We use monitoring, evaluation and research to assess environmental outcomes and inform adaptive management, using the below indicators that reflect the health of the Basin.
Read more about our Evaluation and Research work here
River Flows and Connectivity
Native Vegetation
Waterbirds
Native Fish
Cultural Outcomes
Species Diversity
Ecosystem Diversity
Food Webs and Water Quality
We work along 10 river systems within the Basin, conducting targeted monitoring and research to understand local ecosystem responses and inform water management practices. The data is also used to help inform Basin Evaluation.
Border, Barwon & Namoi
Darling and Warrego
Goulburn River and Northern Victorian Tributaries
Gwydir
Lachlan
Lower Balonne
Lower Murray and Coorong, Lower Lakes, and Murray Mouth
Macquarie River and Marshes
Mid-Murray
Murrumbidgee
Learn more about the current research projects of the Flow-MER Program.
To receive Flow-MER updates in your email inbox, please subscribe below.
Kolety Werkul River Rangers worked with scientists to monitor the first environmental watering of Werai Forest since 2009. Blending cultural knowledge with science, they tracked how flows support the forest’s plants, animals, and cultural heritage.
Researchers, Aboriginal Elders, and water managers journeyed through the Lower Balonne to share cultural knowledge and science on river flows. Their insights are guiding smarter water management for communities, wetlands, and wildlife across the river system.
In partnership with Nari Nari rangers, scientists are using drone technology to track how flooding patterns impact lignum on the Lowbidgee floodplain. This project blends traditional knowledge and cutting-edge imagery to support smarter water and habitat management.
This story from Nella Smith shares her deep connection to Tuckerbil Wetlands, a Ramsar-listed site near Leeton that provides vital refuge for rare and migratory birds, including brolga, bitterns and black swans.
A range of threatened species make their home in and around the Murrumbidgee. These include brolgas, Australasian bitterns, southern bell frogs, and many other species. Knowing where these animals live is important. This information guides decisions about where and when to use wa
Precise inundation mapping is key to tracking environmental water movement in the Murray-Darling Basin. Experts combine satellite imagery, hydrology data and local insights to map wetlands and streams, ensuring effective water management and habitat protection for native species.
Researchers are using AI to predict habitat conditions for threatened species like frogs and waterbirds, helping guide environmental water management. Learn how data-driven models improve decision-making for protecting the southern bell frog.
This Flow-MER project developed a structured framework for assessing the condition of non-woody vegetation that incorporates ecological data and social values.
Acoustic recorders capture the diverse bird calls at Narran Lakes, revealing the rich avian life and helping scientists monitor and protect these vital wetlands.
Southern bell frogs are making a comeback in the Lower Murrumbidgee floodplain, thanks to targeted conservation efforts and environmental water deliveries.
.jpg)
.JPG)
.webp)
