atlas of coastal saltmarsh wetlands in the cradle coast region of

atlas of coastal saltmarsh wetlands in the cradle coast region of

ATLAS OF COASTAL SALTMARSH WETLANDS IN THE
CRADLE COAST REGION OF TASMANIA
Published by
Cradle Coast NRM
May 2016
Maps, photos and text by
Vishnu Prahalad
Design and layout by
Michael Helman
Cradle Coast NRM
ATLAS OF COASTAL SALTMARSH WETLANDS IN THE CRADLE COAST REGION OF TASMANIA
INTRODUCTION TO THE ATLAS
Coastal saltmarshes in subtropical and temperate Australia (including Tasmania) have been listed in 2013 as a
vulnerable ecological community under Federal environment legislation (EPBC Act 1999). This listing acknowledges
that these wetlands have suffered habitat fragmentation and loss of community integrity coupled with threats
arising from human activities, invasive species, climate change and sea level rise. In Tasmania, studies show that
close to a half of these important coastal ecosystems have already been lost due to the above threats. The apparent
vulnerability of Tasmanian saltmarshes is further underscored by a lack of broad awareness of the important values
provided by these habitats.
Saltmarsh wetlands perform important ecological functions that support a range of ecosystem services and
biodiversity values in our coastal landscape, though they remain underappreciated and in many cases lack baseline
mapping information. In the case of the Cradle Coast Region of Tasmania, several areas of saltmarsh wetlands had
remained unmapped including in the Rubicon, Mersey, Don, Forth and Leven Rivers. Mapping these wetlands
is hence an important activity and also needs to be accompanied by products aimed at both communicating the
mapping results and providing tools for better understanding and engagement in conserving these habitats and
their ecological functions.
This booklet provides a visual summary of the mapping undertaken as part of the Coastal Saltmarsh Wetland Asset
Mapping in the Cradle Coast Region project (completed in May 2016). The information presented in this booklet
is drawn from the GIS mapping layer that records the location and extent of saltmarshes and the accompanying
database that contains information on a range of attributes pertaining to these mapped natural assets. Detailed
information on the mapping methodology used and the data collected in available in the mapping report produced
as part of this project. Both the report and GIS dataset are available through Cradle Coast NRM.
While this project has collected as much information within the limits of this first pass assessment, there are still
some information gaps to be filled. The mapping report highlights areas where further data can be collected in the
future. If you are interested in an area of saltmarsh where you are able to facilitate the collection of information or
be involved in on-going monitoring of saltmarsh values, please contact Cradle Coast NRM.
This project is supported by Cradle Coast NRM, through funding from the Australian Government’s National
Landcare Programme and University of Tasmania.
CONTENTS
Introduction to the Atlas
Saltmarsh wetland - yellow polygon
p. 2
Cradle Coast NRM study area
Reserve areas - white hatched polygon
Sample of saltmarsh photos
Public road access - gold line
p. 5
Saltmarsh distribution map
Flooding areas* - blue polygon
p. 6
Saltmarsh complexes map
Text
Text
Place name - white text
pp. 7-34
Individual saltmarsh complexes
Text
Wetland cluster name - purple text in rounded box
Anna Wind & Mark Wisniewski (CCNRM)
Jamie Kirkpatrick (UTAS)
CRADLE
COAST NRM
Base data used in the maps are from theLIST
and TASMAP © State of Tasmania
NRM NORTH
NRM SOUTH
For more information and resources about coastal wetlands in Tasmania
please visit the Living Wetlands site: http://www.livingwetlands.com
SALTMARSH BIRDS POSTER
AND CHECKLIST
a GUIDE TO THE PLANTS OF
TASMANIAN SALTMARSH WETLANDS
SALTMARSH
matters
app
pp. 3-4
Acknowledgements:
Similar online mapping summaries of
coastal saltmarshes in other Tasmanian
regions are available through the web
pages of NRM North and NRM South.
SALTMARSH COMPLEX Map Legend
p. 1
pp. 35-38 Spartina anglica (rice grass)
Natural Resource Management of
Saltmarsh WetlandS in TASMANIA
Text
Geographic location name - gold text
Text
Reserve name - black text in box
SCIENCE COMMUNICATION AND
INTERPRETATION MATERIAL
saltmarsh.eskmapping.com.au
*Flooding areas indicate low lying land subject to flooding under a sea level rise scenario of
1.1m in the year 2100 prepared by the Tasmanian Department of Premier and Cabinet in 2012.
Page 1 of 38
Grassy saltmarsh with succulent fringe in Forth River
Page 2 of 38
Cradle Coast NRM
ATLAS OF COASTAL SALTMARSH WETLANDS IN THE CRADLE COAST REGION OF TASMANIA
A SNAPSHOT OF TASMANIA’S CRADLE COAST SALTMARSH WETLANDS
Saltmarsh types
Life in saltmarsh wetlands
In Tasmania, saltmarshes are formally defined and mapped by
two vegetation community types as outlined by the Tasmanian
Vegetation Monitoring and Mapping Program (TASVEG).
Succulent saltmarsh
Grassy saltmarsh
Left: Shrubby Glasswort (Tecticornia arbuscula) and Creeping Brockweed (Samolus repens) in Sea Elephant,
King Island Right: Sea-Lavender (Limonium australe) in Boullanger Bay.
Succulent saltmarsh (TASVEG code: ASS) on the
West Coast of King Island, dominated by Shrubby
Glasswort (Tecticornia arbuscula) and Beaded
Glasswort (Sarcocornia quinqueflora).
Grassy saltmarsh (TASVEG code: ARS) near Cat
Island in Macquarie Harbour, dominated by a
monospecific stand of Sea Rush (Juncus kraussii).
Great Egret (left), Red-necked Stints (middle) and Red-capped Plover (right), all on Sarcocornia herbfield
margins in Circular Head saltmarshes.
Aerial view of Montagu Island succulent saltmarsh
in Robbins Passage area, in Circular Head.
Aerial view of Forth River grassy saltmarsh in
Turners Beach area, adjacent to Bass Highway.
Crabs are among the largest and most abundant invertebrates in saltmarshes (left), marsupials are
occasionally seen (centre), while insects and spiders can be harder to spot and are not well studied (right).
