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.
In Renmark, a hands-on electrofishing demo by SARDI scientists captivates locals, showcasing fish sampling techniques and fostering community engagement.
Three years of La Niña bring high flows to the Lower Murray, causing damage but also rejuvenating ecosystems, aiding fish breeding, and flushing salt.
At the Riverland Field Day, the Lower Murray team engages the community with electrofishing demos, showcasing fish sampling and environmental benefits.
At Calperum Station, indigenous students learned traditional ecological practices from Elders, blending ancient knowledge with modern science to restore the Lower Murray.
Littoral vegetation along the River Murray's banks is vital for biodiversity, providing habitat and stabilizing riverbanks while supporting indigenous culture.
Environmental water boosts salt export from the Murray River to the Southern Ocean, aiding ecological balance in the Lower Lakes, Coorong, and Murray Mouth.
In the Murray-Darling Basin, researchers explore how water flows impact Murray cod recruitment, aiming to revive this iconic fish species.
