When interpreting Bellingen Riverwatch data, we have used the ANZECC Water Quality Guidelines for a healthy lowlands river system. 

Historical Data

The graphs below show the Dissolved Oxygen and Available Phosphates data across the Bellinger and Kalang catchments July 2017 to June 2020. These graphs are updated every 12 months. 

Bellingen Riverwatch data results supports the findings from the Bellinger and Kalang River Eco Health Report Card (2011) and the Bellinger River Health Plan (2010) and tells us that there are elevated nutrient levels in the river, particularly phosphate, and low Dissolved Oxygen levels. Phosphorus is a naturally occurring nutrient that originates from plant and animal matter, and is applied as fertilizer to increase plant growth in agriculture. Dissolved oxygen is a measure of the availability of oxygen to aquatic life. The amount of oxygen in the water regulates the distribution, activity, movement, and behavior of all aquatic animals.

From Bellingen Riverwatch data to date, we can see elevated Available Phosphate levels presenting in the Upper Bellinger River, Upper Kalang River, Upper Never Never River and Rosewood River. Low Dissolved Oxygen levels are presenting at sites in the Upper Bellinger River, on the Rosewood River and Spicketts Creek, and at all of our testing sites on the Kalang River and Never Never River. In the Bellinger and Kalang River Eco Health Report Card (2011), the Bellinger River received a B- mark, and the Kalang River received a C+ mark.

Available Phosphate

Phosphates are the essential plant and animal nutrient that occurs naturally in very low levels in Australian soils. The ANZECC Water Quality Trigger Values for Available Phosphates for moderately disturbed ecosystems for Lowland Rivers is 0.02mg/L.

Frequent occurrence of Available Phosphate results above 0.02mg/L could be harmful to aquatic ecosystems and increases the likelihood of impacts on waterways such as an abundance of algae and aquatic weeds which out-compete native plants; waterways choked with vegetation; increased biochemical oxygen demand; reduced dissolved oxygen; reduced plant and animal diversity; blue-green algal blooms; and eutrophication.

Possible causes of results outside these values include sewage, sediments erosion, faeces from feedlots, dairies and pets, phosphate-based detergents, decaying plant material, fertilisers and industrial waste and natural geological sources.

Scientists from the NSW Department of Planning, Industry & Environment (DPIE) are carrying out a comprehensive bi-annual water quality and macro-invertebrate surveys which will help identify the causes of elevated phosphate and nitrate levels.

Dissolved Oxygen

The ANZECC Water Quality Values for Dissolved Oxygen for moderately disturbed ecosystems for Lowland Rivers (less than 150m elevation) is between 85% and 110% saturation.

Results outside the guidelines could be harmful to ecosystems. Dissolved Oxygen levels below 85% is a threat to aquatic life and the macroinvertebrates that our turtles love to eat. Potential impacts outside ANZECC trigger values include lack of oxygen to support aquatic plant and animal life and fish kills. Monitoring Dissolved Oxygen levels is very important as the Bellingen River Snapping Turtle (BRST) is able to supplement its oxygen uptake through cloacal (bum) breathing, reducing its need to come to the water surface to breathe.

Possible causes of results outside these values include stagnant water, organic waste such as sewage, fertiliser run-off and plant material in the waterway. Micro-organisms use the oxygen as they break down the organic matter.

How to read our Historical Data Graphs

Box and Whisker Plot

We have used a box and whisker plot to represent the complete data set from July 2017 to present. This plot style is commonly used to show key parameters regarding data sets. The maximum and minimum are represented via the whiskers and the box is showing average data and the median.

Average To Date Data
We now highlight on our graphs and maps (red dots) the sites where their to-date average (mean) does not meet the guidelines of a healthy river.

Outliers 

To improve legibility of our data, we have removed outliers. Outliers have been removed by determining the midpoint in the upper and lower quartiles, to define the upper and lower bounds of the data. Data outside these bounds has been removed to create the graphs below. 

• Excellent = below 0.02mg/L 
• Very Good = between 0.02-0.25 mg/L
• Fair = between 0.025-0.03 mg/L
• Poor = between 0.03-0.035 mg/L
• Very poor = above 0.035 mg/L

Data Newsletters

Please see past Data Newsletters at the links below: 

• June 2020 
• May 2020
• April 2020
• March 2020 
• January 2020

Raw Data Spreadsheet

Our latest raw data spreadsheet is available here. 

Using the Data? We are trying to gather data on the use of our water quality data. If you are using the data, can you please email our Coordinator on riverwatch@ozgreen.org.au.

