Australia State of the Environment Report

State and trends of the terrestrial environment of Macquarie Island

Approach/Process

Method used to determine state: published literature and expert consultation

Method used to determine trend: published literature and expert consultation

Data/Information sources

In addition to the references cited in the 'State and trends' section, the following references also support this assessment:

Stark et al. 2013

Stark SC, Gardner D & Snape I (2013). Assessment of contamination by heavy metals and petroleum hydrocarbons at Atlas Cove station, Heard Island. Polar Record, 39, 397-414.

Gore et al. 2006

Gore BD, Heiden ES, Snape I, Nash G & Stevens GW (2006). Grain size of activated carbon, and untreated and modified granular clinoptilolite under freeze-thaw: Applications to permeable reactive barriers. Polar Record, 42(2):121-126. doi:10.1017/S0032247406005109

Snape et al. 2003

Snape I, Riddle MJ, Filler DM & Williams PJ (2003). Contaminants in freezing ground and associated ecosystems: key issues at the beginning of the new millennium. Polar Record, 39, 291-300.

Filler et al. 2006

Filler DM, Reynolds CM, Snape I, Daugulis AJ, Barnes DL & Williams PJ (2006). Advances in engineered remediation for use in the Arctic and Antarctic. Polar Record, 42:111-120.

Snape et al. 2001

Snape I, Riddle MJ, Stark JS, Cole C, King CK, Duquesne S & Gore D (2001). Management and remediation of contaminated sites at Casey Station, Antarctica, 199-214.

Statham et al. 2016

Statham TM, Stark SC, Snape I, Stevens GW & Mumford KA (2016). A permeable reactive barrier (PRB) media sequence for the remediation of heavy metal and hydrocarbon contaminated water: a field assessment at Casey Station, Antarctica. Chemosphere, 368-375.

Stark et al. 2014

Stark JS, Johnstone GJ & Riddle MJ (2014). A sediment mesocosm experiment to determine if the remediation of a shoreline waste disposal site in Antarctica caused further environmental impacts. Marine Pollution Bulletin, 89, 284-95.

Nydahl et al. 2014

Nydahl AC, King CK, Wasley J, Jolley DF & Robinson SH (2014). Toxicity of fuel-contaminated soil to Antarctic moss and terrestrial algae. Environmental Toxicology, 34, 2004-12.

Comments

Assessment remains the same as in 2011.

Topics

Australian Antarctic Program’s station environment: Contaminated sites and pollution

Fuel spill at main powerhouse (1999); contaminants reached the melt lake from which fresh water is obtained for the station

Year(s):

2011

3

Improving

Confidence (in grade):

Adequate

Confidence (in trend):

Adequate

Comparability (to previous reports):

Not assessed

Topics

Australian Antarctic Program’s station environment: Contaminated sites and pollution

Coastal and mid-land vegetation

Recovering after non-native herbivores removed

Year(s):

2016

3

Improving

Confidence (in grade):

Adequate

Confidence (in trend):

Adequate

Comparability (to previous reports):

Comparable

Coastal and mid-land vegetation

20162011

State and trends of Antarctic and subantarctic vertebrates

Approach/Process

Expert consultation was used to determine state and trends.

Data/Information sources

In addition to the references cited in the 'State and trends' section, the following references also support this assessment:

Hawes et al., 2013

Hawes, T. C., Greenslade, P., Huiskes, A. H. L., Convey, P. and Bergstom, D. M. 2013. The aerial invertebrate fauna of subantarctic Macquarie Island. Journal of Biogeography Trends in Antarctic Terrestrial and Limnetic Ecosystems Antarctica as a Global, 40 SRC - GoogleScholar, 1501-11.

Huiskes et al., 2006

Huiskes, A., Convey, P. and Bergstom, D. 2006. Trends in Antarctic Terrestrial and Limnetic Ecosystems, Antarctica as a Global Indicator.. In: Bergstrom DM, H. A. (ed.) The Antarctic: Local Signals, Global Messages. Heidelberg Berlin: Springer.

Whinam et al., 2014

Whinam J, Abdul-Rahman JA, Visoiu M, di Folco M-B F & Kirkpatrick JB (2014). Spatial and temporal variation in damage and dieback in a threatened subantarctic cushion species. Australian Journal of Botany 62(1) 10-21.

