A scientist who has worked on the survey says it is normal for waterbird numbers to go through 'booms and busts' in line with flood periods but this year has seen populations dip below their long-term averages.
New data shows waterbird populations have declined below their long-term averages.Waterbird populations dropped almost 50 per cent in a year, continuing a downward trend in numbers.
"That's the sort of long-term change you see with the dries and the wets that are part of the natural system," he said. The most recent figures are particularly worrying to Ms Coleman, as the region is known as a drought refugia — areas where birds and other species can survive during periods of drought.
"I think it's just another very challenging aspect of what is happening to our rivers and not just waterbirds but also many of the communities that depend on that water as we get less rainfall and less run-off up there in the catchment." "Changing the amount of limestone that's in the water might be one way that we can do that … or increasing the amount of groundwater flows into the area."
Waterbird Wetlands Coorong Flooding Murray-Darling University Of New South Wales Richard Kingsford Eastern Australian Waterbird Survey Rainfall Birdlife Australia Sean Dooley Faith Coleman
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Australia vs India live: Australia needs 162 runs for Test win, Jasprit Bumrah fitness in questionSteve Smith is out for 4, one run short of the famous 10,000-run milestone, as Australia is reduced to 3-58 in a chase of 162 to win the fifth Test and regain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Follow live.
Read more »
South Australia Urges Boaters To Be Water-Ready After Series of CapsizingsSouth Australian police are urging boaters to ensure their vessels are properly equipped and to wear life jackets after a recent increase in capsized boat incidents.
Read more »
Could Recycled Wastewater Be Australia's Future Water Solution?As climate change and population growth strain water supplies globally, experts are exploring the potential of purified recycled water, a practice already embraced by cities like Los Angeles and Singapore. Australia, with its reliance on rainfall and desalination, is now considering this option. Sydney is taking steps to educate the public about the benefits and feasibility of using treated wastewater for drinking.
Read more »
Australia Looks to Singapore's Success in Recycled WaterAs climate change and population growth strain water supplies, Australia is exploring the potential of recycled wastewater. Singapore, facing similar challenges, has become a leader in turning sewage into potable water, with widespread public acceptance gained through education and awareness campaigns.
Read more »
Australia Urged to Tackle 'Forever Chemicals' in Water as Sydney Beach TestedConcerns over cancer-causing PFAS chemicals in water have prompted calls for a single oversight body in Australia. Sydney's Tower Beach is being tested for PFAS contamination, as swimmers and fishers continue to disregard warnings to avoid the water. The NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) previously found PFAS in fish caught in Botany Bay and the Georges River in 2018, issuing dietary advice but stopping short of banning consumption. The EPA attributes the contamination to historical use of firefighting foam at nearby Sydney Airport.
Read more »
Dean Jones Trophy: Cricket Australia Honors Legendary BatsmanCricket Australia has renamed its men's domestic one-day competition the Dean Jones Trophy in honor of the revolutionary cricketer. The decision followed a fan vote and recommendation from the Australian Cricket Chief Executive.
Read more »