Department of Planning Industry & Environment Report 

The Bellinger River Turtle River Health Project Report, Part 1: OEH Water Quality Monitoring 2017 – 2018 is now available. Download report here.

Our Team

Bellingen Riverwatch brings together an exciting array of scientific expertise in the areas of ecology, invertebrate taxonomy, citizen science project design, land management, monitoring and evaluation, aquatic ecology and water quality monitoring.

It is rare to find a project with this level of sustained community engagement, paired with such strong and consistent partner collaboration and focus. The breadth of project partners reflects the importance placed on working together collaboratively with key stakeholders who have a role to play in catchment health and biodiversity. This partnership approach allows us to access the expertise and available resources of a strong group of organisations and individuals

We thank our volunteers from the bottom of our hearts - without you, this program would not be possible! Our dedicated local volunteers undertake monthly water quality testing across 24 sites across the Bellinger and Kalang catchments. Volunteers have been trained in water quality monitoring techniques and participate in extra optional training water bug identification. Our Assigned Volunteers are supported by our Roving Volunteers, who step in if volunteers are ill, on holidays or move away. 

Our Scientists

Sue Lennox 

Sue Lennox (BSc DipEd) is a former high school science teacher and the Co-Founder of Bellingen based not for profit OzGREEN (Global Rivers Environmental Education Network Australia Inc). Sue is providing on-ground scientific support to Riverwatch during regular testing days, training new volunteers and monitoring Faecal coliform levels. It was Sue’s approach to the Office for Environment and Heritage Citizen Science Unit in September 2016, that was the catalyst for Riverwatch to begin. She brings 30 years of experience in river health citizen science and water quality monitoring. Sue has initiated many citizen science projects that have engaged people in caring for their rivers both nationally (including Bellinger River and Coffs Coast, Hunter River, Murray-Darling, Brisbane River, Sydney Basin, Adelaide Basin, Melbourne’s Yarra River and Hobart's Derwent River) and internationally (including Ganges River in India, Nepal, Timor Leste, Guatemala, El Salvador, Papua New Guinea, Pakistan). 

Ingrid Garland

Ingrid Garland is currently Director of a small consultancy – EnviroComm Connections, delivering services to clients on community engagement, citizen science, NSW Waterwatch and administrative projects in the natural resource management and agricultural sector in NSW. Instagram NSW Waterwatch Enviro Comm Connections

Gerry McGilvray

Gerry McGilvray is the Project Coordinator of the Bellinger River Snapping Turtle Saving Our Species Project and coordinates other threatened species projects for the Office of Environment and Heritage. Gerry has a Bachelor of Science (Environmental Systems) and has worked in a variety of environmental management areas in the government and privates sector for over fifteen years including waste management and vegetation management. Read More

Ricky Spencer 

Ricky Spencer is the Head of WildLab and Associate Professor of Ecology at Western Sydney University. Ricky has spent more than fifteen years actively working on vertebrate pests. His major current projects include an ARC Linkage Project on the 'Turtle Crisis' in the Murray River, as well as developing optimal strategies to recover the Bellinger River Snapping Turtle. Ricky is also the manager and developer of TurtleSAT and WomSAT, two community mapping Citizen Science projects. Read More

Alicia Scanlon

Alicia Scanlon is a fauna ecologist specialising in bats. She has worked locally as a consultant for Eco Logical Australia for the past ten years, on projects as diverse as residential subdivisions, management plans for Council reserves, fauna inventories of National Parks estate, road and rail upgrades including the Pacific Highway and monitoring of biodiversity on offset lands for the mining sector. Her work often takes her away from Bellingen and she has conducted fauna surveys along the East Coast of Australia.

Kristen Petrov

Kristen Petrov is a PhD student at Western Sydney University and is studying the decline and ecology of the Bellinger River Snapping turtle. Kristen’s current research focuses on the remaining Bellinger River turtle population, its overlap in diet and habitat with the nonnative short-necked turtle, and the susceptibility of freshwater turtles to disease.

Phil Pisanu

Phil Pisanu is an ecologist who has worked in Queensland, South Australia and New South Wales in research, conservation management and policy roles. Phil is responsible for monitoring and evaluating the programs of North Coast Local Land Services, which are focused on restoring terrestrial ecosystems and threatened species. Phil has been working with scientists and managers in the Border Ranges on Eastern Bristlebird recovery and will commence a vegetation monitoring project in the Jaliigirr Biodiversity Corridor in the next couple of months.

