Water quality

Baseline information and long-term data on the spatial and temporal variability of water quality, in relation to requirements of the estuarine biota, is one of several issues identified as requiring investigation with the St Lucia system (Whitfield et al. 2000). Improving the temporal and spatial data on the water quality in St. Lucia will contribute to a more complete understanding of the relative impacts of linked catchment land use, management interventions success and global change drivers Taylor (2013). Furthermore knowledge of physico-chemical parameter dynamics will not only aid in explaining the distribution of the fauna and flora (Perissinotto et al. 2013(a)(b)) but will also contribute to an understanding of the effect of the different drivers, natural or artificial (Perissinotto et al. 2013b). The Department of Water Affairs (DWA) is in the process of implementing water quality monitoring programs in key estuaries in South Africa. Given the size and complexity of the St. Lucia system however, routine approaches may not be suitable. It has been agreed that preliminary data is required to rationalise and direct longer term monitoring initiatives. SAEON, through the Grasslands, Forests and Wetlands and Elwandle Nodes, in collaboration with the and Department of Water Affairs and Sanitation (DWAS), is therefore undertaking a pilot project focused on enhancing our understanding of the spatial and temporal variability of water quality using biotic and abiotic water quality variables. This pilot study is intended to run for at least one year, with five sampling trips planned. The first field trip was successfully completed in June 2014. It is anticipated that the sampling results will be useful for informing components of a long term monitoring platform for both DWA and the iSimangaliso Authority.

References

Whitfield, A.K., Taylor, R.H.,Grange, N., Cowley, P.D., Wooldridge, T.H., Adams, J.B. and Bate, G.C., 2000. Functional ecosystems:Estuaries. Marine Biodiversity Status Report.

Taylor, R.H. 2013. Management history. In: Perissinotto, R., Stretch, D.D. and Taylor, R.H. (Eds.) Ecology and Conservation of Estuarine Ecosystems. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge. pp 20-45.

Perissinotto, R., Carrasco, N.K. and Taylor, R.H. 2013a.Physico-chemical environment. In: Perissinotto, R., Stretch, D.D. and Taylor, R.H. (Eds.) Ecology and Conservation of Estuarine Ecosystems. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge. pp 168-185.

Perissinotto, R., Stretch, D., Carrasco, N. and Adams, J. 2013b. Theme 7:Biotic responses to abiotic extremes. In: Whitfield, A.K. (Eds.) Proceedings of the St. Lucia natural science workshop: Change, connectivity and conservation in a major wetland system. Water Research Commission Report: pp 81-88.