However, it is important that such a program also targets consideration of the specific Ramsar values of the site, notably waterbird and marine/freshwater fish usage. Table 51 Monitoring Ecological Character Basis of Objectives of Indicator/measure Frequency Priority monitoring monitoring Nomination Ensure extent and Establish site based monitoring Annually with monitoring at Medium - Criterion 1 condition of near programs to ensure the extent required intervals. High natural representative and condition of these wetlands Extent survey can likely be and rare wetland is known and can be tracked desktop using aerial survey habitats are over time. or other high resolution maintained imagery. Nomination Determine Continue long term studies of Species specific generally High – Criterion 2 presence/absence of turtle and dugong. studies will need to be threatened wetland undertaken every 5 10 – Undertake more detailed surveys species years and may need to be of other nationally threatened undertaken over several species within the Ramsar site. seasons. Assess presence/absence with consideration of relevant LAC. Assess Undertake more detailed surveys Initial surveys to be Medium condition/change to of species populations within the undertaken opportunistically populations Ramsar site and then at more regular intervals (5 10 years). – Assess any changes to population (e.g. breeding success, mortality rates, health etc.) and any applicable underlying wetland processes (e.g. water quality of key habitats refer relevant species-based – LACs). Nomination Ensure current Establish reference sites for each Every 3 5 years with High – Criterion 3 diversity of wetland Ramsar wetland type and record particular consideration of types are maintained observations about extent and likely climate change condition. impacts. Ensure current levels Utilise indicator/measures from See above. Medium of biodiversity are Criteria 1 and 2. maintained Nomination Use of the site as Survey and monitor key life cycle Specific monitoring High Criterion 4 refugia habitat and for functions of targeted programs for functions in key life cycle fauna species. particular wetland areas to processes be developed monitoring – to occur during key usage periods. Follow methods developed by Jaensch for roost sites. Undertake initial survey of flatback turtle nesting usage. Nomination Use of the site by at Ensure regular surveys of Undertake comprehensive High Criterion 5 least 20 000 waterbird usage of the site during counts of waterbird usage waterbirds key visitation periods. of the site every 3 10 – years. Nomination The site supports the Undertake more detailed surveys Specific monitoring High Criterion 6 1% of individuals of of 1% species of avifauna listed programs for each species populations for the in the ECD. to be developed in same
However, it is important that such a program also targets consideration of the specific Ramsar values of the site, notably waterbird and marine/freshwater fish usage. Table 51 Monitoring Ecological Character Basis of monitoring Objectives of monitoring Indicator/measure Frequency Priority Nomination Criterion 1 Ensure extent and condition of near natural representative and rare wetland habitats are maintained Establish site based monitoring programs to ensure the extent and condition of these wetlands is known and can be tracked over time. Annually with monitoring at required intervals. Extent survey can likely be desktop using aerial survey or other high resolution imagery. Medium - High Nomination Criterion 2 Determine presence/absence of threatened wetland species Continue long term studies of turtle and dugong. Undertake more detailed surveys of other nationally threatened species within the Ramsar site. Assess presence/absence with consideration of relevant LAC. Species specific – generally studies will need to be undertaken every 5 – 10 years and may need to be undertaken over several seasons. High Assess condition/change to populations Undertake more detailed surveys of species populations within the Ramsar site Assess any changes to population (e.g. breeding success, mortality rates, health etc.) and any applicable underlying wetland processes (e.g. water quality of key habitats – refer relevant species-based LACs). Initial surveys to be undertaken opportunistically and then at more regular intervals (5 – 10 years). Medium Nomination Criterion 3 Ensure current diversity of wetland types are maintained Establish reference sites for each Ramsar wetland type and record observations about extent and condition. Every 3 – 5 years with particular consideration of likely climate change impacts. High Ensure current levels of biodiversity are maintained Utilise indicator/measures from Criteria 1 and 2. See above. Medium Nomination Criterion 4 Use of the site as refugia habitat and for key life cycle processes Survey and monitor key life cycle functions of targeted fauna species. Specific monitoring programs for functions in particular wetland areas to be developed – monitoring to occur during key usage periods. Follow methods developed by Jaensch for roost sites. Undertake initial survey of flatback turtle nesting usage. High Nomination Criterion 5 Use of the site by at least 20 000 waterbirds Ensure regular surveys of waterbird usage of the site during key visitation periods. Undertake comprehensive counts of waterbird usage of the site every 3 – 10 years. High Nomination Criterion 6 The site supports the 1% of individuals of populations for the Undertake more detailed surveys of 1% species of avifauna listed in the ECD. Specific monitoring programs for each species to be developed in same High
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