 Water quality and algae monitoring, efforts of farmers to reduce their nutrient inputs to waterways, environmental restoration at Yakamia Creek and the oyster reef project will be some of the topics at an upcoming community science forum.
The Oyster Harbour Catchment Group and the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation (DWER) are inviting residents of Albany, Mount Barker and surrounds to find out about the latest information collected about the health of Oyster Harbour and on-ground work across the catchment. The annual Healthy Estuaries WA forum for Oyster Harbour will be held on Wednesday 14 December 2022 in Albany. Senior Project Officer at Oyster Harbour Catchment Group, Bruce Radys, said the forum is a chance to chat with the people working to protect the harbour. “We know our community value Oyster Harbour for its unique environmental values, its beautiful scenery and the recreation opportunities the harbour provides, Local community members, farmers, scientists, and government personal are working hard to protect our harbour – the forum is a great opportunity to bring many of them together to hear about their work, give feedback and ask questions,” said Bruce. Dr Elke Reichwaldt, Environmental Officer with DWER, said that regular water quality monitoring shows us how the estuary system responds to environmental changes such as rainfall patterns. “After nutrient levels were elevated in 2021 because of the high winter rainfall, fortunately, we are now seeing the nutrient concentrations return to normal levels,” said Elke. “We will also present how algal activity responds to the nutrient levels in the harbour.” To find out more about the forum or to RSVP visit https://www.ohcg.org.au/2022-oyster-harbour-estuary-forum.html Healthy Estuaries WA is a State Government program that aims to improve the health of our South West estuaries.
0 Comments
 A number of local farmers from both Wilson Inlet and Oyster Harbour Catchments have been sponsored by the Department of Water Healthy Estuaries program to undertake the Albany Holistic Management Course. Run by Inside Outside Management, with lead presenter Brian Wehlburg, this innovative course takes farmers through the process of developing a long-term vision for their property, family and community. There is a focus on using grazing livestock as an ‘ecosystem management tool’ and addressing inefficient water cycles, as well as grazing and financial planning. Apart from the official course dates, participants have been visiting each other's properties to discuss the application of holistic principles. In early October, participants visited Mount Barker Community College to see how Jay Rowles had been planning his grazing and view the pasture and cattle under rotational grazing.  |
Author: Bruce Radys
Senior Project Officer Archives
August 2024
|
RSS Feed