Cockrone Lagoon Aquatic Biological Survey-Final Report (PDF File ...
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<strong>Cockrone</strong> <strong>Lagoon</strong><br />
Catchment & Surrounds<br />
Freshwater <strong>Aquatic</strong><br />
Biodiversity <strong>Survey</strong> 2010<br />
Project 100056<br />
Sub <strong>Report</strong> 100056 - 4<br />
Robert B. McCormack<br />
31st October 2010
Australian <strong>Aquatic</strong> <strong>Biological</strong> Pty Ltd<br />
<strong>Cockrone</strong> <strong>Lagoon</strong> Catchment<br />
& Surrounds<br />
Freshwater <strong>Aquatic</strong><br />
Biodiversity <strong>Survey</strong> 2010<br />
© Australian <strong>Aquatic</strong> <strong>Biological</strong> Pty Ltd,<br />
PO Box 3, Karuah, NSW, 2324<br />
Email Correspondence: info@aabio.com.au<br />
Reference Project:100056 <strong>Aquatic</strong> Biodiversity <strong>Survey</strong> and Baseline Mapping of Freshwater<br />
Craysh & <strong>Aquatic</strong> Species of the Gosford LGA - A Subset of the Australian Craysh Project<br />
No.:100001 & Australian <strong>Aquatic</strong> Biodiversity <strong>Survey</strong> No.:100038<br />
About This Project. Australian <strong>Aquatic</strong> <strong>Biological</strong> Pty. Ltd. conducts aquatic research around<br />
Australia. Two of the major projects currently being conducted are Project No. 100001, the<br />
Australian Craysh Project (ACP) & Project No. 100038, the Australian <strong>Aquatic</strong> Biodiversity<br />
<strong>Survey</strong> (AABS). The aims of these Projects are to survey the whole of Australia, to record and<br />
identify every species of freshwater fauna & their distributions. The present report embodies the<br />
ndings for a subset of the ACP, Project No. 100056 <strong>Aquatic</strong> Biodiversity <strong>Survey</strong> and Baseline<br />
Mapping of Freshwater Craysh & <strong>Aquatic</strong> Species of the Gosford LGA. Project 100056 is major<br />
sponsored by Gosford City Council<br />
Disclaimer:<br />
Every effort has been taken to provide accurate information and taxonomic determinations,<br />
and to use names that are current at the time of report preparation. The Australian <strong>Aquatic</strong><br />
<strong>Biological</strong> company has exercised due care and skill in the preparation and compilation of the<br />
information and data set out in this publication. Notwithstanding, Australian <strong>Aquatic</strong> <strong>Biological</strong>,<br />
its employees and advisers disclaim all liability, including liability for negligence, for any loss,<br />
damage, injury, expense or cost incurred by any person as a result of accessing, using or<br />
relying upon any of the information or data set out in this publication to the maximum extent<br />
permitted by law. The authors accept no liability for errors and omissions.<br />
Preferred way to cite this publication:<br />
McCormack, R.B., 2010. <strong>Cockrone</strong> <strong>Lagoon</strong> Catchment & Surrounds, <strong>Aquatic</strong> <strong>Biological</strong><br />
<strong>Survey</strong> 2010. Australian <strong>Aquatic</strong> <strong>Biological</strong> for Gosford City Council, Gosford NSW.<br />
<strong>Cockrone</strong> <strong>Lagoon</strong> Catchment <strong>Aquatic</strong> Biodiversity <strong>Report</strong> 2
Australian <strong>Aquatic</strong> <strong>Biological</strong> Pty Ltd<br />
<strong>Report</strong> Summary<br />
<strong>Biological</strong> surveys were undertaken as part of both the broad Australian Craysh Project (ACP)<br />
& Australian <strong>Aquatic</strong> <strong>Biological</strong> <strong>Survey</strong> (AABS) and a targeted sub-project on Gosford LGA<br />
(Project #100056, Australian <strong>Aquatic</strong> <strong>Biological</strong> 2010). The main sponsors for this project were<br />
Australian <strong>Aquatic</strong> <strong>Biological</strong> and Gosford City Council under their Ecological Research Grants<br />
Program 2010 that was assisting with biological research projects for the whole Gosford LGA.<br />
<strong>Survey</strong>s of the Gosford LGA are completed on a catchment/drainage basis and the area from<br />
Copacabana to MacMasters Beach incorporating <strong>Cockrone</strong> <strong>Lagoon</strong> is the forth catchment area<br />
surveyed completely as part of the broader Gosford LGA project.<br />
The <strong>Cockrone</strong> <strong>Lagoon</strong> catchment was surveyed in late August and September 2010 and the ndings<br />
are presented in this report. <strong>Survey</strong>s were conducted during mild spring conditions when all the<br />
ephemeral creeks and swamps had some water in them.<br />
Only low numbers of native sh species were recorded, as well as exotic Gambusia. No freshwater<br />
craysh were found in the catchment. As expected no mussels or crabs were found within the<br />
catchment. Both freshwater snails and shrimp were recorded from the catchment. Generally, the<br />
riparian zones looked good, with low exotic terrestrial weeds and without litter or major exotic<br />
aquatic weed infestations which was excellent news. Despite this aquatic biodiversity & population<br />
densities within the upper catchment were exceptionally poor.<br />
The full results of this aquatic biodiversity survey are presented in this report.<br />
Key words: <strong>Cockrone</strong> <strong>Lagoon</strong>, Gambusia, amphipod, gudgeon, parrot’s feather<br />
Figure 1. <strong>Cockrone</strong> <strong>Lagoon</strong> from Lakeside Drive<br />
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Table of Contents<br />
<strong>Report</strong> Summary 3<br />
Table of Contents 4<br />
1. Background 6<br />
2. Introducon 6<br />
3. Aim of This Study 7<br />
4. Research Methods 8<br />
4.1. Methods 8<br />
5. Results & Discussion 13<br />
5.1. Crustaceans 13<br />
5.1.1. Freshwater Craysh 13<br />
5.1.2. Euastacus Craysh 13<br />
5.1.3. Gramastacus Craysh 13<br />
5.1.4. Cherax Craysh 13<br />
5.1.5. Atyidae Shrimp 14<br />
5.2. Fish Species 15<br />
5.2.1 Poeciliidae 15<br />
5.2.2 Pseudomugilidae 16<br />
5.2.3. Eleotridae 16<br />
5.2.4. Anguillidae 16<br />
5.3. Mollusca 17<br />
5.3.1. Hyriidae 17<br />
5.3.2. Planorbidae 17<br />
5.4. Macroinvertebrates/ Insect Larvae/Tadpoles 18<br />
5.5. Birds 19<br />
5.6. Site Results 20<br />
5.6.1. Winney Bay 20<br />
5.6.2. Copacabana 21<br />
5.6.3. <strong>Cockrone</strong> <strong>Lagoon</strong> 22<br />
6. Field Notes 29<br />
7. Conclusion 32<br />
8. Recommendaons 32<br />
9. Acknowledgements 33<br />
10. References 33<br />
List of Maps<br />
Map 1. Aerial Map of <strong>Cockrone</strong> <strong>Lagoon</strong> Catchment 10<br />
Map 2. <strong>Cockrone</strong> <strong>Lagoon</strong> Catchment GPS Sites 11<br />
Map3. GPS <strong>Survey</strong> Sites 12<br />
List of Figures<br />
Figure 1. <strong>Cockrone</strong> <strong>Lagoon</strong> from Lakeside Drive 3<br />
Figure 2. The research vehicle, The Scienic Road 7<br />
Figure 3. <strong>Cockrone</strong> <strong>Lagoon</strong> 9<br />
Figure 4. An aquarium blue yabby 13<br />
Figure 5. Atyidae shrimp Paratya australiensis from <strong>Cockrone</strong> Creek 14<br />
Figure 6. POI015 The creek ows under The Scenic Road and from<br />
here to the <strong>Lagoon</strong> has excellent aquac biodiversity. 14<br />
