Appendices. 1. Overview of the Lake Eyre Basin Rivers Assessment project. 2. Biological Condition Gradient assessment approach

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1 Appendices 1. Overview of the Lake Eyre Basin Rivers Assessment project 2. Biological Condition Gradient assessment approach 3. Biological Condition Gradient site averages and attribute thresholds of potential concern by catchment 4. Waterbird species recorded from the Lake Eyre Basin 5. Abundance of waterbirds recorded from Coongie Lakes (2008) Draft Lake Eyre Basin State of the Basin Condition Assessment 2016 Report: for public consultation 141

2 Appendix 1. Overview of Lake Eyre Basin Rivers Assessment programme The Lake Eyre Basin Rivers Assessment, established under the Lake Eyre Basin Intergovernmental Agreement (2000), was developed to: report on the condition of rivers and catchments within the Basin; promote and facilitate long-term monitoring of river condition in the Basin; and promote and facilitate river research in the Basin. The main activity of the Basin Rivers Assessment programme has been a river monitoring progam that has been conducted since 2011 based on an implementation plan established in 2009 (Kiri-ganai Research 2009). Under this monitoring programme, data concerning hydrology, water quality and fish communities of over 50 waterholes across the Basin has systematically collected, collated and analysed for the past six years. The methods for the Lake Eyre Basin Rivers Assessment monitoring programme were developed in 2010/11 following the decision to commence no regrets monitoring with a set of key indicators: hydrology, water quality and fish. The development of these methods built on the work of the Lake Eyre Basin Rivers Assessment planning in 2009 (Thoms et al. 2009) and the ARIDFLO project (Costelloe et al. 2004) and also incorporated survey methods used by the South Australian and Queensland governments. Key methods for fish and water quality are documented in McNeil & Cockayne (2011) and in the first annual monitoring report from the project (Cockayne et al. 2012). The first round of Lake Eyre Basin Rivers Assessment field monitoring resulted in slight adjustments of the monitoring methodology for subsequent rounds as reported in Cockayne et al. (2013). The monitoring programme methodology was developed to be consistent with the Strategic Adaptive Management Framework (subsequently finalised in Kingsford and Biggs, 2012), abbreviated as SAM. This included specifying indicators of river and catchment health (condition), in the form of hypotheses. For each indicator, there are attributes that can be measured and compared to critical threshold values. The thresholds are referred to as Thresholds of Potential Concern (ToPCs). Draft ToPCs were proposed with a view to identifying when significant changes may be occurring. The current monitoring programme involves field visits to fixed monitoring sites (waterholes) where fish, water quality and flow/drying data are collected. The programme also involves collating and presenting data from government river gauging stations which are monitored by the Northern Territory, South Australian and Queensland governments. Some monitoring sites are co-located with a flow gauging station but most are not (Duguid et al. 2016). The monitoring sites are waterholes in the major river systems of the Basin: Georgina, Diamantina, Cooper, Finke, Macumba and Neales. The sampling strategy adopted involves monitoring representative fixed sites with a focus on permanent and near-permanent aquatic refuges (i.e. waterholes). Site selection prioritised waterholes with historical monitoring and those with with government river gauging stations. Some less persistent waterholes were also selected to provide a broader geographic spread of monitoring sites and to incorporate a wider range of habitats than if only permanent sites were selected. As a consequence, some sites were completely dry on some survey trips. In such cases, substitute sites have been surveyed. Some contingency sites have also been identified which are to be monitored if fixed sites are inaccessible. Each contingency site is in the same catchment area as a particular fixed site or has similar environmental Draft Lake Eyre Basin State of the Basin Condition Assessment 2016 Report: for public consultation 142

3 characteristics. This method allows for additional sites to be selected in the field when required (N.B. a contingency site becomes a substitute site once it has been monitored). In some catchments, knowledge of the waterholes has improved considerably as a result of this monitoring programme leading to the de-selection and replacement of some initial fixed sites. The Lake Eyre Basin Rivers Assessment monitoring programme involves surveys of the selected waterholes at least once a year (unless in accessible due to flooding) with some sites surveyed twice a year. Fixed sites are all scheduled for a monitoring visit each autumn and a subset of these sites is also monitored in spring. This approach enables consideration of ecological seasonality, particularly for fish population dynamics, as discussed further in McNeil and Cockayne (2011) and in Cockayne et al. (2013). It involves a trade-off between the total number of sites and the sampling frequency. However, by not sampling all sites twice a year, more sites can be monitored at least once a year. This has benefits for the spread and representativeness of sites and should improve the power of some analyses. The monitoring programme collects and collates hydrological and water quality data from a range of sources using various methods as different data types are available at different locations. Some data is continuous data from sensors with either data loggers or telemetry (i.e. data transmitted to government databases). Other data is only collected on site visits during monitoring survey trips. Some data is relevant at local and regional scales, while other data has most relevance at the scale of individual waterholes. This variety creates some complexity in reporting methods and results. Hydrology data collected under the monitoing programme consists mainly of: river flows (flow height) water levels in waterholes (i.e. when they are below their cease-to-flow level) waterhole physical dimensions (depth, length/perimeter, cease-to-flow control location, and bathymetric survey/mapping) Data on water levels in waterholes improves understanding of waterhole persistence and drying rates and can be correlated with fish and water quality data to interpret ecological dynamics. Water level data can also contribute to understanding the sources of water (e.g. river flow, groundwater, local rainfall, minor river flows and tributary flows) and water losses (e.g. evaporation, transpiration, extraction, stock drinking, draining into soil and aquifers). Waterhole water level data is obtained from in-water data-logging instruments at the moniotring sites where these are installed. Water quality data is derived from three major sources: hand-held sensors used to take measurements during survey visits to Lake Eyre Basin Rivers Assessment monitoring sites (temperature, EC, turbidity, ph, dissolved O 2) in-water data-logging instruments (CTD-Diver) at Lake Eyre Basin Rivers Assessment programme monitoring sites (recording EC and temperature, as well as water level) telemetered in-water data-logging instruments at some telemetered gauging stations (EC and temperature, as well as water level). Fish community data is collected through passive trapping using fyke nets, set overnight. Draft Lake Eyre Basin State of the Basin Condition Assessment 2016 Report: for public consultation 143