Comments

This assessment is much the same as in 2011. However, since the removal of non-native herbivores, parts of the vegetation are showing distinct signs of recovery. Stream invertebrates also appear to be benefiting from the vegetation rebound.

Topics

The living environment: Marine and terrestrial

Degraded through rabbit grazing

Year(s):

2011

1

Improving

Confidence (in grade):

Adequate

Confidence (in trend):

Adequate

Comparability (to previous reports):

Not assessed

Topics

The living environment: Marine and terrestrial

Baleen whales—humpback

The humpback is the most-studied baleen whale in the Southern Ocean. Seven breeding stocks are recognised. Highly migratory, their distribution reasonably well understood, but population size and trends insufficiently known

Year(s):

2016

4

Improving

Confidence (in grade):

Adequate

Confidence (in trend):

Adequate

Comparability (to previous reports):

Not comparable

Baleen whales—humpback

20162011

Approach/Process

Expert consultation was used to determine state and trends.

Data/Information sources

In addition to the references cited in the 'State and trends' section, the following references also support this assessment:

Constantine et al. 2012

Constantine R, Jackson JA, Steel D, Baker CS, Brooks L, Burns D, Clapham P, Hauser N, Mado B, Mattila D & Oremus M (2012). Abundance of humpback whales in Oceania using photo-identification and microsatellite genotyping. Marine Ecology Progress Series, 453 SRC - GoogleScholar, 249-261.

Constantine et al. 2014

Constantine R, Steel D, Allen J, Anderson M, Andrews O, Baker C, Beeman P, Burns D, Charrassin J, Childerhouse S & Double M (2014). Remote Antarctic feeding ground important for east Australian humpback whales.. Marine Biology, 161:1087-93.

Jackson et al. 2013

Jackson JA, Steel DJ, Beerli P, Congdon BC, Olavarría, Leslie MS, Pomilla C, Rosenbaum H & Baker CS (2013). Global diversity and oceanic divergence of humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae). Proceedings of the Royal Society B, 281, DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2013.3222

Paton 2016

Paton D (2016). Conservation management and population recovery of East Australian Humpback whales. PhD thesis, Southern Cross University, Lismore, NSW.

Comments

Nil.

Topics

The living environment: Vertebrate populations

Includes the Antarctic blue, sei, fin, minke and humpback whales; all but minke whale species are listed by the IUCN on the Red List of Threatened species

Year(s):

2011

0

Unclear

Confidence (in grade):

Low

Confidence (in trend):

Low

Comparability (to previous reports):

Not assessed

Topics

The living environment: Vertebrate populations

Baleen whales—minke

This group comprises Antarctic minke (Balaenoptera bonaerensis) and dwarf minke (B. acutorostrata). Dwarf minke was recognised as a separate species only recently. Some evidence of population structure is known based on DNA work. Population sizes and trends are unknown.

There is some evidence that tourism could negatively impact on feeding behaviour and breeding success

Year(s):

2016

2

Deteriorating

Confidence (in grade):

Somewhat adequate

Confidence (in trend):

Somewhat adequate

Comparability (to previous reports):

Not comparable

Baleen whales—minke

2016

Approach/Process

Expert consultation was used to determine state and trends.

Data/Information sources

In addition to the references cited in the 'State and trends' section, the following references also support this assessment:

Ainley et al. 2012

Ainley D, Jongsomjit, D, Ballard G, Thiele D, Fraser WR & Tynan CT (2012). Modeling the relationship of Antarctic minke whales to major ocean boundaries. Polar Biology, 35:281-290.

Christiansen et al. 2013

Christiansen F, Rasmussen M & Lusseau D (2013). Whale watching disrupts feeding activities of minke whales on a feeding ground. Marine Ecology Progress Series, 478 SRC - GoogleScholar, 239-51.

Comments

Nil.

