Water returns with a burst of life — Deakin students experience the resilience of wetlands first-hand at Gooseneck and Walker Swamps

Environmental Science students from Deakin University, Warrnambool, recently visited NGT’s Walker Swamp Restoration Reserve. The visit was part of their ‘Catchments to Coast’ unit, exploring the biological and physical characteristics that shape interconnected freshwater, estuarine and marine systems

Arriving at Walker Swamp, the students delved into the history of the land, learning about past hydrological changes and the successful restoration work allowing water to be returned to the landscape. Two years prior, I was one of these students first learning about NGT and the wonders of ephemeral wetlands. So, on a personal note, it was quite a surreal moment to be wearing the NGT logo, whilst sharing my knowledge and passion for these wetland systems with past lecturers and peers.

Equipped with waders and dip nets, the group was eager to begin their rapid health assessment of the wetland condition. However, with the recent drought still impacting the site, Walker Swamp remains unusually dry (see this article for more info), so the group made their way down to the nearby Gooseneck Swamp, which had recently started to fill again as a result of a modest flow finally arriving from the Wannon River.

At Gooseneck Swamp, the group were met with a chorus of frog calls and a diverse chatter of birds. They took a moment to tune into their surroundings and notice the abundance of life directly linked with the presence of water. Having viewed Walker Swamp awaiting its next re-wetting period, Gooseneck Swamp highlighted the ecological resilience of these systems – especially considering it was completely dry only a few weeks prior!

Students waded out to collect water samples and see what aquatic communities they could find. Aquatic macroinvertebrates (or ‘waterbugs’) were the primary focus of their assessment and consist of a diverse group of insects, worms, molluscs and crustaceans. The richness and abundance of these species can indicate the health of a waterway, as each varies in tolerance to environmental parameters. The water samples were teeming with waterbug activity – from shield shrimp to vibrant red water mites, all swimming amongst clusters of gelatinous frog eggs waiting to hatch.

Adding to the excitement was the catch of a female Western Swamp Crayfish – listed as an Endangered species in Victoria and endemic to the region. Students were fascinated to learn that this species, along with a number of native freshwater fish (such as the Little Galaxias), survives dry periods by entering a state of aestivation (dormancy) until water returns to the system. Students were also thrilled with the catch of a male Southern Pygmy Perch, which demonstrated the striking red and black fin colouration in preparation for the breeding season ahead.

The hands-on experience at Gooseneck and Walker Swamp provided a valuable insight into the function and resilience of wetland systems, as well as the array of biodiversity they support. Beyond the data collected, the day was an opportunity to further connections with passionate researchers and emerging environmental scientists, showcasing the important relationship developed between NGT and the community at Deakin University.