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 South Australian Murray Darling Basin Natural Resources Management
Board (SAMDBNRMB).
The management plan has been prepared according to the Guidelines for developing wetland
management plans for the River Murray in South Australia 2003 (River Murray Catchment Water
Management Board and Department of Water Land and Biodiversity Conservation 2003) and as
such fulfils obligations under the Water Allocation Plan for the River Murray Prescribed
Watercourse.
Disclaimer:
The 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). Narrung Wetland 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 development of the plan.
Thanks also go to those that contributed their knowledge including, Derek Walker and Steve
Walker both of the Ngarrindjeri nation (traditional landowner cultural values) the Narrung wetland
landowners, the SAMDBNRMB 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 Narrung wetland from the north (TB),
Bottom: Narrung wetland from the south (TB)
Photographs in document by Tumi Bjornsson (TB), Jem Tesoriero (JT)
TABLE OF CONTENTS
TABLE OF CONTENTS ................................................................................................................... i
LIST OF FIGURES...................................................................................................................... ii
LIST OF MAPS ........................................................................................................................... iii
LIST OF TABLES ........................................................................................................................ iii
Chapter 1. INTRODUCTION ..................................................................................................... 1
Section 1.01 Environmental, Social and Cultural Significance of wetland ............................. 1
(a) History of Narrung wetland .......................................................................................... 1
Section 1.02 Why does Narrung wetland need a management plan? ................................... 2
(a) Mission Statement ....................................................................................................... 2
(b) Vision Statement ......................................................................................................... 2
(c) Broad Objectives ......................................................................................................... 2
(d) Current Achievements ................................................................................................. 3
Chapter 2. SITE DESCRIPTION OF NARRUNG WETLAND .................................................... 4
Section 2.01 Wetland Location and description .................................................................... 4
Section 2.02 Survey Sites, Dates & Locations ...................................................................... 6
Section 2.03 PHYSICAL FEATURES ................................................................................... 7
(a) Narrung wetland in Current State................................................................................. 7
(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 ........................................................................................................................ 18
Chapter 3. SOCIAL, ECONOMIC AND CULTURAL VALUES ................................................. 24
Chapter 4. LAND TENURE, JURISDICTION AND MANAGEMENT ARRANGEMENTS ......... 25
Section 4.01 LAND TENURE .............................................................................................. 25
Section 4.02 LAND AND WATER USE ............................................................................... 25
Section 4.03 JURISDICTION AND MANAGEMENT AUTHORITY ...................................... 26
Chapter 5. THREATS AND POTENTIAL SOLUTIONS TO NARRUNG WETLAND ................. 27
Chapter 6. MANAGEMENT OBJECTIVES .............................................................................. 30
Chapter 7. IMPLEMENTATION OF PLAN ............................................................................... 33
Section 7.01 ON GROUND ACTION AND TIMETABLE ..................................................... 35
Section 7.02 WETLAND WATER OPERATIONAL PLAN ................................................... 37
(a) Water regime ............................................................................................................. 37
(b) Volume calculations ................................................................................................... 38
Chapter 8. MONITORING ....................................................................................................... 42
Chapter 9. EVALUATION, REVIEW AND REPORTING .......................................................... 44
i
Narrung Wetland Management Plan 2006
Section 9.01 Evaluation and Review ................................................................................... 44
Section 9.02 Reporting ....................................................................................................... 44
Chapter 10. REFERENCES ...................................................................................................... 45
Appendix A. Wetlands Atlas Data for Wetland Main Body .......................................................... 47
Appendix B. Surface Water Archive Graph ................................................................................ 48
Appendix C. Baseline Survey Locations (Source SKM (2004).................................................... 49
Appendix D. Baseline Survey DEM (Source SKM (2004) ........................................................... 50
Appendix E. Baseline Survey Groundwater ............................................................................... 52
Appendix F. Baseline Survey Vegetation Zones ........................................................................ 58
Appendix G. Species List for Narrung wetland ....................................................................... 59
Section G.01 FLORA ........................................................................................................... 59
Section G.02 WETLAND AND FLOODPLAIN FAUNA ......................................................... 61
(a) Birds of Narrung Surrounds and Lower Lakes ........................................................... 61
Appendix H. Evaporation and precipitation obtained using the Wetland Loss Calculator. ........... 64
LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 1: Very clear water in main lagoon (0 NTU) 25/11/05 (TB) ................................................... 8
Figure 2: Charophytes in main lagoon 25/11/05 (TB) ...................................................................... 8
Figure 3: Main lagoon from causeway 25/11/05 (TB) ...................................................................... 9
Figure 4: Causeway separating the south east and main lagoons 27/01/06 (TB) ............................ 9
Figure 5: Main lagoon with causeway and south east lagoon on right hand side of photo 27/01/06
(TB) ......................................................................................................................................... 9
Figure 6: Lake Albert and south east lagoon (dry) divided by road causeway 27/01/06 (TB)........... 9
Figure 7: Narrung Inlet wetland 08/03/06 (AF) .............................................................................. 10
Figure 8: Narrung Inlet wetland connection to Narrung Narrows 08/03/06 (TB)............................. 10
Figure 9: Narrung Inlet wetland 08/03/06 (TB) .............................................................................. 10
Figure 10: Area of Narrung used for volume estimates (SKM 2004).............................................. 11
Figure 11: North channel seen from wetland 08/03/06 (TB) .......................................................... 14
Figure 12: North channel partially blocked 08/03/06 (TB) .............................................................. 14
Figure 13: North channel connection to Narrung Inlet wetland 08/03/06 (TB) ................................ 14
Figure 14: North channel blocked connection to Lake Alex. 08/03/06 (TB) ................................... 14
Figure 15: South channel leading up to pipe culvert 08/03/06 (TB) ............................................... 15
Figure 16: South channel pipe culvert under Alexandrina drive 08/03/06 (TB) .............................. 15
Figure 17: South channel connection to Narrung wetland 08/03/06 (TB) ....................................... 15
Figure 18: South channel connection to Lake Alexandrina 08/03/06 (TB) ..................................... 15
Figure 19: Juncus acutus (JT) ....................................................................................................... 27
Figure 20: Juncus acutus detail (JT) ............................................................................................. 27
Figure 21: Water regime scenario ................................................................................................. 38
Figure 22: Lake Alexandrina water level at Narrung Jetty (10 year period) ................................... 48
ii
Narrung Wetland Management Plan 2006
LIST OF MAPS
Map 1: Narrung wetland fence ........................................................................................................ 3
