WetlandUpdate September 2017

Walking the landscape—catchment stories

To effectively manage a catchment it is important to have a collective understanding of how the catchment works. Catchment stories, using map journals, integrate spatial information, photographs and animations with an informative narrative to demonstrate the features of catchments.

These stories describe the location, extent and values of the Northern Gold Coast (Pimpama and Coomera Catchments) and Lower Fitzroy Catchments. The stories demonstrate the key features which influence water flow, including geology, topography, rainfall and run-off, natural features, human modifications and land uses.

The information was compiled using the walking the landscape process, where experts systematically worked through a catchment in a facilitated workshop, to incorporate diverse knowledge on the landscape and to develop catchment stories.

Queensland Intertidal and Subtidal Ecosystem Classification Scheme

The Queensland Intertidal and Subtidal Ecosystem Classification Scheme uses the biological, physical and chemical characteristics of the water column and sea floor to classify intertidal and subtidal ecosystems, which includes estuarine and marine environments. The scheme develops a common understanding and language of classification to improve communication and lead to better management outcomes. It provides a structured framework and understanding available for mapping.

Module 1—Introduction and implementation of intertidal and subtidal ecosystem classification is split into two parts. Part 1 of the module introduces the classification scheme, outlines key principles and concepts, and describes how the scheme was developed. Part 2 of the module describes the process of implementing the scheme, including how to develop a classification system, creating a typology, and mapping the final outputs and ecosystem types. A fact sheet provides a summary of the key concepts and principles of the scheme.

Updates, improvements and links

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  The 2017 Scientific Consensus Statement for the Great Barrier Reef is a review of scientific knowledge on water quality issues in the Great Barrier Reef. The statement was produced by a multidisciplinary group of scientists, with oversight from the Reef Independent Science Panel. It arrives at a consensus on the current understanding of the Great Barrier Reef system, and evaluates the ability of current initiatives to meet water quality targets set in the Reef 2050 Water Quality Improvement Plan 2017–2022.

  A key theme of the statement is the importance of whole-of-catchment management. The complex interactions between wetlands and catchments and flow-on effects to the Great Barrier Reef are recognised throughout the statement. Chapter 1 contains an overview of the state of marine and coastal aquatic ecosystems and the pressures on them. Chapter 4 focuses on the role of wetlands, in terms of water quality, and the other ecosystem services they provide. A summary of the potential use and effectiveness of treatments systems is also provided.

• Additional projects from Burnett Mary Regional Group have been added to the wetland projects search tool
• Hydrological connectivity of the pre-clear landscape to the Great Barrier Reef V1.6 has been added to WetlandMaps.

WetlandUpdate

The WetlandUpdate is a regular bulletin sent to subscribers to provide them with the latest WetlandInfo resources and tools, as well as case studies, video information and new project fact sheets.

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WetlandInfo feature invertebrate

Chloeia flava

Photo by Maria Zann

Our WetlandInfo feature animal is Chloeia flava, known as the golden fireworm or purple-spotted fireworm. This polychaete worm is both a scavenger and predator. It is commonly found in subtidal environments, preferring to burrow into the substrate.

WetlandInfo updates this section regularly, so stay tuned for more!

For more information on marine worms, visit the Queensland Museum website.

Last updated: 25 August 2017