4 At some sites, fyke netting is supplemented with bait traps and/or seine netting and/or visual survey and/or dab-netting. The effectiveness of the strategy is supported by extrasampling undertaken at some Queensland sites to test aspects of the methods (reported in Sternberg et al. 2014). All fish are identified and counted and measurements are recorded for total length of one hundred (100) individuals of each species. Information on reproductive status and disease is recorded. The presence of large crustaceans (e.g. inland crab, yabby, redclaw, freshwater prawn) and some other macroinvertebrates are recorded opportunistically. Fish community sampling has been undertaken twice yearly since 2011 with between 44 and 55 sites sampled across these years (Cockayne et al. 2012; 2013, Mathwin et al. 2015, Duguid et al. 2016). Each sampling round has consistently found a greater range of distribution of fish species than previously understood and has increased a greater baseline understanding of this distribution in relation to wetting and drying cycles. There has also been a greater appreciation of the spread of exotic and translocated species. Appendix 2. Biological Condition Gradient (BCG) assessment rules for each catchment Cooper Creek catchment rules Upper Cooper BCG Ecoregion Rules At the time of sampling had Stonehenge received at least an average of 5000 ML/d of flows over the last 12 months? (No-1, Yes - 2) 1 Flows have receded or have returned to seasonal flow patterns. When calculating BCG Tiers use the bust phase descriptors (as described in the FCA methods). 2 Is this the first flow event to exceed 150,000 ML/month within the last two years? (Yes -3, No 4) 3 When calculating BCG Tier scores use the dispersal phase descriptors. 4 This is a subsequent flow comprising a part of a supra-seasonal flood event. When calculating BCG Tier scores use the boom phase descriptors. When considering low, moderate or high abundances in the upper-mid Cooper, refer to this table. Upper Cooper Abundance Range Attribute Species Low Abundance (<=) High Abundance (>=) I Neosiluroides cooperensis Retropinna semoni Bidyanus welchi II Macquaria sp Scortum barcoo Draft Lake Eyre Basin State of the Basin Condition Assessment 2016 Report: for public consultation 144

5 Neosilurus hyrtlii Porochilus argenteus III Hypseleotris spp Ambassis sp Melanotaenia splendida tatei IV Nematalosa erebi Leiopotherapon unicolor V Craterocephalus eyresii Carassius auratus VI Oxyeleotris lineolata Gambusia holbrooki BCG Tier Description Attribute I Attribute II Attribute III Rare taxa and species with unpredictable occurrence. (Neosiluroides cooperensis and Retropinna semoni) Species with unpredictable occurrence are only scored if a historical record exists for locality Both rare taxa present OR; one rare taxon present in high abundance One rare taxon present in moderate or low abundance. Both rare taxa absent with at least one rare taxon captured concurrently elsewhere in ecoregion. Both rare taxa absent with at least one rare taxon captured elsewhere in the upper Cooper ecoregion within the last year of sampling. Both rare taxa absent with both rare taxa captured elsewhere in the upper Cooper eco- region within last 5 years. At least one rare taxon absent from the upper Cooper ecoregion over last 5 years. A Tier score of 6 triggers this site as a TPC. Large bodied resilient taxa (Macquaria sp., Scortum barcoo and Bidyanus welchi), species are only scored if a historical record exist for locality At least two large bodied resilient taxa present OR; one large bodied resilient taxa present with HIGH abundance. One large bodied resilient taxa present in moderate or low abundance. Large bodied resilient taxa absent with *all large bodied resilient taxa captured concurrently elsewhere in upper Cooper ecoregion. Large bodied resilient taxa absent with *all large bodied taxa captured concurrently elsewhere in the Cooper creek catchment (* only applies if more than two samples were taken at that time, otherwise score as ). Large bodied resilient taxa absent with all large bodied resilient taxa captured anywhere within catchment in last 2 years. A Tier score of 5 triggers this site as a TPC. At least one large bodied resilient taxa absent due to regional extirpation or global extinction. A Tier score of 6 triggers this site as a TPC. Resilient taxa (Neosilurus hyrtlii, Porochilus argentus, Hypseleotris spp., Ambassis sp., Draft Lake Eyre Basin State of the Basin Condition Assessment 2016 Report: for public consultation 145

