Conservation of Freshwater Ecosystem Values Inventory of ...dpipwe.tas.gov.au/Documents/CFEV Data inventory report_Nov 02.pdfConservation of Freshwater Ecosystem Values Inventory of

Conservation of Freshwater Ecosystem Values

Inventory of available data:

Summary and Metadata information

‘A strategic framework for statewide management and conservation of Tasmania’s freshwater

ecosystem values’

Report to the Conservation of Freshwater Ecosystems Values Project

Water Development Branch

Water Resources Division

Department of Primary Industries, Water and Environment

November 2002

© Department of Primary Industries, Water and Environment

Author:

Helen Dunn, Landmark Consulting

Published by:

Water Resources Division

Department of Primary Industries, Water and Environment

GPO Box 44

Hobart Tas 7001

Telephone: (03) 6233 6328

Facsimile: (03) 6233 8749

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.dpiwe.tas.gov.au

Citation: Dunn, H. (2002). Conservation of Freshwater Ecosystem Values. Inventory of

available data: Summary and Metadata information. Report to the Conservation

of Freshwater Ecosystems Values Project, Department of Primary Industries,

Water and Environment, Hobart, Tasmania.

Cover photograph: Collecting data (river flow gauging) on the Ringarooma River. Photo taken

by Danielle Hardie

Copyright

All material published in the report by the Department of Primary Industries, Water and

Environment, as an agent of the Crown, is protected by the provisions of the Copyright Act 1968

(Cth). Other than in accordance with the provisions of the Act, or as otherwise expressly

provided, a person must not reproduce, store in a retrieval system, or transmit any such material

without first obtaining the written permission of the Department of Primary Industries, Water and

Environment.

Disclaimer

Whilst the Department of Primary Industries, Water and Environment makes every attempt to

ensure the accuracy and reliability of information published in this report, it should not be relied

upon as a substitute for formal advice from the originating bodies or Departments. DPIWE, its

employees and other agents of the Crown will not be responsible for any loss, however arising,

from the use of, or reliance on this information.

Conservation of Freshwater Ecosystem Values. Inventory of available data

1

1. Generic information available through the PWS GIS section, RPDC and Land Information

System of Tasmania (LIST).

The PWS section (Dave Peters) indicates that they have all necessary ‘base’ layers, including

topographic features, land tenure, IBRA regionalisations, vegetation mapping.

The Resource Planning and Development Commission (State of Environment section) is

custodian of satellite imagery of land use classifications and other images.

LIST layers: Tasmania’s Land systems data is available on the website: www.thelist.tas.gov.au The

following data layers have been identified.

watercourses

water bodies

area of broken, fast-flowing water

flat land where periodic flooding is causing salinity

estuary

dams, classified by dam type

artificial watercourses

geomorphic conservation features

wetlands

river catchments

estuary catchments

seagrass beds

2. SPECIALIST DATABASES

A number of agencies and individuals have information which may be of value for the project.

Details of the ownership, scope, currency, reliability, format and any conditions of access and use

are noted on separate data sheet records. In addition, comments have been noted which may

facilitate evaluation and application of these data.

The summary tables which follow indicate, for each of three major ecosystem types and aspects

of waterway management, the range of environmental and biological data available. A code

system has been used to summarize geographic scope, type of data and a crude estimate of

reliability.

Scope: Statewide (S), Regional (R) Patchy (P)

Currency: Current (C), Uncertain/Variable (U), Timeseries (T)

Reliability: Verified (V), Unverified (N)

TABLE 1: RIVERS

Agency Title Description Scope Currency Reliability

DPIWE/GIS Wild Rivers Index GIS-based assessment of flow and catchment disturbance combined

to give index of river disturbance. Maps and site data available

S 1996? V/U

DPIWE/NCB Geomorphic River

Regionalization.

Uses GIS layers and PCA analysis to map

regionalisations/characterisation

S C V

DPIWE/NCB Geomorphic River

Characterization

Based on field assessment of catchments for Rivercare plans and

other sites of interest. May be used to validate GIS maps

P C V/N

DPIWE/PWS GT Spot Consolidated data base of distribution of flora and fauna, R&T

species noted. Includes FW and karst fauna

S C V

DPIWE:

Hydrology

Hydrological

classification

Using extant flow data and cluster analysis to identify and map 3

hydrological groups for the State.

S U N

DPIWE Water

assessment

AUSRIVAS Family level macroinvertebrate data for some 600 river sites. Possibly

does not include ephemeral rivers

S C V

UTAS/ED Riparian

vegetation

communities

Classification and distribution of native riparian vegetation mapped

for some 460 sites by 10 km grid

S/P C V

UTAS/ED Riparian

vegetation

species,

Floristics, structure, site variables 460 sites for 10km grid sqs across

Tasmania, also further 60 sites where no data, including 45 where rip

veg absent

S/P C V

IFS Astacopsis gouldii Occurrence of Astacopsis gouldii EPBC listed species R/P C V

IFS Fish database Distribution data for all freshwater fish species, native and introduced S/P C V

IFS Trout-free waters Trout-free waters, limited to prospective sites for threatened species P U N

Herbarium Tasmanian

Herbarium

Flora records by species – riverine species can be extracted. Not

including bryophytes

S C V

DPIWE/NCB Wetlands Audit New nomination proposals from the Dec 2001 LWA Audit exercise.

