fish, birds, frogs, macroinvertebrates) Loss of aquatic vegetation Landwards migration of foredunes (rollover dunes) Loss of land Continued degradation of wetland complex Degradation of wetland water quality (hypersaline) Degradation of wetland environments Degradation of habitat quality for native fish Less native fish diversity Degradation of bird habitat

Local

Wetland body (when wet)

Restoration of macrophytes particularly emergent (reeds sedges (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)

Hyper saline lagoons

Saline water in wetland No or only salt tolerant species present

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. macroinvertebrates, native fish and birds) No or only salt tolerant species present Reduced biodiversity Limited habitat availability

Local

Wetland

Allow exchange with Lake Alexandrina Inundate wetland for extended period of time to develop freshwater lens under wetland

Dry wetland Saline ground water intrusion Loss of vegetation/habitat

Existing Existing Potential (following management and freshening of wetland) Potential/Existing (when inundated) Potential/ Existing

IMPACT Dieback of native vegetation (Aquatic and riparian) Loss of habitat variability for fauna (birds, fish, frogs, turtles & macroinvertebrates) Saltpans on dry lagoon beds Hypersaline wetland when inundated

Fringing banks/blockage of flow path

ABIOTIC

CAUSE Foredunes/artificial blockages Low variability in lake height/man made

Existing

Altered hydrology

SYMPTOM

Water exchange with Lake Alexandrina restricted/prevented Saline groundwater intrusion

Addressed in this management plan Lowering of sill level of overflow channels Instillation of flow control structures

27

Teringie Wetland Management Plan

SYMPTOM

CAUSE

Loss of aquatic vegetation

Their absence/low numbers in most lagoons Low diversity

Lack of water (inundation) Mismanagement of wetland hydrology Highly saline soils

Loss of habitat availability and diversity

Local

Wetland lagoons/regional (will impact on bird habitat availability)

Loss of native riparian vegetation

No large trees in the area Invasive species present

Clearing Grazing Lack of water (inundation) Weed infestation Mismanagement of wetland hydrology

Loss of habitat/breeding hollows (birds) Loss of snags in water body Loss of windbreak

Local

Surrounding area. Extensive. Revegetation option for riparian area.

Reduction of biodiversity

Low species diversity following clearing (State Library of South Australia)

Loss of natural variability of inundation Loss of native species (fish, riparian and aquatic vegetation) Grazing – reduction of biodiversity Grazing – introduction of weeds (introduction of seed, aiding invasion) Mismanagement of wetland hydrology Mismanagement of wetland environment Degradation of native vegetation Ability to grow in saline & dry environments (boxthorn)

Extensive degradation of wetland ecosystem (Domino effect on food chain)

Local and Regional

Wetland and wetland influenced surrounding area

Exotic species Competition with native vegetation Loss of habitat (food source?)

Local

Higher ground of wetland area

Existing Existin g Existing Existing Potential Potential

BIOTIC

Existing

Existing

Existing

THREATS

Weeds (African boxthorn, artichoke thistle, introduced grasses) Lack of habitat (birds)

Lack of frogs

Their presence

IMPACT

CATEGORY

EXTENT (IF KNOWN)

Low abundance of bird species during survey

Degradation of wetland ecosystem

Low abundance of birds Loss of bird habitat

Local and Regional

Wetland and wetland surrounding area

Lack of frogs

Possibly due to lack of suitable habitat Degradation of wetland ecosystem

Loss/reduction of frogs in ecosystem

Local

Wetland and wetland surrounding area

POTENTIAL SOLUTION Addressed in this management plan Inundate wetland Freshen wetland Revegetation of surrounding areas Revegetation of wetland if natural regeneration fails Addressed in separate revegetation plan written by Greening Australia as part of river restoration demonstration sites (Baird 2006) Inundate wetland Revegetate, cooperation between GA, Coorong district LAP, and local landholders (Ngarrindjeri) Restore wetland Addressed in this management plan and revegetation plan

Active removal – poisoning See revegetation plan in preparation by Greening Australia (Baird 2006) Restore wetland ecology Restore hydrology Revegetate Increase habitat availability Restore wetland ecology Restore hydrology Revegetate Increase habitat availability

Lack of native fish habitat

No water/fish in wetland

Blockage of flow channels into wetland (see threats above)

Reduction in available breeding areas (nurseries) Fish loss currently when wetlands are cut of from lake during drying phase

Local and Regional

Wetland and lake fringe

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

Turbid wetlands Reduction in native fish diversity and abundance

Well known environmental problem in region (large pest population), introduced for various

Competition for habitat. (domination of available habitat) Predation/aggressive interaction on/with small and young native fish (redfin/gambusia) Damage to aquatic vegetation Decrease in water quality (Turbidity increase) Predation on native fish (redfin)

Regional and local (Managed locally)

Wetland water body (when wet)

Restore wetland ecology Restore hydrology Revegetate Increase habitat availability Allow fish passage between wetland and lake If carp exclusion trials are successful in other wetlands it could be considered for Teringie Removal of large carp during dry phase (if relevant) Monitor abundance of invasive species with comparative monitoring of abundance of native species

Regional & Local Local management response

Complex and surrou8bding area

Crash grazing until revegetation and weed control has been performed

Increased fuel load

Large areas of long dry grass

reasons including mosquito control, aquaculture and aquarium industry (discarded specimens)

