Ecosystem science: toward a new paradigm for managing Australia’s inland aquatic ecosystems
File version
Author(s)
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
Griffith University Author(s)
Primary Supervisor
Other Supervisors
Editor(s)
Date
Size
File type(s)
Location
License
Abstract
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.
Journal Title
Marine and Freshwater Research
Conference Title
Book Title
Edition
Volume
60
Issue
Thesis Type
Degree Program
School
Publisher link
DOI
Patent number
Funder(s)
Grant identifier(s)
Rights Statement
Rights Statement
Item Access Status
Note
Access the data
Related item(s)
Subject
Freshwater ecology