Sites which meet DIWA criteria in all classes of wetlands, including

rivers

S/P C V/N

UTAS Parastacoides Occurrence and distribution of entire genus S C V

QVMAG QVMAG

collections

Records of material in QVMAG collections. Varies in scope, coverage,

currency and reliability

S/P C/U V/U

TABLE 2: LAKES AND LENTIC WETLANDS


LIST LIST Wetlands GIS layer depicts vegetated area that is flooded or saturated by water

using topographic analysis and vegetation mapping. Not classified by

lentic wetland type or ground-truthed. Identifies permanent and

intermittent swamps. Estimated 9000 places

S C N

DPIWE/NCB Wetlands of

Tasmania

Lists some 800 sites derived from Kirkpatrick & Harwood with later

editions. Mostly based on flora, important sites noted.

S/P U N

DPIWE/PWS GT Spot Data base of distribution of flora and fauna, R&T species noted

Should consolidate records from other sources

S C V

DPIWE/NCB DIWA Inventory All Ramsar and DIWA listed wetlands, some 90 sites. Current listings

but not systematic or comprehensive

P U V

DPIWE/NCB Wetlands Audit New nomination proposals from the Dec 2001 LWA Audit exercise.

Sites which meet DIWA criteria in all classes of wetlands

S/P C V/N

Herbarium Tasmanian

Herbarium

Flora records by species. Could extract wetlands taxa S C V

UTAS/AMMR Parastacoides Occurrence and distribution of entire genus S C V

UTAS/JBK Saltmarsh

communities

Statewide mapping Kirkpatrick and Glasby. S U V


Deakin

Uni/PTyler

Diatoms Diatoms and other lower plants. Not in database P C V

QVMAG QVMAG

collections

Records of material in QVMAG collections. Varies in scope, coverage,


S/P C/U V/U

UTAS/AMMR Saltmarsh fauna Molluscs and Crustacea of Tasmanian saltmarshes, statewide survey S U N

WWF/GT Spot Frogs Data from community-based frogwatch projects S C V

TABLE 3: ESTUARIES


HYDRO/LIST Estuary catchment

boundaries

Mapping of catchment boundaries using GIS data S C V

TAFI Estuary

classification

Characterization and evaluation of all Tasmanian estuaries using

environmental parameters and assessment of conservation value

S C V/U

TAFI Estuary biota Biological data (invertebrate) from 48 estuaries collated for

assessment project

S/P C V

LIST Seagrass Mapping of seagrass distribution by analysis of air photos and some

ground truthing

S U N

QVMAG Fauna databases Records of material in QVMAG collections. Varies in scope, coverage,


S/P C/U V/U

Herbarium Tasmanian

Herbarium

Flora records by species. Could extract saltmarsh taxa S C V

UTAS/AMMR Saltmarsh fauna Molluscs and Crustacea of Tasmanian saltmarshes, statewide survey S C N

TABLE 4: MANAGEMENT DATA


DPIWE

Hydrology

Water quality and

hydrology

monitoring

Timeseries data on water quality and hydrology from numerous non-

Hydro sites Integrated with Hydro data

S/P T V

Hydro Hydro flow data Timeseries flow data for Hydro catchments P T V

Hydro Dams database Catchment boundaries for all Hydro storages S C V/U

Hydro Waterway health Waterway Health data for Hydro waterways: 60% for lake systems.

Includes CH, algae, nutrients

P C V

DPIWE Water

Management

Branch

Water Information

Management

System

Maps all water licences and registered dams. Numerous non-

registered and illegal dams not mapped.

S C V

DPIWE: Water

assessment

Index of Stream

condition

Data from approx. 12 catchments using Victorian Index of Stream

Condition for protocol

P C V

DPIWE: water

assessment

Environmental

Flows

Environmental Flows estimates for approx. 35 river systems using

PEV’s and habitat requirements

P C V

IFS Lake

Sorell/Crescent

Rehabilitation Project provides data on water quality, levels, aq veg,

fish biology

S U N

DPIWE/LIST Marine farms Mapping of marine farms, leases and licences S C? V

TAFI Estuarine health Status and indicators of water quality from 22 estuaries typical of

Tasmania

S C? V

DPIWE Environmental

monitoring of

marine farms

Benthic sampling and video of seabed P u V


6

Evaluation of available data: a brief summary

1. Introduction

Evaluation of available data has been made with particular reference to the key elements of

the identification of freshwater ecosystem values, namely ‘features’ (aspects of the systems

such as geomorphology and biota), and ‘criteria’ (what makes this important). ‘Criteria’ have

been broadly defined as

Naturalness

Representativeness

Distinctiveness

Distinctiveness may include: rarity; diversity; specialized habitats; places important for life

history stages – nursery areas, migration stop-overs; importance for understanding of

evolutionary history. This element of the framework has yet to be confirmed.