Rapid breeding cycles (carp ~2/year), live bearing (gambusia), unpalatable eggs (redfin) Excessive growth of grass No grazing and no shading out of grasses

Possible bush fire Damage to wetland ecology Damage to revegetation work

28

Teringie Wetland Management Plan

Chapter 6. MANAGEMENT OBJECTIVES The main management objective is the restoration of the ecology of Teringie wetland and therefore the restoration of the cultural values of the wetland complex to the Ngarrindjeri nation. 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 26, more detailed ecological based management objectives can now be developed. The objectives, including solutions, actions needed and priorities are detailed in Table 12 on page 30. Adaptive management will drive the actions undertaken to achieve the objectives. Due to the complexity of the groundwater/wetland interactions and identified potential threats to the wetland (see Chapter 5 on page 26) the management and therefore detailed objectives will need to be flexible. A minor review of the objectives and the wetland management plan is recommended at the end of each year, community groups can achieve this by reviewing their monitored data with the assistance of the SA MDB NRM Board Wetland Project Officer. A major review should follow after 5 years.

29

Teringie Wetland Management Plan Table 12: Management objectives for Teringie wetland complex.

Native Native

Invasive

Native

VEGETATION

Native

MANAGEMENT OBJECTIVES Reestablishment of lakeshore reed beds

Native

Active revegetation

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

QUANTIFIABLE /MEASURE OF ACHIEVEMENT

MONITOR (TIMING)*

Revegetation (ES)

Establishment of reed beds (Schoenoplectus validus) Long term natural establishment of Phragmites and Typha.

Photo point (Q) Vegetation survey (Y)

Clear flow channels (ES) Refer to revegetation plan

Diversity of aquatic species, continued presence of ruppia spp. in saline lagoons, establishment of submerged and emergent macrophytes in fresher lakeside lagoons (similar to the macrophytes identified in the permanently inundated lagoon) Maintain clear wetland (Turbidity NTU 80 for ~ 90% of time) Recovery of 50% of standing specimens (short term) Re-establishment and survival of missing species (e.g. Melaleuca) Numbers based on expert recommendation Reduction of weeds (as per revegetation plan)

Photo point (Q) Vegetation survey (Y) Monitor water quality (M)

WAP (water license)

Medium

Photo point (Q) Vegetation survey (Y)

WAP (water license)

High

Vegetation survey (Y)

N/A

High

Opportunistic

N/A

Medium

Fish survey (Y)

WAP (water license)

High

Regeneration of wetland aquatic species (Improved water plant communities)

Improve water regime to trigger/induce aquatic and riparian vegetation regeneration

Regeneration of riparian vegetation

Establish native re-vegetation projects

Actively revegetate using locally collected seed Refer to revegetation plan

Removal of weeds from wetland area

Establish weed removal projects in the wetland area (boxthorn, artichoke thistle etc.)

Weed control as per revegetation plan

Ease of movement of fish between wetland and Lake Alexandrina Restore native fish habitat

FISH

SOLUTIONS

Establish open connection

Open connection between wetland and the lake 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 etc. This would lead to an increased diversity and abundance of small native fish, which are prayed 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

Lowering sill height

Lower sill level Restore riparian vegetation

Visible migration during flow Number of fish in wetland

Presence of 3 native fish species found outside of wetland (see Table 8 on page 21)

LEGISLATION

PRIORITY High

30

Teringie Wetland Management Plan

SOLUTIONS

Restore native frog habitat

Improved frog habitat through improved and more diverse ecological niches (habitat)

Improved habitat for water birds (waterfowl, waders and shorebirds, etc.)

Manage water regime to restore habitat values for water birds and therefore enhance their breeding (where appropriate) (All habitat including open water) Manage water regime to restore habitat values for migratory bird species Revegetate surrounding area with native vegetation Develop freshwater lens under wetland

Native Native/Migratory

BIRDS

FROGS

MANAGEMENT OBJECTIVES

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

Turbidity

Restore aquatic and riparian vegetation Manage water regime to minimise turbidity of wetland water of management strategy, maximising the wetland restoration Restore flow paths into wetland

WQ

Salinity

WQ Structural

Structural

MANAGEMENT

GW

Reduce groundwater impact on wetland

Improve connectivity of wetland with Lake Alexandrina

Removal of stock from wetland area

Fence of stock for entire wetland area as agreed to by landholder (Ngarrindjeri)

ACTIONS (MANAGEMENT (M) OR ENGINEERING OR STRUCTURAL (ES)) Restore riparian vegetation

Restoration of wetland habitat and conditions for native fish species, migratory water birds, native water birds and fringing species, and aquatic and riparian plant species. (See vegetation objectives & Section 7.02 on page 38) Restore hydrology regime Revegetate as per revegetation plan Inundate wetland for an extended time period Establish a hydrological regime based on best knowledge of past wetland hydrology Monitor effect of restored hydrology and adapt management accordingly (need to install 2 piezometers in wetland base to monitor for the potential development of a freshwater lens) Keep flow path open to allow for water exchange between lake and wetland

Revegetate riparian vegetation Revegetate macrophytes if regeneration does not occur

QUANTIFIABLE /MEASURE OF ACHIEVEMENT Presence of 2 native frog species found outside of wetland (see Section 2.04(b)(ii) on page 20)

