Research

Below are lists of studies that have been done (or are in progress) on the Project sites or are linked to Project activities. Apart from the current research studies, information about any of these can be obtained from the literature or by contacting the KWRP office. 

current research studies 

by universities: 

Mary Greenwood: PhD study on ecosystem change relative to floodgate opening; Supervisor: Dr Geoff MacFarlane, The University of Newcastle;  

Alice Howe: PhD study on engineering eco- hydraulics of southern Ash Island. Supervisor Dr Jose Rodriguez, The University of Newcastle (supported by ARC Industry Linkage grant, collaboration with ACU and HCRCMA), commenced 2004; 

Jennifer Spencer: PhD study on shorebird ecology in Hunter estuary. Supervisor: Dr Neil Saintilan, Australian Catholic Uni., (collaboration with Uni. of Newcastle and HCRCMA, supported by ARC Industry linkage grant), commenced 2004;

Michelle Stockwell: PhD study on GGBF, chytrid fungus and solutes; Supervisor, Dr Michael Mahony,  The University of Newcastle, supported by Uni Newcastle scholarship, HCRCMA and PWCS sponsorship, commenced 2005;

Peter Nelson: PhD study on vegetation change; Supervisor, Dr Michael Mahony, The University of Newcastle. Studies completed, thesis being written.

Kerrie-Lee Rogers PhD study "Sedimentation studies in mangroves and saltmarsh"; Supervisor Dr Neil Saintilan, Australian Catholic Uni.

Stuart Lachlan Hons project "The effect of urbanisation on saltmarsh ecology" Supervisors Dr Pauline Ross, Uni Western Sydney and Pia Laegdsgaard, DNR; awaiting report. 

Joanne Ling, PhD,  Biological assessment of wetlands: Testing techniques. Supervisors, Assoc. Prof John Bavor University of Western Sydney and Dr Surrey Jacobs (Royal Botanic Gardens), awaiting report

by State agencies:

NSW Fisheries (Fisheries Research Institute); study continuing; Rob Williams' team on Ash Island. Manuscripts to be provided by Rob Williams: baseline data for Tomago/Fullerton Cove floodgates; fish in saltmarsh; fish in tidal creeks - gill nets (BACI); fish in tidal creeks - seine nets (BACI); fish in tidal ponds - fyke nets (BACI); combined KWRP BACI document as NSWF Final Report Series.

by consultants:

"Mosquitoes in Hexham, Kooragang and Tomago wetlands: Drs Richard Russell & Cameron Webb.

"Monitoring Benthic Invertebrate in Hexham and Tomago. "  Benthic Invertebrate consultant.

by community groups: 

On-going monitoring of waders and other birds in the Hunter River estuary, including Ash Island; monthly bird counts submitted by Hunter Bird Observers Club.

Monitoring epiphytic orchids on Ash Island; pollinating in August by Newcastle Orchid Society.

Green and golden bell frog (Litoria aurea) monitoring. Society for Frogs and Reptiles (SOFAR)

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Papers published or "in press" in scientific literature: 

A  B  C  D  E  F  G  H  I  J  K  L  M  N  O  P  Q  R  S  T  U  V  W  X  Y  Z

Day S., Streever W.J. & Watts J.J. (1999) An experimental assessment of slag as a substrate for mangrove rehabilitation. Restoration Ecology 7, 139-144. 

Dick T.M. & Streever W.J. (2001) Decomposition of Avicennia marina on an iron-smelting slag substrate. Austral Ecology 26, 127-131.

Dick T.M., Streever W.J. & Osunkoya O.O. (2002) Decomposition of Sarcocornia quinqueflora on a restored wetland with an iron-smelting slag substrate. Restoration Ecology 10, 11-15.

Hamer A.J., Lane S.J. & Mahony M. (2003) Retreat Site Selection during Winter in the Green and Golden Bell Frog, Litoria aurea Lesson Journal of Herpetology 37, 541-545. 

