How does flow regulation affect food web linkages between juvenile and larval fish and aquatic invertebrates in a coastal river? River regulation to supply water for human demands has altered flow regimes in many Australian rivers. These changes in flow impact on native invertebrate and fish community composition. Environmental flow allocations seek to alleviate these impacts but managers are hampered by lack of data on the effects of flow on food web linkages, particularly for juvenile and lar ....How does flow regulation affect food web linkages between juvenile and larval fish and aquatic invertebrates in a coastal river? River regulation to supply water for human demands has altered flow regimes in many Australian rivers. These changes in flow impact on native invertebrate and fish community composition. Environmental flow allocations seek to alleviate these impacts but managers are hampered by lack of data on the effects of flow on food web linkages, particularly for juvenile and larval fish (JLF). We aim to compare food webs of invertebrates and JLF in six tributaries of the Hunter River, three of which are regulated, to determine how flow regulation changes trophic linkages. A flow release in one tributary will let us test the hypothesis that river regulation restricts food availability to JLF, reducing their viability, growth rates, and abundance.Read moreRead less
Molecular biosignatures for isolating pollution problems in aquatic ecosystems using macroinvertebrate bioindicators. Aquatic ecosystems are under increasing threat by human activities. This has been further exacerbated by drought and climate change. In the future, understanding the major factors impairing aquatic ecosystems will be a vital part of sustaining water resources. This project develops new molecular tools to better monitor and assess aquatic pollution. We will develop a new high-tech ....Molecular biosignatures for isolating pollution problems in aquatic ecosystems using macroinvertebrate bioindicators. Aquatic ecosystems are under increasing threat by human activities. This has been further exacerbated by drought and climate change. In the future, understanding the major factors impairing aquatic ecosystems will be a vital part of sustaining water resources. This project develops new molecular tools to better monitor and assess aquatic pollution. We will develop a new high-tech deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) approach to identify insect indicator species and combine this with a field-based microcosm method that uses local aquatic insects to isolate pollution effects from other impacts. This proposal will facilitate fast identification of pollution problems and provide the water industry with an innovative means to assess pollution and monitor remedial actions.Read moreRead less
Ecology and conservation of a unique, threatened guanophilic invertebrate community. This project aims to study the biology and ecology of a unique assemblage of insects and other invertebrates that live specifically in bat guano at Naracoorte Caves World Heritage Area. The caves are a major ecotourism and research location because of their world famous Pliestocene fossils, and because one cave is a critical breeding site for the large bentwing bat, Miniopterus s. bassianii. The guano cave, whic ....Ecology and conservation of a unique, threatened guanophilic invertebrate community. This project aims to study the biology and ecology of a unique assemblage of insects and other invertebrates that live specifically in bat guano at Naracoorte Caves World Heritage Area. The caves are a major ecotourism and research location because of their world famous Pliestocene fossils, and because one cave is a critical breeding site for the large bentwing bat, Miniopterus s. bassianii. The guano cave, which contains numerous endemic invertebrates, is potentially threatened by both direct and indirect human impacts. The results of this research will form the basis of a long-term management strategy to conserve this diverse community.Read moreRead less
Management of coastal lakes to minimise invasion. The European shore crab has the potential to undermine the productivity of Australia's estuaries and devastate our shellfish industries, worth over $50 million p.a. This project will provide estuarine managers with the data urgently needed to prevent spread of this pest species. In doing so, it will help to ensure the future prosperity of our seafood industries and the sustainability of our unique coastal biodiversity. The outcomes of this projec ....Management of coastal lakes to minimise invasion. The European shore crab has the potential to undermine the productivity of Australia's estuaries and devastate our shellfish industries, worth over $50 million p.a. This project will provide estuarine managers with the data urgently needed to prevent spread of this pest species. In doing so, it will help to ensure the future prosperity of our seafood industries and the sustainability of our unique coastal biodiversity. The outcomes of this project will be applicable to the management of many of the > 200 introduced marine species already present within our coastal waters. Importantly, the project will also contribute to research training in new techniques to protect Australia from future pest invasions.Read moreRead less
Do artificial structures enhance the spread of exotic marine invertebrates in NSW estuaries? This project will investigate whether artificial structures in estuaries enhance the spread of exotic marine invertebrates and will examine the impacts of exotic species on rocky reef species. The introduction of exotic species is a significant threat to native biodiversity, second only to habitat destruction. These two threats are coincident in urbanised estuaries. This project will also provide infor ....Do artificial structures enhance the spread of exotic marine invertebrates in NSW estuaries? This project will investigate whether artificial structures in estuaries enhance the spread of exotic marine invertebrates and will examine the impacts of exotic species on rocky reef species. The introduction of exotic species is a significant threat to native biodiversity, second only to habitat destruction. These two threats are coincident in urbanised estuaries. This project will also provide information about the possible roles of different types of boating activity in transporting exotic species. Research on the role of artificial structures in invasions has not been done anywhere in the world and is essential if we are to understand, manage and ameliorate the threats of exotic species.Read moreRead less