Ewens Ponds set to reopen for public snorkelling after environmental concerns prompted closure
In short:
Ewens Ponds was closed to public use in May 2024 to ensure the protection of its fragile ecosystem.
Researchers have used the closure to conduct dives and testing in an undisturbed environment.
What's next?
After increased water flows, authorities have announced the ponds' reopening for public snorkelling in December.
A unique world-famous aquatic attraction will reopen to the public for swimming and diving after environmental concerns forced its closure 18 months ago.
Ewens Ponds is a karst spring-fed sinkhole system in South Australia's Limestone Coast, home to a variety of rare and unique flora and fauna.
Ewens Ponds is home to a range of rare aquatic plants that rely on the sensitive ecosystem. (Supplied: Australia New Guinea Fishes Association)
It has become famous with recreational divers and snorkellers, with the usually clear water a drawcard.
The Department for Environment and Water closed the ponds to the public in May last year, due to concerns visitors could exacerbate environmental issues caused by falling water levels.
But the department has confirmed the ponds are set to reopen on December 1 for public snorkelling bookings.
After 18 months of closures, the public will once again be allowed to snorkel and dive in Ewens Ponds. (Supplied: Australia New Guinea Fishes Association)
National Parks and Wildlife Service conservation ecologist Claire Harding said the pond ecosystem was still slowly recovering.
"What we're seeing in the ponds now is that the water levels are starting to recover and are on the inclining trend, which is really good news," she said.
"In terms of the water clarity, the water is still really quite clear so you'll still get that clear water experience and supporting that ecosystem that relies [on clear water]."
Ponds recovering slowly
The ponds are fed by groundwater, which expresses itself to the surface at the start of the ponds and flows out to sea via Eight Mile Creek.
While ecologists have observed improving water quality and flow in the ponds, Ms Harding said visitors would notice some environmental degradation.
The Australia New Guinea Fishes Association takes a tally of fish and plant life in the ponds each time it dives. (Supplied: Australia New Guinea Fishes Association)
"There's been quite a lot of vegetation loss in the main ponds themselves," she said.
"Which is due not only to exposure of aquatic vegetation to air while the water levels are low, but also waterbirds have been able to dive down deeper and pull out vegetation.
"There is an increase in attached algae, which tends to coat the aquatic vegetation and reduces photosynthesis of those plants."
The ponds are famous for colourful aquatic plant life. (Supplied: Australia New Guineau Fishes Association)
The ponds' closure to public diving gave researchers a chance to observe the waterway with minimal human disturbance.
The Australia New Guinea Fishes Association (ANGFA) has dived the ponds regularly since 2012, gathering information on the rare fish and plant species.
The team keeps tallies of the number of species it observes, including spiny freshwater crayfish, eels and schools of galaxias, both within the ponds and at their termination at Eight Mile Creek.
ANGFA Victoria president Greg Martin said the group found out about the ponds in the early 2000s from a member who had travelled to SA.
Greg Martin led the diving team at Ewens Ponds. (ABC South East SA: Sam Bradbrook)
"He said we all had to move hell and high water to come and see this system that's unlike anything he's ever seen in the world,"he said.
"It's become an interest in following the health of the system in subsequent visits."
The Department for Environment and Water is also conducting its spring observation work prior to the ponds' reopening.
Calls for conservation
ANGFA's research dives have attracted visitors from interstate and overseas, with enthusiasts keen to experience the unique environment.
Conservation student Sarah Butler experienced the ponds for the first time this year.
Both Sarah Butler and Phillip Timpano snorkelled Ewens Ponds for the first time as part of the ANGFA research. (ABC South East SA: Sam Bradbrook)
"We don't have many places like this — we should protect it not just for the species but for our own enjoyment as people," she said.
"I think it's a special place to take your kids and raise them and show them how to swim in safe environments where you have beautiful, clear water, where you can access these fish and see the beauty of our world.
"It's very special, this area in South Australia, and it should be protected."
The endangered swamp skink is found at the edge of the ponds. (Supplied: Australia New Guinea Fishes Association)
Groundwater has become a hot issue in the Limestone Coast, with water allocations in the region under review.
Fellow ANGFA member John Lenegan has explored more than 100 karst spring locations around the world.
He said Ewens Ponds was his favourite of them all.
John Lenegan says he has dived at more than 100 karst spring systems around the world. (ABC South East SA: Sam Bradbrook)
"This is the most pristine one I've ever experienced for plant growth, pearling and just for being a really healthy system," he said.
"If it was lost or if it went into an algae situation where it decayed and just fell apart, it could take 20 years to regenerate."