BIODIVERSITY MONTH - What can you do to help the marine environment?

The 2016 State of the Environment report states that: "Three coastal or marine ecosystems were listed as threatened ecological communities under the EPBC Act during the past 5 years: 

Saltmarsh rehabilitation Townsville

• the Giant Kelp Marine Forests of South East Australia (2012) and 
      Posidonia australis seagrass meadows of the Manning–Hawkesbury ecoregion                (2015) were listed as endangered 
    
• Subtropical and Temperate Coastal Saltmarsh (2013) was listed as vulnerable

Biodiversity creates a balance, a give and take, that gives our lives stability and health. These and other marine systems protect biodiversity, one of the keys to humanities survival. 

Our very good friends in South Australia put out a great newsletter and like many of us they are focusing on biodiversity month.They brought up some very good points in their recent article.

"strong urban ecosystems – including a wide variety of native plants, animals and insects that enhance biodiversity values – are good for the humans who live in our cities and suburbs.The more variation in vegetation, the more variation in the animal life it will attract – which in turn increases valuable ‘services’ such as plant pollination. Scientists are beginning to find evidence that being in nature has a profound impact on our brains and our behaviour. It helps reduce anxiety and stress, boosts our attention span and creativity, and increases our ability to connect with other people"

Having healthy coastal and marine waters also provides us, and other animals, with life sustaining services. The health of these systems is eroding. We see it almost everyday on the internet and on the news but what can we do about that? We live on the land and that marine environment is way out there under the water!

What we CAN do is be mindful of our choices on the land since everything we do on the land affects the sea sooner or later! We can be proactive and make some changes to encourage better biodiversity locally; at your house, on your street and in your community.

1. Eliminate or reduce the use of pesticides and fertilizers which leach off the land and into the stormwater run-off. Check online to see if you can find some of the do it yourself remedies for garden issues. 
    • worm farms can chew up kitchen waste while giving you back nutrients for the garden.
    • composting your garden refuse provides a circle of life right in your own yard.
    • make your own homemade white oil and other organic solutions to keep pests away.
    • join community action groups who are restoring habitats nearby 
    • plant native plants that enhanced biodiversity and that our wildlife depends upon.


2. Make your yard native friendly so that birds and butterflies have something to eat and install an easy to make "bee hotel" to assist the mild mannered native bees that don't form hives. Although if you like to have hive bees there are plenty of natives that will be happy to oblige given the right kind of hive boxes.

3. Examine what you actually NEED to get by and reduce your consumption. Walking down the street past shops one can wonder how in the world people buy so much stuff! The thrift shops do pretty well out of those excesses but unfortunately most all of our relentless spending ends up in our overwhelmed tips and garbage dumps. Buy second hand and look for things that will last.

4. Use your imagination and find alternative solutions to avoid single use plastics. Single use plastics have become an ocean scourge affecting the lives of marine animals and the general health of the sea. Most everything we buy has waste packaging that can become a death sentence in the environment. 

Humans are adaptable. That's how we have come as far as we have. With some simple habit changes and actions we can definitely change our impact on our over stressed world and encourage local biodiversity.

www.ausmepa.org.au

A BREATH OF FRESH AIR

I've often spoken with students about the excitement of present giving holidays like birthdays and all the rest. They invariably tell me about the newest brightest shiniest new thing that has taken their fancy.

The discussion comes suddenly to a screeching halt when I explain that my most favourite gift was a very old, brownish stonelike object totally absent of any whistles and bells and no electronic diet. The hush over the students is sheer disbelief .

When I then begin to explain that they owe their lives to this little stone-like thing I present before them, you can see on their faces they are quite sure that I have gone completely around the twist and I have their attention!

Microsopic image from UC Berkeley article here

For these are images of a stromatolite. Stromatolites are the constructs that currently 'house' the very first life to create energy from water and sunlight called cyanobacteria.

Cyanobacteria sweetened the poisonous atmosphere of earth during the Archaean and Proterozoic Eras by generating the oxygen that we depend on. This change was important in shaping the course of earth's history through evolution and ecological change.

There are only two places major places in the world where you can see living stromatolites. One place is the Hamelin Pools in Western Australia. The Hamelin Pool is the most extensive living stromatolite system in the world and they live in water that is twice as salty as normal seawater. It is so salty that seasnails that might fancy a nice meal of cyanobacteria can't survive.

Seagrass meadows form a buffer or barrier between the the Hamelin Pool and the rest of the ocean and prevent dilution of the super salty water. However the seagrass is under threat from pollution and human traffic. 