The databases available have been very generally assessed according to:

Coverage – is there a statewide context?

How reliable and current is the information?

Is there a clear scientific basis for the evidence?

2. Rivers

There are several databases which may be used directly to assess some features and elements

of all three criteria The GIS layer River Disturbance Index gives some objective indication of

naturalness and its components may be selected for particular aspects of disturbance. A

regionalization/classification of rivers is emerging from GIS analysis of riverine environments

to which other classifications (riparian vegetation communities, macroinvertebrate

communities) may be integrated or added sequentially. High quality data at statewide level is

available for some of these data sets.

Other ecological values that may confer importance to a river on the grounds of

distinctiveness may be drawn from comprehensive data sets such as distribution of native fish

and endangered fauna, fauna of high biogeographic significance, and targeted searches of

databases such as Herbarium. For example, rivers with important in-stream macrophyte beds

might be located and set in a statewide context by a locality search of selected Herbarium

records.

Karst components of the river analysis are at a more general level. Karstic regions will be

identified through the river regionalization project but there is not a detailed database of

karst features (only in text format). Karst faunal values are available on GT-Spot.

Data are available to commence analysis of candidate rivers or river sections which meet the

criteria of being representative of river types, least disturbed within a given hydrological and

geographic context and/or distinctive in some special way. It is important to note that

information on instream flora and fauna is patchy and that much of the statewide data on

macroinvertebrate fauna is only available at family level which has limited value for

assessment on several criteria.

3. Lakes and lentic wetlands.

There are no consolidated databases dedicated to Tasmania’s natural lake systems. Almost all

larger lake systems are Hydro impoundments, including some natural system which have been

modified by Hydro actions (Lake St Clair, Great Lake) or agricultural practices (Lakes Sorell,


7

Crescent, Lake Dulverton). Many glacial lake systems are captured within the Central Plateau

Protection Area or other areas of the World Heritage Area, though some lie outside (Tyndall

Range) and there is no detailed analysis or mapping of geomorphic forms or values, nor of

biota. Some lakes are known to have important values and are already listed on the DIWA list

(Lake Lea, Lake Tiberias), but do not necessarily receive appropriate conservation measures.

Lakes or larger open standing water bodies will need to be assessed on a case-by-case basis,

using topographic data and other GIS layers for some state-wide contexts.

The group ‘wetlands’ includes a range of types of ecosystem feature. The level of classification

of lentic wetlands used in the Ramsar typology is probably appropriate for analysis of

Tasmania’s wetlands. Some wetland types have been subject to classification and conservation

assessment based on floristics. These data and assessment need to be placed within a

statewide analysis, and with additional information such as geomorphic and faunal values.

LIST layers showing ‘wetlands’ based upon topography and vegetation may provide a crude

statewide mapping of distribution of different wetland types if subjected to further analysis

using, for example, ‘geomorphological controls’ GIS layers, expert knowledge and associated

ground-truthing. Assessment of naturalness will require a similar analysis. This task needs to

be addressed for each of the agreed lentic wetland types.

Numerous lentic wetlands of conservation significance were identified by expert panels in the

December 2001 LWA Wetlands Audit process. Criteria for significance included

representativeness and aspects of distinctiveness while condition was assessed by descriptive

category on a five-point scale. In addition to single wetlands, suites of wetlands were

identified where these were hydrological linked and hence had added ecological value over

and above selection of individual wetlands. These data provide a good starting point for

identification of sites of particular importance.

There are data and written materials available which could be used to validate existing

assessments, map regional representation and identify candidate sites for conservation.

Coverage by wetland type should be noted.

4. Estuaries

A body of information on estuaries, their values and condition has been collated and

integrated by TAFI research staff and DPIWE marine branch. Assessment of

condition/naturalness was undertaken using GIS mapping of disturbance factors. This could

be further refined using flow data and Wild Rivers assessments. A classification of estuary

types using both geomorphic form and biota has been described and representative examples

nominated, together with other values which would fall within the scope of ‘distinctiveness’.

Further important data on potential values are available but some is not in database format,

notably data on fish.

Existing data and documentation provide a sound framework to progress identification of

estuaries which are in good condition, representative of estuary type and bioregion, and at

least some distinct values. Additional data may be incorporated as appropriate. Existing

conservation assessment should be screened to ensure compatibility with the final assessment

framework for the Freshwater Ecosystem Values project.

5. Management information

A number of sources of management data have been identified. These include time series

data on flows and water quality not amenable to integration with GIS layers. The hydrological

regionalization is too coarse for application to particular systems and considerable work is

required to develop models from the time series data. Other environmental data for rivers

(environmental flows, Index of Stream Condition assessments) are very patchy and of local


8

value only. The database on dams only records legal dams and off-takes: illegal dams are

believed to have considerable impacts on flows and water management of some systems but

again a major task would be involved in extrapolating such information from orthophoto

mapping.

Databases are available for other aspects of waterways relevant to the selection and

integrated management phases of the Freshwater Ecosystem Values project. These include:

mapping of high risk values such as seagrass beds, fish nursery sites or sensitive rare species

and other uses such as marine farm locations.

