Figure 43). Prior to the Nimmie-Caira water action Eulimbah Swamp and Waugorah Lagoon were mostly dry while Telephone Creek was about 60% inundated. Waugorah Lagoon was inundated to 60% of its wetland extent in December 2015 and then contracted to less than 20% by January 2016. Eulimbah Swamp was fully inundated by late November-early December 2015 also inundating the adjacent floodway downstream at this time. Eulimbah Swamp remained mostly full until late March 2016 and so inundation duration was about four months. Telephone Creek remained mostly (>85%) full from November 2015 to late April 2016 and so inundation duration of this area was for about five and a half months. Yanga National Park (Redbank zone) Commonwealth environmental water was delivered using the most direct flow path to Tarwillie Swamp and so from the pre-watering extents (~2000 ha) there was only a small 300 ha expansion of inundated area to about 2,300 ha on 1 December 2015 (Figure 44). This expansion was confined to the flow path region in North Yanga around the east of Two Bridges and in Two Bridges Swamp, which then started receding by mid-January and was dry by March 2016 (Figure 43 and Figure 44). Adjacent wetlands (e.g. Piggery Lake) were not inundated by this watering action and were able to dry out over summer (Figure 43 and Figure 44) having been inundated for over 12 months (since late November 2014). Inundation extent in Tarwillie Swamp remained about the same as the pre-watering extents (~150 ha) through November to January and then started to recede in February 2016 until it was dry by April 2016 (Figure 44). By mid-January 2016 about 80% of the 150 ha of Tarwillie Swamp had been inundated for just over 12 months (since late November 2014). Overall the total area of floodplain wetland inundated by the Yanga National Park action was 2,555 ha.
riparian vegetation Support the habitat and breeding requirements of native vegetation, waterbirds and fish Nap Nap - Waugorah Nimmie-Caira SBF refuge (south Caira channel) Nimmie-Caira refuge (north Caira channel) Yarradda Lagoon contribute to wetland productivity nutrients and carbon fluxes, primary productivity (CHL a) and secondary productivity (Microinvertebrates)? throughout spring and summer, dominated by copepods with cladocerans and ostracods present Main findings from microinvertebrate monitoring program High densities of microinvertebrates (500-1000 /L) were recorded following inundation of monitored wetlands with Commonwealth environmental water in both 2014-15 and 2015-16. Densities were higher in the mid-Murrumbidgee (Yarradda Lagoon) and Nimmie-Caira wetlands than in the Redbank wetlands in both years. In both watering densities of microinvertebrates fell by March in all zones. In both watering copepods dominated wetland assemblages, with cladocerans and lower densities of ostracods also present. Responses of microinvertebrates to inundation were consistent across suggesting the current regime of wetting and drying is maintaining the egg bank and high levels of productivity. Discussion, recommendations and adaptive management In both 2014-15 and 2015-16, Commonwealth environmental water was delivered to wetlands in order to improve water quality and to support the feeding habitat and breeding requirements of native vegetation, waterbirds, fish and other vertebrates (turtles, frogs). The current water regime is yielding productive feeding habitats for filter-feeding waterbirds, fish, larval fish and tadpoles in terms of microinvertebrate densities. Based on information from fisheries research, microinvertebrate densities between 100-1000 /L support larval fish and adult fish that predate on microinvertebrates (King 2004). Required microinvertebrate densities for waterbirds and tadpoles are not known.