6 Melanotaenia splendida tatei). Attribute IV Attribute V Five resilient taxa present at any time OR; at least three resilient taxa present during bust and dispersal phase and one resilient taxa species must have HIGH abundance. Four resilient taxa present at any time with *all other resilient taxa recorded concurrently within the upper Cooper ecoregion. OR; at least three resilient taxa with moderate abundance during boom, dispersal and bust phases with *all other resilient taxa recorded concurrently within the upper Cooper ecoregion (* only applies if more than two samples were taken at that time, otherwise score as ). At least two resilient taxa present in moderate abundance with *all other species recorded concurrently within the upper Cooper ecoregion.. At least two resilient taxa present with *all other species recorded concurrently within the upper Cooper ecoregion (* only applies if more than two samples were taken at that time, otherwise score as ). One resilient taxa present *all other species recorded concurrently within the upper Cooper ecoregion. A Tier score of 5 triggers this site as a TPC. At resilient taxa present *all other species recorded concurrently within the upper Cooper ecoregion. A Tier score of 5 triggers this site as a TPC. Resilient and resistant taxa (Nematalosa erebi and Leiopotherapon unicolor). Both resilient and resistant taxa present, both species with moderate abundances or one species with high abundance during boom phase. Both resilient and resistant taxa present in low abundances during dispersal and bust phases. Both resilient and resistant taxa present in low abundance during boom phase. Only bony herring present, spangled grunter captured concurrently within the upper Cooper ecoregion OR only bony herring present and less than three samples taken in ecoregion. Only bony herring present, no spangled grunter captured in ecoregion during bust phase. Only bony herring present, spangled grunter captured in ecoregion during boom phase. A Tier score of 5 triggers this site as a TPC. No bony herring present. A Tier score of 6 triggers this site as a TPC. Specialist taxa (Craterocephalus eyresii). Attribute is only scored if species are present. This species is not historically documented in Upper Cooper. Attribute VI Present Translocated or exotic taxa (Carassius auratus, Oxyeleotris lineolata and Gambusia holbrooki). Translocated or exotic taxa not present and not historically recorded in the upper Cooper ecoregion. Draft Lake Eyre Basin State of the Basin Condition Assessment 2016 Report: for public consultation 146

7 Attribute VII Translocated or exotic taxa not present and not historically recorded in the upper Cooper ecoregion. Translocated or exotic taxa not present but concurrently captured in the Upper Cooper ecoregion OR Translocated or exotic taxa not present and less than three samples taken within the upper Cooper ecoregion. One translocated or exotic taxa present but in low to moderate abundance. More than one translocated or exotic taxa present or one translocated or exotic taxa in high abundance (not dominant). Translocated or exotic fish dominate the fish assemblage OR; apparent range extension of translocated or exotic taxa OR; Translocated or exotic taxa have more than doubled since previous sample (e.g. sleepy cod observed for the first time at a site). A Tier score of 6 triggers this site as a TPC. Organism and population condition. This Attribute is scored for native fish only. (**Disease & congenital abnormalities to be included with improved data). Multiple age classes apparent for long lived species, recruits present with ecoregion. Multiple age classes apparent for long-lived species within ecoregion. Multiple age classes apparent for long-lived species within catchment, recruits present less than three samples taken. Multiple age classes apparent for long-lived species within catchment, recruits not present. No multiple age classes apparent for long-lived species within catchment. No multiple age classes apparent for long-lived species within catchment over last 5 year A Tier score of 6 triggers this site as a TPC. Draft Lake Eyre Basin State of the Basin Condition Assessment 2016 Report: for public consultation 147

8 Upper-mid Cooper Ecoregion BCG Rules At the time of sampling had Cullyamurra received at least an average of 5000 ML/d of flows over the last 12 months? (No - 1, Yes 2) 1 Flows have receded or have returned to seasonal flow patterns. When calculating BCG Tiers use bust phase descriptors. 2 Is this the first flow event to exceed 5000 ML/d within the last two years? (Yes -3, No 4) 3 When calculating BCG Tier scores use dispersal phase descriptors. 4 This is a subsequent flow comprising a part of a supra-seasonal flood event. When calculating BCG Tier scores use boom phase descriptors. When considering low, moderate or high abundances in the upper-mid Cooper, refer to this table. Upper-mid Cooper Abundance Range Attribute Species Low Abundance (<=) Low Abundance (>=) I Neosiluroides cooperensis Retropinna semoni Bidyanus welchi II Macquaria sp Scortum barcoo Neosilurus hyrtlii Porochilus argenteus III Hypseleotris spp Ambassis sp Melanotaenia splendida tatei IV Nematalosa erebi Leiopotherapon unicolor V Craterocephalus eyresii Carassius auratus VI Oxyeleotris lineolata Gambusia holbrooki BCG Tier Description Attribute I Rare taxa and species with unpredictable occurrence. (Neosiluroides cooperensis and Retropinna semoni) Species with unpredictable occurrence are only scored if a historical record exists for the site Both rare taxa present or one species present in high abundance One rare taxon present in low to moderate abundance. Both rare taxa absent with at least one rare taxon captured concurrently elsewhere in uppermid Cooper eco- region. Both rare taxa absent with at least *one rare taxon captured concurrently elsewhere in uppermid Cooper ecoregion (* only applies if more than two samples were taken at that time, otherwise score as ). Both rare taxa absent but both captured elsewhere in the upper-mid Cooper ecoregion within the last 5 years. At least one species absent from the upper-mid Cooper ecoregion over last 5 years. A Tier Draft Lake Eyre Basin State of the Basin Condition Assessment 2016 Report: for public consultation 148

