Reconnaissance limnology of Tasmania VII. Coastal lagoons of Bass Strait islands, with reference to endemic microflora and microfauna

Coastal lagoons of the principal islands of Bass Strait, between Australia' s mainland and Tasmania, were sampled in two summers. Many, particularly th ose of low to moderate salinity, contain relatively rich assemblages of mic roinvertebrates and some endemic Australian freshwater algae. Several speci es of testate amoebae and rotifers could not be referred to known morphotyp es and are probably new species. The presence of certain species on islands of Bass Strait provides a link between populations in mainland Australia a nd others in Tasmania. Those lagoons are identified that, by virtue of catc hments or buffer zones clothed in native vegetation, are favourable for the survival of a native and partly endemic microbiota.