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Ecological response to climatic extremes: a review of studies in the CLLMM region

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​Project Lead: Bronwyn Gillanders (University of Adelaide)

Project Team: Brenton Zampatti (CSIRO), Kerri Muller (AU2100), Eddie Banks, Margaret Shanafield (Flinders University), Michelle Waycott, Chloe Hayes, Ivan Nagelkerken, Vilma Perez, Daniel Chilton (University of Adelaide)

Project overview

Droughts and floods have significant impacts on estuarine and freshwater ecosystems. Extreme floods, or long droughts due to reduced freshwater inputs coupled to increased evaporation can alter physical and ecological connectivity (lateral and longitudinal) and change ecological communities as well as their biodiversity. Although there are numerous accounts of past droughts and floods, the Millennium Drought (1997-2010) was one of the most severe in Australian history.

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A review of ecological responses to climate extremes (drought and flood) in the CLLMM region to guide ecosystem management under future climate scenarios.


In this project, we will synthesise and review information on the impacts of droughts and floods on the CLLMM region, what post-drought/flood hydrological and ecological responses have been observed and assess key features of decision-making around preparedness for such extreme climatic events.
Key gaps in knowledge and pathways for future research to inform holistic management and facilitate adaptation will be identified.


The project will engage key stakeholders to ensure that appropriate cultural and ecological values have been considered in the review. A systematic review to synthesise research studies associated with ecosystem response to droughts and floods in the CLLMM region will be undertaken. This will involve a structured approach using multiple databases to find all available information on responses to drought (and post-drought), and flooding in the region. Additional information will be leveraged from those undertaking CLLMM research projects.

Mid-project, we will present results to date to First Nations through a yarning circle approach to understand links between their understanding and what we have found in the literature. Droughts and floods are predicted to occur more frequently and be of greater intensity. Therefore, it is important to investigate drought preparedness strategies for the region. This objective will help understand future drought preparedness and response and involve engagement with environmental (including water) managers.

 

The project will inform management by:

  • Identifying how drought impacts freshwater availability and corresponding ecological shifts, along with the impact of hydrological and climatic extremes

  • Preparing infographics of how the CLLMM ecosystem responds to droughts and floods

  • Identifying gaps in knowledge and pathways for future research to inform management and facilitate adaptation.

First Nations culture and traditions are rooted within an ancient historical connection with country and countless generations of studying their local environment as a way of life. First Nations traditional ways of life, including land and water management, sustainable harvesting, and the conservation of local species can provide vital perspectives into the ways we manage the lands and waters into the future.
 

This project will hold significance for First Nations people by understanding the changes to the environment that occur alongside drought events in the CLLMM region. Understanding how drought affects culturally significant totem species (Nga:tar) will empower First Nations people to implement management actions to mitigate this affect, or adapt their environments, practices and traditions to compensate for these changes.

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First Nations have encountered numerous droughts during their time living on their country and have always adapted in order to overcome them. With unprecedented climate changes being forecast, First Nations people need to be informed of those lively changes, and how to adapt to them. Additionally, First Nations people may provide valuable insights into preparations for the new shifts in climate (e.g. drought), allowing Western society to understand sustainable practices which will maintain the health of Ruwe, Nga:tar and its people.

Cultural significance

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ABOUT US >

We are a new, collaborative partnership working to create locally-driven and inclusive knowledge creation and exchange to inform decision making in the Coorong, Lower Lakes and Murray Mouth region. We acknowledge people of the Ngarrindjeri and First Nations of the South East as traditional owners of the region in which we work.

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The Goyder Institute for Water Research will receive $8 million from the Australian Government over 4 years from 2023-26 to work with communities to investigate the impacts of climate change on the Coorong, Lower Lakes and Murray Mouth (CLLMM) region. 

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The Goyder Institute for Water Research is a research partnership of the South Australian Government through the Department for Environment and Water, CSIRO, Flinders University, the University of Adelaide and the University of South Australia.

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