Consideration needs to be given to what data may contribute to more effective and

ecologically sustainable use of water resources to ensure that identified freshwater ecosystem

values can be protected.


9

INVENTORY DATA SHEETS


10

1 Name

River Disturbance Index

2 Location/authority

GIS section DPIWE

3 Contact person

Dave Peters

4 Description

GIS based analysis of river disturbance compiled for AHC Wild Rivers project, later used

in RFA. Uses numerous elements to develop 2 indices: River disturbance (flow) RDI and

catchment disturbance CDI which are equally weighted in the final River Wildness Index.

Mapped in classes. Indices of river disturbance for the study sites were drawn from the

Wild Rivers Project database (Stein et al n.d.). These data present a summary of river

naturalness as defined by the Wild River project parameters (Stein et al n.d.). An attempt

will be made to establish any correlation of faunal data with the Wild River indices to

explore the issues of potential surrogacy. Three measures were selected to depict the

status of the rivers and streams sampled: the Land Use Factor (LUF), Catchment

Disturbance Index (CDI) and River Disturbance Index (RDI). Flow Disturbance Regime

Index (FRDI) was not used since all sites sampled scored ‘0’, that is no rivers were subject

to any impoundment or abstraction. The Land Use Factor incorporates seven classes of

diffuse (area-based) impacts based on level of land clearance. The Catchment

Disturbance Index is computed from contributing sub-catchment disturbance indices so

that upstream effects of all forms of disturbance are captured. The River Disturbance

Index is a sum of the CDI and Flow Disturbance Regime Index FRDI to provide an overall

estimate of river disturbance. Results are reported in a range 0.0 to 1.0, with least

disturbed sites having lower scores (Stein et al n.d.).

5 File format

6 Coverage – spatial and temporal extent

Statewide

7 Date or currency

1996?

8 Data quality / reliability / lineage

Draws on data layers current at time.

9 Any conditions for access

10 Any other information

Stein J.L., Stein J.A. & Nix H.A. (n.d.) The identification of wild rivers: methodology and

database development. Environment Australia, Canberra.


11

1 Name

Geomorphic River Regionalization


NCB DPIWE

3 Contact person

Kathryn Jerie

4 Description

Displays in multi-dimensional space areas where river controls are similar. Data layers

were used to generate a matrix then analysed using Principal Components Analysis to

display in N-dimensional space. As of Nov 02 await agglomeration of ‘seed’ domains and

expect to identify about 12 different ‘regions’ and a number of sub-regions. Potential as

frame for ‘river types’. Yet to map on river features.

5 File format

ArcView


Statewide

7 Date or currency

2002


Used all existing data sets


No


List of data elements and controls provided.


12

1 Name

Geomorphic River Characterization


NCB

3 Contact person

Kath Jerie ext 6132 [email protected]

4 Description

Portrays field analysis of catchment geomorphology and may be compared with the

outputs of the statewide regionalization to mutually test or validate model.

5 File format

ArcView/Access


The coverage is patchy since it was based on using data where these had been prepared

for other purposes, primarily Rivercare Plans. These tend to be rivers which are developed

or under pressure. In addition, geomorphic types that might be considered interesting or

have special or distinctive features were surveyed. These include sites on King Island,

Upper Macquarie river and the Central Plateau

7 Date or currency

2000-2002


The work was undertaken by different specialist geomorphologists but generally using

the River Styles ™ approach. This ensures standard names for different river styles or

characters but some individual interpretation. The River Styles approach yields some 40

different river characters, some embedded in at hierarchical scale


No



13

1 Name

GT Spot


NCB/DPIWE

3 Contact person

Ruiping Gao/Dave Peters Ext 6054

Niall Doran NCB

4 Description

Location records for all Tasmanian Rare and Threatened species

5 File format


Statewide

7 Date or currency

Current and ongoing.


Fauna records have been recently (2002) reviewed, assessed and information checked.

Freshwater fauna should be up-to-date. Data depends on work of collectors and

specialists and may be limited in geographic and taxonomic range. Also opportunistic

collection.

Each record is tagged with collector name and accuracy and reliability can be verified.


Some elements are restricted – eg private collector may chose not to have open access.

Also restricted for some species or sensitive sites such as karst.



14

1 Name

Hydrological classification of Tasmania


DPIWE – Water resources

3 Contact person

Donald Hine [email protected]

4 Description

Hydro-regionalisation of Tasmanian rivers - yields 3 site groupings, generally a westerly

group and other two groups dispersed in north/east and south.

5 File format

Mapinfo Database


Statewide

7 Date or currency

Compiled 2001 but used prior data (Hughes) and not covering same time intervals or

periods


Built from data from 70 gauged catchments, model then tested with physical parameters


No


Map of sites classifications provided.

Report prepared by D Hine outlining procedure - not available for quoting


15

1 Name

AUSRIVAS


DPIWE - Water assessment and planning

3 Contact person

Martin Read

4 Description

Family level macroinvertebrate data for reference and monitoring sites, includes physical

habitat data, water quality data and stream order

5 File format

Access


State-wide except for WHA, approx 600 sites

7 Date or currency

1994 - 2002


Some sites have been sampled through out the program, most only 1 or 2 times.