Hamer A.J., Lane S.J. & Mahony M. (2002) Management of freshwater wetlands for the endangered green and golden bell frog (Litoria aurea): roles of habitat determinants and space. Biological Conservation 106, 413-424.

Hamer A.J., Lane S.J. &  Mahony M. (2002) The role of introduced mosquitofish (Gambusia holbrooki) in excluding the native green and golden bell frog (Litoria aurea) from original habitats in south-eastern Australia. Oecologia 132, 445-452.

Hughes C.E., Binning P. & Willgoose G.R. (1998) Characterisation of the hydrology of an estuarine wetland. Journal of Hydrology 21, 34-49.

Hughes C.E., Binning P. & Willgoose G. (1998) An experimental investigation of water balance and porewater movement in the intertidal zone of an estuarine wetland. In Sivakumar, M. and Chowdhury, R. N. (Eds) Environmental Management: Engineering the water-environment and the geo-environment. Proc. 2nd International Conference on Environmental Management, Australia, Elsevier, Amsterdam. pp. 243-250.

Hughes C.E., Kalma J.D., Binning P., Willgoose G.R. & Vertzonis M. (2001) Estimating evapotranspiration for a temperate salt marsh, Newcastle, Australia. Hydrological Processes 15, 957-975.

Streever W.J. (1997) Wetland Rehabilitation in Australia: An introduction to the special issue. Wetlands Ecology and Management 5,1-4

Streever W.J. (1997) Trends in Australian wetland rehabilitation Wetlands Ecology and Management 5, 5-18

Streever W.J. (1997) Preliminary example of a sampling design assessment method for biomonitoring studies that rely on ordination. In: Proceedings of Intecol's V International Wetlands Conference.

Streever W.J. (1997) The role of research in wetland rehabilitation: Kooragang Island as a case study. In: Saving our Natural Heritage? The role of Science in Managing Australia's Ecosystems. (eds C. Copeland & D. Lewis) pp.197- 215. Halstead Press, Sydney.

Streever W.J. & Genders A.J. (1997) Effect of improved tidal flushing and competitive interactions at the boundary between saltmarsh and pasture. Estuaries 20, 807-818. 

Streever W.J. (1999) Kooragang Wetland Rehabilitation Project: Opportunities and constraints in an urban wetland rehabilitation project. Urban Ecosystems 2, 205-218.

Streever W.J., Callaghan-Perry M.,  Searles A. Stevens T. & Svoboda P. (1998) Public attitudes and values for wetland conservation in New South Wales, Australia. Journal of Environmental Management 54, 1-14.

Streever W.J., Wiseman L., Turner P. & Nelson P. (1996) Short term changes in flushing of tidal creeks following culvert removal Wetlands (Australia) 15, 22-30.

Streever W.J., Genders A.J. & Cole M.A. (1998) A closed chamber CO2 flux method for estimating marsh productivity. Aquatic Botany 62, 33-44.

Turner P.A. & Streever W.J. (1997) Test of a mosquito eggshell isolation method and sub-sampling procedure. Journal American Mosquito Control Association 13, 43-46.

Turner P.A. & Streever W.J. (1997) The relationship between the density of Aedes vigilax (Diptera: Culicidae) eggshells and environmental factors on Kooragang Island, New South Wales, Australia. Journal American Mosquito Control Association 14, 361-367.

Turner P.A. & Streever W.J. (1999) Changes in productivity of the saltmarsh mosquito Aedes vigilax (Diptera: Culicidae) and vegetation coverage following culvert removal. Australian Journal of Ecology 24, 240-248.

Zedler J.B., Nelson P. & Adam P. (1995) Plant community organisation in New South Wales saltmarshes: species mosaics and potential causes. Wetlands (Australia) 14,1-18.

