Community help needed to support a new monitoring program for the Tamar
With help from the public, a new program will improve our understanding of a range of species and ecological communities and enhance our understanding of ecosystem health in the kanamaluka / Tamar estuary.
As part of the Tamar Estuary and Esk Rivers (TEER) Program, the Biological Monitoring Program pilot will assess emergent tidal wetlands, seagrass meadows, bird populations and Gambusia holbrooki population trends. Community members are being encouraged to take part through four Fluker Posts to be installed at emergent tidal wetland habitats. TEER Program Manager, Darren McPhee, said the Fluker Posts will allow the public to contribute photos from the same location over time.
“Understanding how the ecosystem is changing is essential to its effective management, and for emergent tidal wetlands general changes can be captured through repeat photography. We know these areas are important to the community and we are excited to provide the opportunity for people to contribute to the monitoring of our local wetlands,” said Mr McPhee.
The four Fluker Posts will be installed at the Tailrace boardwalk, Windsor Precinct freshwater wetland, Tamar Island Wetlands Reserve, and George Town kanamaluka trail, and will be accompanied by educational signage about each wetland type.
With data provided by Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service volunteer, John Duggin, and Birdlife Tasmania volunteer, Ralph Cooper, the Biological Monitoring Program will monitor changes through time to give a greater understanding of the waterway.
Minister for Environment and Climate Change, Roger Jaensch, congratulated all those involved in establishing this unique program.
The Honourable Roger Jaensch MP, Mayor Christina Holmdahl and Rolph Vos with Darren McPhee and Emma Ferguson of the TEER Program, unveiling signage at the Tamar Island Wetlands Reserve.
“The biological values of the kanamaluka are important not only to the species that rely on them, but to the community as well,” Minister Jaensch said.
“The Rockliff Liberal Government is investing $65,000 per year until 2024 to support the monitoring program, helping increase our understanding and ability to effectively manage these valuable habitats and natural resources,” he said.
Monitoring commenced in January 2023.
Partners of the TEER Program include the Tasmanian Government, City of Launceston, West Tamar Council, Northern Midlands Council, George Town Council, Meander Valley Council, NRM North, EPA Tasmania, Hydro Tasmania, TasWater, TasPorts, Tasmanian Irrigation, Bell Bay Aluminium, Dairy Tasmania, GFG Alliance, Petuna Aquaculture, and the University of Tasmania (IMAS). More information can be found at: teer.org.au
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