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Edith Cowan University

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Articles 91 - 105 of 105

Full-Text Articles in Terrestrial and Aquatic Ecology

Trophic Implications Of Light Reductions For Amphibolis Griffithii Seagrass Fauna, Adam Gartner Jan 2010

Trophic Implications Of Light Reductions For Amphibolis Griffithii Seagrass Fauna, Adam Gartner

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

The ongoing threat of seagrass loss from reduced light availability, coupled with our lack of knowledge of associated trophic responses has motivated this characterization of the flow-on effects of light reductions to Amphibolis griffithii seagrass fauna. Recently, field manipulations of varying light reductions, induced disturbances in a A. griffithii seagrass meadow that have been shown to effect potential food resources and the structural complexity of seagrass habitats for macroinvertebrates. This offered the opportunity to assess the flow-on effects to seagrass for fauna, a topic that has seldom been examined. This study investigated the effects of different light reduction intensity (high: …


The Hillarys Transect (1): Seasonal And Coss-Shelf Variability Of Physical And Chemical Water Properties Off Perth, Western Australia, 1996-98, Alan F. Pearce, M J. Lynch, Christine E. Hanson Apr 2006

The Hillarys Transect (1): Seasonal And Coss-Shelf Variability Of Physical And Chemical Water Properties Off Perth, Western Australia, 1996-98, Alan F. Pearce, M J. Lynch, Christine E. Hanson

School of Natural Sciences Publications

A 27-month study of the water properties across the continental shelf off Perth, Western Australia (the "Hillarys Transect") has provided the first systematic inter-disciplinary climatology of the physical, chemical, optical and biological cycles across the shelf. This paper describes the main features of the seasonal and cross-shelf variability of the physical oceanography and chemistry, while companion papers discuss some of the links between the biology and physics of the region


The Hillarys Transect (1): Seasonal And Cross-Shelf Variability Of Physical And Chemical Water Properties Off Perth, Western Australia, 1996-98, Alan Pearce, Mervyn Lynch, Christine Hanson Jan 2006

The Hillarys Transect (1): Seasonal And Cross-Shelf Variability Of Physical And Chemical Water Properties Off Perth, Western Australia, 1996-98, Alan Pearce, Mervyn Lynch, Christine Hanson

Research outputs pre 2011

A 27-month study of the water properties across the continental shelf off Perth, Western Australia (the "Hillarys Transect") has provided the first systematic inter-disciplinary climatology of the physical, chemical, optical and biological cycles across the shelf. This paper describes the main features of the seasonal and cross-shelf variability of the physical oceanography and chemistry, while companion papers discuss some of the links between the biology and physics of the region


Reintroduction Ecology Of Mala (Lagorchestes Hirsutus) And Merrnine (Lagostrophus Fasciatus) At Shark Bay, Western Australia, Blair Hardman Jan 2006

Reintroduction Ecology Of Mala (Lagorchestes Hirsutus) And Merrnine (Lagostrophus Fasciatus) At Shark Bay, Western Australia, Blair Hardman

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

The transfer of threatened animals from one location to another in order to benefit the species is a technique frequently used by animal conservation managers. However, very few of these relocations have experimentally assessed the relative merits and disadvantages of commonly used release techniques. Two species of hare-wallaby, mala (Lagorchestes hirsutus) and merrnine (Lagostrophus fasciatus), were reintroduced in August 2001 onto Peron Peninsula in Western Australia. These threatened species were reintroduced using two release strategies (soft versus hard release), and their subsequent movements and body condition were monitored using radio-telemetry and trapping.


The Ecology And Behaviour Of Varanus Mertensi (Reptilia: Varanidae), Phillip J. Mayes Jan 2006

The Ecology And Behaviour Of Varanus Mertensi (Reptilia: Varanidae), Phillip J. Mayes

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

This study examines numerous aspects of the ecology and behaviour of Merten's Water Monitor, Varanus mertensi (Reptilia: Varanidae) including; daily behaviour, diet, foraging behaviour, reproductive seasonality and daily and long-term movements. Findings from over two years of field study of V. mertensi found in waterbodies of both the Ord River Irrigation Scheme and surrounding East Kimberley/Victoria River Downs bioregion of Western Australia are presented. This study simultaneously broadens our understanding of the family Varanidae and provides insight into the life of a semi-aquatic faunal species found in waterbodies of the Ord River Irrigation Scheme.