Standard protocol


No


• Possible that ephemeral rivers have been overlooked because not amenable to

sampling at appropriate time.

• Material from some taxon groups have been sent on request to various taxonomists

in development of species level keys, as follows:

Baetidae and Caenidae – Dr Phil Suter

Trichoptera and Ephemeroptera – John Dean

Elmidae – Alena Glaister

Odontoceridae and Leptoceridae – Ros St Clair

Pyralidae – John Hawking.


16

1 Name

Riparian Vegetation Communities


University of Tasmania

3 Contact person

Elizabeth Daley, Geography and Environmental Studies

4 Description

Mapping of 21 riparian communities based on presence/absence floristic data from 460

sites,1 per 10k grid square .

5 File format

Excel


Most of state, limited sampling in southwest.

7 Date or currency

2000-2002


Original research data, standard protocol and analysis


No


PhD Thesis in preparation (Dec 02)


17

1 Name

Riparian Vegetation Species


University of Tasmania

3 Contact person

Elizabeth Daley, School of Geography and Environmental Studies

4 Description

Species lists, structural elements and bioclim data (~80 variables) for riparian vegetation.

Master data linked to sites, species by site distributions.

5 File format

Excel


Most of state except limited coverage in southwest. 460 sites, at 10 km grid square

intervals.

7 Date or currency

2000-2002


Research project with standard protocol


No


Proforma data sheet provided showing all variables collected at each site

Note that an additional 60 sites (ie 10 km grid squares) are noted elsewhere. Of these, 45

have no sites with native/intact riparian vegetation. A further 15 sites possibly have rip

veg sites in the headwaters but were inaccessible.


18

1 Name

Astocopsis gouldii data


IFS

3 Contact person

Stuart Chilcott

4 Description

Site locations for Astacopsis gouldii (EPBC listed species) including size ranges.

5 File format

Excel spreadsheet


Most in north-west set up as monitoring sites, some north-east. Not necessarily all

potential habitat records. Also includes some habitat variables

7 Date or currency

Current and ongoing


Current monitoring program


NHT-funded project, DPIWE owns the data but may be restrictions on some elements of

information.



19

1 Name

Fish distribution


IFS

3 Contact person

Jean Jackson

4 Description

Spot records for freshwater fish species, native and exotic. All agencies (Hydro, DPIWE,

Consultants etc) contribute data

5 File format

Excel spreadsheet


Statewide records but not systematic sampling

7 Date or currency

Post 1970 onwards, continual update


Only based on existing records, no quality control or verification in place


No


Explanatory data may also be included. Has the most up-to-date information on R&T

species.


20

1 Name

Trout free waters


IFS

3 Contact person

Jean Jackson

4 Description

Provides some information on known trout-free waters with particular reference to

habitat for threatened species.

5 File format

Word Tables


Patchy – only related to Threatened fish habitat

7 Date or currency

Approx 2000


Not much certainty since based on occasional electro-fishing and presence of sensitive

species.


None known



21

1 Name

Tasmanian Herbarium


Tasmanian Herbarium

3 Contact person

Alex Buchanan (6226 1729/Lyn Cave (62262635)

4 Description

Records of all specimens in the Tasmanian Herbarium collection. Some records include

information on habitat and associated species

5 File format

Filemaker Pro


Dates from earliest collections to present time. Not all archived material has yet been

entered: some, including bryophytes, could take a further several years to enter.

7 Date or currency

Varies, as above


Early records may have insufficient site data: in many cases locality records have been

converted to likely grid references or lat/longs. Recent records have good quality

information. The database has a code defining precision of data quality.


No


Search parameters are not useful for selecting freshwater ecosystem taxa. This would be

best achieved by identifying candidate species, for example obligate aquatics. This could

be undertaken.


22

1 Name

Parastacoides database


University of Tasmania: Zoology

3 Contact person

Alastair Richardson (ext 2593)

4 Description

All records of the crayfish genus Parastcoides

5 File format

Mapinfo/Excel


Statewide

7 Date or currency

Current


Primary data of principal researcher/res ass. Identifications have all recently been

checked by Brita Hansen. Taxonomy in press.


No (acknowledgement would be nice!)


Once the taxonomic work is published, 3 new species will be nominated for listing under

TSP Act. The database could be searched for localities for current and proposed listed

species. On advice of researchers, sites of particular significance for taxonomic

diversity/biogeographic importance could be identified.


23

1 Name

Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery (QVMAG) collection databases


QVMAG, Launceston/QVMAG

3 Contact person

Dr Brian Smith (63233775; [email protected])

4 Description

A large number of records of freshwater animals, each record corresponding to an

identified specimen or specimens in the QVMAG collection. Records include spatial,

temporal and other information. Organised taxonomically but searchable on a wide

range of data fields.

5 File format

TEXPRESS database (UNIX-based)

6 COVERAGE – SPATIAL AND TEMPORAL EXTENT

All of Tasmania, ca. 1930s to present

7 Date or currency

Continually updated

8 Data quality/reliability/lineage

Taxonomic: generally reliable to databased level (typically species, sometimes genus or

higher).