LTIM monitoring site (Two Bridges Swamp). Water was pumped into Yarradda Lagoon in the mid-Murrumbidgee to “support known native fish and frog community established in 2015-16”. Detailed evaluation outcomes of each watering action are in the appendices of this report, and this section summarises key outcomes for frogs and tadpoles with respect to three key evaluation criteria: What did Commonwealth environmental contribute to other aquatic vertebrates (frog and turtle) diversity and populations? What did Commonwealth environmental water contribute to breeding and recruitment of other vertebrates? What did Commonwealth environmental water contribute to the provision of habitat to support breeding and recruitment of other vertebrates? Summary of watering actions and outcomes Expected outcomes Related watering actions Evaluation questions and predictions Measured outcomes Was the objective achieved Support the habitat and breeding requirements of native fish and other vertebrates. Yanga National Park Nimmie-Caira SBF refuge (south Caira channel) Nimmie-Caira refuge (north Caira channel) Yarradda Lagoon Nap Nap - Waugorah What did Commonwealth environmental water contribute to other aquatic vertebrates (frog and turtle) diversity and populations? Six frog species were recorded in 2015-16 including the vulnerable (EPBC Act) southern bell frog. Yes What did Commonwealth environmental water contribute to the provision of habitat to support breeding and recruitment of other vertebrates? Breeding activity for all six species to occur across the monitoring sites was recorded in response to Commonwealth environmental water. Yes What did Commonwealth environmental water contribute to the maintenance of refuge habitats? Watering actions in the Nimmie-Caira were undertaken to create refuge habitat for the southern bell frog, there were large increases in abundance of southern bell frogs at Eulimbah late in the season Yes Main findings from frog monitoring program In 2015-16 southern bell frogs were recorded at four wetlands that received environmental water in the mid-Murrumbidgee (Yarradda Lagoon), Nimmie-Caira
(south Caira channel) Nimmie-Caira refuge (north Caira channel) Yarradda Lagoon Nap Nap - Waugorah What did Commonwealth environmental water contribute to waterbird species of conservation significance? Nationally threatened Australasian bittern and NSW-listed freckled duck* and magpie goose (Mid-Murrumbidgee) were recorded in wetlands that received Commonwealth environmental water. Two wetlands that received Commonwealth environmental water supported small-scale breeding in JAMBA listed Eastern great egrets. Yes What did Commonwealth environmental water contribute to waterbird breeding*? Colonial waterbird breeding was recorded in five wetlands across the Murrumbidgee Selected Area which received Commonwealth environmental water in This included delivery of Commonwealth environmental water to maintain stable water levels in the Tarwillie (Redbank) and Telephone Swamps where small numbers (approx. 250 pairs in total) of JAMBA listed Eastern great egrets nested successfully. Yes * Assessed through complementary NSW OEH waterbird diversity and colonial waterbird breeding monitoring (see Spencer et al. 2016a). Main findings from waterbird monitoring program Waterbird diversity and total waterbird abundance was greater in monitored wetlands that received Commonwealth environmental water in 2015-16 compared to sites that were dry, and sites that received water in 2014-15 only. Wetlands that received Commonwealth environmental supported species of conservation significance including the threatened Australian bittern (Botaurus poiciloptilus) (EPBC Act endangered), freckled duck (Stictonetta naevosa) and magpie goose (Anseranas semipalmata) (vulnerable NSW Threatened Species Conservation (TSC) Act 1995).
hydrological monitoring, in terms of its overall impact on wetlands, is based on inundation mapping rather than point measures of specific wetland depths. Results Table 57 Summary of watering actions undertaken in the Murumbidgee catchment in Relevant Watering Action (s) in 2015/16 Start-End Date CEW Water Use Total EWater Use Specified objective for each watering action Measured outcomes for individual watering action* Yarradda Lagoon 1,394.3 1,394.3 Inundate Yarradda Lagoon wetland habitat to the mature tree line 87 ha North Redbank 25,000 54,000 Inundate at low levels core wetland habitat across North Redbank 4,908 ha Yanga NP waterbird support 10,000 11,605 Maintain inundation extents in Tarwillie swamp and minimise incidental inundation of adjacent wetland vegetation 2,555 ha refuge 18,000 68,528 Inundate core refuge habitat through the Nimmie-Caira floodways to Waugorah Lagoon, Eulimbah and Monkem-Talpee Creek system 7,589 ha^ Juanbung 10,000 10,000 Inundate floodplain wetland habitat of the Juanbung Swamp (North Redbank) 864 ha 5,000 5,910 Inundate Hobblers Lake and Penarie Creek 99 ha Nap Nap Swamp to Waugorah# 9,557 15,274 Inundate refuge habitat from Nap Nap to Waugorah Lake -# * Measured as the cumulative area of floodplain inundated from the water action ^ Includes the of Tala Lake and Yanga Lakes (~2,000 ha) # Cloud cover prevented estimates of inundated areas The area of the Lowbidgee floodplain inundated in 2015-2016 (21,137 ha) was about half the area of floodplain inundated in 2014-2015 (41,999 ha) (Figure 515). This difference is due to comparatively large inundated areas in the Redbank,
Wetland frogs and turtles Prepared by Dr Skye Wassens (CSU) Introduction The availability of standing water is critical to the survival of frog populations through floodplain wetland systems. Environmental watering actions can be used to maintain frog populations via two key mechanisms: providing refuge habitat that support frog populations during periods of low water availability and through the provision of breeding habitat that allows frog populations to reproduce. Many of the frog species that occupy floodplain habitats have limited capacity to survive extended dry periods, so the maintenance of refuge habitat is critical for the persistence of populations, especially for the vulnerable southern bell frog (Litoria raniformis). While persistent water is important for keeping frogs alive during dry periods, breeding success is typically greater in areas of shallow, temporary habitat. Therefore watering actions targeting breeding outcomes should seek to increase the area of inundation within and around wetlands. The overriding objective of Commonwealth environmental water as it relates to frogs is to “support the habitat and breeding requirements of native fish and other vertebrates”. However, individual watering actions: Nimmie-Caira southern bell frog refuge (north Caira channel), Nimmie-Caira southern bell frog refuge (south Caira channel) and Nap Nap – Waugorah were carried out with specific objectives to “maintain refuge habitat for a diverse range of native fish, frogs and turtles and waterbirds” and “support the habitat requirements of southern bell frogs (EPBC Act Vulnerable)(Table 516).” These watering actions inundated four LTIM surveyed wetlands in 2015-16 including Telephone Creek, Eulimbah Swamp, Avalon Swamp (dam area only) and Waugorah Lagoon. The Redbank watering action inundated one LTIM surveyed site (Two Bridges Swamp). Water was pumped into Yarradda Lagoon in the mid-Murrumbidgee to “support known native fish and frog community established in 2015-16”.
