community – Page 26 – ANGFA Queensland

Hundreds of trees planted in group community effort

May 202013

WetlandCare Australia staff, Gidarjil Rangers, Impact team members and Landcare volunteers worked together to plant over 950 native trees at Pasturage Reserve last week.

Original story, NewsMail

WETLANDCARE Australia have worked in partnership with Bundaberg Regional Council, Friends of Pasturage Reserve, Bundaberg Landcare, Gidarjil rangers, the local Impact team and the Bargara Lions Club to undertake the planting of 950 local native trees at Pasturage Reserve.

Pasturage Reserve, adjoining the coastal village of Bargara, is one of the 20 important wetlands targeted for environmental restoration works under WetlandCare Australia's $2.5 million Coastal 20 wetlands restoration project, funded under the Australian Government's Caring for our Country program.

The area is of high conservation value because it contains one of the few melaleuca swamp remnants along the Burnett-Elliott coast and provides habitat for threatened species.

Bundaberg Regional Council and the local Impact team had done a fantastic job of preparing the site prior to the planting day on Wednesday, April 17.

More than 950 wetland seedlings had been carefully propagated by the Bundaberg Landcare nursery and the willing and capable hands of the Gidarjil ranger group, Impact team and Landcare volunteers along with WetlandCare Australia staff, making fast work of getting the young plants carefully installed into their new surroundings.

The hard-working team was sustained by a barbecue lunch kindly provided and prepared by the Bargara Lions Club.

WetlandCare Australia regional coordinator Adam Gosling said the tree planting event was highly successful.

"This is a great example of what can be achieved when everyone works together towards a common goal," Mr Gosling said.

"WetlandCare Australia could not have achieved such a great result without the collaboration and support of these groups and local community."

Thieves steal $4000 breeding fish from Adelaide business

aquarium, community

May 192013

VALUABLE fish and accessories worth more than $15,000 have been stolen from an Exeter business.

Flagtail fish were also taken in the break-in. Source: adelaidenow

Thieves gained entry to the Semaphore Rd premises through the ceiling between 7.30pm on Saturday, May 11 and noon on Sunday, May 12.

A breeding trio of L046 plecos - also known as zebra plecos - were stolen from an Exeter business. Source: adelaidenow

They escaped through a back door after stealing fish, including a breeding trio of L046 Plecos - commonly known as Zebra Plecos - valued at more than $4000 and a Flagtail fish.

Anyone with information about this incident should contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or at www.sa.crimestoppers.com.au.

Original story at Adelaide Now

Condamine fish ‘hotels’ to aid conservation

community, environment, fisheries

May 192013

One of the fish hotels that are to be installed in the Condamine River later this month.

Those with a keen interest in fishing were invited to the Warwick District Recreational Fish Stocking Association AGM on May 19.

The meeting came ahead of what will be a big month for the group.

By May's end, the group will see two fish hotels - constructed from railways sleepers - and cod holes crafted from hollow drums placed into the Condamine River.

The structures will provide not only shade for fish that inhabit the waterways but also a breeding area for cod, who should lay their eggs on the holes' walls.

The hotels and holes have been installed as a counteractive measure to extensive removal of willow trees along the Condamine.

Heavy weights will ensure the structures will not wash away in floods.

It is hoped they will not only help slow the flow of the water in times of flood but also boost cod numbers and battle the pesky carp.

Original story at Warwick Daily News

Related Story: Southern Downs restockers to put fish up in style

Warwick District Recreational Fish Stocking Association's Ed Kemp and Roger Martin are looking forward to having 52 cod holes and two fish hotels in the Condamine in a fortnight.

Fish hotels and cod holes will be open for business beside the banks of the Riverwalk later this month.

A joint project between the Warwick District Recreational Fish Stocking Association and the Warwick, Allora and Clifton Fishing Club will mean 52 cod holes and two fish hotels are up and running soon.

Secretary Ed Kemp said the hotels and holes would give fish shade and breeding spots along the stretch of river.

"We are working with Condamine Alliance and the Southern Downs Regional Council to put structure back in the river following the removal of willow trees," he said.

Mr Kemp said cod were an important part of the river system and would use the structures, which were made of hollow drums, to lay their eggs.

The fish hotels are railway sleepers that are weighed down with 300kg weights to prevent them being washed away in floods.

There is potential for more hotels to be installed, pending proven success with the two planned ones.

Predictions are that in just five years time, the area will see a significant increase in cod numbers and drastic reduction in the number of carp.

"For us to buy fingerlings of cod, they cost us almost 80c each," Mr Kemp said.

