Appendix 3- Noosa restoration assessment report- Including Expert Elicitation Minutes

Table 2 List of indicators used for the evaluation of restoration and management options in
Noosa Estuary along with the rationale for their selection.
Indicator                   Rationale
School prawn (Metapenaeus   School prawns are a critical part of the Noosa Estuary ecosystem.
macleayi) abundance         Their entire lifecycle occurs within the estuary and as detritivores
                            they play a crucial role in converting detritus (mainly organic material
                            in lake sediments) into useful energy for a wide range of estuary
                            species. School prawns are a key food source for many fish species
                            and probably one of the key drivers of fish productivity in the Noosa
                            system. They can be both commercially and recreationally harvested.
Bream (Acanthopagrus sp.)   Bream represent one of the principal recreational fishing species in
abundance                   the Noosa Estuary, and are also characteristic of a range of fish
                            species that utilize structured habitats within the estuary, like fallen
                            logs, reefs, and mangroves.
Whiting (Sillago sp.)       Whiting are an important recreational fish species but are also
abundance                   important for the visual perception of fish abundance in the estuary
                            as they are the species visitors will see most commonly close to
                            shore. Whiting are also characteristic of fish that predominately
                            utilize sandy and soft bottom habitats.
Mullet (Mugil cephalus)     Mullet are an important commercial and recreational fish species in
abundance                   Noosa Estuary. Like school prawns, mullet are detritivores so play the
                            same important role in nutrient cycling in the estuary, and also
                            between the estuary and nearby surf zone. Mullet availability within
                            the estuary is likely to be a major driver for the abundance of other
                            large fish species.
Bird (various species)      The abundance of bird species that use the estuary in different ways
abundance                   (such are raptors and wading birds) can be a good indicator of the
                            availability of good quality habitat and a healthy, productive
                            ecosystem. They are also one of the most visible estuary fauna and
                            valued highly be visitors.
Yabby (Trypaea              Marine yabbies are an important part of sand and mudflat
australiensis) abundance    ecosystems. They are also an important bait source for recreational
                            fishing.
Crab (various species)      Crabs of various species occupy all the aquatic habitats of Noosa
abundance                   Estuary. Some, like mud crabs, are important recreational species,
                            but all crabs represent an important ecosystem component as a key
                            food source for many fish species.
Aquatic species diversity   The overall diversity of species in the estuary is a good indication of
                            ecosystem health and the diversity of healthy habitats.




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