MONITOR (TIMING)

LEGISLATION

PRIORITY

Low

Frog survey (Q)

Increase in bird abundance using wetland (At least double current levels) Increase in habitat (open water, mudflat and vegetation) diversity

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

High (Teringie is a wetland in the Ramsar area)

Monitor wetland salinity (no net increase over time after inundation, steady decrease of extended period) Monitor soil salinity (no net increase in soil salinity, some reduction)

Monitor water quality (M)

High

Long term decrease of water salinity

Monitor water quality (M)

High

Visibly clear water

Monitor water quality (M) Observation

Medium

Turbidity of wetland water below 80 NTU for majority of time (~90%)

Clear channel of debris (and sediment if necessary)

Fence of area (ES)

Clear distinct channel

Photo point (Q) Observation

Fence as shown in Map 5 on page

Observation

Development Act and/or council approval

High/paramount to restoration

High

32

* see Chapter 8 on page 40; WAP, water allocation plan; GW, Ground Water; WQ, Water Quality; W, Weekly; M, Monthly; Y, Yearly

31

Teringie Wetland Management Plan

Chapter 7. IMPLEMENTATION OF PLAN The initial step in the restoration of Teringie wetland complex is the exclusion of stock. This will protect both the revegetation efforts underway and the wetlands from further or future hoof and grazing damage. To this purpose stock fences will be constructed around the complex as shown in Map 5 below. If stock are found to access the wetland during low lake periods the fence may need to be extended into the water/lake.

Map 5: Teringie existing and planned stock fences

The essential restoration of Teringie wetland complex involves the restoration of a regular hydrology regime. The achievement of this involves the reconnection of the larger lagoons, here termed basins, to Lake Alexandrina through the clearance of the old channels identified in Woodward-Clyde (2000). The location of the channels and an identification of the basins can be seen in Map 6 on page 33. Figure 23 and Figure 24 on page 34 show the fore dune that has built up to block the inflow into the northern basin (as discussed in Section 2.03(e)(i)) at which channel clearance is intended identified as on-ground work 1 (OGW1) in Map 6. Figure 25 shows the very low fore dune at the south basin which overflows annually, an erosion of this bank was later observed on January 11 2006, 200 m to the south of the location of Figure 25. Figure 26 and Figure 27 on page 34 show the channel identified by Woodward and Clyde (2000) that connects the north and east basin of the wetland complex, i.e. OGW2. All the photographs were taken on the 25th November 2005. Map 6 on page 33 shows the anticipated flow direction of water following onground works and should provide some understanding of the anticipated flow following management within Teringie wetland complex. Given the lack of information on the accurate volumes, depth and surface areas of most of the lagoons within the Teringie wetland complex only estimates of the surface area, the depth and 32

Teringie Wetland Management Plan

therefore the volume can be made. The wetland inundation will be estimated as part of the individual basins, which are similar to the areas identified by Woodward-Clyde (2000). The potential surface area inundated in each of the basins, at approximately the median lake level of 0.78 m AHD, can be seen in Table 13 below. Table 13: Potential surface areas inundated following on-groundwork

Basin

Expected surface area (ha)

North Basin

20

East Basin

90

South Basin

70

Full Complex

409

Not all lagoons will be connected to Lake Alexandrina. Therefore, some lagoons will remain temporary wetlands filling only when the lake and connected lagoons are high enough to overflow the banks, or from rainwater. This will leave some of the current habitat availability of drying lagoons for waders.

Map 6: On-groundwork and expected water movement and inundation within Teringie wetland complex

33

Teringie Wetland Management Plan

Figure 23: Flow Channel at OGW1 (TB)

Figure 24: Flow Channel at OGW1 (TB)

Figure 25: Flow Channel at OGW3 (TB)

Figure 26: Flow Channel at OGW2 (TB)

Figure 27: Flow Channel at OGW2 (TB)

34

Teringie Wetland Management Plan

Map 7 below shows a close up of the on-groundwork site (OGW01). The flow channel cleared is to resemble the natural flow channel previously exiting for the wetland, which can still just be identified in the aerial photograph used in the map. This channel will be approximately 40 to 70 meters wide and 30 to 40 meters long. The current height of the fore dune has been built up to 0.95 m AHD and is to be excavated to a depth of 0.5 m AHD. It is anticipated that this depth will leave the foremost wetland as a permanent lagoon for perhaps the first year. Sedimentation in the flow channel should slowly return this lagoon to a semi permanent state with short dry events similar to the semi permanent/permanent wetland also found on the Teringie wetland complex site and discussed previously in this wetland management plan. It is anticipated that by this time offshore reed bed establishment, as discussed in Chapter 2 Section 2.03(e)(i) and management objectives in Chapter 6, will have progressed to the stage of reducing the lakeshore erosion and the fore dune build-up. As the reeds will be established as far out into the lake as possible a secondary channel with a shore parallel current may develop. The reeds would then minimise the shore directed waves minimising fore dune build up, the shore parallel current sweeping the secondary channel clear from sedimentation. No evidence, however, exists for this assumption and this would therefore be a basis for adaptive management practises. It may therefore, be necessary to maintain a clear flow channel by re-excavating the channel, if the fore dunes are re-established or, if the reeds promote excessive sediment deposition in the flow channel. The spill from the on-groundwork should be removed from off site preventing it from washing back into the channel and minimise its impact on the existing vegetation.

