MT17 Protect Native Riparian Vegetation
Managing high in-stream temperatures using riparian vegetation
Research has shown that in-stream water temperatures control ecological processes and directly regulate biodiversity when upper lethal temperature limits of aquatic fauna are exceeded. In-stream water temperatures can be controlled by adequate riparian shading, which may also have flow-on improvements to lower river systems and estuaries. Controlling in-stream water temperature through riparian revegetation is one area of riparian restoration where target values can be easily set and where the amount of vegetation required to meet those targets can be specified. This technical guideline explores the ecological impacts of high water temperatures, particularly for ecosystem processing and aquatic fauna biodiversity, and provides guidance on identifying appropriate targets for riparian shading. A simple step-by-step method for determining relative priorities at the sub-catchment or catchment scale is described (A).
Aquatic food webs
Understanding the flux of organic carbon in streams and rivers is essential to the sustainable management of riverine environments as healthy and natural ecosystems. This is particularly important because human activities result in considerable changes to the global carbon cycle. The sources of organic carbon for aquatic food webs are discussed, with a particular focus on the effects of riparian clearing on natural balances and ecosystem function (A).
Temperature and light
Riparian vegetation has an important role in controlling stream temperature and light and thus influencing primary production within the stream channel, and the growth and development of aquatic plants and animals. The biological and physical processes involved are briefly discussed with an overview of current research into the role of riparian vegetation in maintaining stream health. The implications for effective stream management are canvassed and it is stressed that controlling the light and temperature environment is an important consideration in riparian management (A).
A rehabilitation manual for Australian streams: volume 1
Catchment managers face two daunting tasks: how to minimise further damage to rivers and streams, and how to repair the damage that has already occurred. Designed to help managers who are facing the challenges of rehabilitating physical and biological conditions of Australian streams, the manual addresses four main themes: concepts of rehabilitation, planning procedures, typical stream problems, and tools that could prove useful in rehabilitation programs. It is not intended as a manual for total stream or catchment management, and only considers issues such as erosion control, water supply, flooding and the sociology of management in the context of rehabilitation work.