Freshwater Flows Reshape Coorong Algae Communities, 16-Year Study Shows

A 16-year study of South Australia's Coorong wetlands reveals how freshwater inflows are reshaping algae communities, with major implications for the ecosystem's health under climate change. Researchers found that shifts in water flow alter the balance of algal species, which form the base of the food web. The Coorong, a Ramsar-listed wetland at the mouth of the Murray River, has faced reduced freshwater due to drought and upstream extraction, leading to hypersaline conditions. The study underscores the need for adaptive management to preserve this critical habitat for migratory birds and fish. As climate models predict more variable rainfall, understanding these ecological responses is vital for water managers and policymakers. The findings provide a scientific foundation for environmental watering strategies that could mitigate future impacts. This long-term dataset offers a rare window into how estuarine systems respond to hydrological change, guiding conservation efforts in a warming world.