Mitta Mitta Biological Monitoring Program Annual Report ... Web ... the Mitta Mitta Biological...
Transcript of Mitta Mitta Biological Monitoring Program Annual Report ... Web ... the Mitta Mitta Biological...
Sprin
g 20
13 to
sprin
g 20
14
Mitta Mitta Biological Monitoring Program 2013–2014 Annual Report
Prepared by: Chris Davey
MDFRC Publication 45/2014
document.docx 1
Mitta Mitta Biological Monitoring Program: 2013-14 Annual ReportAnnual Report prepared for the Murray–Darling Basin Authority by The Murray–Darling Freshwater Research Centre.
Murray–Darling Basin AuthorityLevel 4, 51 Allara Street | GPO Box 1801Canberra City ACT 2601
Ph: (02) 6279 0100; Fax: (02) 6248 8053
This report was prepared by The Murray–Darling Freshwater Research Centre (MDFRC). The aim of the MDFRC is to provide the scientific knowledge necessary for the management and sustained utilisation of the Murray-Darling Basin water resources. The MDFRC is a joint venture between La Trobe University and CSIRO.
For further information contact:
Paul McInerney Dr Tapas Biswas
The Murray–Darling Freshwater Research Centre Murray–Darling Basin AuthorityPO Box 991 PO Box 1801Wodonga VIC 3689 Canberra ACT 2601Ph: (02) 6024 9650; Fax: (02) 6059 7531
Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Web: www.mdfrc.org.au Web: www.mdba.gov.auEnquiries: [email protected]
Report Citation: Davey C (2014) Mitta Mitta Biological Monitoring Program 2013–2014 Annual Report prepared for the Murray Darling Basin Authority by The Murray–Darling Freshwater Research Centre, MDFRC Publication 45/2014, September, 88pp.
Cover Image: Site 502 on the Mitta Mitta, downstream of Dartmouth Dam, Victoria, Australia
Photographer: Chris Davey
i
Copyright and Disclaimer:
© Murray–Darling Basin Authority for and on behalf of the Commonwealth of Australia
With the exception of the Commonwealth Coat of Arms, the Murray–Darling Basin Authority logo and The Murray–Darling Freshwater Research Centre logo, all material presented in this document is provided under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Australia licence (http://creativecommons.org/licences/by/3.0/au/).
For the avoidance of any doubt, this licence only applies to the material set out in this document.
The details of the licence are available on the Creative Commons website (accessible using the links provided) as is the full legal code for the CC BY 3.0 AU licence (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/legalcode).
MDBA’s preference is that this publication be attributed (and any material sourced from it) using the following:
Publication title: Mitta Mitta Biological Monitoring Program Report 2013-2014
Source: Licensed from the Murray–Darling Basin Authority under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Australia Licence.
The contents of this publication do not purport to represent the position of the Commonwealth of Australia or the MDBA in any way and are presented for the purpose of informing and stimulating discussion for improved management of Basin's natural resources.
To the extent permitted by law, the copyright holders (including its employees and consultants) exclude all liability to any person for any consequences, including but not limited to all losses, damages, costs, expenses and any other compensation, arising directly or indirectly from using this report (in part or in whole) and any information or material contained in it.
Contact us
Inquiries regarding the licence and any use of the document are welcome at:
DirectorCommunicationsMurray–Darling Basin Authority51 Allara StCanberra ACT 2601
Email: [email protected]
ii
Document history and status
Version Date Issued Reviewed by Approved by Revision type
Draft 1/12/2014 Paul McInerney
Chris Davey Scientific Review
Draft 8/12/2014 Michelle Kavanagh
Chris Davey Copy Edit
Distribution of copies
Version Quantity Issued to
Draft 1 x PDF or Word Tapas Biswas - MDBA
Final 1 x PDF or Word Tapas Biswas - MDBA
Filename and path: U:\MDBA\291-Mitta Monitoring\Knowledge Exchange\Reports\Sept 2014\FINAL\Final rept.docx
Author(s): Chris Davey
Author affiliation(s): The Murray–Darling Freshwater Research Centre
Project Manager: Paul McInerney
Client: Murray–Darling Basin Authority
Project Title: Long-term biological monitoring of river health in the Mitta Mitta River catchment, above and below Dartmouth Dam
Document Version: Final
Project Number: M/BUS/291
Contract Number: MD 2520
Finalised June 2015
Acknowledgements:
I would firstly like to acknowledge the MDBA for providing the funding for this project. I would also like to acknowledge Paul McInerney for project management, field sampling and document revision; Lyn Smith, John Hawking and Michael Shackleton for quality control; John Pengelly for water sample analysis; Georgia Dwyer and Thelma Vlamis for field assistance.I would also like to thank Tom McCormack for access to private land, and Peter Liepkins (Goulburn-Murray Water) and Elaine Thomas (Parks Victoria) for their time and support.
iii
ContentsExecutive summary....................................................................................................................................... 1
1 Introduction..................................................................................................................................... 3
SECTION 1: Spring 2013 – Autumn 2014........................................................................................................5
1 Aims and objectives.......................................................................................................................... 5
1.1 Project aims..............................................................................................................................................5
1.2 Objectives.................................................................................................................................................5
2 Methods........................................................................................................................................... 6
2.1 Study sites and descriptions.....................................................................................................................6
2.2 Field methods.........................................................................................................................................23
2.3 Laboratory methods, analysis and quality assurance.............................................................................24
3 Results........................................................................................................................................... 29
3.1 Discharge................................................................................................................................................29
3.2 SEPP objectives.......................................................................................................................................31
3.3 Taxonomic richness.................................................................................................................................47
3.4 Community composition........................................................................................................................48
4 Discussion...................................................................................................................................... 49
4.1 Discharge................................................................................................................................................49
4.2 Water quality..........................................................................................................................................49
4.3 Macroinvertebrates................................................................................................................................49
SECTION 2: Spring 2014............................................................................................................................... 51
1 Aims and objectives........................................................................................................................ 51
1.1 Project aims............................................................................................................................................51
1.2 Objectives...............................................................................................................................................51
2 Methods......................................................................................................................................... 51
2.1 Study sites and descriptions...................................................................................................................51
3 Results........................................................................................................................................... 52
3.1 Discharge................................................................................................................................................52
3.2 SEPP objectives.......................................................................................................................................53
3.3 Taxonomic richness.................................................................................................................................57
3.4 Community composition........................................................................................................................57
4 Discussion...................................................................................................................................... 59
4.1 Discharge................................................................................................................................................59
4.2 Water quality..........................................................................................................................................59
4.3 Macroinvertebrates................................................................................................................................59
5 Conclusions.................................................................................................................................... 60
6 Recommendations.......................................................................................................................... 60
References.................................................................................................................................................. 61
Appendices................................................................................................................................................. 63
Appendix A Taxa list by site for spring 2013 – autumn 2014 season.............................................................63
iv
Appendix B Taxa list for spring 2014.............................................................................................................85
List of tablesTable 1. Geographical information of site 501......................................................................................................7
Table 2. Geographical information of site 502......................................................................................................8
Table 3. Geographical information of site 503......................................................................................................9
Table 4. Geographical information of site 504....................................................................................................10
Table 5. Geographical information of site 505....................................................................................................11
Table 6. Geographical information of site 506....................................................................................................12
Table 7. Geographical information of site 507....................................................................................................13
Table 8. Geographical information of site 510....................................................................................................14
Table 9. Geographical information of site 511....................................................................................................15
Table 10. Geographical information of site 512..................................................................................................16
Table 11. Geographical information of site 513..................................................................................................17
Table 12. Geographical information of site 514..................................................................................................18
Table 13. Geographical information of site 515..................................................................................................19
Table 14. Geographical information of site 516..................................................................................................20
Table 15. Geographical information of site 517..................................................................................................21
Table 16. Geographical information of site 518..................................................................................................22
Table 17. SEPP objectives for water quality and nutrients..................................................................................25
Table 18. SEPP biological objectives for Victorian bioregions 1 and 2 (EPA 2004)..............................................26
Table 19. AUSRIVAS bands and descriptions.......................................................................................................26
Table 20. AUSRIVAS bands and their respective bandwidths for OE50 scores for each habitat in each of the models used....................................................................................................................................27
Table 21: Measurement uncertainty at June 2014..............................................................................................28
Table 22. SEPP objectives at site 501..................................................................................................................30
Table 23. SEPP objectives at site 502..................................................................................................................31
Table 24. SEPP objectives at site 503..................................................................................................................32
Table 25. SEPP objectives at site 504..................................................................................................................33
Table 26. SEPP objectives at site 505..................................................................................................................34
Table 27. SEPP objectives at site 506..................................................................................................................35
Table 28. SEPP objectives at site 507..................................................................................................................36
Table 29. SEPP objectives at site 510..................................................................................................................37
Table 30. SEPP objectives at site 511..................................................................................................................38
Table 31. SEPP objectives at site 512..................................................................................................................39
Table 32. SEPP objectives at site 513..................................................................................................................40
Table 33. SEPP objectives at site 514..................................................................................................................41
Table 34. SEPP objectives at site 515..................................................................................................................42
v
Table 35. SEPP objectives at site 516..................................................................................................................43
Table 36. SEPP objectives at site 517..................................................................................................................44
Table 37. SEPP objectives at site 518..................................................................................................................45
Table 38. SEPP objectives at site 502..................................................................................................................52
Table 39. SEPP objectives at site 503..................................................................................................................53
Table 40. SEPP objectives at site 505..................................................................................................................54
Table 41. SEPP objectives at site 513..................................................................................................................55
Table 42. List of taxa recorded at each site during the autumn 2013 to autumn 2014 survey...........................62
Table 43. List of taxa recorded at each site during the spring 2014 season........................................................84
List of figuresFigure 1. Map of the study area, showing the study sites.....................................................................................6
Figure 2. Mitta Mitta River at site 501 in spring 2013 (a) looking downstream before a release; (b) looking downstream during a release; (c) looking upstream before a release; (d) looking upstream during a release...........................................................................................................................................7
Figure 3: Mitta Mitta River at site 502 looking (a) upstream; (b) across to the left bank; and (c) looking downstream. Taken on 2014 autumn sampling trip.........................................................................8
Figure 4: Mitta Mitta River at site 503 looking (a) upstream; (b) across to the left bank; and (c) looking downstream. Taken on 2014 autumn sampling trip.........................................................................9
Figure 5: Mitta Mitta River at site 504 looking (a) upstream; (b) across to the right bank; and (c) looking downstream. Taken on 2013 spring sampling trip..........................................................................10
Figure 6. Snowy Creek at site 505 looking (a) upstream; (b) across to the right bank; and (c) looking downstream. Taken on 2013 spring sampling trip..........................................................................11
Figure 7. Mt Wills Creek at site 506 looking (a) downstream; (b) upstream; and (c) upstream from the bridge. Autumn 2014..................................................................................................................................12
Figure 8. Mt Wills Creek at site 506 looking (a) downstream; (b) across; and (c) upstream in autumn 2014... . .13
Figure 9. Whiterock Creek at site 510 looking (a) upstream (spring 2013); (b) downstream (spring 2013); and (c) downstream (autumn 2014)...........................................................................................................14
Figure 10. Big River at site 511 looking (a) upstream; (b) downstream; and (c) across to the left bank (autumn 2014)...............................................................................................................................................15
Figure 11. : Big River at site 512 looking (a) upstream; (b) downstream; and (c) across to the left bank (autumn 2014)...............................................................................................................................................16
Figure 12. Mitta Mitta River at site 513 looking (a) downstream, autumn 2014; (b) downstream, spring 2013; and (c) upstream, spring 2013........................................................................................................17
Figure 13. Mitta Mitta River at site 514b looking (a) upstream; (b) across to the left bank; and (c) downstream….................................................................................................................................18
Figure 14. Cobungra River at site 515 looking (a) downstream; (b) across to the left bank; and (c) upstream.. .19
Figure 15. Bingo Munjie Creek at site 516 looking (a) upstream; (b) across to the right bank; and (c) downstream...................................................................................................................................20
Figure 16. Livingstone Creek at site 517 looking (a) upstream, spring 2013; (b) downstream, spring 2013; (c) upstream, autumn 2014; and (d) downstream, autumn 2014........................................................21
Figure 17. Gibbo River at site 518 looking (a) upstream, autumn 2014; (b) across to the right bank, autumn 2014; (c) upstream, spring 2013; and (d) across to the left bank, spring 2013...............................22
vi
Figure 18. Daily discharge at upstream (top) and downstream (bottom) sites on the Mitta Mitta and some of its major tributaries.............................................................................................................................29
Figure 19. Taxonomic richness of each site in spring 2013, autumn 2014, and for both seasons combined......46
Figure 20. NMDS plot of sites based on presence/absence of macroinvertebrate genera. Sites on the main channel downstream of Dartmouth are green, all other sites independent of any effects of the dam are blue...................................................................................................................................47
Figure 21. Daily discharge at Colemans, Snowy Creek (below Granite Flat) and Hinnomunjie gauges for the period from July to late November 2014........................................................................................51
Figure 22. Taxonomic richness of each site in spring 2014, for both habitats and whole site.............................56
Figure 23. NMDS plot of samples, with taxonomic resolution to species. Riffle samples, suffixed with “R” are at the top left of the plot, edge samples, suffixed with “E” are at the bottom and top right of the plot.57
vii
viii
ix
Executive summaryThis report presents the findings from the Mitta Mitta biological monitoring from the spring
2013 to spring 2014, inclusive. The spring 2013 and autumn 2014 sampling events were
analysed using a combined seasons model, and are presented in section one of this report.
The spring 2014 sampling event was analysed as a single season and presented in section
two.
In 1998, the Mitta Mitta Biological Monitoring Program was initiated by the former Murray-
Darling Basin Commission, to monitor the condition of the biological communities of the
lower Mitta Mitta River and investigate the impacts of Dartmouth Dam on the health of the
Mitta Mitta River. This project monitored the macroinvertebrates, using the Australian River
Assessment System (AUSRIVAS) rapid bio-assessment protocols, at five sites, of which four
were on the Mitta Mitta River below Dartmouth Dam, with one reference site on Snowy
Creek. In 2005, two more tributary sites were added to the program.
