Pioneer River Overfishing

After exploring the Botanical Gardens, Hospital Bridge and Mouth, located within the Pioneer River Catchment, it is evident the major impact human influence and industrial practices have had on the river. From exploring the Pioneer River, the main issues were faeces, litter, urbanisation, roads, bridges the use of concrete and fishing. At the Botanical Gardens dog faeces was seen. (See Figure 1.3) This is hazardous as the biodiversity can be effected if it is washed into waterways. Litter was seen at each location (See Figure 1.4) as was infrastructure in the form of roads, bridges and concrete surrounded each location. (Refer to Figure 1.5) Fishing was also observed at the Hospital Bridge and mouth. All of these structures and forms of pollution …show more content…
(Overfishing 2012) Salinity is also a major issue. When the water table reaches 1-2 meters below the ground’s surface, the water moves and brings salt with it. As this water evaporates, it leaves the salt within the surface layers of the soil. Over time this causes the soil to become saline and limits the growth of vegetation. Salt sensitive plants begin to die and can leave the soil prone to erosion. High salt content also causes the decline of soil structure which further exacerbates soil erosion. This is extremely hazardous to the catchment although the salinity levels of the locations tested were quite minimal which reinforces the healthiness of the catchment. (Northern Central Catchment Management Authority, n.d) The exploitation from cyclones, high tides and el ninos sweeps debris into waterways, increasing the turbidity of the water. The Pioneer River Catchment, located in North Queensland is subject to such natural hazards. Despite this, the turbidity recorded was quite negligible and virtually quite minute, reinstating the cleanliness of the Pioneer