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Postgraduate and Honours research in Albany 2013 and beyond UWA Centre of Excellence in Natural Resource Management Contact Randall Jasper: 9842 0848; [email protected] Research projects 2013 Supervisor Topic Description Barbara Cook Stock watering (troughs/ dams) refuges Barbara Cook Riverpools as “islands” Barbara Cook Calibrating EPT index for detecting disturbance gradients Barbara Cook Using Chironomidae species as biological indicators of environmental degradation in southwestern Australia Many waterways and wetlands in the Wheatbelt of Western Australia have become salinised, mainly as a consequence of past landclearing. The salinisation of these systems would have led to major shifts in aquatic invertebrate community composition, including the loss of many freshwater species which are unable to tolerate high salinities. These freshwater troughs and dams are ‘islands’ of suitable habitat surrounded by inhospitable environments, and are likely to be the only refuges remaining for these obligate freshwater species. This project will investigate the distribution of aquatic invertebrates in stock watering troughs and dams in the light of habitat size and degree of isolation. Pools in temporally-flowing rivers on the south coast act as impact refugia for aquatic biota. Fauna in these pools typically over-summers in these habitats to reinvade other river reaches when flows recommence. Consequently pools are the most important habitat in non-permanent rivers. The spatial distribution of pools is not well documented and pool characteristics (e.g. size, water volume, water temperature, dissolved oxygen) which underpin their values as refugia need to be determined. Biomonitoring has become a standard tool for assessing the ‘health’ of rivers worldwide. Macroinvertebrates are of particular interest, and the use of mayflies (Order Ephemeroptera), stoneflies (Plecoptera) and caddisflies (Trichoptera) to create the ‘EPT’ index is well documented. Systematic sampling of an array of waterways across the South Coast Region has revealed that these animals are found in the systems of the South Coast, but often at much lower numbers than in the rivers of eastern Australia. The aim of this project is to evaluate the responses of the EPT index to environmental degradation in order to assess whether this index can be used as an indicator of waterway degradation in southwestern Australia. Biomonitoring has become a standard tool for assessing the ‘health’ of rivers worldwide. Macroinvertebrates are of particular interest, and the use of groups such as mayflies, stoneflies and caddisflies is well documented. Systematic sampling of an array of waterways across the South Coast Region has shown chironomids to be one of the most abundant macroinvertebrate groups in the region. The aim of this project is to evaluate the responses of Chironomidae species to environmental degradation in order to assess their potential capacity as indicators of waterway degradation in southwestern Australia. Supervisor Topic Description Barbara Cook Sensitivity of macroinvertebrates to acidity Barbara Cook Distribution of Gondwanan relicts endemic to the Stirling Ranges Extensive networks of deep drains are being built in Western Australia to reduce the effects of dryland salinity on agricultural lands. Most of these drains discharge into natural river and wetland systems, with little consideration given to the environmental impacts. Although invertebrate species richness will continue to decline, and community composition will be simplified, as streams become increasingly hypersaline, the most significant impact from discharge waters from deep drains is likely to be from the low pH of these waters. As yet, limited research has been undertaken in Australia on the sensitivity of invertebrates to pH. In contrast, recent research has provided data on ‘threshold levels’ for salinity. Knowledge of such threshold levels can be used to set acceptable targets for the disposal and potential treatment of highly acidic waters resulting from deep drainage. This project will investigate pH tolerances of aquatic biota in order to identify threshold levels associated with significant changes in species richness and community composition in Wheatbelt streams. In addition to harbouring an amazing diverse flora, south western Australia is also known for its high level of faunal endemicity. Of particular interest is the Gondwanan relictual fauna which is often very restricted in distribution. Examples include the phreatoicidean isopod Platypyga subpetrae, and the crangonyctoidean amphipod Toulrabia willsi, both restricted to the Stirling Ranges in Western Australia. Concerned about future threats to these species, the Department of Environment & Conservation (DEC) intends to nominate these species for listing as rare and endangered. This project aims to distinguish patterns in the distribution of these species, and to identify the environmental factors that most determine the distribution patterns of these species, as well as explore aspects of their population biology and distribution patterns. Craig