The Influence Of Seabird-Derived Nutrients On Island Ecosystems In The Oligotrophic Marine Waters Of South-Western Australia, Sofie A. Harrison Jan 2006

The Influence Of Seabird-Derived Nutrients On Island Ecosystems In The Oligotrophic Marine Waters Of South-Western Australia, Sofie A. Harrison

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

Nutrient inputs from productive marine environments have been shown to directly and indirectly subsidise primary producers and consumers in terrestrial ecosystems (e.g. Polis and Hurd 1995; 1996; Anderson and Polis 1998; 1999). But does this theory hold true on islands surrounded by oligotrophic waters, which account for a significant proportion of the marine environment? The aim of the present study was to examine the applicability of the spatial subsidisation hypotheses proposed by Polis and his co-authors to an oligotrophic system in south-western region of Western Australia. These aims were achieved by comparing soil and plant nutrients, and the nitrogen stable …


Movement Patterns And Habitat Usage Of Shark Bay Dugongs, David K. Holley Jan 2006

Movement Patterns And Habitat Usage Of Shark Bay Dugongs, David K. Holley

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

In order to define small and large scale spatial and temporal individual movement patterns of dugongs (Dugong dugon) within the Shark Bay World Heritage Property (SBWHP) a total of 19 dugongs were fitted with remote location recording and transmitting devices. Combined locations from all units totalled over 10,000 locations. This spatial and temporal data was used to define movement patterns of dugongs within Shark Bay as well as areas of high use deemed to be indicative of foraging activity. Platform Transmitting Terminals (PTT?s) using the ARGOS location collection system tracked animals over large temporal scales with 4 animals tracked up …


The Role Of Farm Dams As Refugia For Aquatic Invertebrates In A Salinised Landscape, South Western Australia, Jean-Michel Benier Jan 2004

The Role Of Farm Dams As Refugia For Aquatic Invertebrates In A Salinised Landscape, South Western Australia, Jean-Michel Benier

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

In a salinised landscape farm dams may represent the last truly freshwater surface resource, and therefore provide refuge habitats for the biota of wetlands affected by increasing salinity. One wetland threatened by increased salinity in south-west Western Australia is Lake Toolibin. It is listed as a Wetland of International Importance under the Ramsar Convention in recognition of its high conservation value, and remediation actions to halt (and possibly reverse) further increases in salinity are being undertaken at this wetland. Farm dams act as aquatic refugia if they convey resistance and/or resilience to the biotic communities of a disturbed habitat. This …


Beach-Cast Wrack As A Determinant Of Macroinvertebrate Assemblages And Trophic Subsidy To Sandy Beach Ecosystems, Rebecca Ince Jan 2004

Beach-Cast Wrack As A Determinant Of Macroinvertebrate Assemblages And Trophic Subsidy To Sandy Beach Ecosystems, Rebecca Ince

Theses : Honours

The transport of detached macrophytes from seagrass meadows and reefs, otherwise known as wrack, has been identified in some parts of the world as a marine subsidy which can increase the productivity of coastal ecosystems. The aim of this study was to determine whether wrack deposits act as a marine subsidy on sandy beaches in Perth, by determining whether it influences the structure of, and is a source of nutrient to, the macroinvertebrate communities in this ecosystem. This was achieved by examining the abundance, composition and nutrient source of macrofauna, including epifauna, infauna and flying fauna, on three sandy beaches …


In Vitro Propagation Of Some Western Australian Seagrasses, Julia Wilson Jan 2004

In Vitro Propagation Of Some Western Australian Seagrasses, Julia Wilson

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

The development of a successful protocol for micropropagating seagrass provides a valuable tool for seagrass-restoration programs and a facility to study their biology (especially their physiology). This work reports on some of the culture requirements of some seagrasses that are commonly found in Western Australia: Posidonia coriacea, P. sinuosa, P. australis and Halophila ovalis. The protocol developed for H. ovalis allows very rapid multiplication and sustainable growth of cultures while the protocol developed for Posidonia requires further development. The culture of Posidonia cariacea proved to be problematic however experimental media that provided insights into its culture conditions. The carbohydrate source …


