Science based solutions to protect tropical ecosystems

Northern Australia boasts vast land areas, ample rainfall, and abundant water resources, making it a favourable region for agricultural expansion and developing water security. But expansion could pose a significant threat to the region's biodiverse aquatic ecosystems, disrupting water quality and the natural flow essential to ecosystems in both wet and dry seasons.

Our researchers are exploring how to maximise water resource allocation across the vast and diverse landscapes of Northern Australia, advising policymakers on potential impacts to ecosystems.

Tropical Cyclone Jasper made landfall in Far North Queensland in December 2023, bringing record-breaking rainfall to the region and causing widespread flooding that washed sediments across coastal habitats. The affected region included part of the Wet Tropics of Queensland and Great Barrier Reef World Heritage areas.

We partnered with Rangers to survey coastal habitats in 2024 and 2025 and assess the impacts of the flooding on mangrove forests, inshore coral reefs, and seagrass meadows.

The TropWATER webinar series showcases our latest projects, partnerships, and monitoring programs, applying science-based solutions to protect, manage, and restore tropical aquatic ecosystems.

Watch recordings of past events below and sign up to hear about upcoming webinars.

As northern Australia's leading eDNA experts, we use genetic clues to revolutionise how to detect invasive and threatened species.

We’ve contributed to biosecurity surveillance, environmental impact assessments, tracking fish communities in Australian waterways, locating threatened species, and advancing eDNA science itself, while working with Traditional Owners, community groups, governments, councils and regional bodies. We also lead advances in eDNA techniques and offer commercial and research services.