Community members interested in the natural values of the Vasse Wonnerup wetlands will have the opportunity to hear first-hand from scientists who will be presenting via a new monthly webinar series hosted by GeoCatch.
Since 2017, seasonal ecological monitoring has been undertaken on the Vasse Wonnerup wetlands to help scientists and managers understand the potential longer-term impacts on the ecology that may occur through changes to the water regime over summer.
The Vasse Wonnerup wetlands have extraordinary plant and animal life that changes dramatically throughout the seasons. Finding out how managers can help improve water quality and aesthetic values in the wetlands without impacting their ecological values has been a key component of the research.
GeoCatch Chair Felicity Bradshaw says that the webinar series is just one of the ways GeoCatch has been working differently to keep the community informed and up to date during Covid 19 pandemic.
“We are excited to be using these new online platforms to share important information about our catchment with the community” said Felicity.
The first webinar on 12 August will focus on aquatic plants and how they relate to wetland health. Dr Jane Chambers and Dr Robyn Paice from Murdoch University will be showcasing their results, as well as being available to answer questions from webinar participants.
Webinar topics in coming months will include fish and macroinvertebrate by Dr James Tweedley from Murdoch University; water quality and gate management by Dr Linda Kalnejais from Department of Water and Environmental Regulation; and migratory and permanent waterbirds by Kim Williams from Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions.
For more information on the webinars and upcoming events, visit the GeoCatch website or Revitalising Geographe Waterways Events page.
This webinar series is funded through the state government’s Revitalising Geographe Waterways program which aims to improve water quality, waterway health and management of Geographe waterways.