Our Volunteers

Cassandra Vockler

"I recently moved to Bellingen and my niece, Skye, invited me to come along with her when she was doing the water testing. Having recently retired from a career in science I thought it would be a great way to help collect vital data needed to further understand the increasing stresses we put on our environment. Good data collection is at the core of good science so it is fundamental that we collect as much as possible.It also helps me integrate into the community and  I get to spend time by the river with my niece."

Skye Condon

"In our little town of Bellingen, we are very lucky to have the Bellingen Riverwatch project making it possible for locals to become more educated and involved. I’ve loved sharing the information learnt with my children, and watching them learn, asking questions, and playing an active part in it. I’ve loved learning from the team and seeing their passion and enthusiasm around the project. I'd definitely recommend citizen science to anyone. It’s educational, inspiring...it’s a way to get involved in science and help."

Jane Grebert

"I am grateful to have the opportunity to contribute to gathering baseline and ongoing data of our local river health. Various land uses in the catchment concern me such as unmanaged stock, clear fell forestry, and excessive or inappropriate fertiliser and pesticide use. I hope that my small efforts can help add to a bigger picture that will ultimately improve our care of the local catchment area and therefore the river health, for all the life it supports." 

Henare Degan

"I've always loved science and the positive changes it can make to our worlds. Citizen science projects like Bellingen Riverwatch and the volunteers behind them are essential for building evidence and knowledge where our governments can't or won't act. Rivers and their health are a vital part of our local ecosystem so it's critical we care for them."

Our Schools

Volunteer with Us

We are always needing more trained volunteers to support this wonderful program.

We test on the second Tuesday and Wednesday of each month, so if you are available on those days, have access to a car, and are interested in joining the team keeping an eye on our rivers, come to our next training days!

We're hosting two Volunteer Training Days on 2nd & 23rd September - place very limited - register here.

All volunteers need to also complete a Bellingen Riverwatch Registration Form prior to attending our events. 

There are five key ways community and tourists can support river health and support the recovery of the Bellinger River Snapping Turtle.

1. Go before you go 

The only public toilet on our rivers is at Lavenders Bridge so you need to go before you leave town. Urine adds nitrogen to the river and going to the toilet near a river creates a public health risk. If you need to pee whilst visiting our rivers, do so at least 20m away from edge of the river bank, on land. 

Public toilets can be found at: 

• Church Street toilet block 
• Bellingen Library 
• Market Park toilet block
• Maam Gudyuing (behind the Museum)

2. Wash Swimmers & Canoes 

In 2015, the Bellinger River Virus killed an estimated 90% of the Bellinger River Snapping Turtle. The biohazard risk of this virus still prevails. Wash your canoe & swimmers in between swimming holes to help prevent spreading the virus.

Wash down canoes with soapy water and dry thoroughly before re-use. Swim in only one location, or clean and dry swimming gear between visits. Read Flyer from Department of Planning Industry & Environment

3. Take 3 

Our rivers lead to the sea. We need clean rivers and oceans. The ocean provides us with the oxygen we breathe and the climate that sustains us. Take 3 pieces of rubbish with you when you leave the river. Read more at take3.org

4. Weed a Little 

Take a few weeds - Madeira Vine, Cats Claw Creeper, Palm Grass, Billy Goat Weed, or Lantana - home on your next visit and dispose of them in your green bin. Be sure to wear gloves and don’t pick anything else as it might be a native or be poisonous! 

.

5. Think Zinc

Be mindful of what you're adding to the river. Chemical sunscreens and insect repellents add pollutants to the river. Take a rashie, zinc or other natural products.

“We need to be conscious that everything we do in our backyard ends up in the river”

- Sue Lennox, 2020 NSW Senior Australian of the Year and OzGREEN Co-Founder

Donate to Bellingen Riverwatch 

To help build a picture of a catchments’ health, ongoing and regular monitoring of water quality is required to build what’s called ‘baseline data’ - a long-term picture of what’s considered normal conditions for that particular waterway. This baseline information is important for river health and the future of the turtles, as the more we know about the river the better informed we are regarding what to do next.

Sustaining a highly functioning community project such as this requires adequate on-ground scientific and administrative support to ensure that our volunteers are well trained and equipped, our data is well communicated and our partnerships are nurtured. Make a regular or one-off gift to support this program into the future.

