Survey of Kimberley mudflat underway

20/2/93

An enormous mudflat on the Kimberley coast has been placed under the scientific 'microscope' for the first time. 

Environment Minister Kevin Minson said scientists from the Department of Conservation and Land Management had flown to the area to undertake a biological survey. 

"The mudflat, between Cambridge Gulf and the Northern Territory border, is more than 10 kilometres wide and 50 kilometres long," Mr Minson said. 

"It is inhabited by wading birds, mangroves and saltwater crocodiles." 

The Minister said a sand dune system ran along the outer edge of the mudflat and it included an important rainforest patch. 

"Because of the size of the mudflat, there are few areas like it in Western Australia and none is represented in conservation reserves," Mr Minson said. 

"CALM scientists are examining the values of the area to see if it should be incorporated into a conservation reserve." 

Mr Minson said work had also been carried out in the East Kimberley to monitor changes in the region's remote rainforest patches. 

"More than 1,500 rainforests are scattered throughout the region - however, they usually occur as tiny patches and cover a total area of about 7,000 hectares," he said.

The Minister said CALM scientists had documented the birds, mammals, plants and invertebrates found in these patches during the late 1980s. 

"This led to better management of rainforest areas and some have now been fenced off from stock," he said. 

"This latest expedition will look at the recovery of patches since the fencing was completed." 

Unlike previous monitoring work, the patches were sampled during the wet season - allowing a survey of rainforest plants and earthworms only found during 'the wet'. 

"Surveys such as these are essential if we are to gain a better understanding of our environment - allowing us to make well informed decisions about its protection and management," Mr Minson said.

Media reference: Casey Cahill 222 9595