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.