King River grassy saltmarsh, Macquarie Harbour
Page 3 of 38
Page 4 of 38
Cradle Coast NRM
ATLAS OF COASTAL SALTMARSH WETLANDS IN THE CRADLE COAST REGION OF TASMANIA
DISTRIBUTION OF COASTAL SALTMARSH WETLANDS
INDEX OF COASTAL SALTMARSH WETLAND COMPLEXES
0 5 10 Kms
Boullanger Bay Robbins Passage Big Bay Duck Bay
LEGEND
Saltmarsh Wetland Coastal Complexes
12
Cradle Coast NRM Coastal Saltmarsh
10
1. Port Sorell-Rubicon River Coastal Complex (pp. 7-9)
King Island
2. Mersey-Don Rivers Coastal Complex (pp. 10-11)
3. Forth-Leven Rivers Coastal Complex (pp. 12-13)
4. Blythe-Cam-Inglis Rivers Coastal Complex (pp. 14-16)
Circular Head
0 5 10 Kilometres
0
5
5. Detention-Black Rivers Coastal Complex (pp. 17-18)
11
10 Kilometres
6. East-West Inlets Coastal Complex (p. 21)
7. Big Bay-Duck Bay Coastal Complex (pp. 22-23)
LEGEND
Local Government Area
8
<2
2 - 10
Saltmarsh
Area
(ha)
10 - 20
East Inlet
20 - 40
9. Macquarie Harbour Coastal Complex (pp.29-30)
7
10. Sea Elephant River Coastal Complex (p.32)
6
11. Big Lake Coastal Complex (p. 33)
5
> 40
12. King Island West Coast Complex (p. 34)
4
Bakers Beach Narawntapu National Park
Circular Head
8. Boullanger Bay-Robbins Passage Coastal Complex (pp. 24-28)
3
WaratahWynyard
Burnie
2
1
Devonport
Latrobe
Central Coast
Data from theLIST, © State of Tasmania
Kentish
0
5
10 Kilometres
West
Coast
9
NRM North
Data and image from theLIST,
TASMAP, © State of Tasmania
West Coast
0 5 10
20 Kilometres
0
5
10 Kms
0 5 10
20 Kilometres
NRM South
Size class distribution of Cradle Coast NRM coastal saltmarshes (not including Spartina marshes - see
pp. 35-38). The Bakers Beach and East Inlet saltmarshes have been highlighted for being the second
and third largest in extent at 82 ha and 78 ha respectively. The inset map of Circular Head sub-region
shows the other large marshes measuring above 40 ha in area. These marshes are in: Robbins Island
(x4); Perkins Island; Montagu Island; Kangaroo Island; Deep Creek Bay; Swan Bay; Welcome Inlet;
and Shoal Inlet. The largest marsh is in the eastern end of Robbins Island, measuring 95.2 ha in extent.
Page 5 of 38
Coastal saltmarshes tend to occur in ‘clusters’ of more than one patch to up to several
patches. These clusters are identified at a scale of 1:25,000-1:100,000 and is usually
named after the landscape feature that defines the cluster. Saltmarsh clusters are further
aggregated at larger spatial scales of 1:100,000-1:250,000 within 12 ‘coastal complexes’
with each complex made up of a minimum of one cluster to up to several clusters. Click
on each complex title to navigate to saltmarsh wetland clusters within the complex. Page 6 of 38
Cradle Coast NRM
ATLAS OF COASTAL SALTMARSH WETLANDS IN THE CRADLE COAST REGION OF TASMANIA
0.5
1
2 Kilometres
Milldam
0
1(A). RUBICON RIVER, FRANKLIN RIVULET
Road
PORT SORELL-RUBICON RIVER
LEGEND
Coastal Saltmarsh
Data and image from theLIST,
TASMAP, © State of Tasmania
0
0.25
0.5
1 Kilometre
et
rles Stre
Cha
Squeaking
Point
Eagle
Point
Road
Eagle
Point
Rubicon River - Port Sorell
Cluster
Public Reserve
kford
Fran
Road
South East Arm - Franklin Rivulet
Cluster
Public Reserve
Ro
ad
Ba
ord
rs
nkf
ke
Fra
Be
ac
h
Ro
ad
Franklin Rivulet
Conservation Area
LEGEND
Saltmarsh
wetland
Reserve
area
Flooding
area
the LIST &copy State of Tasmania
Data and image from theLIST,
TASMAP, © State of Tasmania
SALTMARSH PROFILE
An overview of the extent and distribution of saltmarsh wetlands mapped
within the Port Sorell-Rubicon Estuary area. For Spartina marshes, see page 37.
