Aerial view of Wingecarribee Reservoir, NSW.
Catchment biogeochemistry and aquatic ecology: measurements, analysis and simulation models to support knowledge based management.
Our research provides tools to deliver integrated, sustainable, catchment and water way management.
- 7 March 2011 | Updated 14 October 2011
Overview
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Rivers and coastal systems worldwide are under pressure from the effects of land use, water use and climate change.
These pressures result in deteriorating water quality, disrupted food webs, and reduced ecosystem services.
In Australia, the pressures facing rivers and receiving waters are intensified by the high variability of streamflows.
In response, Australian governments at all levels have committed to improve catchment and river management nationwide through a focus on environmental sustainability.
The effectiveness of these initiatives is under close scrutiny because of the competition for water resources.
To ensure effective and efficient allocations of water for environmental improvement there needs to be a significant increase in our understanding of Australian catchments, with improved analyses of environmental water requirements and better prediction and assessment of ecosystem responses to changes in water regimes.
Research within the Catchment Biogeochemistry and Aquatic Ecology program provides scientific knowledge to underpin the formulation of management strategies that protect and improve Australia’s aquatic systems.
Research conducted within the program focuses on understanding how material fluxes (sediment and nutrients), water flows, and the basic life forms of ecosystems interact in rivers, floodplains, wetlands, water storages, and estuaries, thereby providing a scientific basis for the management of these environments.
Our research is built on a foundation of field experimentation and monitoring, utilising state of the art sensors, remote monitoring equipment, and data capture and communication techniques.
Access to sophisticated laboratory instrumentation and analytical facilities for molecular and eco-physiological measurements enable studies that link physical, chemical and biological attributes.
These combined measurements provide interconnected data sets suitable for system characterisation through qualitative and quantitative analyses.
This system understanding is integrated in predictive simulation models that are used to deliver advice to decision-making bodies concerned with management of catchment, river, and coastal systems.