Spatial: reliable but variable in quality. Some verbal locations could be upgraded to more

precise numerical locations if required (e.g. “Coquet Creek bridge” to a grid reference +/-

100m).

9 ANY CONDITIONS FOR ACCESS

Records are only accessible as exported files prepared by QVMAG staff, for use as

specified in a data use agreement.

10 ANY OTHER INFORMATION

QVMAG is the principal Tasmanian repository for specimens of freshwater invertebrates.

The Museum also holds numerous specimens of frogs, fish and freshwater plants. A

substantial proportion of this freshwater collection, mainly Inland Fisheries and MRHI

material, is not yet databased, but is in “cleaned/sorted/unidentified” condition and is (in

part) organised geographically. If specimen information from particular areas is required,

if external funding is made available and if the request is not urgent, QVMAG can add

non-databased material from particular areas to the collection databases.


24

1 Name

Wetlands (LIST layer)


LIST

3 Contact person

Nick Bryce/Stuart Fletcher

4 Description

ILS 1: 25 000 data set. Lentic wetlands were mapped using topographic layers

(depressions) and TasVeg layers. Adjacent pixels combined to yield approx 9000 wetland

units.

5 File format

ArcInfo


Statewide

7 Date or currency

2001


Based on GIS analysis- not validated or ground-truthed. Requires some interpretation

with reference to wetland types


Via custodians - ILS


Algorithm developed and implemented by Richard Mount, now at UTAS, Geography and

Environmental Studies.

Full details available on LIST reference: ANZTA0005000045


25

1 Name

Wetlands of Tasmania


NCB (also used by RPDC)

3 Contact person

Stewart Blackall

4 Description

Listing of some 800 wetlands, largely lentic. Based on original data of Kirkpatrick and

Harwood (1981) but sites added from other sources. Largely driven by floristics and flora

values. K & H recommended some 42 sites for conservation. Many of these would now

be listed on the DIWA list.

5 File format

ArcView


All listed wetlands

7 Date or currency

2001


Some data dates from 20+ years ago. Not systematic or consistent assessment. Wetland

classes may not accord with geomorphic classification.


No – but see below


Map of Kirkpatrick and Harwood sample sites provided.

JBK (School of Geography and Environmental Studies University of Tasmania) has also a

copy of his wetlands data base in DECODA which he claims may be more amenable to

incorporating with other data. If this is to be used, there is likely to be a fee for access.

Kirkpatrick J B & Harwood C E (1981) Conservation of Tasmanian wetlands macrophytic

species and communities. Report to the Australian Heritage Commission form the

Tasmanian Conservation Trust.

Kirkpatick J B & Glasby J (1921) Saltmarches in Tasmania: distribution, community

composition and conservation. Department of Geography, University of Tasmania,

Occasional Paper 8.


26

1 Name

DIWA Inventory for Tasmania


NCB DPIWE

3 Contact person

Stewart Blackall

4 Description

Details of all Ramsar, DIWA and sub-regional sites including locations, class, values,

species lists

5 File format

Access


Statewide but not based on systematic assessment for all values or all wetland types

7 Date or currency

Updated 2001


Considered to be out-of–date, limited in scope and largely based on flora (macrophytes)

only.


No



27

1 Name

Wetlands Audit


NCB, DPIWE

3 Contact person

Louise Gilfeddder/Jonah Gouldthorpe

4 Description

Sites proposed for new listing under DIWA resulting from LWA Biodiversity Audit Dec

2001. List generated by expert panels according to Ramsar wetland classification and

DIWA criteria. Approx. 300 potential new wetland listings noted. Data includes site

names, locations, bioregion, class and summary value data

5 File format

Excel and Access


Statewide – priority given to non-reserved areas and poorly reserved wetland types.

7 Date or currency

2001


Largely based on expert knowledge


No


Dunn H (2002) Assessing the condition and status of Tasmanian’s wetlands and riparian

vegetation. Nature Conservation Branch Technical Report 02/09 DPIWE.


28

1 Name

Frogs


WWF/TCT/Gt Spot

3 Contact person

Karyl Michaels TCT

4 Description

Consolidated past and continuing frog records from WWF project. Community based

input after training to recognize frog calls. In progress, will be incorporated into GT Spot

5 File format

Excel


Current and ongoing records form local records. Statewide but opportunistic.

7 Date or currency

Current


Records by trained community personnel


None known.

10 Any other information (references, reports etc)


29

1 Name

Estuary catchment mapping LIST: ANZTA0018000002


Hydro

3 Contact person

Dave Graddon [email protected] 6230 5532

4 Description

Catchments mapped for 111 Tasmanian estuaries and lagoons

5 File format

ArcInfo


All state and islands

7 Date or currency

Compiled 1996 - 98

8 Data quality / reliability/lineage

See LIST specifications


Available


See also report on estuary classification


30

1 Name

Estuary classification


TAFI

3 Contact person

Neville Barrett/Graeme Edgar 6227 7210 Taroona Laboratories

4 Description

The classification builds on the estuary mapping, adding in elements of hydrology,

sediment behaviour and invertebrate fauna in a regional analysis. The conservation

assessment identifies the best examples of each class and other special values.