Map 7: On-groundwork site 1 (OGW01)

Map 8 on page 36 shows a close up of the on-groundwork site (OGW02). The channel cleared is to follow a channel previously exiting between the wetland previously blocked to provide vehicle access to stock in this part of the wetland complex during wet periods. A box culvert will be 35

Teringie Wetland Management Plan

installed to allow vehicle access in the future, the top of the culvert to be a metal grid allowing light into the channel. This channel can still be easily identified on ground and in the aerial photograph used in the map. This channel is approximately 15 meters wide. The length of excavation will be between 50 to 250 metres bringing the barrier from a height of 0.75/0.8 m AHD down to 0.5 m AHD. As for OGW01 the spill from the on-groundwork should be removed from off site preventing it from washing back into the channel and minimise its impact on the existing vegetation.

Map 8: On-groundwork site 2 (OGW02)

SECTION 7.01 ON GROUND ACTION AND TIMETABLE Table 14, on page 37, provides a timetable and prioritisation for the on-groundwork in the Teringie wetland complex. The table does not address monitoring which is discussed in Chapter 8 on page 40. 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 42.

36

Teringie Wetland Management Plan Table 14: Implementation plan for Teringie wetland complex land based activities.

AS APPROPRIATE

INUNDATION

AFTER

CHANNEL CLEARING

PRIOR TO CHANNEL CLEARING

ACTIVITY Install permanent photo points (including overview of wetland, revegetation works, flowpaths and shoreline/reed establishment) Weed removal as per revegetation plan

PRIORITY

RESOURCES

TIMETABLE

RESPONSIBILITY

High

2 persons 1 hrs Materials and tools (available)

Prior to flood event

SA MDB NRM Board/LAP (Adrienne Frears, Tumi Bjornsson, Jem Tesoriero) and Greening Australia

High

See revegetation plan

See revegetation plan

Greening Australia

Prior to flood event

Prior to late winter 2006

SA MDB NRM Board/LAP (Adrienne Frears, Tumi Bjornsson, Jem Tesoriero) SA MDB NRM Board/LAP (Adrienne Frears, Tumi Bjornsson, Jem Tesoriero) LAP/Community group

As appropriate Funding

As required

Community group with assistance from LAP

High

See Chapter 8 below

See Chapter 8 below

See Chapter 8 below

Weed removal as per revegetation plan

Medium

See revegetation plan

See revegetation plan

Greening Australia

Revegetation

Medium

See revegetation plan

As appropriate for seed collection and revegetation works. See revegetation plan

Greening Australia

Install gauge board in lagoons Install 2 piezometers in lagoon beds to monitor potential freshwater lens development Clearing of channels OGW1 clear channel approximately 40 to 70 meters wide and 30 to 40 meters long. From 0.95 m AHD down to 0.5 m AHD OGW02 clear channel approximately 15 meters wide and from 50 to 250 meters long. From 0.75 m AHD down to 0.5 m AHD. Instillation of culvert. Maintain clear flow path

Monitor as per monitoring plan

Medium High High

Medium

Gauge board 2 person/ ~1hrs Piezometers 2 person/ ~1hrs Work crew (finance) Raukkan community group have equipment which could be used to contribute to the work

Prior to flood event

Revegetation of offshore reed beds

High

Reeds Work crew (finance)

Mid November to Mid February

Community group with assistance from LAP

Annual review of monitored data

High

Monitored data

End of each inundation year (End of Summer)

Community group with assistance from LAP

Consultant (finance)

As finance allows

Community group with assistance from LAP

Establish sill levels following on-groundwork And obtain wetland depth/volume estimate

