Environmental Indicators and Impact Assessment Commons^™

Report No 49 - Geographically Restricted Plants Of Southern Western Australia, Barbara L. Rye

Fisheries Research Reports

This publication lists 527 angiosperm species native to southern western Australia whose known geographical ranges are less than 100 kilometres long. A further 128 angiosperms are listed with geographical ranges between 100 and 160 kilometres. No fern or gymnosperm species in the region are known to be geographically restricted.

Apart from the presently unnamed species, a large majority of the rare plants of southern Western Australia are believed to be listed, including 86 of the species that have been gazetted as rare flora.

Less than 40% of the listed species are known to occur on conservation reserves and less than …

Report No 41 - A Survey Method For Identifying Roadside Flora Suitable For Conservation In Western Australia, John K. Scott

Fisheries Research Reports

A survey method for identifying flora suitable for conservation alongside roads in south-western Australia was derived from an examination of characteristics of road verges. Two roads, from Midland to Toodyay and from Armadale to Bunbury, were examined. Width of verge, weed cover, soil disturbance, vegetation structure, presence of public utilities, evidence of fire and the type of adjoining land were measured at one mile (1.6 km) intervals on both sides of the road. Also recorded were aesthetic qualities such as stands of beautiful trees and sites of special interest, e.g. the presence of rare plants.

Three variables, percentage weed cover, …

Report No 40 - Commercially Exploited Vacsular Plants Native In Western Australia: Census, Atlas And Preliminary Assessment Of Conservation Status, Barbara L. Rye, S. D. Hopper, L. E. Watson

Fisheries Research Reports

A census and atlas is provided of 1 119 native Western Australian plant species which were commercially exploited during 1977-79 in the cut plant, nursery or seed trades. The exploited species are concentrated in the vicinities of Perth and Albany, the two matin centres for the wildflower industry. Preliminary assessments of the conservation status of the exploited species are provided. Approximately r200 species are regarded as being rare, geographically or poorly collected, and further studies are recommended for these species to determine whether they are in danger of overexploitation.

Bulletin 3992 - Nitrogenous Fertilisers For Cereal Production, M. G. Mason

Bulletins - 3000 - 3999

Because fertiliser prices continue to rise, it is becoming increasingly important to understand what affects the response to fertilisers by crops.

Among the many factors influencing crop response to nitrogen applications, the most important are the season, soil type, paddock history, time of application and source of nitrogen. Before deciding whether to use nitrogen on a cereal crop, which source to use and at what rate, the farmer needs some understanding of how these factors work.

The Causes Of Saltland : A Case Study At Esperance, P R. George, S. C. Bull

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4

A series of bores on the Esperance Downs Research Station has demonstrated that the groundwater levels change after clearing, and the relatiojnnship between groundwater levels and soil salinity has been emphasised. This pattern of hydrological change leading to soil salinity problems applies widely in the wheatbelt.

Erosion Risks With High Stocking Rates At Kojonup Trial, Department Of Agriculture, Western Australia

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4

A pasture grazing trial at Kojonup dramatically illustrated the effects of Cyclone Alby. Severe erosion was evident on the heavily stocked plots while the more lightly stocked plots showed little damage.

Fisheries Report No 35 - Fish And Exploited Crustaceans Of The Swan-Canning Estuary, R C.J. Lenanton

Fisheries Research Reports

Fishes of the Swan-Canning estuarine system are typical of those found in other lower west coast estuarine systems of Western Australia. Species representing three families of elasmobranchs, several of which are commercially important, twenty families of teleosts, and two families of crustaceans (Table 1) commonly occur in this estuarine system. The many other species which occur less commonly in the Swan- Canning estuary are mostly members of the additional families listed in Table l.

The information contained in this document was made available for use by the authors of the following two publications : -

Forbes and Fitzkardinge (1977) Swan …

Soil Salinity In Western Australia : A Summary, T C. Stoneman

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4

Soil salinity problems have long been recognised in Western Australia. The earliest published explanation in 1924 suggested that removing native vegetation increased stream salinity, and this basic cause has been confirmed by many studies since.

Fisheries Report No 20 - Trawl Caught Fish And Crustaceans From Cockburn Sound, J. W. Penn

Fisheries Research Reports

Cockburn Sound is one of the few sheltered embayments near the Perth metropolitan area and as such has been subjected to increasing usage by both the general public and industry. Historically the Sound has been a major commercial fishing area from which much of the fresh fish for the metropolitan area has been caught. More recently, as well as providing a significant commercial catch, a major sport fishery has developed in the area.