Figure 7. Plague minnow Gambusia holbrooki WPT003<br />
forest pond o Bounty Hill Road 15<br />
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Figure 8. Flathead gudgeons Philypnodon grandiceps POI015 & WPT004 16<br />
Figure 9. Freshwater snails creek crossing the Scenic Road POI015 & WPT004 17<br />
Figure 10. Dragon y larvae (mud-eyes) from swamp WPT012 o Bounty Hill Road 18<br />
Figure 11. Tadpoles from swamp WPT012 o Bounty Hill Road 18<br />
Figure 12. Brush-turkey Alectura lathami along the streets of Copacabana 19<br />
Figure 13. Brush-turkey Alectura lathami creang nesng mound beside a tributary<br />
of <strong>Cockrone</strong> Creek near corner of The Scenic Road and Bounty Hill Road 19<br />
Figure 14. WPT002 Creek Winney Bay 20<br />
Figure 15. Winney Bay 20<br />
Figure 16. POI011 Creek draining Copacabana at Del Rio Drive 21<br />
Figure 17. POI011 Creek draining Copacabana at Del Rio Drive looking toward<br />
bridge at Del Monte Place 21<br />
Figure 18. WPT008 The creek in Merchants Gully 22<br />
Figure 19. Green algae showing through 22<br />
Figure 20. WPT011 Shallow reed swamp 23<br />
Figure 21. Upper catchment of <strong>Cockrone</strong> CreekWPT010 23<br />
Figure 22. Upper catchment of <strong>Cockrone</strong> CreekWPT010 23<br />
Figure 23. WPT009 Upper <strong>Cockrone</strong> Creek<br />
with deep iron bacteria sediments 23<br />
Figure 24. POI013 <strong>Cockrone</strong> Creek beside The Scenic Road 24<br />
Figure 25. POI013 <strong>Cockrone</strong> Creek beside The Scenic Road is shaded by rainforest 24<br />
Figure 26. Upper <strong>Cockrone</strong> Creek 25<br />
Figure 27. WPT006 Side Stream 26<br />
Figure 28. WPT003 Small dam in Forest 26<br />
Figure 29. WPT012 Ephemeral Swamp 27<br />
Figure 30. Turkey nest near dam WPT003 27<br />
Figure 31. Brush Turkey was interested in my surveying at corner of<br />
Bounty Hill and The Scenic Roads 27<br />
Figure 32. WPT004 The side stream between The Scenic Road and <strong>Cockrone</strong> Creek 28<br />
Figure 33. POI015 The side stream running under The Scenic Road 28<br />
List of Tables<br />
Table 1. Proposed <strong>Survey</strong>s Gosford LGA. 8<br />
Table 2. AABio <strong>Survey</strong> Site Record Sheets 29<br />
Table 3. <strong>Cockrone</strong> <strong>Lagoon</strong> and surrounding area survey sites data sheet 30<br />
Appendix A<br />
AABio Voucher Data Base - <strong>Cockrone</strong> <strong>Lagoon</strong> 36<br />
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1. Background<br />
The Gosford LGA is experiencing rapid growth and development. This high population coastal<br />
area represents a significant environmental asset that is fundamentally important to our lifestyle<br />
and economy. Implementing the infrastructure needed to support the increased population,<br />
agriculture and tourism must be undertaken so as to minimize or avoid ecological impacts on<br />
coastal vegetation, wetlands and threatened species. It is essential that management agencies have<br />
the information on hand to wisely plan the development and future of these fragile coastal regions.<br />
Additionally, Gosford LGA will be increasingly affected by global warming and climate change.<br />
Any decisions made today could have lasting effects on the biodiversity of this coastal area.<br />
Currently, however, management agencies do not have access to all the appropriate information to<br />
enable the protection of our coastal crustacean and fish species and their fragile aquatic habitats.<br />
Over the last few years the Australian Crayfish Project (ACP) and Australian <strong>Aquatic</strong> Biodiversity<br />
<strong>Survey</strong> (AABS) has been surveying eastern Australia for freshwater crayfish and aquatic fauna.<br />
These surveys have made numerous important discoveries. In addition to recording new knowledge<br />
and describing several new species of crayfish in the region, the survey has also revealed that an<br />
alarming proportion of the region’s endemic species appear to be facing serious threats.<br />
With the support of Gosford City Council the whole of the Gosford LGA will be surveyed on a<br />
catchment by catchment basis and the results collected will greatly increase the knowledge base<br />
and allow better management of these fragile coastal ecosystems and help the conservation of our<br />
aquatic species.<br />
2. Introduction<br />
<strong>Cockrone</strong> <strong>Lagoon</strong> is located between Copacabana and MacMasters Beach which are small coastal<br />
communities located on the NSW Central Coast. This is a growing residential and recreation area.<br />
The survey area started south of Avoca <strong>Lagoon</strong> at Winney Bay Copacabana.<br />
• Winney Bay catchment consists predominantly of forested areas and reserves with a<br />
catchment area of approximately 1km². Two small ephemeral streams drain this area and run<br />
directly into the Bay. The catchment drains from approximately 100m a.s.l. to sea level. This is<br />
a relatively steep gradient to the Bay, combined with the short stream distances of approx 700m<br />
makes these two small ephemeral streams unsuitable for permanent aquatic habitation.<br />
• The majority of the suburb of Copacabana is nestled within a small valley drained by<br />
a small creek that flows directly to sea towards the northern end of Copacabana Beach. This<br />
small unnamed watercourse has a catchment of approximately 1km² and consists of entirely urban<br />
development.<br />
<strong>Cockrone</strong> <strong>Lagoon</strong> has a surface area of approximately 0.3km² and a total catchment area of 7km².<br />
It is a shallow <strong>Lagoon</strong> with average depth under 1m.<br />
The <strong>Lagoon</strong> has two main feeder streams, Merchants Gully to the north and <strong>Cockrone</strong> Creek to the<br />
south west. There are also several other smaller feeder streams.<br />
• Merchants Gully is located to the northern side of <strong>Cockrone</strong> <strong>Lagoon</strong>. This small stream<br />
has a catchment of approximately 0.39m² and the catchment consists of mixed urban and rural<br />
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developments.<br />
• <strong>Cockrone</strong> Creek located to the south west is the main feeder stream of <strong>Cockrone</strong> <strong>Lagoon</strong>.<br />
This creek has a catchment of approximately 2.345km²<br />
Freshwater biological surveys were conducted in these two main freshwater creeks, several other<br />
inflow lines and drains were observed but found to be dry. Several small streams located along the<br />
north western shoreline between these two main streams were not surveyed due to lack of easy<br />
access. The main <strong>Lagoon</strong> proper was generally not included in this survey.<br />
Note: The Gosford LGA for the purpose of AABio biological surveying is divided into grids. This<br />
<strong>Cockrone</strong> <strong>Lagoon</strong> catchment and surrounds survey represents grids: 98, 99, & 109.<br />
3. Aim of This Study<br />
The primary aim of Project No. 100056 is to determine what freshwater crayfish occur where in<br />
the Gosford LGA. Primarily freshwater crayfish are the priority and the Gosford LGA represents a<br />