In 2008, this program was expanded again to include nine additional sites, all of which were
upstream of Dartmouth Dam, five on the main channel and four sites on tributaries.
In mid-2014 the program was cut back to four sites: one above the dam; one below the dam
and above the confluence of Snowy Creek; one below Snowy Creek; and one on Snowy
Creek. The data collected in the spring 2013 to spring 2014 period has been analysed and
assessed, with the findings presented and recommendations made.
Key findings:
The sites on the Mitta Mitta River upstream of Dartmouth Dam generally have a high
level of diversity and meet the majority of the State Environment Protection Policy
(SEPP) objectives.
Dartmouth Dam continues to have an impact on the Mitta Mitta River, with the sites
immediately downstream of the dam showing a significant decrease in both taxonomic
richness and the number of SEPP objectives achieved.
Mitta Mitta Monitoring Program Report 2013–2014x
There is no -measurable recovery in the Mitta Mitta River until the confluence with
Snowy Creek, which appears to be the driver of the improvement of biological health in
the Mitta Mitta River downstream of the dam.
Of the tributaries, Bingo Munjie and Livingstone Creeks were the least diverse, being
assessed as severely and significantly impaired, respectively highly likely due to
relatively heavy adjacent agricultural land use, limited riparian vegetation, and the
resulting poor water quality.
Reference Sites at Snowy Creek (a downstream tributary), Frog Track, Glen Valley and
Taylors Crossing (all on the Mitta Mitta upstream of the dam) were assessed as being in
reference condition.
Mitta Mitta Monitoring Program Report 2013–2014xi
1 IntroductionThe Mitta Mitta catchment is 6250 km2 in area and accounts for 7.1% of Victoria’s runoff.
The catchment area is a combination of forested areas, utilised for forestry and recreation,
and cleared valleys, used for dairy and beef cattle and sheep grazing (Australian Natural
Resources Atlas 2008). Dartmouth Dam was completed in 1980 and has a capacity of
4000 GL. The dam receives inflows from the Mitta Mitta River and its tributaries, the Big,
Bundara, Cobungra, Gibbo and Dart Rivers. The dam acts as carry-over water storage for
drought protection and flood mitigation and for hydro-electricity generation (Australian
Natural Resource Atlas 2008).
The Mitta Mitta Monitoring Program was initiated in 1998, with the objective of determining
the extent of environmental impacts resulting from the operation of Dartmouth Dam. The
collection of data was to focus on the macroinvertebrate communities, as they are
ubiquitous and diverse, easily sampled and provide an insight into stream condition over the
short to medium-term (Blyth et al. 1984). Sampling was carried out using the Rapid Bio-
assessment Methods (EPA 2003a). This involved collecting two macroinvertebrate samples
twice per year (in spring and autumn), one from the edge habitat and the other from the
riffle habitat at each site.
The program initially sampled macroinvertebrates at five sites, four of which were on the
Mitta Mitta River below Dartmouth Dam (sites 501 – 504), with one reference site on the
unregulated Snowy Creek (site 505). In 2002, two more reference sites were added: Site 506
on Mount Wills Creek, a tributary of Snowy Creek, and site 507 on Watchingorra Creek, a
small unregulated tributary of the Mitta Mitta River, which is influenced by agriculture and
forestry, and enters the Mitta Mitta between sites 502 and 503.
The data collected from the above sites between 1998 and 2008 were reviewed and it was
reported that the macroinvertebrate communities inhabiting the Mitta Mitta River below
Dartmouth Dam were severely impacted, with the decline or local extinction of many
herbivores from sensitive families, which have been replaced by tolerant generalists, and
exotic and invasive species (Cook et al. 2011b). The condition of the macroinvertebrate
communities improved with distance downstream from Dartmouth Dam, with peak
xii
condition reached at the furthest downstream site at Tallandoon. It was concluded that
these impacts were resultant from the construction and operation of Dartmouth Dam and
that most of the improvement seen in the ecological conditions further downstream could
predominantly be attributed to the inflow from the unregulated Snowy Creek, acting to
improve water quality, re-introduce natural flow variation and provide a source of
recruitment (Cook et al. 2011b; Koehn et al. 1995; Doeg 1984). Several reports have been
produced showing similar patterns and despite collaborative efforts at altering discharge
patterns to improve biological condition, it appears that these assessments have largely
stayed the same.
The catchment above Dartmouth Dam is subject to an alternate set of environmental issues,
mainly associated with land use, and many of the tributary streams, such as Livingstone
Creek, were classed as being of poor quality (North East CMA 2006). In 2008 the monitoring
program was expanded to include nine additional sites, all in the Mitta Mitta catchment
upstream of Dartmouth Dam. This was done with the aims of (a) providing a comparison to
the river health below the dam, and (b) evaluating the impacts of land management
practices on the tributaries entering the main channel.
The previous report was submitted in September of 2013, and reported on two years of
data. Initially, this report was due in September 2014, and its scope limited to data collected
from spring 2013 and autumn 2014. Due to financial factors, the spring 2014 sampling
season was restricted to four sites: one on the Mitta Mitta upstream of Dartmouth dam
(513); one immediately below the dam (502); one on the unregulated tributary of Snowy
Creek (505); and one downstream of the Mitta Mitta-Snowy Creek confluence (503). Due to
the uncertainty surrounding future funding and the abbreviated nature of the spring 2014
sampling season, it was decided that all three seasons be included in the one report. Spring
2013 and autumn 2014 sampling seasons are detailed in section 1 of this report, and the
abbreviated sampling season of spring 2014 is detailed in section 2.
xiii
SECTION 1: Spring 2013 – Autumn 2014
1 Aims and objectives
1.1 Project aims
The aims of the Mitta Mitta Macroinvertebrate Program are to monitor the
macroinvertebrate communities and assess the biological condition of the Mitta Mitta River
and its major tributaries in relation to impacts from river management and catchment use.
1.2 Objectives
Sample the macroinvertebrate communities in autumn and spring, 16 sites in the
Mitta Mitta catchment, in both the main channel and its major tributaries.
Assess biological condition within the Mitta Mitta catchment at each site, using
Australian River Assessment System (AUSRIVAS) rapid bio-assessment protocols.
Assess biodiversity within the Mitta Mitta catchment by identifying
macroinvertebrates to the lowest possible taxonomic level.
Analyse and assess water quality data with respect to the State Environment
Protection Policy (SEPP) objectives.
Report findings to the Murray-Darling Basin Authority (MDBA).
xiv
2 Methods
2.1 Study sites and descriptions
The study area spans the Mitta Mitta River from 1780 m (site 510) to 230 m (site 504) above
sea level, 60 km below Dartmouth Dam (Figure 1).
xv
Figure 1. Map of the study area, showing the study sites.
Site 501 – Dartmouth.
This site is on the Mitta Mitta River 4 km
downstream of Dartmouth Dam, 50 m
upstream of the Horsefall Road Bridge.
Adjacent vegetation is predominately open
eucalypt forest with the riparian zone
dominated by Callistemon spp. (Bottlebrush).
This site is subject to alternating inundation
and draining due to its location between the
dam and Lake Banimboola. The site details
are summarised in Figure 2 and Table 1.
Table 1. Geographical information of site 501.
xvi
Altitude (m) 320
Latitude 36.5424°
Longitude 147.5008°
Catchment area (km2) 3561
Distance from source (km) 135.04
Typical stream width (m) 10-70
AusRivAS Bioregion B2
xvii
bb
cb
db
Figure 2. Mitta Mitta River at site 501 in spring 2013 (a) looking downstream before a release; (b) looking downstream during a release; (c) looking upstream before a release; (d) looking upstream during a release.
ab
Site 502 – Colemans.
This site is on the Mitta Mitta River 9 km
downstream of Dartmouth Dam and 3 km
downstream of Lake Banimboola. This
section passes through a steep sided
gorge and has a substrate predominately
of boulders and cobble with significant
areas of exposed bedrock. The
surrounding vegetation is open eucalypt
forest with the understorey dominated by
Leptospermum spp. (Tea Tree),
Callistemon spp. (Bottlebrush) and Acacia
spp. (Wattle). Past infestations of Cytisus
scoparius (English Broom) have been
sprayed. Site details are summarised in
Figure 3 and Table 2.
Table 2. Geographical information of site 502.
xviii
Altitude (m) 300
Latitude 36.5153°
Longitude 147.4349°
Catchment area (km2) 3634
Distance from source (km) 144.48
Typical stream width (m) 15-30
AusRivAS Bioregion B2
xix
a bb
cb
Figure 3: Mitta Mitta River at site 502 looking (a) upstream; (b) across to the left bank; and (c) looking downstream. Taken on 2014 autumn sampling trip.
Site 503 – Mitta Mitta.
This site is on the Mitta Mitta River 16 km
downstream of Dartmouth Dam and
approximately 3 km downstream of the
Snowy Creek – Mitta Mitta River
confluence. The site is 25 m downstream
of the bridge on Dartmouth Road. The
substrate is primarily cobble and pebble,
and the site includes a stand of
Phragmites australis (Common reed) and
a small pebbly island. The surrounding
land is used for grazing cattle and made
up of various pasture species. Riparian
vegetation is a mix of Salix spp. (Willows),
Eucalyptus spp. and grasses. Site details
are summarised in Figure 4 and Table 3.
Table 3. Geographical information of site 503.
xx
Altitude (m) 260
Latitude 36.5202°
Longitude 147.3703°
Catchment area (km2) 3890
Distance from source (km) 159.37
Typical stream width (m) 30-40
AusRivAS Bioregion B2
xxi
a bb
cb
Figure 4: Mitta Mitta River at site 503 looking (a) upstream; (b) across to the left bank; and (c) looking downstream. Taken on 2014 autumn sampling trip.
Site 504 – Tallandoon.
This site is on the Mitta Mitta River
approximately 60 km from Dartmouth
Dam, near the picnic area located 1.5 km
upstream of Tallandoon. The substrate is
predominately cobble and boulder and
the stream, when in high flow, divides to
flow around an island that was used for
periodic gravel extraction until 1996. The
surrounding land is cleared and is used for
grazing on the eastern side while the
western side beyond the road, is native
vegetation. The riparian zone is
dominated by Salix spp. (Willows) on the
left bank. On the right bank the Salix spp.
were removed in 2008 and replaced with
natives. Site details are summarised in
Figure 5 and Table 4.
Table 4. Geographical information of site 504.
Altitude (m) 230
Latitude 36.4393°
Longitude 147.2033°
Catchment area (km2) 4716
Distance from source (km) 184.42
Typical stream width (m) 15-20
AusRivAS Bioregion B2
xxii
abb
cb
Figure 5: Mitta Mitta River at site 504 looking (a) upstream; (b) across to the right bank; and (c) looking downstream. Taken on 2013 spring sampling trip.
cb
Site 505 – Snowy Creek.
This site is on the Snowy Creek about 8 km
upstream of the Mitta Mitta township off the
Omeo Highway and is one of the reference
sites. The site is approximately 50 m upstream
of the West Branch Creek confluence.
Substrate is predominately pebble/cobble and
surrounding vegetation is open eucalypt
forest. The riparian zone is made up of
Leptospermum spp. (Tea Tree), Acacia
melanoxylon (Blackwood) and Bedfordia
arborescens (Blanket Leaf). Site details are
summarised in Figure 6 and Table 5.
Table 5. Geographical information of site 505.
xxiii
Altitude (m) 312
Latitude 36.5624°
Longitude 147.4106°
Catchment area (km2) 407
Distance from source (km) 38.97
Typical stream width (m) 5-12
AusRivAS Bioregion B2
xxiv
abb
cb
Figure 6. Snowy Creek at site 505 looking (a) upstream; (b) across to the right bank; and (c) looking downstream. Taken on 2013 spring sampling trip.
Site 506 – Mt Wills Creek.
This site is on Mt Wills Creek 29 km
upstream of the Mitta Mitta township, 20-
30 m upstream of the bridge on the
Snowy Log Road. The substrate is
predominantly cobble/pebble and the
surrounding vegetation is open eucalypt
forest with Rubus fruticosus
(Blackberries). Site details are summarised
in Figure 7 and Table 6.
Table 6. Geographical information of site 506.
xxv
Altitude (m) 580
Latitude 36.7078°
Longitude 147.4409°
Catchment area (km2) 45
Distance from source (km) 13.1
Typical stream width (m) 3-5
AusRivAS Bioregion B2
xxvi
a bb
cb
Figure 7. Mt Wills Creek at site 506 looking (a) downstream; (b) upstream; and (c) upstream from the bridge. Autumn 2014.
Site 507 – Watchingorra Creek.
This site is on Watchingorra Creek
(previously known as Callaghans Creek)
and is approximately 1 km upstream of
the confluence with the Mitta Mitta River,
which is approximately 19 km
downstream of Dartmouth Dam. The
substrate is mostly bedrock with a mixture
of cobble and gravel. The site is
surrounded by grazing land and pine
plantations. Riparian vegetation consists
primarily of Salix spp. (Willows), Rubus
fruticosus (Blackberries) and various
grasses. Site details are summarised in
Figure 8 and Table 7.
Table 7. Geographical information of site 507.
xxvii
Altitude (m) 280
Latitude 36.5078’
Longitude 147.4175°
Catchment area (km2) 102
Distance from source (km) 19.2
Typical stream width (m) 1-3
AusRivAS Bioregion B2
xxviii
a bb
cb
Figure 8. Mt Wills Creek at site 506 looking (a) downstream; (b) across; and (c) upstream in autumn 2014.
Site 510 – Whiterock Creek.
At 1745 m above sea level, site 510 is the
highest site in the project, situated in an
alpine environment. It is 2 km from the
source and has a catchment area of
2.3 km2. The site is dominated by alpine
heath and sphagnum bog, with riparian
vegetation of alpine shrubs. The substrate
in the stream is composed of cobbles,
pebbles and some exposed bedrock, with
few slow-flowing sections and little edge
habitat. Site details are summarised in
Figure 9 and Table 8.
