Hydrodynamic, Water Quality and Ecological Study of Eprapah Creek Estuarine Zone: a Multi-Disciplinary, Cross-Institutional Approach

摘要

A series of detailed multi-disciplinary field studies was conducted in a small subtropical creek : i.e., Eprapah Creek, Victoria Point Queensland. Hydrodynamic and ecological measurements were conducted simultaneously in the river mouth to assess the complexity of the estuarine zone and the interactions between hydraulic engineering, environmental issues, biology and ecology. The results provide unique and original snapshots of a subtropical creek, and the methodology sets new standards for the comprehensive surveys of estuaries in the sub-tropical zone. A key feature of the field studies was the contrasted outcomes, and the results impact on the selection of "key indicators". Fauna observations showed strong bird and fish activities, but other results demonstrated on-going pollution.