Aquatic and coastal biodiversity
These projects addressed climate impacts on freshwater, estuarine and coastal ecosystems to support management, improve conservation plans and promote resilience. These resources will aid in the management of wetland, estuary and coastal ecosystems, to adapt to climate change.
Key resources include:
Predicted effects of climate change on freshwater biodiversity
Freshwater species are potentially highly susceptible to the effects of climate change, especially with the increased difficulties they are experiencing in dispersing between catchments. This project established a baseline dataset covering the distribution of freshwater species in NSW across a wide range of taxonomic groups. Projections of future distributions under climate change identified key vulnerable groups.
Partners
Led by Alex Bush (Macquarie University), Eren Turak (DPIE) and Dean Gilligan (DPIE)
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How does the design and position of seawalls influence the resilience of sandy beach ecosystems to sea level rise?
This project explores how the design and positioning of seawalls influences the capacity of sandy beach ecosystems to adapt to sea-level rise. Guidelines are urgently needed for the construction and design of structures that not only protect coastal properties but also conserve ecological values of the sandy beach environment.
Partners
Led by Melanie Bishop, Belinda Cook (Macquarie University) and Bruce Coates (DPIE)
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Water regime thresholds, aquatic metabolism and microbial diversity in floodplain wetlands
This project investigated water regime thresholds, aquatic metabolism and microbial biodiversity in the Macquarie Marshes, a high conservation value aquatic ecosystem. Understanding the role of flooding and the relationships between aquatic metabolism and microbial diversity is critical for ecosystem and water management in light of predicted changes to climate and hydrology in NSW and the Murray-Darling Basin in eastern Australia.
Partners
Led by Tim Ralph, Kirstie Fryirs (Macquarie University) and Tsuyoshi Kobayashi (DPIE)
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