5 File format

Excel


Statewide, including islands

7 Date or currency

1998-9


Standard protocols building upon GIS_based analysis.


Discuss with Neville Barrett/Graeme Edgar


Edgar G.J., Barrett N.S. & Graddon D.J. (1999) Classification of Tasmanian estuaries and

assessment of the conservation significance using ecological and physical attributes,

population and land use. TAFI Technical Report Series No 2. (downloadable from TAFI

website :

http://www.utas.edu.au/docs/tafi/TAFI_Download.htm#TAFI%20Technical%20Reports)


31

1 Name

SEAMAP Tasmania


Tasmanian Aquaculture and Fisheries Institute

3 Contact person

Dr. Alan Jordan

4 Description

Habitat mapping of Tasmanian bioregions and inshore estuarine areas

5 File format

ArcView GIS database


Patchy – in progress 1:10 000 to 1:25 000 habitat maps of Bruny bioregion, Little

Swanport, Cloudy Lagoon, Georges Bay, Upper Pittwater, Kent Group of islands, Bathurst

Channel, Mercury Passage and Maria Island and much of Great Oyster Bay.

7 Date or currency

1999 to current


Excellent


Habitat maps available on TAFI website (SEAMAP Tasmania)


Barrett, Sanderson, Lawler, Halley & Jordan (2001). Mapping of inshore marine habitats in

south-eastern Tasmania for marine protected area planning and marine management.

TAFI


32

1 Name

Saltmarsh fauna


UTAS: Zoology

3 Contact person

Alastair Richardson

4 Description

Statewide study of saltmarshes, single samples. Details all saltmarsh fauna, classification

of flora and communities

5 File format

Excel


1-off survey in 1993, statewide but patchy, total of 52 saltmarshes

7 Date or currency

1993


Primary data for research study, taxonomy reliable.


No


Sites nominated for significance based on Register of the National Estate criteria.

Wong, V., Richardson A.M.M., Swain, R. (1993) The crustaceans and molluscs of

Tasmanian saltmarshes. Zoology Department, University of Tasmania


33

1 Name

Fish of Tasmanian estuaries


CSIRO Fisheries

3 Contact person

Peter Last CSIRO Fisheries 62323536/62325222

4 Description

Fish species and assemblages of Tasmanian estuaries. Records from a survey of

Tasmanian estuaries and some river systems undertaken as a PhD project, University of

Tasmania

5 File format

Not databased. Only available on tape/card


Most of state

7 Date or currency

1980’s


Standard survey and reliable taxonomic ID


Discuss with P Last


Could be translated into database format – approximately 1 month task.

Last P R (1983) Aspects of the ecology and zoogeography of fishes from soft-bottom

habitats of the Tasmanian shore zone. PhD Thesis, Zoology Department, University of

Tasmania


34

1 Name

Tasmanian catchment mapping


PWS/DPIWE

3 Contact person

Dave Peters

4 Description

Maps boundaries of catchments of all rivers and grouped into regions. Regions are based

on local government boundaries so the data layer is essentially devised for management

planning.

5 File format

MapInfo


State

7 Date or currency

2002





35

1 Name

Water quality and hydrology monitoring


DPIWE Hydrology

3 Contact person

Celia Mackie, data manager. Mic Yemm Hydrologist, Kate Berry water quality

4 Description

Water Assessment hydrological and water quality data. Relational database of continuous

recording of flows, river levels at large number of river recording stations. Water quality

data sourced by sampling includes Turbidity, DO, conductivity, pH but varies by site.

Integrated with Hydro data

5 File format

TimeStudio


Statewide but variable in coverage.

7 Date or currency

Continuous and historic


Quality codes describe data quality. Standard monitoring measurements. Not known to

have ASZLIC standards for this type of data (esp for time series data)

Some data conversions are empirical and change from site to site and vary over time. The

conversions are based on curves stored in Timestudio. River level is converted by

Timestudio to River Flow using rating curves stored in the database for that site


Data is copyright and can only be used for agreed purposes. Normal costs are$50 hour

+GST for extraction. However some groups where data sharing agreements have been

made. Some data is not owned by the section and cannot be provided (eg Hydro)

Do not want individual site data to be identified for security reasons.


Hydrologist Sunil Dayaratne (ext 8455) would like to see an analysis of time series data to

provide a detailed hydrological map of Tasmania – estimates 2 person/years.

Some data available on http://wired.dpiwe.tas.gov.au/hoo/Water Management

Can access Water Quality data using Splash back software. In order to access and process

Timestudio data may need this software


36

1 Name

Dams database


Hydro

3 Contact person

Dave Graddon –Environment section 62305532

4 Description

Boundaries of catchments of all Hydro storage dams

5 File format

ArcView Shape


Statewide for Hydro catchments

7 Date or currency

1997 (probably current at 2002)



No



37

1 Name

Waterway Health


Hydro

3 Contact person

Chris Bobbi 6230 5254

4 Description

Continuous monitoring program for Hydro assets – approx. 60% of data refers to lake

systems (hydro impoundments) rest is Hydro regulated rivers. Data includes chlorophyll,

algae, nutrient concentrations, trophic systems.