Medium

37

Teringie Wetland Management Plan

SECTION 7.02 WETLAND WATER OPERATIONAL PLAN The strongest tool in managing a wetland is the control of the wetland hydrology. Hydrology controls the germination and growth of aquatic and riparian vegetation. Healthy vegetation and appropriate inundation leads to the growth of biofilms, the vegetation and biofilms 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 Teringie Wetland Complex and fulfilment of the major objectives, the restoration of a complex wetland ecosystem, is therefore reliant upon the establishment of an appropriate water regime. As the restoration of the water regime for the wetland complex sees the removal of fore dunes and the lowering of the sill level, the management of the hydrology regime and the fill rate, volume will be entirely dependent on Lake Alexandrina levels. The lowered sill level leads to a longer inundation period as well as water exchange between the wetland and Lake Alexandrina. A basic assessment of the water volumes needed annually is presented in Table 15 on page 39. The seasonality of flooding for wetlands is important as it impacts on the germination of vegetation, its production, completion of life cycle as well as impacting on fauna such as macroinvertebrate growth and bird breeding (Roberts et al. 2000; Scott 1997; Tucker, Dominelli et al. 2003; Tucker et al. 2002). Best fill times based on bird breeding events and of a duration to increase the potential of a successful breeding season is late winter to early spring with an inundation period of 4 to 8 months (Scott 1997). A 4-month minimum inundation is also required for vegetation both riparian and aquatic, preferably longer, to allow for adequate time for the vegetation to germinate, grow and set seed, i.e. allowing the vegetation to complete its life cycle (Roberts and Marston 2000). Therefore, the optimal time for inundation of Teringie wetland from the ecological perspective would be in late winter to early spring. This inundation would be achieved by raising the lake heights to approximately 0.8 m AHD or slightly higher. At the end of each inundation season a review of monitored data is required to assess the impact of the changed hydrology, this would be as part of an annual review of the wetland management plan. 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 current management of lowered sill level is an effective hydrology management strategy or whether a revision of the wetland management plan is required. The wetland currently only receives water from Lake Alexandrina when the lake levels are at approximately 0.85 m AHD, and at 0.5 to 0.75 following on-groundwork (removal of fore dune) The wetland water level is and will continually be impacted on by the lake water levels. The water volume used for the estimate of water allowance were based on average monthly lake height data obtained from the surface water archive (Department of Water Land and Biodiversity Conservation 2005). As stated in Chapter 2 Section 2.03(e)(i) the median water levels within Lake Alexandrina for a 10-year period (1994 to 2004) is 0.774 m AHD, a graph of the fluctuations is presented in Appendix B. It is anticipated that a large proportion of the water that enters the wetland will evaporate within it, with only minor outflow. To compare salinity levels between the wetland and Lake Alexandrina refer to Chapter 2 Section 2.03(e)(i) on page 11. The DEM was not complete for the entire wetland complex, only for the North Basin (see Map 6 on page 33). Therefore, to obtain the water volume required at different wetland depths, a polynomial relationship was established between the depth of the water in the wetland vs. the area (both given in the SKM baseline survey data for select wetland depths) and depth vs. volume (also given in the SKM baseline survey data). Equation 1 which was used to calculate the surface water area based on wetland depth for the North Basin had an R2 value of 0.9996. Equation 2, established to calculate the volume at a given depth, had an R2 of 1. Where volume is in ML, area in m2 and depth in metres. 38

Teringie Wetland Management Plan Equation 1: Area Equation 2: Volume

159145

depth

157 . 67

2

depth

126690 2

41 . 44

depth

6846 . 9

depth

6 . 2755

As little data existed for the South and East Basins the area of probable inundation was identified for both these basins, the probable extent of inundation can be seen in Map 6 on page 33. Based on this identified area and the assumption that the morphology of the lagoons in the wetland complex would be very similar, given the same soil structure and history, an estimation of the volume of water within the basins could be extrapolated. For this purpose, Equation 3, established (using line of best fit) to calculate the volume at a given area, had an R2 of 0.9784. Compared with the alternate option of calculating the volume within the basins, surface area multiplied by depth, this equation delivered a better fit when tested on the available North Basin data. Equation 3: Volume

5E

7

Area

1 . 5259

The evaporation rates were attained 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 H, the monthly average lake height used to as an indicator of wetland water levels area also to be seen in Appendix H. The total annual water requirements were calculated following Equation 4. Equation 4: TotalAnnua lWater Re quirements

Volume

PotenialEv aporation

The estimated water use calculations for Teringie wetland complex, including evaporation loss can be seen in Table 15 below. The total annual allocation requirements for Teringie wetland complex annually amounts to 1760 ML (1.7 GL or 1,760,000 kL). The 1110 ML used in the south lagoon is not used in the calculation of the water requirements as this water enters the wetland annually without altered management; therefore the management of this wetland will not alter its current use of water. This estimate of water use is to be reassessed as soon as adequate sill level and wetland volume data become available for the entire complex. Table 15: Water use calculation at average lake height

Basin

Surface area (ha)

Volume (ML) *

Potential Evaporation (ML) *

Total Annual Water Requirement (ML)

North

20

60

190

250

East

90

610

900

1510

South

70

410

700

1110

* Rounded to nearest 10 ML

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 Teringie Wetland Complex 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.

39

Teringie Wetland Management Plan

Chapter 8. MONITORING For the development of a wetland management plan, Teringie wetland complex was included in the River Murray Wetlands Baseline Survey (SKM 2004). The data collected during this survey provided a basis by which objectives for the wetland management could be refined, initial hydrology guidelines could be developed and review procedures scheduled. However this data did not cover all the issues related to managing the Teringie wetland complex. Partly as a consequence, but also as part of adaptive management and best practise wetland management, monitoring of the wetland has been devised to answer some 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. 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. The data will ultimately be stored in the appropriate state government databases. See report by Hydro Tasmania (2003). 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.

40

Teringie Wetland Management Plan Table 16: Monitoring plan for Teringie wetland complex.

Parameter

Method

Priority

Groundwater

Level and Conductivity

LOW

Water quality monitoring (cond, turb, temp)

HIGH

Surface Water

Fish

Surface level (using gauge boards)

LOW

Low

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

HIGH















 











1 monitoring Community, LAP, SA day event MDB NRM Board



Quadrat/line intercept

MODERATE

Frogs

Recording Calls

MODERATE

Birds

Fixed area search

HIGH





Community

1 day

LAP, SA MDB NRM Board



1st monitoring Community, LAP, SA day event MDB NRM Board, GA





1 monitoring Community, LAP, SA day event MDB NRM Board, GA 1 monitoring Community, LAP, SA day event MDB NRM Board