Russell, Centre for Ecohydrology, Albany Application of liquid lime with fertilizers to reduce soil acidity Application of liquid lime with fertilizers to reduce soil acidity: reduced application rates; improved production and efficiency. Paul Close Parasites in marine fish Parasite infestation of fish in marine embayments Paul Close Marine fish nurseries Paul Close Marine fish assemblages Paul Close Importance of upstream permanent refugia for recolonisation of ephemeral wetlands in a tropical endorheic system. Paul Close The potential use of Passive Acoustic Recording as an innovative approach to identify Mulloway, Argyrosomus japonicas in the Kalgan River Paul Close Early life history of night fish, Bostockia porosa: recruitment dynamics and habitat requirements Paul Close Advection of larval fish during aseasonal breaching of estuarine sandbars The role of Albany’s harbours as nursery areas for marine fish Comparison of fish assemblages around newly constructed breakwaters and natural rocky habitats in marine embayments This project would consider fish assemblage structure in permanent riverine pools and the terminal wetlands in the Parauku Catchment. Paraku is an inter anually draining catchment in the Tanami desert which is an important site for local aboriginal communities. The project would work closely with local Indigenous ranger groups and involve fieldwork in remote locations in northern Western Australia. Potential supervisors Prof. Paul Close and Rebecca Dobbs. Animal vocalisation has been demonstrated as an alternative method to track, or located, a variety of animals including frogs, turtles and also fish. Mulloway is a soniferous fish species and a recent study demonstrated successful identification of the species and potentially individual identity using Passive Acoustic Recording (PAR) of vocalisation. The aim of the project is to assess whether individual fish can be identified based on unique vocalisations. This project will involve fieldwork to collect PARs of Mulloway vocalisations from the Kalgan River (Albany) as well as analysis of these recordings using call analysis software. Potential supervisors Prof. Paul Close and Melanie Stock. Night fish is relatively widespread and common small bodied freshwater fish species of southwestern Australia. Only limited information is available on the biology of this species and knowledge of early life history stages is particularly scarce. This project will examine environmental influence on larval survival and recruitment dynamics. The south coast of western Australia is dominated by relatively small estuaries that are isolated from the ocean for variable periods of time (months to years). The sandbar of many of these Intermittently open estuaries is actively managed to control water levels and prevent flooding of surrounding low lying agricultural land and associated infrastructure. The nature of marine connection with the estuary and its influence on salinity concentrations strongly influences the structure of fish assemblages. While the importance of the seasonal timing and duration of marine connection on recruitment of estuary dependant marine species is well known, the influence of these events on early life history stages of estuarine fish species is less well understood. This project will investigate whether larval fish are advocated from estuarine habitats during both natural and artificial breaching of sandbars in several south coast estuaries. Paul Close Can Passive Acoustic Recordings be used to identify critical habitats of Mulloway, Argyrosomus j aponicus in the Kalgan River? Paul Close Development of a decision support tool for managing the ecological, social and economic effects of sand bar management in intermittently open-closed estuaries Paul Close Movement dynamics of freshwater cobbler, Tandanus bostocki The identification of critical habitats of iconic species like the mulloway is essential for the management of (their) aquatic habitats. Passive Acoustic Recording of animal vocalisations is a non-invasive technique that may be used to accurately locate individual fish. Mulloway belong to the sciaenid family and are known to use acoustic communication prior to spawning. The species, and possibly individuals, have been successfully identified during reproductive periods in Mosman Bay, Swan River by recording of vocalisation.This project will explore the use of PAR to identify critical habitats of Mulloway in the Kalgan River (Albany). Many Intermittently temperate Australian estuaries, particularly those located on Australia’s south coast, have intermittent connection with the ocean. Strongly seasonal river flows, high energy coastlines and small tidal amplitude result in the establishment of sandbars across estuary mouths. Many of these sandbars are actively managed, primarily to maintain suitable water levels in the estuary and avoid flooding of surrounding agricultural and urban areas. Management of the sandbar has important ecological implications and represents a contentious issue for local communities through its combined impacts on local social and economic values. This project would investigate