Environmental Studies for Portland Harbour...Flora and Fauna Assessment_Final.docx 1 27 October 2010 27 October 2010 Ref: 301010-00683 Gary Bebbington - Glenelg Shire Council Cliff

Environmental Studies

for

Portland Harbour

1) Flora & Fauna Assessment

2) Portland Marine Ecosystem Survey

and Addendum 3) Sediment Quality Assessment

Infrastructure & Environment Level 12, 333 Collins Street

Melbourne VIC 3000 Australia

Telephone: +61 3 8676 3500 Facsimile: +61 3 8676 3505

www.worleyparsons.com WorleyParsons Services Pty Ltd

ABN 61 001 279 812

Report for

Revision 1 including Addendum to Ecosystem Survey

May 2011

Infrastructure & Environment Level 12, 333 Collins Street Melbourne VIC 3000 Australia Telephone: +61 3 8676 3500 Facsimile: +61 3 8676 3505 www.worleyparsons.com WorleyParsons Services Pty Ltd ABN 61 001 279 812

Flora and Fauna Assessment_Final.docx 1 27 October 2010

27 October 2010 Ref: 301010-00683

Gary Bebbington - Glenelg Shire Council Cliff Street, PO Box 152, Portland, Victoria 3305

Attention Gary Bebbington

Dear Mr Bebbington,

FLORA AND FAUNA ASSESSMENT

WorleyParsons was commissioned by Glenelg Shire Council to undertake a preliminary flora and fauna habitat investigation and to provide advice on potential Net gain requirements and other statutory obligations regarding species of state and national conservation significance. The aim of the assessment was to gain an understanding of flora and fauna species and habitat present within the study area.

The study area is located on the border between the Warrnambool Plain Bioregion and the Victorian Plain Bioregion. It is situated within the rural municipality of the Shire of Glenelg and is within the Glenelg Hopkins Catchment Management Authority’s area of responsibility.

Department of Sustainability and the Environment (DSE) Data

DSE modelled (pre-1750) Ecological Vegetation Class (EVC) mapping for the region shows that the study area and immediate surrounds would have predominantly contained Coastal Headland Scrub (EVC 163- vulnerable) and the broader region was dominated by Herb-rich Foothill Forest (EVC 23- vulnerable). The current DSE modelled (2005) Ecological Vegetation Class (EVC) mapping for the region shows a narrow band of Coastal Headland Scrub (EVC 163) in the study area and isolated remnants of Herb-rich Foothill Forest (EVC 23) in the wider region. The reclaimed area surrounding the constructed lagoon is mapped as a coastal landfill/sand accretion area. The biomap (included as Appendix A) supplied by the Department of Sustainability and the Environment (DSE) indicates that the Hooded Plover, Nankeen Night Herron and the Musk Duck use the coastal landfill area for habitat.

Detailed flora and fauna records for the study area (with a 1km buffer) supplied by DSE identified 196 native flora species (including 6 species listed under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act (EPBC Act 1999), 14 species listed under the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act (FFG Act 1988) and 61 exotic flora species.

The EPBC Act is Commonwealth legislation that provides a legal framework to protect and manage nationally and internationally important flora, fauna, ecological communities and heritage places. The FFG Act is Victorian legislation for the conservation of threatened species and communities and for the management of potentially threatening processes.


There were also 32 species with conservation status in Victoria based on the DSE Advisory List identified in the DSE search. Some of the species in the advisory lists are also listed as threatened under the FFG Act.

The fauna dataset (1km search buffer of site) included 101 native species (excluding marine species) and 7 exotic species that may occur within the study area. Of the 102 native species 81 of the species recorded are bird species. Conservation significant fauna species included 4 EPBC species (4 vulnerable), and 12 species listed under the FFG Act.

The following section describes the flora and fauna observed in the study area according to the zones denoted in Appendix B. Flora and fauna records for the study area provided by DSE and observed during the site visit are provided as Appendix C and Appendix D respectively.

Field Observations

Field observations were made during the beginning of spring, on the 10th September 2010. Acacia species were at the start of their flowering season however most other species were dormant and had not started flowering. 68 flora species and 7 fauna species were observed during the site visit. There were no flora species of state significance observed in the study area (Appendix C and D respectively). Thinornis rubricollis (Hooded Plover), listed as threatened under the FFG Act was observed in the study area.

Zone 1 is reclaimed land, covered mainly in introduced grasses, There are a few isolated sub-zones of planted native Acacia species including A. longifolia var. longifolia or A. longifolia var. sophorae.that appear to have colonised the site. Native Casuarinas, and native grasses have been planted in the north-east corner of zone one. The benchmark species from EVC 161: Coastal Headland Scrub, Dianella revolute s.l. was observed in zone 1. Dominant species identified in Zone 1 included Hyperchoeris radiate (Cats ear), Stenotaphrum secundatum (Buffalo grass), Ehrharta erecta var. erecta (Panic Veldt-grass) and Rumex spp. (Dock). Zone 1 provides habitat for Thinornis rubricollis (Hooded Plover), Anas platyrhynchos (Northern Mallard- exotic species), Tadorna tadornoides (Australian Shelduck), Haematopus longirostris (Pied Oystercatcher), Hirundo neoxena’s (Welcome Swallows) and Larus novaehollandiae’s (Silver Gull) which were observed foraging in the grasses. The Hooded Plover was observed with two young. Unidentified Cormorant species were also seen using the reclaimed area.

Zone 2 is a planted grassland area. Native grasses including poa poiformis (tussock grass), dominate in this area however it is heavily invaded by exotic species such as Trifolium repens L. (white clover), and Holcus lanatus (Yorkshire fog). Other species including Carpobrotus glaucescens (pigface), native Juncus species and poa poiformis (coast tussock grass) have been planted in this area. Poa poiformis var.poiformis is a benchmark species from EVC 161: Coastal Headland Scrub.

Zone 2a, adjacent to the planted grassland area, is another planted area that consists of grasses with scattered planted trees. There is a large Acacia particulara that has been planted and also individual A. longifolia var. longifolia’s. In zone 2a at the front of the Information Centre, there is a landscaped garden that includes native species. There were some planted natives that were estimated to be over 10 years old and as such would be subject to a NetGain assessment if they are removed. The benchmark species from EVC 161: Coastal Headland Scrub, Leucopogon parviflorus was observed in zone 2a. The Hooded Plover was seen resting in zone 2a.


Zone 3 is characterised as open grassland with Stenotaphrum secundatum (Buffalo Grass) with two large Eucalypt species that are not native to Victoria. The exotic Coprosma repens (mirror bush) is present in zone 3. The benchmark species from EVC 161: Coastal Headland Scrub, Dianella revolute s.l. was observed in zone 3.

Zone 4 consists of a mix of exotic species and native plantings on the low relief cliff boarding the north of the study area. The slopes are heavily eroded in some areas and only exotics have been able to colonise these areas. Dominant species include large conifers (unidentified exotics), Paraserianthes lopantha spp. (Cape Leeuwin Wattle), Coprosma repens (Mirror bush), and Hedera helix (English Ivy). Two benchmark species from EVC 161: Coastal Headland Scrub, Poa poiformis var.poiformis and Leucopogon parviflorus were observed in zone 4. Banksia integraflora and one unidentified Eucalyptus sp. were observed in zone 4. The vegetation stabilises the slopes and prevents soil erosion and instability. It is highly likely that the removal of vegetation on the slopes would result in soil erosion or slippage. The vegetation also provides habitat for Phylidonyris novaehollandiae (New Holland Honeyeater) and Hirundo neoxena’s (Welcome Swallows) which were observed in trees on the slopes of zone 4. There were a few large native trees present on the slopes which would require a NetGain assessment if they are removed.

The area marked with red lines in Appendix C is dominated by buffalo grass and other clover weeds. No native species were observed in this area.

Conclusion

The vegetation observed on the 9th September 2010 was dominated by exotic species. There were scatted native trees and shrubs present within the study area however most of these had been planted. The Thinornis rubricollis (Hooded Plover), a threatened FFG species, Tadorna tadornoides (Australian Shelduck), Haematopus longirostris (Pied Oystercatcher), Hirundo neoxena’s (Welcome Swallows) and Larus novaehollandiae’s (Silver Gull) were observed foraging in the grasses of Zone 1. Unidentified Cormorant species were also seen using the reclaimed area. The Phylidonyris novaehollandiae (New Holland Honeyeater) and Hirundo neoxena’s (Welcome Swallows) were observed in the trees of zone 4. Planted vegetation provides a foraging and nesting habitat for birds, whilst also providing shelter and dispersal habitat for a suite of native fauna. There was no evidence of other native species (with the exception of birds) present in zone 1, 2, 2a, or 3 however zone 4 may provide suitable burrowing and sheltering habitat. There were benchmark species from the EVC 161: Coastal Headland Scrub for the Warnambool Plain Bioregion however these individual species (Dianella revolute s.l., Leucopogon parviflorus and Poa sp) were mostly planted and do not constitute a remnant patch or community. If these planted areas were greater the 10 years of age the removal of these species would require a Planning Permit and possibly a Net Gain assessment prior to their removal. The planted trees in front of the information centre in zone 2a, were estimated to be over 10 years and would therefore also require Planning Permit prior to their removal.

There were no remnant patches of vegetation as defined in the document Native vegetation – Guide for assessment of referred planning permit applications (DSE 2006) as “– an area of vegetation, with or without trees, where less than 75% of the total understorey plant cover is weeds or non-native plants (bare ground is not included). That is at least 25% of the understorey cover is native; or a group (i.e. at least 3) of trees where the tree canopy cover is at least 20%”. There were also no communities present in any of the zones. Therefore in accordance with the


DSE (2006) it should be treated as a revegetation site and be given a low conservation value. There were no flora species of state significance observed in the study area.

The Hooded Plover was the only fauna species of conservation significance observed in the study area during the assessment. The species was observed on two separate occasions in Zone 1 with two young and in Zone 2a. The species is listed as a marine species under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999; and is listed as Threatened under the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988.

Critical habitat for the Hooded Plover is protected under the FFG Act 1988. It is assumed that given the small area and vegetation of Zone 1 and 2a the study area would be used temporarily as a resting site and the species may opportunistically feed in the area. It would not serve as breeding habitat or critical habitat for the plover.

According to the DSE FFG Action Statement #9 for the Hooded Plover, the species is found predominantly on ocean beaches; on adjacent reef platforms, coastal inlets and lakes and it favours wide beaches with large amounts of seaweed, and creek mouths or inlet entrances with large flat areas of sand. In Victoria, the Hooded Plover breeds only on ocean beaches or adjacent sand dunes and low headlands and some islands within the Gippsland Lakes and feeds opportunistically on a variety of invertebrates (DSE FFG Action Statement #9).

There is an adjacent beach and dune system that provides suitable habitat, as defined by the DSE FFG Action Statement #9 for the Hooded Plover and therefore a significant impact on the species or the species habitat is not expected from the proposed works.

A referral under the Environment Protection Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) to the Commonwealth Environment Minister is not recommended because there are no matters of national environmental significance recorded within the study area that are likely to be significantly impacted by the proposed works.

Yours faithfully,

WorleyParsons

Brett Donaldson

Flora and Fauna Assessment_Final.docx 27 October 2010

Appendix A: Biomap supplied by the DSE

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Map produced: 24 Aug 2010

Disclaimer: This material may be of assistance to you but the State of Victoria and its employees do not guarantee the accuracy or authenticity of the data or that the data is appropriate for your particular purposes and therefore disclaim all liability for any error, loss or consequences which may arise from your use of or reliance on any information contained in this material.(c) The State of Victoria Department of Sustainability and Environment 2010 GDA_1994_MGA_Zone_55

¯

MAPSHEET - 7221-3-4 PORTLANDCAUTION: 1:100,000 scale thematic data may be displayed if no 1:25,000 scale data exists.

BioMap - A Biodiversity Information Product

0 1,000 2,000

Metres

1:25,000Scale:Source and AccuracyThe base and background da ta show n on this m ap a re from the D SE C orporate Geospa tial Da ta Lib rary. The biodive rsity datasets are dynam ic and new data are continually being added . For th is reason, the m aps will becom e dated and updated m aps will need to be produced from tim e to tim e to ensure cu rrency of the data.

Cau tion 1: Where 1:25 ,000 da ta does not exist, 1:100 ,000 da ta m ay have been used instead. This data is indica tive only, and boundaries a re not to be used for any kind of detailed analysis or work w here accuracy is required.

Cau tion 2: Due to the lim itations o f displaying m ultip le species codes a t one site, som e codes m ay be obscured by othe r codes.

Cau tion 3: M ay contain restricted da tasets - do not pass on to third parties.

Th reatened species shown include those listed under the State Flora and Fauna Guaran tee Act or the Federa l Environm ental Protection and B iodiversity Conservation Act or those con ta ined with in DSEs Threatened Species Adviso ry Lists. The info rm ation is derived from the V ictorian F lora S ite D atabase and the Atlas of V ictorian W ild life. The threatened flora and fauna locations shown indica te where a species has been reco rded . The absence o f a species reco rd does not ind icate that th reatened flora and fauna species are not p resen t. Species are labelled with the ir species code .

B ioregional C onservation status of vege tation (EVC ) is an assessm ent o f how th reatened or deple ted a particu lar Eco log ical Vegetation C lass (EVC) is com pared to its presum ed d istribu tion be fo re European settlem en t. This status is de te rm ined on a bioreg ional basis. B ioreg ional Conservation status of vege ta tion is directly derived from a com bination of V ictorian B io region and current vegetation m app ing .

Victorian B io reg ions is indicative on ly at a m ap scale o f 1:100,000. G rea t cau tion shou ld be used when viewing th is da ta a t a presentation scale o f 1:25 ,000.

B iosites show the location o f areas of b iolog ical significance . S ites are labe lled with their site code. These m ay be show n as points and/or as polygons. (Note: Data is still be ing co llected and m ay not show all known sites).

Im portant Wetlands: The Directory of Im portant Wetlands includes RAM SAR wetlands bu t are not exclusively RAM SAR Wetlands. The Directory is a Federal classification o f im portance .

Ram sar sites a re areas listed under the Ram sar Conven tion on W etlands of international Im portance.

Wetland categories a re based on the depth, duration of inunda tion and salinity of wetlands.