significant area for crayfish distributions, yet little is known on the distributions of crayfish in this<br />
area. Prior to the start of this research project only two species have recorded distributions within<br />
the LGA (Euastacus australasiensis and Euastacus spinifer) yet the extent of their distribution<br />
are unknown. Additionally, the area includes a number of coastal lagoons and streams all with<br />
independent catchments draining directly to the Tasman Sea that have been isolated from each<br />
other for millions of years and many containing unrecorded crayfish species.<br />
The project also records information on all the other aquatic fauna found in the LGA as well as<br />
information on landforms and vegetation. All this is in order to facilitate the better conservation<br />
and management of the aquatic ecosystems of the Gosford LGA.<br />
Figure 2. The research vehicle the Scenic Road<br />
Note: For environmental and hygiene reasons (transfer of pests, diseases & weeds, etc.) each of the<br />
catchments are treated as individual systems and are surveyed separately with equipment and personnel<br />
being sterilized between catchments. A copy of our Hygiene Protocol and Code of Practice<br />
is available online at www.aabio.com.au<br />
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TABLE 1<br />
Proposed Catchment <strong>Survey</strong>s Gosford LGA<br />
PROJECT 100056 SURVEY LIST<br />
No. Catchment Project No. Status Grid<br />
1 Wamberal <strong>Lagoon</strong> 100056-1 Completed 79, 80, 89, 90.<br />
2 Terrigal <strong>Lagoon</strong> 100056-2 Completed 79, 89.<br />
3 Avoca <strong>Lagoon</strong> 100056-3 Completed 89,99, 98<br />
4 <strong>Cockrone</strong> <strong>Lagoon</strong> &<br />
Surrounds<br />
100056-4 Completed 98, 99, 109<br />
5 Kincumber to Kilcare<br />
& Bouddi NP – Coastal<br />
Streams<br />
6 Erina Creek 100056-6 In Prep<br />
7 Narara Creek 100056-7<br />
8 Brisbane Water –western 100056-8<br />
side streams<br />
9 Mullet Creek 100056-9<br />
10 Mooney Mooney Creek 100056-10<br />
11 Mangrove Creek 100056-11<br />
100056-5 Completed 87, 88, 97, 98, 107,<br />
108, 117 & 118.<br />
4. Research Methods<br />
A large proportion of the <strong>Cockrone</strong> <strong>Lagoon</strong> catchment was surveyed (Map 1-3) to identify potential<br />
habitat areas. The survey was relatively unobtrusive and consisted of various methods:<br />
4.1 Methods<br />
Site co-ordinates and altitude were recorded using a Magellan Explorist 600 handheld GPS.<br />
Specimens were collected using a variety of methods to suit the conditions at each survey site.<br />
• Visual observation of crayfish presence/activity. Generally burrowing activity is the most<br />
common indication of crayfish in the area, although visual observation is also often a useful<br />
technique to record the presence of crayfish that are active on the forest floor or stream bed<br />
during sampling.<br />
• Visual search for shell fragments and remnants of crayfish or molluscs. Crayfish moult their<br />
shells to grow a new larger shell discarding the old shell, they lose claws due to fighting or<br />
claws are left from animal predation. Snail and mussel shells are often stranded as water recedes<br />
or carried onshore by predators. Searching for shell remnants can give a good indication of the<br />
species present, the numbers of animals in the population and an indication of the predators<br />
in the area feeding on the crayfish/molluscs as each predator has its own signature re shell<br />
remains.<br />
• Active netting. Scoop nets were used to scoop the bottom sediments, under logs, through leaf<br />
litter, under banks or through reedy sections, etc. This is a particularly important method to<br />
detect species that do not respond to baits or traps and particularly effective in muddy/turbid<br />
water. Three scoop nets were utilized: Small - 300 mm diameter hand held scoop. Medium -<br />
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rectangular rake with 600 mm x 200 mm opening. Large – 600 mm x 700 mm scoop net.<br />
• Cast Net. 3m diameter cast net.<br />
• Structure removal and probing. Crayfish & molluscs shelter under rocks and logs, etc. and time<br />
was allocated to lifting such shelter objects and searching by hand for fauna. This is another<br />
particularly important method to detect species that do not respond to traps or nets.<br />
• Burrow excavation by hand. Most crayfish species construct burrows, thus an integral part<br />
of the survey involved careful excavation of burrows by hand to search for crayfish. This is a<br />
particularly important method to detect species that do not respond to traps or nets.<br />
Most animals were examined at the collection site and released after identification. Some voucher<br />
material was retained where appropriate and all retained specimens were placed in transport<br />
containers with a small amount of water and some vegetation from the site and returned to the<br />
laboratory. Selected specimens were placed in glass aquaria and photographed. Crustacean<br />
specimens were then euthanized by freezing for at least 24 hours and subsequently stored in clear,<br />
labelled specimen jars containing 70% ethanol. Tissue samples were retained in cell lysis buffer<br />
from selected specimens for subsequent DNA analysis, as part of the broader ACP.<br />
These simple methods were used to find and capture freshwater aquatic animals for identification<br />
in the <strong>Cockrone</strong> <strong>Lagoon</strong> Catchment & surrounding area. However, AABio employs a code of<br />
practice that is designed to limit the transfer of any pests and diseases from one catchment to<br />
another. For each catchment separate traps and nets are utilized and boots, etc. of field workers are<br />
sterilized between catchments.<br />
Use of traps in eastern drainages is prohibited under the Fisheries Management Act and all methods<br />
and collection was authorized under special scientific collection permits. All collections were<br />
authorized by the NSW Department of Industry and Investment under Scientific Collection Permit<br />
P05/0077-4.1. All collections were authorized by the National Parks and Wildlife Service, under<br />
Scientific Licence S13112.<br />
Figure 3. <strong>Cockrone</strong> <strong>Lagoon</strong><br />
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Kincumber Creek<br />
Catchment<br />
Avoca Lake<br />
Catchment<br />
Winney Bay<br />
Catchment<br />
Kincumber Broadwater<br />
Catchment<br />
<strong>Cockrone</strong> <strong>Lagoon</strong><br />
Catchment<br />
MAP 1.<br />
<strong>Cockrone</strong> <strong>Lagoon</strong><br />
& Surrounding<br />
Catchments<br />
<strong>Cockrone</strong> <strong>Lagoon</strong> Catchment <strong>Aquatic</strong> Biodiversity <strong>Report</strong> 10
151°24' 151°25' 151°26'<br />
Australian <strong>Aquatic</strong> <strong>Biological</strong> Pty Ltd<br />
POI020<br />
-33°29'<br />
WPT010<br />
WPT011<br />
POI012<br />
WPT009<br />
WPT008<br />
POI013<br />
POI011<br />
POI014<br />
WPT004<br />
POI015<br />
WPT005<br />
WPT006<br />
WPT007<br />
WPT012<br />
WPT003<br />
POI016<br />
POI017<br />
-33°30'<br />
MAP 2<br />
<strong>Cockrone</strong> <strong>Lagoon</strong><br />