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Student studies available at KWRP office:

A  B  C  D  E  F  G  H  I  J  K  L  M  N  O  P  Q  R  S  T  U  V  W  X  Y  Z  

Bourke M.J. (1996) Measurement of net primary productivity of saltmarsh vegetation on Kooragang Island. BSc(Hons) thesis, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia.

Bubb R.L. (1993) Ash Island Tidal Pump. B. Eng. thesis in Env. Eng., University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia.

Conner M.A. (1993) Hydraulics of Cobbans Creek: Kooragang Wetland Compensation Project. B. Eng. thesis in Env. Eng., University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia.

Day S. (1997) Grey mangrove rehabilitation on a BHP site: Nutrient concentrations, ground water and crabs. B. Eng. thesis in Env. Eng., University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia.

Dick T.M. (1999) Decomposition of saltmarsh and mangrove vegetation on and around Kooragang Island. M.Sc. thesis. Dept. Geog. & Env. Sci. University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia.

Flanagan N. (1997) Comparison between Juncus kraussii and Juncus acutus on Kooragang Island. BSc(Hons) thesis, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia.

Flanagan N. (2004) Effects of runnelling on saltmarsh in Port Stephens, New South Wales, Australia. Ph.D. thesis. The University of Newcastle. 

Flaskis S. (1996) Mapping the distribution of vegetation communities in a Tomago saltmarsh using statistical methods. B. Eng. thesis in Env. Eng., University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia.

Genders A.J. (1996) Interaction of marsh and pasture species on Kooragang Island. Grad. Dip.Sci. thesis, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia. 

Hamer A. (1997) The Distribution of Frog Fauna in the Kooragang Wetland Rehabilitation Project, Ash Island, New South Wales. Student Thesis, Dept. Geog and Env Sci, The University of Newcastle.

Hamer A.J. (1998) Aspects of the ecology of the green and golden bell frog (Litoria aurea) on Kooragang Island, New South Wales, Australia. M.Env.Sci. thesis, Dept. Geog and Env Sci, University of Newcastle Callaghan, NSW, Australia

Harris M.G. (1994) The abundance and distribution of intertidal crabs on Kooragang Island, NSW. BSc (Hons) thesis, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia.

Harrod B. (1997) An investigation of soil macroporosity and infiltration in a wetland environment. B. Eng. thesis in Env. Eng., University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia.

Heydon G.A. (1995) Determination of soil salinity for the saltmarsh at Tomago: factors influencing spatial variation. B. Eng. thesis in Env. Eng., University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia.

Howe A. (2005) Hydrodynamics, Geomorphology & vegetation of migratory shorebird habitat in the Hunter River estuary, NSW, Australia. upgrade report. Ph D (Env. Eng.), Discipline of Civil, surveying and Environmental Engineering, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia.

Hughes C.E. (1998) Hydrology of a disturbed estuarine wetland, Hunter River, Australia: Field investigation, process modelling and management implications Ph.D. thesis: Dept. Civil. Surv & Env. Eng., University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia. 

Isaac A. & Lawrence S. (1998) Establishment of a GPS control network and digital cadastre of the Tomago site for the Kooragang Wetland Rehabilitation Project (KWRP). B. Eng. thesis in Civil, Surv. & Env. Eng. University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia

Kelly C. (1995) Monitoring River Bank Erosion and Creek Variations B. Eng. thesis in Env. Eng., University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia.

Krause A. (1995) Factors determining the spatial distribution of vegetation in a Tomago saltmarsh. B. Eng. thesis in Env. Eng., University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia.

Leech C. (1996) Wetlands Water Quality. B. Eng. thesis in Env. Eng., University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia.

MacDonald T. (1996) Monitoring the effect of increased tidal activity on the saltmarsh and mangrove vegetation communities of the Kooragang Island wetlands using photogrammetry and GIS. BSc(Hons) thesis, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia.