B ioM aps can be o rdered from : biodiversity.in fo@ dse .vic.gov.au

Biodiversity Information

Locality Map

Base LayersFreeway

Highway

Arte rial

Sub-Arterial

Collector

Loca l

2wd

4wd

Wate rcourse

Subject to Inundation

Perm anent Wate rbody

Wetland Area

Railway

Legend" Threatened Fauna

" Threatened F lora

Bioregion

LG A

BioSites - pointsSignificance

Reg ional

Loca l

Ye t to be de te rm ined

BioSites - boundariesSignificance

Reg ional

Loca l

2005 EVCs10 Estuarine Wetland

132 P lains G rassland

16 Lowland Forest

160 C oastal D une Scrub

161 C oastal H ead land Scrub

200 Shallow Freshw ater M arsh

23 Herb-rich Foo th ill Forest

3 Dam p Sands Herb-rich W ood land

53 Swam p Scrub

650 H eathy Woodland /D am p Heathy Woodland/Dam p Hea thland M osa ic

651 P lains Sw am py Woodland

664 L im estone Ridge Woodland

680 Freshwater M eadow

681 D eep Freshwater M arsh

684 Perm anent Sa line

746 D am p Heathland/Dam p Hea thy Wood land M osa ic

797 C oastal Land fill/Sand Accre tion

858 C oastal A lka line Scrub

Ram sar sites

Im portant Wetlands

1994 Wetland Categories

Wetland CategoriesFreshwate r M eadow

Shallow Freshwater M arsh

Deep Freshwate r M arsh

Perm anent Open Freshw ater

Sem i-perm anent saline

Perm anent saline


Appendix B: Vegetation zone assessment



Appendix C: Flora Records for the study area


Source

Present/ Absent in

Zones

Scientific Name Common Name 1 2 Origin EPBC

Code Vic

Cons. FFG Code 1 2 2a 3 4

Acacia longifolia var. longifolia Coast Wattle + √ √ √ √

Acacia longifolia var. sophorae Coast Wattle + √ √ √

Acacia melanoxylon Blackwood + Acacia mitchellii Mitchell's Wattle + Acacia spp. Acacia spp. + √ Acaena ovina Sheeps burr + √ √ √ Achillea distans subsp. tanacetifolia Tansyleaf Milfoil + * Achrophyllum dentatum Toothed Mitre-moss + Acianthus caudatus Mayfly Orchid + Acianthus pusillus Small Mosquito-orchid + Allittia cardiocarpa Swamp Daisy + Allium triquetrum Angled Onion + * Allocasuarina spp. Sheoak + √ √ √ Allocasuarina mackliniana subsp. mackliniana Western Sheoak + k Allocasuarina paludosa Scrub Sheoak + Almaleea subumbellata Wiry Bush-pea + Alyxia buxifolia Sea Box + Amaranthus albus Stiff Tumbleweed + * Amphibromus nervosus Common Swamp Wallaby-grass + Anthoxanthum odoratum Sweet Vernal-grass + + * √ Apalochlamys spectabilis Showy Cassinia + Arenaria leptoclados Lesser Thyme-leaved Sandwort + *


Source

Present/ Absent in

Zones


Code Vic


Argentipallium blandowskianum Woolly Everlasting + Asparagus asparagoides Bridal creeper + * √

Asplenium trichomanes Common Spleenwort + r Astroloma conostephioides Flame Heath + Atriplex suberecta Sprawling Saltbush + # Austrostipa flavescens Coast Spear-grass + Austrostipa nodosa Knotty Spear-grass + Avena fatua L. Wild Oats + * √

Banksia integraflora Banksia + √

Baumea arthrophylla Fine Twig-sedge + Baumea articulata Jointed Twig-sedge + Baumea laxa Lax Twig-sedge + r Bellis perennis English Daisy + * Blechnum minus Soft Water-fern + Boronia parviflora Swamp Boronia + Boronia pilosa Hairy Boronia + Boronia pilosa subsp. pilosa Hairy Boronia + Boronia pilosa subsp. torquata Hairy Boronia + r Bossiaea cinerea Showy Bossiaea + Bossiaea prostrata Creeping Bossiaea + Brachyscome graminea Grass Daisy + Brachyscome parvula Coast Daisy + Burnettia cuneata Lizard Orchid + r Caladenia australis Southern Spider-orchid + k Caladenia calcicola Limestone Spider-orchid + V e L


Source

Present/ Absent in

Zones


Code Vic


Caladenia carnea s.s. Pink Fingers + Caladenia carnea var. subulata Striped Pink-fingers + E x L Caladenia filamentosa s.s. Red Daddy-long-legs + Caladenia flavovirens Summer Spider-orchid + r Caladenia fragrantissima Scented Spider-orchid + e L Caladenia gracilis Musk Hood-orchid + Caladenia hastata Mellblom's Spider-orchid + E e L Caladenia latifolia Pink Fairies + Caladenia pusilla Tiny Pink-fingers + Caladenia tentaculata Mantis Orchid + Caladenia valida Robust Spider-orchid + e L Caladenia venusta Large White Spider-orchid + r X Calocephalus lacteus Milky Beauty-heads + Calochilus paludosus Red Beard-orchid + Campylopus introflexus Heath Star Moss + Carex fascicularis Tassel Sedge + Carex pumila Strand Sedge + Carpobrotus glaucescens Native Pigsface* + * √ √ Cassinia longifolia Shiny Cassinia + Cassinia spp. Dogwood + * √ √ √ Centaurea melitensis Malta Thistle + * Chiloscyphus semiteres Common Crestwort + Chrysanthemoides monilifera subsp. monilifera African Boneseed + + * √

Chrysocephalum apiculatum s.s. Common Everlasting + Ciclospermum leptophyllum Slender Celery + *


Source

Present/ Absent in

Zones


Code Vic


Comesperma calymega Blue-spike Milkwort + Comesperma volubile Love Creeper + Conifers (unidentified) Conifers + * √

Coprosma repens Mirror Bush + + * √ √ √

Correa alba var. pannosa Velvet White Correa + r Correa reflexa var. scabridula Western Correa + Corybas despectans Coast Helmet-orchid + v L Corybas diemenicus s.l. Veined Helmet-orchid + Corybas incurvus Slaty Helmet-orchid + Corybas unguiculatus Small Pelican-orchid + Cotula coronopifolia Water Buttons + * Crepis vesicaria subsp. taraxacifolia Bladder Hawksbeard + * Cryptostylis subulata Large Tongue-orchid + Cullen microcephalum Dusky Scurf-pea + Cyperus congestus Dense Flat-sedge + * Cyrtostylis reniformis Small Gnat-orchid +

Cysius scorpios Broome + √

Dactylis glomerata Cocksfoot + * √ √ Daviesia brevifolia Leafless Bitter-pea + Deyeuxia quadriseta Reed Bent-grass + Dianella revoluta Black-anther Flax-lily + √ √ √ Dichelachne crinita Long-hair Plume-grass + Dillwynia cinerascens s.s. Grey Parrot-pea + Diplotaxis muralis Wall Rocket + * Distichlis distichophylla Australian Salt-grass +


Source

Present/ Absent in

Zones


Code Vic


Diuris orientis Wallflower Orchid + Diuris palustris Swamp Diuris + v L Echium vulgare Viper's Bugloss + + * √ Ehrharta erecta var. erecta Panic Veldt-grass + * √ √ √ Eleusine tristachya American Crows-foot Grass + * Epacris impressa Common Heath + Epacris lanuginosa Woolly-style Heath + Epacris obtusifolia Blunt-leaf Heath + Eragrostis cilianensis Stink Grass + + * √ Erodium crinitum Blue Heron's-bill + Erophila verna subsp. praecox Lesser Whitlow + * Erophila verna subsp. verna Whitlow Grass + * Eryngium vesiculosum Prickfoot + Eucalyptus spp. 1 Eucalyptus spp. 1 + * √

Eucalyptus spp. 2 Eucalyptus spp. 2 + * √

Eucalyptus diversifolia subsp. megacarpa Coast Gum + v

Euphrasia scabra Rough Eyebright + e L Festuca arundinacea Tall Fescue + + * √ Fumaria muralis Fumaria + √

Fumaria muralis subsp. muralis Wall Fumitory + * Hedera helix English Ivy + * √

Holcus lanatus Yorkshire fog + * √ Hyperchoeris radicata Cats Ear + * √ √ √

Gahnia clarkei Tall Saw-sedge +


Source

Present/ Absent in

Zones


Code Vic


Gahnia filum Chaffy Saw-sedge + Gahnia sieberiana Red-fruit Saw-sedge + Gahnia trifida Coast Saw-sedge + Galium aparine Cleavers + * √ Gastrodia sesamoides s.s. Cinnamon Bells + Gleichenia microphylla Scrambling Coral-fern + Glossodia major Wax-lip Orchid + Gompholobium ecostatum Dwarf Wedge-pea + Gonocarpus micranthus subsp. micranthus Creeping Raspwort + Goodenia geniculata Bent Goodenia + Goodenia humilis Swamp Goodenia + Hakea nodosa Yellow Hakea + Hakea repullulans Western Furze Hakea + Hakea rostrata Beaked Hakea + Haloragis brownii Swamp Raspwort + Haloragis myriocarpa Prickly Raspwort + v Helichrysum scorpioides Button Everlasting + Helminthotheca echioides Ox-tongue + * Hypnum cupressiforme Common Plait-moss + Hypnum cupressiforme var. filiforme Combed Plait-moss + Hypolepis rugosula Ruddy Ground-fern + Isopogon ceratophyllus Horny Cone-bush + Ixodia achillaeoides subsp. alata Ixodia + Ixodia achillaeoides subsp. arenicola Coast Ixodia + V v Juncus effusus Corkscrew Rush + * √ √


Source

Present/ Absent in

Zones


Code Vic


Juncus pauciflorus Loose-flower Rush + Juncus spp. Native Rush species + √ √ √ Kennedia prostrata Kennedy eye (running postman) + √ Lachnagrostis billardierei subsp. billardierei Coast Blown-grass + Lagenophora stipitata Common Bottle-daisy + Lavatera plebeia Australian hollyhock + * √ √ √

Leucopogon parviflorus Coast Beard-heath + + √ √

Leontodon taraxacoides subsp. taraxacoides Hairy Hawkbit + + * √ Lepidium didymum Lesser Swine-cress + * Lepidosperma canescens Hoary Rapier-sedge + r Leporella fimbriata Fringed Hare-orchid + Leptoceras menziesii Hare Orchid + Leptorhynchos squamatus subsp. squamatus Scaly Buttons + Leptospermum laevigatum Coast Tea-tree + # Leptospermum Coastal Tee-tree + √ √ Leptospermum lanigerum Woolly Tea-tree + Leptospermum myrsinoides Heath Tea-tree + Leucophyta brownii Cushion Bush + Leucopogon ericoides Pink Beard-heath + Leucopogon lanceolatus var. lanceolatus Lance Beard-heath + Leucopogon virgatus Common Beard-heath + Leymus arenarius Sand Lyme-grass + * Lindsaea linearis Screw Fern + Lobelia gibbosa s.s. Tall Lobelia + Logania ovata Oval-leaf Logania + r


Source

Present/ Absent in

Zones


Code Vic


Lomandra spp. Lomandra spp. + √ Lotus subbiflorus Hairy Bird's-foot Trefoil + + * √ √

Luzula meridionalis var. meridionalis Common Woodrush + Lycium ferocissimum Box Thorn + * √

Lythrum junceum Mediterranean Loosestrife + * Matricaria matricarioides Rounded Chamomile + * Medicago lupulina Black Medic + * Medicago minima Little Medic + * Medicago polymorpha Burr medic + * √

Melaleuca spp. small leaves- round nut + √

Melaleuca ericifolia Swamp Paperbark + + √ Melaleuca gibbosa Slender Honey-myrtle + Melaleuca squamea Swamp Honey-myrtle + Melaleuca squarrosa Scented Paperbark + Metzgeria furcata Forked Veilwort + Microtidium atratum Yellow Onion-orchid + Microtis arenaria Notched Onion-orchid + Microtis arenaria Notched Onion-orchid + Microtis parviflora Slender Onion-orchid + Microtis unifolia Common Onion-orchid + Mitrasacme pilosa var. pilosa Hairy Mitrewort + Monotoca scoparia Prickly Broom-heath + Moraea flaccida One-leaf Cape-tulip + + * √ √

Myoporium Insulare White Flower + √ √

Myriophyllum variifolium Varied Water-milfoil +


Source

Present/ Absent in

Zones


Code Vic


Olearia asterotricha Rough Daisy-bush + r Olearia ramulosa var. ramulosa Twiggy Daisy-bush + Orobanche minor Lesser Broomrape + * Orthotrichum tasmanicum var. tasmanicum Common Bristle-moss + Oxalis pes-caprae Sour Sob + * √ √

Oxalis purperea L. Large flower wood sorrel + * √

Ozothamnus turbinatus Coast Everlasting + Panicum gilvum Sweet Panic + * Panicum hillmanii Witch Panic + * Parapholis incurva Coast Barb-grass + * Paraserianthes lophantha subsp. lophantha Cape Wattle + + * √ √

Pennisetum clandestinum Kikuyu + * Pennisetum villosum Feathertop + + * √ Persoonia juniperina Prickly Geebung + Pheladenia deformis Bluebeard Orchid + Phyllangium divergens Wiry Mitrewort + Phylloglossum drummondii Pygmy Clubmoss + Picris angustifolia subsp. angustifolia Coast Picris + Pimelea curviflora var. 1 Curved Rice-flower + Pimelea flava subsp. flava Yellow Rice-flower + Pimelea glauca Smooth Rice-flower + Pimelea hewardiana Forked Rice-flower + r Pimelea humilis Common Rice-flower + Pimelea octophylla Woolly Rice-flower + Pimelea serpyllifolia subsp. serpyllifolia Thyme Rice-flower +


Source

Present/ Absent in

Zones


Code Vic


Pinus radiata Radiata Pine + * √

Pittosporum undulatum Sweet Pittosporum + * √

Plantago coronopus subsp. commutata Buck's-horn Plantain + + * √ Plantago lanceolata Ribwort + + * √ Platylobium triangulare Ivy Flat-pea + k Poa annua Annual Meadow-grass + + * √ Poa tenera Slender Tussock Grass + √ √ √

Poa poiformis Coast Tussock-grass + + √ √

Poa pratensis Kentucky Blue-grass + * Poa trivialis Rough Meadow-grass + * Podolepis rugata var. rugata Pleated Podolepis + Podotheca angustifolia Sticky Long-heads + Polygala virgata Purple Broom + * Polypogon viridis Water Bent + * Pomaderris elachophylla Lacy Pomaderris + Poranthera microphylla s.l. Small Poranthera + Potentilla anserina Silverweed + * Pottia davalliana Pottia + Prasophyllum australe Austral Leek-orchid + Prasophyllum diversiflorum Gorae Leek-orchid + E e L Prasophyllum elatum Tall Leek-orchid + Prasophyllum frenchii Maroon Leek-orchid + E e L Prasophyllum patens s.l. Broad-lip Leek-orchid + Pseudognaphalium luteoalbum Jersey Cudweed + Pterostylis alata s.l. Striped Greenhood +


Source

Present/ Absent in

Zones


Code Vic


Pterostylis cycnocephala Swan Greenhood + Ptychomnion aciculare Paper Moss + Pultenaea canaliculata Coast Bush-pea + r Pultenaea hispidula Rusty Bush-pea + Pultenaea humilis Dwarf Bush-pea + Pultenaea prolifera Otway Bush-pea + r Pultenaea stricta Rigid Bush-pea + Pultenaea tenuifolia Slender Bush-pea + Pyrorchis nigricans Red-beaks + Ranunculus repens Creeping Buttercup + * Rhagodia candolleana subsp. candolleana Seaberry Saltbush + + √ √ √

Rhaphidorrhynchium amoenum Common Signal-moss + Romulea rosea var. australis Onion grass + * √ √ √

Rumex spp. Dock + * √ √ Rostraria cristata Annual Cat's-tail + * Rubus ulmifolius Blackberry + * Scaevola albida Small-fruit Fan-flower + Sea Spinach Yellow Flower + √

Selaginella uliginosa Swamp Selaginella + Senecio minimus Shrubby Fireweed + Senecio odoratus Scented Groundsel + Senecio pinnatifolius Variable Groundsel + Senna multiglandulosa Downy Senna + * Sigesbeckia orientalis subsp. orientalis Indian Weed + Silene conica Striated Catchfly + *


Source

Present/ Absent in

Zones


Code Vic


Silene gallica var. quinquevulnera Spotted Catchfly + * Silene vulgaris subsp. vulgaris Bladder Campion + * Sisymbrium orientale L. Indian Hedge mustard + * √

Solanum nigrum Black Night-shade + * √

Soleirolia soleirolii Baby's Tears + * Sparaxis bulbifera Harlequin Flower + * Spergularia marina s.s. Lesser Sea-spurrey + Sphaerolobium minus Eastern Globe-pea + Sporobolus virginicus Salt Couch + Sprengelia incarnata Pink Swamp-heath + Spyridium parvifolium Dusty Miller + Spyridium vexilliferum Winged Spyridium + Stenotaphrum secundatum Buffalo Grass + * √ √ √ Swainsona lessertiifolia Coast Swainson-pea + Tetragonia implexiecoma Bower Spinach + √ √ Thelymitra antennifera Rabbit Ears + Thelymitra aristata Great Sun-orchid + Thelymitra benthamiana Blotched Sun-orchid + v Thelymitra hiemalis Winter Sun-orchid + e L Thelymitra ixioides s.s. Spotted Sun-orchid + Thelymitra nuda Plain Sun-orchid + Thelymitra X macmillanii Crimson Sun-orchid + v Thuidiopsis furfurosa Golden Weft-moss + Trifolium arvense var. arvense Hare's-foot Clover + + * √ Trifolium dubium Yellow suckling clover + * √ √


Source

Present/ Absent in

Zones


Code Vic


Trifolium fragiferum var. fragiferum Strawberry Clover + * Trifolium repens L. White Clover * √ √ √ √ Triglochin striata Streaked Arrowgrass + Ulex europaeus Gorse + + * √

Unidentified horticultural spp. Prune Tree + √

Unidentified horticultural spp. South American Horticultural plant + * √ √ √ √

Vinca major Blue Periwinkle + * Wijkia extenuata Spear Moss + Zygodon menziesii Zygodon + Source 1 - DSE Detailed Flora records (1km search buffer of study area)

Source 2 - Site Observations Origin * - Exotic Origin # - Naturalised aliens ** not endemic to area


Appendix D: Fauna Records for the study area


Source Present/ Absent in Zones

Scientific Name Common Name 1 2 Origin EPBC Code

Vic Cons.