Topics

The living environment: Vertebrate populations

Includes the Antarctic blue, sei, fin, minke and humpback whales; all but minke whale species are listed by the IUCN on the Red List of Threatened species

Year(s):

2011

0

Unclear

Confidence (in grade):

Low

Confidence (in trend):

Low

Comparability (to previous reports):

Not assessed

Topics

The living environment: Vertebrate populations

Baleen whales—other

Other baleen whales include the Antarctic blue, sei, fin and humpback whales; all species are listed by the IUCN on the Red List of Threatened Species. Some populations appear to be increasing, but the most recent estimates were made in the early 2000s

Year(s):

2016

3

Improving

Confidence (in grade):

Somewhat adequate

Confidence (in trend):

Somewhat adequate

Comparability (to previous reports):

Not comparable

Baleen whales—other

20162011

State and trends of the Southern Ocean

Approach/Process

Expert consultation was used to determine state and trends.

Data/Information sources

In addition to the references cited in the 'State and trends' section, the following reference also supports this assessment:

Leaper et al. 2008

Leaper R, Bannister J, Branch T, Clapham P, Donovan G, Matsuoka K, Reilly S & Zerbini A (2008b). A review of abundance, trends and foraging parameters of baleen whales in the Southern Hemisphere, Scientific Committee document SC/60/EM3, International Whaling Commission, Santiago, Chile, 1–13 June 2008, 51.

Comments

Nil.

Topics

The living environment: Vertebrate populations

Includes the Antarctic blue, sei, fin, minke and humpback whales; all but minke whale species are listed by the IUCN on the Red List of Threatened species

Year(s):

2011

0

Unclear

Confidence (in grade):

Low

Confidence (in trend):

Low

Comparability (to previous reports):

Not assessed

Topics

The living environment: Vertebrate populations

Southern Ocean circulation and structure

Changes in wind forcing caused by human activities (ozone depletion and increased greenhouse gases) have driven a polewards shift of Southern Ocean currents, contributing to warming. Antarctic bottom water has warmed, freshened and decreased in volume, and this has likely influenced large-scale circulation. Changes in patterns in sea ice formation and melting may influence shallow overturning near the continent

Year(s):

2016

3

Deteriorating

Confidence (in grade):

Adequate

Confidence (in trend):

Adequate

Comparability (to previous reports):

Not comparable

Southern Ocean circulation and structure

20162011

Approach/Process

Expert consultation was used to determine state and trends.

Data/Information sources

In addition to the references cited in the 'State and trends' section, the following references also support this assessment:

Bindoff & Hobbs 2016

Bindoff NL & Hobbs WR (2016). Southern Ocean: sea-ice-driven shallow overturning. Nature Geoscience 9(8):569–570.

Jacobs et al. 2011

Jacobs, S. S., Jenkins, A., Giulivi, C. F. and Dutrieux, P. 2011. Stronger ocean circulation and increased melting under Pine Island Glacier ice shelf. Nature Geoscience, 4, 519-523.

Joughin et al. 2014

Joughin I, Smith BE & Medley B (2014). Marine ice sheet collapse potentially under way for the Thwaites Glacier Basin, West Antarctica. Science 344(6185):735–738.

Purkey & Johnson 2013

Purkey SG & Johnson GC (2013). Antarctic bottom water warming and freshening: contributions to sea level rise, ocean freshwater budgets, and global heat gain. Journal of Climate 26:6105–6122.

Rignot et al. 2014

Rignot E, Mouginot J, Morlighem M, Seroussi H & Scheuchl B (2014). Widespread, rapid grounding line retreat of Pine Island, Thwaites, Smith, and Kohler glaciers, West Antarctica, from 1992 to 2011. Geophysical Research Letters 41(10):3502–3509.

Takahashi et al. 2009

Takahashi T, Sutherland S, Wanninkhof R, Sweeney C, Feely R, Chipman D, Hales B, Friederich G, Chavez F, Sabine C, Watson A, Bakker D, Schuster U, Metzl N, Yoshikawa-Inoue H, Ishii M, Midorikawa T, Nojiri Y, Körtzingerm A, Steinhoffm T, Hoppema M, Olafsson J, Arnarson T, Tilbrook B, Johannessen T, Olsen A, Bellerby R, Wong C, Delille B, Bates N & deBaar H (2009). Climatological mean and decadal change in surface ocean pCO2, and net sea-air CO2 flux over the global oceans. Deep-Sea Research Part II: Topical Studies in Oceanography 56:554–577.

Comments

Assessment remains the same as in 2011.