MacDonald T. (2000) Investigating vegetation zonation in a natural estuarine wetland ecosystem at Karuah, NSW, using reciprocal transplants – implications for the restoration of estuarine wetlands degraded by structural flood mitigation Dept Biol. Sci. University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia.

Monk T. (1997) Ecological data simulation. B. Eng. thesis in Env. Eng., University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia.

Monkley A. (1998) Transportation of Aluminium in Wetlands. B. Eng. thesis in Civil, Surv. & Env. Eng., University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia.

Nelson P.J. (1994) Aspects of the ecology of vascular halophytes which determine their distribution in a Kooragang Island saltmarsh community. BSc(Hons) thesis, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia.

Peart S (2005) Lippia control: investigation of possible role of cattle. Environmental and Life Sciences, The University of Newcastle.

Puslednik C. (1996) Vegetation mapping incorporating a Geographic Information System. B. Eng. thesis in Env. Eng., University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia.

Ray J. (1997) Nutrient survey of the lower Hunter River estuary. B. Eng. thesis in Env. Eng., University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia.

Rayward D. (1996) Wetland hydraulics: Comparison of modelling techniques. B. Eng. thesis in Env. Eng., University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia.

Reid M. & Wilson S. (1996) Establishment of Control Network on Ash Island. B. Eng. thesis in Env. Eng., University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia.

Renton K. (2005) Monitoring of wetland creation site; 3rd yr placement studies (EMGT 3090),The University of Newcastle 

Robinson L. (1996) Wetland Groundwater Parameterisation. B. Eng. thesis in Env. Eng., University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia.

Slade C. (1997) Dynamics of Freshwater Wetland Vegetation. 4th year report for Dept. Geog. & Env. Sci., University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia. 

Tummers P. (1996) Acid sulfate soils - their occurrence at Tomago Field Site, NSW 4th year report for B. Eng. & Env. Sci. University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW Australia.

Turner P.A. (1999) Monitoring of mosquito populations from the Tomago wetlands and recommendations in relation to wetland rehabilitation. KWRP Report

Turner P. (1999) Mosquito eggshell sampling as a method to assess oviposition site selection and the effect of wetland rehabilitation on production of Aedes vigilax (Skuse) (Diptera : Culicidae) PhD Thesis: Dept. Biol. Sci, University of Newcastle Callaghan, NSW, Australia

Vertzonis M. (1997) Application of the eddy correlation method of measuring evapotranspiration. B. Eng. thesis in Env. Eng., University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia.

Watts, J. (1996) Investigation of strategies for the restoration of tidal mangrove wetlands, on a degraded slag landfill site, under differing environmental conditions. B. Eng. thesis in Env. Eng., University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia.

Werkman H. (1997) An electronic theodolite/global positioning system survey and sediment analysis of creek 3 on Kooragang Island, NSW, 3rd yr report Dept Biol Sci, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia.

Wicks C (1992) Ground water regime of Kooragang Island - Ash Island Study. B. Eng. thesis in Env. Eng., University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia.

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Reports prepared for the Project by the following agencies or consultants:

Environmental Resources Management Australia Pty Ltd (ERM), NSW Fisheries (NSWF), NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS), Shortland Wetland Centre Consultancy (SWCC), Hunter Valley Research Foundation (HVRF) The University of Newcastle (UNew)

Brown S. (1995) Review of Environmental Factors Stockton Bridge Sandspit - Migratory Shorebird Habitat Rehabilitation. (SWCC) 

Brown S. (1996) Draft Ash Island Rainforest Regeneration Management Plan. (SWCC)

ERM (2003). The green and golden bell frog on Kooragang Island monitoring study.  Report prepared for Premier's Dept.

