How Data Data inputs to the evaluation of ecosystem type include: the interim Australian National Aquatic Ecosystems (ANAE) Classification and typology of the Murray–Darling Basin () the LTIM Project M&E Provider data collected using the LTIM Project Standard Protocol: Ecosystem Type spatial representation of watering extent for all Commonwealth environmental deliveries determined using: the LTIM Project M&E Provider mapping of watering extent delivery partner operational monitoring modelled inundation (see Hydrological connectivity). Developing the evaluation approach Ecosystem types that receive Commonwealth environmental water will be identified and compared to all ecosystem types known to occur. This will be performed for each Selected Area and cumulatively across all Selected Areas. Information on ecosystem types that receive Commonwealth environmental water outside the Selected Areas will be incorporated into this evaluation where available. Australian National Aquatic Ecosystems attribution errors identified at monitoring will be collated. Consistent errors that can be applied to unmonitored areas will be identified. The ANAE typology of Brooks et al. () will be applied to the corrected attributes to create a revised ecosystem type layer for the Basin. A measure of the error rate (e.g. expressed as number of attribution errors per 100 polygons of each ecosystem type) will provide a basis for documenting uncertainty when extrapolating or modelling outcomes at unmonitored sites. The corrected ecosystem type classification will be used as the basis for all subsequent evaluation. Fish population(s) Why Native fish diversity, condition, reproduction and recruitment contribute to the biodiversity objectives stated in the Plan. Native fish are affected by flow both directly through cues to migration and reproduction and indirectly through effects on water quality and habitat and through biotic interactions such as competition and predation. This means that fish are an excellent indicator species for the biodiversity outcomes of environmental watering. Fish population data thereby support adaptive management of environmental water. The public interest in fish also means that their presence and information about population change are useful from a communication and engagement perspective for CEWO. The flow–ecology relationships for Australian native fish in the Basin have been investigated at a number of spatial and temporal scales. This provides a strong foundation for both qualitative and quantitative evaluation of the outcomes of Commonwealth environmental water as well as for input to adaptive management. What This component of the Basin Evaluation will address the following Basin-scale evaluation questions: Long-term (five-year) question:
How Data Data inputs to the evaluation of ecosystem type include: the interim Australian National Aquatic Ecosystems (ANAE) Classification and typology of the Murray–Darling Basin () the LTIM Project M&E Provider data collected using the LTIM Project Standard Protocol: Ecosystem Type spatial representation of watering extent for all Commonwealth environmental deliveries determined using: the LTIM Project M&E Provider mapping of watering extent delivery partner operational monitoring modelled inundation (see Hydrological connectivity). Developing the evaluation approach Ecosystem types that receive Commonwealth environmental water will be identified and compared to all ecosystem types known to occur. This will be performed for each Selected Area and cumulatively across all Selected Areas. Information on ecosystem types that receive Commonwealth environmental water outside the Selected Areas will be incorporated into this evaluation where available. Australian National Aquatic Ecosystems attribution errors identified at monitoring will be collated. Consistent errors that can be applied to unmonitored areas will be identified. The ANAE typology of Brooks et al. () will be applied to the corrected attributes to create a revised ecosystem type layer for the Basin. A measure of the error rate (e.g. expressed as number of attribution errors per 100 polygons of each ecosystem type) will provide a basis for documenting uncertainty when extrapolating or modelling outcomes at unmonitored sites. The corrected ecosystem type classification will be used as the basis for all subsequent evaluation. Fish population(s) Why Native fish diversity, condition, reproduction and recruitment contribute to the biodiversity objectives stated in the Plan. Native fish are affected by flow both directly through cues to migration and reproduction and indirectly through effects on water quality and habitat and through biotic interactions such as competition and predation. This means that fish are an excellent indicator species for the biodiversity outcomes of environmental watering. Fish population data thereby support adaptive management of environmental water. The public interest in fish also means that their presence and information about population change are useful from a communication and engagement perspective for CEWO. The flow–ecology relationships for Australian native fish in the Basin have been investigated at a number of spatial and temporal scales. This provides a strong foundation for both qualitative and quantitative evaluation of the outcomes of Commonwealth environmental water as well as for input to adaptive management. What This component of the Basin Evaluation will address the following Basin-scale evaluation questions: Long-term (five-year) question:
cewo-ltim-basin-evaluation-plan.docx