Topics

The physical environment: The Southern Ocean

Increase in wind strength is expected to affect the ACC and upwelling of circumpolar deep water, formation of different water masses and gyre activity

Year(s):

2011

0

Unclear

Confidence (in grade):

Low

Confidence (in trend):

Low

Comparability (to previous reports):

Not assessed

Topics

The physical environment: The Southern Ocean

Sea level

Global sea levels are rising because of uptake of heat by the oceans and run-off from ice caps and glaciers. The rate of sea level change shows regional and global variation with time because of particular aspects of climate variability

Year(s):

2016

3

Deteriorating

Confidence (in grade):

Adequate

Confidence (in trend):

Adequate

Comparability (to previous reports):

Not comparable

Sea level

20162011

Effectiveness of heritage management

Approach/Process

Expert consultation was used to determine state and trends.

Data/Information sources

In addition to the references cited in the 'State and trends' section, the following references also support this assessment:

Church et al. 2013

Church, J., Clark, P., Cazenave, A., Gregory, J., Jevrejeva, S., Levermann, A., Merrifield, M., Milne, G., Nerem, R., Nunn, P., Payne, A., Pfeffer, W., Stammer, D. and Unnikrishnan, A. 2013. Sea Level Change. In: Stocker, T. (ed.) Climate Change 2013: The Physical Science Basis. Contribution of Working Group I to the Fifth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. Cambridge, United Kingdom and New York, NY, USA: Cambridge University Press.

Fasullo et al. 2016

Fasullo JT, Nerem RS & Hamlington B (2016). Is the detection of accelerated sea level rise imminent? Scientific Reports 6:31245, doi:10.1038/srep31245.

Purkey & Johnson 2010

Purkey SG & Johnson GC (2010). Warming of global abyssal and deep Southern Ocean waters between the 1990s and 2000s: contributions to global heat and sea level rise budgets. Journal of Climate 23(23):6336–6351.

Rhein et al. 2013

Rhein M, Rintoul SR, Aoki S, Campos E, Chambers D, Feely RA, Gulev S, Johnson GC, Josey SA, Kostianoy A, Mauritzen C, Roemmich D, Talley LD & Wang F (2013). Observations: ocean. In: Stocker TF, Qin D, Plattner G-K, Tignor M, Allen SK, Boschung J, Nauels A, Xia Y, Bex V & Midgley PM (eds), Climate change 2013: the physical science basis, contribution of Working Group I to the Fifth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, United Kingdom, 255–316.

Roemmich et al. 2015

Roemmich D, Church J, Gilson J, Monselesan D, Sutton P & Wijffels S (2015). Unabated planetary warming and its ocean structure since 2006. Nature Climate Change 5(3):240–245.

Comments

Assessment remains the same as in 2011.

Topics

The physical environment: The Southern Ocean

In December 2009, data were obtained from about 135 locations from 250 tide gauges, but large gaps still exist in datasets

Sea level changes are not expected to be uniform across Earth. Sea level rise in the Southern Ocean south of the ACC is predicted to be less than in the Arctic

Year(s):

2011

0

Unclear

Confidence (in grade):

Low

Confidence (in trend):

Low

Comparability (to previous reports):

Not assessed

Topics

The physical environment: The Southern Ocean

Natural heritage—processes

Processes: Management systems in parks identify conservation needs and make well-informed decisions about impact assessment and resource allocation. However, formal monitoring and evaluation occurs in only some jurisdictions

The National Reserve System offers a coordinated response to the need for a nationwide reserve system. Listing processes for other aspects of natural heritage, such as geological heritage, are less well coordinated and transparent. National, state and territory, and local protective measures and controls are less well understood by the general community

Year(s):

2016

3

Stable

Confidence (in grade):

Somewhat adequate

Confidence (in trend):

Limited

Comparability (to previous reports):

Not comparable

Natural heritage—processes

20162011

Heritage

Effectiveness of management

Approach/Process

Quantitative and qualitative assessment based on information provided by national, state and territory natural heritage management agencies, supplemented by expert opinion, survey and workshops.

Method used to determine grade: analysis of available data plus expert opinion, survey and workshops.

Method used to determine trend: analysis of available data plus expert opinion, survey and workshops.

