There are cross-benefits to protecting coastal wetlands in the wake of COVID-19

There are cross-benefits to protecting coastal wetlands in the wake of COVID-19

Dr Ryan Pearson Read Time: 503 words about 3 minutes. The effects of COVID-19 on the world has been profound. We're now re-evaluating intergovernmental, trade and personal relationships, and rethinking our consumer needs. Environmental groups have been encouraging people to 'eat more fish' in response to this pandemic.  Consumer surveys during the pandemic have  also highlighted [...]

The role of wetlands in improving water quality and protecting coastal ecosystems

The role of wetlands in improving water quality and protecting coastal ecosystems

By Melanie Roberts and Fernanda Adame Article Read Time: 524 words about 3 minutes. The 2019 Great Barrier Reef Outlook Report from the Australian Government Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority identifies the risk of nutrient runoff from catchments for the reef as Very High, the same rating as the 2014 and 2009 reports.  --- This [...]

Global fragmentation of mangrove forests

Global fragmentation of mangrove forests

By Dr Chris Brown Read Time: 354 words about 2 minutes. To inform conservation actions we need global indicators of wetland ecosystems that represent changes in ecosystem function. But current indicators are largely based on changes in the area of wetland ecosystems. In our new study we mapped fragmentation of mangrove habitats at a global scale. [...]

Director’s Welcome to ARI Magazine Edition 3

Director’s Welcome to ARI Magazine Edition 3

Australian Rivers Institute Director, Stuart Bunn. We welcome you back to another edition of the Australian RiversInstitute (ARI) Magazine. (Link). Over the past few months our staff have been active in strengthening research partnerships and establishing new connections across the globe. The importance of connections, not only with fellow researchers, industry and government but also [...]

In the face of degradation: Planning framework can help safeguard Amazon wetlands

In the face of degradation: Planning framework can help safeguard Amazon wetlands

By Dr Vanessa Reis In the face of dramatic degradation of the Amazon ecosystems, a new conservation planning framework can help safeguard the floodplain wetlands. Floodplain wetlands are unique ecosystems often highly influenced by seasonal variation in their connection to rivers. They contribute to the Amazons high biodiversity and are used by the local people [...]

Assessing Deltas in Canada: We all live downstream

Assessing Deltas in Canada: We all live downstream

By Tim Jardine NOTE: This is a guest article written by Dr Tim Jardine from the School of Environment and Sustainability and Toxicology Centre at the University of Saskatchewan. So I’ve heard it said. And there’s some truth to it. Unless you’re camped on the top of a mountain peak, you’re going to be downstream of [...]

For the love of learning – a fisheries scientist is born. 

For the love of learning – a fisheries scientist is born. 

   “I used to read fish ID books for fun… Now I get to do that stuff for work”   Author: Laura Griffiths Emergent is a five-part blog series that takes a fresh look at ARI’s early career researchers – a group of driven, passionate people with a shared sense of responsibility about our changing [...]

How robust is the evidence that human activities cause jellyfish blooms?

How robust is the evidence that human activities cause jellyfish blooms?

By Professor Kylie Pitt (Originally Published at: Griffith Sea Jellies Research Lab) Pitt KA, Lucas CH, Condon RH, Duarte CM, Stewart-Koster B (2018) Claims that anthropogenic stressors facilitate jellyfish blooms have been amplified beyond the available evidence: A systematic review.  Frontiers in Marine Science doi: 10.3389/fmars.2018.00451 Sea jellies have bloomed in the oceans for more than 500 million [...]

Prawn chemical “fingerprints” identify human influences in urban coastal habitats

Prawn chemical “fingerprints” identify human influences in urban coastal habitats

"We found that prawns collected closer to shore had higher concentrations of potential pollutants" says Dr Munroe

Water and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

In 2015, the United Nations new development goals, known as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), were brought into effect (http://www.undp.org/content/undp/en/home/sustainable-development-goals.html). The SDGs seek to achieve substantial country-level improvements across 17 broad development goals. The aim is that by 2030, all countries will need to measure and report on their progress towards achieving 169 separate sustainable [...]