the application of Bayesian Belief Networks (BBN’s) as decision support tools for management of the Wilson Inlet sandbar. The project would rely on substantial existing data on water quality, fish assemblages, water levels, seagrass and historical artificial breaching to construct a quantitative BBN to predict the effects of sand bar management options on local estuarine values. Freshwater cobbler are the largest freshwater fish in South-western Australia. Evidence suggest that this species moves within river systems, however the reasons behind these movements is poorly understood, as is their spatial extent. This project will investigate the spatio-temporal dynamics of movement in the Blackwood River (south-western Australia) using acoustic telemetry techniques. The project will involve field sampling to collect adult and juvenile fish for the tracking study, surgical implantation of acoustic transmitters, and the deployment/download of acoustic receivers. Paul Close Impact of river regulation on river-floodplain connectivity and associated ecological values in a large tropical river Paul Close The effectiveness of a fisheries exclusion zone for management of Estuary Cobbler, Cnidoglanis macrocephalus in Wilson Inlet, Western Australia Peter Davies Island biogeography (South Coast islands) Peter Davies Off-reserve biodiversity (aquatic/ terrestrial) Lake Argyle and the Kununurra Diversion Dam have substantially altered natural river flows in the lower reaches of the Kimberley’s Ord River and consequently hydrological connectivity between the river and Parry’s Lagoons. Connectivity between the river and floodplain is a critical aspect of the ecology of tropical river systems. This project would use hydrological modelling techniques to investigate dynamics of connectivity before and after river regulation based on modelled natural flows and current stream flow data. Based on results of the modelling, potential ecological impacts of river regulation will be identified based on known ecology of key species and communities. Wilson Inlet is the last remaining commercial fishery for Estuary Cobbler in WA, since those in the SwanCanning, Peel-Harvey and Leschenault Estuaries have rapidly declined. A range of fishery management measures and environmental factors may have contributed to this ongoing sustainability, including a Fishery Exclusion Zone (FEZ) implemented to protect other commercial species. This project will: determine use of habitats within the FEZ by adult and juvenile life stages; establish the effectiveness of the FEZ in contributing to the sustainable management of the fishery; identify other important habitats for adult and juvenile stages outside of the FEZ; and determine environmental influence on habitat use, including those associated with the FEZ. The south coast near Albany has many islands, ranging in size from small islands supporting only seabirds and small reptiles (Green Island) to large islands supporting two mammal species (Bald Island). These islands also range in distance to the mainland. The project will examine the biodiversity of several of the south coast islands in relation to island size and distance from coast and, as such, test current theories on island biogeography. National Parks and Nature Reserves in Western Australia are designed to protect biodiversity and ecosystems by being comprehensive, adequate and representative. However, there is considerable biodiversity outside of this reserve system. This project will assess freshwater biodiversity in a range of offreserve waterbodies including farm dams and wetlands in agricultural landscapes. Measurements of other parameters including water quality, catchment condition, land use and isolation would be used to enable predictions about what processes underpins off-reserve biodiversity. This relationship could be used to guide future conservation activities and for ecosystems linkages, where to focus land purchases etc. Steve Hopper Steve Hopper Steve Hopper Understanding rarity, endemism and local dispersal in Conostylis or the kangaroo paws (Anigozanthos: Haemodoraceae) on OCBILS (old, climatically buffered, infertile landscapes - Hopper 2009 Plant & Soil 322: 49–86) Biological specialization and restoration of herbfields on old, climatically-buffered, infertile landscapes of granite outcrops. The James Effect tested in eucalypts on OCBILs (old, climatically buffered, infertile landscapes Hopper 2009 Plant & Soil 322: 49–86). Steve Hopper Conservation, ethnobotany and land management on OCBILs. Steve Hopper Accentuated persistence of old herbaceous lineages in the Southwest Australian Floristic Region. Steve Hopper The Semiarid Cradle hypothesis tested with Haemodoraceae and eucalypts. The occurrence of narrow range endemic rare plants and animals is a feature of the Southwest Australian Floristic Region, which has more threatened species than most places on Earth. This project aims to devise and implement research that will test hypotheses explaining this globally significant phenomenon. Can weed invasion be reversed on granite outcrops herbfields? What are the biophysical thresholds that need to be