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Recent Case studies

Water and Society

The land and water resources of the Murray-Darling Basin have been significantly modified for more than 100 years, and following years of declining environmental condition, more recent water reform processes have sought to re-balance water use across users within the Basin.

Biofilm succession patterns and ecosystem dynamics in the Edward Wakool River system

Water level variations from managed flow releases are known to influence both rates of biofilm productivity and structural attributes of biofilms that inhabit hard surfaces within rivers.

Tracking turtles in an urban environment

The Challenge A local population of native turtles may be negatively impacted by habitat changes (see Figure 1) associated with […]

Development of a food web approach to determine suitability of release habitat for endangered Siamese Crocodiles

The Challenge The Siamese Crocodile (Crocodylus siamensis) is a critically endangered medium‐size crocodile native to Southeast Asia. Now extinct from […]

Long-Term Intervention Monitoring (LTIM) Project

CSIRO scientists are leading a team of collaborators across multiple research institutions to resolve challenges in the adaptive management of environmental flows in the Murray-Darling Basin.

Characterising ecohydrological benefits in the Murray-Darling Basin

Research is being undertaken to understand the benefits of environmental water to people and communities in the Murray-Darling Basin.

Harmful algal blooms and remote sensing

Algal blooms in the Murray-Darling Basin are harmful to the environment and communities within the Basin. Research to develop an early warning system is currently underway.

Carp herpesvirus

European Carp (Cyprinus carpio) is an introduced fish species identified as a priority pest species, both in Australia and internationally. To manage this species, modern technology is required and this can be achieved by the release of a species specific virus.

Waterbird breeding and movements: knowledge for water managers

By quantifying waterbird survival rates, movements, and their drivers, particularly the relative influence of flow variables, habitat variables, pressures and threats, we will assist environmental water managers to better identify, maintain or restore key waterbird habitats.

Determining response of methane seeps on river ecology and function

CSIRO are assessing whether methane seeps in a river have any direct effect on the water quality and ecological status of the river. There is little or no literature that describes this issue in flowing systems.

Application of environmental DNA (eDNA) approaches to answer ecological questions

CSIRO are using environmental DNA (eDNA) approaches to answer ecological questions in freshwater ecosystems

Understanding ecological trajectories of change in the Murray-Darling Basin

The Challenge In the Murray-Darling Basin, consumptive water use coupled with high natural variability in river flows has resulted in […]

Managing Water Ecosystems