Citizen Science, aquatic habitat survey (Booked Out).

Join us on a citizen science habitat survey for giant freshwater lobster in Main Creek in the Mutual Valley, Main Creek has historical recordings of Tasmania's giant freshwater lobster (astcopsis gouldii) and remnant forested areas with high habitat potential. On this trip you will learn what makes for good lobster habitat, how logging and disturbance of river systems silts up  riverbeds and destroys habitat, and hopefully spot a juvenille astacopsis (no promises).

Main Creek in the Mutual Valley has come under heavy pressure from logging and with the proposed logging coupes around Blue Derby being in the headwaters of this creek, it is under increasing pressure from logging. The runoff from clearfelling, burning and monoculture practices feeds directly into Main Creek, flowing into the Ringarooma River that flows north to the Ramsar listed wetlands and the Bass Strait. By identifiying freshwater lobster habitat we can focus upcoming scientific surveys with experts to find and record evidence of this endgangered lobster. 

Places on this survey will be limited to ensure participants can learn, and put into practice, the skills for identifying freshwater lobster habitat, and to reduce our impact on the creek banks and rock beds we will be exploring. Be sure to bring shoes that grip well such as dunlop vollies or gumboots for dry feet. 

RSVP is essential we will be meeting at 10 am at the Blue Derby MTB trail head and heading out in car convoy (approx 10 min drive).

*All our surveys and expeditions are dog free events.