Donate to Bellingen Riverwatch

Each month, we send out a River Health newsletter, reporting on the parameters that are of particular importance to turtle recovery - Available Phosphates and Dissolved Oxygen. Sign up here

Other Ways to Help

Report Turtle Sightings

Report turtle sightings using Turtle SAT, and report nesting sites, and sick or dead turtles on (02) 6659 8200 or Shane.ruming@environment.nsw.gov.au or gerry.mcgilvray@environment.nsw.gov.au. To report sick or dead turtles, phone 131 555. 

• About the Bellingen River Snapping Turtle
• How to Use Turtle Sat
• NSW Government Threatened Species App

Shop

Another great way to spread the word is by wearing one of our awesome t-shirts or using one of our keep-cups. Shop here

Volunteer 

Volunteer with Bellingen Riverwatch

We are always in need of more volunteers to support our monthly monitoring across the catchment. Roving Volunteers support the testing at core sites and step in if our water testing volunteers are ill or away. Register your interest

Volunteer with Bellinger Landcare

Sponsor

Bellingen Riverwatch is currently seeking sponsors to support this wonderful project into the future.  Read More

Join

Find Bellingen Riverwatch Upcoming Events here

Like Us on Facebook

We want to raise awareness far and wide about river health, the plight of the turtle, and how communities can help. Like Us on Facebook and help build our community of supporters.

How River Landholders can help

We all live in the catchment, however, landholders have an important role to play in maintaining river health and supporting the recovery of the Bellinger River Snapping Turtle.

The main actions identified in the Bellinger River Health Plan (2010) to improve river health are management of stock access to the river and fencing off the riparian zone, preventing fertiliser runoff and drains on farms.

4 Key Ways River Landholders Can Help:

1. Restore River Banks

Improving the condition of the riparian vegetation and stabilising riverbanks is important for maintaining water quality and habitat for aquatic animals in the Bellinger and Kalang rivers. Without action to protect and restore these important areas, it is likely we will see a gradual decline in the health of our waterways through reduced water quality, the loss of riparian vegetation for birds and wildlife, and the smothering of macroinvertebrates, native fish and seagrass habitats with sediments washed into the river from eroding riverbanks.

Native vegetation plays a vital role in river bank restoration. Whilst erosion and deposition of sediment are natural river processes, the accelerated rates of erosion seen today are the result of removal of native vegetation over time through land clearing, over-grazing and other development pressures. This in turn leads to the loss of productive land and valuable habitat and impact on water quality and aquatic habitats downstream. The effect of accelerated erosion are especially significant during floods. Disturbance or destruction of river bank vegetation and weed invasion has also severely limited the ability of river banks to repair themselves through natural regeneration of vegetation between flood events.

In their current state, river banks need active assistance and management to maintain and improve their stability and resistance to erosion. Planting river banks with native species which are adapted to the pressures of this dynamic environment is a valuable way to ensure our river estuaries remain healthy.

The vegetation naturally occuring on estuarine river banks changes as the river water becomes less salty upstream. The Bellinger and Kalang estuaries have four vegetation zones characterised by particular groupings of plant species and their preferred location on the river bank. See the following for more info:

• Download Bellinger River Estuary Revegetation Guide leaflet
• Download Ecohealth: An aquatic ecosystem health check for the Bellinger and Kalang Rivers
• Download Growing Lomandra from Seed, Bellinger Landcare

2. Best Practice Stock Management

Best practice for stock management should address the following aspects: Fencing, off-river, Stock watering points, Formed access points.  Stock management is vital for riparian health to reduce:

• Damage to riparian vegetation from grazing and trampling, leaving banks exposed.
• Compaction of soil by hard hooves, subsequent erosion and degradation of the river structure.
• Pollution resulting from sediment washing into the water course from erosion sites.
• Stirring of sediment and damage to aquatic habitats caused by cattle loitering in streams.
• Pollution resulting from cattle defecation.
• Weed growth, through high nutrient loads from dung and disturbed riparian vegetation.
• Stock exposure to water borne parasites, disease and footrot.

Download Bellinger River System Landholder Booklet: Best Practice for a Healthy River or request a copy of the booklet from Bellingen Shire Council.

3. Best Practice Fox Management

Turtle nest predation by foxes is  a major threat to the Bellinger River Snapping Turtle. Wild dogs kill and maul stock and pets threaten populations of native animals, have a social impact on farming and rural families, and are a reservoir for disease spread.

To enquire about the times and locations of baiting courses, contact Mick Elliott of the Grafton Ag Dept on michael.elliott@lls.nsw.gov.au or 0408 352 174.

