Australian Stream Management Conference
The 11th Australian Stream Management Conference was recently held in Victor Harbor with more than 200 delegates in attendance from across Australia. Science Program Manager Nick Whiterod delivered the plenary presentation provided insight into the future of freshwater species: how do we collectively overcome the challenges facing Australia’s freshwater species. Drawing on his more than 20 years of experience, Nick outlined the current status and trajectories, and what actions are critically needed as we collectively attempt to help conserve as many of Australia’s freshwater species. The presentation challenged all of us to to do more collectively to protect and conserve Australia’s freshwater species, which are increasingly at risk of extinction due to wide ranging threats.
The presentation will be recorded and available on the CLLMM RC YouTube channel. Stay posted!
University Students Day of Discovery
This month, the CLLMM Research Centre welcomed 35 students and professors from five Chinese universities. The group, comprised of ecology and environmental studies students, who were on a field trip exploring South Australia. During their visit, they had the opportunity to experience the CLLMM Region first hand on a Spirit of the Coorong cruise. Later, they visited the Centre and deepened their understanding of the area through an overview presentation and a Augmented Immersive Reality Experience Sandbox demonstration.
Discover the CLLMM Research Centre's Community Advisory Forum (RCAF) and its impactful individuals. This month, we explore the motivations behind Sylvia Zukowski’s participation.
Sylvia is a leading ecologist working in the region, but also across the country. Her work balances science with on ground actions to best conserve threatened freshwater species, including fish, frogs and crayfish. She manages the community-based southern bell frog conservation facility in Clayton Bay, reintroduction programs for four small-bodied freshwater fish across the MDB and the CLLMM and was a leading force behind a reintroduction program aiming on bringing back the Murray crayfish to the South Australian section for the Murray River, where it had been absent for more than 40 years. Find out more about what the CLLMM region means to her below.
What does the CLLMM region mean to you?
A local region with important animal and human values, highlighting dynamic ecosystems.
What do you think are the greatest issues facing the region in relation to climate change?
Increased salt, warmer water, less water – all factors which will have direct impacts on animal and plant species in the region that cannot adapt to the change.
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Why did you want to join the Advisory Forum of the Research Centre and how do you think the CLLMM Research Centre (CLLMM RC) can help the region?
Increased research, knowledge and community consultation of the region will help develop best management options for the region.
What do you hope for the future of the CLLMM region?
Increased concerted efforts at long term species conservation.
The CLLMM region holds deep cultural significance for the Ngarrindjeri Nation and First Nations of the South-East, who have called it home for thousands of years. Their knowledge is crucial for the CLLMM Research Centre to understand the impacts of climate change, as their oral histories and creation stories offer valuable insights into sustainable living and environmental interactions in the region.
The Centre is committed to respecting and integrating First Nations knowledge into its research, fostering collaboration that combines scientific and traditional wisdom. This approach supports First Nations' well-being and ensures culturally appropriate participation in research, knowledge sharing, and educational activities.
A message from our First Nations Engagement Officer, Kyla McHughes
Our nga:tji is our totem, it is our spirit connection and friend. Our nga:tji are passed down through our lakinyeri, our family. We do not see our nga:tji as food; instead, we nurture them and ensure that everything our nga:tjar—our totems—require remains abundant. This involves understanding their needs: what they eat, how they nest, their fertility requirements, whether they are aquatic or need clean water, their shelter needs, potential predators, and any risks they may face. It is our responsibility to safeguard everything vital to our nga:tji.
In return, our nga:tji guide and protect us. We are deeply connected through our mi:wi —our spirit. This connection ties us to all living things around us: animals, birds, fish, plants, trees, our land, waters, and each other.
For more information on our First Nations engagement read more here.