"If we get 1000 fingerlings in each hole a year, that will be close to $50,000 worth and will significantly decrease the number of carp in the water. A 40cm cod will eat a 20cm carp everyday."

Original story at Warwick Daily News

Up the Creek & Down the Drain at Ithaca Creek

community, environment

May 162013

Healthy Waterways, in partnership with Pullenvale Environmental Education Centre, recently held an Up the Creek & Down the Drain(UCDD) teacher training workshop at Ithaca Creek. UCDD is an Australian Curriculum and C2C aligned educational experience that utilises a storythread approach to connect primary school students with the waterways. Find out more about UCDD.

Both teachers and other water educators from across the region were given the opportunity to learn how to apply UCDD, and the pedagogical tools that underpin it, to support teaching and learning in local schools. Two local sites have been adapted to Up the Creek & Down the Drain for use by teachers and schools - Coal Creek at Ipswich and Ithaca Creek in Brisbane.

Please contact Healthy Waterways if you are interested in utilising the current UCDD sites, or implementing UCDD for local teachers and schools.

Kids teach parents to respect the environment

community, environment, waterways/wetlands

May 142013

Source: Environmental Research Letters

A child can directly influence the attitude and behaviour of their parents towards the environment without them even knowing it.

This is according to a group at Imperial College London who have, for the first time, provided quantitative support for the suggestion that environmental education can be transferred between generations and that it can actually affect behaviour.

Their findings were published in February, in IOP Publishing’s journal Environmental Research Letters.

The study took part on the Mahé Island in the Republic of Seychelles, where there is a very strong history of environmental education. The researchers based their study around the degradation of freshwater habitats in the country’s wetlands, which is being caused by litter, wetland reclamation and household wastewater.

A total of 15 wildlife clubs, who each provide environmental education to children in the school system through a series of activities, took part in the study.

“School children in the Seychelles are fortunate to have a curriculum that emphasises the teaching of environmental concepts across a broad range of subjects,” said lead author of the study Peter Damerell of Imperial’s Department of Life Sciences.

“In addition, NGO-supported wildlife clubs are present within all education institutions and represent an opportunity to undertake more detailed and interactive activities than are possible within the classroom setting alone.”

Of the 15 wildlife clubs involved in the study, seven participated in wetland activities over a 12-month period, whilst the remaining eight worked on alternative subjects; 161 students were involved overall.

Questionnaires were issued to all of the students, as well as their parents, and were based on multiple aspects of wetland knowledge, such as the different species that live in the wetlands and the threats that they’re being exposed to.

The questionnaires issued to the parents also included questions on their use of water, which were specifically designed to test how conscious they were of water shortages – there were 16 possible behaviours that a parent was scored on.

Results showed that a child’s participation in the activities not only increased their parent’s knowledge of the wetlands but also their behaviour – parents were more inclined to conserve water if their child participated in the wetland activity.

It is possible that the parents had a varying amount of wetland knowledge before the study; however, they had no control over which group their child was placed in, meaning the overall differences shown between the experimental and control group can be assumed to be down to the wetlands teaching.

Indeed, the researchers tested a wide range of possible explanatory variables for the observed differences in wetland knowledge and it was those related to children receiving wetland education at Wildlife Club Seychelles that were consistently the best at explaining the observed results.

“Within this study, parents were often shown to be unaware that they were gaining environmental knowledge via their children. This finding alone highlights the need for more quantitative, experimental style investigations into the capacity of children to influence their parent’s knowledge and household behaviours.

“By providing evidence that shows children can cause their parents to take up more environmental practices, we hope that many more studies will attempt to look at how much knowledge is transferred under different scenarios, and which pieces of information are most likely to change household practices,” continued Damerell.

Original story from the Institute of Physics

From fish tank to stream, kids learn the connection

community, environment, Interest, waterways/wetlands

May 102013

Kids love to explore Creeks. Some old Tandanus nests can be seen in the foreground. Photo© Gunther Schmida.

This article was originally posted in Bay Journal earlier this year, and is reposted here with permission from the editor. While the story comes from the Susquehanna River in the Chesapeake Bay area I thought it was good to read about others encouraging stewardship of waterways and native fish in the same way that ANGFA does, especially because they're getting kids involved.

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Recently, Susquehanna River smallmouth bass made front page news in a rare headline about wildlife. It is not good news. The river's juvenile smallmouth bass population has crashed and the remaining adults are sick. It's an issue that has sparked heated debate among scientists, activists and policy makers.

