Integration of science and monitoring of river ecosystem health to guide investments in catchment protection and rehabilitation

摘要: 1. Stream ecosystem health monitoring and reporting need to be developed in the context of an adaptive process that is clearly linked identified values objectives, informed by rigorous science, guides management actions responsive changing perceptions stakeholders. To effective, programmes also underpinned understanding probable causal factors influence condition or important environmental assets values. This often difficult stream river ecosystems where multiple stressors, acting at different spatial temporal scales, interact affect water quality, biodiversity processes. 2. In this article, we describe development a freshwater programme South East Queensland, Australia, how has been used report on regional scale guide investments catchment protection rehabilitation. We discuss some emerging science needs identify appropriate arrangement rehabilitation maximise outcomes and, same time, derive other benefits downstream. 3. An objective was potential indicators then test these across known land-use disturbance gradient. From 75 initially tested, 22 from five indicator groups (water metabolism, nutrient cycling, invertebrates fish) responded strongly gradient, 16 were subsequently recommended for inclusion programme. The implemented 2002, funded local State government authorities, currently involves assessment over 120 sites, twice per year. information, together with data similar region's estuarine coastal marine waters, forms basis annual card presented public ceremony politicians broader community. 4. Several key lessons SEQ Healthy Waterways Programme are likely transferable aimed improving aquatic health, including importance shared common vision, involvement committed individuals, cooperative approach, defensible effective communication. 5. Thematic implications: study highlights use conceptual models testing against gradient develop can diagnose causes degradation stressors protection. approach lead more targeted rehabilitation, greater confidence limited funds being well spent better health.