4. Best Practice OSMS Management

On-site Sewage Management Systems (OSMS) are the treatment systems that collect wastewater from the home for the treatment and discharge into composting or septic system located within the property of unsewered areas of the shire. By maintaining best practice OSMS management, river landholders can contribute significantly to keeping our rivers healthy. For more info see:

• Council & Landholder Responsibilities
• Septic Safe Guide

About Bellingen Riverwatch

Bellingen Riverwatch was born from the need to collect continuous water quality data to assist scientists involved in the recovery of the BRST and inform management decisions.

The Bellinger River catchment is recognised as being one of the largest ‘biodiversity hotspots’ outside of the Daintree Rainforest World Heritage area with exceptionally high levels of endemism and one of the last remaining strongholds for a number of endangered species dependent on aquatic health, including the Giant Barred Frog (Mixophyes iteratus), Stuttering Frog (Mixophyes balbus), Green-thighed Frog (Litoria brevipalmata), Pouched Frog (Assia darlingtoni) and the critically endangered Bellinger River Snapping Turtle (Myuchelys georgesi). In addition to this, the catchment supports a number of listed Endangered Ecological Communities, including Lowland Rainforest.

There have long been identified problems in this catchment. Bellinger and Kalang River Eco Health Report Card (2011), Bellinger River Health Plan (2010) and Bellingen Riverwatch all point to elevated levels of available Phosphate and low Dissolved Oxygen levels, at several points in the catchment. Catchment health drives river health and marine health. Local rivers are the mainstay to the community; environmentally, socially and economically.

Bellingen Riverwatch is an innovative citizen science program. Through meaningful engagement of the community, volunteers collect long-term, scientifically rigorous data that is accessed by our eleven scientist partners to support recovery actions for the Critically Endangered Bellinger River Snapping Turtle and other threatened species.

Bellingen Riverwatch engages 44 local community volunteers and 5 schools to collect monthly water quality data at 25 sites every month across the Bellinger, Never Never, and Kalang Rivers. Scientists from the NSW Department of Planning, Industry & Environment (DPIE) carry out a comprehensive bi-annual water quality and macroinvertebrate survey, and assist with data analysis and interpretation.

Our Objectives 

1. To meaningfully engage the community to provide long-term, scientifically robust water quality data to support recovery actions for the Bellinger River Snapping Turtle and other threatened species.
2. To enable easy access to the data for the project stakeholders to aid decision making, guide research, inform policy, raise awareness.
   
3. To communicate accessible data widely to increase awareness and understanding of river health and threatened species conservation and foster environmental stewardship within community members, landholders, and tourists.

Why Collect Water Quality Data?

River health and water quality can change due to a wide range of factors, such as geology, rainfall, vegetation cover, gradient/steepness and size of the catchment, human impacts through land use, natural disasters, climate, and much more.

To help build a picture of a catchments’ health, ongoing and regular monitoring of water quality is required to build what’s called ‘baseline data’ - a long-term picture of what’s considered normal conditions for that particular waterway. This baseline information is important for river health and the future of the turtles, as the more we know about the river the better informed we are regarding what to do next.

The waterways of the Bellingen Shire are highly valued by the local community as they they support many activities, such as recreation and supplementary drinking water. There is therefore a strong community interest in monitoring and improving the water quality and riparian health.

Ongoing water quality data is important for monitoring the rivers’ health, identifying priority areas for management actions and educating the community on how to reduce the impact they may be having on their environment.

Bellingen Riverwatch communicates its’ data with key stakeholders to help build a picture of the aquatic and riverine health of the Bellinger and Kalang River catchments, help identify issues and impacts, aid decision making, guide research, inform policy and river health priorities.  We also communicate our data with the community to raise awareness, improve community understanding about the environment and threatened species, and promote positive river health choices for community members, landholders, and tourists.

In addition to water quality testing, other long-term citizen science activities include monitoring riparian vegetation, reporting turtle sightings and evidence of turtle nests as well as water bug surveys (turtles rely on macroinvertebrates as their primary food source). Scientists from OEH carry out a comprehensive bi-annual water quality and macroinvertebrate survey, and assist with data analysis and interpretation.

Watch Bellingen Riverwatch Video

What We Test For

Bellingen Riverwatch Volunteers conduct site assessments, take site photos and test water samples for Temperature (air and water), pH, Electrical Conductivity (Salinity), Turbidity, Available Phosphate, and Dissolved Oxygen. This is complemented by Faecal Coliform testing by OzGREEN and bi-annual water quality testing by scientists from the NSW Department of Planning, Industry & Environment.

https://youtu.be/CNVIePjWsGQ 

2015 Turtle Mortality Event

In 2015, Bellingen River Snapping Turtle (BRST) suffered a significant mortality event. Since the event, investigation has identified a virus (Bellinger River Virus or BRV), previously not known to science, as the agent most likely to be responsible for the mortality event.

