What is Biodiversity?
Caulerpa taxifolia
Biodiversity is, quite simply, the variety of
Caulerpa taxifolia is the scientific name for a popular
'Life on Earth'. It refers to a wide spectrum of
life forms including plants, animals and micro-organisms.
aquarium plant normally found in warm tropical
waters. An invasive strain that can colonise temperate
waters has been accidentally introduced to some
areas within Lake Macquarie.
The marine environment of New South Wales is
considered to have an
outstanding
range
of
ecosystems, habitats and
species - due in part to the
mix of subtropical, warm
and
c o o l- t e m p e r a t e
waters along the coast.
Caulerpa taxifolia
(source: NSW Fisheries)
Being ‘Bio –Aware’…
‘Bio-Aware’ is short for ‘Biodiversity Aware’
and is a term created by the Professional
Association of Dive Instructors (PADI) to
remind SCUBA divers of their responsibilities
when visiting underwater environments.
A
‘Bio-aware’ diver is someone who appreciates
Caulerpa taxifolia is declared as Noxious Marine
Vegetation in NSW. Caulerpa can smother seagrass
beds, which are important nursery areas for fish. It
grows rapidly and easily regenerates from pieces that
break off existing plants. You can help stop the
spread of the weed by checking your gear for
fragments and placing them in a bin.
awareness in
the natural beauty of the marine world and
takes care to ensure their diving behaviour
doesn’t
adversely
surroundings.
impact
on
their
Raising biodiversity
You can report sightings of Caulerpa
to the NSW Fisheries pest species
hotline on 02 4916 3877
Lake Macquarie’s
marine environments
‘ Bio-Aware ’ SCUBA diving and Snorkelling
Dive into the Lake!
Thinking about grabbing a mask and
fins and getting wet in the fabulous
Lake Macquarie region?
Tips for Responsible Recreation
Control your finning
technique - it’s easy
to unintentionally
damage marine life
with one kick of your
fins.
Underwater photos and
videos are lots of fun, but
take care not to rest on
seafloor organisms when
you’re filming.
Lake Macquarie’s Marine Biodiversity
Two places in Lake Macquarie are particularly
good locations to observe marine flora and fauna.
Swansea Channel is the tidal entrance to the lake and the
home to accessible ecosystems based around mangroves,
sand flats and Swansea Bridge. The Channel is the ideal
location to drift past schools of Bream and Whiting or spot
elusive Blue Swimmer Crabs. Under Swansea Bridge you’ll
find pylons covered with sponges and corals that shelter moray eels, octopus and juvenile fish.
Maybe you’d like to dive into the world
below the (famous) Swansea Bridge,
explore the rocky reefs around
Catherine Hill Bay or simply drift along
the sandy channels at Pelican…
Catherine Hill Bay beach
(source: www.lakemac.com.au)
Catherine Hill Bay features rocky reef, shipwreck and jetty
environments that are more suited to boat-based divers.
Stingrays often rest on the sand between the wooden poles
and rusty debris of the coal loading jetty, while around the
nearby reefs and wrecks divers occasionally see Blue Groper.
Wherever you end up, chances are
you’ll be surprised at the diversity of
marine life on display in and around the
waters of Australia’s largest salt-water
lake.
Avoid killing marine life
to feed fish.
This
practice disrupts the
ecological balance of a
dive site and fish can
quickly learn to rely on
humans for food.
Educate yourself about the
site you intend to visit. Dive
shops can provide you with
information about the
marine species you are likely
to encounter.
This brochure was funded by Lake
Macquarie City Council through its
Environmental Education Grants program.
Images courtesy of NSW Fisheries and Lake Macquarie
Council. Illustrations © 2002 Maury Aaseung. Text ©
2003 Paul Stolk.