Human population growth and over-utilization of the biotic resources of the Murray-Darling River system, Australia

Murray-Darling Freshwater Research Centre

MDFRC item.

Imbalances in aquatic ecosystems of the Murray-Darling Basin reflect 180 years of inappropriate land use practices. Regulation of most rivers in the Basin has reduced frequency or duration of inundation of floodplains, with profound effects on a species-rich, highly specialized aquatic biota. Exotic introductions (e.g. trout, carp) have further modified aquatic ecosystems. Floodplain billabongs (= ox-bow lakes) are critical to maintenance of floodplain biodiversity, yet with isolation of floodplains from the parent rivers, billabongs are being lost or severely degraded. Consideration is given to the apparent carrying-capacity of the Basin, the present over-commitment of its most valuable resource, water, and the prospects for amelioration in view of present conflicting land use and water abstraction requirements.