FFG Code CAMBA JAMBA 1 2 2a 3 4

Acanthiza lineata Striated Thornbill +

Acanthiza pusilla Brown Thornbill +

Acrobates pygmaeus Feathertail Glider +

Acrocephalus stentoreus Clamorous Reed Warbler +

Actitis hypoleucos Common Sandpiper + VU 1 1

Anas castanea Chestnut Teal +

Anas gracilis Grey Teal +

Anas platyrhynchos Northern Mallard + + * * √

Anas superciliosa Pacific Black Duck +

Anhinga novaehollandiae Darter +

Antechinus agilis Agile Antechinus +

Antechinus minimus Swamp Antechinus + NT L

Anthochaera carunculata Red Wattlebird +

Aprasia striolata Striped Worm-Lizard + NT L

Ardea ibis Cattle Egret + 1 1

Ardea modesta Eastern Great Egret + VU L 1 1

Austrelaps superbus Lowland Copperhead +

Balaenoptera musculus Blue Whale + EN CR L




Vic Cons.


Bassiana duperreyi Eastern Three-lined Skink +

Biziura lobata Musk Duck + VU

Bulweria bulwerii Bulwer's Petrel +

Cacatua tenuirostris Long-billed Corella +

Calidris acuminata Sharp-tailed Sandpiper + 1 1

Calyptorhynchus funereus Yellow-tailed Black-Cockatoo +

Carduelis chloris European Greenfinch + * *

Cercartetus nanus Eastern Pygmy-possum + NT

Chroicocephalus novaehollandiae Silver Gull + √

Circus approximans Swamp Harrier +

Cisticola exilis Golden-headed Cisticola +

Colluricincla harmonica Grey Shrike-thrush +

Columba livia Rock Dove + * *

Corvus mellori Little Raven +

Corvus sp. Unknown Raven + Cmp

Cuculus pallidus Pallid Cuckoo +

Cygnus atratus Black Swan +

Daption capense Cape Petrel +

Diomedea epomophora Royal Albatross + VU VU L

Drysdalia coronoides White-lipped Snake +




Vic Cons.


Egretta novaehollandiae White-faced Heron +

Eolophus roseicapilla Galah +

Eubalaena australis Southern Right Whale + EN CR L

Eudyptes chrysocome Rockhopper Penguin +

Eudyptes pachyrhynchus Fiordland Penguin +

Eudyptula minor Little Penguin +

Fulica atra Eurasian Coot +

Gallinula tenebrosa Dusky Moorhen +

Gallirallus philippensis Buff-banded Rail +

Geocrinia laevis Southern Smooth Froglet +

Glossopsitta concinna Musk Lorikeet +

Gymnorhina tibicen Australian Magpie +

Haematopus longirostris Pied Oystercatcher + + √

Hirundo neoxena Welcome Swallow + + √

Hydroprogne caspia Caspian Tern + NT L 1 1

Hydrurga leptonyx Leopard Seal +

Larus novaehollandiae Silver Gull + √

Larus pacificus pacificus Pacific Gull + NT

Lerista bougainvillii Bougainville's Skink +

Lewinia pectoralis Lewin's Rail + VU L




Vic Cons.


Litoria ewingii Southern Brown Tree Frog +

Macropus rufogriseus Red-necked Wallaby +

Malurus cyaneus Superb Fairy-wren +

Melithreptus lunatus White-naped Honeyeater +

Microcarbo melanoleucos Little Pied Cormorant +

Mormopterus sp. Unidentified Freetail Bat + Cmp

Morus serrator Australasian Gannet +

Neochmia temporalis Red-browed Finch +

Nycticorax caledonicus Nankeen Night Heron + NT

Nyctophilus geoffroyi Lesser Long-eared Bat +

Orcinus orca Killer Whale +

Pachyptila turtur Fairy Prion + VU VU

Passer domesticus House Sparrow + * *

Pelecanus conspicillatus Australian Pelican +

Petaurus breviceps Sugar Glider +

Phalacrocorax spp. Unidentified Cormorant + √

Phalacrocorax carbo Great Cormorant +

Phalacrocorax fuscescens Black-faced Cormorant + NT

Phalacrocorax sulcirostris Little Black Cormorant +

Phylidonyris novaehollandiae New Holland Honeyeater + + √




Vic Cons.


Platalea flavipes Yellow-billed Spoonbill +

Platalea regia Royal Spoonbill + VU

Platycercus elegans elegans Crimson Rosella +

Poliocephalus poliocephalus Hoary-headed Grebe +

Porphyrio porphyrio Purple Swamphen +

Porzana fluminea Australian Spotted Crake +

Porzana tabuensis Spotless Crake +

Pterodroma baraui Barau's Petrel +

Puffinus gavia Fluttering Shearwater +

Rattus fuscipes Bush Rat +

Rattus lutreolus Swamp Rat +

Rattus sp. Unidentified Rattus + Cmp

Rhipidura albiscarpa Grey Fantail +

Rhipidura leucophrys Willie Wagtail +

Sericornis frontalis White-browed Scrubwren +

Sminthopsis leucopus White-footed Dunnart + NT L

Stercorarius skua Great Skua +

Sterna hirundo Common Tern + 1 1

Sterna paradisaea Arctic Tern +

Sterna striata White-fronted Tern + NT




Vic Cons.


Sternula albifrons Little Tern + VU L 1 1

Sternula nereis Fairy Tern + EN L

Strepera graculina Pied Currawong +

Sturnus vulgaris Common Starling + * *

Tadorna tadornoides Australian Shelduck + + √

Thalaseus bergii Crested Tern +

Thalassarche cauta Shy Albatross + VU VU L

Thinornis rubricollis Hooded Plover + + VU L √ √

Threskiornis molucca Australian White Ibis +

Turdus merula Common Blackbird + * *

Vanellus miles Masked Lapwing +

Vanellus tricolor Banded Lapwing +

Zosterops lateralis Silvereye + Source 1 - DSE Detailed Flora records (1km search buffer of study area)

Source 2 - Site Observations

GLENELG SHIRE COUNCIL

Portland Marine Ecosystem Survey

Final Report

301010-00683

27 October 2010

Infrastructure & Environment

Level 12, 333 Collins Street Melbourne VIC 3000 Australia Telephone: +61 3 8676 3500 Facsimile: +61 3 8676 3505 www.worleyparsons.com ABN 61 001 279 812

© Copyright 2010 WorleyParsons


PORTLAND MARINE ECOSYSTEM SURVEY

FINAL REPORT

PROJECT 301010-00683 - PORTLAND MARINE ECOSYSTEM SURVEY

REV DESCRIPTION ORIG REVIEW WORLEY-

PARSONS

APPROVAL

DATE CLIENT

APPROVAL

DATE

A Internal Review

H Houridis/T Horsnell

A Cohen

H Houridis

10 Oct 2010 N/A

B External Review H Houridis/T Horsnell

J Watson

A Cohen

26 Oct 2010 N/A

0 Issued to Client

H Houridis/T Horsnell

27 Oct 2010

k:\fraser\environment\projects\301010-00683_marine ecosystem survey\02_reports\reports\r01_portland_mes_final report.doc Document No : Page ii

SYNOPSIS

This report reports the findings of a marine ecosystem survey undertaken in the northwest section of

Portland Harbour in July 2010. The survey identified key habitats within the study area and also

determined the presence of species of conservation significance as well as introduced marine pests.

An assessment of potential impacts from the proposed marina development was also undertaken.

Disclaimer

This report has been prepared on behalf of and for the exclusive use of Glenelg Shire Council,

and is subject to and issued in accordance with the agreement between Glenelg Shire Council

and WorleyParsons. WorleyParsons accepts no liability or responsibility whatsoever for it in

respect of any use of or reliance upon this report by any third party.

Copying this report without the permission of Glenelg Shire Council or WorleyParsons is not

permitted.



FINAL REPORT

Page 1 301010-00683 : Rev 0 : 27 October 2010

CONTENTS

1 INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................................3

1.1 Study Objectives .................................................................................................................3

2 PREVIOUS INVESTIGATIONS ..........................................................................................4

2.1 Marine Science & Ecology (1993) ......................................................................................4

2.2 Parry et al. (1997) ...............................................................................................................5

2.3 Australian Marine Ecology (2006).......................................................................................5

3 METHODS ..........................................................................................................................6

3.1 EPBC Search......................................................................................................................6

3.2 Habitat Mapping..................................................................................................................6

3.3 Field Survey ........................................................................................................................6

4 EXISTING MARINE ENVIRONMENT ................................................................................9

4.1 Rock Revetment .................................................................................................................9

4.2 Breakwater........................................................................................................................10

4.3 Spoil Mound ......................................................................................................................12

4.4 Seagrass...........................................................................................................................13

4.5 Algal Beds.........................................................................................................................14

4.6 Soft (Bare) Sediment ........................................................................................................15

4.7 Piles and Floating Structures............................................................................................16

4.8 The Lagoon.......................................................................................................................17

4.9 Other Species ...................................................................................................................17

5 MARINE PESTS ...............................................................................................................19

6 ENVIRONMENTAL VALUES............................................................................................21

6.1 Listed Species...................................................................................................................21

6.2 Marine Habitat...................................................................................................................21

7 ASSESSMENT OF POTENTIAL IMPACTS .....................................................................23

7.1 Marina Construction..........................................................................................................23

7.2 Reclamation of Lagoon.....................................................................................................24



FINAL REPORT

Page 2 301010-00683 : Rev 0 : 27 October 2010

7.3 Boat Ramp........................................................................................................................25

7.4 Marina Operation ..............................................................................................................26

7.5 Water Quality ....................................................................................................................26

7.6 Boating Related Impacts...................................................................................................26

8 CONCLUSIONS................................................................................................................28

9 REFERENCES .................................................................................................................30

10 APPENDIX 1 EPBC PROTECTED MATTERS SEARCH ................................................35



FINAL REPORT

Page 3 301010-00683 : Rev 0 : 27 October 2010

1 INTRODUCTION

The Portland Bay Coastal Infrastructure Plan (PBCIP), commissioned by the Glenelg Shire Council,

provides a vision for the staged redevelopment of Portland Harbour. The Stage 1 works involve the

proposed redevelopment of the north western corner of the Harbour and includes the construction of

a 50 berth marina, reclamation of the lagoon and construction of a new boat ramp facility adjacent to

the Lagoon.

The existing area is comprised of swing moorings (in the case of the marina site) and previously

reclaimed foreshore and shallows, from earlier port dredging (a spoil ground).

The Glenelg Shire Council commissioned WorleyParsons to prepare and undertake a marine

ecosystem survey of the northwestern corner of Portland Harbour. The survey results will be used by

the Shire to obtain consent under the Coastal Management Act from the Department of Sustainability

and Environment (DSE) for the redevelopment of this section of the Harbour.

1.1 Study Objectives

The specific objectives of the study as outlined in the initial Expression of Interest (EoI) were to:

• Determine the presence, or likely presence of any rare, threatened or listed marine species and

if present, their extent;

• Determine the presence, or likely presence of any exotic pest species, and if present, their

extent;

• Document the state of the existing environment, and tidal flow observations;

• Analyse the impact of any proposed works;

• Describe the occurrence and distribution of the marine biota as baseline data for future

comparsions; and

• Describe any likely, or potential impacts from the marina development, or its ongoing usage

and any impact from dredging, or reclamation of the area.



FINAL REPORT

Page 4 301010-00683 : Rev 0 : 27 October 2010

2 PREVIOUS INVESTIGATIONS

The marine environment within Portland Harbour has been subject to a number of investigations that

are summarised below. Together with anecdotal records provided by local divers (e.g. Frank Zeigler),

this section provides a useful context to the present study and describe changes that have occurred

over the intervening period.

2.1 Marine Science & Ecology (1993)

Underwater inspections and surveys of Portland Harbour were undertaken in December 1993, by

Marine Science and Ecology (MSE), as part of a proposed redevelopment of the lagoon and

associated inshore areas. The subtidal environment was broadly divided into three distinct areas,

namely the Lee breakwater, the lagoon and the moorings area.

The breakwater was characterized by large stands of the brown macroalga, Ecklonia radiata and the

green alga, Caulerpa sp. which covered many of the rocks. A variety of colonial invertebrate taxa,

including the compound ascidian Botrylloides magnicoecus, some sponges including Aplysilla sp.

and several bryozoans, including Bugula dentata and Triphyllozoon sp. were noted. Several species

of fish were observed, the larger ones being the magpie perch, Cheilodactylus nigripe and the

globe fish Diodon nicthemerus.

The Lagoon, 2 - 3 m deep was examined using snorkel. The bottom sediments were soft silts. The

bed was covered by patches of the green algae Caulerpa cactoides, Caulerpa brownii and Caulerpa

simpliciuscula. Some clumps of the seagrass Heterozostera nigricaulis were also present in the

shallows along the banks. Part of the wreck of the Regia was found and briefly examined before

becoming obscured by silt stirred up by the divers' movements. The section seen was part of a keel

and a few ribs, almost completely buried in sediment. A long spar pointing outwards, towards the

entrance of the lagoon may possibly be associated with the wreck, or it may be a remnant of the old

Ocean Pier.

A spot dive was undertaken amongst the moorings at a depth of 4.5 m. The seabed was uneven and

was comprised of silty sand interspersed with outcrops of limestone covered by algae. The soft bed

was colonised by large numbers of the small sabellid polychaete, Myxicola infundibulum.

A second site closer to the existing marina (2.7 m deep) was also examined. The bottom at this site

was composed of fairly uniform fine sand. The seagrass Heterozostera nigricaulis occurred between

2 and 3 m depth and appeared to extend parallel with the shore from the marina to the edge of the

lagoon. The seagrass was absent from shallower areas and the density of the plants and size of the

patches was quite variable.



FINAL REPORT

Page 5 301010-00683 : Rev 0 : 27 October 2010

2.2 Parry et al . (1997)

A survey for marine pests in Portland harbor was undertaken by Parry et al. (1997). The survey did

not identify any marine pests that were known to be prevalent in Port Phillip Bay at the time, except

for the toxic dinoflagellate, Alexandrium tamarense. Some introduced species were recorded but

these were not considered pest species (Table 2-1).

