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Freshwater Ecology Programme

The Freshwater Ecology Programme is located on the Rockhampton campus of CQUniversity. The programme pursues fundamental and applied research across Central Queensland's catchments. The programme works with regional communities, local, state and federal government agencies to understand aquatic ecology, resolve water quality and resource management issues and understand and manage the impacts of algal blooms in regional streams and water stores.

The study of freshwater systems has been a key element of the Centre's research platform since its inception as the Central Queensland Centre for Water Resource Development in 1988.

Aim

Study freshwater systems to improve the understanding and management of these systems.

Subsidiary aims:

  • assess the condition of these systems and provide advice on how they might best be managed
  • improve our understanding of ecological processes with particular emphasis on the role of anthropogenic activities
  • describe the biodiversity of the systems, with emphasis on the aquatic invertebrates, aquatic plants, algae and fish
  • investigate microscopic aquatic life in order to maintain and improve the quality of aquatic systems
  • expand the known information on microscopic aquatic life that may adversely affect human health and disseminate this information to both the water industry and educators
  • Contribute information that will enable the better management of blue-green algal blooms and the quality of potable water.

Contact

Programme Leader Dr Leo Duivenvoorden, l.duivenvoorden@cqu.edu.au