Freshwater aquatic ecology
NGH provides freshwater aquatic ecology services of diverse ecosystems including rivers, lakes, wetlands, and streams, and the plants and animals that inhabit them.
We monitor and assess the health of these ecosystems, analyse data, and develop management strategies to protect and restore them.
In Australia, freshwater ecologists play a crucial role in managing and conserving the country’s unique and diverse freshwater ecosystems. These ecosystems are under threat from a range of factors including climate change, land use change, pollution, and invasive species.
We work with government agencies, conservation organisations, our clients and local communities to develop strategies for protecting these ecosystems and the species that depend on them.
In light of the increasing demands of a growing population, it is crucial to maintain a careful balance in the preservation of Australia’s freshwater resources and the numerous benefits they offer, such as water provision, biodiversity, and recreational opportunities. It is important to safeguard these resources for the present and future generations.
Freshwater aquatic ecology services
Fish community assessment and waterway barrier works assessment
Our ecologists regularly undertake baseline assessment of fish communities inhabiting areas which may be impacted by waterway barrier works. The fish community assessments are undertaken by recognised experts in fish passage and include a variety of techniques, including backpack electrofishing, netting and trapping.
Fish surveys identify the fish species utilising each system and describe their ecology, with particular reference to potential migration traits and behaviour. NGH Aquatic Ecologists are trained in identifying the habitat characteristics present and detailing fish communities utilising the impacted streams and the habitats present based on literature review and sampling results.
Macroinvertebrate studies
Our aquatic ecology assessments include description of aquatic habitats in accordance with AUSRIVAS protocols for Queensland, New South Wales, and Victoria to establish a general description of each creek. The descriptions will include flow level, depth, velocity, width, canopy cover, substrate types, habitat attributes, local catchment erosion, sediment deposits, water colour, algae, water odour, substrate odour, presence of snags and large woody debris, presence of undercut banks, riparian zone width and cover, aquatic flora composition, and general signs of disturbance.
We undertake macroinvertebrate sampling per the AUSRIVAS macroinvertebrate sampling methods. Macroinvertebrate sampling is generally undertaken by using a 250 µm kick net, samples are sorted and selected macroinvertebrates are preserved for later identification.
Stream habitat assessments
We regularly undertake stream habitat assessments in accordance with relevant AUSRIVAS guidelines and in compliance with Receiving Environment Monitoring Program designs. Stream habitat assessments are undertaken to describe the current condition of riparian vegetation, stream morphology and describe habitat quality for species of conservation significance.
Stream habitat assessments are necessary to evaluate the overall health of the stream ecosystem, inform management and conservation decisions, monitor changes over time, and comply with regulations.
In some cases, stream habitat assessments may be required to comply with State and Territory government regulations. For example, Water Management Act 2000 (NSW), Environmental Protection Act 1994 (Qld), and Water Act 1989 (Vic), which regulate management and protection of freshwater ecosystems.
Electrofishing and fish salvage
Electrofishing and fish salvage services protect fish and maintain healthy aquatic ecosystems in areas impacted by development.
Electrofishing is a method of sampling fish populations in aquatic habitats using an electric current to temporarily stun fish, making them easier to catch and study. In electrofishing, an electric current is applied to the water using a specialised device called an electrofishing unit. The current temporarily stuns the fish, causing them to float to the surface, where they can be collected using nets or other methods.
Fish salvage services are typically used during construction projects that may impact aquatic habitats. Depending on the size and type of fish, as well as the specific requirements of the project, various methods of fish collection and relocation may be employed, including electrofishing.
Before construction begins, the fish are captured and transported to a new location where they can be released unharmed.
Recognised professionals
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Freshwater ecosystems are part of a complex network of natural systems that are interconnected with other ecosystems, such as forests and wetlands. They help regulate water quality and quantity, maintain the health of coastal ecosystems, and contribute to the overall resilience of the environment in the face of climate change.
Freshwater ecosystems are part of a complex network of natural systems that are interconnected with other ecosystems, such as forests and wetlands. They help regulate water quality and quantity, maintain the health of coastal ecosystems, and contribute to the overall resilience of the environment in the face of climate change.
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