5 File format

Timestudio


All large Hydro lakes, River monitoring on regulated rivers

7 Date or currency

Continuous – includes historic andcurrent


Standard protocols.


May be control on information related to discharges from power stations


Note that now include some macroinvertebrate data


38

1 Name

Water Information Management System


DPIWE Water Management Branch

3 Contact person

Henry Maxwell 6233 2518

4 Description

Provides map locations for all water licenses and registered dams under Water Act. Thus

dams of less than 1MgL or not on a watercourse are not in the data base. Eastings and

northings are recorded for all sites and take-off points, together with quantity and timing

of off-takes.

5 File format

ORACLE v8 forms


Statewide

7 Date or currency

2002 – live


Data quality reliable for those dams which are recorded. However, there are many illegal

dams, no data available.


No charge within agency


Consideration is being given to getting the data onto the GIS systems, either on LIST or

separate layer in PWS system. The Branch will require some functionality, for example to

search to capture data from points upstream of intake points. There is a further issue is

what constitutes a ‘watercourse’ under the Act since if not, does not need a permit. If

intermittent stream, no permit is required


39

1 Name

Hydro Flow data


Hydro

3 Contact person

Chris Bobbi – Wayne Soutter (Data Manager)

4 Description

Monitoring of flow from numerous gauging stations. Also provides data summaries and

averages

5 File format

Time-Studio


In rivers/catchments for Hydro generation, mainly in west and central plateau

7 Date or currency

Ongoing


Standard gauging


May be fee for extraction of data



40

1 Name

Index of Stream Condition


DPIWE – Water Planning

3 Contact person

Martin Read [email protected]

4 Description

Assessment of 12 catchments undertaken thru NHT project using Vic ISC framework.

Selected ‘stressed rivers’ and linked to water planning activities.

5 File format

Excel


Limited to selected catchments. Will be reviewed every five years for the statutory review

of water management plan.

7 Date or currency

2000


Standard protocol.


None



41

1 Name

Environmental Flows


DPIWE Water Planning

3 Contact person

Martin Read [email protected]

4 Description

Habitat requirements for species based on samples from sites.

5 File format

Excel spreadsheet for each site, not centralized


Patchy – done for 35 river systems using 1-2 reaches each. Priority on more stressed

rivers. Mostly in north of state, few on south and east.

7 Date or currency

1999-2002


Standard protocol


No


For each catchment water quantity values-setting process with community applying

environmental flows.


42

1 Name

Lake Sorell/Crescent rehabilitation project


IFS

3 Contact person

John Diggle

4 Description

Data on Galaxias biology, aquatic vegetation, water quality water levels.

5 File format

Various


Limited to these sites

7 Date or currency

Current and ongoing project


Current project, consistent protocols


None known



43

1 Name

Environmental monitoring of marine farms


DPIWE, Marine farming branch

3 Contact person

Dr Gwen Fenton / Colin Shepherd

4 Description

Benthic sampling and video of seabed characteristics at marine farms. Parameters

measured include particle size, redox, organic content, stable isotopes, and macrobenthic

invertebrates. Bathymetry and current flow measurement included.

5 File format

Excel spreadsheets, MapInfo database.


Huon and D’Entrecasteaux, Tasman Peninsula, Tamar River and Macquarie Harbour. 6

monthly video surveys and bi-annual benthic sampling.

Pittwater, Port Sorell, Great Swanport, Mercury Passage and Georges Bay. Single

sampling event

7 Date or currency

1997 to current


Good


Information confidential (contact DPIWE)


Draft Environmental Monitoring Report on Marine Farms in Tasmania, Report of the

Marine Farming Branch, DPIWE.


44

1 Name

Estuarine health – status and indicators : water quality


Tasmanian Aquaculture and Fisheries Institute

3 Contact person

Dr. Christine Crawford

4 Description

Salinity, temperature, dissolved oxygen, PO4, NOx, SiO4, turbidity, chlorophyll a and

suspended solid data from 22 Tasmanian estuaries.

5 File format

Data currently on Excel file (contact Ray Murphy, DPIWE)


22 estuaries of different conservation significance and estuarine type, from all bioregions,

between Pieman River clockwise around State to Cockle Creek. 6 bi-monthly sampling

events between July 1999 and June 2000. 4 to 6 fixed sampling sites in each estuary.

Sampling depth stratified for salinity, temp. and DO. Surface water samples for other

parameters

7 Date or currency

July 1999 to June 2000


Good


Summarised data in TAFI final report (see reference below)

Summarised turbidity, chlorophyll and NOx on draft SoE website.

Contact Ray Murphy, DPIWE for raw data (generally made freely available)


Murphy, R, Crawford, C. & Barmuta, L (2002) Estuarine Health in Tasmania - status and

indicators: water quality. Tasmanian Aquaculture and Fisheries Institute Technical Report