In spite of the dire news, I feel hopeful. Perhaps it's because I'm leading the elementary school environmental club which meets each year during the winter months. It is rewarding to watch these third–, fourth– and fifth-graders gain an understanding of how actions taken in our town can affect wildlife in the nearby river and as far away as the Chesapeake Bay.

My optimism also stems from watching my 11-year-old son enjoy his hobby — tending a 55-gallon freshwater aquarium. His new interest began after a friend decided to part with the fish tank. My son cleaned it and couldn't wait to fill it with finny friends. But that was not to occur until he did some research.

He poured over books and websites about setting up and caring for aquariums. He learned about fresh, salt and brackish water fish, and became a fountain of knowledge about predators and prey, pH and alkalinity, heating and filtration, and fins and gills.

He also learned about the nitrogen cycle — the chain of chemical reactions that take place after a fish enters the water. During this vital and life-giving process, omnipresent and beneficial bacteria eat harmful ammonia produced by fish depositing waste into the aquarium. When things work right, a chemical and biological balance is maintained and vibrant fish thrive within this miniature ecosystem. When the balance is not achieved, you get floating fish.

Recognizing that every fish has a role to play in maintaining the aquarium's ecological balance, my son gradually selected appropriate fish to inhabit the top, middle and bottom of the tank. A little catfish, who I call "The Onceler" after my favorite environmental tome, removes leftover food and waste from the bottom of the tank. Another type of catfish eats algae that accumulates on the glass.

Never in my wildest dreams could I have imagined a hobby that would connect my son so deeply with the natural world. It has also nurtured reading and social skills gained through the many conversations with pet store employees for whom he has questions.

Math and science also come into play as my son tests the water for pH, ammonia and nitrate levels and then calculates water treatments needed based on gallons in the tank. Keeping track of this information calls upon critical thinking skills required for identifying trends that coincide with events in the aquarium.

The neatest thing is, he will never look at a river or stream again without wondering what is going on beneath the surface. It's something special that isn't duplicated at his school, although in some places, it is.

Specifically, this type of hands-on environmental instruction takes place around the Chesapeake Bay watershed in 225 Pennsylvania classrooms, 205 Virginia classrooms and 60 Maryland classrooms through Trout in the Classroom, an education program sponsored by Trout Unlimited in partnership with natural resource agencies and local non-profit organizations.

Designed to be incorporated into the curriculum for grades K-12, Trout in the Classroom teaches students to raise trout from eggs to fry, monitor tank water quality, and learn an appreciation for stream habitats and water resources. Most programs end with the students releasing their trout in a state-approved stream.

Participating teachers tailor the program to fit their curriculum. Some stick to the nuts and bolts of trout life cycles and the local watershed. Others incorporate the program into disciplines including social studies, mathematics, language arts, fine arts and physical education.

Trout in the Classroom also reflects a trend to teach science, technology, engineering and math in ways that better connect students with the real world. Known as STEM, this movement fosters an interest for future schooling and careers in a world projected to have a growing need for scientists and mathematicians prepared to handle challenges posed by increasing demands for energy and clean water, and landscapes affected by a changing climate.

My son, the kids in my club and the lucky Trout in the Classroom students are right on track in this regard with an awareness of nature's interconnectedness and a growing conservation ethic. Wondering about what important causes they will champion when it comes to be their time to lead is what gives me hope entering a new year. It won't be in time for the current smallmouth bass crisis, but I do feel confident that help is on the way.

By Sara Kaplaniak, originally posted in Bay Journal

Moggill Catchment Creek Health Monitoring Program

community, environment, waterways/wetlands

May 082013

Moggill Creek Catchment Group

The Moggill Catchment group survey is on again and they would like ANGFA members to assist with fish identification. There are six groups so they would like at least another five members to assist. It is being conducted on Sunday 19th of May and commences at 8.00am. We meet outside the Brookfield showgrounds before dispersing to locations along Moggill and Gold Creeks. The survey was designed by Dr. Tim Howlett who spoke at our last meeting. Groups visit two sites during the day.

This catchment is the most natural and well preserved waterways close to the Brisbane metro area. This is an opportunity for you to put your skills to work for conservation of native fish. To my knowledge, it is the only survey of its’ type in Brisbane and will probably be the blue print for future urban surveys.

If you intend to come on the day can you use the contact form and include your mobile phone number for the organisers.

More about the program here.

The Turtle and the Town

community, threatened species, waterways/wetlands

May 042013

Northern map turtles are endangered in Maryland, but thriving in Port Deposit. Photo courtesy of Towson University.

