On 16 May 2023, scientists from the Goyder Institute for Water Research presented their research findings from the Healthy Coorong, Healthy Basin (HCHB) Scientific Trials and Investigations project at South Australian Government’s HCHB Community Science Forum in Goolwa.
The Scientific Trials and Investigations research project is part of the Department for Environment and Water’s Healthy Coorong, Healthy Basin Program, which is jointly funded by the Australian and South Australian governments.
The Community Science Forum provided an opportunity for members of the Coorong, Lower Lakes and Murray Mouth community to hear about the latest research and science-based evidence that will inform Coorong restoration.
The Goyder Institute was well represented at the forum, with Interim Director Dr Alec Rolston introducing the Institute and the following researchers presenting the results of their two-year research programs:
- Nutrient dynamics in the Coorong – Associate Professor Luke Mosley, The University of Adelaide
- Coorong aquatic plants – Professor Michelle Waycott, the University of Adelaide, and Chief Botanist, State Herbarium of South Australia
- Microbial community composition of the Coorong – Dr Tamar Jamieson, Flinders University
- Coorong fish – Associate Professor Qifeng Ye, SARDI Aquatic Sciences and Professor Sabine Dittmann, Flinders University
- Water birds – Dr Tom Prowse, The University of Adelaide
- Climate adaptation – Dr Michael Dunlop, Senior Research Scientist, CSIRO
Professor Michelle Waycott also presented with SA Department for Environment and Water (DEW) Principal Hydrologist Claire Sims on how the scientific research is being integrated into the broader Coorong restoration efforts.
The Q&A panel discussions gave community members an opportunity to dive deeper into the research presentations and implications of the Scientific Trials and Investigations project and audience members also participated in a Coorong restoration roadmap workshop to round out the day.
The Institute would like to thank everyone who participated in the day and to DEW for hosting the forum with support from the Department for Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water.
You can find out more about the award-winning Goyder Institute-led HCHB research program here or contact Goyder Institute Interim Director Dr Alec Rolston for more details about the forum.
