The Western Murray Land Improvement Group is calling on all river enthusiasts to join an exciting citizen science project for the Mid-Murray.
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It’s ideal for anyone who wants to get involved in river monitoring, and who has unanswered questions about our waterways.
Scientists need the help of volunteers to collect data that can contribute to answering these questions.
“By doing something as simple as taking photographs, you can contribute to an understanding of river flows, the health of waterways and how water is being managed locally,” the group said.
WMLIG will host Charles Sturt University’s Mid-Murray Flow Monitoring, Evaluation and Research (Flow-MER) team for a roadshow of community information sessions, in Barham, Wakool and Deniliquin.
The scientists will present on a range of topics including native fish, river flows, water quality, and native vegetation and will be available to answer your questions about monitoring and research.
Most exciting of all will be the invitation to participate in the new citizen science project.
“Learn how you can get involved in collecting data from river water level gauges in our local waterways and contribute to our understanding of how water moves through the landscape,” a group spokesperson said.
“The Mid-Murray Flow-MER project will see speakers covering topics including river flows and connectivity, native vegetation, fish, cultural outcomes, sentinel surveillance of dissolved oxygen monitoring, water quality and silver perch research in the area.
The silver perch is a vulnerable species that will be discussed.
“The Flow-MER area is very large with a gap in data on flows in a lot of the Mid-Murray Area.
“While there are some automated hydrological gauges, many river areas in our region are not covered by the automated network.
“This is where the Western Murray Land Improvement Group are hoping the community can get involved.
“Citizen science can be considered a win-win for scientific and citizen advancement.”
The information session in Deniliquin will take place Wednesday, March 25 from 3.45pm to 6.30pm at the Deniliquin Golf Club, followed by dinner.
If attending, RSVP to environmental project officer Belinda Wielinga on 0427 558 421 or to belinda.wielinga@wmlig.org to assist with catering purposes.
Citizen observations of the river. Photo courtesy of Robyn Watts CSU.
Citizen photos of the river show changes in water quality and flow. Photo courtesy of Robyn Watts CSU.
Photos also show vegetation growth and can help determine its impact on rivers. Photo courtesy of Robyn Watts CSU.
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