Municipality: Latrobe
Saltmarsh Area: 39 ha
Associated Waterways: Rubicon River, Franklin Rivulet,
Branchs Creek, Greens Creek
Dominant Vegetation Type: Mostly grassy saltmarsh
dominated by Juncus, Austrostipa and Gahnia, mixed with
few patches of succulent saltmarsh dominated by Sarcocornia
Page 7 of 38
Dominant Land Tenure: Public Reserve,
Crown Land, Private Land, Conservation Area
Saltmarsh Clusters:
Rubicon River-Port Sorell Saltmarsh Cluster
(33 ha)
South East Arm-Franklin Rivulet Saltmarsh
Cluster (6 ha)
Page 8 of 38
Cradle Coast NRM
ATLAS OF COASTAL SALTMARSH WETLANDS IN THE CRADLE COAST REGION OF TASMANIA
1(B). PORT SORELL, pANATANA RIVULET, NORTH EAST ARM
2(A). MERSEY RIVER
Data and image from theLIST,
TASMAP, © State of Tasmania
rs
ke
Ba
North East Arm - Bakers Beach
Cluster
1 Kilometre
Stony Rise Road
Reserve
area
Street
Charles
Flooding
area
Flooding
area
Fra
nkfo
rd R
oad
Bass Highway
Mersey River - Spreyton
Cluster
Public Reserve
the LIST State of Tasmania
ad
Ro
er
Riv
in
ey Ma
Mers
SALTMARSH PROFILE
Road
Spreyton
oad
Main R
Fr
og
m
or
e
La
ne
Mersey
Mersey River - Latrobe
Cluster
de
Para
Bells
Municipality: Latrobe
Saltmarsh Area: 115 ha
Associated Waterways: Rubicon River, Panatana Rivulet, Sheepwash Creek, Browns Creek
Dominant Vegetation Type: Largely succulent saltmarsh dominated by Tecticornia and
Sarcocornia, with several patches of grassy saltmarsh dominated by Juncus
Dominant Land Tenure: National Park, Conservation Area, Private Land, Public Reserve
Saltmarsh Clusters:
North East Arm-Bakers Beach Saltmarsh Cluster (95 ha)
Port Sorell-Panatana Rivulet Saltmarsh Cluster (20 ha)
Sheffield Ro
ad
0.5
Saltmarsh
wetland
Milldam
Road
ad
Ro
0.25
LEGEND
Reserve
area
ay
hw
Hig
ss
Ba
d
or
sF
er
rk
Pa
0
Narawntapu
National Park
Figure of Eight Creek
Cluster
Data and image from theLIST,
TASMAP, © State of Tasmania
Saltmarsh
wetland
Bass
Highw
ay
De
vo
np
ort
Ro
ad
Port Sorell
Conservation Area
LEGEND
Po
rt
So
re
ll
R
oa
d
William
Street
Public
Reserve
Middle Roa
d
Wilmot
Street
Steele
Street
Wright
Street
ad
Ro
Vic
toria
Par
ade
h
ac
Be
Devonport
Public Reserve
Port
Sorell
Kilometre
11 Kilometre
Springlawn
Lagoon
Ri
ve
rR
oa
d
ad
t Ro
Poin
ers
Bak
0.25 0.5
0.5
0.25
Formby Road
Port Sorell - Panatana Rivulet
Cluster
00
Gilbert
Street
Latrobe
the LIST State of Tasmania
SALTMARSH PROFILE
Municipalities: Devonport, Latrobe
Saltmarsh Area: 102 ha
Associated Waterways: Mersey River, Ballahoo Creek,
Cockers Creek, Figure of Eight Creek
Dominant Vegetation Type: Mostly grassy saltmarsh
dominated by Juncus, Austrostipa and Gahnia, with some
patches of succulent saltmarsh dominated by Sarcocornia
Page 9 of 38
Dominant Land Tenure: Private Land, Public
Reserve, Crown Land
Saltmarsh Clusters:
Mersey River-Spreyton Saltmarsh Cluster (78.4 ha)
Mersey River-Latrobe Saltmarsh Cluster (23.3 ha)
Figure of Eight Creek Saltmarsh Cluster (0.2 ha)
Page 10 of 38
Cradle Coast NRM
ATLAS OF COASTAL SALTMARSH WETLANDS IN THE CRADLE COAST REGION OF TASMANIA
2(B). DON RIVER
3(A). FORTH RIVER
00
125
125
250
250
500 Metres
Metres
500
0
0.25
0.5
1 Kilometre
Data and image from theLIST,
TASMAP, © State of Tasmania
Don
Heads
Don Heads
Conservation Area
Turners Beach
nade
Espla
Don River Cluster
rn Drive
Blackbu
LEGEND
ad
ads Ro
ad
Public Reserve
(Gables Park)
Bass Highway
Forth River Cluster
Public Reserve
Braddon
s Lookou
t Road
Saltmarsh
wetland
ads Ro
Don He
Turners Beac
h Road
Bass Highway
Don He
Leith
Reserve
area
Flooding
area
d
oa
d
oaey R
y Rerl
rle av
ve W
Wa
Braddons
Lookout
LEGEND
Saltmarsh
wetland
Public Reserve
Don
Reserve
area
Road
Road
Flooding
area
Braddon
s Lookou
t Road
Don
Forth R
oad
Bass
Ro
ad
Ki
nd
re
d
ad
Ro
ad
rth
Ro
Fo
rth
Fo
d
Roa
Leith
ad
adRo
Roise
se R
Ri y
y
y ton
wy a
on S
gha
iw
gHh
sHsi
Bssa
Ba
Don
St
High
way
Bass
High
way
Data and image from theLIST,
TASMAP, © State of Tasmania
Forth
the LIST State of Tasmania
the LIST State of Tasmania
SALTMARSH PROFILE
Municipality: Devonport
Saltmarsh Area: 3.2 ha
Dominant Land Tenure: Public Reserve, Crown
Associated Waterways: Don River
Land, Conservation Area
Dominant Vegetation Type: Mainly grassy saltmarsh
Saltmarsh Clusters:
dominated by Juncus, Austrostipa and Gahnia, with
Don River Saltmarsh Cluster (3.2 ha)
seaward patches at Don Heads comprised of succulent
saltmarsh dominated by Tecticornia and Sarcocornia
Page 11 of 38
SALTMARSH PROFILE
Municipality: Central Coast
Saltmarsh Area: 34 ha
Associated Waterways: Forth River
Dominant Vegetation Type: Mostly grassy
saltmarsh dominated by Juncus, Austrostipa and
Gahnia, with fringing patches of Samolus repens
Dominant Land Tenure: Public Reserve, Crown
Land, Conservation Area
Saltmarsh Clusters:
Forth River Saltmarsh Cluster (34 ha)
Page 12 of 38
Cradle Coast NRM
ATLAS OF COASTAL SALTMARSH WETLANDS IN THE CRADLE COAST REGION OF TASMANIA
0.5
1 Kilometre
West Ulverstone
Myrtle Creek Cluster
Road
200 Metres
LEGEND
Data and image from theLIST,
TASMAP, © State of Tasmania
Ba
ss
Hi
gh
wa
y
Saltmarsh
wetland
Reserve
area
Ba
ss
Hi
gh
wa
y
Flooding
area
bs
ob
H
River Road
100
e
ad
r
Pa
Blythe River Cluster
sH
s
Ba
River
Park
y
wa
igh
Public Reserve
Circuit
Crown
et
st
We
ad
Ro
Ad