Map 2: Narrung wetland location..................................................................................................... 5
Map 3: On ground work suggested by Woodward-Clyde (2000) to improve the connection of the
wetland with the lakes (adapted from (Woodward-Clyde 2000)) .............................................. 6
Map 4: Identification of the lagoons ................................................................................................. 8
Map 5: Current water movement into the wetland ......................................................................... 13
Map 6: Cadastral boundaries covering Narrung wetland and surrounds. ...................................... 25
Map 7: On ground work at Narrung wetland .................................................................................. 33
Map 8: Expected water movement within Narrung wetland ........................................................... 34
Map 9: Wetland Fences (current and future) ................................................................................. 35
LIST OF TABLES
Table 1: Baseline survey monitoring of following parameters .......................................................... 7
Table 2: Summary of wetland volumes within Narrung wetland (adapted from (SKM 2004)) ......... 11
Table 3: Water quality ................................................................................................................... 12
Table 4: Community monitored water quality (table provided by A. Frears (2006))........................ 13
Table 5: Groundwater monitoring locations (SKM 2004) ............................................................... 16
Table 6: Groundwater monitoring locations (SKM 2004) ............................................................... 16
Table 7: Groundwater salinity ms/cm ............................................................................................ 17
Table 8: Habitat features identified in Narrung wetland table adapted from (SKM 2004). .............. 19
Table 9: Birds identified during community survey ........................................................................ 21
Table 10: Native fish ..................................................................................................................... 22
Table 11: Introduced fish............................................................................................................... 22
Table 12: Community collected macroinvertebrates (table provided by A. Frears (2006)) ............. 23
Table 13: Narrung wetland responsible positions contact details .................................................. 26
Table 14: Existing and prospective threats to Narrung wetland ..................................................... 28
Table 15: Management objectives for Narrung wetland................................................................. 31
Table 16: Implementation plan for Narrung wetland land based activities. .................................... 36
Table 17: Water required over fill period of Narrung wetland ......................................................... 40
Table 18: Water use calculation .................................................................................................... 41
Table 19: Photopoint locations ...................................................................................................... 42
Table 20: Monitoring plan for Narrung wetland.............................................................................. 43
Table 21: Narrung wetland, Wetland atlas data (Jensen, Paton et al. 1996) ................................. 47
Table 22: Plant Associations at Narrung wetland (adapted from River Murray Wetlands Baseline
Survey (SKM 2004)) .............................................................................................................. 59
Table 23: Vegetation identified by the local community (table provided by A. Frears (2006)) ........ 60
iii
Narrung Wetland Management Plan 2006
Table 24: Bird species identified at Narrung wetland (adapted from River Murray Wetlands
Baseline Survey (SKM 2004)) ............................................................................................... 61
Table 25: Water birds at 23 sites bordering Lakes Alexandrina and Albert (adapted from (Gosbell
2004)) ................................................................................................................................... 61
Table 26: Calculated water loss (evaporation – precipitation) from the Wetland Loss Calculator for
the main lagoon..................................................................................................................... 64
iv
Narrung Wetland Management Plan 2006
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 Narrung wetland 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”
Narrung wetland 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 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).
“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).
3
Narrung Wetland Management Plan 2006
4
Narrung Wetland Management Plan 2006
5
Narrung Wetland Management Plan 2006
6
Narrung Wetland Management Plan 2006
Table 1: Baseline survey monitoring of following parameters
Parameter Surveyed Date 1 Date 2 Date 3 Date 4 Date 5 Date 6 See
(BLS) (BLS) (BLS) (BLS) page
Other
BLS
Site physical Y 2004 4
Vegetation Y 2004 17
Fish N 21
Macroinvertebrates N 22
7
Narrung Wetland Management Plan 2006
Figure 1: Very clear water in main lagoon (0 Figure 2: Charophytes in main lagoon
NTU) 25/11/05 (TB) 25/11/05 (TB)
8
Narrung Wetland Management Plan 2006
Figure 3: Main lagoon from causeway Figure 4: Causeway separating the south
25/11/05 (TB) east and main lagoons 27/01/06 (TB)
Figure 5: Main lagoon with causeway and south east lagoon on right hand side of photo
27/01/06 (TB)
Figure 6: Lake Albert and south east lagoon (dry) divided by road causeway 27/01/06 (TB)
Narrung Inlet wetland, which seems to have a good connection to the Narrung Narrows and is
therefore maintained as a fresh water wetland, can be seen in Figure 7 and Figure 8. The connection
to the Narrung Narrows can be seen in Figure 9.
9
Narrung Wetland Management Plan 2006
Figure 7: Narrung Inlet wetland 08/03/06 Figure 8: Narrung Inlet wetland connection
(AF) to Narrung Narrows 08/03/06 (TB)
10
Narrung Wetland Management Plan 2006
Figure 10: Area of Narrung used for volume estimates (SKM 2004)
Table 2: Summary of wetland volumes within Narrung wetland (adapted from (SKM 2004))
RLm Volume m3
Filling Stage Area (ha) Area (m2) Depth m (AHD)* (KL) Volume ML
Full 33.0 330,209 0.68 0.70 103,394 103
Three quarters full 26.3 263,441 0.50 0.52 48,478 48
Half full 12.7 127,479 0.32 0.34 13,351 13
Quarter full 2.3 22,799 0.14 0.16 866 0.87
Result Reliability 75% (SKM 2004); *Base of wetland is at --0.018 m AHD.
(e) SURFACE AND GROUNDWATER FEATURES
12
Narrung Wetland Management Plan 2006
Table 4: Community monitored water quality (table provided by A. Frears (2006))
Parameter 14/9/03 (early Spring) 12/2/04 (late Summer)
pH 8.5 8.5
Electrical Conductivity (Salinity) 24.3 mS/cm (24,300 EC) 65.5 mS/cm (65,500 EC)
Turbidity 80-100 NTU 40 NTU
Nitrate <0.05 0.1
Phosphate <0.025 0.1
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 Narrung wetland
based on the Flood Inundation Model.
The current water flow into the wetland is mainly through Narrung Inlet wetland then down through
the northern channel, as seen in Map 5 and Figure 11. The north channel is slowly blocking up
through debris and sedimentation see Figure 12. The channel was previously connected directly to
the lake and is now blocked by fore dune build up see Figure 14. The current connection with
Narrung Inlet wetland can be seen in Figure 13. A second connection the southern channel (Figure
17), which seems to have a higher commence to flow level, runs parallel with Narrung road (Figure
15), and passes through a pipe culvert under Alexandrina drive, see Figure 16. The south channel
connects up with Lake Albert, see Map 5 and Figure 18. Both channels would allow minimal
exchange between the wetland and the lakes with a distance of 400 and 500 metres respectively.
The temperature within both channels could fluctuate extremely as both channels are shallow and
there is minimal shade. Fish passage along these channels would therefore be hampered.
13
Narrung Wetland Management Plan 2006
Figure 11: North channel seen from Figure 12: North channel partially blocked
wetland 08/03/06 (TB) 08/03/06 (TB)
Figure 13: North channel connection to Figure 14: North channel blocked
Narrung Inlet wetland 08/03/06 (TB) connection to Lake Alex. 08/03/06 (TB)
14
Narrung Wetland Management Plan 2006
Figure 15: South channel leading up to Figure 16: South channel pipe culvert
pipe culvert 08/03/06 (TB) under Alexandrina drive 08/03/06 (TB)
Figure 17: South channel connection to Figure 18: South channel connection to
Narrung wetland 08/03/06 (TB) Lake Alexandrina 08/03/06 (TB)
15
Narrung Wetland Management Plan 2006
(ii) Groundwater
The baseline survey installed 5 groundwater wells within Narrung wetland. These wells were
monitored 5 times during the survey period (22nd January, 12th March, 11th June, 21st July and 2nd
September 2004). The locations of the wells are presented in Table 5 and a map of the groundwater
flow direction in Appendix E. Two more wells were installed through Community monitoring those
labelled NAR01 and NAR02.