Table 2-1 Exotic Species found in Portland Harbour

Taxonomic Group Species

Algae Alexandrium tamarense

Bryozoan Bugula neritina

Bryozoan Bugula dentata

Bryozoan Watersipora subtorquata

Bivalve (Mollusc) Corbula gibba

Bivalve (Mollusc) Musculista senhousia

Bivalve (Mollusc) Theora lubrica

Sabellid (Polychaete) Euchone sp.1

Sabellid (Polychaete) Myxicola infundibulum

2.3 Australian Marine Ecology (2006)

The most recent survey undertaken in Portland Harbour is the trawler wharf marine survey

undertaken by Monk et al. (2006). Although the trawler wharf is outside the current study area, most

of the seabed within the Harbour was surveyed by Monk et al. (2006) using towed video.

Key findings from this survey were that the principal habitat within the Portland Harbour was the

seagrass, Heterozostera nigricaulis and patches of the green algae Caulerpa spp. These habitat

types covered extensive areas of the harbour but supported a relatively low number of larger fish and

invertebrate species. The seagrass beds were predominantly to the west of the trawler wharf with

higher abundances inshore rather than offshore. Caulerpa beds were predominantly to the north and

east of the trawler wharf.

Two listed species were observed: the little penguin, Eudyptula minor and the Australian Fur Seal,

Arctocephalus pusillus doriferus. Other species thought to be present in the Harbour are the

Syngnathidae (pipefish and seahorses).



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3 METHODS

The northwest corner of the harbour was surveyed and inspected on the 15th and 16

th July, 2010.

The study area was defined as the northwest corner of the harbour, including the lagoon, extending

eastward along the Lee Breakwater, to a point in line with the trawler wharf and extending southward

to the existing jetty (Figure 3-1).

The methods of assessment comprised three components:

• Search for EPBC listed species;

• Mapping distribution of habitats within the study area, and

• Field inspection of selected sites by divers.

3.1 EPBC Search

A protected matters database search for the Portland Harbour (Area coordinates: 38.336002,

141.609764, 38.348598, 141.609764, 38.348598, 141.626803, 38.336002, 141.626803) was

undertaken on the 21st June 2010.

3.2 Habitat Mapping

Prior to undertaking the field survey, aerial and remote imagery of the project area was examined and

areas of potential ecological interest e.g seagrass and macroalgal beds and reef were delineated and

their geographic position determined. Positions were then entered into a GPS for use during the field

survey for ground truthing.

Habitats were then mapped according to bottom type and species categories. Mapping and ground

truthing of sites within the project area was primarily undertaken on the 15th July 2010.

3.3 Field Survey

The field survey and assessment of current ecological conditions were undertaken on the 15th and

16th July 2010. This was undertaken by a combination of diver transects, spot dives and snorkelling

to describe:

• Habitat type and species present along the proposed marina alignment;

• Existing habitats within the project area, with respect to their condition and spatial extent;

• The presence of species or communities of conservation significance; and

• The presence of introduced marine pests.



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Key habitats and species within the study area were documented and photographed using a Sealife

8MP camera and Canon G11 underwater camera. Where the taxonomic identification of a species

was uncertain, specimens were collected and sent to a specialist for expert identification.



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Figure 3-1 Portland Harbour, Study Area (in Red) with proposed marina overlay



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4 EXISTING MARINE ENVIRONMENT

The following habitat types were identified during the field assessment:

• Rock Revetment (Intertidal)

• Breakwater (Subtidal)

• Seagrass

• Algal Beds

• (Bare) Soft Sediments

• Piled and Floating Structures

• Lagoon

4.1 Rock Revetment

The intertidal revetments were inspected adjacent to the proposed redevelopment area and also

around the periphery of the lagoon. This is the dominant intertidal habitat type within the project area

and extends from the Lee Breakwater around the Lagoon to the reclamation area south of the

Maritime Discovery Centre (Figure 4-1A). Sandy beach within the project area is restricted to a 160 m

length of shore between the reclamation area and the public jetty. Most of the recently reclaimed

sections of the Harbour have been lined with rock revetment to protect the fill areas from erosion

although some of these areas appear to have been damaged by recent storms and high tides (Figure

4-1B).

Figure 4-1 Rock Revetments, A – Lagoon, B – Reclamation Area South of Discovery Centre

The revetments consisted of small to medium sized boulders that were covered in a layer of silt. A

patchy cover of smaller, mixed macroalgal species e.g Ulva sp., Hormosira banksii and Zonaria sp.

A B



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were common in the upper zone, whereas at the base of the revetments, much larger macroalgal

plants were common e.g. Cystophora sp. (Figure 4-2).

Figure 4-2 Intertidal and Shallow Subtidal Zone, A – Ulva sp., B – Hormosira banksii, C –

Phaeophyte assemblage (inc. Cystophora spp.), D – Austrocochlea sp.

4.2 Breakwater

The Lee Breakwater consists of large basalt boulders and was constructed in 1960. Rock faces were

clean for several years following construction and were then colonized by a diverse suite of sheltered

oceanic fauna and flora. Prior to, and for a period of time after construction the harbour floor

consisted of clean fine to medium coarse coastal sand. The harbour bed is now very silty and is

readily stirred up by shipping traffic. The rocks of the breakwater are now coated from a depth of 1 m

below LWM to the bottom with a 1 – 4 cm thickness of fine silty mud.

Due to scouring of wave action to approximately -1 m the rocks are relatively clean and the biota free

of sediment. The biota in this zone consists of algae and invertebrate organisms native to shallow

subtidal Bass Strait coastal reef. Species noted were the coralline alga Corallina sp., green alga Ulva

lactuca, brown algae Cystophora spp., Ecklonia radiata, Sargassum spp., small brown alga

Hormosira banksii and red turfing algae. Invertebrates included anemones Actinia tenebrosa and

Anthothoe albocinta, and egg ribbons of the limpet Siphonaria diemenensis.

Below 1 m to 7 m, reduction in water clarity rapidly reduces the diversity of the algal flora to several

species of the green alga Caulerpa (C. brownii, C. longifolia, C. trifaria), (Figure 4-3). This rhizomous

A B

C D



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species group is adapted to silty substrata and conditions of low incident light. The few and sparse

invertebrates noted were species also adapted to conditions of high sedimentation and low light.

Organisms noted were the sea stars Pentagonaster dubeni and Plecaster decanus, hermit crabs

inhabiting old gastropod shells, several small crustose sponges, the bryozoan Retiflustra reticulum,

ascidians Botrylloides anceps and Botrylloides leachii, the nudibranchs Chromodoris tinctoria,

Ceratosoma brevicaudatum and Chromodoris ambigua (Figure 4-4).

The only fish noted were large populations of small Sea sweep, Scorpis aequipinnis.

Figure 4-3 Common Algal Species from Breakwater, July 2010; A = Caulerpa longifolia, B =

Caulerpa trifaria, C= Caulerpa brownii, D = Sargassum sp.

The base of the breakwater merges into thick deep grey mud, easily stirred into the water column.

The mud is mildly bioturbated by burrowing organisms. No fauna was noted in this habitat.

A

C

B

D



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Figure 4-4 Common Invertebrates from Breakwater, July 2010; A = Chromodoris tinctoria, B =

Pentagonaster dubeni , C= Clavellina australis,

4.3 Spoil Mound

Water depth decreases near the junction of the breakwater and the reclamation area adjoining the

lagoon. Approximately 50 m seawards of the front of the reclaimed area the bed consists of a series

of parallel longitudinal ridges and hollows. The ridges are at a depth of 1 – 1.5 m and the troughs

approximately 2 – 2.5 m. The bed of the troughs is predominantly patches of well sorted clean sand

with minor fragmental shell.

The ridge biota comprises isolated stands of seagrass Heterozostera nigricaulis, patches of red and

green algae, including Caulerpa spp. and Codium fragile ssp. fragile. Invertebrates noted in the

seagrass habitat and Caulerpa patches were the sea star Tosia australis, the nudibranchs

Ceratosoma brevicaudatum, and egg ribbons of Oscania hilli.

B A

C



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Figure 4-5 Spoil Mound, A – Mixed Community of Heterozostera seagrass and the introduced

green alga Caulerpa racemosa , B – The introduced green alga, Codium fragile ssp. fragile

4.4 Seagrass

The current study only identified a single species of seagrass inside the project area, Heterozostera

nigricaulis. A second species, Halophila australis has been recorded from the eastern side of the

Trawler Wharf (AME 2006) but was not observed within the study area during this survey.

Figure 4-6 Seagrass, A – Dense Heterozostera nigricaulis near boat ramp, B – Sparse H.

nigricaulis over the spoil mound

The spatial extent of seagrass inside Portland Harbour has decreased over time. Because of poor

light penetration throughout the harbour, seagrasses are now confined to soft sediments in the

shallowest water periphery of the harbour. Overall distribution was patchy, with the largest bed of

sparse to medium cover seagrass noted (in very shallow water) over the spoil mound, near the

entrance to the lagoon. Smaller beds of seagrass were noted close to shore between the reclamation

area and the public jetty and also as small discrete patches adjacent to the floating pontoon at the

existing boat ramp (Figure 4-6).

A B

A B



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4.5 Algal Beds

The algal beds are the dominant habitat type within the study area. Mixed assemblages of Caulerpa

occur throughout the study area however a monospecific stand of the introduced species, Caulerpa

racemosa var. cylindracea is now the dominant species over a large area of the harbour floor. The

most extensive beds occur seaward of the reclamation area to the south of the Maritime Centre over

the proposed marina site. It was not recorded at Site 15 near the Lee Breakwater but was recorded

at sites near the public jetty. Its distribution may be limited to 7 m depth as only very sparse plant

cover was noted at Site 19 in 6.7 m depth.

Figure 4-7 Caulerpa spp., A – Dense bed of the introduced alga, Caulerpa racemosa var.

cylindracea, B- Caulerpa cactoides, C – Caulerpa brownii, D – Caulerpa flexilis

Caulerpa racemosa var. cylindracea was not recorded during the AME (2006) survey. It is unlikely to

have been misidentified as it is quite distinct from the local, native species of Caulerpa. If this

assumption is correct, the introduction may have occurred in the last three years. This is discussed in

greater detail in Section 5.

Other less common species of Caulerpa recorded from the study area include C. cactoides, C.

brownii, C. flexilis and C. longifolia (Figure 4-7).

C

A B

D



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4.6 Soft (Bare) Sediment

Sediments within the study area are generally composed of sandy silt. Much of the bare sediment

habitat can be found in the deeper zones of the harbour as most of the shallow, inshore area has now

been colonized by the introduced macroalga, Caulerpa racemosa var. cylindracea. The only

epibenthic species noted in this habitat was the sand crab, Ovalipes australiensis (Figure 4-8).

No infauna samples were collected in the current survey, however bioturbation was common in

places. These bioturbated areas are likely to contain diverse infaunal communities.

Figure 4-8 Soft Seabed, A – Bioturbated Seabed, depth=5.4 m, B,D – Caulerpa racemosa var.

cylindracea on seabed, depth=6.7 m, C – Sand crab, Ovalipes australiensis,

A B

C D



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4.7 Piles and Floating Structures

Pier pilings and floating pontoons provide hard substrate for a suite of native and introduced

macroalgal species and invertebrates. The shaded underside of the pontoon was densely covered by

sheets of colonial ascidians and the occasional stalked solitary ascidian (Figure 4-9).

Figure 4-9 Pontoon Biota at Boat Ramp, A – Botrylloides leachi, B – Botrylloides

magnicoecum, C – Botrylloides magnicoecum D – Pyura australis, E – ?Herdmania, F –

Codium fragile ssp. fragile surrounded by the red alga, Grateloupia turuturu

In contrast, the vertical faces on the pontoon were covered by a greater diversity of species. These

were predominantly compound ascidians such as Botrylloides magnicoecum and Botrylloides leachi

and to a lesser extent the bryozoan, Bugula dentata, and small encrusting and siphonous sponges

C

A B

F

D

E



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(Sycon sp.). The introduced green alga, Codium fragile ssp. fragile and the introduced red alga,

Grateloupia turuturu were also common.

4.8 The Lagoon

The bottom sediments within the Lagoon were soft silts. Some clumps of the seagrass Heterozostera

nigricaulis were present but were restricted to the shallows along the banks and around the entrance

to the lagoon. Much of the seabed was covered by patches of native Caulerpa but the introduced

species Caulerpa racemosa var. cylindracea was clearly the dominant species. Part of the wreck of

the Regia was also located (Figure 4-10).

Figure 4-10 Lagoon, Wooden debris associated with the wreck of the Regia, surrounded by

growth of the introduced macroalga, Caulerpa racemosa var. cylindracea

4.9 Other Species

Other species recorded in the subtidal habitats within the study area include several species of crab,

namely the spider crab, Leptomithrax gaimardii, the red swimmer crab, Nectocarcinus integrifrons and

the sand crab, Ovalipes australiensis. The opisthobranchs, Ceratosoma brevicaudatum, Tambja

verconis and Oxynoe viridis were also noted, the latter associated with the introduced green alga,

Caulerpa racemosa var. cylindracea (Figure 4-11). The asteroids, Tosia australis, Patiriella

brevispina and the urchin Holopneustes sp. were generally uncommon, the latter also found amongst

a bed of Caulerpa.

The only fish seen within the study area were sea sweep, Scorpis aequipinnis. These were observed

near the Lee Breakwater.



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Figure 4-11 Invertebrates, A – Sea urchin, Holopneustes sp., B – Starfish, Tosia australis, C –

Nudibranch, Oxynoe viridis, D – Spider Crab, Leptomithrax gaimardii

D

C

B A



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5 MARINE PESTS

The Port of Portland pest survey undertaken by Parry et al. (1997) indentified the following introduced

species; the toxic dinoflagellate Alexandrium tamarense, the bottom-dwelling sabellid tube worms

Euchone sp.1 and Myxicola infundibulum, the bottom-dwelling molluscs Corbula gibba, Musculista

senhousia and Theora lubrica, the bryozoans Bugula dentata, Bugula neritina and Watersipora

subtorquata.

The more recent Trawler Wharf Marine Survey (Monk et al. 2006) recorded the introduced fanworm,

Myxicola infundibulum, the colonial ascidian Botrylloides leachi and the bryozoan Bugula dentata.at

several areas in the Harbour. These species were not considered marine pests by the CRIMP survey

(CSIRO 2006).

The current survey identified three new introduced marine species for Portland. These were the red

alga Grateloupia turuturu, the green alga Caulerpa racemosa var. cylindracea and a second green

alga, Codium fragile ssp. fragile (Figure 5-1). The red alga had a very limited distribution and was

only present on the floating pontoon structure near the boat ramp. The Codium was observed in

several locality types throughout the harbour. These included the floating pontoon as well as shallow

subtidal locations near the spoil mound and at the base of rock revetments. The green alga,

Caulerpa racemosa var. cylindracea appears to be the most invasive of the three species discovered

and forms dense beds over large areas of seabed throughout the harbour. Some additional

information regarding the three species is summarised below.

• The red alga, Grateloupia turuturu is believed to have been introduced into Australia from

Japan or Korea. It was recorded from Point Cook in Port Phillip Bay earlier this year and has

previously been recorded from the east coast of Tasmania and New Zealand. The alga tends

to occur in lower intertidal and shallow sub tidal areas to depths of 2 m in both sheltered and

exposed locations. The species often spreads when spores are transported in ship ballast

water or through hull fouling of ships and recreational vessels (Parks Victoria, 2010).