Table 8. Geographical information of site 510.
xxix
Altitude (mASL) 1745
Latitude 36.8177°
Longitude 147.3175°
Catchment area (km2) 2.3
Distance from source (km) 2
Typical stream width (m) 1-3
AusRivAS Bioregion B1
xxx
a bb
cb
Figure 9. Whiterock Creek at site 510 looking (a) upstream (spring 2013); (b) downstream (spring 2013); and (c) downstream (autumn 2014).
Site 511 – Frog Track.
Site 511 is on Big River, at approximately
800 m below the tree line and 18 km
downstream of site 510. The forest here is
dominated by Eucalyptus delegatensis
(Alpine Ash), with an understorey of
Daviesia latifolia (Hop Scrub) and Grevillia
victoriensis (Royal Grevillia). The stream is
12 to 14 m wide and is fast flowing, with a
substrate composed of boulders and
cobbles. Site details are summarised in
Figure 10 and Table 9.
Table 9. Geographical information of site 511.
xxxi
Altitude (m) 910
Latitude 36.7854°
Longitude 147.3878°
Catchment area (km2) 72
Distance from source (km) 25
Typical stream width (m) 12-14
AusRivAS Bioregion B1
xxxii
a bb
cb
Figure 10. Big River at site 511 looking (a) upstream; (b) downstream; and (c) across to the left bank (autumn 2014).
xxxiii
Site 512 – Glen Valley.
Site 512 is on Big River, approximately 17
km downstream from site 511. The stream
width is between 15 and 20 m, with a
substrate dominated by cobbles. The site
is 500 m upstream of the Omeo Highway
Bridge. Surrounding land includes
residential, recreational and grazing on
the left (east) bank and open eucalypt
forest on the right (Figure 11 and Table
10).
Table 10. Geographical information of site 512.
xxxiv
Altitude (m) 730
Latitude 36.8903°
Longitude 147.4621°
Catchment area (km2) 260
Distance from source (km) 42
Typical stream width (m) 15-20
AusRivAS Bioregion B2
xxxv
a bb
Figure 11. : Big River at site 512 looking (a) upstream; (b) downstream; and (c) across to the left bank (autumn 2014).
xxxvi
cb
Site 513 – Hinnomunjie Bridge.
Site 513 is situated on the Mitta Mitta
River approximately 3 km downstream
from its emergence into the Omeo Valley.
The site is 40 m downstream of
Hinnomunjie Bridge. The surrounding land
is cleared and grazed and the riparian
zone is dominated by grasses, with
scattered Cytisus scoparius (English
Broom) and Salix spp. (Willows). The
substrate is dominated by cobbles and
boulders. There is a small cobble island
stabilized by a Willow tree in the middle
of the reach and a deep pool immediately
downstream with a sandy substrate. Site
details are summarised below (Figure 12
and Table 11).
Table 11. Geographical information of site 513.
xxxvii
Altitude (m) 540
Latitude 36.9456°
Longitude 147.6083°
Catchment area (km2) 1600
Distance from source (km) 74
Typical stream width (m) 30-40
AusRivAS Bioregion B2
xxxviii
a bb
cb
Figure 12. Mitta Mitta River at site 513 looking (a) downstream, autumn 2014; (b) downstream, spring 2013; and (c) upstream, spring 2013.
xxxix
Site 514 – Taylors Crossing.
Site 514 (Frasers Tableland) was located
26 km downstream of site 513, however,
this site was inundated when the levels in
Lake Dartmouth were 95% in March 2013.
The site has subsequently been moved
5km upstream, 600m upstream of Taylors
Crossing. The surrounding land is open
eucalypt forest on right bank, and partially
cleared land on the left bank. The riparian
zone consists mainly of Acacia
melanoxylon (Sally Wattle/Australian
Blackwood), Salix spp. (Willows) and
Eucalyptus spp. The substrate is
dominated by boulders and cobble, and a
small island forms part of the study site
(Figure 13 and Table 12).
Table 12. Geographical information of site 514.
xl
Altitude (m) 500
Latitude 36.8190
Longitude 147.6551
Catchment area (km2) 1800
Distance from source (km) 93
Typical stream width (m) 25-35
AusRivAS Bioregion B2
xli
a bb
cb
Figure 13. Mitta Mitta River at site 514b looking (a) upstream; (b) across to the left bank; and (c) downstream.
xlii
Site 515 – Cobungra River.
Site 515 is located on the Cobungra River
approximately 4.5 km upstream of its
confluence with the Mitta Mitta River and
600 m upstream of the Blue Duck Inn. The
sampling reach consists of a fast flowing
riffle of predominantly boulders and some
cobbles, followed by a slow flowing pool
with a sandy gravel substrate, and a
shallow bed of pebbles. The surrounding
area is dominated by open forest, with the
riparian zone dominated by Acacia and
Eucalyptus spp. Site details are
summarised below (Figure 14 and Table
13).
Table 13. Geographical information of site 515.
xliii
Altitude (m) 660
Latitude 36.9981°
Longitude 147.4871°
Catchment area (km2) 400
Distance from source (km) 62
Typical stream width (m) 8-12
AusRivAS Bioregion B2
xliv
a bb
cb
Figure 14. Cobungra River at site 515 looking (a) downstream; (b) across to the left bank; and (c) upstream.
xlv
Site 516 – Bingo Munjie Creek.
Site 516 is on Bingo Munjie Creek. This is
the smallest of the streams sampled in the
project, with a stream width not usually
exceeding 2 m and usually with very little
flow. The site was originally located on
private land, 3.5 km from the confluence
with the Mitta Mitta River. Due to
difficulties in contacting the land owner in
autumn 2009, the site was moved to the
bridge, 1.2 km upstream. The surrounding
land has been cleared for grazing, with a
riparian zone dominated by grasses and
scattered Willows. Site details are
summarised below (Figure 15 and Table
14).
Table 14. Geographical information of site 516.
xlvi
Altitude (m) 690
Latitude 37.0018°
Longitude 147.5647°
Catchment area (km2) 40
Distance from source (km) 11
Typical stream width (m) 1-2
AusRivAS Bioregion B2
xlvii
a bb
cb
Figure 15. Bingo Munjie Creek at site 516 looking (a) upstream; (b) across to the right bank; and (c) downstream.
xlviii
Site 517 – Livingstone Creek.
Site 517 is located on Livingstone Creek,
approximately 22 km downstream of the
township of Omeo, through which it
flows, and 1.8 km upstream from its
confluence with the Mitta Mitta River. The
surrounding area is cleared grazing land.
The site is located on private land stocked
with sheep. It has a riparian zone
dominated by grasses, with one Willow
tree towards the upper extent of the site
and obvious bank erosion. The substrate is
dominated by pebbles, gravel and sand.
Site details are summarised in Figure 16
and Table 15.
Table 15. Geographical information of site 517.
xlix
Altitude (m) 560
Latitude 36.9641°
Longitude 147.604°
Catchment area (km2) 550
Distance from source (km) 54
Typical stream width (m) 2-4
AusRivAS Bioregion B2
Site 518 – Gibbo River.
Site 518 is situated on the Gibbo River,
7.5 km upstream of its confluence with
the Mitta Mitta River. The Gibbo River is
typically around 8 to 12 m in width and
moderately fast flowing. The substrate is
predominantly cobbles and boulders with
some pebbles on the inside banks. The
surrounding land is eucalypt forest. Site
l
a bb
cb
d
Figure 16. Livingstone Creek at site 517 looking (a) upstream, spring 2013; (b) downstream, spring 2013; (c) upstream, autumn 2014; and (d) downstream, autumn 2014.
details are summarised below (Figure 17
and Table 16).
Table 16. Geographical information of site 518.
li
Altitude (m) 500
Latitude 36.7533°
Longitude 147.7104°
Catchment area (km2) 325
Distance from source (km) 46
Typical stream width (m) 5-10
AusRivAS Bioregion B2
lii
a bb
cbdbFigure 17. Gibbo River at site 518 looking (a) upstream, autumn 2014; (b) across to the right bank,
autumn 2014; (c) upstream, spring 2013; and (d) across to the left bank, spring 2013.
2.2 Field methods
Field samples were collected in spring 2013 (between 17 September and 31 October) and
autumn 2014 (between 20 March and 5 May). Macroinvertebrate, physico-chemical
measurements, water samples for nutrient analysis and habitat descriptions were taken at
each site on each sampling occasion in accordance with Victorian AUSRIVAS sampling
protocols (http://ausrivas.canberra.edu.au/), (EPA 2003a).
Water quality
Water samples were collected in accordance with Murray-Darling Freshwater Research
Centre (MDFRC) quality control method (QCM) SM5.17. Physio-chemical measurements
(conductivity, pH, temperature, dissolved oxygen and turbidity) were measured in situ, using
a Hydrolab, Quanta QD3449 in accordance with EPA publication 441 (EPA 2003b). The
results were recorded on field sheets on site. Three water samples were collected in HDPE
bottles, one for total nitrogen (TN) and total phosphorus (TP), one for alkalinity, and one for
oxides of nitrogen (NOx) (EPA 2003c).
Macroinvertebrates
All macroinvertebrate sampling was undertaken according to SM5.10 of the Murray-Darling
Freshwater Research Centre (MDFRC) quality control manual (QCM) using the Australian
River Assessment System (AUSRIVAS) (http://ausrivas.canberra.edu.au/) rapid bio-
assessment protocol (EPA 2003a). Two samples (edge and riffle) were collected from each
site with the exception of the riffle sample at site 501 in autumn 2014, which could not be
collected due to flooding.
Each habitat type was sampled in approximate proportion to their representation in the
edge or riffle habitats. Samples were live-picked on site for between 30 and 60 minutes, in
accordance with the AUSRIVAS protocols (EPA 2003a), and were preserved in 69% ethanol.
For quality assurance purposes, 10% of live-pick residues were kept and examined in the
laboratory.
liii
2.3 Laboratory methods, analysis and quality assurance
Water quality
Nutrients and alkalinity of water samples were analysed by using the MDFRC methods 03,
04 and 06; APHA 2005). The MDFRC Chemistry Laboratory is a NATA accredited laboratory
(Accreditation number 1400).
Macroinvertebrates
Each sample was sorted into ten major taxonomic groups. Chironomids were then mounted
on microscope slides, according to SM5.22 of the QCM, and sent to a dipteran specialist for
identification. All other macroinvertebrates were identified according to SM5.23 of the
QCM. Macroinvertebrates were identified to the lowest possible level using a prescribed set
of taxonomic keys, including the MDFRC Online Bug Guide (Hawking et al. 2013) and keys to
species (listed in SM5.23 of the QCM) in conjunction with the MDFRC macroinvertebrate
voucher files and reference collection.
Some specimens were too damaged or immature to identify to species level. When
analysing the data for diversity and community structure, these records were only included
as distinct taxa if there were no other species of that group identified to a higher resolution
in the same sample or subset of samples.
In accordance with SM4.33 of the QCM, 10% of samples were re-identified by a senior
taxonomist for quality control purposes.
The Macroinvertebrate Laboratory is NATA accredited (Accreditation number 17064) for
Aquatic Biology (class 8.65 Aquatic Biology, and subclasses 8.65.61 Identification and
Enumeration of Macroinvertebrates to specified level (species), and 8.65.68 Sampling of
Macroinvertebrates).
Data analysis
Daily mean flow data for the period from June 2013 to May 2014 was obtained from the
Department of Sustainability and Environment Victorian Water Resources Data Warehouse
website (DSE 2011a). The flow data was taken from the gauging stations at Jokers Creek (Big
River); Hinnomunjie, Colemans and Tallandoon (Mitta Mitta River); below Granite Flat
liv
(Snowy Creek) and at Gibbo Park (Gibbo River). Mean daily flows and monthly averages
were plotted.
All water quality, nutrient and macroinvertebrate data were entered onto the MDFRC
Macroinvertebrate Database (SM5.30). Data were then exported from the database to a
spread sheet (SM5.31), where it was prepared for importing into other software programs.
For the spring and the following autumn sampling events, macroinvertebrate data were
combined and physio-chemical data were averaged, so all the data could be analysed by
year rather than season.
Water quality and nutrient measurements were compared to the SEPP objectives for the
corresponding region (Table 17), and presented in Tables 22 to 37. No SEPP objectives exist
for temperature, alkalinity or oxides of nitrogen.
Table 17. SEPP objectives for water quality and nutrients.
Objectives Sites 510 and 511 All other sites
Dissolved oxygen (% sat.) 95 – 110 90 – 110
Electrical conductivity (µS.cm-2) 100 100
pH 6.4 – 7.7 6.4 – 7.7
Turbidity (NTU) 5 5
Total nitrogen (mg.L-1) 150 350
Total phosphorus (mg.L-1) 20 25
Total families, Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera and Trichoptera (EPT) and Stream Invertebrate
Grade Number Average Level (SIGNAL) scores for edge and riffle samples were calculated
for each site. Habitats were combined to calculate scores for key families at each site. Scores
were compared to the SEPP objectives for bioregion 2, except sites 510 and 511, which were
compared to the SEPP objectives for bioregion 1 (Table 18).
Macroinvertebrate data were entered into the AUSRIVAS modelling software and the
resulting scores for Observed/Expected with p>50% (OE50) determined which AUSRIVAS
bands were allocated to each site (Table 19, Table 20). Edge and riffle samples from all sites
were run through the Victorian combined seasons bioregion 2 edge and riffle models, with
the exception of sites 510 and 511, which were run through the Victorian combined seasons
lv
state edge and riffle models, as no other models exist for this region (bioregion 1). Where
the edge and riffle sample from the same site were allocated different AUSRIVAS bands, the
site was classified according to the precautionary principle, whereby the lower of the two
bands is allocated to the site as a whole.
Table 18. SEPP biological objectives for Victorian bioregions 1 and 2 (EPA 2004).
Region/ Habitat
Total Families
SIGNAL Score
EPT index
Key Families
B1 Edge 13 6.2 418
B1 Riffle 22 5.8 10
B2 Edge 22 5.7 720
B2 Riffle 21 6.0 9
Table 19. AUSRIVAS bands and descriptions.
Band X More biologically diverse than reference.
More taxa found than expected. Potential biodiversity hot-spot. Possible mild organic enrichment.
Band A Reference condition.
