Summary of research
Climate change has major impacts on aquatic and coastal biodiversity. These plants and animals play important roles in keeping aquatic and coastal ecosystems healthy and act as indicators of a healthy environment. These technical reports provide information on how climate change may affect aquatic biodiversity in inland and coastal areas of NSW. These reports were published by the NSW Government through the Biodiversity Node of the NSW Adaptation Research Hub, and can help researchers and decision makers identify key wetlands, rivers and estuaries to target management and conservation efforts.
Technical reports
Priorities and Uncertainties of Predicted Impacts of Climate Change on Freshwater Biodiversity in New South Wales (PDF 8.2MB) – published 2015, a comprehensive assessment of climate change risks to over 500 freshwater plants and animals in NSW, and suggested environmental management approaches.
Water regimes, aquatic ecosystem metabolism and microbial diversity in floodplain wetlands (PDF 3.0MB) – published 2015, a study of patterns in aquatic ecosystem metabolism, soil carbon and nutrients, and microbial diversity in the Macquarie Marshes, NSW.
Identifying the consequences of ocean sprawl for sedimentary habitats – published 2017, a review of existing knowledge about how development and construction in marine and coastal areas (ocean sprawl) impacts important marine sediments.
Does dispersal capacity matter for freshwater biodiversity under climate change? – published 2016, a study of freshwater species in NSW to see how climate change may affect their ability to move through freshwater systems to find suitable habitats (dispersal).
Effects of ocean sprawl on ecological connectivity: impacts and solutions – published 2017, a review of how development and construction in marine and coastal areas (ocean sprawl) may affect connectivity of marine and coastal ecosystems.