& Surrounds<br />
<strong>Cockrone</strong> <strong>Lagoon</strong> Catchment <strong>Aquatic</strong> Biodiversity <strong>Report</strong> 11<br />
MapSend Lite v.2.00e Beta (build 1303). Copyright © 2006 Thales Navigation, Inc. All rights reserved.<br />
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151°22' 151°23' 151°24' 151°25' 151°26' 151°27' 151°28'<br />
-33°28'<br />
-33°29'<br />
-33°30'<br />
-33°31'<br />
2 km<br />
MapSend Lite v.2.00e Beta (build 1303). Copyright © 2006 Thales Navigation, Inc. All rights reserved.<br />
Australian <strong>Aquatic</strong> <strong>Biological</strong> Pty Ltd<br />
<strong>Cockrone</strong> <strong>Lagoon</strong> Catchment <strong>Aquatic</strong> Biodiversity <strong>Report</strong> 12<br />
Map 3<br />
GPS <strong>Survey</strong> Points<br />
Surrounding Area
Australian <strong>Aquatic</strong> <strong>Biological</strong> Pty Ltd<br />
5. Results and Discussion<br />
Please note that results listed here reect the species at that site at that time. Over time during<br />
different conditions different species or numbers may be present.<br />
5.1. Crustaceans<br />
5.1.1. Freshwater Craysh.<br />
Prior to this research project only Euastacus australasiensis and Euastacus spinifer were recorded<br />
from the Gosford LGA, neither was known to occur within the <strong>Cockrone</strong> <strong>Lagoon</strong> catchment<br />
and these two species were specically searched for. Additionally, coastal habitats in NSW are<br />
known to contain two undescribed species of freshwater craysh of genus Tenuibranchiurus and<br />
Gramastacus and these were also targeted.<br />
<strong>Survey</strong> No.:100056-1 of Wamberal <strong>Lagoon</strong> identied two species of craysh in that catchment,<br />
an endemic species Gramastacus sp and an invasive introduced species Cherax destructor. Both<br />
these species were specically searched for in the <strong>Cockrone</strong> <strong>Lagoon</strong>, Winney Bay and Copacabana<br />
catchments.<br />
Both Wyong LGA to the north and Gosford LGA to the south represent a signicant freshwater<br />
craysh distribution area. Though the knowledge base is small there seems to be a cut off line<br />
roughly running from Wamberal <strong>Lagoon</strong>, through Narara and then up through Central Mangrove<br />
that represents a species distribution line with one species (Euastacus spinifer) occurring on both<br />
sides, two species (Cherax setosus and Gramastacus sp) only north of the line and one species<br />
(Euastacus australasiensis) only south of the line. This project will map that line and the distribution<br />
of these craysh species along the line, and the surrounding region. A scientic manuscript on<br />
those ndings is proposed.<br />
No craysh species at all were found within the <strong>Cockrone</strong> <strong>Lagoon</strong>, Winney Bay and Copacabana<br />
Catchments.<br />
5.1.2. Euastacus Craysh<br />
We were unable to conrm the presence of either E. spinifer or E. australasiensis. It would be our<br />
conclusion that the area is unsuitable for both species as the tributary creek system is too small<br />
and without sufcient highland catchment to support the clean, clear permanently owing creek<br />
systems preferred by these species.<br />
5.1.3. Gramastacus Craysh<br />
No craysh have been collected within any of the catchment areas surveyed. Suitable habitat areas<br />
were found but too small to sustain viable populations.<br />
5.1.4. Cherax<br />
Yabbies Cherax destructor were not<br />
found within the catchment. This was<br />
a good sign and it is hoped that better<br />
education will keep them out. Their vivid<br />
colours make them popular aquarium pets<br />
but unfortunately uneducated or uncaring<br />
people release them into the wild creating<br />
major environmental problems.<br />
Figure 4. An aquarium blue yabby<br />
<strong>Cockrone</strong> <strong>Lagoon</strong> Catchment <strong>Aquatic</strong> Biodiversity <strong>Report</strong> 13
Australian <strong>Aquatic</strong> <strong>Biological</strong> Pty Ltd<br />
Figure 5. Atyidae shrimp Paratya australiensis from <strong>Cockrone</strong> Creek<br />
5.1.5. Atyidae<br />
Freshwater shrimp were not found within the upper catchment. This is considered a problem and a<br />
major area of concern. As the base food source for most native aquatic fauna, the lack of this food<br />
source would seriously impact on other species like gudgeons, galaxias and blue-eyes, etc.<br />
Atyidae shrimp were found at several sites downstream of the Scenic Drive POI015<br />
Figure 6. POI015 The creek flows under The Scenic Road and from here to the <strong>Lagoon</strong> has<br />
excellent aquatic biodiversity.<br />
<strong>Cockrone</strong> <strong>Lagoon</strong> Catchment <strong>Aquatic</strong> Biodiversity <strong>Report</strong> 14
Australian <strong>Aquatic</strong> <strong>Biological</strong> Pty Ltd<br />
5.2. Fish Species<br />
5.2.1. Poeciliidae<br />
Gambusia holbrooki are an introduced species that is a major pest and is having devastating<br />
repercussions on our native species. They are live bearers protecting their eggs and young and an<br />
exceptionally robust species, surviving in conditions that will kill most native species. They eat<br />
the eggs and larvae of our native species, and the same food and survive in both fresh and marine<br />
environments. They are an exceptionally robust species surviving in water conditions that are<br />
unsuitable for our native species.<br />
Exceptionally small numbers of mosquito sh Gambusia holbrooki were captured. This was very<br />
disappointing, if the aquatic conditions are not even suitable for mosquito sh then there is no<br />
hope or future for native species. Most of the upper catchments were devoid of mosquito sh with<br />
specimens not appearing till lower down closer to the <strong>Lagoon</strong> proper.<br />
Other pest and exotic sh species like swordtails, guppies, mollies, carp & goldsh were all absent<br />
from the catchment. Much of eastern NSW is impacted by these pest species and their absence in the<br />
catchment was fantastic news and very encouraging for the future health of the local environment<br />
and prosperity of the native aquatic fauna.<br />
Figure 7. Mosquito fish or plague minnow Gambusia holbrooki<br />
WPT003 Forest pond off Bounty Hill Road<br />
<strong>Cockrone</strong> <strong>Lagoon</strong> Catchment <strong>Aquatic</strong> Biodiversity <strong>Report</strong> 15
Australian <strong>Aquatic</strong> <strong>Biological</strong> Pty Ltd<br />
5.2.2. Pseudomugilidae<br />
Pacic blue-eyes Pseudomugil signi er were not found in the catchment.<br />
5.2.3. Eleotridae<br />
Stripped gudgeon Gobiomorphus australis were captured in Merchants Gully. No other shrimp,<br />
craysh or aquatic insects were in the water with these sh, which was not a good sign.<br />
Flathead gudgeons Philypnodon grandiceps were captured in <strong>Cockrone</strong> Creek together with,<br />
shrimp, snails and Gambusia.<br />
Figure 8. Flathead gudgeons Philypnodon grandiceps POI015 & WPT004<br />
5.2.4. Anguillidae<br />
Freshwater eels Anguilla reinhardtii were expected to be in most of the permanent creek systems,<br />
however, they were not targeted in this survey and none were captured or sighted.<br />
