Publication details:

Australian Society for Limnology Congress, 23rd, 19-20 May 1984, Mount Gambier, Program. Australian Society for Limnology, Caulfield East, 1984.

Abstract only published. Of the freshwater sinkholes in the southeast of South Australia, Piccaninnie Ponds and Ewens Ponds are subject to the greatest use by divers. The effect of divers on the fragile aquatic ecosystem of the ponds can only be estimated. However it appears that the condition of Ewens Ponds is declining. Piccaninnie Ponds is part of the Piccaninnie Ponds Conservation Park and some control over use is exercised under the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1972. In contrast, Ewens Ponds is the responsibility of the Lands Department and use is not controlled at present. Damage by divers is both by physical disruption of vegetation and disturbance of sediment. The effect of frequent sediment disturbance on the aquatic fauna and flora is unknown. The use of both ponds is increasing and methods to determine a maximum number of divers ( carrying capacity) are being considered (A).