5.4: Assessing the effect of urbanisation and catchment development on ecosystem health in estuaries

Leader:

Michele Burford

Abstract

This project will assess the effects of different land-based development pressures on the assets and values of northern estuarine ecosystems. Research will first focus on the effects of urban development in Darwin Harbour. The second part of the project will focus on the effects of agriculture and potential water resource development in the southern estuaries of the Gulf of Carpentaria. In particular, young prawns living in the estuary will be studied.

Outcomes

By better understanding how the river flows and accompanying nutrients and sediments interact with estuary food webs, resource managers will be able to make more informed decisions when considering issues such as sewage treatment options to cope with expanding urban development or further development in catchments. Future investments to maintain or improve water quality, upgrade sewage treatment plants or change broader scale land management practices can be better targeted.

This research will provide fisheries managers and commercial fishing operators with an improved understanding of how river flow, nutrient and sediment inputs can affect recruitment to the prawn fishery.

The potential benefits and impacts of further agricultural and urban development can then be properly balanced against the interests of other economic enterprises, as well as social and environmental effects.

Where is the research happening?

The research will initially focus on Darwin Harbour and on the mudflats in particular. The second phase of the research will focus on the Norman River estuary in the southern Gulf of Carpentaria with some sampling also occurring in the Flinders River.

Who's involved

The project team is being lead by Dr Michele Burford from Griffith University in Brisbane. A range of expertise is coming from scientists from Charles Darwin University, Geoscience Australia, CSIRO Marine & Atmospheric Research and CSIRO Land and Water, and water managers from the Northern Territory (NRETAS).

They will be collaborating with commercial fishing companies in the Gulf such as RAPTIS who will contribute resources and local knowledge. Local community involvement will also be sought in planning and executing field work and identifying values of estuaries.