<strong>Cockrone</strong> <strong>Lagoon</strong> Catchment <strong>Aquatic</strong> Biodiversity <strong>Report</strong> 16
Australian <strong>Aquatic</strong> <strong>Biological</strong> Pty Ltd<br />
5.3. Mollusca<br />
5.3.1. Hyriidae<br />
Freshwater mussels were not identied from the Copacabana and MacMasters Beach area. Despite<br />
our best efforts we were unable to conrm the presence of any freshwater bi valves. We expect the<br />
small catchment and intermittent ow rates of feeder creeks are unsuitable for these species.<br />
5.3.2. Planorbidae<br />
Freshwater snails Glyptophysa gibbosa were found in several areas. Only small numbers but even<br />
so their presence does indicate that suitable habitat is available.<br />
Figure 9. Freshwater snails creek crossing the Scenic Road POI015 & WPT004<br />
<strong>Cockrone</strong> <strong>Lagoon</strong> Catchment <strong>Aquatic</strong> Biodiversity <strong>Report</strong> 17
Australian <strong>Aquatic</strong> <strong>Biological</strong> Pty Ltd<br />
5.4. Macroinvertebrates/ Insect Larvae/Tadpoles<br />
Mud eyes, beetles and bugs were scattered throughout all the surrounding catchments sampled but<br />
were absent from some <strong>Cockrone</strong> <strong>Lagoon</strong> sample sites which was not a good sign.<br />
Figure 10. Dragon fly larvae (mud eyes) from swamp WPT012 off Bounty Hill Road<br />
Figure 11. Tadpoles from swamp WPT012 off Bounty Hill Road<br />
<strong>Cockrone</strong> <strong>Lagoon</strong> Catchment <strong>Aquatic</strong> Biodiversity <strong>Report</strong> 18
Australian <strong>Aquatic</strong> <strong>Biological</strong> Pty Ltd<br />
5.5. Birds<br />
Birds were not a part of this survey, however, some of the species recorded will be listed here.<br />
These were the common species in the catchment but only in only small numbers.<br />
Chestnut teals Anus castanea, Dusky morhens Gallinula tenebrosa, Brush-turkey Alectura lathami<br />
were the most common in the area.<br />
Figure 12. Brush-turkey Alectura lathami along the streets of Copacabana<br />
Figure 13. Brush-turkey Alectura lathami creating nesting mound beside a tributary of <strong>Cockrone</strong><br />
Creek near corner of The Scenic Road and Bounty Hill Road<br />
<strong>Cockrone</strong> <strong>Lagoon</strong> Catchment <strong>Aquatic</strong> Biodiversity <strong>Report</strong> 19
Australian <strong>Aquatic</strong> <strong>Biological</strong> Pty Ltd<br />
5.6. Site Results<br />
Generally the catchment of <strong>Cockrone</strong> <strong>Lagoon</strong> was in a relatively good state without any large<br />
aquatic weed outbreaks.<br />
Results<br />
5.6.1. Winney Bay<br />
Access was obtained by parking the vehicle at the water reservoir tank located on Cape Three<br />
Points Road (POI020) and following the gravel track down to Winney Bay.<br />
The creek system draining into Winney Bay has two branches. The northern branch was sampled<br />
at (POI018). Here the creek was owing mostly underground but damp wet areas were common<br />
and turning rock is the wet conditions indicated good numbers of amphipods and insect larvae.<br />
The creek was also sampled further upstream at (WPT001). Here the creek was owing with water<br />
in the stream bed. Stream conditions were clear owing water but a thick brown orange sediment<br />
layer covered the bottom of the small stream.<br />
Generally the streams have a steep gradient owing down the hillside to the lower sections of the<br />
small valley where it attens and water movement slows. Water was owing but ow was low and<br />
clarity was high.<br />
The lower sections of the stream had all surfaces coated with a brown/orange scum layer that I<br />
would generally associate with the presence of iron bacteria. This thrives in waters with high iron<br />
concentrations, low oxygen and lower sunlight levels. It’s not toxic as such, but it will smoother<br />
other aquatic plants and makes life hard for other aquatic organisms.<br />
Our survey of the small sections of the northern creek indicated no macroinvertebrates within the<br />
stream but amphipods and dobsony’s larvae (Archichauliodes sp) under rocks in damp sections<br />
of stream with some lamentous algae cover and no iron bacteria.<br />
The southern stream was sampled at (POI1019). The stream was not owing and consisted of<br />
damp areas/cumbungi swamps without water and some smaller deep pools with low water levels<br />
and solid brown orange scum. No macroinvertebrates or other species identied at this site.<br />
The stream was also sampled at WPT002 after the junction of the northern and southern streams<br />
before they entered the sea. The stream was owing with high clarity and all surfaces coated with<br />
iron bacteria. No macroinvertebrates were present.<br />
The small catchments, small ows and ephemeral nature of these streams would make them<br />
unsuitable for most molluscs and crustaceans. During rain events they would ow and ush rapidly<br />
then dwindle to nothing as dry spells ensue.<br />
Figure 14. WPT002 Creek Winney Bay<br />
Figure 15. Winney Bay<br />
<strong>Cockrone</strong> <strong>Lagoon</strong> Catchment <strong>Aquatic</strong> Biodiversity <strong>Report</strong> 20
Australian <strong>Aquatic</strong> <strong>Biological</strong> Pty Ltd<br />
Figure 16. POI011 Creek draining Copacabana at Del Rio Drive<br />
5.6.2. Copacabana<br />
The township of Copacabana has a small stream<br />
draining it running directly to the sea through<br />
Copacabana Beach. This unnamed watercourse<br />
has a fully developed urban catchment and is<br />
a small short stream. Despite the urbanized<br />
catchment the creek was in reasonably good<br />
condition with good biodiversity.<br />
Figure 17. POI011 Creek draining Copacabana at Del<br />
Rio Drive looking toward bridge at Del Monte Place<br />
The creek was sampled at (POI011) on Del Rio Drive. Here the stream was no more than an open<br />
stormwater drain that was heavily vegetated. Native cumbungi, common reed and soft reeds were<br />
common in the stream bed. These native aquatic plants attract native species so that’s another good<br />
sign.<br />
There was also a smattering of nasturtium (fast growing annual from Peru) that is common<br />
along Central Coast streams. There was also small amount of “parrot’s feather” (Myriophyllum<br />
aquaticum) another South American weed but otherwise quite good.<br />
The stream was gently owing with high clarity and no iron bacteria, which was encouraging. <strong>Aquatic</strong><br />
biodiversity was high reecting the water conditions with large numbers of macroinvertebrates<br />
present, water beetles and mudeyes most common. Mosquito sh (Gambusia holbrooki) were<br />
common as were native freshwater snails (Glyptophysa gibbosa).<br />
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5.6.3. <strong>Cockrone</strong> <strong>Lagoon</strong><br />
Merchants Gully is located to the northern side of <strong>Cockrone</strong> <strong>Lagoon</strong>. This small stream has a<br />
catchment of approximately 0.39m² and the catchment consists of mixed urban and rural<br />
developments. This creek was surveyed at (WPT008) at the corner of Copacabana Drive and<br />