Most/all of the expected families found. Water quality and/or habitat condition roughly equivalent to
reference sites. Impact on water quality and habitat condition does not result in a loss of
macroinvertebrate diversity.
Band B Significantly impaired.
Fewer families than expected. Potential impact either on water quality or habitat quality or both,
resulting in loss of taxa.
Band C Severely impaired.
Many fewer families than expected. Loss of macroinvertebrate biodiversity due to substantial impacts
on water and/or habitat quality.
Band D Extremely impaired.
Few of the expected families remain. Extremely poor water and/or habitat quality. Highly degraded.
lvi
Table 20. AUSRIVAS bands and their respective bandwidths for OE50 scores for each habitat in each of the models used.
Bioregion B2 (Forests A) State (sites 510 and 511)
Habitat EDGE RIFFLE EDGE RIFFLE
Band X >1.14 >1.16 >1.14 >1.16
Band A 0.85 - 1.14 0.83 - 1.16 0.84 - 1.14 0.82 - 1.16
Band B 0.56 - 0.85 0.54 - 0.83 0.55 - 0.84 0.49 - 0.82
Band C 0.27 - 0.56 0.25 - 0.54 0.26 - 0.55 0.16 - 0.49
Band D <0.27 <0.25 <0.26 <0.16
Taxonomic diversity was measured at species level, or the lowest taxonomic level possible.
In calculating taxonomic richness, the larval stages of insect were not counted separately to
the adult stage of the same species. Taxa which were not the lowest possible resolution
were only counted if no other identifiable specimens were encountered at the same site.
Multivariate analysis was performed on the macroinvertebrate data, transformed to
presence/absence. A Bray-Curtis resemblance matrix was constructed, from which non-
metric multi-dimensional scaling (NMDS) plots were made of the edge and riffle samples. All
multivariate analysis was performed using Primer Version 6 (Clarke & Warwick 2001).
Quality assurance / Quality control
The MDFRC macroinvertebrate laboratory is NATA accredited (No. 17064) and is committed
to compliance with the International Standard AS ISO/IEC 17025 (2005) General
requirements for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories. As part of the
NATA accreditation requirements, the laboratory undertakes routine quality control
procedures on project samples. At each processing stage, 10 % of samples were reassessed.
These samples were randomly selected and covered all sample types and all staff. Quality
control data from all projects is used to estimate the measurement uncertainty (Table 21)
for each processing stage. Measurement uncertainty is estimated in accordance with ISO/TS
19036 (2006) and ISO/TS 19036 -1 (2009) Microbiology of food and animal feeding stuff -
lvii
Guidelines for the estimation of measurement uncertainty for quantitative determinations.
Field sampling quality assurance is conducted via an annual field training day for all staff and
competency assessment in-field for new staff.
Table 21: Measurement uncertainty at June 2014.
Method - Level Measure Units Result estimate [lower, upper limits]
Coefficient of variation for
reproducibility
SM5.16 Live Sorting - Family Taxa Count 22 taxa [18, 28] 2.89%
SM5.21 Lab Sorting - Order Animals Count 315 animals [269, 369] 1.38%
SM5.23 Identification - Family Taxa Count 18 taxa [14, 22]
2.15%
Animals Count 160 animals [156, 165]
SM5.23 Identification - Genus Taxa Count 11 taxa [6, 23]
8.28%
Animals Count 270 animals [221, 330]
SM5.23 Identification - Species Taxa Count 12 taxa [4, 33]
11.36%
Animals Count 278 animals [217, 355]
Note: Identification taxa data includes indeterminate (immature or damaged) specimens
lviii
3 Results
3.1 Discharge
Daily discharge at unregulated sites consisted of peak flows in June 2013, continuing
through the spring of 2013 to December, and then decreasing in intensity to 2000 ML.day-1
during summer. From mid-December through to June 2014, the unregulated streams
returned to low flows.
Releases from Dartmouth were also high from mid-June (4000 ML.day-1 at Colemans gauge),
increasing through July and August to peak at over 7000 ML.day-1 at Colemans gauge. From
mid-September to December, discharge at Colemans gauge followed a similar pattern to
unregulated streams, with releases from Dartmouth pulsed at lower magnitudes, fluctuating
between approximately 4000 and 2000 ML.day-1 at Colemans gauge. While discharge in
unregulated streams decreased to below 500 ML.day-1 after December, the pulsed releases
from Dartmouth continued, increasing to 5000 to 6000 ML.day-1 in December and January,
and then slowly decreasing to around 2000 ML.day-1 in March, before two more peaks of
approximately 4000 ML.day-1 in March and April (Figure 18).
lix
Figure 18. Daily discharge at upstream (top) and downstream (bottom) sites on the Mitta Mitta and some of its major tributaries.
lx
3.2 SEPP objectives
Site 501 – Dartmouth
All Macroinvertebrate indices at site 501 failed to meet the SEPP objectives, and fell into AUSRIVAS band D – extremely impaired (Table 22). Results for riffle and combined habitat indices were calculated in the absence of the autumn 2014 riffle sample.
Table 22. SEPP objectives at site 501.
Objective Result
Water quality
Temperature (°C) - 12.16
Electrical conductivity (µS.cm-2) 100 48.5
pH 6.4 – 7.7 7.185
Alkalinity (mg.L-1.CaCO3) - 15.25
Dissolved oxygen (% sat.) 90 – 110 95.65
Dissolved oxygen (mg.L-1) - 10.08
Oxides of nitrogen (mg.L-1) - 36
Total nitrogen (mg.L-1) 350 222.5
Total phosphorus (mg.L-1) 25 15.5
Edge
SIGNAL 5.7 4.782609
EPT families 7 3
Total families 22 16
OE50 0.86 – 1.15 0.31
*Riffle
SIGNAL 6.0 4.333333
EPT families 9 0
Total families 21 3
OE50 0.87 – 1.13 0.12
Combined habitats
**Key families 22 11
Band A D
*Spring sample only: AUSRIVAS spring riffle model used for OE50.
**Autumn riffle sample missing.
lxi
Site 502 – Colemans
Site 502 achieved an AUSRIVAS score of C – severely impaired. Total phosphorus, total families and key families failed to meet the SEPP objectives (Table 23).
Table 23. SEPP objectives at site 502.
Objective Result
Water quality
Temperature (°C) - 11.12
Electrical conductivity (µS.cm-2) 100 45.5
pH 6.4 – 7.7 7.115
Alkalinity (mg.L-1.CaCO3) - 13.65
Dissolved oxygen (% sat.) 90 – 110 93.7
Dissolved oxygen (mg.L-1) - 10.11
Oxides of nitrogen (mg.L-1) - 63.5
Total nitrogen (mg.L-1) 350 332.5
Total phosphorus (mg.L-1) 25 29.5
Edge
SIGNAL 5.7 6.162162
EPT families 7 10
Total families 22 26
OE50 0.86 – 1.15 0.54
Riffle
SIGNAL 6.0 6.225806
EPT families 9 9
Total families 21 19
OE50 0.87 – 1.13 0.52
Combined habitats
Key families 22 20
Band A C
lxii
Site 503 – Mitta Mitta
Site 503 achieved an AUSRIVAS score of B – significantly impaired. The OE50 score in each habitat failed to meet the SEPP objectives (Table 24).
Table 24. SEPP objectives at site 503.
Objective Result
Water quality
Temperature (°C) - 12.215
Electrical conductivity (µS.cm-2) 100 45.5
pH 6.4 – 7.7 7.41
Alkalinity (mg.L-1.CaCO3) - 17.75
Dissolved oxygen (% sat.) 90 – 110 95.75
Dissolved oxygen (mg.L-1) - 10.1
Oxides of nitrogen (mg.L-1) - 53
Total nitrogen (mg.L-1) 350 160
Total phosphorus (mg.L-1) 25 11.5
Edge
SIGNAL 5.7 6.317073171
EPT families 7 11
Total families 22 27
OE50 0.86 – 1.15 0.76
Riffle
SIGNAL 6.0 6.4
EPT families 9 9
Total families 21 21
OE50 0.87 – 1.13 0.65
Combined habitats
Key families 22 24
Band A B
lxiii
Site 504 – Tallandoon
Site 504 achieved an AUSRIVAS score of B – significantly impaired. The OE50 score in each habitat failed to meet the SEPP objectives (Table 25).
Table 25. SEPP objectives at site 504.
Objective Result
Water quality
Temperature (°C) - 14.85
Electrical conductivity (µS.cm-2) 100 45.5
pH 6.4 – 7.7 7.385
Alkalinity (mg.L-1.CaCO3) - 12.2
Dissolved oxygen (% sat.) 90 – 110 102.85
Dissolved oxygen (mg.L-1) - 10.205
Oxides of nitrogen (mg.L-1) - 51
Total nitrogen (mg.L-1) 350 185
Total phosphorus (mg.L-1) 25 15.5
Edge
SIGNAL 5.7 5.829787
EPT families 7 9
Total families 22 29
OE50 0.86 – 1.15 0.8
Riffle
SIGNAL 6.0 6.363636
EPT families 9 11
Total families 21 21
OE50 0.87 – 1.13 0.69
Combined habitats
Key families 22 23
Band A B
lxiv
Site 505 – Snowy Creek
Site 505 achieved an AUSRIVAS score of A – reference condition. All SEPP objectives were achieved (Table 26).
Table 26. SEPP objectives at site 505.
Objective Result
Water quality
Temperature (°C) - 13.58
Electrical conductivity (µS.cm-2) 100 43
pH 6.4 – 7.7 7.5
Alkalinity (mg.L-1.CaCO3) - 18.75
Dissolved oxygen (% sat.) 90 – 110 98.85
Dissolved oxygen (mg.L-1) - 10.09
Oxides of nitrogen (mg.L-1) - 8
Total nitrogen (mg.L-1) 350 103.5
Total phosphorus (mg.L-1) 25 16.5
Edge
SIGNAL 5.7 6.35
EPT families 7 16
Total families 22 41
OE50 0.86 – 1.15 1.12
Riffle
SIGNAL 6.0 7.018182
EPT families 9 16
Total families 21 34
OE50 0.87 – 1.13 1.04
Combined habitats
Key families 22 35
Band A A
lxv
Site 506 – Mount Wills Creek
Site 506 achieved an AUSRIVAS score of B – significantly impaired. Of the water quality measurements and total phosphorus failed to meet the SEPP objectives. While the riffle sample had an OE50 score in band A, the edge score was in band B (Table 27).
Table 27. SEPP objectives at site 506.
Objective Result
Water quality
Temperature (°C) - 8.87
Electrical conductivity (µS.cm-2) 100 28.5
pH 6.4 – 7.7 7.44
Alkalinity (mg.L-1.CaCO3) - 13
Dissolved oxygen (% sat.) 90 – 110 92.85
Dissolved oxygen (mg.L-1) - 10.57
Oxides of nitrogen (mg.L-1) - 37.5
Total nitrogen (mg.L-1) 350 130
Total phosphorus (mg.L-1) 25 30
Edge
SIGNAL 5.7 7.102564
EPT families 7 14
Total families 22 26
OE50 0.86 – 1.15 0.81
Riffle
SIGNAL 6.0 7.340909
EPT families 9 15
Total families 21 29
OE50 0.87 – 1.13 0.9
Combined habitats
Key families 22 29
Band A B
lxvi
Site 507 – Watchingorra Creek
Site 507 achieved an AUSRIVAS score of B – significantly impaired. Of the water quality measurements, total nitrogen and total phosphorus failed to meet the SEPP objectives. While the edge sample had an OE50 score in band A, the riffle score was in band B (Table 28).
Table 28. SEPP objectives at site 507.
Objective Result
Water quality
Temperature (°C) - 16.03
Electrical conductivity (µS.cm-2) 100 71.5
pH 6.4 – 7.7 7.385
Alkalinity (mg.L-1.CaCO3) - 30.25
Dissolved oxygen (% sat.) 90 – 110 91.65
Dissolved oxygen (mg.L-1) - 8.87
Oxides of nitrogen (mg.L-1) - 277
Total nitrogen (mg.L-1) 350 505
Total phosphorus (mg.L-1) 25 36.5
Edge
SIGNAL 5.7 6.090909
EPT families 7 9
Total families 22 37
OE50 0.86 – 1.15 0.92
Riffle
SIGNAL 6.0 6.369565
EPT families 9 13
Total families 21 32
OE50 0.87 – 1.13 0.78
Combined habitats
Key families 22 29
Band A B
lxvii
Site 510 – Whiterock Creek
Site 510 achieved an AUSRIVAS score of A – reference condition. Of the water quality measurements, pH and dissolved oxygen failed to meet the SEPP objectives. Total number of families in both habitats, plus key families from the site as a whole failed to meet the SEPP objectives (Table 29).
Table 29. SEPP objectives at site 510.
lxviii
Objective Result
Water quality
Temperature (°C) - 11.295
Electrical conductivity (µS.cm-2) 100 6.5
pH 6.4 – 7.7 6.08
Alkalinity (mg.L-1.CaCO3) - 5.1
Dissolved oxygen (% sat.) 90 – 110 77.7
Dissolved oxygen (mg.L-1) - 8.35
Oxides of nitrogen (mg.L-1) - 2
Total nitrogen (mg.L-1) 350 59.5
Total phosphorus (mg.L-1) 25 6.5
Edge
SIGNAL 5.7 6.541667
EPT families 7 9
Total families 22 19
OE50 0.86 – 1.15 0.91
Riffle
SIGNAL 6.0 7.242424
EPT families 9 10
Total families 21 20
OE50 0.87 – 1.13 0.93
Combined habitats
Key families 22 21
Band A A
Site 511 – Frog Track
Site 511 achieved an AUSRIVAS score of A – reference condition. Of the water quality measurements, only dissolved oxygen failed to meet the SEPP objectives. All macroinvertebrate indices met the SEPP objectives (Table 30).