Data/Information sources

Data provided by national, state and territory natural heritage agencies

Case study: Ediacara fossil site (Box HER2)

Case study: Innovative research approaches by Parks Australia (Box HER36)

Case study: Applied research supporting heritage management (Box HER37)

Case study: Promoting ecological connectivity in the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area through collaboration, solutions-based research and statutory processes (Box HER39)

National Reserve System Task Group, 2010

NRSTG (National Reserve System Task Group) (2010). Australia’s strategy for the National Reserve System 2009–2030, NRSTG, Natural Resource Policies and Program Committee, Canberra. https://www.environment.gov.au/land/nrs/publications/strategy-national-reserve-system

National Biodiversity Strategy Review Task Group, 2009

NBSRTG (National Biodiversity Strategy Review Task Group) (2009). Australia's biodiversity conservation strategy 2010-2020, Australian Government Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts, Canberra.

Threatened species strategy, Australian Government, 2015e

Australian Government (2015e). Threatened Species Strategy, Australian Government Department of the Environment, Canberra. http://www.environment.gov.au/biodiversity/threatened/publications/strategy-home

CAPAD 2014 (DoEE 2016c)

DoEE (Australian Government Department of the Environment and Energy) (2016c). CAPAD 2014, Canberra, Department of the Environment and Energy.

Interim Biogeographic Regionalisation for Australia (IBRA), Version 7 (Regions) (DoEE 2016d)

DoEE (Australian Government Department of the Environment and Energy) (2016d). Interim Biogeographic Regionalisation for Australia (IBRA), Version 7 (Regions), Canberra, Department of the Environment and Energy.

Australian Heritage Council Workshop, 1 December 2015 (DoEE 2017c)

DoEE (Australian Government Department of the Environment and Energy) (2017c). Notes from the Australian Heritage Council Workshop, 1 December 2015, Canberra. (available at: soe.environment.gov.au/download/supplementary)

Australian Committee for IUCN Workshop, 4 March 2016 (DoEE 2017b)

DoEE (Australian Government Department of the Environment and Energy) (2017b). Notes from the Australian Committee for IUCN Workshop, 4 March 2016, Sydney. (available at: soe.environment.gov.au/download/supplementary)

Comments

Nil.

Topics

Processes

Identification

Processes: The National Reserve System provides an overall framework for assessments, which generally take place at the state or local level

Year(s):

2011

2

Stable

Confidence (in grade):

Adequate

Confidence (in trend):

Limited

Comparability (to previous reports):

Not assessed

Topics

Processes

Management

Processes: Management systems in parks identify conservation needs and make well-informed decisions about impact assessment and resource allocation. However, formal monitoring and evaluation occurs in few jurisdictions

Year(s):

2011

2

Stable

Confidence (in grade):

Adequate

Confidence (in trend):

Limited

Comparability (to previous reports):

Not assessed

Topics

Processes

Protection

Processes: The National Reserve System offers a coordinated response to the need for a nationwide reserve system. Listing processes for other aspects of natural heritage are less well coordinated and transparent. Federal, state and local protective measures and controls are less well understood by the general community

Year(s):

2011

2

Unclear

Confidence (in grade):

Adequate

Confidence (in trend):

Low

Comparability (to previous reports):

Not assessed

Topics

Processes

Historic heritage—outcomes

Outcomes: Australia’s historic sites are listed and protected in an ad hoc, unrepresentative manner

Limited information is available about the effectiveness of historic heritage management, as there is only partial monitoring and evaluation of outcomes

Limited available data suggest that most historic heritage values are being retained. In some jurisdictions, the effectiveness of heritage legislation has been reduced through reliance on planning and other legislation, which affords greater priority to facilitating development

Many historic heritage places, especially those in public ownership, have management measures in place to address threats, but there is a trend by state governments to override such measures to facilitate major infrastructure and other public-sector projects

Year(s):

2016

3

Deteriorating

Confidence (in grade):

Limited

Confidence (in trend):

Limited

Comparability (to previous reports):

Not comparable

Historic heritage—outcomes

20162011

Heritage

Effectiveness of management

Approach/Process

Quantitative and qualitative assessment based on information provided by national, state and territory historic heritage management agencies, supplemented by expert opinion, survey and workshops.

Method used to determine grade: analysis of available data, plus expert opinion, survey and workshops.

