Scientists explore the future of the river’s end

By April 4th, 2008

Scientists studying one of Australia’s most significant water systems – the Coorong, Lower Lakes and Murray Mouth – have discovered that many of the animals previously widely distributed across the region are now restricted to a small area around the Murray Mouth in South Australia.

Researchers, currently assessing the future of the estuary based on different scenarios of water availability and climate change, have recorded the changes following elevated salinities and reduced water levels in the Coorong.

Media are invited to a science briefing on the long-term future of the water system at 9.30am this Friday, 4 April 2008 at the Steam Exchange Brewery, Goolwa Wharf, Goolwa.

The briefing will be conducted by researchers in the Coorong, Lower Lakes and Murray Mouth (CLLAMMecology) Research Cluster.

“No single part of the system can be restored without a whole of system approach to water savings and a commitment to an environmental water allocation.”

Associate Professor Justin Brookes, University of Adelaide

CLLAMMecology Research Cluster, supported through CSIRO’s Water for a Healthy Country National Research Flagship involves a partnership between CSIRO, the University of Adelaide, Flinders University, and SARDI Aquatic Sciences. Geoscience Australia, Fisheries Research and Development Corporation, and Land & Water Australia are additional research and funding partners.

In the first comprehensive research program for this estuary, the $5.3 million project aims to improve the ecological health of the region and protect threatened birds and fish.

Cluster Leader, Associate Professor Justin Brookes from the University of Adelaide, says the research is examining the relationship between river flows, salinity, and the ecology of a range of aquatic organisms, including key fish and bird species.

“No single part of the system can be restored without a whole of system approach to water savings and a commitment to an environmental water allocation.  The work we are doing will help with allocating limited water resources so they have the required environmental benefits.”

Media are invited to the Science Briefing:

Where: Steam Exchange Brewery, Goolwa Wharf, Railway Cutting Road, Goolwa (morning)
             Goolwa Barrages and Coorong (afternoon)

When: Friday, April 4, 9.30am

National Research Flagships

CSIRO initiated the National Research Flagships to provide science-based solutions in response to Australia’s major research challenges and opportunities. The nine Flagships form multidisciplinary teams with industry and the research community to deliver impact and benefits for Australia.

Background info at: CLLAMMecology: towards a system understanding of the Coorong, Lower Lakes and Murray Mouth

Image available at: Scientists explore the future of the river’s end

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Fast facts

  • The A$5.3 million project aims to improve the ecological health of the region and protect threatened birds and fish
  • Scientists have discovered many animals are now restricted to a small area around the Murray Mouth in South Australia
  • The research is examining the relationship between river flows, salinity, and the ecology