Table 30. SEPP objectives at site 511.
lxix
Objective Result
Water quality
Temperature (°C) - 11.625
Electrical conductivity (µS.cm-2) 100 18.5
pH 6.4 – 7.7 7.325
Alkalinity (mg.L-1.CaCO3) - 10.75
Dissolved oxygen (% sat.) 90 – 110 82.55
Dissolved oxygen (mg.L-1) - 8.82
Oxides of nitrogen (mg.L-1) - 14
Total nitrogen (mg.L-1) 350 101
Total phosphorus (mg.L-1) 25 19.5
Edge
SIGNAL 5.7 7.291667
EPT families 7 15
Total families 22 30
OE50 0.86 – 1.15 1.01
Riffle
SIGNAL 6.0 7.147541
EPT families 9 19
Total families 21 39
OE50 0.87 – 1.13 1.05
Combined habitats
Key families 22 26
Band A A
Site 512 – Glen Valley
Site 512 achieved an AUSRIVAS score of A – reference condition. Of the water quality measurements, only dissolved oxygen failed to meet the SEPP objectives. All macroinvertebrate indices met the SEPP objectives (Table 31).
Table 31. SEPP objectives at site 512.
lxx
Objective Result
Water quality
Temperature (°C) - 11.56
Electrical conductivity (µS.cm-2) 100 17
pH 6.4 – 7.7 7.075
Alkalinity (mg.L-1.CaCO3) - 8
Dissolved oxygen (% sat.) 90 – 110 89.2
Dissolved oxygen (mg.L-1) - 9.695
Oxides of nitrogen (mg.L-1) - 32.5
Total nitrogen (mg.L-1) 350 112.5
Total phosphorus (mg.L-1) 25 17
Edge
SIGNAL 5.7 6.522727
EPT families 7 13
Total families 22 33
OE50 0.86 – 1.15 0.98
Riffle
SIGNAL 6.0 7.119403
EPT families 9 19
Total families 21 41
OE50 0.87 – 1.13 1.05
Combined habitats
Key families 22 35
Band A A
Site 513 – Hinnomunjie Bridge
Site 513 achieved an AUSRIVAS score of B – significantly impaired. All water quality measurements met the SEPP objectives. Most macroinvertebrate indices met the SEPP objectives, the exception being the OE50 score for the edge habitat, which was in band B (Table 32).
Table 32. SEPP objectives at site 513.
lxxi
Objective Result
Water quality
Temperature (°C) - 13.75
Electrical conductivity (µS.cm-2) 100 39
pH 6.4 – 7.7 7.43
Alkalinity (mg.L-1.CaCO3) - 16.5
Dissolved oxygen (% sat.) 90 – 110 96.55
Dissolved oxygen (mg.L-1) - 9.98
Oxides of nitrogen (mg.L-1) - 29.5
Total nitrogen (mg.L-1) 350 227.5
Total phosphorus (mg.L-1) 25 14.5
Edge
SIGNAL 5.7 6.096774
EPT families 7 10
Total families 22 25
OE50 0.86 – 1.15 0.8
Riffle
SIGNAL 6.0 6.42
EPT families 9 14
Total families 21 32
OE50 0.87 – 1.13 0.98
Combined habitats
Key families 22 30
Band A B
Site 514 – Taylors Crossing
Site 514 achieved an AUSRIVAS score of A – reference condition. Of the water quality measurements, only total phosphorus failed to meet the SEPP objectives. All macroinvertebrate indices met the SEPP objectives (Table 33).
Table 33. SEPP objectives at site 514.
lxxii
Objective Result
Water quality
Temperature (°C) - 16.74
Electrical conductivity (µS.cm-2) 100 45.5
pH 6.4 – 7.7 7.275
Alkalinity (mg.L-1.CaCO3) - 20.5
Dissolved oxygen (% sat.) 90 – 110 90.75
Dissolved oxygen (mg.L-1) - 8.635
Oxides of nitrogen (mg.L-1) - 40
Total nitrogen (mg.L-1) 350 282.5
Total phosphorus (mg.L-1) 25 36
Edge
SIGNAL 5.7 6.36
EPT families 7 11
Total families 22 38
OE50 0.86 – 1.15 0.89
Riffle
SIGNAL 6.0 6.632653
EPT families 9 12
Total families 21 29
OE50 0.87 – 1.13 0.94
Combined habitats
Key families 22 30
Band A A
Site 515 – Cobungra River
Site 515 achieved an AUSRIVAS score of B – significantly impaired. Of the water quality measurements only total phosphorus failed to meet the SEPP objectives. All macroinvertebrate indices met the SEPP objectives with the exception of the OE50 score from the riffle habitat (Table 34).
Table 34. SEPP objectives at site 515.
lxxiii
Objective Result
Water quality
Temperature (°C) - 13.05
Electrical conductivity (µS.cm-2) 100 57
pH 6.4 – 7.7 7.725
Alkalinity (mg.L-1.CaCO3) - 23.5
Dissolved oxygen (% sat.) 90 – 110 93
Dissolved oxygen (mg.L-1) - 9.69
Oxides of nitrogen (mg.L-1) - 40
Total nitrogen (mg.L-1) 350 275
Total phosphorus (mg.L-1) 25 35.5
Edge
SIGNAL 5.7 6.270833
EPT families 7 13
Total families 22 39
OE50 0.86 – 1.15 1.03
Riffle
SIGNAL 6.0 6.791667
EPT families 9 13
Total families 21 33
OE50 0.87 – 1.13 0.83
Combined habitats
Key families 22 33
Band A B
lxxiv
Site 516 – Bingo Munjie Creek
Site 516 achieved an AUSRIVAS score of B – significantly impaired. All of the water quality measurements failed to meet the SEPP objectives. The SIGNAL and OE50 scores from both habitats failed to meet the SEPP objectives, as did the number of EPT families in the edge habitat (Table 35).
Table 35. SEPP objectives at site 516.
lxxv
Objective Result
Water quality
Temperature (°C) - 13.23
Electrical conductivity (µS.cm-2) 100 662
pH 6.4 – 7.7 8.17
Alkalinity (mg.L-1.CaCO3) - 232
Dissolved oxygen (% sat.) 90 – 110 86.8
Dissolved oxygen (mg.L-1) - 8.99
Oxides of nitrogen (mg.L-1) - 79
Total nitrogen (mg.L-1) 350 937.5
Total phosphorus (mg.L-1) 25 84
Edge
SIGNAL 5.7 5.342857
EPT families 7 5
Total families 22 25
OE50 0.86 – 1.15 0.65
Riffle
SIGNAL 6.0 5.489362
EPT families 9 10
Total families 21 30
OE50 0.87 – 1.13 0.7
Combined habitats
Key families 22 23
Band A B
Site 517 – Livingstone Creek
Site 517 achieved an AUSRIVAS score of C – severely impaired. Of the water quality measurements, electrical conductivity, total nitrogen and total phosphorus failed to meet the SEPP objectives. The only macroinvertebrate indices to meet the SEPP objectives were EPT families and total families from the edge habitat (Table 36).
Table 36. SEPP objectives at site 517.
lxxvi
Objective Result
Water quality
Temperature (°C) - 13.46
Electrical conductivity (µS.cm-2) 100 297.5
pH 6.4 – 7.7 7.415
Alkalinity (mg.L-1.CaCO3) - 61.5
Dissolved oxygen (% sat.) 90 – 110 80.55
Dissolved oxygen (mg.L-1) - 8.285
Oxides of nitrogen (mg.L-1) - 82.5
Total nitrogen (mg.L-1) 350 955
Total phosphorus (mg.L-1) 25 121.5
Edge
SIGNAL 5.7 5.230769
EPT families 7 7
Total families 22 32
OE50 0.86 – 1.15 0.64
Riffle
SIGNAL 6.0 5.333333
EPT families 9 4
Total families 21 17
OE50 0.87 – 1.13 0.46
Combined habitats
Key families 22 19
Band A C
lxxvii
Site 518 – Gibbo River
Site 518 achieved an AUSRIVAS score of B – significantly impaired. All water quality measurements met the SEPP objectives. The only macroinvertebrate indices to fail the SEPP objectives was the OE50 score from the edge habitat (Table37).
Table 37. SEPP objectives at site 518.
lxxviii
Objective Result
Water quality
Temperature (°C) - 12.01
Electrical conductivity (µS.cm-2) 100 41
pH 6.4 – 7.7 7.095
Alkalinity (mg.L-1.CaCO3) - 17.75
Dissolved oxygen (% sat.) 90 – 110 96.25
Dissolved oxygen (mg.L-1) - 10.155
Oxides of nitrogen (mg.L-1) - 33
Total nitrogen (mg.L-1) 350 112.5
Total phosphorus (mg.L-1) 25 21
Turbidity (NTU) 5 22.15
Edge
SIGNAL 5.7 6.135135
EPT families 7 7
Total families 22 25
Riffle
SIGNAL 6.0 6.804348
EPT families 9 15
Total families 21 28
OE50 0.87 – 1.13 0.91
Combined habitats
Key families 22 25
Band A B
3.3 Taxonomic richness
A total of 339 distinct taxa were recorded in this survey. Most of these taxa were identified to
species, but some represent a genus, family, or higher level of classification, and as such, may include
several different species. Taxonomic richness ranged from 109 to 123 taxa per site on the main
channel upstream of Dartmouth dam. At the site immediately below the dam taxonomic richness
was 20. This figure increased with distance downstream of the dam to 84 at Tallandoon. There were
115 taxa recorded in the main channel upstream of Dartmouth dam that were not recorded
downstream of the dam. There were 45 taxa which were not found between the dam and the
confluence with Snowy Creek, but were recorded below the confluence and in either Snowy Creek,
Mt Wills Creek or Watchingorra Creek.
Snowy Creek was the most diverse site in this survey with 124 taxa. Of the other tributaries,
Cobungra River (111 taxa) and Watchingorra Creek (108 taxa) both had high taxonomic richness. The
least diverse were the nutrient-enriched Bingo Munjie and Livingstone Creeks, with 62 and 77 taxa,
respectively.
Figure 19. Taxonomic richness of each site in spring 2013, autumn 2014, and for both seasons combined.
lxxix
3.4 Community composition
For taxonomic reasons, Veliidae were analysed at family level, and the genera of the Taschorema
complex (Hydrobiosidae) were combined. The NMDS plot shows sites which are on the main channel
downstream of the dam in green, and all other sites which exist independently of the dam in blue.
Site 501 is to the far left, site 502 in the centre and sites 503 and 504 closer to the reference sites. A
PERMANOVA (permutational multiple analysis of variance) was performed on this data, which
indicated that the two groups were significantly different (Pseudo-F = 2.8475; P (perm) = 0.005). A
SIMPER analysis indicated that the taxa contributing the most to the differences between these two
groups were Austropeplea, the Lymnaeid snail; the coleopterans Sclerocyphon and Austrolimnius; the
Chironomid Echinocladius; the dragonfly Austroaeschna; and the mayfly Ipracaenis.
Figure 20. NMDS plot of sites based on presence/absence of macroinvertebrate genera. Sites on the main channel downstream of Dartmouth are green, all other sites independent of any effects of the dam are blue.
lxxx
4 Discussion
4.1 Discharge
High volume releases from Dartmouth Dam in winter and spring of 2013 mirrored discharge of
adjacent unregulated streams, although continued releases through summer were in contrast to
natural flows. While discharge from Snowy Creek may have added some natural variation in the
Mitta Mitta below the confluence, flows at Tallandoon were dominated by releases from the dam.
4.2 Water quality
Sites 516 and 517, as in previous years, had very high levels of total nitrogen and phosphorus,
alkalinity and electrical conductivity. This is most likely due to the adjacent agricultural practices,
with livestock having direct access to the waterway.
Site 507 displayed a high concentration of oxides of nitrogen, and this may be a product of upstream
forestry operation. The water quality recorded in Whiterock Creek was typical of an alpine stream,
being characterised by low pH, alkalinity and electrical conductivity.
With the exception of turbidity readings and the instances outlined above, water quality in the
catchment generally met all SEPP objectives, and the results were consistent with previous findings
(Davey & Cook, 2013; Davey & Hawking, 2012; Cook et al., 2011).
4.3 Macroinvertebrates
Macroinvertebrate diversity was significantly lower at site 501 (immediately downstream of the dam)
than it was at main channel sites upstream of Dartmouth Dam. A gradual recovery in taxa richness
was observed with longitudinal distance downstream of the dam, however these sites did not return
to diversity levels recorded upstream of the impoundment. As is suggested in previous reports
(Davey & Cook, 2013), it is likely that the unregulated and taxonomically rich tributaries (e.g. Snowy
Creek, Mt Wills Creek) are acting as points of population recruitment and are major contributors to
the recovery of the macroinvertebrate community.
All tributaries and sites upstream of the dam were more diverse than those on the main channel
downstream of the dam, with the exception of some of the lower order streams such as the alpine
lxxxi
Whiterock Creek and the nutrient-enriched Bingo Munjie and Livingstone Creeks.
The only sites to not achieve more than half of the SEPP biological objectives were 501, 516 and 517,
while sites 505, 511, 512 and 514 achieved all of the objectives. The lowest AUSRIVAS band was D,
assigned to the riffle sample from site 501 in spring. Sites 502 and 517 were both assigned an
AUSRIVAS band of C. The bands assigned to these poorer sites were generally lower than in the
previous two years (Davey & Cook, 2013).
lxxxii
SECTION 2: Spring 2014
1 Aims and objectives
1.1 Project aims
The aims of the Mitta Mitta Macroinvertebrate Program are to monitor the
macroinvertebrate communities and assess the biological condition of the Mitta Mitta River
and its major tributaries in relation to impacts from river management and catchment use.
1.2 Objectives
Project objectives are as follows:
Sample the macroinvertebrate communities at four sites in spring.
Assess biological condition within the Mitta Mitta catchment at each site, using
Australian River Assessment System (AUSRIVAS) rapid bio-assessment protocols.
Assess biodiversity within the Mitta Mitta catchment by identifying
macroinvertebrates to the lowest possible taxonomic level.
Analyse and assess water quality data with respect to the State Environment
Protection Policy (SEPP) objectives.
Report findings to the Murray-Darling Basin Authority (MDBA).
2 Methods
2.1 Study sites and descriptions
The sites used in this study are sites 502, 503, 505 and 513, listed in section one of this
report. These sites were selected from the initial 16 sites in order to have:
an impacted site that is downstream of Dartmouth dam and upstream of any major tributary (502)
an impacted site downstream of the dam but also downstream of a major tributary which may be a source of recovery (503)
a reference site which is on the tributary providing the source of recovery (505) a reference site on the main channel upstream of the dam (513).