9 score of 6 triggers this site as a TPC. Attribute II Attribute III Attribute IV Large bodied resilient taxa (Macquaria sp., Scortum barcoo and Bidyanus welchi), species are only scored if a historical record exist for locality. At least two large bodied resilient taxa present or one large bodied resilient taxa present with high abundance. One large bodied resilient taxa present in moderate or low abundance. Large bodied resilient taxa absent with *all captured concurrently elsewhere in upper-mid Cooper ecoregion (* only applies if more than two samples were taken at that time, otherwise score as ). Large bodied resilient taxa absent with *all captured concurrently elsewhere in upper-mid Cooper ecoregion (* only applies if more than two samples were taken at that time, otherwise score as ). Large bodied resilient taxa absent with all captured anywhere within the upper-mid Cooper in the last 2 years. A Tier score of 5 triggers this site as a TPC. Any large bodied resilient taxa absent due to regional extirpation or global extinction. A Tier score of 6 triggers this site as a TPC. Resilient taxa (Neosilurus hyrtlii, Porochilus argentus, Hypseleotris spp., Ambassis sp., Melanotaenia splendida tatei). At least three resilient taxa present, one resilient taxa with high abundances during boom phase and any abundance during dispersal and bust phases. *All other species must have been recorded concurrently within the upper-mid Cooper ecoregion to score this tier. (* only applies if more than two samples were taken at that time, otherwise score as ). Two resilient taxa present in low abundance during dispersal and bust phase OR one resilient taxa with high abundance during boom phase. *All other species must have been recorded concurrently within the upper-mid Cooper ecoregion (* only applies if more than two samples were taken at that time, otherwise score as ). At least two resilient taxa present during the boom phase. Less than two resilient taxa present OR; not all resilient taxa have been recorded concurrently within the upper-mid Cooper ecoregion. All resilient taxa absent but captured concurrently in the upper-mid Cooper ecoregion. A Tier score of 5 triggers this site as a TPC. Absent due to regional extirpation. A Tier score of 6 triggers this site as a TPC. Resilient and resistant taxa (Nematalosa erebi and Leiopotherapon unicolor). Both resilient and resistant taxa present, both taxa with moderate abundances or one taxa with high abundance during boom phase. Both resilient and resistant taxa present in low abundances during dispersal and bust phases. Both resilient and resistant taxa present in low abundance during boom phase. Only bony herring present, *spangled grunter captured concurrently within the upper-mid Cooper ecoregion. (* only applies if more than two samples were taken at that time, otherwise score as ). Only bony herring present, no spangled grunter captured in the upper-mid Cooper eco- region during bust phase. Only bony herring present, no spangled grunter captured in the upper-mid Cooper eco- region during boom phase. A Tier score of 5 triggers this site as a TPC. Draft Lake Eyre Basin State of the Basin Condition Assessment 2016 Report: for public consultation 149

10 Attribute V No bony herring present. A Tier score of 6 triggers this site as a TPC. Specialist taxa (Craterocephalus eyresii). Attribute is only scored if species are present. This species is not historically documented in Upper Cooper. Attribute VI Attribute VII Present Translocated or exotic taxa (Carassius auratus, Oxyeleotris lineolata and Gambusia holbrooki). Translocated or exotic taxa not present and not historically recorded in the upper-mid Cooper ecoregion. Translocated or exotic taxa not present and not historically recorded in the upper-mid Cooper ecoregion. Translocated or exotic taxa not present but concurrently captured in the upper-mid Cooper eco- region OR Translocated or exotic taxa not present and less than three samples taken within the upper-mid Cooper ecoregion. One translocated or exotic taxa present but in low to moderate abundance. More than one translocated or exotic taxa present or one translocated or exotic taxa in high abundance (not dominant). Translocated or exotic fish dominate assemblage and/or abundances OR apparent range extension of translocated or exotic taxa (eg. Sleepy cod observed for the first time at this site). A Tier score of 6 triggers this site as a TPC. Organism and population condition. This Attribute is scored for native fish only. (**Disease & congenital abnormalities to be included with improved data). Multiple age classes apparent for long lived species, recruits present with ecoregion. Multiple age classes apparent for long-lived species within the upper-mid Cooper ecoregion. Multiple age classes apparent for long-lived species within catchment, recruits present or less than three samples taken. Multiple age classes apparent for long-lived species within catchment, recruits not present. No multiple age classes apparent for long-lived species within catchment. No multiple age classes apparent for long-lived species within catchment over last 5 years. A Tier score of 6 triggers this site as a TPC. Draft Lake Eyre Basin State of the Basin Condition Assessment 2016 Report: for public consultation 150

11 Lower-mid Cooper Ecoregion BCG Rules At the time of sampling had Cullyamurra received at least an average of 5000 ML/d of flows over the last 12 months? (No - 1, Yes 2) 1 Flows have receded or have returned to seasonal flow patterns. When calculating BCG Tiers use bust phase descriptors. 2 Is this the first flow event to exceed 5000 ML/d within the last two years? (Yes -3, No 4) 3 When calculating BCG Tier scores use dispersal phase descriptors. 4 This is a subsequent flow comprising a part of a supra-seasonal flood event. When calculating BCG Tier scores use boom phase descriptors. When considering low, moderate or high abundances in the upper-mid Cooper, refer to this table. Lower-mid Cooper Abundance Range Attribute Species Low Abundance (<=) Low Abundance (>=) I Neosiluroides cooperensis Retropinna semoni Bidyanus welchi II Macquaria sp Scortum barcoo Neosilurus hyrtlii Porochilus argenteus III Hypseleotris spp Ambassis sp Melanotaenia splendida tatei IV Nematalosa erebi Leiopotherapon unicolor V Craterocephalus eyresii Carassius auratus VI Oxyeleotris lineolata Gambusia holbrooki BCG Tier Description Attribute I Rare taxa and species with unpredictable occurrence. (Neosiluroides cooperensis and Retropinna semoni) Species with unpredictable occurrence are only scored if a historical record exists for locality. Both rare taxa present OR; one species present in high abundance One rare taxon present in low to moderate abundance. Both rare taxa absent with *one rare taxon captured concurrently elsewhere in the lower- mid Cooper ecoregion. (* only applies if more than two samples were taken at that time, otherwise score as ). Both rare taxa absent, one rare taxon captured elsewhere in the lower-mid Cooper eco- region within the last 1 year. Both rare taxa absent but both rare taxa species captured elsewhere in the lower-mid Cooper ecoregion within last 5 years. A Tier score of 5 triggers this site as a TPC At least one rare taxon absent from the lower-mid Cooper ecoregion over last 5 years. A Tier score of 6 triggers this site as a TPC. Draft Lake Eyre Basin State of the Basin Condition Assessment 2016 Report: for public consultation 151