Laguna Avenue. Here Merchant Creek meanders through a mixed palm rainforest and Melaleuca<br />
swamp forests. Its an extremely pretty area with large cabbage palms and paperbark trees shading<br />
the owing stream.<br />
The stream had high clarity with just a small intermittent coating of iron bacteria. Patches of green<br />
algae covering sticks and logs was showing through, the substrate was a dark rainforest soil with<br />
ne sediments and heavy leaf litter.<br />
Macro invertebrates mostly aquatic beetles and some mudeyes and mayies were present in small<br />
numbers. The only vertebrates captured were stripped gudgeons (Gobiomorphus australis) that<br />
were present under the ledges and larger palm fronds in the water.<br />
Despite an intensied effort no other sh, shrimp, snails or craysh were found in this section of<br />
creek. The stream and riparian zone was in good visual condition but the aquatic diversity was low.<br />
Figure 18. WPT008 The Creek in Merchants Gully<br />
Fig 19. Green algae showing through<br />
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<strong>Cockrone</strong> Creek located to the south west is the main feeder stream of <strong>Cockrone</strong> <strong>Lagoon</strong>. This<br />
creek has a catchment of approximately 2.345m².<br />
The creek was rst surveyed at (POI012). Here the creek looked good with tannin stained water in<br />
swamps and pools to the north of The Scenic Drive (WPT011), but orange brown sediments and<br />
clear water on the south side draining under The Scenic Drive into <strong>Cockrone</strong> Creek (WPT010).<br />
Figure 20. WPT011 Shallow reed swamp<br />
Figure 21. Upper catchment of <strong>Cockrone</strong><br />
CreekWPT010<br />
By (WPT009) we had gently owing water with high clarity and deep iron bacteria sediments and<br />
oc coatings up to 50 mm thick. Despite our best efforts no sign of life in the water at all.<br />
Figure 22. Upper catchment of <strong>Cockrone</strong><br />
CreekWPT010<br />
Figure 23. WPT009 Upper <strong>Cockrone</strong> Creek<br />
with deep iron bacteria sediments<br />
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<strong>Cockrone</strong> Creek was sampled further down (POI013). Iron bacteria coatings were reduced and the<br />
stream was wider and deeper with some turbidity. The riparian zone was rainforest and the whole<br />
area looked a lot better. We did nd freshwater snails, which was a good sign as well as a few<br />
macroinvertebrates. No other sh, eels or shrimp were located but all expected to be in this area.<br />
Figure 24. POI013 <strong>Cockrone</strong> Creek beside The Scenic Road<br />
A side stream/drain was sampled at (POI014). Some macroinvertebrates (water beetles and one<br />
mudeye) was captured at this site. The roadside deeper drains had ooded grasses, soft reeds and<br />
lamentous algae and looked promising but biodiversity was very low.<br />
Figure 25. POI013 <strong>Cockrone</strong> Creek beside The Scenic Road is shaded by rainforest<br />
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Iron bacteria was utilizing iron as a source of energy in many of the creeks. It thrives in low light,<br />
low oxygen conditions and feeds on iron, it can grow rapidly creating voluminous quantities of an<br />
orange brown slime such as was observed in several of the surveyed upper tributaries.<br />
While it may be unsightly, this orange slime coating is a naturally occurring microorganism and<br />
is not a health hazard. Examination of all the creeks and streams in the <strong>Cockrone</strong> <strong>Lagoon</strong> and<br />
surrounding areas did not detect any adverse smell emanating from the bacteria affected creeks.<br />
However, it is known to cause unpleasant odours especially when there is a die off.<br />
It is not aesthetically pleasing and will clog the aquatic system, reducing water ows and smothering<br />
substrates and habitat areas making them unsuitable for native aquatic ora and fauna.<br />
Figure 26. Upper <strong>Cockrone</strong> Creek<br />
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A side stream draining from the south crosses The Scenic Drive near the intersection of Bounty<br />
Hill Rd and then enters <strong>Cockrone</strong> Creek. This area looked exceptionally good so an intensied<br />
effort was applied to this area.<br />
The side stream was 1 -2 mtrs wide with turbid water up to 1mtr deep with earthen banks, high<br />
leaf litter content and only a touch of iron bacteria draining though mixed paperbark and rainforest.<br />
It looked good and we expected good results. We sampled the creek at (WPT005, WPT006 &<br />
WPT007) and produced zero results, nothing was captured.<br />
Figure 27. WPT006 Side Stream<br />
At WPT003 was a small dam in the forest<br />
and this contained mosquito sh, Gambusia<br />
holbrooki and macroinvertebrates. The<br />
water quality in this dam looked good.<br />
Figure 28. WPT003 Small Dam in Forest<br />
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At WPT012 are small ephemeral swamps beneath the paperbark trees. These paperbark swamps<br />
were in excellent condition and contained dark tannin stained water. The water in these swamps<br />
was full of macroinvertebrates and tadpoles. The biodiversity here was phenomenal and a pleasure<br />
to see, all sorts of aquatic beetles and bugs, (mostly damselies and dragony larvae, boatman and<br />
small black beetles). The tadpoles were in the hundreds if not thousands and seemed to be all of<br />
the same species.<br />
Of note is that throughout this forested area were Brush-turkeys (Alectura lathami). Large sections<br />
of forest oor had been scratched clean of leaf litter and scratched into huge nesting mounds.<br />
Several huge nesting mounds were in this area with Brush-turkeys joining me in my survey efforts<br />
and keeping an eye on me.<br />
Figure 29. WPT012 Ephemeral Swamp<br />
Figure 30. Turkey nest near dam<br />
WPT003<br />
Figure 31. Brush Turkey was interested in my surveying<br />
at corner of Bounty Hill and The Scenic Roads<br />
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This side stream runs under The Scenic Road around (POI015), the creek was owing and dropped<br />
400 mm from the under road concrete drain back into the earthen creek. Here on the northern<br />
side of The Scenic Drive with the water owing through narrow channels was more oxygenated<br />
and biodiversity was good. We captured at (POI015 & WPT004) athead gudgeon (Philypnodon<br />
grandiceps), mosquito sh (Gambusia holbrooki), freshwater shrimp (Paratya australasiensis),<br />
freshwater snails (Glyptophysa gibbosa) and some macroinvertebrates.<br />
Figure 32. WPT004 The side stream between The Scenic Road and <strong>Cockrone</strong> Creek<br />
Another creek/drain enters the <strong>Lagoon</strong> and crosses<br />
Lakeside Drive at (POI016). This creek/drain is dry<br />
on the southern side of the road and scattered pools<br />
on the north side. Only mosquito sh (Gambusia<br />
holbrooki) were in these pools.<br />
Another small creek/drain occurs at (POI017) but the<br />
creek and associated swampy areas were dry at time<br />
of survey and no indications of burrowing species in<br />
the streambeds.<br />
Figure 33. POI015 The side stream running<br />