The methods used here are the same as in section one of this report.
83
3 Results
3.1 Discharge
Daily discharge at unregulated sites consisted of peak flows at the beginning of August and
mid-September of 4028 and 5820 ML.day-1 respectively. Smaller peaks occurred in late
September and early October. From mid-October, flows in unregulated streams subsided.
From July to mid-September, releases from Dartmouth were low, with the exception of two
larger pulses of approximately 3000 ML.day-1 in August. From late-September releases from
Dartmouth have been fluctuating between approximately 7000 and 3000 ML.day-1 over a 30
day cycle (Figure 21).
Figure 21. Daily discharge at Colemans, Snowy Creek (below Granite Flat) and Hinnomunjie gauges for the period from July to late November 2014.
84
3.2 SEPP objectives
Site 502 – Colemans
Site 502 achieved an AUSRIVAS score of B – significantly impaired. All macroinvertebrate indices failed to meet the SEPP objectives (Table 38).
Table 38. SEPP objectives at site 502.
Objective Result
Water quality
Temperature (°C) - 11.64
Electrical conductivity (µS.cm-2) 100 44
pH 6.4 – 7.7 7.15
Alkalinity (mg.L-1.CaCO3) - 16
Dissolved oxygen (% sat.) 90 – 110 97.8
Dissolved oxygen (mg.L-1) - 10.43
Oxides of nitrogen (mg.L-1) - 42
Total nitrogen (mg.L-1) 350 160
Total phosphorus (mg.L-1) 25 12
Edge
SIGNAL 5.7 5.54
EPT families 7 5
Total families 22 13
OE50 0.86 – 1.15 0.48
Riffle
SIGNAL 6.0 5.86
EPT families 9 5
Total families 21 14
OE50 0.87 – 1.13 0.6
Combined habitats
Key families 22 16
Band A B
85
86
Site 503 – Mitta Mitta
Site 503 achieved an AUSRIVAS score of B – significantly impaired. All water quality measurements met the SEPP objectives. The number of key families, and the OE50 and total families in both habitats failed to meet the SEPP objectives (Table 39).
Table 39. SEPP objectives at site 503.
Objective Result
Water quality
Temperature (°C) - 9.94
Electrical conductivity (µS.cm-2) 100 43
pH 6.4 – 7.7 7.21
Alkalinity (mg.L-1.CaCO3) - 18
Dissolved oxygen (% sat.) 90 – 110 93.9
Dissolved oxygen (mg.L-1) - 10.42
Oxides of nitrogen (mg.L-1) - 53
Total nitrogen (mg.L-1) 350 160
Total phosphorus (mg.L-1) 25 18
Edge
SIGNAL 5.7 6.93
EPT families 7 8
Total families 22 15
OE50 0.86 – 1.15 0.76
Riffle
SIGNAL 6.0 6.73
EPT families 9 9
Total families 21 16
OE50 0.87 – 1.13 0.81
Combined habitats
Key families 22 21
Band A B
87
Site 505 – Snowy Creek
Site 505 achieved an AUSRIVAS score of A – reference condition. All SEPP objectives were achieved (Table 40Table 2).
Table 40. SEPP objectives at site 505.
Objective Result
Water quality
Temperature (°C) - 7.44
Electrical conductivity (µS.cm-2) 100 35
pH 6.4 – 7.7 7.32
Alkalinity (mg.L-1.CaCO3) - 16
Dissolved oxygen (% sat.) 90 – 110 94
Dissolved oxygen (mg.L-1) - 11.1
Oxides of nitrogen (mg.L-1) - 11
Total nitrogen (mg.L-1) 350 105
Total phosphorus (mg.L-1) 25 22
Edge
SIGNAL 5.7 6.52
EPT families 7 11
Total families 22 24
OE50 0.86 – 1.15 0.9
Riffle
SIGNAL 6.0 6.68
EPT families 9 12
Total families 21 25
OE50 0.87 – 1.13 0.95
Combined habitats
Key families 22 27
Band A A
88
Site 513 – Hinnomunjie Bridge
Site 513 achieved an AUSRIVAS score of A – reference condition. Of the water quality measurements, and pH exceeded the SEPP objectives. Most macroinvertebrate indices met the SEPP objectives, the exception being the number of total families in the edge habitat (Table 41).
Table 41. SEPP objectives at site 513.
89
Objective Result
Water quality
Temperature (°C) - 7.78
Electrical conductivity (µS.cm-2) 100 28
pH 6.4 – 7.7 7.74
Alkalinity (mg.L-1.CaCO3) - 11
Dissolved oxygen (% sat.) 90 – 110 98.1
Dissolved oxygen (mg.L-1) - 11.46
Oxides of nitrogen (mg.L-1) - 5
Total nitrogen (mg.L-1) 350 115
Total phosphorus (mg.L-1) 25 15
Edge
SIGNAL 5.7 6.39
EPT families 7 8
Total families 22 19
OE50 0.86 – 1.15 0.95
Riffle
SIGNAL 6.0 6.48
EPT families 9 10
Total families 21 23
OE50 0.87 – 1.13 0.96
Combined habitats
Key families 22 26
Band A A
3.3 Taxonomic richness
A total of 108 distinct taxa were recorded from the spring 2014 survey. The highest richness
was found at site 505, where 60 taxa were recorded. The lowest recorded was 31 taxa at site
502. With the exception of site 513, the edge samples were always more diverse than those
from the riffle.
At site 513 upstream of Dartmouth Dam, 57 distinct taxa were recorded. Of these, only 17
were recorded at site 502 downstream of the dam. Site 503 registered 33 taxa that were not
present at site 502. Of these 33 taxa, 21 were common to site 505.
Figure 22. Taxonomic richness of each site in spring 2014, for both habitats and whole site.
3.4 Community composition
The NMDS plot displays each sample taken for the period. The edge and riffle samples group
together, the riffle samples forming a tighter group in a line across the top-left of the plot. In
both groups of samples site 502 is the outlier of the group, sites 503, 505 and 513 being
more similar to each other.
90
Figure 23. NMDS plot of samples, with taxonomic resolution to species. Riffle samples, suffixed with “R” are at the top left of the plot, edge samples, suffixed with “E” are at the bottom and top right of the plot.
91
4 Discussion
4.1 Discharge
The discharge in the unregulated sections followed the pattern of high flows in winter and spring,
decreasing in the summer. The discharge above Dartmouth dam at Hinnomunjie rarely dropped
below 1000 ML.day-1 until mid-October, after which it remained below that level. This is in
contrast to the flow recorded at the Colemans gauge below Dartmouth. With the exception
of the two peaks in late August, the average daily discharge was at or below approximately
500 ML.day-1 until late September. From October the discharge does not drop significantly
below 3000 ML.day-1. Such shifts in seasonality of peak flows can disrupt reproductive cues
(Bunn & Arthington, 2002), decreasing reproduction and recruitment, ultimately altering the
community assemblage.
4.2 Water quality
Most water quality measurements did not vary much across the sites. The most variation was in total
nitrogen and oxides of nitrogen, which were both considerably higher at the two sites downstream
of the dam, albeit well within the SEPP objectives. With the exception of turbidity, the only water
quality objective not met was pH which was slightly elevated at site 513 above Dartmouth Dam.
4.3 Macroinvertebrates
Site 502 below Dartmouth Dam had the poorest macroinvertebrate community, failing to meet any
of the SEPP biological objectives, and having the lowest taxonomic diversity. At site 503, below the
confluence with Snowy Creek, the macroinvertebrate community was more diverse, and met
approximately half of the SEPP biological objectives. The reference sites had almost twice the
diversity of site 502.
Of the taxa which were recorded at site 503 but not at 502, 21 of these were recorded at site 505.
This recruitment may be due to larval drift. Further investigation into the dispersal mechanisms of
these taxa would be beneficial in determining the mechanisms of recovery downstream of
Dartmouth Dam.
92
5 ConclusionsThe Mitta Mitta River macroinvertebrate community continues to be the impacted by the operation
of Dartmouth Dam. Although the water quality during the study period was generally good, the
macroinvertebrate community downstream of the dam is not as diverse as the community at
reference sites upstream. This would suggest that flow regime, as determined by frequency,
magnitude and timing of releases from the dam, is still having a significant impact on the
macroinvertebrate community.
The impacts observed in the macroinvertebrate community due to the operation of Dartmouth Dam
become are significant at the site 9 km downstream of the dam. These impacts are less pronounced
at the next site, 16 km downstream of the dam. A major contributing factor to the rehabilitation of
invertebrate populations may be the influence of Snowy Creek and other tributaries providing a
source of recruitment.
6 RecommendationsWe recommend that monitoring of macroinvertebrate communities in the Mitta Mitta River continue
for two reasons. Firstly, information generated by the monitoring program can detect changes to
biotic communities resulting from improved operation of Dartmouth Dam. Secondly, monitoring of
macroinvertebrates can provide baseline data that informs managers of stream health within the
greater catchment. This is of particular relevance upstream of Dartmouth Dam, where land-use
impacts to stream health have been identified. We recommend targeted studies to identify specific
drivers of altered macroinvertebrate communities below and above Dartmouth Dam. Some
interesting aspects of macroinvertebrate community dynamics that require further investigation
include improved stream health below the confluence of Snowy Creek, elements of invertebrate life
history responses to altered thermal and hydrological regimes and drivers of land-use impacts in the
upper catchment. Filling these knowledge gaps will provide clearer recommendations for Dam and
land-use management.
93
ReferencesAS ISO/IEC 17025 (2005) General requirements for the competence of testing and calibration
laboratories. Standards Australia, Sydney
Australian Natural Resources Atlas (2008) http://www.anra.gov.au/topics/water/overview/vic/swma-mitta-mitta-river.html
Blyth JD, Doeg TJ, St Clair RM (1984) Response of the macroinvertebrate fauna of the Mitta Mitta River, Victoria, to the construction and operation of Dartmouth Dam. 1. Construction and initial filling. Occasional papers from the Museum of Victoria, 1: 83-100.
Bunn SE, Arthington AH (2002) Basic principles and ecological consequences of altered flow regimes for aquatic biodiversity. Environmental Management, 30, 492-507.
Clarke KR, Warwick RM (2001) Change in Marine Communities: An approach to statistical analysis and interpretation. Primer-E-Ltd, Plymouth Marine Laboratory, UK.
Cook R, Hawking J, Davey C (2007) Mitta Mitta Monitoring Program Project Report 2007. A report prepared for the Murray Darling Basin Authority and Goulburn Murray Water Authority. Murray Darling Freshwater Research Centre, Wodonga.
Cook R, Davey C, Hawking J, Paul W (2011) MDBA Mitta Mitta River Monitoring Program. Review of monitoring 1998 to 2009. MDFRC Publication 14/2011, August, 140pp.
Davey C and Cook R (2013) Mitta Mitta Monitoring Report – 2011/12 and 2012/13 Draft Report prepared for the Murray-Darling Basin Authority by The Murray-Darling Freshwater Research Centre, MDFRC Publication 25/2013, September, 90pp.
Davey C, Hawking J (2012) Mitta Mitta Monitoring Program: 2008/09 – 2010/11 Final Report. Report prepared for the Murray-Darling Basin Authority by The Murray-Darling Freshwater Research Centre, MDFRC Publication 38/2011, March 2012, 95pp.
Doeg TJ (1984) Response of the macroinvertebrate fauna of the Mitta Mitta River, Victoria, to the construction and operation of Dartmouth Dam. 2. Irrigation release. Occasional papers from the Museum of Victoria, 1: 101-108.
EPA (2003a) Rapid bioassessment methodology for rivers and streams. Environment Protection Authority, Melbourne, Victoria. http://epanote2.epa.vic.gov.au/EPA/Publications.nsf/PubDocsLU/604.1?OpenDocument
EPA (2003b) State of the environment protection policy (waters of Victoria): Water quality objectives for rivers and streams – ecosystem protection. Environment Protection Authority, Melbourne, Victoria. http://www.epa.vic.gov.au/water/EPA/wov.asp
EPA (2003c) State of the environment protection policy (waters of Victoria): Nutrient objectives for rivers and streams – ecosystem protection. Environment Protection Authority, Melbourne, Victoria. http://www.epa.vic.gov.au/water/EPA/wov.asp
EPA (2004) State of the environment protection policy (waters of Victoria): Biological objectives for rivers and streams – ecosystem protection. Environment Protection Authority, Melbourne, Victoria. http://www.epa.vic.gov.au/water/EPA/wov.asp
Hawking JH, Smith LM, LeBusque K, Davey C (editors) (2013) Identification and Ecology of Australian Freshwater Invertebrates. Murray-Darling Freshwater Research Centre. http://www.mdfrc.org.au/bugguide
94
ISO/TS 19036 (2006) Microbiology of food and animal feeding stuffs – Guidelines for the estimation of measurement uncertainty for quantitative determinations. International Organization for Standardization, Switzerland.
ISO/TS 19036-1 (2009) Microbiology of food and animal feeding stuffs – Guidelines for the estimation of measurement uncertainty for quantitative determinations AMENDMENT 1: Measurement uncertainty for low counts. International Organization for Standardization, Switzerland.
Koehn JD, Doeg TJ, Harrington DJ, Milledge GA (1995) The effects of Dartmouth Dam on the Aquatic Fauna of the Mitta Mitta River. Murray Darling Basin Commission, Canberra.
North East CMA (2006) North East Regional River Health Strategy 2006. North East Catchment Management Authority, Wodonga.
Victorian Department of Sustainability and Environment (2009) Advisory List of Threatened Invertebrate Fauna in Victoria - 2009. Department of Sustainability and Environment, East Melbourne, Victoria.
Victorian Department of Sustainability and Environment (2011a) Victorian Water Resources Data Warehouse. http://www.vicwaterdata.net/vicwaterdata/home.aspx. Accessed November, 2014.
95
Appendices
Appendix A Taxa list by site for spring 2013 – autumn 2014 season
Table 42. List of taxa recorded at each site during the autumn 2013 to autumn 2014 survey.
