Header Graphic Monitoring Aquatic Survey Tona Information Sheet 6 Survey Photographs 1 Survey Photographs 2 Contact Information: National Centre
for Sustainability
(03) 5022 3741
Russell Elliot (Tona)
(03) 5027 3206 SuniTAFE Logo The water quality surveys are undertaken to look at the biological, chemical, and physical conditions of the anabranch. This allows insight into the anabranches current state of biodiversity and health. Survey Participants
 The survey involved Conservation & Land Management Diploma students, Sunraysia Institute of Tafe staff and National Centre for Sustainability. Staff representatives from the Murray Darling Basin Freshwater Research Centre directed the surveys, with enthusiastic participation from the landholder.

Survey Sites
 Three sites have been identified and established along the Great Darling Anabranch adjacent to Tona Station. The sites are 500 metres apart and have a unique characteristic as follows:
  • Slow Bend
  • Straight
  • Sharp bend
The three sites were chosen so that comparisons could be made, and an average for the area developed. Methods
 The two types of surveys that occurred were water quality and net capture. They were undertaken during the late evening and mid morning over a two day period.

At each site, to indicate the water quality the following was recorded:
  • Dissolved oxygen (oxygen level in water)
  • Electro-conductivity (Salinity)
  • Temperature
  • pH (Power of Hydrogen- Alkaline or acidic)
  • Turbidity ( Suspended sediments in water)
  • Depth of each recording
The net capture survey uses sweeps of seine nets from the waters centre to the edge to bring in many small fish and other macro species.

Other nets that have been purchased by TAFE for use in the twice annually run surveys include fyke and bait traps.

The great range of species that can be intercepted from these methods are added to our database, which will allow us to compare the yearly figures, over a period of time.

Species such as turtles, gudgeon, shrimp, bony bream and mosquito fish are all adding to the growing list and allowing insight into the state of the anabranch and associated waterways. Copyright © 2005 National Centre for Sustainability, Sunraysia Institute of TAFE Home | Index | Cultural Site Management | Revegetation | Erosion Control | Pest Animal Control
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