Aspects Of The Taxonomy And Ecology Of The Ground Beetle (Coleoptera: Carabidae) Assemblage Of The Swan Coastal Plain : (With Particular Reference To Habitat Fragmentation And The Quindalup Dune System), Nadine A. Guthrie Jan 2001

Aspects Of The Taxonomy And Ecology Of The Ground Beetle (Coleoptera: Carabidae) Assemblage Of The Swan Coastal Plain : (With Particular Reference To Habitat Fragmentation And The Quindalup Dune System), Nadine A. Guthrie

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

Long term studies encompassing seasonal variation in abundance and species present, forming base-line phenological data, arc required to understand the responses of the carabid (Ground Beetle) fauna to major habitat changes. In addition, few habitats unaffected by human disturbance remain in Australia, and evaluation of these fauna in these areas is required before further habitat loss occurs. Generally an unknown group of terrestrial predatory invertebrates in Australia, carabids have been the subjects of few ecological studies in this country. This restricts the utility of the Carabidae in environmental or conservation assessment programs in Australia. A study was initiated to assess …


The Role Of Benthic Macroalgae In Sediment-Water Nutrient Cycling In The Swan-Canning Estuarine System, Western Australia, Helen Lee Astill Jan 2000

The Role Of Benthic Macroalgae In Sediment-Water Nutrient Cycling In The Swan-Canning Estuarine System, Western Australia, Helen Lee Astill

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

This study documented the macroalgal assemblages of the Swan-Canning Estuarine System (SCES) over a two year period, and the influences of several environmental parameters on the assemblages. In addition, the Impacts of unattached macroalgal accumulations on benthic nutrient fluxes and microbial communities were investigated. Benthic macroalgal assemblages and physico-chemical regimes were monitored in the SCES, to determine temporal and spatial changes in macroalgal communities and the influence of environmental factors in these changes. Physico-chemical regimes demonstrated strong seasonal changes, which revolved around the onset and cessation of freshwater flows in winter (May to September). In the months after freshwater flows, …


Origin And Fate Of Organic Matter In South-West Australian Wetlands, Darren Stuart Ryder Jan 2000

Origin And Fate Of Organic Matter In South-West Australian Wetlands, Darren Stuart Ryder

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

The development and local distribution of organic soils in Australia have been poorly documented. Within Western Australia, conditions conducive to the accumulation of organic matter are geographically restricted and generally occur in coastal and/or forested landscapes. An extensive system of wetlands with peal soils occurs in the Muir-Unicup region in the far south west of Western Australia. Bokarup Swamp, Kodjinup Swamp and Noobijup Lake are representative of the wetlands occurring in this region. They arc shallow (


Changes To The Distribution Of Posidonia Seagrass Communities Of James Point, In Response To The Development Of Cockburn Sound, Western Australia, Anthony Muscara Jan 2000

Changes To The Distribution Of Posidonia Seagrass Communities Of James Point, In Response To The Development Of Cockburn Sound, Western Australia, Anthony Muscara

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

Australia’s oceans provide many economic and environmental benefits both nationally and regionally, and are of particular social, recreational and cultural importance. Western Australia's most intensively used marine embayment is Cockburn Sound, is Cockburn Sound, it supports one of the most extensive Posidoni seagrass communities in Western Australia. The protected coastal waters off the southern metropolitan coastline of Perth arc utilised intensively for industrial, commercial and recreational purposes. Over the past 50 years, wastes have been routinely discharged into Cockburn Sound causing extensive phytoplankton and epiphyte blooms, particularly during the 1960's and 1970's. The development of industrial and naval facilities and …


The Near-Shore, Soft-Substrate Bivalves Of The Swan Estuary: An Assessment Of Their Use As Biological Indicators, Graham Bailey Jan 1994

The Near-Shore, Soft-Substrate Bivalves Of The Swan Estuary: An Assessment Of Their Use As Biological Indicators, Graham Bailey

Theses : Honours

The soft-substrate bivalves of the Swan Estuary were evaluated for their suitability as biological indicators. The major requirement of a biological indicator is that a response to changing conditions can be shown. Demonstrating that bivalve community and populations respond to changing environmental conditions within The Estuary would fulfill this criteria. To make this assessment the study conducted a quantitative sampling program which established the current structure of the near-shore soft-substrate bivalve community and this was compared with the community established in 1973-74. To evaluate the predictive potential of bivalve structure as an indicator, major environmental conditions in the Estuary were …