aih
iS
Ga
slo
n
wle
He
s
we
tre
et
rR
Public Reserve
oad
Saltmarsh
wetland
Reserve
area
Flooding
area
oad
Public Reserve
LEGEND
Bas
s Hig
hwa
y
d
oa
aR
nn
Mi
Bass Highway
Henslowes Park
Mannings Creek Cluster
Bass H
ighwa
y
ler R
reek
ter C
50
Queen Street
Leven River Fringing and
Island Marshes Cluster
Public Reserve
Lobs
0
Lovett Stre
0.25
4(A). BLYTHE RIVER
Gaw
0
South Road
3(B). LEVEN RIVER
Gawler River Cluster
River
Avenu
e
Heybridge
Data and image from theLIST,
TASMAP, © State of Tasmania
0
0.25
0.5
1 Kilometre
the LIST State of Tasmania
SALTMARSH PROFILE
SALTMARSH PROFILE
Municipalities: Burnie, Central Coast
Saltmarsh Area: 1 ha
Associated Waterways: Blythe River
Dominant Vegetation Type: Mostly grassy saltmarsh dominated by
Juncus, Austrostipa and Gahnia, with one small patch of Samolus repens
Dominant Land Tenure: Public Reserve
Saltmarsh Clusters:
Blythe River Saltmarsh Cluster (1 ha)
Municipality: Central Coast
Saltmarsh Area: 24 ha
Associated Waterways: Leven River, Gawler River, Mannings Creek, Myrtle Creek
Dominant Vegetation Type: Mostly grassy saltmarsh dominated by Juncus, mixed
with some Phragmites along the Gawler River, and a large (4 ha) marsh near River
Park dominated by Tecticornia
Dominant Land Tenure: Public Reserve, Crown Land
Saltmarsh Clusters:
Leven River Fringing and Island Marshes Cluster (17.3 ha)
Gawler River Saltmarsh Cluster (5.3 ha)
Mannings Creek Saltmarsh Cluster (0.5 ha)
Myrtle Creek Saltmarsh Cluster (0.5 ha)
Page 13 of 38
Page 14 of 38
Cradle Coast NRM
ATLAS OF COASTAL SALTMARSH WETLANDS IN THE CRADLE COAST REGION OF TASMANIA
4(B). CAM RIVER
50
50
100
100
200 Metres
200 Metres
0
125
250
500 Metres
Saltmarsh
wetland
Road
Data and image from theLIST,
TASMAP, © State of Tasmania
Data and image from theLIST,
TASMAP, © State of Tasmania
LEGEND
ape
Table C
0
0
4(C). INGLIS RIVER
d
oa
rR
ve
i
R
Bass Hig
hway
Reserve
area
Flooding
area
Golf
Links
Road
Bass Highway
ay
ighw
on H
chis
Mur
Inglis River Cluster
Public Reserve
Scarf
e Str
eet
t
tree
rs S
nde
Sau
Cam River Cluster
et
Stre
ldie
Go
Inglis Street
Wynyard
Old
Bass
High
way
Camp Creek Cluster
Public Reserve
Public Reserve
Martin
Street
Somerset
the LIST State of Tasmania
SALTMARSH PROFILE
Municipality: Waratah-Wynyard
Saltmarsh Area: 0.3 ha
Associated Waterways: Inglis River, Camp Creek
Dominant Vegetation Type: Mostly grassy saltmarsh
dominated by Juncus, mixed with Deschampsia in Camp Creek
Dominant Land Tenure: Public Reserve
Saltmarsh Clusters:
Inglis River Saltmarsh Cluster (0.2 ha)
Camp Creek Marsh Cluster (0.1 ha)
LEGEND
Saltmarsh
wetland
Reserve
area
Flooding
area
the LIST State of Tasmania
SALTMARSH PROFILE
Municipalities: Burnie, Waratah-Wynyard
Saltmarsh Area: 0.4 ha
Associated Waterways: Cam River
Dominant Vegetation Type: Mostly grassy saltmarsh dominated by Juncus
Dominant Land Tenure: Public Reserve
Saltmarsh Clusters:
Cam River Saltmarsh Cluster (0.4 ha)
Page 15 of 38
Page 16 of 38
Cradle Coast NRM
ATLAS OF COASTAL SALTMARSH WETLANDS IN THE CRADLE COAST REGION OF TASMANIA
5(A). DETENTION RIVER
0
High
way
Pin
eA
ve
nu
e
Bass
125
5(B). BLACK RIVER
250
500 Metres
00
125
125
250
250
500
500 Metres
Metres
Honey Ric
Hellyer
hea Road
Peggs Beach
Conservation Area
Drive
Melaleuca
Drive
Boobyalla
Public Reserve
Public Reserve
loc
Wilsons
Creek
Cluster
al
Bass Highway
loc
al
roa
d
roa
d
Black River
Detention River Cluster
Detention
Ba
Black River Bridge
Conservation Area
ss
Black River Cluster
Hig
hw
ay
LEGEND
Saltmarsh
wetland
Reserve
area
Flooding
area
Public Reserve
Data and image from theLIST,
TASMAP, © State of Tasmania
the LIST State of Tasmania
SALTMARSH PROFILE
Municipality: Circular Head
Saltmarsh Area: 17 ha
Associated Waterways: Black River, Peggs Creek
Dominant Vegetation Type: Mainly grassy saltmarsh dominated by Juncus,
with some patches of succulent saltmarsh dominated by Sarcocornia
Dominant Land Tenure: Conservation Area, Private Land, Public Reserve
Recognised Values: Part of North-west Tasmanian Coast Important Bird Area
Saltmarsh Clusters:
Black River Saltmarsh Cluster (17 ha)
LEGEND
Saltmarsh
wetland
Reserve
area
Flooding
area
Data and image from theLIST,
TASMAP, © State of Tasmania
the LIST State of Tasmania
SALTMARSH PROFILE
Dominant Land Tenure: Public Reserve,
Municipality: Circular Head
Private Land, Crown Land
Saltmarsh Area: 10 ha
Recognised Values: Part of North-west
Associated Waterways: Detention River, Wilsons Creek
Tasmanian Coast Important Bird Area
Dominant Vegetation Type: Mostly grassy saltmarsh
Saltmarsh Clusters:
dominated by Juncus, mixed with patches of succulent
Detention River Saltmarsh Cluster (9.6 ha)
saltmarsh dominated by Sarcocornia
Wilsons Creek Saltmarsh Cluster (0.2 ha)
Page 17 of 38
Page 18 of 38
Cradle Coast NRM
ATLAS OF COASTAL SALTMARSH WETLANDS IN THE CRADLE COAST REGION OF TASMANIA
CIRCULAR HEAD COASTAL COMPLEXES
LEGEND
Coastal saltmarsh
0
1.5
3
6 Kilometres
Data and image from theLIST,
TASMAP, © State of Tasmania
An overview of the extent and distribution of saltmarsh wetlands mapped within the Circular Head coastal area between East Inlet, near Stanley, and Shoal Inlet, near Woolnorth. For Spartina marshes, see page 38.
