Inland waters and catchment ecology

This subprogram conducts applied ecological research into freshwater and estuarine fishes. It includes:

• flow-related ecology and habitat requirements
• fish movement and passage
• riverine ecohydraulics
• threatened species ecology.

Advice is provided across State and Australian Government agencies, and the community, supporting the adaptive management of aquatic ecosystems.

Our research informs the influence of:

• water management
• habitat restoration
• engineering interventions.

This affects the movement and population dynamics of key fish species.

This subprogram researches the ecology of aquatic and riparian vegetation, including:

• impacts of altered hydraulic regimes
• ecosystem water requirements
• vegetation surveys
• environmental monitoring and intervention strategies.

We conserve and restore the long-term resilience of aquatic ecosystems. This supports sustainable use of natural resources in the rivers and estuaries in southern Australia.

This subprogram examines invasive freshwater fishes such as common carp, speckled livebearer, and the broader native fish assemblage within freshwater and estuarine habitats.

We provide rigorous scientific data on:

• abundance and distribution
• movement and population dynamics
• ecological and environmental impacts
• biological condition and aquatic health of invaded and uninvaded systems.

The outcomes of this research and monitoring enable fisheries, environmental managers, and other stakeholders to prioritise cost effective control strategies. These minimise impacts on native species while providing the greatest ecological or environmental benefit.

The information is critical in developing and implementing freshwater biosecurity policy and procedures.

This subprogram conducts research and monitoring to manage the ecosystem and natural resources.

We lead collaborative, multi-disciplinary projects that inform riverine and estuarine ecological restorations. Our research underpins inland fisheries and environmental water management.

Highlights of our work include investigating:

• ecological responses to environmental flows
• food web dynamics to restore a functioning ecosystem in the Coorong estuary
• drought and climate impacts on freshwater and estuarine biodiversity.

Our team provides advice across government, non-government organisations and the community.