Environmental water requirements of freshwater mussels in the northern basin. (2020)
Funding
CEWO, $20,000.
Researchers/investigators
Dr Nicole McCasker, Associate Professor Paul Humphries
Research theme
Environmental water & Biodiversity Conservation
Description
This project, which was led by the Australian Rivers Institute, Griffith University, sought to better understand the environmental water requirements of freshwater mussels in the Northern Basin.
It involved:
- A review of existing knowledge and identifying knowledge gaps in relation to environmental water requirements for freshwater mussel species in the Murray-Darling Basin and whether these vary between life-history phases; life history and habitat requirements for different species; the physiological tolerances for the main species in particular hypoxia, desiccation, water temperatures and salinity; and the cultural significance of freshwater mussels and distribution/sites of importance.
- Improving baseline understanding of the distribution and structure of mussel species across the northern Basin (particularly, but not limited to, the Barwon, Namoi, Macquarie catchments)
- Recommendations for water and land management, including water management actions likely required to support population recovery in the northern Basin; complementary measures required to support mussel population recovery; and priority conservation areas for mussels in the northern catchments
Outputs
Outcomes
By better understanding the environmental water requirements of freshwater mussels in the Northern Basin, managers will be able to make water management actions that better support mussel population recovery.
Contact:
Nicole McCasker email
Albury-Wodonga Campus
March 2021