Understanding what’s in WA’s waterways. Protecting what matters.
Western Australia's freshwater environments are among the most ecologically significant and poorly understood in the world. From the ancient, isolated river systems of the Pilbara and the Kimberley — which harbour extraordinary levels of endemic invertebrate and fish diversity found nowhere else on earth — to the seasonal wetlands of the Swan Coastal Plain, the dryland rivers of the Goldfields and the tropical waterways of the Northern Territory, WA's freshwater environments present unique ecological values and unique assessment challenges. Understanding what is present, what it means ecologically and what the regulatory implications are for your project requires freshwater biologists with genuine regional expertise. Trace Ecology has that expertise.
We deliver freshwater ecological assessments for developers, miners, infrastructure builders, dredging operators, water utilities and government agencies whose projects intersect with rivers, creeks, wetlands, lakes, drainage systems and groundwater-dependent ecosystems across WA and the NT. Our assessments provide the baseline ecological data, impact evaluation and regulatory documentation needed to satisfy the EPA, DWER, DBCA and EPBC Act requirements for projects affecting freshwater environments.
Our freshwater ecological assessments are structured around a tiered survey approach. Level 1 reconnaissance surveys provide a rapid baseline characterisation of freshwater ecological values — establishing the composition of aquatic flora and fauna communities, assessing habitat condition, identifying potential threats and determining whether further investigation is required. Level 2 surveys provide a comprehensive, quantitative assessment of freshwater ecological communities — examining macroinvertebrate assemblages, fish communities, aquatic flora, riparian vegetation, physical habitat condition, hydrological connectivity and geomorphological characteristics using standardised sampling methodologies that generate statistically robust, comparable data.
Our freshwater surveys cover the full range of biotic and abiotic parameters required to support EIAs, environmental management plans and regulatory approvals. We assess macroinvertebrate communities — among the most sensitive indicators of freshwater ecological health — using kick sampling, sweep netting and Surber sampling methods appropriate to the waterbody type. We conduct fish surveys using backpack electrofishing, fyke netting and targeted sampling for threatened freshwater fish species listed under the Wildlife Conservation Act 1950 (WA) and the EPBC Act. We assess aquatic and riparian vegetation, evaluate physical habitat condition and hydrological connectivity and identify any threatened ecological communities or significant species associated with the survey area.
Where freshwater assessments identify EPBC Act trigger species or ecological communities, Trace Ecology manages the referral process and provides the technical support needed to navigate the Commonwealth assessment pathway.
Trace Ecology is a division of Trace Enterprises — Perth's only fully integrated heritage, environmental and planning consultancy.
Every heritage and environmental project starts with the right conversation.
Whatever your heritage or environmental project needs, Trace Archaeology and Trace Ecology is ready to help. Talk to our team today — no obligation.