Novel methods for managing freshwater refuges against climate change in southern Australia.

Funded by: Department of Climate Change and Energy Efficiency via the National Climate Change Adaptation Research Facility (category 1 funds)

Project description:

The National Water Commission Waterlines report “Identification and management of refuges for aquatic organisms” reviewed refuges and listed potential management strategies for refuges for freshwater biodiversity. The list included well established management methods such as environmental flow releases, which, while useful for climate change adaptation, do not expand the climate change adaptation toolbox. The report also identified some novel methods for managing refuges: removing redundant water regulation infrastructure to restore connectivity to river systems and to provide increased access to refuges; using cool-water environmental flow releases and riparian replanting to tackle temperature changes; identifying, managing and re-designing anthropogenic habitats to optimise their ability to act as refuges. This project aims to determine whether these novel methods can be used as part of a climate change adaptation strategy for freshwater biodiversity. Each method will be investigated by a team with a strong track record in that area, using either a desktop analysis of existing information and/or data collection. Evaluation of the feasibility and usefulness of each method for managing refuges will be delivered, providing knowledge that environmental managers can incorporate into climate change adaptation strategies.

Chief Investigator: Associate Professor Belinda Robson

Research Team: Murdoch University: Belinda Robson, Edwin Chester, Stephen Beatty, David Morgan, Alan Lymbery, Jane Chambers

University of Western Australia: Peter Davies, Paul Close, Barbara Cook

Deakin University: Ty Matthews, Rebecca Lester

For further information about Aquatic Ecosystems Research please see the student projects page.