In this section:
Inland Waters & Catchment Ecology
The Inland Waters & Catchment Ecology (IWCE) Science Program provides scientific and technical advice across government, industry and the community for the conservation, management and rehabilitation of inland waters, estuaries and catchment ecosystems. These include, but are not restricted to, developing our understanding of ecosystem processes, ecology and population dynamics of the freshwater and estuarine fishes, molluscs and crustaceans, ecology of freshwater and riparian vegetation, impacts of drought on aquatic habitats and biota, environmental water requirements, and ecology and management of invasive species. Click here to download the Inland Waters & Catchment Ecology capability statement (.pdf).
Program Overview
The IWCE Program was established in July 2005. Included are four subprograms: Fish Ecology, Plant Ecology, Invasive Species, and Climate and Catchment. Through projects, we have established close links and collaborations with state and federal agencies, local universities, and community groups including the Murray-Darling Basin Commission (MDBC), CSIRO Land and Water, PIRSA, and regional Natural Resources Management Boards. Currently the Program has 22 staff.
Fish Ecology Subprogram
Undertakes applied research on the ecology of freshwater and estuarine fishes that is relevant to natural resource management (NRM). The subprogram conducts a range of projects relating to fish movement/migration, the facilitation of fish passage, flow related ecology and the habitat requirements of freshwater and estuarine fishes. A current tri-state collaborative project Â"Murray River Fishway Assessment ProgramÂ" is the largest freshwater ecological restoration project undertaken in Australia.
Plant Ecology Subprogram
Conducts a wide range of research projects relating to the ecology of aquatic and riparian vegetation including impacts of altered hydraulic regimes, environmental water requirements, impacts of increased salinity, effects of engineered flooding, impacts of drought on aquatic ecosystems, baseline vegetation surveys and condition and intervention monitoring.
Invasive Species Subprogram
Conducts research and provides practical advice to river managers and key stakeholders regarding the distribution, abundance, ecological impacts and management of invasive freshwater fishes such as common carp. SARDI is a partner of the Invasive Animals CRC through this subprogram.
Climate and Catchment Subprogram
Provides scientific and technical advice to underpin the sustainable management of catchment ecosystems in southern Australia in the context of climate change and other pressures. The subprogram aims to conduct research on the drought and climate impacts on the freshwater and estuarine biodiversity, synthesise relevant knowledge and develop system understanding to support NRM. A current large multi-disciplinary project Coorong, Lower Lakes and Murray Mouth (CLLAMM) ecology involves collaboration with CSIRO, local universities and agencies to study ecological processes and key biota responses to water management in the Coorong, lower Lakes and Murray Mouth. This subprogram also has a strong link with the eWater CRC.
Contact
Dr Qifeng Ye,
Science Leader
Tel: (08) 8207 5447 Fax: (08) 8207 5481
PO Box 120 Henley Beach SA 5022
E-mail: qifeng.ye@sa.gov.au