An American town, Port Deposit in Maryland, Is investing its future by saving a threatened endemic species. A great change from the usual conflict that we have between commerce and conservation. This is an inspiring read about a town that decided to ensure the future of a threatened species and help themselves while they were at it. In adopting their Northern Map Turtle (Graptemys geographica) as an icon for the town they are building an ecotourism industry and providing all sorts of environmental benefits while they're at it. Maybe we should be thinking about what species we have here that could be ambassadors for our waterways.

Read the full story at National Geographic.

Visitors to Wynnum in Brisbane’s east warned of stonefish after woman was stung and hospitalised

community, wildlife

May 022013

By Lesley Hunter-Nolan, Wynnum Herald from Quest Newspapers

An urgent stonefish warning has been issued to those who enjoy the Wynnum waterfront, after a woman narrowly avoided serious injury on Anzac Day.

Synanceia horrida, Estuarine Stonefish. Stone fish have poisonous spines on their back.

Amanda Stuart, 20, was walking through shallow water barefoot near the Wynnum jetty when the potentially fatal sting occurred.

Her brothers and father sprung into action, taking her to Wynnum Hospital. She was then transported by ambulance to Redland Hospital for treatment.

"When the two spines went into my foot I was in excruciating pain straight away," she said.

"And for a couple of days after that I felt ill with stomach cramps and vomiting, but I was lucky, it could have been a lot worse."

When Amanda arrived at the hospital the doctor put her foot in hot water and gave her painkillers. She said the ordeal had scared her and she wanted to put out a warning to others visiting the area.

"We were all really shocked as I have never heard of stonefish in the Wynnum area before, and my aunt who has lived here for 47 years has never heard of them either," Ms Stuart said.

"A lot of small children run around there so my warning is for parents to make sure they have footwear on and look where they are going.

"I would hate for a small one to suffer the pain I did or even worse."

Redland Hospital emergency specialist John Sutherland said stonefish could cause severe pain when stepped on but he said a sting would almost certainly not be fatal.

"I would say a stonefish sting is something reasonably rare but they are found throughout this area," he said.

In his five years at Redland, Dr Sutherland said he had treated about four patients and estimated there would probably be about two to three cases a year.

"Although it is reasonably rare, it is certainly not unheard of," Dr Sutherland said.

"We would like people to beware of them, and of course if you are walking in muddy water put something on your feet."

Dr Sutherland said if anyone was stung by a stone fish they should clean off the area and immerse the limb in warm water at about 40 degrees, as this helps to break down the venom and takes away some of the pain.

The spines of the fish contain poisonous venom unlike that of a snake, and he said in extreme cases a person could feel stomach cramps and suffer vomiting.

In some sting cases an anti-venom can also be administered at hospital.

ANGFA Queensland is turning 30!

aquarium, Australian native freshwater species, Club News, community

Mar 302013

2013 is a special year for ANGFA Qld. We’ve come a long way since our founding members first decided to meet as regional group under the newly formed national association back in 1983. There’s been thirty years of volunteer efforts and commitment to the club; thirty years of building partnerships with and gaining the respect of other clubs, community groups, and government agencies; thirty years of promoting the hobby and the appreciation of Sahul’s magnificent fish and aquatic life; and most of all, thirty years of new friends and old mates sharing stories, experience and when all else fails, a good laugh.

This year we’re providing open access to our monthly publication, In-Stream. In-Stream is edited by internationally recognized author, rainbowfish expert, and founding member Adrian Tappin. We also have a brand new website thanks to the technical expertise of Alan Rubin, and our esteemed president Steve Baines has been putting the finishing touches on a mobile display that gives us the opportunity share our interests with the broader community.

Keep an eye out this year for some great speakers, field trips, and special events that we’ve got in the pipeline. Don’t forget 2013 is a convention year as well and it sounds like ANGFA Victoria has made great plans for us (checkout the invitation from ANGFA Victoria).

ANGFA Qld President, Steve Baines with the RNA Champion exotic fish in the grand parade. Picture: Annette Dew Source: The Courier-Mail

image from 2009 convention

If you’re not a member you’re welcome to have a look around and if you like what you see then maybe you’d like to join us – send an email to the membership officer for more information or use our online application form.

ANGFA Qld meets at the Bar Jai Community Hall at 7:30pm on the second Friday of even numbered months – check out our calendar for dates and times. At the meetings we have invited speakers giving presentations, a drinks stand and a shop with books, dry goods and equipment. There’s even an auction held each meeting where members sell their extra plants and fish – often one’s you won’t see anywhere else and at a fraction of the price. It’s always great to see new faces if you can make it along.

Don’t forget to check back here for updates to the site and for our monthly instalments of In-Stream.

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