Order/Major groupFamily SITE
Species 501 502 503 504 505 506 507 510 511 512 513 514 515 516 517 518Hydrozoa
Hydridae 1Hydrozoa
OlindiidaeCraspedacusta sowerbyi 1
TricladidaDugesiidae 1 1 2 2 2 2 1 1 1 1
Nematoda 1 2Gastropoda 1Hypsogastropoda
HydrobiidaePotamopyrgus antipodarum 1
HygrophilaLymnaeidae 1
Austropeplea huonensis 2 2 1 2 1Ancylidae
Ferrissia 1Ferrissia petterdi 1 1 1Ferrissia tasmanica 1 1 1 2
(Hygrophila cont.)
96
Order/Major groupFamily SITE
Species 501 502 503 504 505 506 507 510 511 512 513 514 515 516 517 518Planorbidae
Glyptophysa 1Physidae
Physa acuta 2 1 2 2 1 1 2 2Veneroida
CorbiculidaeCorbicula 1
Oligochaeta 3 4 4 3 1 1 2 3 2 4 3 3 3 3 4 2Rhynchobdellida
Glossiphoniidae 1Acarina
Halacaridae 1Hydryphantidae
Diplodontus 1Hydrodromidae
Hydrodroma 1Oxidae
Flabellifrontipoda 2 2 2 2 1 1 1 2 2Oxus 1
LimnesiidaeLimnesia 1Tubophorella 1 1
HygrobatidaeAustraliobates 1 1 1 1Caenobates 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
(Acarina cont.)Coaustraliobates 1 2 1 1 1 2 2
97
Order/Major groupFamily SITE
Species 501 502 503 504 505 506 507 510 511 512 513 514 515 516 517 518Hygrobatidae 1 1Kallimobates 1 2 1 2 1 1 3 2 1Procorticacarus 2 2 2 1 2 1 1
UnionicolidaeRecifella/Koenikea 1 2
PionidaePiona 1
TorrenticolidaeMonatractides 1
PezidaePeza ops 1
Oribatida 1 1Isopoda
Phreatoicidea (sub-order)Synamphisopus 1
AmphipodaChiltoniidae
Austrochiltonia subtenuis 3 1Decapoda
AtyidaeParatya australiensis 2 2 1 1 3
ParastacidaeCherax 1
EphemeropteraLeptophlebiidae
98
Order/Major groupFamily SITE
Species 501 502 503 504 505 506 507 510 511 512 513 514 515 516 517 518Atalomicria AV1 2Atalophlebia albiterminata 1Atalophlebia AV 13 2Atalophlebia AV 2 1 2 1 1 1 1Atalophlebia AV 4 1 3 1 1 2Atalophlebia AV 5 1 1Atalophlebia AV 7 2 1Atalophlebia AV 9 1 1 1 2 1 2 1 1Austrophlebioides 1 2 1 2Austrophlebioides AV 2 1 4 1Austrophlebioides marchanti 1 2 2 2 2 1 2 1 1 2Austrophlebioides pusillus 2 2 1 2 1 2 2 2 3 1 3 1Garinjuga AV1 1 1 2 3 2Jappa 1Jappa AV 3 1 1 2Jappa kutera 1Koorrnonga AV1 1 1 1 2 1Nousia 1 1Nousia AV 1 1 3 2 2 2 4 1 2 2 2 1 1 1Nousia AV 2 2 2 1Nousia wiltkorringae 2 2Ulmerophlebia 1 1
CaenidaeCaenidae 1Irpacaenis deani 1 1 1 1Irpacaenis sp.D 1 1 4 2 1 1 2Tasmanocoenis sp. B 2
99
Order/Major groupFamily SITE
Species 501 502 503 504 505 506 507 510 511 512 513 514 515 516 517 518Tasmanocoenis tillyardi 1Tasmanocoenis tillyardi/rieki 1 1 1
BaetidaeBaetidae 1Centroptilum sp. Snowy 1 2 2 2 2Cloeon paradiensiense 1Offadens 1 1Offadens baddamsae 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 1Offadens confluens 1 1 4 4Offadens G1 sp. 4 1 1 1Offadens G2 sp. MV2 4 2 3Offadens hickmani complex 2 1 3 3 1 3 3 3 2 3 3Offadens MV1 Timbarra 1 2Offadens MV5 1Offadens sp. Armidale 1 1Offadens sp. Nariel/Snowy 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1Offadens TC 1063 2 1Offadens TC 1064 1
ColoburiscidaeColoburiscoides complex 1 1 1 1 1 2 1 1 1Coloburiscoides munionga 3 2 2 2 1 1 1 2 2 1 1Coloburiscoides sp. C 1
AmeletopsidaeMirawara AV 2 1 2Mirawara AV2 TC 1047 1
OniscigastridaeTasmanophlebia 1 1
100
Order/Major groupFamily SITE
Species 501 502 503 504 505 506 507 510 511 512 513 514 515 516 517 518Tasmanophlebia AV1 1 1 1 1 1Tasmanophlebia TC 1025 1Tasmanophlebia TC 1037 1Tasmanophlebia TC 1072 1
OdonataCoenagrionidae 1
Ischnura 1Ischnura heterosticta 1
MegapodagrionidaeAustroargiolestes icteromelas/calcaris 1 1
SynlestidaeSynlestes weyersii tillyardi 1 2
GomphidaeAustrogomphus 1 1 1Austrogomphus guerini 1Hemigomphus gouldii/heteroclytus 1 2
TelephlebiidaeAustroaeschna 2 1 1 1Austroaeschna inermis 1 1 1 1 1Austroaeschna multipunctata 1Austroaeschna pulchra 1 1 1 1 2Austroaeschna unicornis unicornis 1 1 2
(Odonata cont.)Notoaeschna sagittata 2 2 1 1 2 1 1
Synthemistidae 1Eusynthemis 1Eusynthemis brevistyla 1 1 2
101
Order/Major groupFamily SITE
Species 501 502 503 504 505 506 507 510 511 512 513 514 515 516 517 518Eusynthemis guttata 1Eusynthemis tillyardi 1Synthemis eustalacta 1 1 1
PlecopteraEustheniidae
Cosmioperla kuna 2 2 2 2 3 1 1 2Eusthenia venosa 1
AustroperlidaeAcruroperla atra 1 2 2 2 1 1Austroheptura 1Austroheptura sp1 2 1Austroheptura sp2 1 1Austroheptura TC 1069 1
GripopterygidaeDinotoperla 1 1Dinotoperla brevipennis 1 1 1 2 1 2Dinotoperla christinae 1Dinotoperla eucumbene 4 4 2 2 2Dinotoperla fontana 3 2 2 1 1 1 2 1 2 1 2 1Dinotoperla TC1070 1 1Dinotoperla thwaitesi/serricauda 4 2 2 1 1 2 1 1 1 2 2 1 1 2
(Plecoptera cont.)Eunotoperla kershawi 1Illiesoperla 1 1Illiesoperla australis 1 1 1Illiesoperla brevicauda 1 1 1 1 1 2 1 1 2 1Leptoperla kimminsi 2
102
Order/Major groupFamily SITE
Species 501 502 503 504 505 506 507 510 511 512 513 514 515 516 517 518Leptoperla longicauda/bifida 2 1 1 1 2 1 1Leptoperla primitiva 2 2 1 2 1 1 1 2 2 1 1 3Leptoperla rubiconis TC 1052 1 1Leptoperla tasmanica 1 1 1 1 1 1Newmanoperla thoreyi 1 2 1Riekoperla karki 1 2Riekoperla karki/reticulata 2 1 1 1Riekoperla reticulata 2Riekoperla rugosa 1 1 1 2 2 1 2Riekoperla tuberculata 1 2 2 2 2 1Trinotoperla 1Trinotoperla montana 2 2 2 2 1 1 2Trinotoperla nivata 1Trinotoperla nivata/minor 2 1 1 1 1 2
Notonemouridae 1Austrocerca tasmanica 2 1 2Austrocercella marianne 1 1 3 1 1
HemipteraHydrometridae
Hydrometra strigosa 1Gerridae
Rheumatometra dimorpha 1Rheumatometra philarete 1 1 1 1 1Rheumatrometra 1
103
Order/Major groupFamily SITE
Species 501 502 503 504 505 506 507 510 511 512 513 514 515 516 517 518Veliidae 1 1 1
Drepanovelia 1 1Drepanovelia dubia 1 1 1 1Microvelia 1 2 2 1 1Microvelia fluvialis 1 1 1Microvelia peramoena 1 2 1 1 2
HebridaeHebrus axilliaris 1
Corixidae 1 1Agraptocorixa 1Agraptocorixa eurynome 1Sigara 1 1 1 1Sigara truncatipala 1 1
Micronectidae 1Austronecta australiensis 1 1 2 1 1Micronecta annae/illiesi 2 3 2 2 1 2 1 2 2 2 1 4 2 2Micronecta robusta 1 2
NotonectidaeAnisops 1
(Hemiptera cont.)Anisops gratus 1Anisops thienemanni 1 1 1Enithares 1 1Enithares woodwardi 1 1 1 1 1
PleidaeParaplea halei 1
Megaloptera
104
Order/Major groupFamily SITE
Species 501 502 503 504 505 506 507 510 511 512 513 514 515 516 517 518Corydalidae 1
Archichauliodes guttiferus grp. 2 1 2 1 1 2 1 1Archichauliodes R. deceptor grp. 1 1
NeuropteraOsmylidae 1Nevrorthidae
Austroneurorthus bruneipennis 2 1Coleoptera
GyrinidaeMacrogyrus (L) 1 1 1Macrogyrus oblongus (A) 1Macrogyrus TC 1066 oblongus/rivularis (A) 1 1
DytiscidaeAllodessus bistrigatus 1 1Antiporus (A) 1Australphilus saltus (A) 1 1 1 1 1Australphilus saltus (L) 1Necterosoma (L) 1 2
(Coleoptera cont.)Necterosoma penicillatum (A) 1 4Platynectes decempunctatus (A) 1Rhantus suturalis (A) 1Sternopriscus (A) 1 1 1 1Sternopriscus wehnckei (A) 1
HydraenidaeGymnocthebius truncatus (A) 1Hydraena (A) 1 1
105
Order/Major groupFamily SITE
Species 501 502 503 504 505 506 507 510 511 512 513 514 515 516 517 518Ochthebiinae TC 1076 1Ochthebiinae TC 477 (A) 1
HydrochidaeHydrochus horni (A) 1 1
HydrophilidaeAnacaena horni (A) 1 1Anacaena lindi (A) 1Berosus involutus (A) 1Berosus majusculus (A) 1Helochares (A) 1Laccobius decipiens (A) 1 1 2 1Paracymus (A) 1Paracymus pygmaeus 1
CurculionidaeCurculionidae TC 747 (A) 1
Scirtidae (L) 1 3 3 2 2 3 2 1 1 2 1Elmidae
(Coleoptera cont.)Austrolimnius (A) 1 1 1Austrolimnius (L) 1 1 1 1 1 2Austrolimnius alcine (A) 1 1 1 1 1 2 2 2 1 1Austrolimnius anytus (A) 1 1 1Austrolimnius dayi (A) 2Austrolimnius diemensis (A) 1 1 3 2 2 2 1 1 1 2Austrolimnius metasternalis (A) 1 1 1Austrolimnius metasternalis/victoriensis (A) 1Austrolimnius oblongus (A) 2 1 1 1
106
Order/Major groupFamily SITE
Species 501 502 503 504 505 506 507 510 511 512 513 514 515 516 517 518Austrolimnius resa (L58E) 1Austrolimnius troilus (A) 1 2 1 2 1Austrolimnius waterhousei (A) 2 1 2Kingolus (L) 1Kingolus aeratus (A) 1 1Kingolus aeratus (L) 1 1 1Kingolus aeratus/metallicus (A) 1Kingolus flavosignatus (L) 1Kingolus metallicus (A) 1 1 1Kingolus metallicus (L) 1 1Kingolus tinctus (A) 1 1 1 1 2 1 2Kingolus yarrensis (A) 2 1Kingolus yarrensis (L) 1Notriolus (L) 1 1Notriolus (A) Co-0322 1Notriolus allyensis (A) 1
(Coleoptera cont.)Notriolus humeralis (A) 1Notriolus quadriplagiatus (A) 4 2 1 1 1Notriolus setosus (A) 1 1 1Notriolus setosus (L) 1 1 1 2 1Notriolus TC 1000 (A) 1 1Notriolus TC 1073 (L) 1Notriolus victoriae (A) 2 3 2 3 1Notriolus victoriae (L) 2Simsonia (A) CO-0321 1Simsonia angusta (A) 1 1 2 3
107
Order/Major groupFamily SITE
Species 501 502 503 504 505 506 507 510 511 512 513 514 515 516 517 518Simsonia angusta (L) 3 2 1Simsonia L12E (L) 1Simsonia L2E-A (L) 1 1Simsonia longipes (A) 1Simsonia longipes (L) 1 1Simsonia wilsoni (A) 1Simsonia wilsoni (L) 2 1 1 2 1 1Austrolimnius (L) 2 1 2 1 1 2
PsephenidaeSclerocyphon (L) 1Sclerocyphon maculatus (L) 1 1Sclerocyphon striatus (L) 2 2 2 3 3 1 2 1 4Sclerocyphon zwicki (L) 1
PtilodactylidaeByrrocryptus (L) 2 2 1 1
DipteraBlephariceridae
Edwardsina australiensis 1 1Tipulidae
Tipulidae EPA 1 1Tipulidae EPA 18 1Tipulidae EPA 2 1 1 1Tipulidae EPA 27/37 1 1 1 1 1 1Tipulidae EPA 3 1 1Tipulidae EPA 30 1Tipulidae EPA 36 1 2 2 2 2 2 1 1 2Tipulidae EPA 37, TC 1061 1
108
Order/Major groupFamily SITE
Species 501 502 503 504 505 506 507 510 511 512 513 514 515 516 517 518Tipulidae EPA 38 1 1 2Tipulidae EPA 39 1 1 2 1 2 1 1 2Tipulidae EPA 40 1 2 1 1 1 1 2 1 2Tipulidae EPA 42 1 1 1 1 1Tipulidae EPA 8 2 2Tipulidae EPA 9 1 1 1 2 1Tipulidae EPA sp 3/42 TC 1071 1 1 1 1
SimuliidaeAustrosimulium 3 1 1Austrosimulium bancrofti 3 1 1Austrosimulium furiosum 4 3 2 1 2 1 1 2 2 1 1 2Austrosimulium montanum 1Austrosimulium torrentium 3 2 1 3 1 1 2 2 2 1Austrosimulium victoriae 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
(Ditpera cont.)Simulium melatum 1Simulium ornatipes 1 2 2
CulicidaeAnopholes annulipes 1
Dixidae 1 1 1 2 2 2 2 3ChironomidaeTanypodinae (sub-family)
Ablabesmyia 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1Apsectrotanypus 2 3 1 2 1 1 1Australopelopia 1 1 1 1Larsia 1Nilotanypus 1
109
Order/Major groupFamily SITE
Species 501 502 503 504 505 506 507 510 511 512 513 514 515 516 517 518Paramerina 1 2 3 1 2 2 1 1 1Pentaneurini 1Pentaneurini Genus A 1 1 1Procladius 1 2 1 2 1 1 4 2Telmatopelopia? 1 1
Aphroteniidae (sub-family)Aphroteniella tenuicornis 2
Podonomina (sub-family)Podochlus 1Podonomopsis 1 1 2 1 2 1
Chironominae (sub-family)Chironomini (tribe)
Chironomus 1 2 1 1 1(Ditpera cont.)