• The recording of the green alga, Caulerpa racemosa var. cylindracea is believed to be the

first documented occurrence in Victoria. After the Port River in Adelaide, it is believed to be

only the second occurrence in Australia given its quite narrow native range in south western

Australia (pers.comm, J.A.Lewis). The taxon is reported to be more invasive than C. taxifolia

in the Mediterranean region. The trawler wharf survey (Monk et. al. 2006) did document the

presence of dense “Caulerpa spp.” assemblages in the harbour, however it is unclear from

their images which species were present.

• The green alga, Codium fragile ssp. fragile is well established in Victorian waters. The first

occurrence was reported from Corner Inlet in 1995 before spreading through Port Phillip Bay

and Western Port. It is found in a wide variety of areas, ranging from very protected to

intermediately wave exposed in both intertidal and subtidal habitats. It grows profusely on any

hard substrate including rocky reef, boulders, cobbles, shellfish, wharf pilings and marine



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farming equipment. C. fragile ssp. tomentosoides is regarded as a pest because of its

invasive capabilities and its reported impacts on shellfish farms in the northwest Atlantic

(NIMPIS 2010).

Figure 5-1 Introduced Species, A – Caulerpa racemosa var. cylindracea sp., B – Grateloupia

turuturu, C – Codium fragile ssp. fragile

A

C

B



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6 ENVIRONMENTAL VALUES

6.1 Listed Species

The protected matters database search for Portland Harbour recorded 31 threatened species, 55

listed marine species, 12 whales and other cetaceans and 33 species protected under the ‘migratory’

provisions of the EPBC Act. These include species that are known to occur, likely to occur or may

occur within the study area.

Of all the species listed, the Southern Right Whale Eubalaena australis is one species which has

been sighted on several occasions inside the Harbour. They are infrequent visitors, although one

visitation did last for several months (F, Zeigler, pers.comm). Other listed species which have been

observed inside the Harbour include the Australian Fur Seal, Arctocephalus pusillus and the Little

Penguin, Eudyptula minor (Monk et al. 2006). Both species are listed under the EPBC Act 1999 and

the Victorian Wildlife Act 1975.

There were no threatened ecological communities, World Heritage Properties; National Heritage

Places, Ramsar wetlands, and Commonwealth marine areas identified in the EPBC database search.

6.2 Marine Habitat

Portland Harbour is a highly modified marine environment. The presence of the breakwaters has

created relatively sheltered conditions on a section of coastline that is usually subject to large oceanic

swells. As a result, many of the species recorded from inside the Harbour in particular the seagrass

Heterozostera nigricaulis and the benthic community of Caulerpa spp. are atypical examples of biota

that would normally be found on this section of coastline. A suite of commonly occurring marine

invertebrates and macroalgae (including several introduced species) can be found within the different

habitat types inside the Harbour. Very few fish species were recorded during the survey.

The main difference noted between surveys from this section of the Harbour, is the reduction in the

spatial extent of seagrass and the increased proliferation of the introduced alga, Caulerpa racemosa

var. cylindracea. The spread of the introduced alga has been quite rapid and it now dominates much

of the seabed in this section of the Harbour. Its current distribution and extent is shown in Figure 6-1.



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Figure 6-1 Distribution of Key Habitat within study area, Portland Harbour, July 2010

Patchy Seagrass

Dense Caulerpa

Muddy seabed with sparse Caulerpa

Mixed Caulerpa and bare substrate, patchy seagrass



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7 ASSESSMENT OF POTENTIAL IMPACTS

An assessment of impacts on marine ecology relating to the redevelopment of the marina can be

broadly divided between construction and operational impacts. The significant impact- generating

processes from construction will be primarily due to floating structures (from piling), while the main

operational impact is likely to be due to the physical presence of the proposed structures and their

potential impacts on water circulation inside the harbour.

7.1 Marina Construction

The proposed Stage 1 redevelopment includes the construction of a 50 berth marina and reclamation

of some adjoining seabed. The existing area is comprised of existing swing moorings (in the case of

the marina site) and previously reclaimed foreshore and shallows, from earlier port dredging (a spoil

ground). Results from the marine ecosystem survey confirm that the construction will be over soft

seabed, most of which is covered by a dense bed of Caulerpa, more specifically the introduced

species Caulerpa racemosa var. cylindracea.

The major impacts on the marine ecology from the marina construction are likely to be noise and

turbidity resulting from pile driving and associated activity e.g. anchoring of floating plant.

Turbidity

The seabed in the vicinity of the proposed marina is predominantly silty sand, which will be readily

disturbed and mobilised by pile driving. However, any increase in turbidity is likely to be extremely

localised and transitory in nature and unlikely to affect resident marine communities elsewhere in the

Harbour.

Noise

Noise associated with marina construction will largely be from intermittent high levels of impulsive

sound generated by piling which is caused by ramming of the hammer onto the pile. This type of

noise is readily transmitted underwater and may deter fish, penguins and seals from approaching the

construction area. Most other species, particularly invertebrates will be unaffected.

Loss of Soft Bed Habitat

The area of soft seabed habitat that will be lost due to piling represents a very small area of the total

soft seabed habitat inside this section of Portland Harbour. The entire seabed beneath the proposed

marina is either bare substrate or algal beds composed of introduced species. No seagrass or

species of conservation significance were present in the immediate vicinity of the proposed marina.



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7.2 Reclamation of Lagoon

The Stage 1 redevelopment will also result in infilling of a large section of the existing lagoon. Up to

90% of the total area of the lagoon will be infilled, with the entrance remaining open to prevent burial

of the wreck Regia (Figure 7-1).

The Lagoon is a very shallow, man-made feature in the northwest corner of the Harbour. The

bottom sediments consist of soft silts and are covered by a mixed assemblage of Caulerpa species

including Caulerpa cactoides, Caulerpa brownii and Caulerpa simpliciuscula, however the introduced

species Caulerpa racemosa var. cylindracea is by far the most abundant species. Much of the

seabed is also covered in patches of unattached drift algae and seagrass.

Figure 7-1 Proposed Reclamation of Lagoon, Portland Harbour

In its current condition, the lagoon has very few natural ecological attributes. No fish or

macroinvertebrates were observed inside the lagoon during the survey. The lagoon is also likely to

experience periods of reduced water quality caused by high rainfall and stormwater flows into the

Regia



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lagoon. The reclamation is likely to occur through initial construction of a bund across the seaward

entrance of the lagoon. The bund is likely to consist of protective armouring to prevent scour and

erosion with filter layers to prevent the loss of fines during placement of the reclamation fill.

The loss of habitat caused by the infilling of the lagoon is not considered significant as the area has

little ecological value in its current condition. Similar shallow water habitat with more extensive

seagrass meadows occur to the south of the proposed marina, between the boat ramp and Henty

Beach.

7.3 Boat Ramp

The Stage 1 redevelopment will also result in the construction of a new boat ramp facility adjacent to

the Lagoon (Figure 7-2).

Figure 7-2 Concept Plan for Boat Ramp and associated Reclamation

The reclamation will occur over the very shallow embankment (spoil mound) adjacent to the lagoon

entrance. This area which is between 0.5 to 1.0 m depth is covered in a mixed assemblage of

seagrass and macroalgae.



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7.4 Marina Operation

Potential impacts caused by the presence of the proposed marina, mainly relate to potential changes

in surface water circulation caused by the presence of marina structures. However, impacts seem

unlikely given the small size of the marina, relative to the size of the Harbour.

The presence of the marina and floating structures will provide hard substrate for colonisation by a

suite of native and introduced marine species. The resultant communities will not be dissimilar to

those that already reside inside the Harbour, as documented in Section 4.7. These include solitary,

colonial and compound ascidians, red and green macroalgal species and bryozoans and sponges.

Reduction in the number of swing moorings is usually beneficial as these typically create large but

localised disturbances on the seabed. These can be of concern in areas where seagrass and other

epibenthic species are present.

Shading created by the structure and the floating berths will reduce the amount of incident light on the

seabed and inhibit the growth of photosynthesing plants. As seagrass will not be present and

macroalgae are more tolerant of low light conditions, impacts from shading are unlikely.

7.5 Water Quality

Water circulation and exchange within Portland Harbour is principally driven by a combination of tidal

exchange at the harbour entrance, and wind driven circulation. The presence of the floating marina is

unlikely to have any significant effect on residence times or water circulation.

7.6 Boating Related Impacts

Other operational impacts relating to the presence of boats and their use have the potential to impact

ecological communities within the Harbour. Boating related activities such as refuelling, waste

disposal, maintenance and cleaning can cause pollution of the receiving environment. This is

discussed in greater detail in the EPA publication “ Cleaner Marinas” (1998). Pollution impacts

typically associated with boats and marinas can involve:

• Metals and metal containing compounds used in boat maintenance, such as tin and copper in anti-fouling paints (although TBT is no longer permitted)

• Petroleum hydrocarbons from fuelling docks, engine repairs and boat operation

• Other chemicals such as acids and alkalis used for maintenance, cleaning and repair.

• Sewage discharge from boats

• Exotic species brought in from interstate or overseas in the bilge water or hulls of boats

The current marina configuration is only for the mooring of boats with no provision for associated

infrastructure relating to maintenance, refuelling and repair. Nevertheless, consideration should be



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given to ensuring that best management for waste management ranging from reduction, to re-use, to

treatment and disposal is deployed at the facility.



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8 CONCLUSIONS

The marine biota within the Portland Harbour study area is dominated by a suite of both introduced

and native species.

The dominant habitat recorded within the study area was the extensive monospecific stands of the

introduced green alga, Caulerpa racemosa var. cylindracea that occur over much of the seabed. Two

additional introduced species were recorded from Portland for the first time; the red alga Grateloupia

turuturu, and a green alga, Codium fragile ssp. fragile. The red alga was very limited distribution

whereas Codium was observed in several locations but as isolated plants. The green alga, Caulerpa

racemosa var. cylindracea appears to be the most invasive of the three species and has formed

extensive beds throughout the study area in the Harbour. A comparison with records from the

previous marine survey in Portland Harbour (Monk et al. 2006) suggests that the introductions

occurred within the last four years.

The Harbour seabed is composed of sandy silt with very few epibenthic species present. Most of the

epibenthic species recorded were associated with the macroalgal beds or grow on the harder

substrate that occurs within the inshore zone. Very few fish were noted during the field survey.

Seagrass within the study area was confined to soft sediments in the shallowest water periphery of

the harbour. Overall distribution was patchy, with the largest bed of sparse to medium cover

seagrass noted over the spoil mound, near the entrance to the lagoon. Smaller beds occur close

inshore along Henty Beach. The spatial extent of seagrass has been reduced since the previous

survey, probably due to poor light penetration which limits seagrass to shallower than the 2 m depth

contour. The rapid spread of the introduced Caulerpa may also be impacting on the distribution of

seagrass.

Species of conservation significance that were observed during the survey were the Australian Fur

Seal, Arctocephalus pusillus. Other species that have been observed during previous surveys are

the Southern Right Whale, Eubalaena australis and the Little Penguin, Eudyptula minor.

Syngnathids (which include seahorses, seadragons and pipefish) may also occur within the study

area but were not observed during the current survey All syngnathid species are listed under the

EPBC Act 1999 as “listed marine species” and as such are afforded protection in Commonwealth

waters. In Victoria, syngnathids are listed (and protected) under the Fisheries Act 1995.

The significant impact generating processes from construction are primarily due to the construction of

the marina (from piling), while the main operational impact is likely to be due to the physical presence

of the proposed structure.

The major impacts on the marine ecology from construction are likely to be noise and turbidity

resulting from pile driving and associated activity e.g. anchoring of floating plant. The seabed in the

vicinity of the 7 m depth contour is predominantly silty sand which will be readily disturbed and



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mobilised by pile driving. However, any increase in turbidity is likely to be extremely localised and

transitory in nature and unlikely to affect resident marine communities elsewhere in the Harbour.

Noise associated with wavescreen construction will largely be dominated by intermittent high levels of

impulsive sound generated by piling which is caused by ramming of the hammer onto the pile. This

type of noise is readily transmitted underwater and may deter fish and seals from approaching the

construction area. Most other species, particularly invertebrates will be unaffected.

The area of soft seabed habitat that will be lost due to piling and reclamation represents a very small

area of the total soft seabed habitat inside Portland Harbour. The loss of subtidal habitat caused by

the infilling of the lagoon is not considered significant as the area has little ecological value in its

current condition. Reclamation associated with construction of the boat ramp will occur over the

shallow spoil mound adjacent to the entrance to the Lagoon.

Indirect effects from shading by the marina structure will not be significant as most, if not all of the

seabed beneath the proposed marina is macroalgae.

Maintenance of good water quality will be the most important determinant in ensuring a sustainable

and healthy marine ecosystem within the Harbour. Operational impacts relating to the presence of

boats and their use have the potential to impact on ecological communities within the Harbour.

Boating related activities such as refuelling, waste disposal, maintenance and cleaning can cause

pollution of the receiving environment resulting in impacts on the marine ecosystem. Effective

environmental management of these activities will be important in maintaining a viable marine

ecosystem.



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9 REFERENCES

Arnould, J.P.Y., Littnan, C.L. and lento, G.M. (2000). First contemporary record of New Zealand fur

seals Arctocephalus forsteri breeding in Bass Strait, Australian Mammalogy 22, 57-62.

Bishop, K.A. & Bell, J.D. (1978a). Observations of the fish fauna below Tallowa Dam (Shoalhaven

River, New South Wales) during river flow stoppages. Australian Journal of Marine and Freshwater

Research. 29(4):543-549.

Bishop, K.A. & Bell, J.D. (1978b). Aspects of the biology of the Australian grayling Prototroctes

maraena Gunther (Pisces: Prototroctidae). Australian Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research.

29(6):743-761.

Branch, T.A. (2001). A Review of Orange Roughy (Hoplostethus atlanticus) Fisheries, Estimation

Methods, Biology and Stock Structure. Payne, A. I. L., S. C. Pillar & R. J. M. Crawford, eds. A Decade

of Namibian Fisheries Science. South African Journal of Marine Science. 23:181 - 203.

Bruce. B, D. Malcolm H. & Stevens J.D. 2001 A Review of the Biology and Status of White Sharks in

Australian Waters CSIRO Marine Research, Hobart.

Compagno, L., M. Dando & S. Fowler (2005). A Field Guide to the Sharks of the World. London:

Harper Collins.

Cogger, H. G. (2000) Reptiles & Amphibians of Australia (6th ed) Reed, New Holland.

del Hoyo, J., A. Elliott & J. Sargatal, eds. (1994). Handbook of Birds of the World. In: Volume 2: New

World Vultures to Guineafowl. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions.

del Hoyo, J., A. Elliott & J. Sargatal, eds. (1996). Handbook of the Birds of the World. Volume 3, Hoatzin to Auks. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions.

Department of Primary Industries, Water and the Environment (DPIWE) (2004). Orange-bellied Parrot

Recovery Plan-Implementation. unpublished project report for project number 13164. Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE) (2003) Atlas of Victorian Wildlife, 23/12/2003, Department of Sustainability & Environment, Victoria.

Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE) (2009b). Flora and Fauna Guarantee Action

Statement 250-Leathery Turtle Dermochelys coriacea. [Online]. Available from:

http://www.dse.vic.gov.au/CA256F310024B628/0/B6D9D644C34259C7CA2576090019E5A7/$File/25

0+Leathery+Turtle+2009.pdf.

Department of the Environment and Heritage (DEH) (2005). Southern Right Whale Recovery Plan

2005 - 2010. [Online]. Department of the Environment and Heritage. Canberra, Commonwealth of

Australia. Available from:

http://www.environment.gov.au/biodiversity/threatened/publications/recovery/e-australis/index.html as

Eubalaena australis.