Page 19 of 38
Page 20 of 38
Cradle Coast NRM
ATLAS OF COASTAL SALTMARSH WETLANDS IN THE CRADLE COAST REGION OF TASMANIA
6(A). EAST AND WEST INLETS
00
0.5
0.5
11
7(A). DUCK RIVER, DEEP CREEK BAY
0
22 Kilometres
Kilometres
0.25
0.5
1 Kilometre
Data and image from theLIST,
TASMAP, © State of Tasmania
Data and image from theLIST,
TASMAP, © State of Tasmania
Saltmarsh
wetland
Reserve
area
Flooding
area
Kemps Bay - Duck Bay
Cluster
LEGEND
LEGEND
Deep Creek Bay Cluster
Saltmarsh
wetland
Duck Bay - Morgans Bay
Cluster
Reserve
area
Deep Creek Bay
Flooding
area
Duck Bay
Conservation Area
d
adoa
Rrof R
arhf a
WhW
M
Ma ain
in Ro
Ro ad
ad
Stanley
Public Reserve
West Inlet
Conservation Area
Mo
nta
Roa
Roteract Park
an
lic
d
Lees Point
Conservation Area
Pe
gu
ay ay
ighw
ighw
s Hs H
BasBas
treet
East Inlet Cluster
Public Reserve
Smithton
Lee Park
Gibson S
treet
Circular Head
Lawn Cemetary
Wiltshire
Nelson S
S
St tanl
an ey
ley H
Hi ighw
gh a
wa y
y
d
oa
tR
in
Po
West Inlet Cluster
the LIST State of Tasmania
SALTMARSH PROFILE
Dominant Land Tenure: Private Land
Municipality: Circular Head
Recognised Values: Part of North-west
Saltmarsh Area: 152 ha
Tasmanian Coast, Robbins Passage &
Associated Waterways: Grays Creek, Wiltshire Creek
Boullanger Bay Important Bird Areas
Dominant Vegetation Type: Mainly grassy saltmarsh
Saltmarsh Clusters:
dominated by Juncus, with several patches of succulent
East Inlet Saltmarsh Cluster (102 ha)
saltmarsh dominated by Tecticornia and Sarcocornia
West Inlet Saltmarsh Cluster (50 ha)
Page 21 of 38
SALTMARSH PROFILE
Municipality: Circular Head
Saltmarsh Area: 109 ha
Associated Waterways: Duck River, Deep Creek, Fentons Creek
Dominant Vegetation Type: Mainly grassy saltmarsh dominated by
Juncus, with some patches of succulent saltmarsh dominated by Sarcocornia
Dominant Land Tenure: Private Land, Conservation Area, Public Reserve
Recognised Values: Part of North-west Tasmanian Coast, Robbins Passage
& Boullanger Bay Important Bird Areas
Saltmarsh Clusters:
Deep Creek Bay Saltmarsh Cluster (53.3 ha)
Kemps Bay-Duck Bay Saltmarsh Cluster (35 ha)
Duck Bay-Morgans Bay Saltmarsh Cluster (20.7 ha)
Page 22 of 38
Cradle Coast NRM
ATLAS OF COASTAL SALTMARSH WETLANDS IN THE CRADLE COAST REGION OF TASMANIA
7(B). BIG BAY, PERKINS PASSAGE
Stony
Point
0
0.5
1
2 Kilometres
0
Data and image from theLIST,
TASMAP, © State of Tasmania
Big Bay - Cades Bay
Cluster
Acton Bay
Cluster
Perkins
Island
Old Po
rt Road
8(A). BOULLANGER BAY, Robbins Island
1
2 Kilometres
Data and image from theLIST,
TASMAP, © State of Tasmania
Perkins Island
Cluster
LEGEND
Saltmarsh
wetland
Boullanger Bay - Robbins Island Cluster
Perkins Island
Conservation Area
Big Bay
Conservation Area
0.5
Reserve
area
Flooding
area
Boullanger
Bay
Duck Bay
Conservation Area
Davy Poin
Saltmarsh
wetland
Reserve
area
Mon
tagu
Road
Bolduans
LEGEND
Road
t Road
Flooding
area
Lees Point
Conservation Area
Perkins Channel - Bolduans Bay
Cluster
Robbins Island
Public Reserve
the LIST State of Tasmania
SALTMARSH PROFILE
Wallaby Islands Cluster
Municipality: Circular Head
Saltmarsh Area: 251 ha
Associated Waterways: Scopus Creek, Barcoo Creek
Dominant Vegetation Type: Largely succulent saltmarsh dominated by Tecticornia
and Sarcocornia, with several patches of grassy saltmarsh dominated by Juncus
Dominant Land Tenure: Private Land, Conservation Area, Crown Land
Recognised Values: Part of North-west Tasmanian Coast, Robbins Passage &
Boullanger Bay Important Bird Areas
Saltmarsh Clusters:
Big Bay-Cades Bay Saltmarsh Cluster (77.4 ha)
Perkins Island Saltmarsh Cluster (65.5 ha)
Bolduans Bay-Perkins Channel Saltmarsh Cluster (64 ha)
Acton Bay Saltmarsh Cluster (44.3 ha)
Wallaby Islands
Conservation Area
0
0.5
1
2 Kilometres
the LIST State of Tasmania
SALTMARSH PROFILE
Dominant Land Tenure: Private Land,
Municipality: Circular Head
Conservation Area, Crown Land
Saltmarsh Area: 110 ha
Recognised Values: Part of Robbins Passage
Associated Waterways: Big Creek, Little Creek
& Boullanger Bay Important Bird Area
Dominant Vegetation Type: Mostly succulent
Saltmarsh Clusters:
saltmarsh dominated by Tecticornia and
Boullanger Bay-Robbins Island Saltmarsh
Sarcocornia, with few patches of grassy saltmarsh
Cluster (76.5 ha)
Wallaby Islands Saltmarsh Cluster (33 ha)
Page 23 of 38
Page 24 of 38
Cradle Coast NRM
ATLAS OF COASTAL SALTMARSH WETLANDS IN THE CRADLE COAST REGION OF TASMANIA
8(B). MOSQUITO INLET (ROBBINS ISLAND)
Walker
Island
00
8(C). ROBBINS PASSAGE
0.25 0.5
0.5
0.25
LEGEND
Kilometre
11Kilometre
Saltmarsh
wetland
Data and image from theLIST,
TASMAP, © State of Tasmania
Data and image from theLIST,
TASMAP, © State of Tasmania
Reserve
area
00
0.5
0.5
11
Kilometre
