Ecosystem

THE NEED FOR A HEALTHY RIVER MURRAY
AND SIGNIFICANT ENVIRONMENTAL FLOWS

Lakes Alexandrina and Albert, The Coorong and Murray Mouth are wetlands of international significance under the RAMSAR Treaty and has been designated an icon site of the River Murray.

If we don't act to return the river to health quyickly it will slowly die from the bottom up. Unfortunately greed and self interest, lack of will by governments and apathy of the public will see the demise of our once Mighty River Murray.

Contrary to the belief of many people interstate and in urban areas, the release of flows into the Coorong and out to sea is not a waste. Aquatic flora and fauna has evolved over many thousands of years relying on flows for growth and reproduction.

Since the completion of the barrage structure in 1940 the commercial fisherman have watched in horror the ecological insensitive managment of the River murray. The region has endured long periods of no flow and the environmental degradation of the Lakes and Coorong. This is placing significant stress on the aquatic flora and fauna.

It affects their breeding cycles that were dependent on a stable estuarine habitat for several continuous weeks. e.g. Black Bream and Greenback Flounder. In recent years there has been added emphasis on the diadromous species that are vulnerable to long periods of barrage closure. These species rely on migrating between freshwater and marine areas for growth and reproduction. Particularly the non-consumptive species as we now realise that these small animals are an integral part of the ecological linkages for a successful estuarine eco-system.

Lobbying from industry since the late 1980’s has fallen on deaf ears at a commonwealth level.  Upstream extraction of the Rivers precious water has increased expenentially over the past two decades.  Better farming practices, more efficient use of the limited flows and co-operation of the state governments can save the river. 

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