3.3: Ecohydrological regionalisation of Australia: a tool for management and science

Leader:

Brad Pusey

Leader:

Mark Kennard

Abstract

River classifications identify the key features that make rivers different or similar and so provide a tool by which the insights and knowledge gained in one river or region may be meaningfully applied or transferred to another. This project proposes to develop a regional classification of Australia’s rivers based on ecologically relevant aspects of their hydrology (i.e. an ecohydrological classification).

Outcomes

This research will help enable the important findings of other TRaCK research projects in catchments such as the Daly, Fitzroy and Mitchell Rivers to be transferred and applied with confidence, to other catchments in north Australia

For Government natural resource managers the findings from this research will greatly improve understanding of how remotely sensed data on the environmental attributes of catchments can be used to define water flows. By inferring the water flow characteristics of rivers, where actual flow data would be otherwise unavailable or limited, water planners will be better placed to determine environmental water requirements and manage water allocation across Australia in an ecologically sustainable way. An improved understanding of the relationships between hydrology, environmental characteristics and ecology will also assist in predicting how water flows will respond to global climate change.

Where is the research happening?

The classification will be for the whole of Australia. It is a desk-top exercise relying on data collected by state and territory agencies.

Who's involved

Brad Pusey and Mark Kennard (Griffith University) are leading the project. Michael Hutchinson and Janet Stein (Australian National University) and other researchers from both institutions are contributing. Julian Olden (University of Washington) will also provide specialist input on data analysis.

In developing the project, the team consulted widely with key water resource managers and policy makers, regulators, and researchers who would be the greatest beneficiaries of the project. A number of those groups are poised to implement the outputs.