Table 5: Groundwater monitoring locations (SKM 2004)
Elevation of
Bore Hole Ground
casing Elevation Benchmark
Name Easting Northing (m-AHD) (m-AHD) (m-AHD)
NA1 334572.514 6068717.220 2.492 1.508
NA2 334787.601 6068562.547 2.226 1.238 1.288
NA3 334289.412 6069101.858 3.059 1.987 3.172
NA4 334097.782 6069409.431 2.123 1.075 1.136
NA5 334112.113 6069238.219 3.135 2.122 3.394
NAR01 334101.626 6068669.566 2.822 1.312
NAR02 334112.618 6068703.589 2.132 0.753
The groundwater seems to flow from the lake towards the floodplain, with additional groundwater
flow from the high ground (SKM 2004). The wetland depressions are therefore terminal points of
groundwater flow and therefore collection points for the salinity of the groundwater exacerbated by
evapoconcentration. The measured depths of the ground water, both during the baseline survey and
since, can be seen in Table 6.
Table 6: Groundwater monitoring locations (SKM 2004)
Depth to Water Table Reduced Standing Water
(mbgl) Level (RSWL mAHD)*
Elevation of
22/01/04
12/03/04
11/06/04
02/09/04
08/03/06
22/01/04
12/03/04
11/06/04
02/09/04
08/03/06
Bore Hole Ground
casing Elevation Benchmark
Name (m-AHD) (m-AHD) (m-AHD)
NA1 2.492 1.508 1.161 1.501 1.323 0.726 1.39 0.347 0.007 0.185 0.782 0.118
NA2 2.226 1.238 1.288 0.786 0.939 0.663 0.220 1.16 0.037 -0.012 0.16 0.603 0.078
NA3 3.059 1.987 3.172 1.498 1.668 1.642 1.397 1.61 0.489 0.319 0.345 0.59 0.377
NA4 2.123 1.075 1.136 0.662 0.754 0.687 0.432 0.7 0.413 0.321 0.388 0.643 0.375
NA5 3.135 2.122 3.394 1.587 1.776 1.792 1.491 1.63 0.535 0.346 0.33 0.631 0.492
NAR01 2.822 1.312 0.695 0.778 0.716 0.522 0.78 0.617 0.534 0.596 0.790
NAR02 2.132 0.753 0.141 0.236 1.149 -0.015 0.33 0.612 0.517 -0.396 0.768
* Level of ground water in relation to sea level
The groundwater salinity was found to be relatively high, see Table 7. The high salinity of the
groundwater and the shallow groundwater table, with a range between 0.14 and 1.59 mbgl, has
probably been contributing to the surface salinity of the complex through evapoconcentration (SKM
2004). The ground water levels were found to fluctuate with the seasonal climatic change, with the
16
Narrung Wetland Management Plan 2006
depth to groundwater (mbgl) increasing towards March and then decreasing with the onset of winter
(SKM 2004) (see Appendix E).
Table 7: Groundwater salinity ms/cm
NAME 14/09/03 22/01/04 12/02/04 11/06/04 08/03/06
NA1 39.70 50.20 66.2
NA2 9.58 12.20 11.1
NA3 30.70 42.00 42.8
NA4 20.39 29.40 30.2
NA5 24.22 35.30 32.8
NAR0101 29 31
NAR0102 26 26.1 35.4
Surface water near
pump shed 65.0
Surface water north
channel near photopoint 3.69
(i) Birds
The bird assessment of the baseline survey was located at three sites with complex shorelines (SKM
2004), the habitat included herb and samphire areas as well as wet and dry mud. Thirteen species of
waterbird were observed in the wetland with 467 individuals in total. Twelve of these species were
EPBC (Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999) listed as migratory
species (SKM 2004). Table 24 in Appendix G Section G.02(a) contains a list of the birds observed
at the Narrung wetland.
The three most abundant birds observed were the masked lapwing with 91 individuals, the Caspian
tern with 80 individuals and the crested tern with 86 individuals only observed in the spring
monitoring period (SKM 2004). The overall abundance and diversity at each site was low, but seen
as a whole and compared to other sites of the same survey Narrung wetland was above the mean.
Foraging activity was low, with only 4 species observed foraging in spring and 1 in summer (SKM
2004).
The limited habitat conditions in the surrounding floodplain were considered to have influenced the
diversity and abundance of bird populations in Narrung wetland. The habitat availability identified
by the baseline survey (SKM 2004) are listed in Table 8. The revegetation of the floodplain
surrounding the wetland should contribute to the development of more diverse habitats than
presently available. However, the maintenance of the open water and wet mud areas is
recommended by the baseline survey to maintain the bird diversity and abundance (SKM 2004).
18
Narrung Wetland Management Plan 2006
The development of a more diverse habitat surrounding the Narrung wetland should consequently
benefit the birds found in the surrounding Ramsar area.
Table 8: Habitat features identified in Narrung wetland table adapted from (SKM 2004).
Habitat features Spring Summer
Site 1 Site 2 Site 3 Site 1 Site 2 Site 3
Shoreline Complex Complex Complex Complex Complex Complex
Fringing Continuous Continuous Continuous Continuous Continuous Continuous
vegetation low cover low cover low cover low cover low cover low cover
Reeds Absent Absent Absent Absent Occasional Absent
Sedges Absent Absent Absent Absent Absent Absent
Herbs Extensive Extensive Extensive Extensive Extensive Extensive
Wet mud Occasional Occasional Absent Absent Extensive Extensive
Dry mud Occasional Occasional Extensive Extensive Extensive Extensive
Hollow bearing Absent Absent Absent Absent Absent Absent
trees
Perching trees Occasional Absent Occasional Occasional Absent Absent
Water’s edge In/above 1–10 m In/above NA 10 – 100 m 10 – 100 m
veg from veg veg from veg from veg
Fringing River Red Absent Absent Absent Absent Absent Absent
Gums
Water depth (m) 0.1 0.1 0.1 0 0.1 0.05
Water level Stable Stable Stable NA Falling Falling
A survey 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 25 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 Narrung wetland. 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).