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Department of Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts (DEWHA) (2008). National Recovery Plan for Australian Grayling. [Online]. Available from: http://www.environment.gov.au/biodiversity/threatened/publications/recovery/australian-grayling/index.html.

Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts (DEWHA) (2010a). Balaenoptera

musculus in Species Profile and Threats Database, Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage

and the Arts, Canberra. Available from: http://www.environment.gov.au/sprat. Accessed Mon, 21 Jun

2010 10:10:25 +1000

Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts (DEWHA) (2010b). Megaptera novaeangliae in Species Profile and Threats Database, Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts, Canberra. Available from: http://www.environment.gov.au/sprat. Accessed Mon, 21 Jun 2010 10:24:13 +1000.

Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts (DEWHA) (2010c). Neophema chrysogaster in Species Profile and Threats Database, Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts, Canberra. Available from: http://www.environment.gov.au/sprat. Accessed Mon, 21 Jun 2010 10:45:14 +1000.

Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts (DEWHA) (2010d). Haliaeetus leucogaster in Species Profile and Threats Database, Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts, Canberra. Available from: http://www.environment.gov.au/sprat. Accessed Mon, 21 Jun 2010 13:02:30 +1000.

Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts (2010e). Sternula albifrons in Species Profile and Threats Database, Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts, Canberra. Available from: http://www.environment.gov.au/sprat. Accessed Mon, 21 Jun 2010 14:23:30 +1000.

Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts (DEWHA) (2010f). Galaxiella pusilla in Species Profile and Threats Database, Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts, Canberra. Available from: http://www.environment.gov.au/sprat. Accessed Mon, 21 Jun 2010 11:30:09 +1000.

Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts (DEWHA) (2010g). Nannoperca obscura in Species Profile and Threats Database, Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts, Canberra. Available from: http://www.environment.gov.au/sprat. Accessed Mon, 21 Jun 2010 12:59:13 +1000.

Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts (DEWHA) (2010h). Hoplostethus atlanticus in Species Profile and Threats Database, Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts, Canberra. Available from: http://www.environment.gov.au/sprat. Accessed Mon, 21 Jun 2010 12:16:14 +1000.

Earth Tech Engineering Pty Ltd (2004). Hazelwood Mine West Field Project - Stream Diversions - Functional Design Report. Enesar Consulting Pty Ltd, ed. West Field Project. Phase 2 of the West Field Development of Hazelwood Mine. Environmental Effects Statement. Volume 3 Supporting Studies 6 and 7t. Hawthorn Rast, Vitoria: Enesar Consulting Pty Ltd.



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Environment Australia (2002). White Shark (Carcharodon carcharias) Recovery Plan. [Online].

Available from: http://www.environment.gov.au/coasts/publications/gwshark-plan/index.html.

Environment, Climate Change and Water (2002). Native Animal Fact Sheets: Little Penguin,

September 2002. [Online] Available from:

http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/animals/TheLittlePenguin.htm

Ferguson-Lees, J. & D.A. Christie (2001). Raptors of the World. London: Christopher Helm

Gill, P.C. (2004). Ecological linkages within the Bonney Upwelling blue whale feeding area. PhD

thesis, Deakin University. Ph.D. Thesis.

Goldsworthy, S.D., Pemberton, D. and Warneke, R.M. (1997). Field identification of Australian and New Zealand Fur Seals, Arctocephalus spp., based on external characters. In 'Marine Mammal Research in the Southern Hemisphere, Volume 1, Status, Ecology and Medicine'. (Eds M. Hindell and C. Kemper.) pp. 63-71. (Surrey Beatty and Sons: Chipping Norton, NSW.)

Humphries, P. (1986). Observations on the ecology of Galaxiella pusilla (Mack) (Salmoniformes: Galaxiidae) in Diamond Creek, Victoria. Proceedings of the Royal Society of Victoria. 98(3):133-137.

Jackson, P.D. (1976). A note on the food of the Australian grayling, Prototroctes maraena Gunther (Galaxioidei: Prototroctidae). Australian Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research. 27:525-528.

Lake, J.S. (1971). Freshwater Fishes and Rivers of Australia. Page(s) 61. Melbourne: Thomas Nelson.

Lack, M., K. Pollard & A. Willcock (2003). Managing Risk and Uncertainty in Deep-Sea Fisheries:

Lessons from Orange Roughy. [Online]. TRAFFIC Oceania and WWF Australia. Available from:

http://www.wwf.org.au/publications/orange_roughy.

Last, P.R. & J.D. Stevens (1994). Sharks and Rays of Australia. Melbourne, Victoria: CSIRO.

McDowall, R.M. ed (1996). Freshwater Fishes of South-Eastern Australia rev. edn. Chatswood, NSW:

Reed Books.

Monk J, Crozier J and Gilmour P (2006). Portland Trawler Wharf Marine Survey, September 2006.

Report to Department of Sustainability and Environment. Australian Marine Ecology Report 373,

Melbourne.

National Introduced Marine Pest Information System (NIMPIS) (2010a), Musculista senhousia general

information, National Introduced Marine Pest Information System, viewed 21 June 2010

<http://www.marinepests.gov.au/nimpis>. National Introduced Marine Pest Information System (NIMPIS) (2010b), Myxicola infundibulum reproduction and habitat, National Introduced Marine Pest Information System, viewed 21 June 2010 <http://www.marinepests.gov.au/nimpis>.

National Introduced Marine Pest Information System (NIMPIS) (2010c), Botrylloides leachi general

information, National Introduced Marine Pest Information System, viewed 21 June 2010

<http://www.marinepests.gov.au/nimpis>.



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Orange-bellied Parrot Recovery Team (OBPRT) (2006a). National Recovery Plan for the Orange-bellied Parrot (Neophema chrysogaster). [Online]. Hobart, Department of Primary Industries and Water (DPIW). Available from: http://www.environment.gov.au/biodiversity/threatened/publications/pubs/orange-bellied-parrot-recovery.pdf.

Shaughnessy, P.D. (1999). The Action plan for Australian Seals. Environment Australia: Canberra. QPWS (2003) Strandnet database, Victorian records, Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service.

Starks & Holdsworth (2003). Draft Orange-bellied Parrot Recovery Plan, 2003-2007 (phase 4). Birds Australia.

Threatened Species Scientific Committee (TSSC) (2009). Commonwealth Listing Advice on Galeorhinus galeus. [Online]. Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts. Available from: http://www.environment.gov.au/biodiversity/threatened/species/pubs/68453-listing-advice.pdf.

Wager, R. & P. Jackson (1993). The Action Plan For Australian Freshwater Fishes. Canberra, ACT: Australian Nature Conservation Agency.

Warneke, R.M. (1995). Humpback whale. Menkhorst, P.W., ed. Mammals of Victoria. Oxford University Press.

Warneke, R.M. and Shaughnessy, P.D. (1985). Arctocephalus pusillus, the South African and

Australian Fur seal: taxonomy, biogeography and life history. In ‘Studies of Sea Mammals in South

Latitudes’. (Eds J.K. Ling and M.M. Bryden.) pp. 53-77. (South Australian Museum: Adelaide).



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10 APPENDIX 1 EPBC PROTECTED MATTERS SEARCH

EPBC Species

The Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act (1999) protects threatened flora and

fauna species, threatened ecological communities and other matters of national environmental

significance as defined by the Act. The seven matters of National environmental significance

protected under the Act are World Heritage Properties; National Heritage Places, Ramsar wetlands,

Commonwealth marine areas, threatened ecological communities, threatened flora and fauna and

migratory species.

Marine Mammals & Cetaceans

Eight marine mammals listed under the EPBC Act were identified in the Protected Matters Search of

the Portland Harbour area. The listed marine mammals are all migratory species and include two

endangered whale species and one vulnerable whale species. The threatened marine mammals and

cetaceans include:

• Blue Whale, Baleaenoptera musculus (endangered; migratory)

• Southern Right Whale, Eubalaena australis (endangered; migratory)

• Humpback Whale, Megaptera novaeangliae (vulnerable; migratory)

• Bryde’s Whale, Blenoptera edeni (migratory)

• Pygmy Right Whale, Caperea marginate (migratory)

• Dusky dolphin, Megaptera novaengliae (migratory)

• Killer Whale, Orca, Orcinus orca (migratory)

• Sperm Whale, Physeter macrocephalus (migratory)

Other species listed as protected matters under the EPBC Act and known to occur within the Portland

harbour include:

• Australian Fur-Seal, Arctocephalus pusillus

• New Zealand Fur-seal, Arctocephalus forsteri

Blue Whales are migratory species, known to feed around the southern continental shelf in Western

Australian waters (DEH 2005). They feed in the south-east South Australia to western Victorian

coastal waters southern waters from November to April (DEWHA 2010a). To the west of Portland,

Blue Whales often aggregate in a relatively narrow band of a mean depth of 86m, along or near

temperature fronts where there is elevated levels of chlorophyll a, downstream from upwelling centres

that attract swarms of krill (Gill 2004). East of Portland whales are more widely dispersed and occur

at a mean depth of 75m (Gill 2004). Habitat destruction through noise pollution, entanglement,



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pollution and and physical loss of habitat through built structures are listed as potential threats to Blue

Whales (DEWHA 2010a).

Southern Right Whales have been recorded in the coastal waters of all Australian states with the

exception of the Northern Territory (Bannister et al. 1996). The Southern Right whales are known to

breed in the area, and pass through Portland on a migratory route to Warnambool where they have

their young, sometimes resting in the Portland Bay. The Southern Right whales suffered a worldwide

decline at the beginning of the 20th century following hundreds of years of hunting in the northern and

southern hemispheres (Department of the Environment and Heritage (DEH 2005). The global

population of the Southern Right Whale is estimate at less than 10% of pre-exploitation abundance

and loss of genetic diversity makes the species more vulnerable to a stochastic disease event (IWC

2001).

The Humpback Whale is likely to occur within the Portland area but not within the Harbour itself.

Humpback Whales are sighted in southern Australian waters in May and migrate slowly up the east

and west coasts, by October the majority of whales have started their southward migration and

sightings are rare after November (DEWHA 2010b). Sightings of Humpback Whales have been

recorded In Victoria, in all months except February (Warneke 1995). The Humpback Whales

population was significantly reduced as a result of commercial whaling. Current threats to Humpbacks

include future international whaling programs, acoustic pollution (e.g. commercial and recreational

vessel noise, and seismic survey activity), pollution, climate change (resulting in loss of habitat and

food sources), entanglement and direct loss of habitat through built structures (DEWHA 2010b).

The Bryde's Whale, Pygmy right whale, Dusky Dolphin, and the Killer Whale species may occur or

their habitat may occur within the area. These species are migratory and while they may pass

through the area their infrequent visit is not expected to be impacted by works in the Portland

Harbour.

The Australian Fur Seal is known to breed within the area. There are only 10 known breeding

locations on Victorian and Tasmanian Islands in Bass Strait. Commercial sealing form 1798 to 1923

caused a significant decline in Australian Fur Seals and the species has yet to recolonise many

former breeding locations including NSW, Southern Tasmania and locations in Bass Strait (Warneke

and Shaughnessy 1985; Shaughnessy 1999). Current threats to the species include commercial and

recreational fishing depleting their food sources. The species feeds on squid and school fish, bottom-

dwelling fish, octopus and crustaceans (Goldsworthy et al. 1997).

The New Zealand Fur-seal may be found or its habitat may be found in the area and is also listed

under the Act. The New Zealand Fur-seal also suffered a severe decline as a result of commercial

sealing and has only recently showed signs of recolonising the Bass Strait breeding sites (Arnould et

al 2000). Commercial and recreational fishing and the impacts on the seals food stocks are a current

threat to the New Zealand Fur-seal. The species preys on fish, and caphalopods and to a smaller

extend penguins.



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A further five cetaceans listed below, were identified in the protected matters search as marine

species that may or are likely to occur with the area.

• Minke Whale, Baleaenoptera acutorostrata

• Common Dolphim, Short-beaked Common Dolphin, Delphinus delphis,

• Risso’s Dolphin, Grampus, Grampus griseus,

• Indian Ocean Bottlenose Dolphin, Tursiops aduncus,

• Bottlenose Dolphin, Tursiops truncates s. str.

While some of these species may use the study area on occasions, it does not provide important

habitat for an ecologically significant proportion of any of these species.

Sharks

Two shark species were identified in the protected matters search as species that may occur or

species with habitat that may occur with the area. The listed sharks are the:

• Great White Shark, Carcharodon carcharias (vulnerable; migratory); and the

• School Shark, Eastern School Shark, Snapper Shark, Tope, Soupfin Shark, Galeorhinus

galeus (Conservation Dependent).

The Great White Shark is listed as vulnerable because of evidence of a declining population, its life

history characteristics (long lived and low levels of reproduction), limited local distribution and

abundance and at the time of listing, and pressure from the Australian commercial fishing industry

(Environment Australia 2002). Juveniles occur in different areas to subadults and adults, and areas

off Portland are thought to be seasonally important for juvenile White Sharks (Bruce. B, D. Malcolm H.

& Stevens J.D. 2001). Juvenile White Sharks (less than 2.7 metres) are thought to prefer fish and

expand their diet to include other sharks, rays, marine reptiles, sea birds and marine mammals when

they are older (Bruce. B, D. Malcolm H. & Stevens J.D. 2001). In areas of suitable habitat where

large seal and sea lion populations reside, they are the preferred prey for adult White Sharks.

The School Shark is most abundant in cold to temperate continental seas and moves extensively

throughout the waters of southern Australia (Compagno et al. 2005; TSSC 2009). The school shark is

mainly found in demersal waters but is also found in depths from near shore to 550 m (Last &

Stevens 1994). Inshore areas are particularly important as birthing and nursery sites (TSSC 2009).

The species mainly feed on ray-finned fish and bottom-associated species but their diet also includes

pelagic species, squid, octopus and other cephalopods (Stevens 2005). The diet of juveniles includes

a higher proportion of crustaceans, annelids and gastropods (Stevens 2005). Fishing pressure and

habitat degradation to inshore nursery areas are listed as current threats to the School Shark (TSSC

2009).

Marine Reptiles



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The following two reptiles were identified in the Protected Matters Search of the Portland area.

• The Loggerhead Turtle, Caretta caretta (Endangered; Migratory)

• Leatherback Turtle, Dermochelys coriacea (Endangered; Migratory)

The Loggerhead turtle is likely to occur within the area and the Leatherback Turtle is known to occur

within the area. It is unlikely that Loggerhead Turtles would be found within the Portland Harbour

In Australia, most sightings of the Leatherback Turtle are from temperate waters (Cogger 2000) and

are rarely found close to shore in Australia. Sightings of adult Leatherback Turtlse have been

recorded along most of the Victorian coastline, including Port Phillip Bay and Gippsland Lakes (DSE

2003, QPWS 2003), and generally occur during late summer and autumn (until May). It is unlikely

that any Loggerhead turtles will be found within the Portland Harbour.

Birds

Twelve threatened birds listed under the EPBC Act may occur or their habitat may occur within the

area including three endangered species, one critically endangered species and eight vulnerable

species listed below.