The first commercial trawling operations in Cockburn Sound were undertaken in the early part of this century when horses were used to tow small nets on the …

Fisheries Report No 23 - The Management Of Nature Reserves In Western Australia, Andrew A. Burbidge, Trevor Evans

Fisheries Research Reports

The number and area of Nature Reserves in Western Australia has grown rapidly in recent times. At 80 June 1975 there were 491 reserves with an area of 5 103 037 hectares. By 31 December 1975, with the inclusion of reserves for the Conservation of Flora in the definition of a Nature Reserve, there were 900 reserves totalling 5 317 965 ha. With the implementation of the Environmental Protection Authority's recommendations based on the Conservation Through Reserves Committee's Report on Systems 4, 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12 the Nature Reserve System will jump to 985 reserves with an area …

Report No 21 - A Resource Survey Of Woody Island, Archipelago Of The Recherche, J. Goodsell, A. Tingay, S. R. Tingay

Fisheries Research Reports

A resource survey of Woody Island was undertaken by the three authors from 26 October, 1975 to 8 November, 1975.

The island has some unusual faunal and floral features not yet recorded for the Archipelago. These are discussed.

Some problems in relation to the island's management are identified.

Salt Encroachment : The 1974 Saltland Survey, C V. Malcolm, R. C. Stoneman

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4

It has long been recognised that the clearing of land for agriculture in the south western Australia is followed by the development of saline soils and streams.

In 1955 and again in 1962, in conjunction with the annual statistical returns, farmers in Western Australia were asked to supply estimates of salt-affected land on their properties.

In 1974 a further survey was conducted, in co-operation with the Australian Bureau of Statistics, using questions covering only the basic information. As the information is again available on a Shire basis a direct comparison can be made with the 1962 survey except for some …

Fisheries Report No 16 - Notes On The Wildlife Of A Proposed Nature Reserve Around Lake Grace And Lake Chinokup, Western Australia, N. L. Mckenzie, W. K. Youngson

Fisheries Research Reports

During 1972 and 1973 plants and vertebrate animals were collected and recorded from a proposed 22 000 ha nature reserve centred on a chain of salt lakes in south-western Western Australia (33° 10' S - 33° 35' 8 and 118° 19' B - 118° 29' E).

The dominant plant species were collected, the structural formations desert bed and a vegetation map produced. Seven species of native terrestrial mammal and three species of bat were recorded.

Three of the terrestrial species are endemic to southwestern Western Australia, and two of these - Pseudomys occidentalis and Sminthopsis granulipes - are regarded as …

Fisheries Report No 14 - Wilson Inlet - A Seasonally Closed Western Australian South Coast Estuary, R C.J. Lenanton

Fisheries Research Reports

Considerable conflict has existed for many years between professional fishing, recreational usage and development in the west and south coast estuaries of Western Australia. One of the areas where intense conflict exists is Wilson Inlet.

The Government's task of advising the various interests concerned in these conflicts has been difficult, due to the lack of knowledge of estuarine fauna and environment in relation to usage and development.

The objective of this report is to present a preliminary description of the Wilson Inlet environment, to record the history of netting closures in the Inlet, and to discuss the history of the …

Grain Moisture And The Weather : What Can The Records Tell Us?, M W. Perry, P. A. Fievez

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4

The expansion of cereal production in areas along the south coast has exposed harvesting problems associated with high grain moisture.

A grain delivery standard of 12 per cent moisture means that, in the absence of grain drying facilities, harvesting times in the field are restricted to those hours when grain moisture falls below this figure.

Grain moisture, however, remains the major problem and for planning purposes, producers require an estimate of the harvesting time available in a given year. This will depend on all the climatic variables which affect grain moisture. These include rainfall and dew which deposit water directly …

Grain Moisture Problems On The South Coast, J A. Parish, G. H. Jones

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4

In most West Australian grain growing districts high temperatures and dry weather at grain maturation are ideal for harvesting and enable delivery of grain with acceptable moisture levels. Grain from W.A. is known in world markets as a good quality dry product which is unlikely to deteriorate in storage. However, growers in coastal areas and particularly those south of Narrogin sometimes have trouble harvesting grain below the receival limit of 12 per cent moisture.

Fisheries Report No 12 - Results Of A Biological Survey Of A Proposed Wildlife Sanctuary At Dragon Rocks Near Hyden, Western Australia, N. L. Mckenzie, A. A. Burbidge, N. G. Marchant

Fisheries Research Reports

In 1972, three visits were made to an area of vacant crown lam 30 kilometres south-south~east of Hyden, Western Australia.

A preliminary survey was made in April 1972 and following this recommendations were made on the equipment and staff required for a detailed survey of the vegetation and animals.

From the 30th July to the 4th August 1972, a team from the Fauna Research Branch of the Department of Fisheries and Fauna began a detailed fauna survey.

Between the 20th August and the 25th August 1972, the fauna survey was continued am a botanist from the Western Australian Herbarium undertook …

Agriculture And Pollution In Western Australia. Part 1. Background, C V. Malcolm

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4

For centuries there has been awareness of pollution but it has received dramatic publicity in recent years.

In Western Australia, provisions for its control are written into the Health Act and many other Acts besides the Environmental Protection Act of 1971.

A number of factors have acted worldwide and locally to increase awareness and concern about pollution, and to justify careful examination of the problems it causes.

