Long Swamp Visit with ANGFA

Long Swamp Visit with ANGFA

On the afternoon of Saturday 3rd of November, Lachlan and I had the pleasure of meeting with members of the Melbourne branch of the Australia New Guinea Fishes Association (or ANGFA for short). The group were staying in Port MacDonnell and, as an area of traditional interest for the group, members were keen to again experience the coastal wetlands of this region during their stay.

After meeting and kicking off our conversation in Nelson, we drove down to Nobles Rocks and embarked on the approximately 12km round-trip coastal hike to White Sands, giving us a chance to talk about coastal wetland processes, system change, hydrological management and the results of the recent fish survey undertaken by Nick. Water levels at White Sands has receded a little (maybe a foot) since my last visit in July from what appeared to be peak levels based on the watermark left behind on the vegetation, but emergent aquatic vegetation growth in the wetland area upstream of the former artificial outlet was looking fantastic, with some beds of water-ribbons (Triglochin procerum) now apparent.

Thanks to the group for a most enjoyable afternoon, and we hope to see you again next time you are in the region.

Approaching the Nobles Rocks outlet, on our way to White Sands

Some of the group after successfully completing the afternoon hike

Mark Bachmann