Narrung wetland is listed by Seaman (2003) as a potential habitat for:
The painted snipe Rostratula benghalensis (IUCN: Vulnerable A1b, NPW Act: Vulnerable,
CAMBA),
Australasian bittern Ibotaurus poiciloptilus (IUCN: Vulnerable C2a, NPW Act:
Vulnerable),
Lewin‟s rail Rallus pectoralis (IUCN: Near Threatened c, NPW Act: Vulnerable),
Orange bellied parrot Neophema chrysogaster (IUCN: Critically Endangered C2b, NPW
Act: Endangered),
Migratory wadders (CAMBA and JAMBA listed) including:
Sharp-tailed Sandpiper Calidris acuminata,
Curlew Sandpiper Calidris ferruginea,
Red-necked Stint Calidris ruficollis,
19
Narrung Wetland Management Plan 2006
Common Greenshank Tringa nebularia and
Waterbirds listed in schedules 8 and 9 of the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1972
Freckled duck Stictonetta naevosa
Musk duck Biziura lobata
Baillon‟s crake Porzana pusilla
Golden headed cisticola Cistiola exillis
Great-crested grebe Podiceps cristatus
The CAMBA (China Australia Migratory Birds Agreement) and JAMBA (Japan Australia
Migratory Birds Agreement) listed species were taken from (1986b; 1986a). CAMBA and JAMBA
are intergovernmental agreements for the protection of migratory birds and their habitats. 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 following list of birds has
been observed at Narrung wetland by David Dadd (Dadd 2006);
Swan Cygnus spp. (black swan Cygnus atratus)
Australian shelduck Tadorna tadornoides (which need tree hollows for breeding and
therefore wander)
Black duck Anas superciliosa
Grey teal Anas gracilis
Chestnut teal Anas castanea – seen mainly in winter, however not as many as the grey teal
Australasian shoveler Anas rhynchotis
Pink-eared duck Malacorhynchus membranaceus
Freckled duck Stictonetta naevosa (also seen at nearby Poltalloch wetland in numbers of
300 plus)
Crested Tern Sterna bergii
Whiskered Tern Chlidonias hybridus (seasonal)
Great egret Ardea alba
White faced heron Egretta (Ardea) novaehollandiae
Wading birds, which have been observed at Narrung wetland by David Dadd, include:
Black-winged Stilt Himantopus himantopus
Sharp-tailed Sandpiper Calidris acuminata (CAMBA/JAMBA listed)
Red-Necked stint Calidris ruficollis (CAMBA/JAMBA listed)
Marsh Sandpiper Tringa stagnatilis (CAMBA listed)
Common Greenshank Tringa nebularia (CAMBA/ JAMBA listed). (not seen at Narrung but
seen at Poltalloch wetland close by and could therefore use Narrung wetland)
Red capped plover Charadrius ruficapillus (which also nest at Narrung wetland)
Masked lapwing Vanellus miles.
D. Dadd (2006) observed the sharp tailed sandpiper, a migratory wader, foraging in the samphire
areas between the wetland and Lake Alexandrina. This foraging activity was observed shortly after
20
Narrung Wetland Management Plan 2006
the arrival of the species in September. D. Dadd assumes the choice of foraging at this site at this
time of the year could be due to the high water levels of the Coorong.
There were a number of birds identified during a community survey assisted by D. Dadd, foraging
at the wetland, see in Table 9. As there was a limited amount of macroinvertebrates identified at the
wetland, the birds were assumed to be foraging on the submerged aquatic plants and algae (Frears
2006).
Table 9: Birds identified during community survey
No. Species Scientific Name Note
16 Black Swan Cygnus atratus
30 Australian Shelduck Tadorna tadornoides membranaceus Flying
2 Swamp Harrier Circus approximans Flying
1 Masked Lapwing Vanellus miles
3 Red-capped Plover Charadrius ruficapillus Dependent
young (2)
15 Sharp-tailed Sandpiper Calidris acuminata
16 Black-winged Stilt Himantopus himantopus
40 Banded Stilt Cladorhynchus leucocephalus
14 Silver Gull Larus novaehollandiae
40 Whiskered Tern Chlidonias hybridus
1 Caspian Tern Sterna caspia
2 Crested Tern Sterna bergii
(ii) Frogs
No frog species were recorded at Narrung during the survey. The lack of frogs is presumably due to
the shallow and saline nature of the wetland. The lack of suitable frog habitat would have a large
role in the lack of frogs in the wetland (SKM 2004).
(iii) Fish
The baseline survey did not include a fish survey for Narrung wetland due to the lack of water
during the survey. As no fish were collected within the wetland, the Lower Lakes Fish Inventory
(Wedderburn and Hammer 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 10 and Table 11 were
recorded for Lake Alexandrina and Lake Albert on either side of the Narrung Narrows (tables were
adapted from (Wedderburn and Hammer 2003)) which is close to the Narrung wetland. The
sampling points of the Lower Lakes Fish Inventory for Narrung wetland were located (coordinates
in GDA 94 zone 54):
R 24 (Lake) - Next to the Narrung Jetty (335348 E 6068542 N)
R 26 (Wetland) - In the Narrung narrows wetland close to where a culvert to Narrung
wetland will be located (334874 E 6068214 N)
S 1 (Swamp) - On the east side of the Narrung Narrows in Lake Alexandrina (336000 E
6069000 N)
Wedderburn and Hammer (2003) recommend the protection and restoration of sheltered fish habitat
around the lake. 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,
21
Narrung Wetland Management Plan 2006
turbulence) (see Your Wetland: Supporting Information (Tucker, Dominelli et al. 2003)). This will
be taken into account when considering flow management and flow control structure design.
Table 10: Native fish
Abundance Status
Common Name Scientific Name SA Australia
17/02/03
18/02/03
17/09/01
Albert
Lake
R 24
R 26
S1
Bony herring Nematalosa erebi 3 1 30
Common galaxias Galaxias maculatus 5 72 1 579
Dwarf flathead Philypnodon sp. 2 2 R (C)
gudgeon
Flathead gudgeon Philypnodon 17 48 90
grandiceps
Flyspecked Craterocephalus 2 3
hardyhead stercusmuscarum
fulvus
Golden perch Macquaria ambigua 1 1
Lagoon goby Tasmanogobius lasti 91 239
Smallmouthed Atherinosoma 8 17 189
hardyhead microstoma
Western blue spot Pseudogobius olorum 18 251
goby
Number of Species 5 8 1
C = provisional State conservation concern under the draft Threatened Species Schedule NPWSA (National Parks and
Wildlife Council and Department for Environment and Heritage 2003)
Table 11: Introduced fish
Abundance Status
Common Name Scientific Name SA Australia
17/02/03
18/02/03
17/09/01
Albert
Lake
R 24
R 26
S1
(iv) Macroinvertebrates
The River Murray Wetlands Baseline Survey (SKM 2004) did not monitor macroinvertebrates at
Narrung wetland.
However, the local community monitored macroinvertebrates on 2 separate occasions using
waterwatch techniques over a 5-month period (from spring 2003 to late summer 2005). The overall
abundance of macroinvertebrates collected at the late summer monitoring session was significantly
less than in the early spring session. The reducing water levels and high salinities have significantly
reduced the diversity of species. Only adult forms of species were found (Frears 2006). For a
description of the function of macroinvertebrates in wetlands refer to Your Wetland: Supporting
Information (Tucker, Dominelli et al. 2003).
