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 usually rated in good condition.
A riffle habitat has not been present at this site in spring since
sampling began in 2003.
Ecological health assessment for May 2005
| Habitat |
Ecological health
|
| Edge |
Good
|
| Riffle |
Habitat not present
|
The indicators that are measured in Skillogallee 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
|
|
|
Good
|
|
|
Good
|
|
|
Good
|
|
|
Good
|
The oxidised nitrogen levels were lower in this sampling period
than previous periods. The other classifications for the recent
samples are consistent with previous results. The nutrients and
turbidity levels tend to vary according to creek flows, with high
concentrations most often recorder in winter months.
Water chemistry classification for April to September 2005
|
Indicator
|
Classification
|
|
|
Poor
|
|
|
Good
|
|
|
Good
|
|
|
Good
|
|
|
Good
|
Oxidised nitrogen can be elevated as a result of fertilisers
or animal wastes being washed off farms during storms. The elevated
oxidised nitrogen results for the recent samples are consistent
with previous results.