An estimated 90% of the BRST population is believed to have died as a result of the virus in an approximate 6-week period. Infected turtles suffered blindness, internal organ necrosis and developed sudden inflammatory lesions.

Prior to this event, the population size for the species was estimated at 1600 – 4500 individuals. The current Bellinger River Turtle population is estimated to be less than 200 individuals and predominantly juveniles.

Preliminary testing by EPA did not detect any water pollution issues. However, a need to collect continuous, scientifically robust water quality data has been identified as a priority need by the scientists involved in the recovery of the Bellinger River Snapping Turtle, to help inform management decisions.

Now Critically Endangered

The BRST is currently listed as Critically Endangered under the NSW Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016 and the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999.

The BRST is endemic to the Bellinger catchment, occupying approximately 55km of the Bellinger River. Main threats to this species are past disease associated with the Bellinger River Virus, predation by foxes, and poor water quality.

How it all Began

In late 2016, following a request from OzGREEN, the Office of Environment & Heritage (OEH) in association with Saving our Species program, started the motion to design a community driven citizen science project. It was quickly apparent that long-term monitoring was required, using a model that could sustain itself beyond individual funding cycles. To achieve this, it was important to work together collaboratively with the groups and agencies in the area and, leverage expertise and available resources.

In May 2017, OEH, in partnership with OzGREEN and assistance from NSW Waterwatch, set-up a citizen science project to facilitate the water quality testing process with the intention to maintain and/or improve the river’s health. Eleven project partner organisations have come together to design and develop the program. All project partners contribute significantly to the success of Bellingen Riverwatch. There is a need for ongoing monitoring of river condition to support virus research and potential disease triggers.

Data from Bellingen Riverwatch gives us an indication of overall river health. It can track trends over time, assist in prioritising sites for more intensive sampling or riparian revegetation, contribute to research related to the BRST, or refine or inform other vital management actions to improve water quality.

Prior to Bellingen Riverwatch, there was a lack of consistent water quality data for the rivers in the Bellingen Shire NSW.  The community is passionate about their rivers, but lacked the overall awareness about the threats impacting the rivers' health. Bellingen Riverwatch inspires community stewardship by directly involving them in collecting water quality data for their river. A sense of community ownership and concern for their river is important for ongoing river health.

Part of a Bigger Picture 

During the mortality event, thirty-five healthy BRST were removed from the river by DPIE and are now part of a captive breeding program at Taronga Zoo and Symbio Wildlife Park. It is hoped that the offspring from this program will be released back into the Bellinger River in future years.

The data we collect through Bellingen Riverwatch is available for use by our partners to inform management decisions towards the survival of this species. This water monitoring program is an important part of a much bigger picture of river restoration and species recovery currently underway.  

Bellingen Riverwatch is working with Bellingen Shire Council and DPIE to provide data on the health of the river to inform management of the river down the track.

The DPIE Saving our Species (SoS) program is undertaking a series of actions to conserve the BRST. Actions funded by SoS includes:

• • Research into the Bellinger River Virus by the Department of Primary Industries.
  • Captive breeding and assurance populations housed at Taronga Zoo Sydney and Symbio Wildlife Park, Helensburgh.
  • Biannual surveys to estimate population size, health of turtles and population dynamics.
  • A trial release program to test release of captive-bred BRST into the Bellinger River to supplement the population.
  • Genetics research .
  • Riparian restoration program in the Upper Bellinger River to benefit the turtles through improving river health.
  • Contributes to coordination and scientific validation of the Bellinger Riverwatch program

PhD student, Kristen Petrov, from Western Sydney University is also currently undertaking studies on BRST.

Partner with Us 

We are currently seeking partners to support this wonderful project into the future. Read more

The Bellingen River Snapping Turtle is currently listed as Critically Endangered under the NSW Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016 and the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999.

The Bellinger River Snapping Turtle (Myuchelys georgesi) is a species of short-necked freshwater turtle in the family Chelidae and is iconic to the Bellinger River, NSW. Previously known as Elseya georgesi, the Bellinger River Snapping Turtle (BRST) was first observed by John Cann in 1971.

