Life Under the Wharf - Tathra project

An Atlas of Life citizen science project to survey the biodiversity under Tathra Wharf and work in collaboration with Bega Valley Shire Council in its Wharf Restoration project. Minka Waratah brought people together when she heard about the plans to restore the pilings under Tathra Wharf as she knows the amazing richness of the creatures and seaweeds that call the Wharf pilings home. Now a community group has come together with BVSC to work together to record, plan and collaborate with scientists to minimise biodiversity loss from the Heritage Restoration project.

Fishy denizens of Tathra Wharf, large and small

A “Life Under the Wharf” evening at Tathra March 17th 2022

Australian Museum Scientists contributing to our understanding -

see Below for Links to the Australian Museum scientist presentations,

also David Buckley(BVSC) talking about the Hertiage Restoration Project

The Australian Museum’s highly qualified marine scientists, and members from our local community group, ‘Life under the wharf’, enjoyed a thought-provoking evening about the Tathra wharf restoration project. The scientists shared knowledge about their work in documenting the rich marine life living among the wharf pilings, what will happen to the samples collected for scientists now and in the future to use, and also other aspects of their work such as research conducted with ROV’s in the Great Southern Bight.

The “Life Under our Wharf” project also offers opportunities for citizen scientists to join in and be involved in helping to study our marine environment.

Tathra Wharf is home to a fascinating array of diverse marine life. The Wharf pilings, exposed to open ocean conditions and high-water quality, are home to a diverse faunal community.

Many of the old pilings are soon to be replaced and wrapped in HDPE – high density polyethylene protective materials. A team of scientists from Elgin Associates have already conducted an ecological assessment of the pile-associated animals that may be impacted by the works. To add to this information, a team of marine scientists led by the Australian Museum, also hope to sample and document the hidden diversity of fishes and invertebrates that live among the piles and associated encrusting fauna. These studies will form a unique baseline upon which re-colonisation over time can be studied.

Working alongside the BVSC, concerned community members of the ‘Life under the Wharf’ group, have also been documenting the fauna to ensure the best outcome for our biodiversity. Showcasing their images and footage, the members will share their thoughts on why this project is important to the preservation of our area and local marine ecosystem.

David Buckley, Bega Valley Shire Council, Engineering Manager of the Tathra Wharf Heritage Restoration project, give us a brief Background to the project

Speakers from the Australian Museum included:

• Australian Museum: Amanda Hay, Collection Manager, Ichthyology talked about the fishes of temperate Australia

• Drs Mandy Reid (Collection Manager, Malacology) Penny Berents (Senior Fellow Marine Invertebrates) and Laetitia Gunton (Technical Officer, Marine Invertebrates) talked about their work and what will happen with the samples they collect.

• Dr Christopher Goatley (Postdoctoral Research Fellow, University of New England, Australian Museum and University of Washington) talked about ‘the hidden half’ - the importance of tiny fishes.

Images, Chris with tiny fish and Lord Howe Butterflyfish, Amphichaetodon howensis, photographer Sascha Schulz, from INaturalist.org, Laetita Gunton with a tray of treasures