12 Attribute II Attribute III Attribute IV Attribute V Large bodied resilient taxa (Macquaria sp., Scortum barcoo and Bidyanus welchi), species are only scored if a historical record exist for locality. At least two large bodied resilient taxa present OR; one large bodied resilient taxa present with high abundance. One large bodied resilient taxa present in low to moderate abundance. Large bodied resilient taxa absent with *all captured concurrently elsewhere in upper-mid Cooper ecoregion (* only applies if more than two samples were taken at that time, otherwise score as ). Large bodied resilient taxa absent with *all captured elsewhere in the lower-mid Cooper ecoregion. (* only applies if more than two samples were taken at that time, otherwise score as ). Large bodied resilient taxa absent with all large bodied resilient taxa captured anywhere within the lower-mid Cooper ecoregion in last 2 years. Any large bodied resilient taxa species absent due to regional extirpation or global extinction. A Tier score of 6 triggers this site as a TPC. Resilient taxa (Neosilurus hyrtlii, Porochilus argentus, Hypseleotris spp., Ambassis sp., Melanotaenia splendida tatei). Five resilient taxa present at any time OR; at least three resilient taxa present during bust and dispersal phase, one resilient taxa with high abundance. Four resilient taxa present OR; at least three resilient taxa present with moderate abundance during boom phase OR At least two resilient taxa present, one with high abundance during dispersal and bust phase. At least two resilient taxa present in moderate abundance OR; one resilient taxa with high abundance At least two species present. One species present. A Tier score of 5 triggers this site as a TPC. At least one species absent from the lower-mid Cooper ecoregion at the time of sampling (where three or more samples were taken in the lower-mid Cooper ecoregion). A Tier score of 6 triggers this site as a TPC. Resilient and resistant taxa (Nematalosa erebi and Leiopotherapon unicolor). Both resilient and resistant taxa present, both with moderate abundances or one with high abundance during boom phase. Both resilient and resistant taxa present in low abundances during dispersal and bust phases. Both resilient and resistant taxa present in low abundance during boom phase. Only bony herring present, spangled grunter captured concurrently within the lower-mid Cooper ecoregion. Only bony herring present, no spangled grunter captured in the lower-mid Cooper eco- region during bust phase. Only bony herring present, no spangled grunter captured in the lower-mid Cooper eco- region during boom phase. A Tier score of 5 triggers this site as a TPC. No bony herring present (anytime). A Tier score of 6 triggers this site as a TPC. Specialist taxa (Craterocephalus eyresii). Attribute is only scored if species are present. Craterocephalus eyresii have not been historically documented in the lower-mid Cooper Draft Lake Eyre Basin State of the Basin Condition Assessment 2016 Report: for public consultation 152

13 ecoregion. Attribute VI Attribute VII Present Translocated or exotic taxa (Carassius auratus, Oxyeleotris lineolata and Gambusia holbrooki). Translocated or exotic taxa not present and not historically recorded in the lower-mid Cooper ecoregion. Translocated or exotic taxa not present and not concurrently captured in the lower-mid Cooper ecoregion. Translocated or exotic taxa not present but concurrently captured in the lower-mid Cooper ecoregion OR Translocated or exotic taxa not present and less than three samples taken within the mid Cooper ecoregion. One translocated or exotic species present but in low to moderate abundance. More than one translocated or exotic species present or one species in high abundance (but do not dominate). Translocated or exotic fish dominate assemblage OR apparent range extension of translocated or exotic taxa (e.g. sleepy cod observed for the first time at a site). A Tier score of 6 triggers this site as a TPC. Organism and population condition. This Attribute is scored for native fish only. (**Disease & congenital abnormalities to be included with improved data). Multiple age classes apparent for long-lived species, recruits present within ecoregion. Multiple age classes apparent for long-lived species within ecoregion. Multiple age classes apparent for long-lived species within catchment, recruits present O less than three samples taken. Multiple age classes apparent for long-lived species within catchment, recruits not present. No multiple age classes apparent for long-lived species within catchment. No multiple age classes apparent for long-lived species within catchment over last 5 years. A Tier score of 6 triggers this site as a TPC. Draft Lake Eyre Basin State of the Basin Condition Assessment 2016 Report: for public consultation 153

