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Environment and Heritage
Environment and Heritage

Estuaries research

Our scientists collaborate with many partners on projects that help us better understand and manage our estuaries.

 

Through our collaborative projects on estuaries we:

  • measure water quality and ecosystem health, for example we conduct assessments to look at biodiversity, nutrient levels, algae and water clarity
  • collect and analyse data to monitor the health of NSW estuaries and the effectiveness of management programs
  • monitor the impact and the recovery of estuarine ecosystems following unexpected events, such as flooding, blackwater events and bushfire
  • work closely with local councils to advise them how to measure ongoing impacts to estuarine ecosystems and minimise future impacts.

Current research projects

These are some examples of our research projects on estuaries.

Avoca Lake study

We are undertaking the Avoca Lake Process Study for Central Coast Council to better understand what is driving poor water quality conditions in Avoca Lake. This detailed study will look at the dynamics and drivers of water quality in the estuary using a water quality monitoring device or buoy.

The ultimate aim of this research is to help Central Coast Council better manage the ecological health of the system.

Bushfire-affected waterways

In our Bushfire-affected Waterways Study we are assessing the long-term impacts of bushfires on water quality, aquatic ecosystem health, and estuarine processes such as changes to water flow.

This project forms part of the NSW Bushfire Inquiry, the NSW Government’s response to the 2019–20 bushfire recovery.

Rose Bay and Terrigal water quality audits

We worked with Woollahra Council, Sydney Water, Central Coast Council and other collaborators to investigate the extent and source of poor water quality at Rose Bay Beach and Terrigal Beach. We have conducted water quality audits, and work continues to improve recreational water quality issues in both areas. See Rose Bay water quality audit and Terrigal water quality audit.

Tilba Tilba project

We have developed a monitoring program to better understand the ecosystem health and determine baseline conditions for Victoria Creek and Tilba Tilba Lake. The Water quality at Tilba Tilba Lake project, coordinated by South East Local Land Services with landowners and local Wagonga Aboriginal rangers, includes rehabilitation activities funded by the Marine Estate Management Strategy since 2019, with the goal of improving the health of the system.

Publications

State of the Catchments reports

The 2010 State of the Catchments reports provide comprehensive data and information for the condition of natural resource assets in catchments across New South Wales.

Data was collected and analysed up until early 2009 under the Monitoring Evaluation and Reporting Program. Data was compiled into 13 regional state of the catchments reports that align with what were NSW catchment management authority boundaries. Each region has one report which provides an overview of the condition of natural resources in the region and a number of reports which assess individual natural resource assets.

Data across the different regions was collected and analysed using a common analytical framework.

Monitoring, evaluating and reporting program technical report series

Technical reports and associated protocols provide the scientific basis for analyses and reporting conducted in the 2010 State of the Catchments reports. These technical reports detail the methods used to collect, analyse and evaluate data in the State of the Catchments reports under the NSW Natural Resources Monitoring Evaluation and Reporting Program.

The NSW Natural Resources Monitoring Evaluation and Reporting Strategy 2010–2015 and program support continuous improvement in policy and investment decision making, and track progress against the statewide resource condition targets set by the Natural Resources Commission in 2005.

Estuaries and coastal lakes

Assessing the condition of estuaries and coastal lake ecosystems in NSW

Land managed within capability

Assessing land management within capability in NSW

Native vegetation

Assessing the extent and condition of native vegetation in NSW

Native fauna

Assessing the sustainability of native fauna in NSW

Natural resources

Assessing the capacity to manage natural resources in NSW

Soil condition

Assessing the condition of soils in New South Wales

Protocols for soil condition and land capability monitoring

Threatened species

Assessing the recovery of threatened species, populations and ecological communities in NSW

More information