Fish and Aquatic Fauna
Rivers and streams are an important component of the natural environment and are subject to increasing usage by humans for recreation, irrigation, electricity generation, effluent discharge and to provide water for consumption. The ACTFR recognises both the benefits and conflicts of the interaction of natural ecological processes and human use of, and dependence upon, aquatic resources and strives to perform high quality basic and applied research/consultancy in water science and technology.
Specific capabilities and areas of expertise include:
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Surveys and monitoring of aquatic communities (aquatic inverterbrates and fish)
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Taxanomic identification
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Conservation significance and condition assessment for species and habitat
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Monitoring of aquatic communities and habitat
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Environmental impact assessment and management planning
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Research program design and implementation
Equipment and resources
The ACTFR is well equipped to undertake all types of research and consultancy in aquatic ecosystems. A range of aquatic sampling equipment is available including nets, electro-fishing boats, a backpack electrofisher, corers, artificial substrates, traps and boats. Full office, computing and telecommunications support is provided in modern surrounds and includes the use of the latest computer software and quality-assured administrative techniques. The ACTFR maintains a freshwater reference library and a comprehensive aquatic fauna voucher specimen collection for northern Queensland streams, lakes, rivers and wetlands.
The ACTFR also has close ties with the James Cook University departments of Zoology, Marine Biology and Tropical Environmental Studies and Geography. These associations provide ready access to a wide range of expert advice, specialist equipment, professional field assistance and sub-consultants. Collaborative research investigations are regularly undertaken, and actively sought, between the ACTFR, other departments of James Cook University or other research organisations.
Projects
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Pest fish in NE Queensland (WEBSITE)
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North Australian Freshwater Fish (project outline and WEBSITE)
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Southern Gulf Environmental Information Program (WEBSITE)
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Management of Tilapia invasion in NE Queensland (project outline)
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Invasive Pests in the Wet Tropics Rainforest (project outline)
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Townsville Field Training Area: Biological, Water Resource and Hydrological Surveys (project outline)
