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Estuaries in NSW

Back Lagoon
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Merimbula Lake Wallagoot Lake
[Image of Estuary] Back Lagoon
Shape, Size and Scale of Estuary

Estuary Type

Lake

Estuary Characteristics

Area Catchment 23 km2
Waterway Area 0.8 km2
Entrance Characteristics Generally closed and untrained
Location (Lat-Long) 36.884S ,  149.931E
Distance (from Sydney) 454 km South
Summary of Available Data Data Pages

Physical Features

Back Lagoon is shallow, substantially infilled with alluvial sand and mud. Merimbula Creek, the principal tributary, enters at the western extremity of the lagoon. The coastal town of Merimbula adjoins the lagoon to the south.

Significant Estuarine Tributaries

Back Lagoon
Merimbula Creek

Population and Holiday Centres

Merrimbula

Special Attributes

General

  • Good access to the entrance area from Merimbula.
  • Back Lagoon has been declared a recreational fishing haven.

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 0.000
Seagrass 0.215 z,r
Saltmarsh 0.022

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

none listed

Management Issues

This estuary falls in the area covered by Southern Rivers Catchment Management Authority.

Back Lagoon

Current Situation

Bega Valley Shire Council has formed the Merimbula Lakes & Foreshore Committee, which is implementing the management plan for the two estuaries. The NSW Government is preparing a Sustainability Assessment for Merimbula/Back Lakes, as recommended by the Healthy Rivers Commission Inquiry into Coastal Lakes.

Management Issues

  • Increasing development within the catchment
  • Development encroaching into the estuary

The Estuary Management Process 2

Process Status Date
Form Estuary Management Committee (EMC) completed
Assemble Existing Data completed
Carryout Process Study completed
Carryout Estuary Management Study completed
Draft Estuary Management Plan completed
Review Estuary Management Plan completed
Implement Estuary Management Plan commenced
Monitor and Review Estuary Management Process commenced

Contact Details

Bega Valley Shire Council Danny Madigan
Ph (02) 6497 4100

References

Local Government Areas

Bega Valley

NSW 1:25000 Map Name(s)

Pambula