2 Kilometres
Robbins Island
Flooding
area
Robbins Passage - Robbins Island Cluster
LEGEND
Saltmarsh
wetland
Brick Islands
Conservation Area
Reserve
area
Flooding
area
Boullanger Bay
Robbins
Island
Montagu Island
Conservation Area
Mosquito Inlet Cluster
Montagu Island Cluster
ad
d Ro Road
Islan Island
s
bins
Rob Robbin
the LIST State of Tasmania
SALTMARSH PROFILE
Municipality: Circular Head
Saltmarsh Area: 41 ha
Associated Waterways: Eel Creek
Dominant Vegetation Type: Mostly
grassy saltmarsh dominated by Juncus,
mixed with patches of succulent saltmarsh
Dominant Land Tenure: Private Land
Recognised Values: Part of Robbins Passage
& Boullanger Bay Important Bird Area
Saltmarsh Clusters:
Mosquito Inlet Saltmarsh Cluster (41 ha)
Page 25 of 38
Robbins Passage - Montagu River Cluster
Montag
Old Po
Montagu Beach
Conservation Area
Big Bay
rt Road
Old Po
rt Road
Stony
Point
u Road
the LIST State of Tasmania
SALTMARSH PROFILE
Municipality: Circular Head
Saltmarsh Area: 327 ha
Associated Waterways: Montagu River, Brooks Creek, Bens Creek
Dominant Vegetation Type: Largely succulent saltmarsh
dominated by Tecticornia and Sarcocornia, with several patches of
grassy saltmarsh dominated by Juncus, Austrostipa
Dominant Land Tenure: Private Land, Conservation Area
Recognised Values: Part of North-west Tasmanian Coast, Robbins
Passage & Boullanger Bay Important Bird Areas
Saltmarsh Clusters:
Robbins Passage-Robbins Island Saltmarsh Cluster (186 ha)
Robbins Passage-Montagu River Saltmarsh Cluster (80 ha)
Montagu Island Saltmarsh Cluster (61 ha)
Page 26 of 38
Cradle Coast NRM
ATLAS OF COASTAL SALTMARSH WETLANDS IN THE CRADLE COAST REGION OF TASMANIA
8(D). SWAN BAY, HARCUS RIVER, KANGAROO ISLAND
0
0.25
0.5
8(E). SHOAL INLET, WELCOME INLET
Shell Islets
Conservation Area
1 Kilometre
0
0.25 0.5
1 Kilometre
Boullanger Bay
Boullanger
Bay
Shoal Inlet - Clump Island Cluster
Kangaroo Island Cluster
Kangaroo Island
Conservation Area
Swan Bay - Short Island Cluster
oad
rth R
lno
Woo
Welcome Inlet Cluster
Harcus River - Harcus Island
Cluster
LEGEND
Saltmarsh
wetland
Data and image from theLIST,
TASMAP, © State of Tasmania
Reserve
area
Harcus Island
Conservation Area
Flooding
area
Welcome River
State Reserve
LEGEND
Saltmarsh
wetland
Reserve
area
Flooding
area
Data and image from theLIST,
TASMAP, © State of Tasmania
the LIST State of Tasmania
the LIST State of Tasmania
SALTMARSH PROFILE
Municipality: Circular Head
Recognised Values: Part of North-west Tasmanian
Saltmarsh Area: 173 ha
Coast, Robbins Passage & Boullanger Bay Important
Associated Waterways: Harcus River, Swan Creek
Bird Areas
Dominant Vegetation Type: Mostly grassy
Saltmarsh Clusters:
saltmarsh dominated by Juncus, Austrostipa and
Swan Bay-Short Island Saltmarsh Cluster (76.2 ha)
Gahnia, mixed with patches of succulent saltmarsh
Harcus River-Harcus Island Saltmarsh Cluster (56.7 ha)
Dominant Land Tenure: Private Land,
Kangaroo Island Saltmarsh Cluster (39.8 ha)
Conservation Area, Crown Land
Page 27 of 38
SALTMARSH PROFILE
Municipality: Circular Head
Saltmarsh Area: 138 ha
Associated Waterways: Welcome River
Dominant Vegetation Type: Largely
grassy saltmarsh dominated by Juncus,
Austrostipa and Gahnia, with several
patches of succulent saltmarsh
Dominant Land Tenure: Private Land, State Reserve,
Crown Land
Recognised Values: Part of North-west Tasmanian Coast,
Robbins Passage & Boullanger Bay Important Bird Areas
Saltmarsh Clusters:
Welcome Inlet Saltmarsh Cluster (81.3 ha)
Shoal Inlet-Clump Island Saltmarsh Cluster (56.6 ha)
Page 28 of 38
Cradle Coast NRM
ATLAS OF COASTAL SALTMARSH WETLANDS IN THE CRADLE COAST REGION OF TASMANIA
9(B). LONG BAY (STRAHAN)
Public Reserve
Oce
an B
eac
hR
oad
Meredith
Street
a Road
Lowan
Cat
Island
Macquarie Harbour
Fringing Marshes
LEGEND
Saltmarsh
wetland
Harvey
Street
Strahan
Esplana
de
King River - Lettes Bay
Cluster
Andrew
Street
Public Reserve
Ocean Beach
Conservation Area
Ly
ell
Hi
gh
wa
y
500
500 Metres
St
re
et
250
Re
id
125
Harold
Street
0
Long
Bay
Henty Road
Mac
quar
ie He
ads
Road
9(A). MACQUARIE HARBOUR
Public Reserve
Reserve
area
Permanent Timber
Production Zone Land
Flooding
area
Long Bay Cluster
LEGEND
Green S
treet
Saltmarsh
wetland
na
wa
Lo
0
0.25
0.5
1 Kilometre
Data and image from theLIST,
TASMAP, © State of Tasmania
Flooding
area
the LIST State of Tasmania
SALTMARSH PROFILE
Data and image from theLIST,
TASMAP, © State of Tasmania
ad
Ro
Reserve
area
the LIST State of Tasmania
SALTMARSH PROFILE
Municipality: West Coast
Saltmarsh Area: 27 ha
Associated Waterways: King River
Dominant Vegetation Type: Mostly grassy saltmarsh dominated by Juncus,
mixed with Apodasmia in areas to the west of Cat Island