• Southern Royal Albatross, Diomedea epomophora epomophora (vulnerable)

• Northern Royal Albatross, Diomedea epomophora sanfordi (Endangered)

• Gibson's Albatross, Diomedea exulans gibsoni (Vulnerable; Migratory)

• Swift Parrot, Lathamus discolour (Endangered)

• Southern Giant-Petrel, Macronectes giganteus (Endangered; Migratory)

• Northern Giant-Petrel, Macronectes halli (Vulnerable; Migratory)

• Orange-bellied Parrot, Neophema chrysogaster (Critically Endangered; Migratory)

• Australian Painted Snipe, Rostratula australis (Vulnerable)

• Buller's Albatross, Thalassarche bulleri (Vulnerable; Migratory)

• Shy Albatross, Tasmanian Shy Albatross,Thalassarche cauta cauta (Vulnerable; Migratory)

• Salvin's Albatross, Thalassarche cauta salvini (Vulnerable; Migratory)

• Campbell Albatross, Thalassarche melanophris impavida (Vulnerable; Migratory)

Eleven of the twelve species were listed as species that may occur or with habitat that may occur

within the area and species that overfly the area.

The critically endangered Orange-bellied Parrot was the only bird species that was listed as likely or

to have habitat likely to occur within area. The Orange-bellied Parrot is endemic to south-eastern

Australia with a total wild population estimated as 78 adult birds (DPIWE 2004) and is believed to



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consist of only one population although sub-populations may exist (Starks & Holdsworth 2003;

OBPRT 2006). In Victoria the species occupy sheltered coastal habitats such as bays, lagoons and

estuaries and are found in low samphire herbland dominated by Beaded Glasswort (Sarcocornia

quinqueflora), Sea Heath (Frankenia pauciflora) or Sea-blite (Suaeda australis), and in taller

shrubland dominated by Shrubby Glasswort (Sclerostegia arbuscula) (DEWHA 2010c). The main

threat to the Orange-bellied parrot is loss and fragmentation of its non-breeding saltmarsh habitat

(DEWHA 2010c). The proposed works are not expected to have an impact on the species or its

habitat.

Records of a further eleven migratory species (species listed as threatened and migratory are not

repeated in sections below) were identified in the Portland Harbour area including:

The following six migratory marine and wetland birds, protected under the EPBC act may occur within

the area or may have habitat within the area:

• Fork-tailed Swift, Apus pacificus (migratory marine)

• Great Egret,White Egret, Ardea Alba (migratory marine and wetland species)

• Cattle Egret, Ardea ibis (migratory marine and wetland species)

• Little Tern, Sterna albifrons (migratory marine)

• Latham’s Snipe, Japanese Snipe, Gallinago hardwickii (migratory wetland)

• Painted Snipe, Rostratula benghalensis s.lat. (migratory wetland species: note until recently the

Australian Painted Snipe was considered a sub-species of the Australian Painted snipe but the

Australian Painted Snipe is now considered a distinct species and the only member of the

genus Rostratula that occurs in Australia (del Hoyo et al. 1996) therefore Rostratula

benghalensis s.lat. it is not expected to occur within the study area).

Four additional migratory terrestrial species were recorded in the EPBC database search however

only marine fauna species are considered for this report. Migratory species which are listed as

matters of National Environmental Significance are also included in a number of international

agreements such as the Japan-Australia Migratory Bird Agreement 1974 (JAMBA), China-Australia

Migratory Bird Agreement 1986 (CAMBA) and the Republic of Korea-Australia Migratory Bird

Agreement 2007 (ROKAMBA). These agreements list terrestrial, water and shorebird species that

migrate between Australia and the respective countries. Refer to Appendix 1 for the full list of

species.

An additional three species listed as marine species and other matters protected by the EPBC Act

(i.e. they are not threatened species however they are listed as marine species and protected under

the Act). Two of these species, the Magpie Goose, Anseranas semipalmata and the Hooded Plover

(eastern), Thinornis rubricollis rubricollis are listed as species that overfly the marine area and may

occur within the area and are likely to occur within the area respectively.



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The Little Penguin, Eudyptula minor was recorded as a species known to breed in the area. The Little

Penguin (Eudyptula minor) was identified in the Portland Trawler Wharf Marine Survey conducted in

September 2006 (Monk et al. 2006). The Little Penguin, the smallest of all penguins, is distributed

along the south-western coastline, and in South Australia, Victoria, Tasmania and southern NSW.

The Little Penguin generally live in burrows, and often in dune vegetation but they can also be found

amongst rocks and in sea caves (Environment, Climate Change and Water 2002). Threats to Little

penguins include loss of nesting habitat, pollution, reduction of food supplies as a result of

overfishing, exotic diseases or parasites Environment, Climate Change and Water 2002). The

species eat small fish, squid and krill and are prey for some seal species. The birds may burrow in

the area and be found in the waters of the Portland Harbour.

Ray-finned Fishes

Ray-finned fishes listed under the EPBC Act that may occur within the Portland area include:

• Eastern Dwarf Galaxias, Dwarf Galaxias, Gallaxiella pusilla (vulnerable)

• Australian Grayling, Prototroctes maraena (vulnerable)

The Eastern Dwarf Galaxias occupy shallow areas with relatively slow-flow-through rates, and

tolerates still water (Earth Tech Engineering Pty Ltd 2004) and is likely to occur within the area.

Dwarf galaxias feed on a variety of aquatic invertebrates in the water column including insect larvae

and small crustaceans, as well as terrestrial invertebrates (Humphries 1986, McDowall 1996).

Population decline of this species is attributed primarily to the destruction of habitats and

fragmentation through wetland degradation (Wager & Jackson 1993) and populations around

Melbourne are threatened by the invasive introduced fish species Gambusia and habitat degradation

associated with pollution (DEWHA 2010f).

The Australian Grayling migrates between freshwater streams and the ocean (Lake 1971; Bishop &

Bell 1978a) and as such it is generally accepted to be a diadromous (migratory between fresh and

salt waters) species (Bishop & Bell 1978a). The species mainly feed on aquatic insect larvae and

small crustaceans and also plant material, including macrophytes and filamentous algae (Jackson

1976; Bishop & Bell 1978b). The species relies on access to freshwater, estuarine and marine

habitat for its survival, occupying coastal waters as juvenile species and freshwater rivers and

streams as adults (DEWHA 2010g). Barriers to migration between freshwater and marine

environments, altered flow and temperature regimes, increased nutrient and sediment loads and

competition from introduced species such as trout are listed as causes for the decline of the species

Given the species reliance on freshwater rivers and streams it is unlikely that the species would occur

naturally in Portland Harbour and if present may have been introduced through stormwater drainage.

Other ray-finned fishes that are listed as protected matters under the Act that may occur within the

area include:



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• Upside-down Pipefish, Eastern Upside-down Pipefish, Eastern Upside-down Pipefish, Heraldia

nocturna

• Bigbelly Seahorse, Eastern Potbelly Seahorse, New Zealand Potbelly Seahorse, Hippocampus

abdominalis

• Short-head Seahorse, Short-snouted Seahorse, Hippocampus breviceps

• Crested Pipefish, Briggs' Crested Pipefish, Briggs' Pipefish, Histiogamphelus briggsii

• Rhino Pipefish, Macleay's Crested Pipefish, Ring-back Pipefish, Histiogamphelus cristatus

• Knifesnout Pipefish, Knife-snouted Pipefish, Hypselognathus rostratus

• Deepbody Pipefish, Deep-bodied Pipefish, Kaupus costatus

• Brushtail Pipefish, Leptoichthys fistularius

• Australian Smooth Pipefish, Smooth Pipefish, Lissocampus caudalis

• Javelin Pipefish, Lissocampus runa

• Sawtooth Pipefish, Maroubra perserrata

• Halfbanded Pipefish, Mitotichthys semistriatus

• Tucker's Pipefish, Mitotichthys tuckeri

• Red Pipefish, Notiocampus rubber

• Leafy Seadragon, Phycodurus eques

• Common Seadragon, Weedy Seadragon, Phyllopteryx taeniolatus

• Pugnose Pipefish, Pug-nosed Pipefish, Pugnaso curtirostris

• Robust Pipehorse, Robust Spiny Pipehorse, Solegnathus robustus

• Spiny Pipehorse, Australian Spiny Pipehorse, Solegnathus spinosissimus

• Spotted Pipefish, Gulf Pipefish, Stigmatopora argus

• Widebody Pipefish, Wide-bodied Pipefish, Black, Pipefish, Stigmatopora nigra

• Ringback Pipefish, Ring-backed Pipefish, Stipecampus cristatus

• Hairy Pipefish, Urocampus carinirostris

• Mother-of-pearl Pipefish, Vanacampus margaritifer

• Port Phillip Pipefish, Vanacampus phillipi

• Longsnout Pipefish, Australian Long-snout Pipefish, Long-snouted Pipefish, Vanacampus

poecilolaemus

PORT OF PORTLAND & GLENELG SHIRE COUNCIL

Portland Marine Ecosystem Survey

Addendum to Final Report

301010-00930

24 May 2011

Infrastructure & Environment

Level 12, 333 Collins Street Melbourne VIC 3000 Australia Telephone: +61 3 8676 3500 Facsimile: +61 3 8676 3505 www.worleyparsons.com ABN 61 001 279 812

© Copyright 2011 WorleyParsons



ADDENDUM TO FINAL REPORT

PROJECT 301010-00930 - PORTLAND MARINE ECOSYSTEM SURVEY

REV DESCRIPTION ORIG REVIEW WORLEY-

PARSONS

APPROVAL

DATE CLIENT

APPROVAL

DATE

A Internal Review

H Houridis

D Hall

23 May 2011 N/A

B External Review H Houridis

J Watson

23 May 2011 N/A

0 Issued to Client

H Houridis

c:\documents and settings\user\local settings\temporary internet files\content.ie5\a1rum83u\r01_portland_lagoon_ report_final[2].doc Document No : Page ii

SYNOPSIS

This report presents the findings of a supplementary marine ecosystem survey undertaken in the

lagoon and inshore areas of Portland Harbour in May 2011. The survey describes the biodiversity

values of the study area by mapping of key habitats and identifying the presence of any species of

conservation significance as well as introduced marine pests. An assessment of potential impacts

related to reclamation of the lagoon was also undertaken.

Disclaimer

This report has been prepared on behalf of and for the exclusive use of Port of Portland & Glenelg

Shire Council, and is subject to and issued in accordance with the agreement between Port of

Portland & Glenelg Shire Council and WorleyParsons. WorleyParsons accepts no liability or

responsibility whatsoever for it in respect of any use of or reliance upon this report by any third

party.

Copying this report without the permission of Port of Portland & Glenelg Shire Council or

WorleyParsons is not permitted.




Page 1 301010-00930 : Rev 0 : 24 May 2011

CONTENTS

1 INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................2

1.1 THE LAGOON .............................................................................................................2

2 METHODS......................................................................................................................3

2.1 FIELD SURVEY ...........................................................................................................4

3 BIODIVERSITY VALUES ...............................................................................................7

3.1 THE LAGOON .............................................................................................................7

3.1.1 Intertidal .............................................................................................................7

3.1.2 Subtidal..............................................................................................................8

3.2 SPOIL MOUND ............................................................................................................9

3.3 HENTY BEACH..........................................................................................................10

4 ECOLOGICAL SIGNIFICANCE....................................................................................12

5 ASSESSMENT OF POTENTIAL IMPACTS .................................................................14

5.1 LAGOON RECLAMATION ............................................................................................14

5.1.1 Direct Effects....................................................................................................14

5.1.2 Indirect Effects .................................................................................................16

5.1.3 Summary of Impact ..........................................................................................16

5.2 BOAT RAMP RECLAMATION .......................................................................................16

5.2.1 Direct Effects....................................................................................................16

5.2.2 Indirect Effects .................................................................................................17

5.2.3 Summary of Impact ..........................................................................................17

6 CONCLUSIONS ...........................................................................................................18

7 REFERENCES .............................................................................................................19




Page 2 301010-00930 : Rev 0 : 24 May 2011

1 INTRODUCTION

The Port of Portland proposes to use dredge spoil from dredging at Berth 6 to reclaim the lagoon

along the Portland Foreshore Reserve. The reclamation of the lagoon forms part of the Stage 1

works for the staged redevelopment of Portland Harbour as detailed in the Portland Bay Coastal

Infrastructure Plan (PBCIP), commissioned by the Glenelg Shire Council. The proposed

redevelopment of the north-western corner of the Harbour includes construction of a 50 berth marina,

reclamation of the lagoon and construction of a new boat ramp facility adjacent to the Lagoon. The

main redevelopment is subject to a separate Coastal Management Act (CMA) consent currently being

prepared by the Glenelg Shire Council.

The Port of Portland applied for CMA consent to deposit dredge spoil into the lagoon in an application

to the Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE) dated 4th February 2011. In response,

the DSE requested additional information pursuant to Section 39(2) of the Coastal Management Act

1995, addressing the following:

• Biodiversity values within the lagoon that will be significantly impacted by the burial;

• The biodiversity of the seagrass beds, particularly the effects of the return water with respect to

turbidity, sediment deposition, acid sulphate and water volume; and

• The significance of these values in a regional, state and national context.

This supplementary survey is an addendum to the marine ecosystem survey that was commissioned

by the Glenelg Shire Council and completed in October 2010. This supplementary survey was

commissioned to specifically address the request for additional information from DSE.

1.1 The Lagoon

Following the construction of Portland Harbour in 1960, most of the spoil dredged from within the

harbour has been used as landfill to reclaim land within the port boundaries. The lagoon along the

Portland Foreshore Reserve was constructed as part of a harbour redevelopment in the 1980s.

Prior to the marine ecosystem survey undertaken in 2010, the lagoon was last surveyed in December

1995 by consultants Marine Science and Ecology (MSE), as part of a proposed redevelopment of the

lagoon and associated inshore areas.

The main observations from the 1995 survey were that the seabed was covered by patches of the

green algae Caulerpa cactoides, Caulerpa brownii and Caulerpa simpliciuscula. Some clumps of the

seagrass Heterozostera nigricaulis were also present in the shallows along the banks.




Page 3 301010-00930 : Rev 0 : 24 May 2011

2 METHODS

The lagoon and areas adjacent to the lagoon were surveyed and inspected on the 4th May, 2011

while detailed transects of seagrass in the south of the Harbour adjacent to Henty Beach were

surveyed and inspected on the 5th May, 2011.

The survey focused on 3 study areas within the Harbour;

• The Lagoon

• The Spoil Mound and areas outside the entrance to the Lagoon

• Henty Beach

All three areas are shown in Figure 2-1.

Figure 2-1 Portland Harbour, Study Areas

Spoil Mound

Lagoon

Henty Beach




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2.1 Field Survey

The assessment was based on a series of 50 -100m transects laid across the three survey areas. A

total of 15 transects were surveyed: four inside the lagoon, five outside the lagoon and six transects

Henty Beach. The location of transects at the Lagoon and Spoil Mound are illustrated in Figure 2-2.

Transect locations from Henty Beach are illustrated in Figure 2-3.

Figure 2-2 Portland Harbour, Diver Transects, Lagoon and Spoil Mound

The transects were run from equidistant points at high water mark (HWM) perpendicular to the

shoreline. The previous investigation (WorleyParsons 2010) had identified that the dominant species

present in the study areas were the seagrass, Heterozostera nigricaulis and the green alga, Caulerpa

racemosa var. cylindracea.

T8

T7

T6

T5

T4

T3 T2

T1

T9




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Figure 2-3 Portland Harbour, Diver Transects, Henty Beach

The transects were used to identify and quantify the distribution of macrobenthic flora and fauna. The

transects were supplemented by spot dives and snorkelling to ensure comprehensive coverage of the

entire study area. The survey documented the:

• Habitat types and species present within the lagoon and adjacent to the proposed launching

ramp;

• Existing habitats within the project area, with respect to their condition and spatial extent;

• The presence of species or communities of conservation significance; and

• The presence of introduced marine pests.

