Quantitative metrics for determining aquifer ecosystem state - Flinders lead - LP130100508

Project Member(s): Seymour, J.

Funding or Partner Organisation: Australian Research Council (ARC Linkage Projects)
SA Museum
Environment Protection Authority SA
University of Southern California
Western Australian Museum
Environment Protection Authority VIC

Start year: 2013

Summary: Aquifers hold 20% of Earth's biomass, yet they are among the least understood ecosystems. Terrestrial assessment methods are qualitative and cannot be employed. We propose to advance understanding of groundwater ecosystems and to advance ecosystem assessment by introducing quantitative metrics, including interaction networks. The expected outcomes are improved management decisions by the Partner Organizations, more sustainable use of groundwater and improvement in the methods of ecosystem assessment.

Keywords: aquifer biology, ecosystem assessment, biodiversity

FOR Codes: Ecosystem Function, Ecosystem Assessment and Management of Fresh, Ground and Surface Water Environments, Conservation and Biodiversity, Environmental Impact Assessment, Fresh, Ground and Surface Water Flora, Fauna and Biodiversity, Conservation and biodiversity , Environmental assessment and monitoring, Fresh, ground and surface water biodiversity, Assessment and management of benthic marine ecosystems, Assessment and management of pelagic marine ecosystems

Acknowledgement of Country

UTS acknowledges the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation, the Boorooberongal people of the Dharug Nation, the Bidiagal people and the Gamaygal people, upon whose ancestral lands our university stands. We would also like to pay respect to the Elders both past and present, acknowledging them as the traditional custodians of knowledge for these lands.