The Hamelin Pool is a protected area.and visitors have restricted access by boardwalk. 

 Photo by Jason Bartsch...See more here  

Since those life changing days so much has happened and ocean phytoplankton now provide more than half of the air we need to breathe. 

There were no bells and whistles with stromatolites but these mushroom-like rocky mounds are the legacy of our ocean and atmosphere heroes, the cyanobacteria. Without them todays plants and animals, that we need to exist, wouldn't be here and neither would we.

Australia, what an amazing ocean continent.

 www.ausmepa.org.au

ACTIVITY FOR THE LITTLIES: How to make plant confetti

PLANT CONFETTI:

It has been said that we live in a throw-away society. Many people are thinking about how to reduce our waste in a variety of ways. Using this idea what about making it just fun by making your own confetti with natural materials.

When choosing your plant leaves make sure you ask the owner of the plant, if known, if they mind if you take some leaves for this activity.

What you need:

·     1. Six or so dry leaves but this may vary as to the amount of confetti you want to make- 

2. One hole punch (or themed hole punches like the seahorse one shown in the photo) 
    and scissors
3. A clean dry table top and sheet of paper to collect the confetti when complete
4. a small container to store confetti    
This activity is lots of fun especially if you can find multi coloured leaves but even finding different shades of green is fun too.

What to do:

·        1. Using the hole punch(es) clip around the edges of the leaves

         2. When you can't get any deeper then snip the old bits away and continue

         3. Let the confetti dry a little bit and store until required

The confetti is a natural material so it needs to be used on the same day or the next day at the latest as it will begin to change, dry and brown over the next couple of days so don't try to store it for too long.

Now all you need is a good reason to have a party outside and throw it around but don't forget to clean up the area afterwards!

www.ausmepa.org.au

REEF CHECK checks out!

Citizen science is a growing feature of our culture. It is where science becomes a community volunteer pastime that assists scientists with a level of real data that helps them understand how things work or indeed are failing to work. 

In Australia we have many groups and some of the most interesting are those where divers give their time to monitor and share their findings.

Reef Check is a world-wide initiative that started out in 1996 and is now operating in 95 different countries! And Reef Check Australia (RCA) has been championing reef citizen science in Australia since 2001, primarily operating in Queensland and Western Australia.

In their own words:

Reef Check Australia is an innovative citizen science focused charity dedicated to educating and empowering community volunteers to better understand, appreciate and protect oceans and marine environments. We help people help reefs by providing the tools for the community to take positive action for our reefs. Through our network of volunteers, we engage in citizen science, connect people with reef science, and undertake local conservation projects.

AUSMEPA are happy to have our buddy, Reef Check Australia's Jodi Salmond as a friend and colleague. She has been with the Aussie version of Reef Check from the early days and has seen an amazing response from Australians wishing to look after our waters.

Reef Check Australia's primary activity is training experienced volunteer scuba divers how to monitor reefs for signs of reef health as part of a long term monitoring program using globally standardised methods, in addition to training community volunteers to use their REEFSearch reef identification and observation program to become engaged citizen scientists both above and below the water.

Schools aren't left out either. RCA have developed a very nice looking REEFSearch Marine Education Kit (see here).

They also have a two-day Reef Ambassador workshop to train community outreach volunteers to inspire, motivate and support their communities, but get in quick, as applications for their SEQ program closes shortly!

Organisations like Grey Nurse Shark Watch benefits also with data on the critically endangered species being collected.

And for those of you who can't commit to more, Reef Check Australia sponsors night talks from scientists on a variety of marine topics, often but not restricted to specific animal studies like Hammerhead sharks or Seajellies.

The RCA database houses all the monitoring that is done. Members have free access to the data.

Reef Check Australia works in partnership with several other partners such as Australian Institute of Marine Science, Universities, local Councils, June Canavan Foundation, QLD Government, the Port of Brisbane, Healthy Land and Waterways and AUSMEPA.

Jodi and her crew are go getters. If you can see yourself sharing your time and enthusiasm for the sea with others please apply for one of their training programs at www.reefcheckaustralia.org or contact the office by emailing them at hello@reefcheckaustralia.org.www.ausmepa.org.au

Floating gardens protect water quality

It is a  keen concern of AUSMEPA members for clean water to enter the ocean from the land. For that to happen we need to make sure our watercourses and ground water are healthy and clean before reaching the sea.

