Research vital to climate change impacts

As the only part of the Murray-Darling Basin directly influenced by sea level rise, the Coorong, Lower Lakes and Murray Mouth (CLLMM) region is uniquely vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. Declining river flows, deteriorating water quality, and rising seas pose significant challenges, highlighting the importance of continued, independent research.

The current marine algal bloom (Karenia mikimotoi) affecting the Fleurieu Peninsula and surrounding coastal areas is having real and immediate effects on local communities and the environment. While the CLLMM Research Centre is not investigating this specific bloom as an individual event, our focus remains on building long-term knowledge and understanding to help manage and adapt to these kinds of environmental changes over time.

Our work is deeply collaborative, bringing together community members, First Nations knowledge holders, managing agencies and scientists to shape and deliver research that supports real-world solutions.

This algal bloom is a stark reminder that environmental conditions may be shifting faster than expected, highlighting the urgent need for robust, evidence-based research. Through our work, a range of stakeholders, including community and decision makers, have access to timely, reliable information for informed decision-making and effective response to emerging challenges.

Several of our current projects are helping to address some of the very issues now being highlighted by the algal bloom. These include:

• Ecological Response to Climatic Extremes

• Ocean Beach Ecology and Threats

• Community Adaptation to Worsening Floods and Droughts

• Forecasting Impacts of Climate Change on Algal Communities in the Lower Lakes

We will continue to share updates as our research progresses. In the meantime, visit our website to find out more about specific projects.