under The Scenic Road<br />
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6. Field Notes.<br />
<strong>Survey</strong> sites were recorded on a Magellan 600 GPS. Additionally, at each survey site a survey<br />
sheet was lled in which recorded the following:<br />
1. Date.<br />
2. Grid reference.<br />
3. Location-Street address.<br />
4. GSP location (digital Longitude & Latitude).<br />
5. Height.<br />
6. Time.<br />
7. Mileage.<br />
8. Habitat description.<br />
9. Land use.<br />
10. Water ow/clarity/condition, etc.<br />
11. <strong>Aquatic</strong> plants.<br />
12. Species/collection methods.<br />
The following is the survey site information brief.<br />
Table 2. AABio <strong>Survey</strong> Site Record Sheets.<br />
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TABLE3<br />
<strong>Cockrone</strong><strong>Lagoon</strong>&surroundingarea<strong>Survey</strong>SitesDATASHEET<br />
Height<br />
Creator Latitude Longitude Mtrs Name Description Symbol<br />
MapSend<br />
Lite 33.489667 151.432717 12 POI011 Opengrassybanks,banksias,riveroaks,clearflowing,reeds,lantana, cumbungi,someparrotsfeather,gambusia,snails,macroslots.<br />
Crossed<br />
Square<br />
MapSend<br />
Lite 33.48605 151.4037 22 POI012 Rainforest,shallowreedswampnothingdead<br />
Crossed<br />
Square<br />
MapSend<br />
Lite 33.4879 151.404817 19 POI013 SNAILDeeperwater,someturbidity,heavyleaflitter,looksbetterexpect eelsfish.<br />
Crossed<br />
Square<br />
MapSend<br />
Lite 33.49095 151.408067 11 POI014 Macroinverts,moredrain,floodedgrasses,filalgae,softreeds,looked OK.<br />
Crossed<br />
Square<br />
MapSend<br />
Lite 33.492133 151.4102 16 POI015 Ferns,teatree,flowing,someturb,bestsofarGudgeons,shrimp,macro, snails<br />
Crossed<br />
Square<br />
MapSend<br />
Lite 33.493 151.422917 10 POI016 DRY<br />
Crossed<br />
Square<br />
MapSend<br />
Lite 33.4952 151.425383 36 POI017 DRY<br />
Crossed<br />
Square<br />
MapSend<br />
Lite 33.48105 151.441433 13 POI018 Clearflowing,softreeds,ironbacteria,nothingincreekAmphipods underrocks<br />
Crossed<br />
Square<br />
MapSend<br />
Lite 33.482333 151.4412 22 POI019 DRY<br />
Crossed<br />
Square<br />
MapSend<br />
Lite 33.478133 151.43675 122 POI020 CAR<br />
Crossed<br />
Square<br />
MapSend<br />
Lite 33.480573 151.441076 36 WPT001 flowing/nothing/ironsediments<br />
Crossed<br />
Square<br />
MapSend<br />
Lite 33.481534 151.442163 15 WPT002 flowing/nothing/ironsediments<br />
Crossed<br />
Square<br />
MapSend<br />
Lite 33.492889 151.410503 30 WPT003 Gambusia/macroinvertdam,waterlooksgood,paperbark,gahnia, turkeynests<br />
Crossed<br />
Square<br />
MapSend<br />
Lite 33.491928 151.410444 21 WPT004 Heavilyshaded,looksgoodStrippedgudgeons,shrimp<br />
Crossed<br />
Square<br />
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MapSend<br />
Lite 33.492568 151.410063 24 WPT005 looksgood,heavyleaflitter,shaded,turbiddeadnothing<br />
MapSend<br />
Lite 33.492765 151.409828 23 WPT006 looksgood,heavyleaflitter,shaded,turbiddeadnothing<br />
MapSend<br />
Lite 33.493061 151.409446 25 WPT007 looksgood,heavyleaflitter,shaded,turbiddeadnothing<br />
MapSend<br />
Peaceful,palms,ferns,rainforest,clearwater,lightironsediments,some<br />
Lite 33.486385 151.424926 29 WPT008 algaeshowingthruonlystrippedgudgeonx3<br />
MapSend<br />
Clearflowing,IronBacteriadeepsediments,rainforest,palms,treeferns,<br />
Lite 33.486188 151.404074 36 WPT009 nonothing,deadwater.<br />
MapSend<br />
DeepIronBacterianonothingshallow,flowing,heavyleaflitter,fern<br />
Lite 33.485892 151.403193 36 WPT010 edges.<br />
MapSend<br />
Lite 33.485769 151.403868 36 WPT011 Reedswamp,tanninstained,nomacro,notadpoles,nonothing<br />
MapSend<br />
Lite 33.492567 151.410506 28 WPT012 Ephemeralswamp,tadpolesmudeyesbeetlesbon<br />
Crossed<br />
Square<br />
Crossed<br />
Square<br />
Crossed<br />
Square<br />
Crossed<br />
Square<br />
Crossed<br />
Square<br />
Crossed<br />
Square<br />
Crossed<br />
Square<br />
Crossed<br />
Square<br />
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7. Conclusion<br />
Copacabana, <strong>Cockrone</strong> <strong>Lagoon</strong> and MacMasters Beach is another scenic coastal residential and<br />
recreational area. This high level of scenic and natural beauty is a major attraction drawing both<br />
residents and holiday makers to the area. The area has it all, rocky headlands, beautiful sandy<br />
beaches, tranquil <strong>Lagoon</strong>, rainforests and reserves all located within a high population suburban<br />
setting<br />
Preliminary surveys of the <strong>Lagoon</strong> indicated a range of native species present within the <strong>Lagoon</strong><br />
proper. However, aquatic biological surveys of the catchment area indicate the biodiversity<br />
within the freshwater aquatic tributary system is extremely low. As we progressed upstream from<br />
the <strong>Lagoon</strong> proper, biodiversity diminished rapidly. The upper reaches of the catchment were<br />
seemingly devoid of aquatic life. The <strong>Cockrone</strong> <strong>Lagoon</strong> and surrounding areas aquatic ecosystems<br />
consisted of a very poor diversity of aquatic fauna which was very disappointing.<br />
Exotic invasive aquatic weeds, however, were absent from the majority of the catchments which<br />
was an encouraging sign. The majority of riparian zones were also in good condition with few<br />
terrestrial weeds, etc.<br />
Most steams were heavily laden with orange brown iron bacteria which was unsightly. This<br />
bacteria thrives in low light, low oxygen and high iron environments, it is not toxic but also not<br />
inducive to native aquatic ora or fauna and is usually a precursor to exotic weeds that thrive in<br />
these conditions.<br />
Both Winney Bay and Copacabana creeks are too small and short to sustain much in the way of<br />
aquatic biodiversity.<br />
The freshwater tributary streams feeding into <strong>Cockrone</strong> <strong>Lagoon</strong> are very small with highly<br />
urbanized catchments; there just isn’t sufcient catchment or stream ow rates to adequately<br />
sustain and ush these short creeks systems. The small catchment size limits the capacity of the<br />
system to be self cleansing and this is amplied in drought conditions but wet conditions rapidly<br />
ush and clean the system. This uctuation creates unstable conditions not inducive to native<br />
species.<br />
8. Recommendations<br />
This survey records the current status of the ecological health of streams in the <strong>Cockrone</strong> <strong>Lagoon</strong><br />
and Surrounding Catchments. It provides a baseline for future comparison after initiation of any<br />
catchment or local remediation strategies. The following recommendations are offered to Gosford<br />
City Council for the <strong>Cockrone</strong> <strong>Lagoon</strong> and surrounding area.<br />
• Continued support and encouragement of local environmental community or landcare<br />
groups to continue with riparian regeneration and weed control, etc.<br />
• biodiversity monitoring of the freshwater catchment streams on an ongoing basis would<br />
also be recommended. To obtain signicant information approximately 5 sites should be<br />
monitored for aquatic biodiversity twice per year (winter/summer) on the same day and<br />