Identification

Bellinger River Snapping Turtles should not be confused with the non-native short-necked turtle Emydura macquarii which also inhabits the Bellinger River. Distinctive features on Bellinger River Snapping Turtles include a yellow stripe from the angle of the jaws, as well as distinct ‘bar-bells’ on the chin.

2015 Mortality Event

In February 2015, the BRST suffered a significant mortality event. An estimated 90% of the BRST population is believed to have died as a result of the virus in an approximate 6-week period. Infected turtles suffered blindness, internal organ necrosis and developed sudden inflammatory lesions.

Prior to this event, the population size for the species was estimated at 1600 – 4500 individuals. The current Bellinger River Turtle population is estimated to be between 200 and 300 individuals and predominantly juveniles.

Since the mortality event a disease investigation has identified a virus (Bellinger River Virus or BRV), previously not known to science, as the agent most likely to be responsible.

To read more about the decline of the Bellinger River turtle see "The Conversation", with Ricky Spencer

Endemic to the Bellinger River

The BRST is endemic to the Bellinger catchment, occupying approximately 55km of the Bellinger River. Bellinger River turtles prefer deep waterholes with rocky substrate and bedrock where they can camouflage.

Photo: Distribution of Bellinger River Snapping Turtle 

Photo credit: Ian Roth- NSW, Department of Primary Industries

Nesting Habits

The Bellinger River Snapping turtle nests between October and December and lays one clutch of 10-25 eggs. Eggs are laid in excavations on the river banks. Hatchlings appear after approximately 72 days in the nests.

Diet

BRST feed on macroinvertebrates, terrestrial fruit and aquatic vegetation. They obtain a high proportion of their diet from benthic macro-invertebrate communities. As juveniles, they have strong leniencies towards carnivorous diets, while as adults they are omnivorous, commonly consuming caddisfly larvae, pyralidae larvae (moth larvae), ribbon weed and algae. Turtle nesting sites can be found on river banks in areas of sand and fine gravel. Turtle nests are often at risk from fox and goanna predation.

Threats

Main threats to this species are past disease associated with the Bellinger River Virus, predation by foxes, and poor water quality.

Alteration to water quality is identified as a threat to the Bellingen River Snapping Turtle (BRST) (see Blamires & Spencer 2013, NSW Scientific Committee 2016). The diet of the BRST includes aquatic vegetation and aquatic macroinvertebrates and these are both linked to water quality (Allanson and Georges 1999). Changes in water quality can further impact the species because habitat preferences relate to water quality (aquatic vegetation) and physical attributes of waterholes (substrate) (Spencer et al. 2007). To support recovery actions for the BRST, it is important that the river’s water quality is monitored consistently and on a long-term basis.

The Bellinger River Snapping Turtle (Myuchelys georgesi) is a species of short-necked freshwater turtle in the family Chelidae and is iconic to the Bellinger River, NSW. Previously known as Elseya georgesi, the Bellinger River Snapping Turtle (BRST) was first observed by John Cann in 1971. 

Part of a Bigger Picture

The data we collect through Bellingen Riverwatch is available for use by our partners to inform management decisions towards the survival of this species. This water monitoring program is an important part of a much bigger picture of river restoration and species recovery currently underway.  

Bellingen Riverwatch is working with Bellingen Shire Council and the NSW Office of Environment and Heritage to provide data on the health of the river to inform management of the river down the track.

The OEH Saving our Species (SoS) program is undertaking a series of actions to conserve the BRST. Actions funded by SoS includes:

• • Research into the Bellinger River Virus by the Department of Primary Industries.
  • Captive breeding and assurance populations housed at Taronga Zoo Sydney and Symbio Wildlife Park, Helensburgh.
  • Biannual surveys to estimate population size, health of turtles and population dynamics.
  • A trial release program to test release of captive-bred BRST into the Bellinger River to supplement the population.
  • Genetics research .
  • Riparian restoration program in the Upper Bellinger River to benefit the turtles through improving river health.
  • Contributes to coordination and scientific validation of the Bellinger Riverwatch program

PhD student, Kristen Petrov, from Western Sydney University is also currently undertaking studies on BRST.