0.5 hour

Community, LAP, SA MDB NRM Board



0.5 hour

Community, LAP, SA MDB NRM Board

Dip net survey LOW 

0.5 hour

1 monitoring Community, LAP, SA day event MDB NRM Board

 





HIGH

HIGH

Macroinvertebrates



Responsible

1 monitoring Community, LAP, SA day event MDB NRM Board

As funding allows



Photopoint monitoring

Vegetation





Mapping (Flow channel sill level)

Photopoint Installation

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



1 monitoring day event (not including Community, LAP, SA identification) MDB NRM Board

41

Teringie Wetland Management Plan

Chapter 9. EVALUATION, REVIEW AND REPORTING SECTION 9.01 EVALUATION AND REVIEW A review, of the implications of changed management of Teringie wetland complex, 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, nor can the exact timing of a change in water regime. 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, and if necessary assistance is be available from the Coorong District LAP and the SA MDB NRM Board. 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 assessment of the progress towards the vision for the wetland, and update of the threats and actions to be undertaken as well as an upgrade of the monitoring schedule to reflect changes in the wetland management plan.

SECTION 9.02 REPORTING The wetland management plan for Teringie wetland 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 hydrology regime change, also needs to be reported to DWLBC. That includes the lack of use of licensed water, should Lake Alexandrina levels not be high enough to supply or maintain the planned wetland water levels.

42

Teringie Wetland Management Plan

Chapter 10. REFERENCES Anonymous (1982). South Australia: Fisheries Act 1982. Accessed November 17 2005, http://www.parliament.sa.gov.au/Catalog/legislation/Acts/f/1982.58.un.htm. Anonymous (1986a). Australian Treaty Series 1981 No 6 (JAMBA). Accessed 16 June 2005, http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/other/dfat/treaties/1981/6.html. Anonymous (1986b). Australian Treaty Series 1988 No 22 (CAMBA). Accessed 16 June 2005, http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/other/dfat/treties/1988/22.html. Anonymous (2000). Coorong, and Lakes Alexandrina and Albert Ramsar Management Plan. Adelaide, South Australian Department for Environment and Heritage. Baird, I. (2006). Teringie Wetlands Rehabilitation Project, Greening Australia (SA). Bjornsson, K. T., A. Brodie, et al. (2002). Riparian Areas and On-farm Wetlands in the Australian Sugar Industry. Townsville, CRC for Sustainable Sugar Production. BOM (2005). Climate Averages. Accessed 18 March 2005, www.bom.gov.au/climate/averages/tables/cw_024518.shtml. Carter, M. F. (2006). Ngarrindjeri elder. Carter, R. W. G. (1988). Coastal Environments: An Introduction to the Physical, Ecological & Cultural Systems of Coastlines. London, Elsevier. Croucher, D. (2005). Personal Communication. Dadd, D. (2005). Personal Communication. Davis, R. A. and D. M. FitzGerald (2004). Beaches and Coasts, Blackwell Publishing. Department of Water Land and Biodiversity Conservation (2005). Surface Water Archive. Accessed 3 August 2005, http://www.dwlbc.sa.gov.au/subs/surface_water_archive/a1pgs/mapindex.htm. Gosbell, K. (2004). Waterbird Surveys around the Shoreline of Lake Alexandrina and Lake Albert January 2003 to February 2004 in Response to a Drawdown in Water Levels. South East Region, South Australia, Department for Environment and Heritage. Draft Report 14-4-04 Hydro Tasmania (2003). River Murray Wetlands Data Management Project Final Report, River Murray Catchment Water Management Board. 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. 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

43

Teringie Wetland Management Plan

National Wetlands Program (1998). Ramsar Convention on Wetlands (Convention on Wetlands of International Importance). Accessed 7 October 1999, http://www.anca.gov.au/environm/wetlands/ramindex.html. Nicol, J. (2005). The ecology of Ruppia spp. in South Australia, with reference to the Coorong. Adelaide, South Australian Research and Development Institute (Aquatic Sciences): 44p. SARDI Aquatic Sciences Publication Number RD04/0247-2 Peck, D. (2000). The Ramsar Convention on Wetlands: The Annotated Ramsar List: Australia. Accessed 27 April 2005, http://www.ramsar.org/profiles_australia.htm. Pressey, R. L. (1986). Wetlands of the River Murray, River Murray Commission. River Murray Catchment Water Management Board (2002). Water Allocation Plan for the River Murray Prescribed Watercourse. Berri, South Australia, Government of South Australia. 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. Roberts, J. and F. Marston (2000). Water regime of wetland and floodplain plants in the MurrayDarling Basin: A source book of ecological knowledge. Canberra, CSIRO Land and Water. Technical Report 30/00 Scott, A. (1997). Relationships between waterbird ecology and river flows in the Murray-Darling Basin. Canberra, CSIRO Land and Water. Technical Report Seaman, R. L. (2003). Coorong and Lower Lakes habitat-mapping program. South Australia, Department for Environment and Heritage. Conservation Programs Sim, T. and K. Muller (2004). A Fresh History of the Lakes: Wellington to the Murray Mouth, 1800s to 1935. Berri, River Murray Catchment Water Management Board. SKM (2004). River Murray Wetlands Baseline Survey, South Australian Murray Darling Basin Natural Resources Management Board. State Library of South Australia River Murray Timeline. Accessed 23 February 2006, http://www.slsa.sa.gov.au/murray/timeline.htm. 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. Wedderburn, S. and M. Hammer (2003). The Lower Lakes Fish Inventory:Distribution and Conservation of Freshwater Fishes of the Rasmar Convention Wetland at the Terminus of the Murray Darling Basin, South Australia. Adelaide, Native Fish Australia (SA) Inc. 44

Teringie Wetland Management Plan

Woodward-Clyde (2000). Identification of Potential Wetland Rehabilitation Sites.