We had the privilege of interviewing Dr. Chris Walker, Environmental Manager of the engineering consultancy firm, Covey and Associates in relation to his work on the design and implementation of floating gardens for water treatment. It has been Dr Walker's long time passion and career path to integrate two seemingly disparate disciplines, engineering and environmental science. 

A Sunshine Coast Daily article by Janine Hill, 25 Nov 2015, Headed New water treatment system floated at Bli Bli subdivision said,

"A NEW floating wetland water treatment system at a Bli Bli subdivision will be the subject of a four year research project.The floating water treatment system at Parklakes II is the first time such a system has been used on a greenfield development of such size. The system will involve the installation of 230 "living" pontoons to filter man-made lakes which will tackle the stormwater from 436 residential lots, a school, and a 226 unit retirement village in the subdivision."

It was noted in the article that Dr Walker had been working with the University of the Sunshine Coast since 2010 to optimise the system. Research and monitoring of the system is on-going as the wetland system has great potential in environmental management. Here is what he told us about the Bli Bli project:

Q: Engineering and Environment are seemingly at odds with each other in many instances, what lead you to this niche space?

A: This is a really great question! Engineering and the environment are often seen to be at odds, but so much of what we know about engineering stems from nature. There is a significant shift towards adopting more nature based solutions in engineering and I think that it is fantastic and something I’ve pursued as part of my research. My research actually led to my career at Covey Associates and led me to this niche space. As an environmental scientist in the engineering field, my role is to work out science-based solutions to difficult engineering questions. I work really closely with some amazing civil engineers and researchers to address some complex questions and it’s a great role and experience.

Q: What compels Covey to choose best practice environmental stormwater solutions?

A:  We have to comply with relevant local government policy and state government policy, as well as obligations under federal legislation. But if you integrate stormwater treatment correctly, it can certainly be a value adding outcome, socially, environmentally and from an economic point of view. We aim to add value to the developments we work in and we think stormwater treatment can be an opportunity to provide this.

Q: What prompted the trial of the Floating Water Treatment System  (FWTS ) in the greenfield development site at Parklakes II?A: We wanted to try something different. I had been involved with floating wetland design and research at sites in Gladstone and Bribie Island and the data suggested it would work on a larger scale. In close collaboration with the developer of Parklakes 2 and Council, we developed an approach that we believed would suit. We have also incorporated a detailed research program as part of implementing the floating wetlands, which is ongoing and will hopefully fill some key knowledge gaps

Q: The Maroochy River has had some water quality issues over the years. Are the three lakes at Parklakes II part of the Maroochy River system or are they man-made?

A: The three lakes are man-made and serve as a tiered detention system, as well as playing home to a number of fish species (e.g. Australian Bass and Silver Perch). We also have a recirculation system that draws water up from the bottom lake and discharges to the top lake to keep the lakes oxygenated and healthy.

Q: How does the water from the detention basin (lake) system actually enter the waterways to the ocean?
A: The lakes drain down into the cane drains to the north of the development, ultimately enter the Maroochy River and then make their way to the ocean.

Q: What performance indicators are you looking for, and how is the site holding up against the benchmarks?

A: The key performance indicator is how the floating wetland plant roots remove pollutants from stormwater runoff. The roots are the most critical component of event-based treatment, as they disperse flow velocity and promote settlement and ‘trapping’ of stormwater pollutant (i.e. suspended solids). The biggest issue we’ve had on site is that during the events, the pollutant concentrations coming into the system are so low, it’s difficult to assess the performance. If you’ve got clean water coming in and clean water going out, it’s not easy to say it’s removing much.

Q: How do you choose plants for the floating garden?
A: How do you choose plants for the floating garden? We chose Carex appressa on the basis of previous research, however, we are looking at several different plants in different projects. It's a constantly evolving process.

Q: What contingents impact on the successful mitigation of runoff pollution from greenfield sites like these?

A: There are several things that could impact successful treatment of runoff. First, poor design of a treatment system. If it is not sized appropriately, it won’t function effectively. Second, not taking into account the type of development. Certain treatment approaches are suitable for certain development types and not suitable for others. There needs to be careful consideration as to how the community will ultimately view the treatment asset. I also feel that trying to establish custodianship within the community is a great way to get people to think about their impacts and adapt behaviours to reduce pollution. There are a range of other things that could impact the successful implementation of a water treatment system in a greenfield development, but those two issues, in my opinion, are some of the most critical.

Q: Are FWT Systems adaptable to changing weather patterns expected with a warming planet?

