Tools Print Page Larger Text Smaller Text

Project 3.7.3 - Freshwater indicators and thresholds of concern

Project Leaders and Host Organisations

Professor Richard Pearson, James Cook University
Professor Angela Arthington, Griffith University

Project Description and Objectives

For detailed descriptions of the outputs for this project for Year 4 (2009/2010) of the MTSRF Research Programme, see the Annual Research Plan.

In Years 1 and 2 (see Annual Research Plans) the project team developed and field tested conceptual biophysical models to identify (i) appropriate indicators of waterway health, and (ii) probable thresholds of concern, in terms of contaminant concentrations, ecological processes and biodiversity, in order to develop monitoring systems as part of Integrated Reporting. In Year 3 the team continued field and laboratory work on Wet Tropics wetlands.  The project also planned to progress development of our program in the Dry Tropics, dependent on supplementary/ partner funds and/or postgraduate projects. The project has been building on the Catchment to Reef program, which focussed on running waters, and now has a well-developed understanding of the requirements of indicator systems for tropical fresh waters. The team's ultimate aim is to fully develop that indicator system for Great Barrier Reef waterways, to be used by relevant government and other agencies.

In Year 4 the team will finalise field work in the Wet Tropics, and continue postgraduate work in the Dry Tropics.  Results of the Catchment to Reef and subsequent research will be pulled together to produce reports on the ecological health of selected waterways in the Great Barrier Reef catchment, and on monitoring methods to determine ecosystem health of these waterways.  A workshop will be convened to present the major findings to stakeholders and to refine the reporting and protocol development.

Key objectives of this project are to:

  • Conduct field and laboratory research to develop physical, chemical and ecological indicators of freshwater ecosystem health in the wet and dry tropics as part of Integrated Water Quality Reporting that meets end-user needs and objectives;

  • Identify thresholds of potential concern relating to land use, water quality, riparian condition, habitat, biodiversity and food web structure in freshwater ecosystems of the Wet and Dry Tropics;

  • Train new researchers via postgraduate programs that will be integral to the identification and testing of efficient and effective freshwater condition indicators in the Wet and Dry Tropics; and

  • Provide monitoring methods, manuals and guidelines of relevance to a range of skills and end users.

Further Information

Ms Sheriden Morris
Water Quality Program Research Manager
Reef and Rainforest Research Centre Limited
Tel: (07) 4050 7400


Major Project Outputs

The Annual Research Plans, or ARPs, outline the specific tasks, products, budgets and staff for each research project within each of the Research Themes and Programs of the MTSRF.  The ARPs also outline the key deliverables, or 'project milestones' (e.g. major reports, journal articles, communications products) to be achieved.

An ARP is developed for each operating year of the MTSRF (2006-2010).

Details of this and previous years' outputs from this project are included in each of the Annual Research Plans

All Content © Reef & Rainforest Research Centre 2006