Coast & Estuaries
Page 197
This reserve was established for the conservation of the mangrove-seagrass
communities and for the protection of nursery areas for several marine species,
including the western king prawn (
Peneaus latisulcatus
), King George Whiting
(
sillaginodes punctata
), yellow fin whiting (
Sillago schomburgkii
) and blue
swimmer crabs (
Portunus pelagicus
) (PIRSA, 2010).
The aquatic reserve is declared under the
Fisheries Management Act 2007.
Activities that are permitted in the aquatic reserve are boating and removal of
fish by rod and line or handline, and the collection of blood worms for bait by the
use of a hand net. The collection or removal of any other marine organisms is
prohibited. These fishing restrictions, in combination with limited areas of
access to the coast, ensure that large areas of the tidal flats are relatively
undisturbed, ensuring shorebirds are able to use the feeding grounds largely
undisturbed (PIRSA, 2010).
Bird Habitat
The Barker Inlet area includes significant bird species that are protected under
international migratory bird treaties, to which Australia is a signatory. Fifty-seven
species of water birds have been recorded in the area - 12 are listed under
international treaties. There are significant breeding habitats for 18 species of
waterbirds including pelicans, cormorants, oystercatchers, gulls, terns, egrets,
herons, the Red-necked stint, and Sandpipers.
The tidal mudflats provide significant habitat for wading birds covered under the
'Japan-Australia Migratory Bird Agreement' (JAMBA), 'China Australia Migratory
Bird Agreement' (CAMBA) and 'Republic of Korea-Australia Migratory Bird
Agreement' (ROKAMBA). These treaties are administered by the
Commonwealth Government via the
Environment Protection and Biodiversity
Conservation Act 1999.
The mangrove areas on Torrens Island provide one of the few breeding areas in
South Australia for the little egret and rufous night heron (EPA, 2005).
Mangroves, Seagrass and Saltmarsh
The estuary contains the largest area of mangrove forest, shallow seagrasses
and mudflats in Gulf St. Vincent. Sheltered conditions and good light
penetration create very high levels of plant and animal production, making these
prime contributors to the ecology of the Gulf and major nursery habitats for
juvenile species of commercial fish and crustaceans, particularly juvenile
Western king prawns and King George whiting (EPA, 2005).
Seagrasses are ecologically important in the estuary, as they support fish fauna
and the growth of other organisms, offer protection from predators, provide an
important feeding habitat for birds and assist in stabilising sediments.
Mangroves are major primary producers for the inter-tidal area as they assist
movement of fish at high tide, provide shelter and nesting sites for birds, provide
