We conduct research to determine the condition of wetlands across New South Wales and to understand how they respond to a range of pressures.
To do this work, we:
- monitor native plants and animals, water flows and inundation in freshwater and wetland environments
- look at the pressures these systems are under, such as droughts, urban development, agricultural runoff, land disturbances and climate change
- conduct pollution-event site inspections to report and share with partners, including local councils and the NSW Environment Protection Authority
- map wetlands in their landscape context to support management of pressures at nested scales
- explore the risks and opportunities for wetlands under climate change.
Current research programs
Thirlmere Lakes
Fluctuating water levels at Thirlmere Lakes led to a collaborative research program to help understand this phenomenon.
Environmental water
Our scientists help manage water for our environment by assessing the health of river, wetland and floodplain ecosystems and the effects water flows have – for example, on frogs, waterbirds and native plants.
Mapping and modelling
We apply machine learning methods and spatial models to map wetlands in the current landscape and project their potential shifts under plausible future scenarios for climate change and sea level rise. This work enables managers to plan for future vulnerabilities and opportunities for these sensitive ecosystems.
Our pilot project to build an inventory of wetlands in New South Wales aimed to improve the way wetlands are managed.