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Physical Sciences and Mathematics Commons™

Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®

1996

Environmental Sciences

Edith Cowan University

Articles 1 - 6 of 6

Full-Text Articles in Physical Sciences and Mathematics

Introduced Cyprinid (Carp) Fishes In Western Australia And Their Management Implications, K. R. Breheny Jan 1996

Introduced Cyprinid (Carp) Fishes In Western Australia And Their Management Implications, K. R. Breheny

Theses : Honours

Australia has no native cyprinid species and five introduced species have established self-sustaining populations. This study examines the cyprinid species present in Western Australia and estimates their distribution. The potential for introduced cyprinids to cause environmental impacts is explained and ameliorative action recommended. The presence and distribution of cyprinid species is assessed by examination of museum records, published literature, reported collections, anecdotal evidence and sampling of wetland habitats. Two species, Carassius nuratus (Goldfish) and Cyprinus carpio (Koi carp) are believed to have established populations and a map of estimated distribution is compiled. The capacity for introduced carp to undergo sudden …

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Modelling The Effects Of Rehabilitation And Changed Agricultural Practices In A Saline-Affected Rural Catchment, M. K. Heller Jan 1996

Modelling The Effects Of Rehabilitation And Changed Agricultural Practices In A Saline-Affected Rural Catchment, M. K. Heller

Theses : Honours

The Bremer river catchment, on the South-coast of Western Australia, is typical of most river catchments in this region in that it has been seriously affected by sedimentation, salinisation and eutrophication brought on by the gradual dominance of agricultural land management practices. Vegetated rehabilitation and changed agricultural land management practices (ie minimum / zero tillage) have now been widely adopted throughout the catchment in response to these degradation issues. This study examined the potential impact minimum / zero tillage, vegetated rehabilitation and remnant vegetation could have on both a farm and catchment wide scale. A Geographical Information System was developed …

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A Functional Group Approach To Detecting Shifts In Macroalgal Communities Along A Disturbance Gradient, J. C. Phillips Jan 1996

A Functional Group Approach To Detecting Shifts In Macroalgal Communities Along A Disturbance Gradient, J. C. Phillips

Theses : Honours

A recently proposed hypothesis argued that morphologically and functionally similar macroalgae could be grouped to study the structure of macroalgal communities. It was argued that these functional groups can be used to predict changes to community composition that result from disturbance. This study examined whether the functional group model held in detecting changes in macroalgal community structure within one bioregion, by applying it to a habitat exposed to different levels of physical disturbance associated with wave exposure. Results obtained using a functional group approach were compared to those obtained using a species level approach. Three parallel reef lines in Marmion …

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Rehabilitation Of A Salt Affected Wetland, Natalie Reeves Jan 1996

Rehabilitation Of A Salt Affected Wetland, Natalie Reeves

Theses : Honours

There exists an urgent need to rehabilitate salt-affected and degraded wetlands in the south-west of Western Australia, particularly in water resource catchments. Various rehabilitation techniques have been developed for such areas, which address the problem of integrating water catchment management and surrounding land use. Despite this, there has been limited success in restoring salt affected wetlands in the south west region of Western Australia. This project was established to develop a method for the rehabilitation of wetlands in the south west of Western Australia, using the western Coollangatta Farmland wetland as a case study. This site was chosen because of …

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An Investigation Into The Use Of The Freshwater Crayfish Marron (Cherax Tenuimanus) As A Flagship For The Restoration Of The Blackwood River, Rachael Nickoll Jan 1996

An Investigation Into The Use Of The Freshwater Crayfish Marron (Cherax Tenuimanus) As A Flagship For The Restoration Of The Blackwood River, Rachael Nickoll

Theses : Honours

The Marron (Cherax tenuimanus) is arguably the most easily identified and ecologically important aquatic animal species in south-western Australian rivers. In fact it is quintessientially south-western Australian, endemic to the south-west corner of the continent and supporting a recreational fishery and commercial aquaculture industry within the state. Marron have keystone qualities as hosts of various epiphytic flora and fauna, and are central to the food web within south-west rivers. Their sensitivity to depleted oxygen conditions have also made them a potential "indicator" for water quality degradation. The study investigated these qualities in reference to the marron's potential as …

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Fuel Characteristics Of Rehabilitated Bauxite Mines In Western Australia, Sarah J. Collins Jan 1996

Fuel Characteristics Of Rehabilitated Bauxite Mines In Western Australia, Sarah J. Collins

Theses : Honours

This investigation assessed the fuel characteristics of Alcoa of Australia's rehabilitated bauxite mines in the south-west of Western Australia. The study determined the fuel loads, their composition and structure. The characteristics of fuel were determined, their relationship with time ascertained, and the similarity of these characteristics to the jarrah forest ecosystems that they have replaced was discussed. Pits aged from four to twenty years since rehabilitation were assessed. Predictive models were developed to allow the rapid assessment of fuel. The fuel characteristics in two controlled bum areas were also assessed to how much fuel would burn in a fire and …

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