overcome. This project will address such fundamental questions and conduct experiments that advance knowledge of how best to care for such important island-like habitats. High numbers of localised rare endemics and strongly differentiated population systems characterise the Southwest Australian Floristic Region. To counter such natural fragmentation and inbreeding due to small population size, ecological, cytogenetic and genetic mechanisms selecting for the retention of heterozygosity should feature (the James Effect). This project will test for evidence of the James Effect in eucalypts, focussing on the bird-pollinated granite outcrop endemic Eucalyptus caesia and other species confined to this habitat. What are the merits for conservation of understanding Noongar perspectives on plant life in the Southwest Australian Floristic Region? This project will promote cross-cultural awareness and involve working under the direction of elders and academics. It will involve devising a tractable hypothesis to test and subsequent investigations to furnish pertinent evidence. Molecular phylogenetics demonstrates that there are several groups of southwest Australian plants that have evolved in the region over tens of millions of years, e.g. Dasypogonales, Cephalotaceae, Emblingiaceae, Eremosynanceae, Ecdeiocoleaceae, Anarthriaceae, Haemodoraceae subfamily Conostylidoideae. This project will search for attributes of such old plant lineages that might explain their accentuated persistence, and enlighten efforts to ensure conservation. Why are there more species of kangaroo paws (Anigozanthos), Conostylis, Eucalyptus and other plant genera in semiarid habitats of the Southwest Australian Floristic Region than in the adjacent forests of arid zone? This project will involve identifying a model group to study and devising a project that enables the testing of the Semiarid Cradle Hypothesis. Peter Speldewinde Evaluating effectiveness of weed control (feral animal control) Peter Speldewinde Animal behaviour around traps Peter Speldewinde Mammal use of StirlingPorongorup wildlife corridors Peter Speldewinde Trapdoor spiders: distribution and biology Peter Speldewinde Impacts of restoration of saline land on insect diversity Peter Speldewinde, Paul Close Climate change impact on native fish (temperature sensitivity) Considerable funds have been expended controlling weeds and/or feral animals. Without appropriate evaluation it has remained difficult to determine the success (or otherwise) of these programs. Cage, Elliot and pit traps are common methods of trapping mammals world wide, but it is well known that some species are easier to trap than others. So does the standard four nights of trapping really tell you what mammal species are present? This study will use night vision cameras to survey mammals on the south coast; the same area will then be resurveyed using conventional techniques to determine if camera surveys detect more mammal species than conventional techniques. The project could alternatively examine the behaviour of mammals approaching traps, using cameras to determine the ratio of animals captured to the number of animals approaching the traps. Wildlife corridors are being used as a means of species conservation. Currently, a corridor is being constructed between the Stirling and Porongurup Ranges; the question is does wildlife actually use the corridor? This study will use remote cameras and trapping to monitor fauna movements to determine if the presence of a wildlife corridor actually facilitates animal movement between the two ranges. The endangered Stirling Range Trapdoor Spider, Moggridgea sp., is restricted to certain areas of the Stirling Range. This study will determine significant habitat conditions for predicting the abundance and distribution of the endangered Stirling Range Trapdoor Spider: Moggridgea sp., at both the local and regional scale. Predictions for the future distribution of the species under different climate change scenarios can then be made. One of the aims of restoration is to increase or protect biodiversity. This study examines the diversity of insects collected at a number of sites, unrestored, undergoing restoration and remnant vegetation. South-western Australia fish assemblages are characterized by a high level of endemism and are therefore of significant conservation value. Increases in water temperature and salinity resulting from climate change and catchment disturbance represent a significant risk to these fish assemblages. Many of the regions endemic fish species have already exhibited substantial reductions in historical range that have been attributed to these effects. Management of climate change effects on the regions aquatic biota is constrained by limited knowledge on the tolerance of native freshwater fish to salinity and temperature rises associated with climate change. This project will determine salinity related preferences and tolerance thresholds for water temperature of key freshwater fish species. The project will involve field collection of experimental fish and aquaria based experiments to determine salinity related temperature thresholds.