The dataset shows the location and spatial extent of aquatic ecosystems and their potential dependence on the surface expression of groundwater. It shows aquatic ecosystems at a scale of 1:100 000 and is best viewed at this scale. Not all ecosystems are present in the dataset, smaller aquatic ecosystems requiring a higher resolution are not displayed.
Aquatic ecosystems that are known or likely to interact with groundwater in their hydrological cycle are potentially groundwater-dependent. The aquatic groundwater-dependent ecosystem (GDE) dataset shows the location of aquatic ecosystems and their GDE potential in the Fitzroy water planning area. The aquatic ecosystems included in the final dataset are categorised as:
+ Base-flow rivers
+ Wetlands
+ Estuarine and near shore marine
+ Springs.
River base flow systems – River systems and associated riparian vegetation are unique ecosystems providing a habitat for threatened and priority flora and fauna, including native aquatic species and birds.
Base flow is a component of the total stream flow that is supported by groundwater discharge. River permanence and flow duration indicate groundwater dependence during periods of low or no rainfall supporting differing ecosystem processes.
There are several permanent riverine pools found on the main Fitzroy River channel.
WETLANDS – wetlands that have a known or likely element of groundwater discharge in their hydrological cycle will be considered groundwater dependent.
Wetlands are areas of seasonally, intermittently or permanently waterlogged or inundated land, whether natural or otherwise, such as lakes, swamps, pools, springs, and damplands.
The hydrogeology of the Fitzroy water planning area is complex and variable. Hydrogeology mapping and a hydrogeologist should be consulted to determine the groundwater source of a wetland.
ESTUARINE AND NEAR SHORE MARINE - Estuarine habitats are classified as components of an estuary, partially enclosed by land, with a continuous or intermittent connection to the ocean. With a freshwater influence from overland run-off, there is diluting and mixing of seawater. These habitats can include estuarine wetlands, lagoons, salt marshes, and mangroves.
Near shore marine habitats are exposed to the waves and currents of the open ocean. Their water regimes are dominated by the ebb and flow of the ocean and tend to have a high salinity, normally greater than 33%. These habitats include seagrass meadows, coral, and stromatolites. The Fitzroy, May, Meda, and Robinson Rivers flow into the King Sound, supporting many different near shore marine habitats. Seagrass meadows, mangrove forests and salt flats are known to occur
in and around the King Sound.
SPRINGS - Springs provide a permanent source of freshwater and are recognised as important aquatic ecosystems found throughout the Australian landscape. The occurrence of permanent water in arid landscapes provides stable long-term habitat, critical to flora and fauna during dry periods, especially in the north-western region of Western Australia. A spring can be described as having a permanent discharge or flow of groundwater at the surface.
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