45

Teringie Wetland Management Plan

Appendix A. Wetlands Atlas Data for Wetland Main Body Table 17: Teringie wetland complex, Wetland atlas data (Jensen, Paton et al. 1996) AREA

4090053.94037672000

PERIMETER

28275.48825573210

WETLANDS_

1020

WETLANDS_I

1019

AS2482

44190

AUS_WETNR

S0019

AUSDIRNO_9

NCP016SA

AUSDIR_NO

SA063

THOM_WETNR

L018

NAME

TERINGIE COMPLEX

COMPLEX

LAKE ALEXANDRINA FRINGING WETLAND

WATERCOURS MDBC_DISTN

2

WATER_REGI

TEMPORARY

INTERNATIO

1

NATIONAL

1

BASIN

1

VALLEY

1

SHOULD_REA

1

ConsValue

Moderate

ConsCode

2

DataSource

Murray SA Atlas

46

Teringie Wetland Management Plan

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

HYPLOT V128 Output 13/10/2004

Period 11 Year Plot Start 00:00_01/01/1994 Interval 1 Month Plot End 00:00_01/01/2005 AW426583 LAKE ALEXANDRINA @ Narrung Jetty 102.00 Max & Min Lake Level (m)

1994-05 Recording

1.2

1

0.8

0.6

0.4

0.2 1994

1995

1996

1997

1998

1999

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

Figure 28: Lake Alexandrina water level at Narrung Jetty (10 year period)

47

Teringie Wetland Management Plan

Appendix C. Baseline Survey Locations (Source SKM (2004))

48

Teringie Wetland Management Plan

Appendix D. Baseline Survey DEM (Source SKM (2004))

49

Teringie Wetland Management Plan

50

Teringie Wetland Management Plan

Appendix E. Baseline Survey Groundwater

51

Teringie Wetland Management Plan

52

Teringie Wetland Management Plan

53

Teringie Wetland Management Plan

54

Teringie Wetland Management Plan

55

Teringie Wetland Management Plan

Appendix F.

Baseline Survey Vegetation Zones

56

Teringie Wetland Management Plan

Appendix G. Species List for Teringie Wetland Complex SECTION G.01 FLORA This species list (Table 18) has been derived from the River Murray Wetlands Baseline Survey (SKM 2004). Table 18: Plant Associations at Teringie wetland complex (adapted from River Murray Wetlands Baseline Survey (SKM 2004))

Azolla filiculoides

Pacific azolla

*Cotula bipinnata

Ferny cotula

*Cotula coronopifolia

Water buttons

*Critesion marinum

Sea barley-grass

Cyperus gymnocaulos

Spiny flat-sedge

Distichlis distichophylla

Emu grass

*Ehrharta calycina

Perennial veldt grass

Frankenia gunnii

pauciflora

var.

Conservati on Rating

Plant Association * 2

X X

X X

X

X

X

X

Southern sea-heath

X

Halosarcia pergranulata ssp. pergranulata

Black-seed samphire

X

Lemna disperma

Common duckweed

X

Lepilaena australis

Austral water-mat

X

*Lolium rigidum

Wimmera rygrass

X

X

*Lycium ferocissimum

African boxthorn

X

X

Burr-medic

X

X

*Medicago polymorpha polymorpha

var.

3

MU

SA

1 AUS

Common Name Introduced

Species

Mimulus repens

Creeping monkey-flower

Muehlenbeckia florulenta

Lignum

R

Myriophyllum simulans

Amphibious milfoil

Q

Myoporum insulare

Boobialla

*Parapholis incurva

Curly ryegrass

X

*Paspalum vaginatum

Salt-water couch

X

*Pennisetum clandestinum

Kikuyu grass

X

*Polypogon monspeliensis

Annual beard-grass

X

Potamogeton pectinatus

Fennel pondweed

Ruppia polycarpa

Widgeon grass

Ruppia tuberosa

Widgeon grass

Samolus repens

Creeping brookweed

X

Sarcocornia quinqueflora

Beaded samphire

X

X

X

X

X X

X X X X

57

Teringie Wetland Management Plan Schoenoplectus validus

River club-rush

Schoenoplectus pungens

Spiky club-rush

X

Senecio runcinifolius

X

*Soncus oleraceus

Common sow-thistle

X

X

*Spergularia marina

Salt sand-spurrey

X

X

Suaeda australis

Austral seablite

X

Triglochin striatum

Streaked arrowgrass

X

Typha orientalis

Broad-leaf bulrush

X

Total species

16

11

2

% introduced

56

18

0

* Plant association: 1. Halosarcia pergranulata ssp. Pergranulata / Frankenia pauciflora var. gunnii Low Closed Shrubland 2. Schoenplectus validus Sedgeland over Paspalum vaginatum 3. Ruppia polucarpa Herbland

