A day in the Fitzroy

[Douglas]

Went back to 12 Mile on Mon to check out reports of an even smaller range size of barra recruits than the 3 that had already been determined. Those 3 range sizes (100mm, 150mm and 200mm) indicated 3 spawning events in summer '17/'18 which was unusual.

Sure enough another range size of 50 - 60 mm was found making 4 spawnings!

Anyway, that's Bill Sawynok's reaction to the results.

He got 26 little barra in his standard 20 castnet survey with 22 of them in the 50 - 60mm range. Lots more than usually found at 12 Mile with the standard survey (usually around 6 in 20 throws).

22 indicated a very successful spawning event using 12 Mile as the standard estuary reference.

We went there with Bill's castnet, my rod/reel to check out growth of Dec 2016 spawning. (6 @ 460 - 520mm range indicated growth as expected).

This time we also had a BRUV along (Baited Remote Underwater Video-camera) and deployed it. Haven't seen video results yet.

Little fellas were hiding in the shallowest and weediest sections of the saltpan creek.

Some pix attached.

Also measured water turbidity (clarity) @ 19 which translates into being able to see 320mm into water. Clarity has dropped from about 1 metre due to ingress of salt water on big tides.

The recent big tide was how the little barra got in 12 Mile away from the predators in Port Alma area. Those 500mm barra already in there will give them a touch-up though.

Bit wary when going to 12 Mile now as the big croc at the junction with Inkerman Ck hasn't been seen for a month or so in case he's decided to come up 12 Mile in search of some fresh water.

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