RALPHS BAY
Ralphs Bay is a shallow, windswept bay, situated on the east of the Derwent Estuary, about 12 kilometers south-east of Hobart in Tasmania, Australia. The bay is enfolded by the low, bare hills of Droughty Point to the northwest and the “spit” of South Arm, beyond Opossum Bay, to the southwest.
The bay is bounded to the north by the predominantly Housing Commission area of Rokeby and nearby Police Academy, and, to the northeast, by the small township of Lauderdale situated on the narrow isthmus separating Ralphs Bay from Frederick Henry Bay. This strip is characterized by a collection of small shops and pub, the (failed) canal to Frederick Henry Bay, the low rise of the (recently sealed) Lauderdale waste tip and the adjacent tall radio masts.
Mixed rural/residential land extends to the east of Ralphs Bay running out via the southerly “neck” to South Arm, Opossum Bay and finally the “Arm End” spit.
The upper reaches of the bay are well known for the shallow wetlands, which are the habitat of a number of species of migratory wading birds, in particular the Pied Oyster Catcher.
Given the frequent strong winds and extensive shoal waters, Ralphs Bay has not been a popular location for recreational sailing. However, more recently these conditions have proved attractive to kite and sail boarders, who, despite the cold southerly water temperatures, capitalize on the gusty conditions. Oyster shells on the sea floor in the shallower reaches can be a hazard. Other water sports, e.g. water-skiing, are usually disrupted by the fresh afternoon sea-breezes and most devotees find that an early start on fine days provides the best opportunity for this type of activity.
The area is popular for bird watchers and other naturalists with an interest in local fauna, including some rare and endangered species.
Because of pollution and the resulting largely unvegetated mud/sludge bottom, Ralphs Bay is not a popular fishing or swimming destination.Wading birds are particularly abundant along the tidal flats of Ralphs Bay. These include permanent residents such as pied oystercatchers, red-capped plovers, and sandpipers that feed along the shoreline and inter-tidal flats. In addition to resident species, there are also a number of trans-equatorial migratory waders that visit the Derwent’s foreshore and are protected by international treaties. Sea birds also include both resident species (gulls, etc.) and several important migratory species such as the mutton-bird and Caspian tern (Sterna caspia) that breed locally. (State of the Derwent Report, 2003)
The spotted handfish is endemic to the Derwent estuary and is found only on shallow, soft sediments of the lower Derwent estuary and adjoining bays and channels, such as Ralphs Bay. This fish was considered abundant until around twenty years ago, but is now considered endangered under both state and national legislation.
Other threatened species issues in the area include two species of moths, the Chevron Looper and the Saltmarsh Looper, which are both listed as vulnerable under the Tasmanian TSPA. Two important plant species are also found, the Golden Dodder and the Sea Lavender, both of which are listed as rare.
For more information go to www.ralphsbay.com
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