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Estuaries in NSW

Wapengo Lagoon
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Middle Lagoon Bunga Lagoon
[Image of Estuary] Wapengo Lagoon
Shape, Size and Scale of Estuary

Estuary Type

Small coastal lake

Estuary Characteristics

Area Catchment 77 km2
Waterway Area 3.6 km2
Entrance Characteristics Open, untrained
Location (Lat-Long) 36.629S ,  150.021E
Distance (from Sydney) 418 km South
Summary of Available Data Data Pages

Physical Features

The Wapengo Lagoon Inlet (also known as Bithry Inlet), has a relatively large tidal prism to littoral drift rate ratio, and accordingly entrance shoals are relatively undeveloped and active shoals extend further upstream. Part of southern Wapengo Lagoon shorelines is located within the Mimosa Rocks National Park (5,800 ha) which is considered one of the most picturesque of all NSW coastal parks.

Significant Estuarine Tributaries

Wapengo Lagoon
Wapengo Creek
Bithry Inlet

Population and Holiday Centres

none

Special Attributes

General

  • Prawning in Wapengo Lagoon is good in season.
  • Commercial oyster production is active in Wapengo Lagoon

Estuarine Vegetation

The spatial data is reproduced from NSW Fisheries(2006/7) studies, whilst the species makeup is from the West et al.(1985). This map shows the spatial extent of the Estuarine Vegetation.

Type Area Species 1
(km2)
Mangroves 0.555 av
Seagrass 0.418 z,h
Saltmarsh 0.506

References

R.J. Williams, G. West, D. Morrison and R.G. Creese, (2006),
"Estuarine Resources of New South Wales",
prepared for the Comprehensive Coastal Assessment (DoP) by the NSW Department of Primary Industries, Port Stephens.

R.J. West, C.A. Thorogood, T.R. Walford and R.J. Williams. (1985).
"An Estuarine Inventory for New South Wales, Australia".
Fisheries Bulletin 2. Department of Agriculture, New South Wales.

Estuary Commerce

fishing, oyster

Management Issues

This estuary falls in the area covered by South East Catchment Management Authority.

Wapengo Lagoon

The Estuary Management Process 2

Process Status Date
Form Estuary Management Committee (EMC) none
Assemble Existing Data none
Carryout Process Study none
Carryout Estuary Management Study none
Draft Estuary Management Plan none
Review Estuary Management Plan none
Implement Estuary Management Plan none
Monitor and Review Estuary Management Process none

Contact Details

Bega Valley Shire Council Derek van Bracht
Ph (02) 6499 2148

References

Local Government Areas

Bega Valley

NSW 1:25000 Map Name(s)

Murrah
Bega
Brogo