We collect two samples of macroinvertebrates, one from riffle
(or flowing water) habitat and one from edge (still water) habitat.
The diversity of the macroinvertebrate community is used to describe
ecological health as being in good,
moderate or poor
condition.
Ecological health assessment for November 2005
| Habitat |
Ecological health
|
| Edge |
Good
|
| Riffle |
Habitat not present
|
The edge habitat at this site is often rated on good condition.
A riffle habitat is occasionally present at this site in autumn,
however since monitoring began in 1994 a riffle has never been
present in spring.
Ecological health assessment for May 2005
| Habitat |
Ecological health
|
| Edge |
Moderate
|
| Riffle |
Habitat not present
|
The indicators that are measured in Kanyaka Creek are nutrients
(nitrogen and phosphorus), turbidity and salinity.
The concentrations of these indicators are used to classify the
water chemistry as being in good,
moderate or poor
condition, according to the needs of aquatic ecosystem protection.
Water chemistry classification for October 2005 to March 2006
|
Indicator
|
Classification
|
|
|
Good
|
|
|
Moderate
|
|
|
Good
|
|
|
Moderate
|
|
|
Good
|
Oxidised nitrogen, soluble phosphorus and turbidity levels are
usually classified as good. However, in the past total nitrogen
has been rated poor while the elevated phosphorus results are
unusual as previously it was classified as good. The amount of
nitrogen and phosphorus can be elevated by livestock or feral
animal waste being washed into the creek during storms. This site
is sampled every three months because of its remote location.
A catchment study has been completed for the Willochra catchment
(Department
of Water Land and Biodiversity Conservation). The Northern
and Yorke NRM Board are supporting landholders to restrict
stock access to the creek and encouraging revegetation with local
native species.
Water chemistry classification for April to September 2005
|
Indicator
|
Classification
|
|
|
Good
|
|
|
Moderate
|
|
|
Good
|
|
|
Moderate
|
|
|
Good
|
The amount of nitrogen and phosphorus can be elevated by fertilisers
or animal wastes being washed off farms during storms. Livestock
and feral animals may also foul waterholes. The elevated nitrogen
results for the recent samples are consistent with previous results,
although the elevated phosphorus results are unusual. Previously
phosphorus was classified as good. This site is sampled every
three months because of its remote location.
