Review finds Basin Plan environmental flows boosting River Murray ecosystems, biodiversity

Among the findings was that increased freshwater flows through the barrages has increased the resilience of fish species including black bream, greenback flounder and small-mouthed hardyhead.

Upstream, increasing connectivity of wetlands and floodplains has improved outcomes for native freshwater fish, vegetation and waterbird species.

The report also emphasises the need to recover the 450GL of environmental water as soon as possible, and from the southern Basin, to maximise environmental outcomes across the system, including increasing resilience to climate change.

The assessment found:

• Water for the environment is essential for ecosystems to thrive and its coordinated delivery along the entire length of the River Murray has contributed to improved environmental outcomes in SA.
• The operation of infrastructure, including floodplain and wetland regulators, has expanded water delivery areas, increasing connectivity and improving outcomes for native fish, vegetation and waterbird species.
• Increased freshwater flows through the barrages have provided critical pathways for the movement of fish and increased resilience of species, including black bream, greenback flounder and small-mouthed hardyhead.
• The Basin Plan has provided improved environmental outcomes during low flow periods, likely preventing similar outcomes to those during the Millennium Drought, but more is needed to ensure ongoing recovery and health.
• Despite improvements, challenges remain particularly in the southern Coorong and sustained actions, operations and additional investment are required to secure long-term environmental outcomes.

The Basin Plan was adopted by the Australian Government in 2012 and aims to ensure the long-term health and sustainability of the Murray-Darling Basin.

Full implementation of the Basin Plan is vital to protect the Murray-Darling Basin’s internationally recognised wetlands, and to maintain healthy aquatic environments that support irrigation, water supply, recreation and tourism.

To read the report, visit: Department for Environment and Water - Basin Plan monitoring and…