5.2: Refugial Pools. Importance of waterholes as aquatic refugia and the biophysical processes that sustain them

Leader:

Stuart Bunn

Abstract

River waterholes are a critical refuge for aquatic plants and animals when rivers stop flowing and are also highly valued by local communities. Unfortunately waterholes are also vulnerable to increasing water demands, uncontrolled stock access, fishing pressure and the effects of climate change. This study seeks to understand how waterholes in northern Australia respond to such pressures.

Outcomes

This research will help water resource managers determine the river flows necessary to maintain the plants and animals, and physical / chemical processes found in waterholes. A sound basis for determining environmental flows is a pre-requisite for ensuring north Australian rivers are not over-allocated for consumptive uses.

For natural resource managers and land holders, this research will help understand the consequences of feral animals, domestic stock and fishing on the functioning and health of waterholes, enabling more targeted management and rehabilitation methods to be developed. Indicators for monitoring the physical persistence of waterholes along tropical rivers and the important factors that keep them healthy will be determined. Management and monitoring programs for waterholes can then be developed to protect their significant environmental, economic, cultural and social values.

Where is the research happening?

Researchers focus work commenced in the Mitchell with additional sampling in the Daly (NT) and Fitzroy(WA). Work will then move to the Flinders River (Qld).

Who's involved

The project is led by Professor Stuart Bunn (Griffith University) working with researchers from Griffith University, CSIRO, University of Western Australia, Charles Darwin University and the Queensland and Northern Territory Governments.