14 Lower Cooper Ecoregion BCG Rules At the time of sampling had Lake Hope received flow within the last 12 months? (No - 1, Yes 2) 1 Lake Hope has not been connected to the main channel within the last 12 months. When calculating BCG tiers use the bust phase descriptors. 2 Was the flow event that connected Lake Hope to the main channel the first flow event that had reached Lake Hope since drying? (Yes -3, No 4) 3 Lake Hope has recently received a first flow event. When calculating BCG Tier scores use the dispersal phase descriptors. 4 Lake Hope has contained water for a period of time but not through novel flows. When calculating BCG Tier scores use the boom phase descriptors. When considering low, moderate or high abundances in the upper-mid Cooper, refer to this table. Lower-mid Cooper Abundance Range Attribute Species Low Abundance (<=) Low Abundance (>=) I Neosiluroides cooperensis Retropinna semoni Bidyanus welchi II Macquaria sp Scortum barcoo Neosilurus hyrtlii Porochilus argenteus III Hypseleotris spp Ambassis sp Melanotaenia splendida tatei IV Nematalosa erebi Leiopotherapon unicolor V Craterocephalus eyresii Carassius auratus VI Oxyeleotris lineolata Gambusia holbrooki BCG Tier Description Attribute I Attribute II Rare taxa and species with unpredictable occurrence. (Neosiluroides cooperensis and Retropinna semoni) are only scored if a historical record exist for the site. At least one rare taxon present. Rare taxa absent due to catchment extirpation or global extinction. A Tier score of 6 triggers this site as a TPC. Large bodied resilient taxa (Macquaria sp., Scortum barcoo and Bidyanus welchi). Attribute only scored during bust phase if taxa are present. Two or more large-bodied resilient taxa present during boom or dispersal phases. One or more large-bodied resilient taxa present during bust phase. One large-bodied resilient taxa present with high abundance during boom, low abundance during dispersal phases. One large-bodied resilient taxa present with a moderate abundance during boom phase, large-bodied resilient taxa absent during dispersal phases. Draft Lake Eyre Basin State of the Basin Condition Assessment 2016 Report: for public consultation 154

15 Attribute III Large-bodied resilient taxa absent during boom phase with *at least two large-bodied resilient taxa captured concurrently elsewhere in the lower Cooper ecoregion OR; one large bodied resilient taxa with low abundance during boom phase. (* only applies if more than two samples were taken at that time, otherwise score as ). Large-bodied resilient taxa absent during boom phase with all large bodied resilient taxa present within the lower Cooper ecoregion within the last 12 months. A Tier score of 5 triggers this site as a TPC. Large-bodied resilient taxa absent during boom phase and not observed within the lower Cooper eco- region in the previous 12 months. A Tier score of 6 triggers this site as a TPC. Resilient taxa (Neosilurus hyrtlii, Porochilus argentus, Hypseleotris spp., Ambassis sp., Melanotaenia splendida tatei). Attribute only scored during bust phase if taxa are present. More than two resilient taxa present OR; more than one resilient taxa present with at least one species in high abundance during boom phase OR; more than one resilient taxa present during dispersal or bust phase. More than one resilient taxa during boom phase OR; one resilient taxa present during bust phase, one species in high abundance during dispersal phase. One resilient taxa in moderate abundance during boom phase OR; one resilient taxa present during dispersal phase. One resilient taxa with low abundance during boom phase OR; resilient taxa absent during dispersal phase with *some resilient taxa captured concurrently within the lower Cooper ecoregion. (* only applies if more than two samples were taken at that time, otherwise score as ). Resilient taxa absent during the boom or dispersal phases with all resilient taxa captured in the lower Cooper ecoregion within the previous 5 years. A Tier score of 5 triggers this site as a TPC. Resilient taxa absent due to regional extirpation (not during bust phase). A Tier score of 6 triggers this site as a TPC. Attribute IV Resilient and resistant taxa (Nematalosa erebi and Leiopotherapon unicolor). Attribute only scored during bust phase if taxa are present. *denotes a concurrent clause. Both resilient and resistant taxa present with at least one resilient and resistant taxon in high abundance during boom period and low abundance during dispersal and bust phases. Both resilient and resistant taxa present during boom and dispersal phase, bony herring present in during bust phase. Only bony herring present during dispersal and boom phase. Bony herring absent during boom and dispersal phase but captured concurrently at all other sites within the lower Cooper ecoregion. Both resilient and resistant taxa absent during boom or dispersal phase, both captured concurrently in the lower Cooper ecoregion. A Tier score of 5 triggers this site as a TPC. Both resilient and resistant taxa during boom or dispersal phase, spangled grunter not captured concurrently within the lower Cooper ecoregion OR; bony herring absent during boom or dispersal phase and not captured concurrently at all sites within the lower Cooper ecoregion. A Tier score of 6 triggers this site as a TPC. Draft Lake Eyre Basin State of the Basin Condition Assessment 2016 Report: for public consultation 155