Cladopelma 1Conochironomus 1 1Dicrotendipes 1Harrisius 1Kiefferulus "tinctus" 1Nilothauma 1Parachironomus 1 1Paracladopelma K2 2 1 2 1 1 1Paracladopelma M1 1 1 1Polypedilum 1 1 2 3 1 1 2 1 1 2 2Polypedilum nubiferum 1Polypedilum prasiogaster 1 1 1Polypedilum watsoni 1 2 1
110
Order/Major groupFamily SITE
Species 501 502 503 504 505 506 507 510 511 512 513 514 515 516 517 518Riethia 1 1 1 1 1 2 4 1 1 2 2 2
Tanytarsini (tribe)Cladotanytarsus 1 1 2 2Paratanytarsus 2 3 3 1 2 1Rheotanytarsus 2 3 1 4 1 2 1 1 3 3 3 1 1 3Tanytarsus 2 2 1 2 1 1 1 2 2
Orthocladiinae (sub-family) 1 1Botryocladius 2 1 2 1 1 1 1 2 1Cardiocladius 1 1 2 2 1 2 1 1 1Corynoneura 1 1 1 1 1Cricotopus 3 4 4 4 2 3 4 2 4 2 2 3 3 2 3 2Echinocladius 1 1 1
(Ditpera cont.)Eukiefferiella 1 2 1 3 2 1 1Nanocladius 1Orthocladiinae "genus Australia" 1 1 1 1 1Parakiefferiella 1 2 1 1 1 2 1Parametriocnemus 1 1 1 1 2 1Pirara australiensis 1 1 1 1SO4 1Stictocladius 1 1 1 1 1 1Thienemanniella 1 2 3 2 1 2 1 2 1 1 1 1
Diamesinae (sub-family)Paraheptagyia tonnoiri 2 1 1 1 3 1 1 1
CeratopogonidaeCeratopogonidae EPA 17 1 1Ceratopogonidae EPA 28/50 1 1 1 2 3 3 1 1 1
111
Order/Major groupFamily SITE
Species 501 502 503 504 505 506 507 510 511 512 513 514 515 516 517 518Ceratopogonidae EPA 3 2 1 1 1 2 1Ceratopogonidae EPA 40 1 1Ceratopogonidae EPA 45 2 1Ceratopogonidae EPA 47 2Ceratopogonidae EPA 53 1Ceratopogonidae EPA 6 1 1
Stratiomyidae 3Tabanidae 1 1Athericidae 1 2 1 2 2 2 3 2 1Dolichopodidae 1 1 1 1Empididae
(Ditpera cont.)Empididae NMV 2 1 1Empididae NMV 3 2
TrichopteraGlossosmatidae
Agapetus AV 1 1 1 3 1 2 1 1 1 2 1Polycentropodidae
Neureclipsis napea 1 1Philopotamidae
Chimarra AV 3 1 1 2Chimarra AV3/australica TC 1077 1Chimarra monticola 1 1 1 1 2Hydrobiosella AV7 1Hydrobiosella waddama 1
HelicopsychidaeHelicopsyche murrumba 2 3 1
112
Order/Major groupFamily SITE
Species 501 502 503 504 505 506 507 510 511 512 513 514 515 516 517 518Helicopsyche tillyardi 2 4
HydroptilidaeHellyethira malleoforma 1 1 2 1Hellyethira simplex 2 3 1 1Hydroptila scamandra 1 1 1Orthotrichia MDFRC 2 1 1Oxyethira columba 2 1 1 2 1
EcnomidaeEcnomus continentalis 1 2 1 1Ecnomus pansus 2
(Trichoptera cont.)Ecnomus russellius 2Ecnomus sp. 1
Hydropsychidae 1Asmicridea AV 1 2 2 2 2 2 1 2 1 2 1 1Cheumatopsyche 1 1Cheumatopsyche AV 2 2 1Cheumatopsyche AV 3 1 1Cheumatopsyche AV 4 2 1 2 2 1 1 2 2 1Cheumatopsyche AV 5 1Cheumatopsyche AV 6 1Smicrophylax AV 1 1
LimnephilidaeArchaeophylax canarus 2 2 1Archaeophylax ochreus 1
OdontoceridaeMarilia bola 1 1 1
113
Order/Major groupFamily SITE
Species 501 502 503 504 505 506 507 510 511 512 513 514 515 516 517 518Hydrobiosidae
Apsilochorema 1Apsilochorema obliquum 1 1 2 1 1 1Ethochorema brunneum 1 1 2Ethochorema turbidum 2 2 2 2 1 1 1Koetonga clivicola 1Taschorema complex 1 1 1 1 1Taschorema complex TC 1027 1Taschorema evansi 3 3 2 1 2 1 1 1
(Trichoptera cont.)Ulmerochorema 1 2 2Ulmerochorema lentum 3 1 3 1Ulmerochorema onychion 1 1 2Ulmerochorema rubiconum grp. 2 1 3 2 1 1 2 3 3 1
Philorheithridae 1Aphilorheithrus AV 3 1 1 2 1 2 3 1 2Aphilorheithrus AV 4 2 1 2Austrheithrus 1 1Kosrheithus tillyardi 2 1 3 2 3 2 2 3 2 1
LeptoceridaeCondocerus paludosus 1 2 1 1 1Lectrides varians 1Notalina bifaria 1 3 3 4 4 4 4 2 4 3 3 1 4Notalina fulva 1 1 1 2 1Notalina ordina 2 3 3 2 1Notalina spira 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1Oecetis 1 1
114
Order/Major groupFamily SITE
Species 501 502 503 504 505 506 507 510 511 512 513 514 515 516 517 518Triaenodes 1 1 1 1Triplectides 1 1Triplectides australicus 2 1Triplectides australis 1 1Triplectides ciuskus 1 2 2 2 2 2 3 2 2 2 3 1 2Triplectides elongatus 2Triplectides proximus 2 1 3 2 4Triplectides similis 2 2 1 1 4 1 2 2 3 2 2
(Trichoptera cont.)Triplectides truncatus 1 1 1Triplectides volda 1 1 1
CalamoceratidaeAnisocentropus 3 3 2 1 1
AtriplectididaeAtriplectides dubius 2 1 1
Conoesucidae 1 1Coenoria AV1 1 3Coenoria AV 4 1Coenoria AV 5 1 1Conoesucus 1Conoesucus AV 1 1 2 2 2 2 2 1 1Conoesucus AV 5 2 2 1 2 1 3 1 1 2 2Costora ebenina 1Lingora AV sp. 1 1 2 3 1 4 1Matasia AV 1 1Matasia satana 1 1 2 2Tamasia acuta 2 4 1 1
115
Order/Major groupFamily SITE
Species 501 502 503 504 505 506 507 510 511 512 513 514 515 516 517 518Calocidae
Caenota plicata 1 1Tamasia variegata 1 1 3 1 3 1 1
HelicophidaeAlloecella grisea 1
Calocidae/HelicophidaeCalocid/Helicophid Genus C AV2 1
LepidopteraPyralidae/Cambridae
Parapoynx nitens 2
116
Appendix B Taxa list for spring 2014
Table 43. List of taxa recorded at each site during the spring 2014 season.
Order/Major groupFamily SITE
Species 502 503 505 513Tricladida
Dugesiidae 1Hygrophila
LymnaeidaeAustropeplea huonensis 2 1
Oligochaeta 2 1 2 1Acarina
OxidaeFlabellifrontipoda 1 1
HygrobatidaeCaenobates 1Procorticacarus 1
DecapodaAtyidae
Paratya australiensis 1 1Ephemeroptera
LeptophlebiidaeAtalophlebia AV 4 2 1Austrophlebioides marchanti 1 1 2 1Austrophlebioides pusillus 1 1 1 1Garinjuga AV1 1Koorrnonga AV1 1Nousia AV 1 1 1 1
CaenidaeTasmanocoenis 2
BaetidaeCentroptilum 1Offadens confluens 1 1Offadens G2 sp. MV2 1 1Offadens hickmani complex 1 2 2
ColoburiscidaeColoburiscoides complex 1 1Coloburiscoides munionga 1 1 1
OniscigastridaeTasmanophlebia 1 1Tasmanophlebia TC 1037 1
117
Order/Major groupFamily SITE
Species 502 503 505 513Odonata
GomphidaeHemigomphus gouldii/heteroclytus 1
TelephlebiidaeAustroaeschna unicornis unicornis 1
SynthemistidaeEusynthemis virgula 1
PlecopteraEustheniidae
Cosmioperla kuna 1 1Austroperlidae
Acruroperla atra 2Gripopterygidae
Dinotoperla fontana 2 1 1Dinotoperla thwaitesi/serricauda 2 2 2 1Illiesoperla brevicauda 1 2Leptoperla longicauda/bifida 1 1 2Newmanoperla thoreyi 1 1Riekoperla compressa 1Riekoperla karki 1Riekoperla karki/reticulata 1 1 1 1Riekoperla tuberculata 1 2Trinotoperla montana 1 1 2Trinotoperla nivata/minor 1
NotonemouridaeAustrocerca tasmanica 1
HemipteraVeliidae
Drepanovelia dubia 1Corixidae
Sigara sublaevifrons 1Micronectidae
Austronecta australiensis 1 1Micronecta annae/illiesi 1 1 1
MegalopteraCorydalidae
Archichauliodes 2 1Coleoptera
DytiscidaeSternopriscus wehnckei (A) 1
HydrophilidaeEnochrus elongatulus (A) 1
118
Order/Major groupFamily SITE
Species 502 503 505 513Helochares tristis (A) 1Hydrophilidae TC 1078 1Paracymus pygmaeus (A) 1
Scirtidae (L) 1 1Elmidae
Austrolimnius (L) 1 1Austrolimnius alcine (A) 1Austrolimnius diemensis (A) 1 1Kingolus aeratus (A) 1Notriolus quadriplagiatus (A) 1
PsephenidaeSclerocyphon striatus (L) 2 1
DipteraBlephariceridae
Edwardsina australiensis 1Tipulidae
Tipulidae EPA 1 1Tipulidae EPA 36 1Tipulidae EPA 38 1 1Tipulidae EPA 39 1 1Tipulidae EPA 40 2 1Tipulidae TC 1071; EPA 3/42 1 1
SimuliidaeAustrosimulium bancrofti 2Austrosimulium furiosum 2 1 1 1Austrosimulium torrentium 1 2 2
ChironomidaeTanypodinae (sub-family)
Aspectrotanypus TC 1087 1 1Pentaneura TC 1081 1Tanypodinae 1Telmatelopia TC 1085 1
Podonomina (sub-family)Podonomopsis 1 2
Chironominae (sub-family)Chironomini (tribe)
Polypedilum 1
(Diptera cont.)Riethia TC 1082 1Riethia 1
Tanytarsini (tribe)Rheotanytarsus 1 1
119
Order/Major groupFamily SITE
Species 502 503 505 513Rheotanytarsus TC 1083 1Tanytarsus 1 1Tanytarsus TC 1080 1
Orthocladiinae (sub-family)Cardiocladius 1Corynoneura 1Cricotopus 1 1 2Cricotopus TC 1079 1Eukiefferiella 1 1 1Orthocladiinae TC 1086 1Pirara australiensis 1Stictocladius TC 1084 1
Diamesinae (sub-family)Paraheptagyia tonnoiri 1
CeratopogonidaeCeratopogonidae EPA 17 1Ceratopogonidae EPA 28/50 1Ceratopogonidae EPA 40 1Ceratopogonidae EPA 53 1Ceratopogonidae TC 1051 1 1 1
Tabanidae 1 1Athericidae 2
TrichopteraHelicopsychidae
Helicopsyche murrumba 1Hydroptilidae
Hellyethira simplex 1 1Ecnomidae
Ecnomina AV4 1Hydropsychidae
Asmicridea AV 1 1Cheumatopsyche AV 4 1 2 1
LimnephilidaeArchaeophylax canarus 1 1
HydrobiosidaeApsilochorema obliquum 1
(Trichoptera cont.)Ethochorema brunneum 1Ethochorema turbidum 1Taschorema complex 1Ulmerochorema rubiconum grp. 1 1 2
Philorheithridaeaphilorheithrus AV 3 1
120
Order/Major groupFamily SITE
Species 502 503 505 513Kosrheithus tillyardi 1 1
LeptoceridaeCondocerus paludosus 1Notalina bifaria 2 2 2Notalina fulva 1Triplectides ciuskus 1 1 1Triplectides proximus 1Triplectides similis 1
CalamoceratidaeAnisocentropus 1
ConoesucidaeCoenoria AV 4 1 1Coenoria AV 5 1 1Conoesucus AV 5 1 1Lingora AV 1 1
121