then over time trends can be seen, etc.<br />
• water quality monitoring of the freshwater catchment streams on an ongoing basis would<br />
also be recommended. To obtain signicant information approximately 5 sites should be<br />
monitored for water quality twice per year (winter/summer) on the same day and then<br />
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over time trends can be seen, etc.<br />
• continue to educate the residents and commercial entities on pollutant reduction at source.<br />
• continue to educate the residents and commercial entities on the dangers of exotic ora<br />
and fauna and the consequences of escape into the environment.<br />
• continue to educate the residents and commercial entities on aquatic weeds and how to<br />
identify outbreaks, with monitoring of their local streams to identify outbreaks early.<br />
• Gosford City Council has in place a Coastal <strong>Lagoon</strong> Management Plan that covers the<br />
<strong>Cockrone</strong> <strong>Lagoon</strong> and catchment. This comprehensive Plan covers most issues and<br />
should be promoted and supported to help improve the overall health and prosperity of<br />
the catchment systems.<br />
9. Acknowledgements<br />
Sponsorship for the <strong>Cockrone</strong> <strong>Lagoon</strong> & Surrounding Catchment Project was supported by Gosford<br />
City Council under the Ecological Research Grants Program 2010 and we are thankful to Gosford<br />
City Council and Michael Ebert, Environment Ofcer, Education and Compliance.<br />
Unless otherwise referenced, information presented on <strong>Cockrone</strong> <strong>Lagoon</strong>, NSW has arisen<br />
from recent biological surveys undertaken as part of the broader Australian Craysh Project &<br />
Australian <strong>Aquatic</strong> <strong>Biological</strong> <strong>Survey</strong> and we are thankful to Australian <strong>Aquatic</strong> <strong>Biological</strong> Pty Ltd<br />
for sponsoring that work and for providing access to laboratory and eld equipment.<br />
There are a number of people to thank for their assistance with this report; our thanks to Dr<br />
Stephen Keable, Collection Manager, Marine Invertebrates (Natural Science Collections)<br />
Australian Museum, for his help, support and assistance with making the Australia Museum<br />
collection available for study; Helen Stoddart and Rodger Springthorpe (Australian Museum) for<br />
all the work I keep creating for them, I really do appreciate all your efforts, much thanks; Janet<br />
Waterhouse, (Australian Museum) for assistance with the conrmation of identication of the<br />
freshwater snails in the Gosford LGA; Amanda (Australian Museum) for assistance with Gudgeon<br />
identication; Brian Patterson, Palm Grove Ourimbah Creek Landcare Inc., https://sites.google.<br />
com/site/palmgroveourimbahcreeklandcare for help with weed/plant identication.<br />
All collections were authorized by the NSW Department of Industry and Investment under<br />
Scientic Collection Permit P05/0077-4.1. Special thanks to Bill Talbot (Director, Fisheries and<br />
Aquaculture) for organizing our permit.<br />
All collections were authorized by the National Parks and Wildlife Service, under Scientic<br />
Licence S13112.<br />
10. References:<br />
Allen, G.R., Midgley, S.H., Allen, M., 2002. Field Guide to The Freshwater Fishes of Australia.<br />
CSIRO Publishing. ISBN 0-7307-5486-3.<br />
Australian Craysh Project, 2005 – 2010. Collection records c/- Australian <strong>Aquatic</strong> <strong>Biological</strong> Pty<br />
Ltd, Karuah NSW Australia.<br />
Coastal <strong>Lagoon</strong>s Management Plan, 1995. Gosford City Council, PO Box 21, GOSFORD NSW<br />
2250.<br />
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Coughran, J., McCormack, R.B., Daly, G. 2009. Translocation of the Yabby, Cherax destructor,<br />
into eastern drainages of New South Wales, Australia. Australian Zoologist. Vol 35 (1).<br />
McCormack, R.B., Horwitz, P. (in prep). Gramastacus n. sp. (Decapoda: Parastacidae): A new<br />
species of freshwater craysh from coastal New South Wales, Australia. (Peer-reviewed scientic<br />
journal article).<br />
McCormack, R.B., Horwitz, P., Coughran, J. (in prep). Conservation of Imperilled Craysh –<br />
Gramastacus sp. nov. (decapoda: parastacidae), a lowland coastal craysh from the central & mid<br />
north coast, New South Wales, Australia. (Peer-reviewed scientic journal article).<br />
McCormack, RB. 2008 “The Freshwater Craysh of NSW Australia” Australian <strong>Aquatic</strong> <strong>Biological</strong><br />
Pty Ltd., Karuah, NSW. ISBN 978-0-9805144-1-4<br />
Weeds of National Signicance, Weed Management Guide. CRC for Australian Weed Management<br />
and the Commonwealth Department of the Environment and Heritage. http://www.weeds.gov.au/<br />
publications/guidelines/wons/pubs/c-caroliniana.pdf<br />
Wilson, J. & Evans, P., 2002. Observation of Water Quality in <strong>Cockrone</strong> <strong>Lagoon</strong> on 13 March<br />
2002. Centre for Natural Resources, Dept Land and Water Conservation.<br />
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This <strong>Report</strong> Prepared<br />
for<br />
Gosford City Council<br />
By<br />
Robert B McCormack<br />
………………………………………………………………………………..<br />
…………………………………………….<br />
Research Director<br />
Australian <strong>Aquatic</strong> <strong>Biological</strong> Pty Ltd<br />
31st October 2010<br />
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Collecti<br />
onID#<br />
Family Genus Species Collector'sIDNote LOCALITY LATITUDE LONGITUDE ALTITUDE COLLECTIONDATE COLLECTOR(S) Vouchered OTHERNOTES<br />
3400 Eleotridae Gobiomorphus australis strippedgudgeon<br />
MerchantsCrk,offcnrLagunaAv&CopacabanaDr,Copacabana<br />
(<strong>Cockrone</strong>Lake)<br />
33.48662 151.42489 16 9Sep2010 RBMcCormack yes scoop<br />
3419 Poeciliidae Gambusia holbrooki mosquitofish Unnamedwatercourse,besideDelRioDrive,Copacabana(DirecttoSea) 33.48967 151.43271 6 23Sep2010 RBMcCormack yes scoop<br />
3420 Planorbidae<br />
Glyptophysa<br />
gibbosa snail Unnamedwatercourse,besideDelRioDrive,Copacabana(DirecttoSea) 33.48967 151.43271 6 23Sep2010 RBMcCormack yes scoop<br />
3421 Planorbidae<br />
Glyptophysa<br />
gibbosa snail <strong>Cockrone</strong>Creek,<strong>Cockrone</strong>Lake,MacMastersBeach(<strong>Cockrone</strong>Lake) 33.48790 151.40482 15 23Sep2010 RBMcCormack yes scoop<br />
3422 Poeciliidae Gambusia holbrooki mosquitofish nPaperbarkforestTrib<strong>Cockrone</strong>Crk,<strong>Cockrone</strong>Lake,MacMastersBeach(Co 33.48150 151.44220 15 23Sep2010 RBMcCormack yes scoop<br />
3423 Eleotridae Philypnodon grandiceps flatheadedgudgeon kroneCrk,<strong>Cockrone</strong>Lake,belowTheScenicDrive,MacMastersBeach(Cockr 33.49214 151.41020 15 23Sep2010 RBMcCormack yes scoop<br />
3424 Poeciliidae Gambusia holbrooki mosquitofish kroneCrk,<strong>Cockrone</strong>Lake,belowTheScenicDrive,MacMastersBeach(Cockr 33.49214 151.41020 15 23Sep2010 RBMcCormack yes scoop<br />
3425 Eleotridae Philypnodon grandiceps flatheadedgudgeon kroneCrk,<strong>Cockrone</strong>Lake,belowTheScenicDrive,MacMastersBeach(Cockr 33.49190 151.41040 14 23Sep2010 RBMcCormack yes scoop<br />
APPENDIXASPECIMENCOLLECTIONRECORD<br />
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