16 Attribute V Attribute VI Attribute VII Specialist taxa (Craterocephalus eyresii). Specialist taxa absent or present with low abundance during dispersal or boom phase OR; specialist taxa present in moderate to high abundance during bust phases. Specialist taxa present with moderate to high abundance during boom phase and low abundance during bust phase. Specialist taxa present with high abundance during dispersal phase OR; specialist taxa absent during bust phase, but captured elsewhere in catchment within the previous 5 years. Specialist taxa absent during bust period, but captured elsewhere in the lower Cooper ecoregion within the last 5 years. Specialist taxa absent during bust period, but captured elsewhere in the lower Cooper ecoregion within the last 10 years. A Tier score of 5 triggers this site as a TPC. Specialist taxa absent due to regional extirpation. A Tier score of 6 triggers this site as a TPC. Translocated or exotic taxa (Carassius auratus, Oxyeleotris lineolata and Gambusia holbrooki). Translocated or exotic taxa not present in the lower Cooper ecoregion. Translocated or exotic taxa not present and not concurrently captured in the lower Cooper ecoregion. Translocated or exotic taxa not present but concurrently captured in ecoregion OR Translocated or exotic taxa not present and less than three samples taken within the lower Cooper ecoregion. One translocated or exotic species present but in low to moderate abundance. More than one translocated or exotic species present or one species in high abundance (does not dominate the sum of all natives). Translocated or exotic fish dominate all other fish taxa in abundance OR range extension of translocated or exotic taxa (eg. sleepy cod observed for the first time at this site). A Tier score of 6 triggers this site as a TPC. Organism and population condition (reproduction). This Attribute is only scored for native fish during the dispersal and boom phases and only if the species group is present. **Disease & congenital abnormalities to be included with improved data sets. Multiple age classes apparent for long-lived species, recruits present within ecoregion. Multiple age classes apparent for long-lived species concurrently within ecoregion. Multiple age classes apparent for long-lived species concurrently within catchment, recruits present OR less than three samples taken. Multiple age classes apparent for long-lived species concurrently within catchment, recruits not present. No multiple age classes apparent for long-lived species concurrently within catchment. A Tier score of 5 triggers this site as a TPC. No multiple age classes apparent for long-lived species within catchment over last 5 years. A Tier score of 6 triggers this site as a TPC. Draft Lake Eyre Basin State of the Basin Condition Assessment 2016 Report: for public consultation 156

17 2. Georgina-Diamantina catchment rules Upper Georgina Ecoregion BCG Rules At the time of sampling had Roxborough Downs received a period of flow greater than ML/d of flows over the last 12 months? (No - 1, Yes 2) 1 Flows have receded or have returned to seasonal flow patterns. When calculating BCG Tiers use bust phase descriptors. 2 Is this the first flow event to exceed ML/d within the last two years? (Yes -3, No 4) 3 When calculating BCG Tier scores use dispersal phase descriptors. 4 This is a subsequent flow comprising a part of a supra-seasonal flood event. When calculating BCG Tier scores use boom phase descriptors. When considering low, moderate or high abundances in the upper Diamantina ecoregion, refer to this table. Upper Georgina Abundance Range Attribute Species Low Abundance (<=) High Abundance (>=) I Amniataba percoides Glossogobius aureus Bidyanus welchi II Macquaria sp Scortum barcoo Neosilurus hyrtlii Porochilus argenteus III Ambassis sp Melanotaenia splendida tatei Nematalosa erebi IV Leiopotherapon unicolor Craterocephalus eyresii V Chlamydogobius eremius VI Gambusia holbrooki BCG Tier Description Attribute I Rare taxa and species with unpredictable occurrence. (Amniataba percoides and Glossogobius aureus). Species with unpredictable occurrence are only scored if a historical record exists for the site. Either rare taxa species present during the boom phase. Both rare taxa species present during the bust phase. One rare taxa present during the bust phase. Neither rare taxa species caught during the boom phase. Neither rare taxa species caught but both species caught *concurrently in the upper Georgina ecoregion during the bust phase. (* only applies if more than two samples were taken at that time, otherwise score as ). One rare taxa species was absent from the upper Georgina ecoregion during this bust phase season. Draft Lake Eyre Basin State of the Basin Condition Assessment 2016 Report: for public consultation 157

18 Attribute II At least one rare taxa absent from the upper Georgina ecoregion over last 5 years. A Tier score of 6 triggers this site as a TPC. Large-bodied resilient taxa (Macquaria sp., Scortum barcoo and Bidyanus welchi), species are only scored if a historical record exist for the site. At least one large-bodied resilient taxa present. Attribute III Attribute IV Attribute V Large-bodied resilient taxa absent with all large-bodied resilient taxa captured anywhere within the upper Georgina ecoregion in last 5 years. A Tier score of 6 triggers this site as a TPC. Resilient taxa (Neosilurus hyrtlii, Porochilus argentus, Hypseleotris spp., Ambassis sp., Melanotaenia splendida tatei). Four resilient taxa present. Three resilient taxa present or two species present with one in high abundance. At least two resilient taxa present in moderate to low abundance. One resilient taxa present with *all other species observed in the upper Georgina ecoregion within the same sampling season (* only applies if more than two samples were taken at that time, otherwise score as ). One resilient taxa present with all other species observed in the upper Georgina ecoregion within the previous 12 months. A Tier score of 5 triggers this site as a TPC. No resilient taxa detected or an absence of any resilient taxa species for a period of greater than 12 months. A Tier score of 6 triggers this site as a TPC. Resilient and resistant taxa (Nematalosa erebi and Leiopotherapon unicolor). Both resilient and resistant taxa present, both with moderate abundances or one with high abundance during boom phase. Both resilient and resistant taxa present in low abundances during dispersal and bust phases. Both resilient and resistant taxa present in low abundance during boom phase. Only Leiopotherapon unicolor present, Nematolosa erebi captured *concurrently within the upper Georgina ecoregion. (* only applies if more than two samples were taken at that time, otherwise score as ). Only Leiopotherapon unicolor, *no Nematolosa erebi captured concurrently in the upper Georgina ecoregion during bust phase OR; only Nematolosa erebi present at any time. (* only applies if more than two samples were taken at that time, otherwise score as ). Only Leiopotherapon unicolor, no Nematolosa erebi captured concurrently in the upper Georgina ecoregion during boom phase. A Tier score of 5 triggers this site as a TPC. (* only applies if more than two samples were taken at that time, otherwise score as ). No resilient and resistant taxa present (anytime). A Tier score of 6 triggers this site as a TPC. Specialist taxa taxa (Craterocephalus eyresii and Chlamydogobius eremius). Attribute is Draft Lake Eyre Basin State of the Basin Condition Assessment 2016 Report: for public consultation 158

