Fauna Management Plan v1 - Lake MacDonald Drive, Cooroy

Fauna Management Plan v1                                                               NCES REF: J000662
Lot 101 on SP142407, Lot 140 on MCH978, Lot 3 on RP137375,
Lot 2 on RP852009 and Lot 8 on RP160703 – 27 Wilgee Court, Cooroy


5.6      Dam Dewatering (if applicable)
Where required, an appropriately qualified and suitably experienced aquatic specialist (which can be
an aquatic ecologist or fauna spotter/catcher) is to be engaged to supervise if any of the dams
located onsite are required to be dewatered or filled. The following dewatering management
strategies are to be enacted to minimise harm to aquatic fauna species.
5.6.1     Notification Requirements
The aquatic specialist is to notify the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries of the activity 48 hours
prior to fish relocation (unless an agreement is in place), including locations of dewatered and
relocation sites. The Department of Agriculture and Fisheries require permits to be carried by the
aquatic specialist who may be required to display a sign clearly showing licence number which
should be confirmed prior to works commencing.
5.6.2     Dewatering Schedule
A dewatering schedule is be developed with input from the aquatic specialist which is to allow for an
appropriate amount of time for fish rescue, especially during the final 0.3 – 0.5m water depth.
The dewatering schedule should allow for fauna to be captured in one day. This will require the
pumps to be of an adequate size and placed in an area free from mud and debris (e.g. inside
excavator bucket or screened sump pit).
If wetland birds are observed nesting within the dams or if young birds (chicks) are using the dam,
the aquatic specialist is to be advised immediately for advice as to whether the dewatering can
proceed or if additional management measures are required. Depending on species and age of the
birds, they may be able to self-relocate.
5.6.3     Aquatic Fauna Capture
Fish are to be collected by hand nets during the final stages of dewatering (i.e. when water is at a
suitable depth for the aquatic specialist(s) to capture fish) with larger fish targeted first. Fish
collection is most effective when the water is less than 0.3m deep. Fish collection should be
progressed as rapidly as possible as dissolved oxygen concentrations reduce rapidly as water
volume decreases, especially in warm water or if high numbers of fish are present.
Wetland birds will scavenge for small fish in the shallows (e.g. Gambusia). Most small fauna will
likely remain uncaptured in the dam until the water becomes very shallow (especially eels and
turtles). Eels are best captured by large hand nets when the water is <0.3m deep.
When the water is extremely low, turtles and fish may head towards the in-take pump (placed in
deepest part). This area should be monitored to intercept fauna (e.g. stand in water next to intake).
Turtles will burrow into mud and may require observation and rescue the following morning; but can
also move themselves to suitable nearby habitat if an escape ramp is graded.
For safety, at least two people are required when wading and handling heavy tubs of water/fish up
banks (excavator can dig access steps/ramp).
5.6.4     Aquatic Fauna Relocation
Native fish healthy enough for relocation are to be contained and transported in an aerated
tub/bucket/tank to an appropriate dam/lake/waterhole/creek. DPI Fisheries advise that the host
location should be large enough to accommodate additional fish, especially predatory eels.
Additional release sites may be needed. Do not overstock tubs or leave in direct sun for extended
periods. Aeration can be provided by battery aquarium pumps or manual turbulence if only stored
for a short period. Turtles can be transported in a shaded tub with a wet hessian bag placed inside
for moisture and support during transport. Tadpoles can be transported in small buckets.
5.6.5     Aquatic Fauna Release
Water from the receiving waterbody should be mixed slowly over 5 – 10 minutes with the tank water
to allow fish to acclimatise to the new water quality. Care should be taken when releasing fauna not
to also transfer weeds or invasive species (e.g. Carp eggs and Gambusia). Transfer animals via
hand nets, rather than tipping the tub with water. Eels can be released on land a few metres from




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