Dominant Land Tenure: Public Reserve, Conservation Area, Crown Land
Recognised Values: Part of North-west Tasmanian Coast Important Bird Area
Saltmarsh Clusters:
King River-Lettes Bay Saltmarsh Cluster (18.6 ha)
Macquarie Harbour Fringing Marshes (8.4 ha)
Municipality: West Coast
Saltmarsh Area: 3.4 ha
Associated Waterways: Manuka River, Botanical Creek
Dominant Vegetation Type: Mostly grassy saltmarsh dominated by Juncus,
mixed with Apodasmia in areas along Mill Bay at the mouth of Manuka River
Dominant Land Tenure: Public Reserve, Crown Land
Recognised Values: Part of North-west Tasmanian Coast Important Bird Area
Saltmarsh Clusters:
Long Bay Saltmarsh Cluster (3.4 ha)
Page 29 of 38
Page 30 of 38
Cradle Coast NRM
ATLAS OF COASTAL SALTMARSH WETLANDS IN THE CRADLE COAST REGION OF TASMANIA
KING ISLAND
0
10(A). SEA ELEPHANT RIVER
2.5
5
0
10 Kilometres
0.25
0.5
1 Kilometre
Data and image from theLIST,
TASMAP, © State of Tasmania
Lavinia Nature Reserve
Ramsar Site
LEGEND
Counsel Hill
Conservation Area
Saltmarsh
wetland
Lavinia State
Reserve
Reserve
area
Flooding
area
LEGEND
Ramsar Site
Sea Elephant River
Cluster
Coastal Saltmarsh
Data and image from theLIST,
TASMAP, © State of Tasmania
Boggy Creek
Sea Elephant
Sea Elephant Road
Sea Elephant
Conservation Area
the LIST State of Tasmania
SALTMARSH PROFILE
Dominant Land Tenure: State Reserve
Municipality: King Island
Recognised Values: Part of King Island
Saltmarsh Area: 56 ha
Important Bird Area, and occurs entirely
Associated Waterways: Sea Elephant River, Saltwater Creek
within Lavinia Ramsar Site - Wetland of
Dominant Vegetation Type: Largely succulent saltmarsh
International Importance
dominated by Tecticornia and Sarcocornia, with grassy
Saltmarsh Clusters:
saltmarsh dominated by Juncus in the upper river sections
Sea Elephant River Saltmarsh Cluster (56 ha)
An overview of the extent and distribution of saltmarsh wetlands mapped in King
Island. Apart from the tidally influenced saltmarshes that have been mapped, there
are several other areas along the coast, especially the west coast, where saltmarsh
plants occur in herbfields on the spray zone, e.g. Boggy Creek. These areas are
represented in TASVEG as: SSZ Spray zone coastal complex.
Page 31 of 38
Page 32 of 38
Cradle Coast NRM
ATLAS OF COASTAL SALTMARSH WETLANDS IN THE CRADLE COAST REGION OF TASMANIA
11(A). BIG LAKE
0
125
250
12(A). KING ISLAND-WEST COAST
0
500 Metres
0.5
1
2 Kilometres
Yellow Rock Lagoon
Cluster
North Yellow Rock Road
So
ut
h
Ye
llo
w
Ro
ck
Public Reserve
Ro
ad
Muddy
Lagoon
Big Lake Cluster
Colliers Swamp
Conservation Area
Bungaree
Lagoon
Data and image from theLIST,
TASMAP, © State of Tasmania
Saltmarsh
wetland
Saltmarsh
wetland
Reserve
area
Reserve
area
Flooding
area
Data and image from theLIST,
TASMAP, © State of Tasmania
Flooding
area
the LIST State of Tasmania
SALTMARSH PROFILE
Municipality: King Island
Dominant Land Tenure:
Saltmarsh Area: 12.5 ha
Conservation Area, Private Land
Associated Waterways: Colliers Swamp Recognised Values: Part of King
Dominant Vegetation Type: Mostly
Island Important Bird Area
grassy saltmarsh dominated by Juncus
Saltmarsh Clusters:
and Deschampsia
Big Lake Saltmarsh Cluster (12.5 ha)
Bungaree
Road
Bungaree Point
Cluster
North
Roa
d
LEGEND
LEGEND
Porky Beach
Conservation Area
the LIST State of Tasmania
SALTMARSH PROFILE
Municipality: King Island
Dominant Land Tenure: Private Land,
Saltmarsh Area: 4.4 ha
Public Reserve, Conservation Area
Associated Waterways: Yellow Rock River, Bungaree Creek
Recognised Values: Part of King Island
Dominant Vegetation Type: Largely grassy saltmarsh
Important Bird Area
dominated by Juncus, mixed with succulent patches
Saltmarsh Clusters:
dominated by Sarcocornia, except for Bungaree Point
Yellow Rock Lagoon Saltmarsh Cluster (4 ha)
Saltmarsh which is dominated by Tecticornia and Sarcocornia Bungaree Point Saltmarsh (0.4 ha)
Page 33 of 38
Page 34 of 38
Cradle Coast NRM
ATLAS OF COASTAL SALTMARSH WETLANDS IN THE CRADLE COAST REGION OF TASMANIA
Spartina anglica
DISTRIBUTION OF RICE GRASS
(RICE GRASS OR COMMON CORDGRASS)
Duck BayBig BayPerkins Passage
Spartina anglica (rice grass or common cordgrass) is an introduced and highly invasive grass found in coastal tidal
flats and in saltmarshes. It is large, erect (about 1m high), spreading with horizontal mass of roots and forming dense
clumps (Figure 1) and often as expansive colonies (Figure 2, 4). They are mapped separately as Spartina marshland
(TASVEG code: FSM). The stems are cylindrical, unbranched, and covered with flat green leaves arranged on two
opposite rows (leaf sheaths overlapping). The upper leaves are better developed and are either erect or drooping.