22
Narrung Wetland Management Plan 2006
Table 12: Community collected macroinvertebrates (table provided by A. Frears (2006))
Common Name Sensitivity 14/9/03 12/2/04
Rating (early spring) (late Summer)
Freshwater snail 6
Water flea 6
Mosquito larvae 5
Predacious diving beetle (adult) 5
Scavenger beetle larvae 5
Scavenger beetle adult 5
Scud/side swimmer 5
Whirligig beetle larvae 5
Whirligig beetle adult 5
Seed shrimp 4
Water boatman 4
Non-biting midge larvae 3
23
Narrung Wetland Management Plan 2006
24
Narrung Wetland Management Plan 2006
26
Narrung Wetland Management Plan 2006
Figure 19: Juncus acutus (JT) Figure 20: Juncus acutus detail (JT)
27
Narrung Wetland Management Plan 2006
Table 14: Existing and prospective threats to Narrung wetland
THREATS SYMPTOM CAUSE IMPACT CATEGORY EXTENT (IF POTENTIAL SOLUTION
KNOWN)
Altered hydrology Dry wetland Causeway road (Alexandrina Dieback of native vegetation (Aquatic Regional & Local Wetland proper and Addressed in this management plan
Saline ground Drive) and riparian) Local management fringing low lying Introduce “natural” water regime allowing the
water intrusion Drop in Lake Level/ Barrage Loss of habitat variability for fauna response areas wetland not only to fill but to flush out into the
Loss of Operation (birds, fish, frogs, turtles & adjacent lakes
Existing
wetland of wetland water Saline seepage from (hypersaline, long term degradation of fringing low lying under road connecting the wetland with Lake
body groundwater (particularly in the wetland) areas Albert
Increasing east lagoon) Degradation of wetland environment Adaptive management to maintain wader
salinity in wetland Evapoconcentration Reduced biodiversity habitat, restore vegetation and improve fish, frog
base/soil No culvert therefore no Degradation of habitat quality for and water bird habitat
Existing
Saline water in flushing native fish Not connect the east lagoon or inundate
wetland Wetland maintained at a dry Degradation of bird habitat wetland for extended period of time to develop
Only salt phase for to long leading to a (increased fish and macroinivertebrates freshwater lens under wetland
tolerant species loss of freshwater lens may improve bird habitat for water Do not allow wetland to remain dry more than
present Hydraulic pressure from lake birds) 6 months
Salt pan Alexandrina (pushes saline Only salt tolerant species present
Saline wetland groundwater toward southern Wetland turned into a hypersaline
base/soil end of wetland) swamp
Loss of native riparian Few native Clearing Loss of habitat/breeding hollows Local Surrounding area. Revegetate with local native species
vegetation vegetation species Grazing (birds) Extensive. Freshen wetland
in the area Lack of water (inundation) Loss of snags in water body Revegetation option
No large native Weed infestation Loss of windbreak for riparian area.
Existing
clearing (State Loss of native species (fish, chain) surrounding area future revegetation plan
Library of South riparian and aquatic vegetation)
Australia) Grazing – reduction of
Existing
biodiversity
Grazing – introduction of
weeds (introduction of seed,
aiding invasion)
Mismanagement of wetland
hydrology
Mismanagement of wetland
environment
Weeds (e.g. kikuyu) Their presence Degradation of native Exotic species Local Floodplain Active removal – poisoning
Existing
28
Narrung Wetland Management Plan 2006
THREATS SYMPTOM CAUSE IMPACT CATEGORY EXTENT (IF POTENTIAL SOLUTION
KNOWN)
Lack of habitat (birds) Less bird Degradation of wetland Loss of bird habitat Local and Regional Wetland and Restore wetland ecology/habitat availability
species observed ecosystem wetland surrounding Restore hydrology/Freshen wetland
Existing
Rapid breeding cycles (carp on/with small and young native fish comparative monitoring of abundance of native
~2/year), live bearing (redfin/gambusia) species
(gambusia), unpalatable eggs Damage to aquatic vegetation Removal of carp following drawdown
(redfin) Decrease in water quality (Turbidity Instillation of carp (large fish) screens
increase)
Predation on native fish (redfin)
Loss/reduction of Less birds Change in habitat suitability Loss of wading bird habitat Regional and local Wetland/regional Adaptive management (monitor bird
wading birds observed - Depth to mud/ Loss of value of wetland in respect to (Managed locally) (bird habitat) population and habitat use
macroinvertebrates changed wading bird population If the reduction in bird numbers is due to a
Potential
Spread of reeds Loss of open Perfect growing environment Loss of open water habitat (for water Local Wetland water body Dry wetland before reeds establish (i.e. at the
into/throughout wetland water (shallow fresh wetland) birds, waders, fish etc.) end of every year)
Monoculture of Earthworks (fresh soil) Loss of mudflats (wet & dry mud) Allow salinity to increase during drying event
Potential
29
Narrung Wetland Management Plan 2006
30
Narrung Wetland Management Plan 2006
Table 15: Management objectives for Narrung wetland.
MANAGEMENT OBJECTIVES SOLUTIONS ACTIONS (Management (M) or QUANTIFIABLE MONITOR LEGISLATION PRIORITY
Engineering or structural (ES)) /MEASURE OF ACHIEVEMENT (TIMING)*
Regeneration of riparian Manage water regime to restore Establish a water regime which Re-establishment and survival of Photo point (Q) WAP (water license) High
vegetation
Native
vegetation (woodland, sedgeland includes flushing and draw down (ES) missing species (e.g. Melaleuca Vegetation
and herbland plant communities) Actively revegetate using locally halmaturorum and Gahnia filum) survey (Y)
Establish native re-vegetation collected seed Numbers based on expert
projects recommendation
Regeneration/maintain Management of Open flow control gates (ES) Diversity of aquatic species, Photo point (Q) WAP (water license) Medium
wetland aquatic species inundation/drying periods to Control hydraulic regime adaptively continued presence of Ruppia Vegetation
(maintain water plant maintain a salinity level within the (see Section 7.02) polycarpa, Lepilaena sp. and Nitella sp. survey (Y)
communities) wetland not below 5000 EC, as this Slow drying of wetland Establishment of fringing reeds Monitor water
Native
may detrimentally impact on Ruppia Monitor water levels and salinity Maintain clear wetland (Turbidity quality (M)
VEGETATION
polycarpa growing in the wetland and respond adaptively to maintain NTU 70 100% of time)
Manage water regime to shallow water and mud flats and EC
trigger/induce aquatic and riparian of around 5000
vegetation regeneration
Removal of weeds from Establish weed removal projects Weed control as per revegetation Reduction of weeds (as per Vegetation N/A High
Invasive
wetland area in the wetland area (boxthorn, plan revegetation plan) survey (Y)
artichoke thistle etc.)