Method used to determine trend: analysis of available data, plus expert opinion, survey and workshops.

Data/Information sources

Australian Heritage Database

Data provided by national, state and territory historic heritage agencies

Figure HER6 Net overall change to state heritage register listings, between 2011–12 and 2015–16

Figure HER7 Year-by-year change to number of state heritage register listings, 2011–12 to 2015–16

Case study: The Goods Line, Sydney (Box HER13)

Case study: The City of Broken Hill—a National Heritage place (Box HER15)

Case study: Sydney Harbour Federation Trust’s Cockatoo Island Volunteer Restoration Program (Box HER34)

Case study: National Trusts of Australia—National Education Programs (Box HER40)

Case study: Western Australian Goldfields Water Supply Scheme—conserving and interpreting a National Heritage place (Box HER42)

WHAM (Wildlife, Heritage and Marine Division) (2017). National Heritage place monitoring, initial survey report

WHAM (Wildlife, Heritage and Marine Division) (2017). National Heritage Place monitoring, initial survey report, Australian Government Department of the Environment and Energy, Canberra, available at: https://soe.environment.gov.au/download/supplementary

Historic Heritage Officials Workshop, 9 November 2015 (DoEE 2017a)

DoEE (Australian Government Department of the Environment and Energy) (2017a). Notes from the Historic Heritage Officials Workshop, 9 November 2015, Sydney. (available at: soe.environment.gov.au/download/supplementary)

Australian Heritage Council Workshop, 1 December 2015 (DoEE 2017c)

DoEE (Australian Government Department of the Environment and Energy) (2017c). Notes from the Australian Heritage Council Workshop, 1 December 2015, Canberra. (available at: soe.environment.gov.au/download/supplementary)

Australia ICOMOS Workshop, 21 February 2016 (DoEE 2017h)

DoEE (Australian Government Department of the Environment and Energy) (2017h). Notes from the Australia ICOMOS Workshop, 21 February 2016, Sydney. (available at: soe.environment.gov.au/download/supplementary)

Australia ICOMOS online survey, January 2016 (DoEE 2017i)

DoEE (Australian Government Department of the Environment and Energy) (2017i). Australia ICOMOS—cultural heritage survey, for State of the environment 2016: heritage, DoEE, Canberra. (available at: soe.environment.gov.au/download/supplementary)

National Trusts of Australia survey, March 2016 (DoEE 2017j)

DoEE (Australian Government Department of the Environment and Energy) (2017j). National Trusts of Australia—cultural heritage survey, for State of the environment 2016: heritage, DoEE, Canberra. (available at: soe.environment.gov.au/download/supplementary)

Comments

Nil.

Topics

Outcomes

Identification

Outcomes: Australia’s listed historic sites are numerous, but are protected in an ad hoc manner that does not facilitate judgement of total adequacy or representativeness

Year(s):

2011

2

Improving

Confidence (in grade):

Adequate

Confidence (in trend):

Limited

Comparability (to previous reports):

Not assessed

Topics

Outcomes

Management

Outcomes: Limited information is available on the effectiveness of historic heritage management, as there is only partial monitoring and evaluation of outcomes

Available data suggest that heritage values are generally being retained

Year(s):

2011

2

Unclear

Confidence (in grade):

Limited

Confidence (in trend):

Low

Comparability (to previous reports):

Not assessed

Topics

Outcomes

Protection

Outcomes: Many historic heritage places, especially those in public ownership, have management measures in place to address threats within the bounds of available resources. The values of listed historic heritage sites are generally being retained

Year(s):

2011

2

Stable

Confidence (in grade):

Adequate

Confidence (in trend):

Limited

Comparability (to previous reports):

Not assessed

Topics

Outcomes

State and trends of inland water ecological processes and key species populations

Lake Eyre

Moderate changes to ecosystem functioning

Year(s):

2016

3

Stable

Confidence (in grade):

Very limited

Confidence (in trend):

Very limited

Comparability (to previous reports):

Not assessed

Lake Eyre

20162011

Approach/Process

Author assessment of available information to determine state grades and trends
Assessments for all components are generally somewhat comparable to 2011, as they are based largely on the same data and types of information sources

Data/Information sources

All sources referenced in Ecological processes and key species populations.
SoE 2011 inland water chapter
Ecological and river condition assessments, including:
- State of the Environment reports (e.g. NSW 2015)
- regional-scale reports (e.g. 2015 Lower Blackwood assessment)
- report cards (e.g. South Australian NRM report cards)
Commonwealth Environmental Water Offices Long-Term Intervention Monitoring project reports for the Edward Wakool, Goulburn, Gwydir, Lower Murray, Lower Lachlan and Murrumbidgee river systems and the junction of the Warrego and Darling rivers

Comments

For components for which little or no new assessment information has become available, the 2011 assessment grades have been largely retained and trends have been marked as 'unclear'.