In the Media

Videos 

2018

Bellinger River Snapping Turtle

3 December 2018

https://www.facebook.com/brett.vercoe/videos/10216764143989798/

Brett Virco

Bellingen Riverwatch: Our Volunteers

13 December 2018

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yuh87Ru8avE

Image/Video: Lisa Foote

Bellingen Riverwatch: Our Partners

13 December 2018

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uiirNx9m43I

Image/Video: Lisa Foote

2017

Bellinger River Snapping Turtle Hatchlings

Taronga Zoo Sydney, 12 March 2017

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EA4xCCuyLyg

Image/Video: Taronga Zoo Sydney

2016

Western news: Saving the Bellingen River Turtle

Western Sydney University, 29 September 2016

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FgDBSJrwGjA

Image/Video: Western Sydney University

Save the Bellinger River Snapping Turtle

OzGREEN, 7 July 2016

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lhu9m4SodLk

Saving the Bellinger Turtles

Ricky Spencer, 15 March 2016 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MjJFoDGKuPE

Image/Video: Ricky Spencer

Print Media 

2019

OzGREEN. New leadership brings revitalised vigour

I Love Bello Shire, 13 June 2019

https://www.ilovebelloshire.com/ozgreen-new-leadership-brings-revitalised-vigour/

Armed with goggles and snorkels, a couple of canoeists saved a rare turtle from extinction

Sydney Morning Herald, 22 May 2019

https://www.smh.com.au/environment/conservation/armed-with-goggles-and-snorkels-a-couple-of-canoeists-saved-a-rare-turtle-from-extinction-20190521-p51pos.html

OzGREEN founder Sue Lennox steps down

Bellingen Shire Courier Sun, 6 February, 2019

https://www.bellingencourier.com.au/story/5889971/ozgreen-founder-sue-lennox-steps-down/?cs=483

2018

Bellinger River virus found

Bellingen Shire Courier Sun, 6 November 2018

https://www.bellingencourier.com.au/story/5742990/virus-that-killed-our-turtles-has-been-identified/?cs=483

2018 Youth Leading the World Congress in Bellingen

Bellingen Shire Courier Sun, 11 November 2018

https://www.bellingencourier.com.au/story/5749837/our-youth-create-action-plans-for-a-sustainable-future/#slide=2

2016

Turtles are Keepers 

Bellingen Shire Courier Sun, 23 September 2016

https://www.bellingencourier.com.au/story/4186200/turtles-are-keepers/

Bellingen River health snapshot reveals alarming results  

ABC, 26 September 2016

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-09-26/students-find-alarming-results-in-health-of-bellinger-river/7877946?pfmredir=sm

MYRiveR Bellinger & Bellinger River Snapping Turtle

Bellingen Shire Courier Sun, 23 September 2016

https://www.bellingencourier.com.au/story/4186201/myriver-bellinger-bellinger-river-snapping-turtle/

2015

Turtle extinction event bodes ill for our waterways

The Conversation, 25 March 2015

http://theconversation.com/turtle-extinction-event-bodes-ill-for-our-waterways-38723

The Bellingen Riverwatch community hosted Ingrid Garland (NSW Waterwatch), John Gooderham (Waterbug Blitz lead expert from Tasmania) and Cecil Ellis (aquatic ecologist from Sydney) in the Bellingen region during 15-17 September to run training workshops for the National Waterbug Blitz Project for Bellingen Riverwatch volunteers. 

Currently, Bellingen Riverwatch runs on extremely limited funding. Sustaining a highly functioning community project such as this requires adequate on-ground and administrative support to ensure that the volunteers are well supported and the partnerships are nurtured. 

By donating to Bellingen Riverwatch, you contribute to this amazing community citizen science project to be able to continue over the years and yield many great outcomes.

Community scientists and the scientific community working together to support the recovery of the Bellinger River Snapping Turtle 

Bellingen Riverwatch was created to provide consistent water quality data in the Bellinger and Kalang catchments following a disease outbreak that caused a mass mortality event of the Critically Endangered Bellinger River Snapping Turtle (BRST) in early 2015. A lack of water quality data was identified by scientists and community alike as a priority focus area.

The waterways of the Bellingen Shire are highly valued by the local community and they they support many activities, such as recreation and supplementary drinking water. Ongoing water quality data is important for monitoring the rivers’ health, identifying priority areas for management actions and educating the community on how to reduce the impact they may be having on their environment. Read more.

Our Volunteers

Bellingen Riverwatch engages 44 local community volunteers and 5 schools to collect monthly water quality data at 28 sites every month across the Bellinger, Never Never, and Kalang Rivers.

Volunteer with us

We test on the second Tuesday and Wednesday of each month, so if you are available on those days, have access to a car, and are interested in joining the team keeping an eye on our rivers, come to our next training days!

We're hosting a Volunteer Training Day on 23rd September - places very limited - register here.

All volunteers need to also complete a Bellingen Riverwatch Registration Form prior to attending our events. 

Our Partners

Testing Sites