Prevent spread of reeds Allow wetland to increase in salt Close culvert at the end of late Reeds establish only on wetland Photo point (Q) WAP (water license) Medium
etc. throughout wetland concentration as it dries summer/Autumn to allow wetland to fringe Vegetation
Native
and Lake Albert have rough base to ease fish passage Monitor in wetland
Connect Main and south east Open up causeway between main Occupation of crown
lagoon and south east lagoons (ES) lands (in process)
Make sure culvert is as fish
friendly as possible
Restore native fish Reconnect wetland and Lake Construct culvert under Presence of 3 or more native fish Fish survey (Y) WAP (water license) High
habitat Albert Alexandrina Drive (ES) species found outside of wetland (see Development Act
Improved fish habitat through Open up causeway between main Table 10) Agreement by landowner
improved and more diverse and south east lagoons (ES) Occupation of crown
ecological niches, such as Restore riparian vegetation lands (in process)
macrophytes (emergent and Manage culvert to allow both a
submerged), snags (therefore need
Native
Occupation of crown
lands (in process)
Minimise impact of carp Install carp grills at culvert Part of culvert construction No large carp in wetland Fish survey (Y) Medium
Invasive
31
Narrung Wetland Management Plan 2006
MANAGEMENT OBJECTIVES SOLUTIONS ACTIONS (Management (M) or QUANTIFIABLE MONITOR LEGISLATION PRIORITY
Engineering or structural (ES)) /MEASURE OF ACHIEVEMENT (TIMING)*
Restore native frog Manage water regime to restore Construct culvert under Presence of native frog species in Frog survey (Q) Low
habitat habitat values for frogs and Alexandrina Drive (ES) wetland
therefore enhance their breeding. Open up causeway between main
FROGS
Native
therefore enhance their breeding migratory water birds, native water birds, no reduction in waders) survey (Y)
shorebirds) (where appropriate) (All habitat birds and fringing species, and Increase in habitat diversity (fringing Observation
including open water, shallow water, aquatic and riparian plant species. vegetation)
BIRDS
between wetland and Lake Albert to based on best knowledge of past Not below 5000 EC as this may
freshen wetland wetland hydrology detrimentally impact on Ruppia
Monitor effect of restored hydrology polycarpa growing in the wetland)
and adapt management accordingly
Reduce/manage wetland Manage water regime to flush Keep structure open for a month to Rapid initial decrease in salinity Monitor water High
salinity wetland allow for water exchange between Ongoing long term decrease of water quality (M)
Allow slow drying of wetland with lake and wetland salinity
WQ
Manage water regime to dry phase NTU for majority of time (100%) Observation
minimise turbidity of wetland water
Improve connectivity of Restore flow paths into wetland Construct culvert under Culvert Photo point (Q) WAP (water license) High/paramount
Structural
wetland with Lake Albert Alexandrina Drive (ES) Open causeway Observation Development Act to restoration
Open up causeway between main Agreement by landowner
and south east lagoons (ES) Occupation of crown
lands (in process)
Control stock in wetland Fence of stock for entire wetland Fence of area (ES) Fence around lake Alexandrina Observation High
area area including wetland fringing Lake fringing wetland
Structural
Alexandrina
* see Chapter 8; WAP, water allocation plan; GW, Ground Water; WQ, Water Quality; W, Weekly; M, Monthly; Y, Yearly
32
Narrung Wetland Management Plan 2006
33
Narrung Wetland Management Plan 2006
Map 8 shows the current and the anticipated flow direction of water following on-ground works.
This map should provide some understanding of the anticipated flow following management within
Narrung wetland and the potential for freshening of the wetland.
34
Narrung Wetland Management Plan 2006
35
Narrung Wetland Management Plan 2006
Table 16: Implementation plan for Narrung wetland land based activities.
Reconnect main and south east lagoons (use High Funding Winter 2006 Council
some of the spill to block southern flow channel,
possibly leave centre of causeway standing as
an island for waterbirds.
Construction of culverts (with carp screens) High Funding Winter 2006 Council
Materials and tools (available)
Clear flow path between Lake Alexandrina and Medium Funding As required LAP/Community group/Council
the main lagoon
Install gauge board in lagoons Medium Gauge board Completed SAMDBNRMB/LAP (Adrienne Frears, Tumi
2 person/ ~1hrs Bjornsson, Jem Tesoriero)
Install piezometers (2 or more) (to assess Low Funding Winter 2006 SAMDBNRMB/LAP (Adrienne Frears, Tumi
whether a freshwater lens develops below the Materials and tools Bjornsson, Jem Tesoriero)
wetland following freshening of the wetland)
Block southern flow channel between Lake High Spill from causeway Winter 2006 Council
Albert and the wetland
Allow slow filling Medium Installed culvert etc. (OGW completed) Spring (September) Community group
INUNDATION
wetland
DURING
Maintain wet and dry mud High 1 person 1 hour/week (15 minutes four times Continual as per wetland water operational plan Community group
Wetland connection opened and closed per week) see Section 7.02 below
INUNDATION
Weed removal kikuyu Pennisetum clandestinum Medium Funding As appropriate. As per expert recommendation. LAP/Community group
and saltwater couch Paspalum vaginatum
AS APPROPRIATE
Revegetation High Funding As appropriate for seed collection and LAP/Community group
Seed collection revegetation works. As per expert
recommendation.
Fence of separate Narrung Inlet wetland Medium Funding When funding becomes available LAP/landowner
Develop appropriate grazing regime in Narrung Medium Funding When funding becomes available LAP/landowner
Inlet wetland area
Annual review of monitored data High Monitored data End of each inundation year (End of Summer) Community group with assistance from LAP
36
Narrung Wetland Management Plan 2006
The wetland currently receives water from Lake Alexandrina when the lake levels are high, by
flowing through the north inlet channel and through the south inlet channel connecting to Lake
Albert, both shown in Map 8. Following onground works, i.e. the clearing of the flow channel
connecting the wetland to Lake Alexandrina, the instillation of culverts where appropriate (see
Section 7.01), the inflow into the wetland should be achievable even at low lake levels allowing full
control of the wetland hydrology and therefore the freshening of the wetland. 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)) and would have had a great influence on the
wetland water levels. The new water regime will to some degree rely on the lake levels at the time
of inundation, i.e. spring. The spring median lake levels (September and October), 0.83 m AHD,
were therefore used to set the maximal depth the wetland would reach, during initial flooding.
The levels within the wetland will be manipulated to provide a similar slow drawdown and
therefore provide shallow water and wet mud areas for waders that frequent the wetland, see Figure
21 for a representation of the water level fluctuations. This water regime is dependent on Lake
Levels being operated @ approximately 0.83 m AHD during September. The culvert connecting the
wetland to Lake Albert will therefore be opened to allow a slow filling of the wetland of 2 cm/day.
The wetland will then be left open to the lake for close on a month to allow water exchange and
freshening of the wetland. Thereafter a slow drawdown with occasional freshening (refilling) will
allow the development of wed mud and shallow areas. During the times when the wetland is being
refilled, to account for evaporative loss and partial refilling, native fish will have free movement
between the wetland and Lake Albert. An extended draw down will follow in December with a
reconnection with the lake in late January or when the wetland is at 0.5 m (whichever occurs
sooner) through the channel inlet culvert to allow the last opportunity for fish to vacate the drying
and slowly salinising wetland.