Topics

Ecological processes and species populations

Few ecological processes affected, apart from influences of introduced species and access of livestock to river pools

Year(s):

2011

0

Unclear

Confidence (in grade):

Low

Confidence (in trend):

Low

Comparability (to previous reports):

Not assessed

Topics

Ecological processes and species populations

Murray-Darling

Widespread loss of ecosystem function. Species populations declining. Some point-scale success in ecosystem restoration.

Year(s):

2016

1

Deteriorating

Confidence (in grade):

Somewhat adequate

Confidence (in trend):

Somewhat adequate

Comparability (to previous reports):

Somewhat comparable

Murray-Darling

20162011

Approach/Process

Author assessment of available information to determine state grades and trends
Assessments for all components are generally somewhat comparable to 2011, as they are based largely on the same data and types of information sources

Data/Information sources

All sources referenced in Ecological processes and key species populations.
SoE 2011 inland water chapter
Ecological and river condition assessments, including:
- State of the Environment reports (e.g. NSW 2015)
- regional-scale reports (e.g. 2015 Lower Blackwood assessment)
- report cards (e.g. South Australian NRM report cards)
Commonwealth Environmental Water Offices Long-Term Intervention Monitoring project reports for the Edward Wakool, Goulburn, Gwydir, Lower Murray, Lower Lachlan and Murrumbidgee river systems and the junction of the Warrego and Darling rivers

Comments

For components for which little or no new assessment information has become available, the 2011 assessment grades have been largely retained and trends have been marked as 'unclear'.

Topics

Ecological processes and species populations

Ecological processes and native fauna populations significantly impaired from reference condition, apart from north-western catchments

Year(s):

2011

0

Stable

Confidence (in grade):

Adequate

Confidence (in trend):

Adequate

Comparability (to previous reports):

Not assessed

Topics

Ecological processes and species populations

South-west Coast

Some species populations declining. Many ecological functions affected.

Year(s):

2016

2

Unclear

Confidence (in grade):

Limited

Confidence (in trend):

Limited

Comparability (to previous reports):

Somewhat comparable

South-west Coast

20162011

State and trends of water quality

Approach/Process

Author assessment of available information to determine state grades and trends
Assessments for all components are generally somewhat comparable to 2011, as they are based largely on the same data and types of information sources

Data/Information sources

All sources referenced in Ecological processes and key species populations.
SoE 2011 inland water chapter
Ecological and river condition assessments, including:
- State of the Environment reports (e.g. NSW 2015)
- regional-scale reports (e.g. 2015 Lower Blackwood assessment)
- report cards (e.g. South Australian NRM report cards)
Commonwealth Environmental Water Offices Long-Term Intervention Monitoring project reports for the Edward Wakool, Goulburn, Gwydir, Lower Murray, Lower Lachlan and Murrumbidgee river systems and the junction of the Warrego and Darling rivers

Comments

For components for which little or no new assessment information has become available, the 2011 assessment grades have been largely retained and trends have been marked as 'unclear'.

Topics

Ecological processes and species populations

Fish populations in decline; macroinvertebrate populations in some high-rainfall areas still in good condition, but seriously affected by low flows and salinity in drier areas

Year(s):

2011

1

Deteriorating

Confidence (in grade):

Adequate

Confidence (in trend):

Adequate

Comparability (to previous reports):

Not assessed

Topics

Ecological processes and species populations

Lake Eyre

Observations generally consistent with sampling period and hydrological conditions

Year(s):

2016

3

Unclear

Confidence (in grade):

Limited

Confidence (in trend):

Low

Comparability (to previous reports):

Not comparable

Lake Eyre

20162011