Reef Catchments’ Land and Water Coordinator for Healthy Waterways, Melanie McSwiney, is undertaking an Honours research project through CQUniversity that is investigating species composition and abundance patterns of low-flow spawning fish larvae in upper Cattle Creek.
Why do this Research?
The research will collect accurate data that may be used to enhance water quality management strategies. In particular it will improve our understanding of the requirements of ecological assets critically linked to water flow.
Project Aims
The project will seek to:
- confirm which low-flow spawning fish species are present in upper Cattle Creek
- improve understanding and certainty of critical water requirements and spawning periods of low-flow spawning fish , and
- produce data that can be used in models to assess potential risks to the guild.
Melanie said the project is a great opportunity to incorporate her university research work with her Reef Catchments work.
“I really love being able to incorporate my research with my work at Reef Catchments and feel very lucky to have the support of Reef Catchments in undertaking this project,” she said.
“Being part of CQUniversity’s Centre for Environmental Management also allows me to access a fantastic level of support, both financially through the provision of necessary equipment and consumables, and through the invaluable direction of my supervisors, Dr Judith Wake and Dr Leo Duivenvoorden.
“The Department of Natural Resources and Mines Water Services Natural Resource Operations Group—Central Region is also providing support for the project, allowing me use of their larval fish traps and providing expert advice and assistance, for example with species identification.”
Healthy Waterways team expands to Proserpine office
The Healthy Waterways team is now represented locally in the Whitsundays region, with Melanie moving to Prossy to take up residence in the new Reef Catchments office at 45 Main Street, Proserpine.
Mel says she is keen to become familiar with the region, particularly local waterways, and encourages locals to get in contact with her on 0407 171 046 or melanie.mcswiney@reefcatchments.com.