Flanagan, N. (1999) The environmental impacts of runnelling for mosquito control: A draft report on progress prepared for Port Stephens Council

Geering D. (1993) Hunter Estuary Wader Study. (SWCC)

Geering D. (1993) Ecology of migratory shorebirds in the Hunter River estuary. (SWCC)

Geering D. and Winning G.(1994) Recommended rehabilitation strategy for migratory shorebird habitat at Stockton Bridge and spit (funded by the Australian Nature Conservation Agency) (SWCC)

Genders, A. (1998) Effects of floodgates on the distribution and abundance of larval fish and nektonic plankton in the Hunter River (UNew)

Kingsford R. T. and Ferster Levy R. (1995) Rehabilitating estuarine habitat on Kooragang Island for waterbirds, including migratory wading birds - Stage 1 of the Kooragang Wetland Rehabilitation Project (May 1994 - May 1995). (NPWS)

Lloyd, A. and W.J. Streever (1998) Avicennia marina Herbivory by an undescribed moth larva (family Oecophoridae, genus Enoplida) on Kooragang Island and the surrounding area. (UNew)

McKenzie,P., W.J. Streever & H. Werkman (1998) The dead mangrove site: investigations and recommendations for rehabilitation. (Including detailed information on creek survey methods) (UNew)

Shortland Wetlands Centre Ltd. in association TUNRA (The University of Newcastle Research Associates)(1992) Kooragang Island Wetland Compensation Project Feasibility Study

Skaines I. Community Attitudes Towards the Kooragang Wetland Rehabilitation Project (June 1993, Dec 1993, June 1994, Dec. 1994, June 1995, Dec. 1995, Dec. 1996). (HVRF)

Streever, W.J. (1997) Kooragang Island Grey Mangrove (Avicennia marina) Research; Rehabilitation of the denuded southwestern shoreline of Kooragang Island. September 1995-January 1997. Kooragang Wetland Rehabilitation Project, Wallsend NSW Australia 53pp 

Turner J. (1997) History of the Hunter River Islands. (A book in progress)

Turner, P.A. (1999) Monitoring of mosquito populations from the Tomago wetlands and recommendations in relation to wetland rehabilitation. (KWRP)

Weldon, C.W. (2000) Spatial patterns of estuarine macroinvertebrates on Kooragang Island: identification of rapid assessment indicator species (UNew)

Williams R. J., Hannan J. and Balashov V. (1995) Fish, Decapod Crustaceans and their Habitats (First Interim Report - Summer 1993/94). Fisheries Research Institute, Cronulla, NSW (NSWF)

Williams, R.J., Hannan, J. & V. Balashov (2000) Kooragang Wetland Rehabilitation project: History of changes to the estuarine wetlands of the lower Hunter River (NSWF)

Winning, G. (1993) Tomago - Fullerton Cove Vegetation Survey. (SWCC)

Winning G. (1996) Vegetation density criteria for Ash Island flood model. (SWCC)

Winning, G. (1991) Western Kooragang Island Vegetation Study. (SWCC)

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Other studies relevant to KWRP: 

Buckney R. T. (1987) Three decades of habitat change: Kooragang Island, NSW. In: Nature Conservation - The role of remnants of native vegetation (eds D. A. Saunders, G. W. Arnold, A. A. Burbidge & A. J. M.Hopkins), Surrey Beatty & Sons, Sydney.

Coffey E J, (1973) Inquiry into Pollution from Kooragang Island. State Pollution Control Commission, Sydney.

Dames and Moore (1978) An assessment of the effect on the environment of the proposed stage II landfill scheme at Kooragang Island, Newcastle, NSW. NSW Department of Public Works.

Moss J, (1983) Investigation of the Natural Areas of Kooragang Island. NSW Department of Environment & Planning, Sydney.

Outhred R. K. & Buckney R. T. (1984) The vegetation of Kooragang Island, NSW. Wetlands (Australia) 3, 58-70.

Ruello N. V. (1973) Burrowing, feeding and spatial distribution of the school prawn Metapenaeus macleayi (Haswell) in the Hunter Region, Australia Journal of Experimental Marine Biology & Ecology 13, 189-206.

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