Agriculture And Pollution In Western Australia. Part 2. Pollution Problems In W.A, C V. Malcolm

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4

In Part I pollution was defined as a reduction in the usefulness of a resource and its significance in relation to resource fragility was discussed. Pollution problems in Western Australia are here considered in broad geographical regions with further subdivision into pollution types.

Fisheries Report No 9 - The Fauna And Flora Of Monte Bello Islands, A. A. Burbidge Dr

Fisheries Research Reports

Two visits were made to the Monte Bello Islands in 1970 and 1971.

The aim of the visits was to examine the islands for the presence of native mammals and other fauna, and to explore the possibility of re-establishing fauna now extinct,

The first survey was carried out in conjunction with a more detailed examination of the Dampier Archipelago. The fisheries patrols vessel "Dampier" was used to reach the islands and as a base. Personnel were R. Johnstone (W.A. Museum), E.J. Little and J.D. Harman (crew of the "Dampier"), R.F. Dear and A.A, Burbidge, all from the Department of Fisheries …

Fisheries Report No Vii (7) - Results Of A Biological Survey Of The Millstream Area, A. A. Burbidge Dr

Fisheries Research Reports

Millstream has long been recognised as an unique and outstanding area, both scenically and from a biological aspect. The area of prime interest consists of a series of deep pools in the bed of the Fortescue River (about 15 miles long including Gregory Gorge) and the springs and streams which feed them. Most of the springs are in the sides of the river bed but one of the largest is about 1% miles to the south. This feeds a swift flowing stream running north into the river bed.

The first Europeans to see the area were the exploring party led …

Control Of Water Resources In W.A, T C. Calder

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4

Use of underground and surface water is controlled so that the supplies are available to the general benefit of all domestic, industrial and agricultural users in a particular area.

Water is a valuable resource and its contamination and wastage must be avoided. This article outlines the provisions of the Rights in Water Act which is designed to protect water supplies from undue exploitation, contamination and wastage.

How Important Is Sulphur For Pastures?, R N. Glencross, W. J. Cox

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4

With the introduction of low sulphur compound and concentrated fertilisers, a new look is required at the sulphur status of West Australian soils, and the sulphur requirement of pasture.

In this article the functions of sulphur, deficiency symptoms and potential problem soils are described.

Current recommendations and plans for future research work are outlined.

Flora And Fauna Conservation : A Plea To Landholders, Clee Francis Howard Jenkins

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4

MUCH of the recent discussion on conservation has centred around the importance of wild flower reserves and the necessity for protecting one of the State's most important tourist attractions.

Although less important to visitors than the flowers, many of our wild animals hold equal interest for nature lovers and scientists, and they also need protection.

Land Use In The Kulin-Kondinin-Hyden District : Notes On A Recent Survey, D J. Carder

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4

A RECENT survey by the Department of Agriculture's Soil Conservation Service has highlighted the nature of the problems facing farmers with flooded or salt-affected land near salt lake country in the wheatbelt.

Bulletin No 3609 - Land Development In The South Eastern Wheatbelt, G T. Halpin, P. Nelson

Bulletins - 3000 - 3999

Interest in the development of light lands in the south-eastern wheatbelt was spurred by the many ex-servicemen seeking farms after the 1939-45 World War.

Previous attempts to develop this area had been frustrated by poor crop yields, and by the poor carrying capacity of those volunteer pastures which developed on cleared land.

Research into reasons for the poor crop results was begun in 1948-49 with trials sown by Messrs Smith and Halpin between Borden and Lake Grace. The results clearly showed the important role played by copper and zinc in successful crop growth. Since then, field trials have been conducted …

The Ord River Regeneration Project. 2. Dealing With The Problem, K Fitzgerald

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4

THE PROGRAMME of protective and remedial work being undertaken in the Ord River catchment area had as its major objective the re-establishment of perennial vegetation, as a means of controlling erosion and reducing the silt load of the rivers. It is now in its seventh year of operation.

The Ord River Regeneration Project. 3. Eight Years Of Progress, K Fitzgerald

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4

REGENERATION of degraded areas in regions of marginal rainfall is a slow process under the best of conditions, but on the Ord River Catchment, where much top-soil had been removed, the problem was unusually severe.

In many areas top-soil will have to be rebuilt before vegetation can be re-established.

This will be a long, slow process and regeneration will proceed through gradual plant succession from the "pioneer" annual species through to the permanent and more productive perennial species needed for a stable catchment area.

Cattle : And The Ord Irrigation Project, W M. Nunn

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4

No abstract provided.

The Ord River Catchment Regeneration Project. 1. The Nature, Extent And Causes Of Erosion In The Ord River Catchment Area, K Fitzgerald

Journal of the Department of Agriculture, Western Australia, Series 4

OF the 17,800 square miles of Ord River catchment area, an estimated 1,450 square miles of country is subject to varying degrees of erosion.

This lies astride the Ord River and its major tributaries, the Elvire, Negri, Stirling, Panton, Turner, Nicholson and RB rivers.

The bulk of the eroded country lies in W.A. but part projects into the Northern Territory.