Water Bugs for Water Quality
On Saturday 17 July, OzFish Unlimited Australia’s fastest growing fishing conservation charity, will be holding an exciting citizens science project to test the water quality in the Lower Vasse River by checking out the bugs.
The Lower Vasse River flows into the internationally protected wetlands that provide an important nursery for popular fish such as black bream, mullet and herring.
The river has been under threat for many years, experiencing harmful algal blooms, degraded banks that suffer from erosion and most recently horrific fish kills.
Geographe Project Officer Gabby Attenborough, says that by monitoring water quality, we can work to improve habitat and enjoy better fishing in the future.
“One fun and easy way to test water quality is to undertake macroinvertebrate surveys, more commonly known as waterbug monitoring. When counting and identifying the waterbugs we find in the river, we can use scientific guidelines to determine the health of this significant local waterway”.
In what is a family friendly way to get involved in citizen science, Gabby believes that water bug sampling is fantastic fun and something kids during the school holidays will find really enjoyable.
“Kids are always interested in playing in water and are often astounded by all the wiggling things you can find using a butterfly net. Kids and parents alike will find interesting and rewarding experience for the community to get involved in whilst contributing to scientific research”, said Gabby.
The need for water quality improvement in the Lower Vasse River is critical for the survival of important fish species. OzFish and community partners are working towards a healthier and more productive ecosystem.
Local legend Howard George (Howie), a long-term active community member and OzFish Executive, has always had a fascination with freshwater species. He emphasises the importance of macroinvertebrates in a system as a whole.
“You can tell by the macroinvertebrates if it’s a healthy system or not”, said Howie.
“At the river’s edge, if you can see life, that’s one indicator that the water quality is fairly good,” said Howie.
“If you can see the small fish and macroinvertebrates, you know there might be some bigger fish are preyed on”, said Howie.
OzFish members, volunteers and anyone who wants to join will be meeting on Saturday morning at 9 am behind BCF – Boating, Camping, Fishing and Bunnings Busselton.
For anyone that’s interested in fishing or conserving the environment, come and meet Howie and join us and learn all about the wonderful and weird world of waterbugs.
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The project has been supported by BCF – Boating, Camping, Fishing and the National Waterbug Blitz.
If you would like to know more about the project or get involved become a member of OzFish contact 1800 431 308.