Ecosystem science: toward a new paradigm for managing Australia’s inland aquatic ecosystems
Author(s)
Likens, Gene E
Walker, Keith F
Davies, Peter E
Brookes, Justin
Olley, Jon
Young, William J
Thoms, Martin C
Lake, P Sam
Gawne, Ben
Davis, Jenny
Arthington, Angela H
Thompson, Ross
Oliver, Rod L
Year published
2009
Metadata
Show full item recordAbstract
Freshwater ecosystems are a foundation of our social, cultural, spiritual and economicwell being. The degraded condition of many of Australia's river ecosystems is testament to our failure to manage these resources wisely. Ecosystem science involves the holistic study of complex biophysical systems to understand the drivers that influence ecological pattern and process. Ecosystem science should underpin both water management and policy. Our understanding of aquatic ecosystems lags behind the increasing problems caused by past land andwater management. Current post-graduate training programmes will not provide the aquatic ...
View more >Freshwater ecosystems are a foundation of our social, cultural, spiritual and economicwell being. The degraded condition of many of Australia's river ecosystems is testament to our failure to manage these resources wisely. Ecosystem science involves the holistic study of complex biophysical systems to understand the drivers that influence ecological pattern and process. Ecosystem science should underpin both water management and policy. Our understanding of aquatic ecosystems lags behind the increasing problems caused by past land andwater management. Current post-graduate training programmes will not provide the aquatic ecosystem scientists needed by government and management agencies to prevent further degradation.We advocate newinitiatives to capture the skills, knowledge and innovation of our research community by engaging scientists and managers in large-scale, long-term ecosystem science programmes across Australia and to integrate these programmes with community aspirations, policy, planning and management. We call on management agencies to increase their support for and uptake and use of ecosystem science.We also advocate establishment of national archives for long-term ecologically-relevant data and samples, and clear custodial arrangements to protect, update and facilitate knowledge-transfer. These initiatives need to be supported by more extensive, better-funded post-graduate and post-doctoral programmes in ecosystem science and management.
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View more >Freshwater ecosystems are a foundation of our social, cultural, spiritual and economicwell being. The degraded condition of many of Australia's river ecosystems is testament to our failure to manage these resources wisely. Ecosystem science involves the holistic study of complex biophysical systems to understand the drivers that influence ecological pattern and process. Ecosystem science should underpin both water management and policy. Our understanding of aquatic ecosystems lags behind the increasing problems caused by past land andwater management. Current post-graduate training programmes will not provide the aquatic ecosystem scientists needed by government and management agencies to prevent further degradation.We advocate newinitiatives to capture the skills, knowledge and innovation of our research community by engaging scientists and managers in large-scale, long-term ecosystem science programmes across Australia and to integrate these programmes with community aspirations, policy, planning and management. We call on management agencies to increase their support for and uptake and use of ecosystem science.We also advocate establishment of national archives for long-term ecologically-relevant data and samples, and clear custodial arrangements to protect, update and facilitate knowledge-transfer. These initiatives need to be supported by more extensive, better-funded post-graduate and post-doctoral programmes in ecosystem science and management.
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Journal Title
Marine and Freshwater Research
Volume
60
Publisher URI
Subject
Freshwater Ecology