The flower head is distinctive, arising from the top of the stem as a long erect spike with tiny yellowish green flowers
(Figure 3). The habitat range of Spartina can extend up to the high tide mark and compete with native saltmarsh,
mainly Sarcocornia quinqueflora (beaded glasswort) (Figure 2).
The distribution of Spartina is restricted in Tasmania, though dominates much of the Tamar Estuary in NRM North
region and the Rubicon and Duck River Estuaries in Cradle Coast NRM region (see pp. 36-38).
Port SorellRubicon Estuary
0
2.25 4.5 Kilometres
0
2
4 Kms
LEGEND
Local Government Area
< 1 ha
1 - 2 ha
Rice Grass
Area
(ha)
2 - 5 ha
5 - 10 ha
> 10 ha
Rice Grass Point Locations
Circular Head
Figure 1. Dense Spartina clumps, Duck Bay area.
WaratahWynyard
Burnie
Figure 2. Spartina competing with native saltmarsh.
Devonport
Latrobe
Central Coast
Data from theLIST, © State of Tasmania
0
1
Kentish
2 Kms
NRM North
Mersey
Estuary
West Coast
0 5 10
20 Kilometres
NRM South
Figure 3. Spartina flower head.
Figure 4. Expansive colonies of Spartina in Rubicon Estuary.
Page 35 of 38
Size class distribution of Cradle Coast NRM Spartina marshes. The three main areas of concern are
highlighted in the inset maps of Port Sorell-Rubicon Estuary (total mapped area of 226 ha), Duck Bay
area (27 ha), and the Mersey Estuary (0.6 ha). The mapping was partly derived from previous work
by Mark Wisniewski and Owen Walker, with acknowledgements to DigitalGlobe for their satellite
imagery data, and to local community groups (especially the Circular Head Landcare Group), and
to contractors Mark Hedditch and Kevin Brown for their mapping and point location data.
Page 36 of 38
Cradle Coast NRM
ATLAS OF COASTAL SALTMARSH WETLANDS IN THE CRADLE COAST REGION OF TASMANIA
PORT SORELL-RUBICON RIVER: RICE GRASS
LEGEND
Saltmarsh
0 0 0.50.5 1 1
CIRCULAR HEAD: RICE GRASS
LEGEND
2 Kilometres
2 Kilometres
1.25 2.5
2.5
0 0 1.25
Kilometres
55
Kilometres
Saltmarsh
Ricegrass
Ricegrass
Robbins Island
Image from TASMAP,
© State of Tasmania
the LIST &copy State of
Tasmania
Image from TASMAP,
© State of Tasmania
the LIST &copy State of
Tasmania
the LIST State of Tasmania
RICE GRASS PROFILE
Port Sorell-Panatana Rivulet Saltmarsh
Municipality: Latrobe
Cluster (20 ha)
Rice Grass Area: 226 ha
South East Arm-Franklin Rivulet
Associated Saltmarsh Complex: Port Sorell-Rubicon
Saltmarsh Cluster (6 ha)
River Coastal Complex (see pp. 8-10)
Associated Waterways: Rubicon River,
Associated Saltmarsh Clusters:
Franklin Rivulet, Sheepwash Creek,
North East Arm-Bakers Beach Saltmarsh Cluster (95 ha)
Browns Creek, Branchs Creek, Kermode
Rubicon River-Port Sorell Saltmarsh Cluster (33 ha)
Creek, Greens Creek, Panatana Rivulet
Page 37 of 38
the LIST State of Tasmania
RICE GRASS PROFILE
Perkins Island Saltmarsh Cluster (65.5 ha)
Municipality: Circular Head
Bolduans Bay-Perkins Channel Saltmarsh
Rice Grass Area: 27 ha
Cluster (64 ha)
Associated Saltmarsh Complexes (right-left):
Acton Bay Saltmarsh Cluster (44.3 ha)
Detention-Black Coastal Complex (pp. 17-18)
Robbins Passage-Robbins Island
East-West Inlets Coastal Complex (p. 21)
Saltmarsh Cluster (186 ha)
Big Bay-Duck Bay Coastal Complex (pp. 22-23)
Robbins Passage-Montagu River
Boullanger Bay-Robbins Passage Coastal Complex (pp. 24-28)
Saltmarsh Cluster (80 ha)
Associated Saltmarsh Clusters (right-left):
Montagu Island Saltmarsh Cluster (61 ha)
Black River Saltmarsh Cluster (17 ha)
Harcus River-Harcus Island Saltmarsh
West Inlet Saltmarsh Cluster (50 ha)
Cluster (56.7 ha)
Deep Creek Bay Saltmarsh Cluster (53.3 ha)
Associated Waterways: Duck River, Deep
Duck Bay-Morgans Bay Saltmarsh Cluster (20.7 ha)
Creek, Scopus Creek, Montagu River,
Kemps Bay-Duck Bay Saltmarsh Cluster (35 ha)
Harcus River, Black River
Page 38 of 38
ATLAS OF COASTAL SALTMARSH WETLANDS IN
THE CRADLE COAST REGION OF TASMANIA
CONTACT
Anna Wind
Coastal Coordinator
Cradle Coast NRM
PO Box 338
Burnie, Tasmania 7320
Ph: (03) 6433 8400
Email: awind@cradlecoast.com
Website: www.cradlecoastnrm.com
Vishnu Prahalad
Geography & Spatial Science Discipline
School of Land and Food
Private Bag 78
University of Tasmania,
Hobart, Tasmania 7001
Ph: (03) 6226 7674
Email: nvishnup@gmail.com
Succulent saltmarsh in East Inlet, near Stanley
Disclaimer – Cradle Coast NRM and University of Tasmania use reasonable means to verify the validity and accuracy
of the data contained herein at the date of this publication, however to the extent allowed by law, it does not warrant or
represent that the data will be correct, current, fit/suitable for a particular purpose or not-misleading. Cradle Coast
NRM and University of Tasmania, and all persons acting on their behalf preparing data that has been used in this
report, accept no liability for the accuracy of or inferences from material contained in this publication, or for action
as a result of any person’s or group’s interpretation, deductions, conclusions or actions in relying on this material.