19 only scored if species are present. Craterocephalus eyresii have not been historically documented in Attribute VI Specialist taxa present in the Upper Georgina Ecoregion. A Tier score of 6 triggers this site as a TPC. Non-native or intentionally introduced taxa (Gambusia holbrooki). This Attribute is scored only where invasive taxa are present Attribute VII Range extension of non-native taxa (eg Gambusia holbrooki observed for the first time at this site). A Tier score of 6 triggers this site as a TPC. Organism and population condition. This Attribute is scored for long-lived native fish only, where historic record exists for the site. (**Disease & congenital abnormalities to be included with improved data.) Multiple age classes apparent for two or more long-lived taxa in catchment, evidence of recruitment. Multiple age classes apparent for two or more long-lived taxa within catchment. Multiple age classes apparent for at least one long-lived species within catchment. Multiple age classes apparent for long-lived species within catchment within last 12 months. No multiple age classes apparent for long-lived species within catchment within last 12 months No multiple age classes apparent for long-lived species within catchment over the last 5 years. A Tier score of 6 triggers this site as a TPC Draft Lake Eyre Basin State of the Basin Condition Assessment 2016 Report: for public consultation 159

20 Upper-mid Georgina Ecoregion BCG Rules At the time of sampling had Roxborough Downs received a period of flow greater than ML/d of flows over the last 12 months? (No - 1, Yes 2) 1 Flows have receded or have returned to seasonal flow patterns. When calculating BCG Tiers use bust phase descriptors. 2 Is this the first flow event to exceed ML/d within the last two years? (Yes -3, No 4) 3 When calculating BCG Tier scores use dispersal phase descriptors. 4 This is a subsequent flow comprising a part of a supra-seasonal flood event. When calculating BCG Tier scores use boom phase descriptors. When considering low, moderate or high abundances in the upper Diamantina ecoregion, refer to this table. Upper-mid Georgina Abundance Range Attribute Species Low Abundance (<=) High Abundance (>=) I Amniataba percoides Glossogobius aureus Bidyanus welchi II Macquaria sp Scortum barcoo Neosilurus hyrtlii Porochilus argenteus III Ambassis sp Melanotaenia splendida tatei Nematalosa erebi IV Leiopotherapon unicolor Craterocephalus eyresii V Chlamydogobius eremius VI Gambusia holbrooki BCG Tier Description Attribute I Rare taxa and species with unpredictable occurrence. (Amniataba percoides and Glossogobius aureus). Species with unpredictable occurrence are only scored if a historical record exists for the site. Both rare taxa present in high abundance. One rare taxa present phase. Both rare taxa absent but *both species captured elsewhere in the upper-mid Georgina ecoregion within this season. (* only applies if more than two samples were taken at that time, otherwise score as ). Both rare taxa absent but both species captured elsewhere in the upper-mid Georgina ecoregion within the last 2 years. At least one rare taxa absent from the upper-mid Georgina ecoregion over last 5 years. A Tier Draft Lake Eyre Basin State of the Basin Condition Assessment 2016 Report: for public consultation 160

21 score of 6 triggers this site as a TPC. Attribute II Attribute III Attribute IV Attribute V Large-bodied resilient taxa (Macquaria sp., Scortum barcoo and Bidyanus welchi). All three large-bodied resilient taxa present at the site. Two large-bodied resilient taxa present at the site. One large-bodied resilient taxa present at the site in high to moderate abundance. One large-bodied resilient taxa present at the site in low abundance. No large-bodied resilient taxa but at least two species observed in the ecoregion within the last 12 months. A Tier score of 5 triggers this site as a TPC. No large-bodied resilient taxa, with two species not detected within the ecoregion in the previous 12 months. A Tier score of 6 triggers this site as a TPC. Resilient taxa (Neosilurus hyrtlii, Porochilus argentus, Ambassis sp., Melanotaenia splendida tatei). Four resilient taxa present at any time with two species in high abundance. Four resilient taxa present at any time OR; at least three resilient taxa present, one in high abundance during the bust phase. At least two resilient taxa present in moderate abundance during the bust phase. At least two resilient taxa present during the boom phase. One species present. A Tier score of 5 triggers this site as a TPC. At least one species absent from the upper-mid Georgina ecoregion at the time of sampling (where three or more samples were taken in the upper-mid Georgina ecoregion). A Tier score of 6 triggers this site as a TPC. Resilient and resistant taxa (Nematalosa erebi and Leiopotherapon unicolor). Both resilient and resistant taxa present, both with moderate abundances or one with high abundance during boom phase. Both resilient and resistant taxa present in low abundances during dispersal or bust phases. Both resilient and resistant taxa present in low abundance during boom phase. Only Nematolosa erebi present, Leiopotherapon unicolor captured *concurrently within the upper-mid Georgina ecoregion. (* only applies if more than two samples were taken at that time, otherwise score as ). Only Nematolosa erebi present, no Leiopotherapon unicolor captured in the upper-mid Georgina ecoregion during bust phase. Only Nematolosa erebi present, no Leiopotherapon unicolor captured in the upper-mid Georgina ecoregion during boom phase. A Tier score of 5 triggers this site as a TPC. No Nematolosa erebi present. A Tier score of 6 triggers this site as a TPC. Specialist taxa taxa (Craterocephalus eyresii and Chlamydogobius eremius). Attribute is only scored if species are present. Craterocephalus eyresii have not been historically documented in Draft Lake Eyre Basin State of the Basin Condition Assessment 2016 Report: for public consultation 161