37
Narrung Wetland Management Plan 2006
0 .9
0 .8
0 .7
W e tla n d D e p th (m )
0 .6
0 .5
0 .4
0 .3
0 .2
0 .1
0
N o ve m b e r
S e p te m b e r
Ja n u a ry
Ju ly
F e b ru a ry
O cto b e r
D e ce m b e r
A p ril
A u g u st
Ju n e
M a rch
May
Figure 21: Water regime scenario
(b) VOLUME CALCULATIONS
The baseline survey provided estimates of the volume within the wetland at four different depths.
These depths did not include all the depths required for this wetland. Therefore, to obtain the water
volume required at the main lagoon at the depth expected during filling, a polynomial relationship
was established between the depth of the water in the wetland and the volume (both given in the
SKM baseline survey data for 4 different depths). This polynomial relationship was based on the
data from the DEM of the main lagoon. Equation 1, established to calculate the volume at a given
depth for the main lagoon, where volume is in ML and depth in metres, had an R2 of 0.9999.
2
Equation 1: Volume 328 . 31 depth 103 . 68 depth 8 . 7441
The DEM was complete for the main lagoon only, not for the smaller lagoons the east and south
east lagoons (see Map 7). Therefore, as little data existed for the south east lagoon the area of
probable inundation was identified, the probable extent of inundation can be seen in Map 7. 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 historically being the same
wetland, an estimation of the volume of water within the smaller lagoons could be extrapolated
from the main lagoon data. For this purpose, Equation 2 was established to calculate the volume at a
given area, where volume is in ML and area in ha, the equation had an R 2 of 0.9875. 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 main lagoon data. Given the
lack of information on the accurate volumes of the south east and east lagoons the depth and surface
areas are only estimates, the depth and the volume are based on the data from the main lagoon. The
volume of the south east lagoon is however less than 10% of the volume of the total wetland once
the main and south east lagoons have been re-joined. The inaccuracy, especially in such a small
lagoon is therefore negligible.
1 . 4748
Equation 2: Volume 0.3957 Area
The evaporation rates were attained using the Wetland Loss Calculator obtained from RMWCMB.
Equation 3 with an R2 of 0.9909 was used to estimate the surface area of the wetland exposed to
38
Narrung Wetland Management Plan 2006
evaporation in each month when the wetland was inundated based on the expected wetland depth
(wetland depth will be used to control the development of mudflats in the wetland lagoons). The
details of the estimated volume of evaporation used for the calculation of water requirements can be
seen in Appendix H along with the calculated surface area based on Equation 3.
2
Equation 3: Area 2 93344 Depth 852260 xDepth 125422
The total annual water requirements were calculated following Equation 5. As the wetland will be
drawn down to facilitate the production of mud flats in the wetland the surface area of the wetland
will change throughout the management period. To account for the change in evaporation with the
reducing wetland surface area evaporation rates were calculated for each months targeted wetland
depth. The change in evaporation and the change in wetland volume will change the water
requirements to maintain the appropriate wetland volume, for this purpose Equation 4 was
developed. In Equation 4 ΔWWR is the monthly change in wetland water requirement due to slow
drawdown i.e. wet mud development, ΔWV is the change in wetland volume, which is based on the
OGWV (original wetland water volume) and the NWV (the new wetland volume), and the
Evaporation is calculated for each month.
Equation 4: WWR Evaporatio n WV ( OGWV NWV )
39
Narrung Wetland Management Plan 2006
Table 17: Water required over fill period of Narrung wetland
Month Average Depth Wetland Volume Difference in Fill volume (Less Volume required Alternate Description
Lakes aimed surface ML from wetland required per difference (ML) (+10 for (6)
Level (1) for area (ha) depth m volume month (ML) in wetland water level
at a given (3) based on Including volume) manipulations)
depth (2) surface area evaporation (5)
(4)
0.83 148+25+5= Open culvert to allow
Sept 0.848 38 149 N/A 150 N/A 150 inundation at 2 cm/day
(filling) (178)
Oct 0.829 0.83 38 149 N/A 23 N/A 23 23+2 Maintain open
Start slow drawdown and
slow water level
Nov 0.802 0.73 34 108 41 41 0 0 (+10) 46+2 fluctuations (Opening
culvert intermittently will
allow passage of fish)
Late in Dec. start
extended drying period
Dec 0.755 0.63 30 74 34 46 12 (+10) 58+4 down to 0.6 m AHD.
Water level fluctuations
as required will continue.
Reconnect for a short
Jan 0.707 0.53 24 46 28 37 9 (+10) 59+5 time in late January
Feb 0.651 Drying N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A Start drying
Mar 0.61 Drying N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A Drying
Apr 0.695 Dry N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A Dry
40
Narrung Wetland Management Plan 2006
Using the above equations an estimated water use calculation for Narrung wetland, including
evaporation loss, could be developed. This water use calculation can be seen in both Table 17 and
Table 18. The total annual allocation requirements for Narrung wetland annually amounts to 240
ML (or 240,000 kL). 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 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 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.
Table 18: Water use calculation
Lagoon Surface Volume Potential Evaporation Total Annual Water
area (ha) (ML) (ML) (1) Requirement (ML)
(1) Obtained using Wetland Loss Calculator (Oct., Nov., Dec. & Jan. only) & Equation 3
(2) Rounded to nearest 10 ML
(3) Obtained from Table 17
(4) Obtained using Equation 5
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 Narrung wetland 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.
41
Narrung Wetland Management Plan 2006
Chapter 8. MONITORING
For the development of a wetland management plan, Narrung wetland was included in the River
Murray Wetlands Baseline Survey (SKM 2004). The data collected during this survey provided a
basis by which objectives for wetland management could be refined, hydrology guidelines could be
developed and review procedures scheduled. However this data did not cover all the issues related
to managing the Narrung wetland. 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 and water quality, the monitoring schedule can
be seen in Table 20. 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 descriptions 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.
Photopoints have been installed at the wetland to monitor impacts of wetland rehabilitation. The
locations of the photopoints can be seen in Table 19. Refer to Your Wetland: Monitoring Manual
(Tucker 2004) for examples of data log sheets and further description of monitoring methods.
Table 19: Photopoint locations
Date
Site Name installed Directions Zone Easting Northing Datum Description
Near pump
NARPP01 1 54 WGS 84
shed
Along causeway
NARPP02 08/03/06 4 54 334575 6068691 WGS 84
separating two lagoons
42
Narrung Wetland Management Plan 2006
Table 20: Monitoring plan for Narrung wetland.
Parameter Method Priority SEP OCT NOV DEC JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG Time Required Responsible
Community
Groundwater Level and MODERATE 1 monitoring day Group/Wetla
Conductivity event nd Officer
43
Narrung Wetland Management Plan 2006
44
Narrung Wetland Management Plan 2006
(2000). Coorong, and Lakes Alexandrina and Albert Ramsar Management Plan. Adelaide, South
Australian Department for Environment and Heritage.
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.
