Tamar Estuary and Esk Rivers - TEER Program

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01/09/2026

📢 Key findings from the 2026 Kanamaluka / Tamar Estuary Report Card!

Our key findings include:
💧 Elevated chlorophyll-a is affecting ecosystem health across the entire estuary. Increased algal growth, driven by nutrients entering the estuary and those released from stored sources such as sediments is amplified by warmer temperatures.
💦 High nutrients in the form of nitrogen and phosphorus, remain the most significant pressure on ecosystem health in zones 1 and 2. Despite elevated chlorophyll-a in zones 3 to 5, ecosystem health has not been adversely affected by nutrient levels, with phosphorus concentrations showing ongoing improvement.
🐟 The estuary continues to show signs of acidification (low pH), with pH observations falling below guideline values across all zones, affecting the grades in some zones.
🌊 Dissolved metals are mostly within guideline levels across all zones and are not a major pressure on overall ecosystem health. Dissolved zinc concentrations exceed the 99% species protection level but remain within the 95% level in zones 1 to 3, indicating potential for localised ecosystem impacts in these zones.

View the full report, including the grades for each monitoring zone of the estuary on our website: https://www.teer.org.au/tamar-estuary-report-cards

30/08/2026

New research on the health of our estuary.

On Friday, we released a report on changing pH in the Kanamaluka / Tamar estuary. Commissioned by the TEER Program, ‘The Decline of pH in the Kanamaluka / Tamar Estuary’ found that the upper estuary is acidifying faster than climate change alone can explain, pointing to possible local drivers, including acid sulfate soil drainage and organic matter decomposition.

Led by aquatic biogeochemist Dr Edward Butler, the study drew on more than 15 years of monitoring data from the TEER Program’s Ecosystem Health Assessment Program (EHAP), to build a clearer picture of what’s happening in this vital waterway.

Understanding these changes is critical to protecting the estuary’s future. Lower pH means the water is becoming more acidic, which can affect shell-building species such as oysters and clams and may release certain metals, bound to sediments, making them more available in the water. However, current results remain below ecological thresholds, with no risk to public health and no significant impact on infrastructure.

Check out the full report and recommendations here: www.teer.org.au/ph-study

28/08/2026

2026 Kanamaluka / Tamar Estuary Report Card released!

We were pleased to launch the tenth Kanamaluka / Tamar Estuary Report Card today at Peppers Silo Hotel Launceston, drawing strong attendance from politicians across Tasmania's state and local governments, highlighting the value of collaboration between waterway management and science.

The Report Card is an important document which helps us better understand estuary water quality trends over time. Drawing on 12 months of data collected from 16 sites along the estuary between December 2024 and November 2025, results have shown an 'excellent' grade across zones 3, 4 and 5 – a first since monitoring began!

Water quality remains relatively stable in zones 1 & 2, however the report highlights the need for further improvement in nutrient management in these zones.

Check out the full report on our website ➡️ https://www.teer.org.au/tamar-estuary-report-cards

_________
Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania, City of Launceston Official, George Town Council, Meander Valley Council, West Tamar Council, Northern Midlands Council, TasWater, Hydro Tasmania, Bell Bay Aluminium, Dairy Australia - Tasmania, Tasmanian Irrigation, Petuna, Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies - IMAS, TasPorts

24/08/2026

A BIG THANK YOU to all the volunteer birders that came out earlier this month to learn more about how they can get involved in ongoing bird monitoring in the Kanamaluka / Tamar estuary.

Thanks to collaborators BirdLife Tasmania, Tamar NRM, and Dr Liz Znidersic for a fascinating presentation on "eavesdropping on wetland birds". We're following up on interest and hope to get out there training up some keen volunteer birders soon!

20/08/2026

The TEER Program estuary water quality monitoring crew were treated to a couple of spectacular late winter sampling days last week. It was a reminder of the incredible natural asset we have right on our doorstep, and why enhancing and protecting it is so important.

16/08/2026

A big thank you to the works crew at West Tamar Council for relocating and re-installing the TEER Program's educational sign at Tailrace Park, after the previous sign was damaged by graffiti.

The sign highlights natural and cultural values of wetlands and encourages visitors to snap a repeat photo at the nearby lookout and thereby contribute to ongoing monitoring.

06/08/2026

🦆 Calling all bird lovers! 🐦
The Tamar Estuary Bird Observers Group, with support from the TEER Program, Tamar NRM, and BirdLife Tasmania is looking for volunteers to help monitor shorebirds and waterbirds around the Kanamaluka / Tamar Estuary.

Join us for an information evening on 12 August to find out more, hear from renowned ecologist and ornithologist Dr Liz Znidersic, and discover how you can contribute to the long-term monitoring and conservation of the estuary's incredible birdlife.

This volunteer monitoring focuses on tracking bird populations and habitat use over time to support ecological research and conservation, and not related to surveillance for avian influenza (HPAI).

See the flyer below for all the details and RSVP via the QR code or at tamarnrm.com/events. We hope to see you there!

04/08/2026

Last month, the TEER Program carried out its annual winter seagrass monitoring in the lower Kanamaluka / Tamar estuary.

During winter, shorter days, lower light levels and cooler water slows seagrass growth, causing leaves to die back and reduces the overall extent of meadows. At the same time, slower leaf replacement allows algae to build up on the leaves, further reducing the light available for photosynthesis.

Despite these seasonal challenges, healthy seagrass meadows store carbon, stabilise sediments and provide important habitat for fish and invertebrates. Monitoring them throughout the year helps us better understand their seasonal cycle and detect any long-term changes in the health of the estuary.

30/07/2026

Estuary water sampling for July was complicated by thick fog, which often seems to occur in winter. 🌫️ Some days it feels like the Kanamaluka / Tamar is giving the Bridgewater Jerry a run for its money. Ever wondered why? Us too!

Fog is common on the Kanamaluka / Tamar in winter because long, cold nights cool the air to its dew point, allowing moisture to condense into tiny water droplets. The estuary provides a constant source of moisture, while calm winds and the sheltered river valley trap the cool, damp air, allowing fog to form and often persist until the sun warms the landscape.

22/07/2026

The TEER Program went along to Noonameena (Building K at UTAS's Newnham campus) on 9 July to support the NAIDOC celebrations being hosted by Melaythenner Teeackana Warrana Aboriginal Corporation. It was great to reconnect with friends and have a good yarn. Thanks for a great event!

Address

63-65 Cameron Street
Launceston, TAS
7250

Website

http://www.teer.org.au/

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