SECTION G.02 WETLAND AND FLOODPLAIN FAUNA (a) BIRDS OF TERINGIE SURROUNDS AND LOWER LAKES Table 19: Bird species identified at Teringie wetland complex (adapted from River Murray Wetlands Baseline Survey (SKM 2004))

Common Name

Scientific Name

Australian pelican Cape goose

Spring

Summer

Total Conservation abundance status

Site 1

Site 2

Site 1

Site 2

Pelecanus conspicillatus

0

3

0

0

3

NA

Cereopsis novaehollandiae

0

34

0

0

34

SA – Rare EPBC _ Migratory

Caspian tern

Sterna caspia

0

5

0

0

5

EPBC Migratory

Eurasian coot

Fulica atra

0

1

0

0

1

NA

Great cormorant

Phalacrocorax carbo

2

0

0

0

2

NA

Masked lapwing

Vanellus miles

2

2

0

0

4

EPBC Migratory

Silver gull

Larus novaehollandiae

0

9

0

0

9

NA

Total

Individuals

4

54

0

0

58

Species

2

6

0

0

7

Barren

_

_

Table 20: Water birds at 23 sites bordering Lakes Alexandrina and Albert (adapted from (Gosbell 2004))

WATERFOWL Hoary head Grebe

Number Observed

WADERS 200

Latham's Snipe

Number Observed 0

58

Teringie Wetland Management Plan Australasian Grebe

14

Black-tailed Godwit

1

Great Crested Grebe

990

Bar-tailed Godwit

0

Little Pied Cormorant

551

Godwit Spp.

0

Little Black Cormorant

3306

Little Curlew

0

Great Black Cormorant

20839

Whimbrel

0

Eastern Curlew

0

Pied Cormorant

7736

Black Faced Cormorant

77

Marsh Sandpiper

132

Australian Darter

64

Common Greenshank

173

Australian Pelican

9869

Wood Sandpiper

32

Little Egret

11

Terek Sandpiper

0

Intermediate Egret

36

Common Sandpiper

0

Great Egret

344

Grey-tailed Tattler

0

White Faced Heron

153

Wandering Tattler

0

Australasian Bittern

2

Great Knot

0

Royal Spoonbill

202

Red Knot

0

Yellow -billed Spoonbill

311

Knot spp.

0

Straw-necked Ibis

3250

Sanderling

0

Australian White Ibis

1114

Red-Necked Stint

5498

Sharp-tailed Sandpiper

2533

Glossy Ibis Cape Barren Goose

256 1921

Curlew Sandpiper

195

Black swan

10011

Bush-stone Curlew

0

Australian Shelduck

26890

Beach-stone Curlew

0

Freckled Duck

716

Pied Oystercatcher

0

Wood Duck

127

Sooty Oystercatcher

0

Hardhead

941

Black-winged Stilt

1460

Pacific Black Duck

8520

Banded Stilt

345

Australasian Shoveler

1400

Red-necked Avocet

635

Grey Teal

28478

Pacific Golden Plover

3 0

Chestnut Teal

962

Grey Plover

Pink- eared Duck

921

Double-Banded Plover

152

Blue-billed Duck

0

Lesser Sand Plover

0

Musk Duck

6

Sand Plover Spp.

0

Spotless Crake

2

Oriental Plover

0

Australian Crake

3

Black-Fronted Dotterel

6

Baillon's Crake

0

Hooded Plover

0

Buff-banded Rail

0

Red-Kneed Dotterel

64

Banded Lapwing

49

Eurasian Coot Dusky Moorhen Purple Swamphen

64325 7 1080

Red-capped Plover Masked Lapwing

256 2576

Blacktailed Native hen

2

Unidentified Large

0

Pacific Gull

0

Unidentified Meduim

0

59

Teringie Wetland Management Plan Silver Gull Gull-billed Tern

5155 7

Crested Tern

1424

Caspian Tern

2001

Little Tern

164

Fairy Tern

6

Whiskered Tern

TOTAL WATERFOWL

Unidentified Small

192

Unidentified WaderSpecies

0

Other Wader Species

7

TOTAL WADERS

14,945

18704

223,165

TOTAL WATERBIRDS

238,110

60

Teringie Wetland Management Plan

Appendix H. Evaporation and precipitation obtained using the Wetland Loss Calculator. Table 21: Calculated water loss (evaporation – precipitation) from the Wetland Loss Calculator for the North Basin JAN Average Monthly Lake level m AHD (1994-2004)

FEB

MAR

APR

MAY

JUN

JUL

AUG

SEP

OCT

NOV

TOTAL (ML)

DEC

0.707

0.651

0.61

0.695

0.757

0.763

0.785

0.808

0.848

0.829

0.802

0.755

Area used in calculation (ha)

18

16

14

17

19

20

20

21

23

22

21

19

Net Loss (ML) Year 1

27

20

18

16

7

2

2

8

15

14

26

30

JAN

FEB

MAR

APR

MAY

Average Monthly Lake level m AHD (1994-2004) Area used in calculation (ha) Net Loss (ML) Year 1

JUN

JUL

AUG

SEP

OCT

NOV

185

TOTAL (ML)

DEC

N/A as DEM not available 90

90

90

90

90

90

90

90

90

90

90

90

140

117

110

86

34

11

9

33

59

56

110

138

902

61