A study into the influence of invasive aquatic weed, the Mexican waterlily (Nymphaea Mexicana) on ecology and water quality of the lower Vasse River has been completed. The study, funded through the Revitalising Geographe Waterways program, was initiated in response to community concern of the rapid expansion of the waterlily over recent years, which is...Continue Reading
A water treatment trial in the Lower Vasse River over the 2017-18 summer has ended with the removal of large blue plastic curtains used to separate sections of the river upstream of the traffic bridge in Busselton. Department of Water and Environmental Regulation scientist Svenja Tulipani said despite some issues with summer storms, the trial...Continue Reading
Over twenty species of fish, including popular recreational species Black Bream, Blue Swimmer Crabs and Tarwhine, and a wide range of aquatic invertebrates were found in recent surveys of the Toby Inlet. The surveys were carried out by scientists from the Centre for Sustainable Aquatic Ecosystems at Murdoch University as an initiative of the City...Continue Reading
Farmers in the Geographe Catchment gained a better understanding of the accuracy of their fertiliser spreaders at an Accuspread field day held last week. A properly tested and calibrated spreader has is beneficial for better productivity and healthier waterways GeoCatch worked with the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation to bring together groups of local...Continue Reading
The lower section of the Vasse Diversion Drain below Bussell Highway is about to receive a major upgrade this year as part of the Vasse Diversion Drain Enhancement Project. The project is funded through the State government’s Revitalising Geographe Waterways Program and will provide a high profile demonstration site to showcase improved water quality, waterway...Continue Reading
Over thirty Geographe farmers packed into the Vasse Research Station last week to receive their results from this year’s soil testing program. The strong turnout showed farmers commitment to getting fertiliser applications right and to do their bit to improve water quality in Geographe waterways. ‘You can tell our farmers are aiming for continuous improvement...Continue Reading
PHOTO BY MARK OLIVER A feeding frenzy of pelicans, charismatic dolphin and large numbers of fish and waterbirds delighted scientists carrying out seasonal monitoring on the Vasse Wonnerup wetlands in late January. High numbers of fish in the lower Vasse Estuary provided a feast for pelicans showcasing their impressive fishing skills. Scientists witnessed a flock...Continue Reading
Farmers from across the Geographe catchment are set to receive expert advice on improving their productivity, and bottom line, by keeping nutrients on the farm and out of waterways. Close to 30 farmers who took part in the Revitalising Geographe Waterways fertiliser management program this year, will receive their soil test results and nutrient mapping...Continue Reading
Scientific research to better understand and manage water quality in the Vasse Wonnerup wetlands is well underway for this summer. A number of exciting trials to improve water quality and better understand the ecology of the wetlands are being carried out by scientists over summer. Water quality monitoring in the Vasse estuary channel by the...Continue Reading
A unique trial using a Western Australian manufactured product to reduce algal blooms in rivers and estuaries is being extended in the Lower Vasse River this summer. The trial of phosphorus binding clay expands on last year’s experiment using 15 large bottomless tanks, or mesocosms, embedded in the river upstream of the Causeway Bridge. This...Continue Reading
