In August this year, WRM had the opportunity to sample creeks at 3,200 m alt in the highlands of PNG. This was the highest altitude that WRM have sampled – setting a company record! Although there were no native fish present, only the introduced rainbow trout, the streams supported a diverse fauna of macroinvertebrates, including Ephemeroptera, Odonata, Chironomidae and Coleoptera. The surrounding terrain was spectacular, although affected by fires and frost damage as a result of the current El Nino-related drought.
Panorama of the alpine heathlands in the highlands of PNG at 3,200 m alt
All hands on-board to assist with sampling – air and water temperature about 10 C!