T13

T10

T12

T14

T11

T15




Page 6 301010-00930 : Rev 0 : 24 May 2011

Areal estimates of seagrass cover were calculated by combining information collated from the

underwater transects with observations from spot dives and snorkelling. Positions were plotted onto

an aerial photograph and polygons outlined of the seagrass and areas calculated.

Key habitats and species within the study area were documented and photographed using a Sealife

8MP camera and Canon G11 underwater camera. Where the taxonomic identification of a species

was uncertain, specimens were collected and sent to a specialist for identification.




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3 BIODIVERSITY VALUES

3.1 The Lagoon

3.1.1 Intertidal

The intertidal revetments were inspected around the periphery of the lagoon. This is the dominant

intertidal habitat type within the lagoon and throughout the northern section of the Harbour. Most of

the rock habitat inside the lagoon is covered in a layer of silt with a variable cover of short filamentous

algae. Some of the rock also provides substrate for the attachment of larger species of algae such as

Codium fragile ssp. fragile. Other species noted were the limpet, Siphonaria diemenensis and zebra

fish, Girella zebra (Figure 3-1).

Figure 3-1 Intertidal and Shallow Subtidal Zone, Inside Lagoon, A – Silt covered rock, B – (Silt covered)

Codium fragile ssp. fragile, C – Zebrafish, Girella zebra, D – Limpets, Siphonaria diemenensis.

A B

C D




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3.1.2 Subtidal

The bottom sediments inside the Lagoon are soft silty sand. Some isolated stands of the seagrass

Heterozostera nigricaulis occur around the periphery of the lagoon, to 0.5 m depth, but are largely

absent from the lagoon basin where the water is deeper (~2.0m depth). Much of the seabed was

covered by a continuous cover of the introduced green alga Caulerpa racemosa var. cylindracea.

Much of the Caulerpa was also covered in a very fine filamentous brown algae, most likely, Hincksia

sp. (Figure 3-2).

The presence of Hincksia sp. is likely to be a seasonal occurrence and is commonly observed

elsewhere in Victorian coastal waters e.g. Port Phillip. Hincksia was recorded subtidally throughout

the Harbour, however cover and density was greatest inside the Lagoon. Some small areas of bare

substrate were observed toward the middle of the Lagoon, but at least 90% of the lagoon seabed is

covered by extensive beds of the macroalga, Caulerpa racemosa var. cylindracea. The total area of

seagrass inside the lagoon is relatively small and estimated to be no greater than 20 m2.

Figure 3-2 Lagoon Seabed, A - Dense layer of Hincksia sp. on seabed, B- the introduced green

macroalga, Caulerpa racemosa var. cylindracea, C – Worm-eel, Muraenichthys breviceps , D - Seastar

Patiriella brevispina

A B

C D




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Very few other species were observed inside the lagoon apart from the short headed worm eel,

Muraenichthys breviceps and the seastar, Patiriella brevispina.

3.2 Spoil Mound

Outside the entrance to the Lagoon (T4 and T5), the cover and density of seagrass increases and

becomes much greater than the macroalgae. The seagrass cover is clearly visible in aerial imagery

(Figure 4-1) and extends around the point and over the spoil mound.

The spoil mound is a ridge of sediment that lies at 0.5 to 1.0 m water depth and is covered in a

medium to dense cover of seagrass. It occurs between 5 and 30 m from shore and extends from the

point near the entrance to the lagoon in a north east direction toward the lee breakwater. The top of

the seagrass is visible at the water surface during low tide and may become exposed during low

spring tides.

Figure 3-3 Spoil Mound, A – Mixed Community of Heterozostera seagrass and Cystophora sp. (close to

revetment), B – Dense Heterozostera, C – mixed sparse Heterozostera and Caulerpa racemosa var.

cylindracea, D – Dense Caulerpa racemosa var. cylindracea

A B

C D




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The variability in the cover and density of seagrass on, and on either side of the spoil mound, is

shown in Figure 3-3. Larger species of macroalgae e.g Cystophora occur close to the revetment and

then grade over distance from the revetment into a dense cover of Caulerpa. As water depth shallows

along the spoil mound, the density of seagrass increases reaching a maximum density and cover on

the top of the mound. As the water deepens seaward of the mound, the seagrass becomes

increasingly sparse and the Caulerpa increases in cover and density. The total area of seagrass on

the spoil mound is conservatively estimated at around 7,000 m2.

Other biota at the top of the spoil mound include patches of red and green algae, including Caulerpa

spp. and Codium fragile ssp. fragile. Invertebrates noted in the seagrass habitat and Caulerpa

patches were the sea star Tosia australis, the nudibranchs Ceratosoma brevicaudatum, and egg

ribbons of Oscania hilli. Other species noted were the banjo ray, Trygonorrhina fasciata.

3.3 Henty Beach

The extensive seagrass meadows in the shallow subtidal section of Henty Beach was surveyed and

mapped to provide a comparison of seagrass abundance and condition with the less extensive

seagrass meadows on the spoil mound. Seagrass density and cover varied as shown in Figure 3-4.

Along Henty Beach, a 20-30 m section of sandy beach extends from the HWM into the shallows of

Portland Harbour. Seaward from the shallow subtidal, the seagrass extends in a continuous bed from

the existing launching ramp jetty southward toward the trawler wharf. Cover and density is most

uniform near the boat ramp and becomes relatively patchy toward the trawler wharf (see Figure 4-1).

The seagrass occurs as a 40-50 m wide band with greatest density between the 0.5-1.5 m depth

range. Beyond this depth, the seagrass becomes increasingly sparse and grades into a bed of

Caulerpa. Seagrass is virtually absent beyond the 3.0 m depth contour, which is approximately 70-80

m from HWM. The seagrass, where present, is in good condition with very little epiphytic growth or

sediment deposition.

The total area of seagrass habitat at Henty Beach is conservatively estimated at 11,200 m2.

A B




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Figure 3-4 Henty Beach, A – Dense Cover of Heterozostera seagrass, B – Medium Cover Heterozostera, C

– Sparse Cover of Heterozostera seagrass, D – Mixed Sparse Heterozostera seagrass with medium

cover of Caulerpa racemosa var. cylindracea

C D




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4 ECOLOGICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Portland Harbour is a highly modified marine environment. The breakwaters have created relatively

sheltered conditions on a section of coastline usually subject to large oceanic swells. As a result,

many of the species recorded from inside the Harbour, in particular the seagrass Heterozostera

nigricaulis and the benthic Caulerpa community, are atypical examples of biota that would normally

be found on this section of coastline. A suite of marine invertebrates and macroalgae (including

several introduced species) common on more sheltered coastlines can be found within the different

habitat types inside the Harbour.

Similarly, the Lagoon which was constructed from reclaimed dredge spoil also represents a highly

modified environment within the Harbour. Over time, much of the subtidal substrate (e.g. rock

revetment and seabed) has been colonised by a suite of species that commonly occur elsewhere

inside the Harbour. The biodiversity inside the Lagoon is much lower than that observed outside and

this can be largely attributed to the poor water circulation in the lagoon and thus poorer water quality.

Seagrass is virtually absent from the lagoon except on some of the shallow embankments where

there is sufficient incident light for the seagrass to survive. There is no seagrass in the main section

of the lagoon basin.

The most extensive seagrass meadow in Portland Harbour is offshore from Henty Beach. This

meadow has an area of about 11,000 m2. A moderate sized seagrass bed, around 7,000 m

2 in area,

also occurs over the spoil mound, adjacent to the lagoon. Other seagrass occur along the shallow

periphery of the central section of the Harbour but these are not as extensive as the beds to the north

or south.

Although based on a limited number of observations, over the past 15 years the spatial extent of

seagrass inside Portland Harbour appears to have decreased over time. Because of poor light

penetration throughout the Harbour, seagrasses are now mostly confined to soft sediments in the

shallowest water periphery of the Harbour. The increased proliferation of the introduced alga,

Caulerpa racemosa var. cylindracea might have also influenced biodiversity within the Harbour. The

spread of this introduced alga has been quite rapid and it now dominates much of the seabed

throughout the Harbour. The most obvious impact is the reduction in the diversity of habitat.

Historically, much of the seabed in the Harbour, beyond the critical light limit of seagrass, was bare

substrate. However, much of this habitat has now been replaced by a very uniform cover of

macroalgae. Very few epibenthic species were noted during the current survey.

This supplementary survey has also confirmed that the alga, Caulerpa racemosa var. cylindracea is

also present in the southern section of the Harbour adjacent to Henty Beach. Its seaward extent has

not been mapped but is believed to be in the 6-7m depth range.

A detailed assessment of Listed Species that may be present in the Harbour was included in WP

(2010). The current extent of seagrass habitat in the study areas is shown in Figure 4-1.




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Figure 4-1 Ground-Truthed Seagrass Habitat in Portland Harbour

Spoil Mound

Henty Beach




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5 ASSESSMENT OF POTENTIAL IMPACTS

An assessment of likely impacts on marine ecology of the lagoon resulting from the proposed

reclamation can be divided into direct and indirect impacts. Similarly, the construction of the boat

launching ramp will result in some reclamation of the seabed outside the lagoon entrance and this too

is expected to have both direct and indirect impacts on the marine environment.

The preferred concept design for the proposed harbour redevelopment is shown in Figure 5-1.

5.1 Lagoon Reclamation

The proposed reclamation is shown as Stage B in Figure 5-1.

5.1.1 Direct Effects

Reclamation of the lagoon will result in the direct loss of around 9,200 m2 of existing soft bed habitat.

It is estimated that less than 20 m2 of seagrass will be lost due to infilling of the lagoon. The hard

substrate of the rock revetment around the inside periphery of the lagoon will also be lost. Results

from both surveys confirm that reclamation will be over soft seabed, most of which is covered by a

dense bed of Caulerpa, more specifically the introduced species Caulerpa racemosa var. cylindracea.

The closest seagrass beds that are located near the entrance to the lagoon will not be directly

affected by the infilling of the lagoon.

Table 1 Area Estimates of Habitat Loss Inside Lagoon

Habitat Type Area (sq. metres)

Soft Bed mostly Macroalgae (Caulerpa) 8,580

Seagrass (Heterozostera) 20

Rock Revetment 600

Total Proposed Reclamation 9,200

Total Lagoon Area 15,000




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Figure 5-1 Concept Design for Proposed Harbour Redevelopment




Page 16 301010-00930 : Rev 0 : 24 May 2011

5.1.2 Indirect Effects

The discharge of spoil into the lagoon has the potential to create turbid plumes outside the lagoon.

Highly turbid plumes can result in excessive sedimentation with potential to smother seagrass and

other epibenthic species.

It is understood that infilling of the lagoon will occur by placing a silt curtain across the entrance to the

lagoon and then discharging the dredge slurry into the lagoon via a pipeline. A silt curtain in this type

of sheltered environment will be very effective in controlling the release of fine sediments into the

Harbour.

All turbid water will be contained within the lagoon for a sufficient time to allow for settlement of

suspended sediments. The return water will be tested prior to discharge to ensure that any relevant

water quality criteria are met.

An assessment of the acid sulphate potential of the dredged sediments also show that the potential

for acid generation is very low (Coffey Geotechnics 2009). Nevertheless, the dredged material will be

discharged under water to minimise exposure to air and any potential oxidation of sediment. The risk

of any adverse impact is considered low.

5.1.3 Summary of Impact

The loss of habitat caused by the infilling of the lagoon is not considered significant as in its current

condition the area has limited ecological value. Similar shallow water habitat with more extensive

seagrass meadows occur adjacent to the lagoon and also in the southern end of Portland Harbour,

between the boat ramp and Henty Beach.

5.2 Boat Ramp Reclamation

The proposed redevelopment includes construction of a new boat ramp facility adjacent to the Lagoon

Stage C, (Figure 5-1).

The reclamation will include the spoil mound adjacent to the lagoon entrance. Part of this area

between 0.5 to 1.0 m depth supports a mixed assemblage of seagrass and macroalgae.

5.2.1 Direct Effects

Reclamation associated with the construction of the boat ramp will result in the direct loss of

around 3,500 m2 of existing marine habitat. It is estimated that about 1,700 m

2 of seagrass will be

lost through direct burial. As the spoil mound has a total area of about 7,000 m2, the construction of

the boat ramp will result in the direct loss of around 25% of the seagrass presently on the spoil

mound.




Page 17 301010-00930 : Rev 0 : 24 May 2011

The loss of existing hard substrate will be more than offset by the new hard substrate habitat created

through placement of rock revetment along the outside of the ramp.

Table 2 Area Estimates of Habitat Loss Associated with Boat Ramp

Habitat Type Area (sq. metres)

Macroalgae (mainly Caulerpa) 1,300

Seagrass (Heterozostera) 1,700

Rock Revetment 350

Total Ramp Footprint 3,350

Total Area of Spoil Mound Covered in

Seagrass

7,000

5.2.2 Indirect Effects

Reclamation and infilling has the potential to create turbidity and sedimentation in adjacent marine

areas. The method of construction has not been confirmed, however plant and equipment deployed

to construct the facility should consider management and mitigation measures to minimise potential

impacts to the adjacent marine habitat areas.

5.2.3 Summary of Impact

The direct loss of seagrass caused by reclamation associated with boat ramp construction is not

considered significant as it represents less than 10% of the total seagrass extent currently inside

Portland Harbour. This areal estimate is highly conservative as no consideration has been given to

the seagrass areas that occur between the Lagoon and Henty Beach. Similar shallow water habitat

with more extensive seagrass meadows occur in the northern section of the spoil mound. These

seagrass beds and those at Henty Beach are likely to be unaffected by construction.




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6 CONCLUSIONS

The marine biota within the Lagoon consists of both introduced and native species.

The dominant introduced species recorded within the Lagoon and elsewhere in Portland Harbour

were extensive monospecific stands of the introduced green alga, Caulerpa racemosa var.

cylindracea that now colonise much of the seabed.

Seagrass within Portland Harbour is confined to soft sediments in the shallowest water along the

periphery of the Harbour. Overall distribution was patchy, with the largest bed of sparse to dense

cover seagrass occurring in the shallows at Henty Beach with a second significant bed over the spoil

mound near the entrance to the lagoon. Smaller beds also occur along the shallows between the

Lagoon and Henty Beach. The spatial extent of seagrass is less than was observed during previous

surveys (MSE 1993?), probably due to comparatively poor light penetration during recent years which

effectively limits seagrass to shallower than the 2 m depth contour. The rapid spread of the

introduced Caulerpa may also be impacting on the recent distribution of seagrass.

Species of conservation significance that are sometimes observed within Portland Harbour (refer to

WorleyParsons 2010) are unlikely to occur in the Lagoon and should not be impacted by the

proposed activities.

The loss of subtidal habitat caused by the infilling of the Lagoon is not considered significant as the

area has limited ecological value in its current condition. Reclamation associated with construction of

the boat ramp will take place over the shallow spoil mound adjacent to the entrance to the Lagoon.

This will result in the direct loss of seagrass through burial but represents less than 10% of the total

seagrass extent in Portland Harbour.

Any indirect effects from turbidity and sedimentation can be managed through proper environmental

management and mitigation measures.




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7 REFERENCES

Coffey Geotechnics (2009). No. 6 Berth Dredge Plan Geotechnical and Environmental Investigation

Report. Unpublished Consultants report for the Port of Portland.

Marine Science & Ecology (1995). Investigation of Habitats and Communities, Portland Harbour,

Victoria - 1995. Unpublished Consultants report for Global Environment Services

WorleyParsons (2010). Portland Marine Ecosystem Survey. Unpublished Consultants report for

Glenelg Shire Council.

Documents

Environmental Studies for Portland Harbour...Flora and Fauna Assessment_Final.docx 1 27 October 2010 27 October 2010 Ref: 301010-00683 Gary Bebbington - Glenelg Shire Council Cliff