A: They certainly are. The biggest impact that climate change might have on floating wetland systems is prolonged drought. As these systems need water to function, it’s critical that they are implemented in appropriate places. It’s unlikely to be successful in arid regions of the outback, that is for sure. But on the other end of the spectrum, they do quite well in severe storm situations, as they fluctuate upwards with the water level. The most critical thing there is the anchor design and we’ve learned a lot from some trials and tribulations in the earlier days of the floating wetland installation at Parklakes 2.

Q: There are no fences around the lakes. It begs the question whether water treatment lake areas like this are suitable for swimming?

A: The lakes are designed for passive, not active recreations. We didn’t want to put fences up as it creates a very sterile and unwelcoming outcome. We do have some fences around the floating wetlands, but this was largely due to the fact Council was not entirely sure as to how the community would react to a large scale system. In lieu of fences, we’ve created passive barriers to the lakes through dense, lake-edge vegetation. Not only does this create an aesthetic outcome, it also creates critical riparian habitat, which is really important from an ecological perspective.

Q: Within your context, has thought been given to seasonal migration and wildlife corridors through the redefined land spaces since the lakes are cut off from the forest? Have residents been encouraged to make their yards havens for these migrations?

A:This is an interesting question! I think it needs to be considered in the context of the pre-development scenario. Prior to Parklakes 2, the site was a cane field, which is obviously serving an agricultural purpose and not one that generally promotes biodiversity or wildlife movement. With the creation of the lakes, this presents a unique habitat for birds that was not present previously. So in the case of Parklakes 2, there was no real protected corridors on the site. Generally speaking, however, I firmly believe that if there are existing wildlife corridors that may be impacted by a development, all due care and consideration should go into the design to mitigate these impacts and recreate, or better, enhance the corridors.

Q: In regard to the "proof of the pudding," how does biodiversity in the lakes compare to other water collection basins near developments that do not have floating treatments.

A: We’re not actually sure, but again, a great question. It’s presumed that the floating wetlands will provide enhanced habitat, as it will allow juvenile fish to have a ‘safe space’ to grow to maturity, lessening the likelihood of predation by waterfowl species and similar. It’s not a key component of the research project, as the critical driver was water quality improvement. It would be great to get some additional research into this space, however.

Many thanks to Dr Walker for this interview. We hope will serve as inspiration to others involved in land change and communities who care for the environment and desire to contribute to healthy oceans. 

More free information and school materials on marine topics are available at our website 
www.ausmepa.org.au

SEALINK, the Kangaroo Island Ferry

Kangaroo Island is a true icon of the State of South Australia. With a wealth of land and sea vistas it is a must see destination for anyone who loves nature and the outdoors.

To get there you have to cross a stretch of water called the Backstairs Passage that starts from Port Jervis on the mainland's Fleurieu Peninsula to Penneshaw on Kangaroo Islands north east edge.

AUSMEPA's Jody Plecas had the very great pleasure of traveling there this past month. And it was with some trepidation she nudged her car in amongst the throng of traffic making the journey across on the SEALINK ferry!

However she came home singing the praises of the SEALINK deckhands that guided her and her car onto the packed ferry amongst cars, boats, cattle trucks and more. Then they deftly and efficiently helped her safely disembark onto this beautiful landmark island.

While traveling across the water with them she couldn't help but notice the Community Link poster that showed how SEALINK is supporting the community too!

AUSMEPA is very proud to have SEALINK as a sponsor.

www.ausmepa.org.au

Kangaroo Island kids, seals and sealions

On a recent trip to Kangaroo Island off the coast of South Australia we found many wonderful wildlife opportunities for visitors, including Seal Bay mid way along the islands southern coastline.

One of those special was where visitors have the chance to take a tour of the wild beaches where the endangered Australian sea lion colony is.

"The only place in the world where visitors are able to enter a wild colony of approximately 1000 Australian Sea Lions - one of the rarest species in the world."

Fees are charged for tours however it goes back into research and protection of the animals.

AUSMEPA loves kids and it was pure delight to see that students are highly engaged when it comes to pinnipeds (seals and sea lions).

Here is some of the classy student artwork displayed at the visitors centre.

To learn more about this special place and to put it on your list of things to do visit their webpage at 

https://www.sealbay.sa.gov.au/australian-sea-lion/science-research-conservation

Don't forget that students and teachers can get some terrific school curriculum materials on the AUSMEPA website. Marine resources and images are copyright free for educational purposes.

www.ausmepa.org.au