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
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
45
Narrung Wetland Management Plan 2006
Nicol, J. (2006). Personal Communication. Senior Research Officer Wetland & Riparian Plant
Ecology Inland Waters Sub-Program: Sardi Aquatic Sciences.
Peck, D. (2000). The Ramsar Convention on Wetlands: The Annotated Ramsar List: Australia.
Accessed 27 April 2005, http://www.ramsar.org/profiles_australia.htm.
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.
Seaman, R. L. (2003). Coorong and Lower Lakes Habitat-Mapping Program. South Australia,
Department for Environment and Heritage. Conservation Programs
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.
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.
46
Narrung Wetland Management Plan 2006
47
Narrung Wetland Management Plan 2006
0.8
0.6
0.4
0.2
1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004
Figure 22: Lake Alexandrina water level at Narrung Jetty (10 year period)
48
Narrung Wetland Management Plan 2006
49
Narrung Wetland Management Plan 2006
50
Narrung Wetland Management Plan 2006
51
Narrung Wetland Management Plan 2006
52
Narrung Wetland Management Plan 2006
53
Narrung Wetland Management Plan 2006
54
Narrung Wetland Management Plan 2006
55
Narrung Wetland Management Plan 2006
56
Narrung Wetland Management Plan 2006
57
Narrung Wetland Management Plan 2006
58
Narrung Wetland Management Plan 2006
Introduced
on Rating *
1 2 3 4
AUS
MU
SA
Azolla filiculoides Pacific azolla X X
Bolboschoenus caldwellii Salt club-rush X
*Cotula coronopifolia Water buttons X X
Crassula helmsii Swamp Crassula X
Eleocharis acuta Common Spike-rush X
Frankenia pauciflora var. Southern sea-heath X
gunnii
Halosarcia pergranulata ssp. Black-seed samphire X
pergranulata
Lepilaena ?cylindrocarpa X
Lilaeopsis polyantha Australian Lilaeopsis R X
*Ludwigia peploides ssp. Water primrose X X X
montevidensis
Mimulus repens Creeping monkey-flower X
Myriophyllum caput-medusae Coarse milfoil K X X
Myriophyllum salsugineum Lake milfoil Q X
*Paspalum vaginatum Salt-water couch X X X
Phragmites australis Common reed X
*Polypogon monspeliensis Annual beard-grass X X
Ruppia polycarpa Widgeon grass X X
Samolus repens Creeping brookweed X
Sarcocornia quinqueflora Beaded samphire X
*Spergularia marina Salt sand-spurrey X X
Suaeda australis Austral seablite X
*Trifolium repens White Clover X X
Triglochin striatum Streaked arrowgrass X
Total species 6 12 5 2 9
% introduced 26 33 40 0 11
Q = possible regional conservation significance; K = uncertain regional conservation status; R = rare regional conservation
rating.
* Plant association:
1. Eleocharis acuta / Bolboschoenus caldwellii Closed Sedgeland
2. Myriophyllum caput-medusae Herbland over Azolla filiculoides
59
Narrung Wetland Management Plan 2006
3. Lepilaena ?cylindrocarpa / Ruppia polycarpa Herbland
4. Sarcocornia quinqueflora Low Closed Shrubland over Triglochin striatum and Ruppia polycarpa
Narrung Primary students collected the plants in Table 23, from the wetland. The majority of the exotic
species were collected closer to the roadside. All species collected closer to the wetland (in more saline
conditions) were native species.
Table 23: Vegetation identified by the local community (table provided by A. Frears (2006))
60
Narrung Wetland Management Plan 2006
Site 1
Site 2
Site 3
Site 1
Site 2
Site 3
Australian Tadorna 59 0 0 0 0 0 59 EPBC -
shelduck tadornoides Migratory
Australian white Threskiornis 0 1 3 0 0 0 4 NA
ibis molucca
Black swan Cygnus atratus 63 0 0 0 0 0 63 EPBC -
Migratory
Black-fronted Elseyornis 0 0 0 0 4 0 4 EPBC -
Dotterel melanops Migratory
Caspian tern Sterna caspia 1 0 4 0 75 0 80 EPBC -
Migratory
Crested tern Sterna bergii 2 0 66 0 0 0 68 EPBC -
Migratory
Great egret Ardea alba 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 EPBC -
Migratory
Masked lapwing Vanellus miles 0 0 3 0 2 86 91 EPBC -
Migratory
Pink-eared Duck Malacorhynchus 0 2 0 0 0 0 2 EPBC -
membranaceus Migratory
Red-kneed Erythrogonys 0 5 0 0 0 0 5 EPBC -
dotterel cinctus Migratory
Red-necked stint Calidris ruficollis 2 43 0 0 0 0 45 EPBC -
Migratory
Silver gull Larus 7 0 1 0 0 0 8 EPBC -
novaehollandiae Migratory
Whiskered tern Chlidonias 5 0 32 0 0 0 37 EPBC -
hybridus Migratory
Total Individuals 139 51 110 0 81 86 467
Species 7 4 7 0 3 1 13
Table 25: Water birds at 23 sites bordering Lakes Alexandrina and Albert (adapted from (Gosbell
2004))
Number Number
WATERFOWL Observed WADERS Observed
Hoary head Grebe 200 Latham's Snipe 0
Australasian Grebe 14 Black-tailed Godwit 1
Great Crested Grebe 990 Bar-tailed Godwit 0
Little Pied Cormorant 551 Godwit Spp. 0
61
Narrung Wetland Management Plan 2006
Little Black Cormorant 3306 Little Curlew 0
Great Black Cormorant 20839 Whimbrel 0
Pied Cormorant 7736 Eastern Curlew 0
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
Glossy Ibis 256 Sharp-tailed Sandpiper 2533
Cape Barren Goose 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
Chestnut Teal 962 Grey Plover 0
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
Eurasian Coot 64325 Banded Lapwing 49
Dusky Moorhen 7 Red-capped Plover 256
Purple Swamphen 1080 Masked Lapwing 2576
Blacktailed Native hen 2 Unidentified Large 0
Pacific Gull 0 Unidentified Meduim 0
Silver Gull 5155 Unidentified Small 192
Gull-billed Tern 7 Unidentified WaderSpecies 0
Crested Tern 1424 Other Wader Species 7
62
Narrung Wetland Management Plan 2006
Caspian Tern 2001
Little Tern 164
Fairy Tern 6
Whiskered Tern 18704
TOTAL
WATERFOWL 223,165 TOTAL WADERS 14,945
TOTAL
WATERBIRDS 238,110
63
Narrung Wetland Management Plan 2006
Appendix H. Evaporation and precipitation obtained using the Wetland Loss Calculator.
Table 26: Calculated water loss (evaporation – precipitation) from the Wetland Loss Calculator for the main lagoon
TOTAL
JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC (ML)
Area used in calculation (ha) 38 38 38 38 38
Net Loss (ML) Year 1 59 25 23 46 58 381
TOTAL
JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC (ML)
Area used in calculation (ha) 3.3 3.3 3.3 3.3 3.3
Net Loss (ML) Year 1 5 2 2 4 5 33
64