Applying knowledge of river flow–ecology links

River flows support healthy ecosystems that provide a wealth of economic, social and cultural goods and services such as fisheries, recreation and tourism attractions, bush tucker, clean water, fertile floodplains and more. Understanding the links between river flows and healthy ecosystems is therefore critical to determining how much water is needed to maintain these goods and services. In places where these links are unknown, water planners need to infer relationships from similar places until enough local field data is collected and analysed.

  • Mitchell River, photo Kerry Trapnell.
  • Daly River, photo Patch Clapp.
  • Fitzroy River, photo Michael Douglas.
  • Ecosystems respond to changes in flow, photo Michael Douglas.
  • Flood flows support important ecosystems and ecosystem services.

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