habitats in Avalon Swamp in the Nimmie-Caria and Waugorah Lagoon in the Redbank systems were important refuge areas. Table 516 summary of watering actions with outcomes targeting frog and turtle habitat and responses Target asset Expected outcomes LTIM sites receiving water Outcomes Yanga National Park waterbird support – provide habitat for native fish, frogs and other vertebrates Two Bridges Overall smaller numbers of individuals recorded in 2015-16 compared to previous years because a number of sites were dry. Two bridges swamp supported a high abundance of eastern long turtles. refuge (north Caira channel) Nimmie-Caira southern bell frog refuge (south Caira channel – maintain refuge habitat for a diverse range of native fish, frogs and turtles and waterbirds – support the habitat requirements of southern bell frogs (EPBC Act vulnerable) (Eulimbah Floodway). – Support the habitat requirements of native fish and turtles. Eulimbah Avalon Telephone Creek Southern bell frogs recorded at Eulimbah and Telephone Creek, with numbers of adults increasing later in the season suggesting that these wetlands are being used as refuges in late summer. Avalon supported a high abundance of eastern long turtles. Nap Nap - Waugorah Waugorah Lagoon Southern bell frog recorded in 2015-16. Broad shell turtle recorded in Waugorah Lagoon Yarradda Lagoon – support native fish and frog community established in 2014-15. – provide feeding habitat for frogs Yarradda Lagoon Southern bell frog, calling, tadpoles and metamorphs recorded in 2015-16. Broad shell and eastern long necked turtles recorded. Waterbird Diversity Prepared by Dr Jennifer Spencer, Dr Joanne (NSW OEH) and Erin Lenon (CEWO) Introduction Commonwealth environmental water was delivered to wetlands through the Redbank, Nimmie-Caira and mid-Murrumbidgee zones in order to “support the habitat requirements of waterbirds” in the Murrumbidgee catchment. Wetlands in
gallinules and swans Eurasian coot Fulica atra 59 Hardhead Aythya australis 215 Musk duck Biziura lobata 217 Grazing ducks and geese Australian shelduck Tadorna tadornoides 207 Australian wood duck Chenonetta jubata 202 Magpie goose v Anseranas semipalmata 199 Plumed Dendrocygna eytoni 205 Migratory shorebirds Sharp-tailed sandpiper J,C,R Calidris acuminata 163 Piscivores (including grebes, cormorants, egrets, bitterns, and kingfisher) Australasian bittern E e Botaurus poiciloptilus 197 Australasian darter Anhinga novaehollandiae 101 Australasian grebe Tachybaptus novaehollandiae 61 Australian pelican Pelecanus conspicillatus 106 Eastern great egret J Ardea modesta 187 Great cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo 96 grebe Poliocephalus poliocephalus 62 Intermediate egret Ardea intermedia 186 Little cormorant Phalacrocorax sulcirostris 97 Little Egretta garzetta 185 Little pied cormorant Microcarbo melanoleucos 100 Nankeen night-heron Nycticorax caledonicus 192 Pied cormorant Phalacrocorax varius 99 Sacred kingfisher Todiramphus sanctus 326 Whiskered tern Chlidonias hybrida 110 White-faced heron Egretta novaehollandiae 188 heron Ardea pacifica 189 Rails and shoreline gallinules Black-tailed native-hen Tribonyx ventralis 55 Purple swamphen Porphyrio porphyrio 58