Indicator protocols

Indicator protocols: Turbidity or total suspended solids (TSS) + flow

Human induced turbidity can result from a range of land management practices that increase sediment loads within streams. These include clearing of vegetation (particularly of riparian zones), excessive irrigation, and drainage which can lead to river bed and bank erosion, and increased soil erosion associated with rainfall run-off. While some Australian waters have naturally high turbidity, it remains important to monitor for changes in turbidity in these systems.

Indicator protocols: Total phosphorus + flow leaving a sub-catchment or whole catchment

Phosphorus is an essential element required by animals and plants and high levels of phosphorus can be an important contributor to eutrophication – especially in freshwater and estuarine systems. Symptoms of eutrophication may include algal blooms and seagrass decline. Phosphorus in aquatic systems is generally partitioned into particulate (organic and sediment-bound) and dissolved fractions. Dissolved phosphorus (measured as FRP) is found in the form of (more)...

Indicator protocols: Total nitrogen + flow leaving a sub-catchment or whole catchment

Nitrogen is an essential element required by animals and plants. However, high levels of nitrogen can also be an important contributor to eutrophication - especially in estuarine and marine waterways. Symptoms of eutrophication may include algal blooms and seagrass decline.

Indicator protocols: total dissolved solids + flow OR electrical conductivity + flow

Salinity is a primary water quality indicator as the presence of high concentrations of dissolved salts damages riverine ecosystems and limits the usefulness of water for stock watering and irrigated crops thus lowering agricultural productivity. Even low salt concentrations can adversely affect vegetation (both native and non-native).

Indicator protocols: the remaining proportion of each priority native vegetation type in each IBRA sub-region measured...

The extent of remaining native vegetation types compared to their pre-1750 extent (prior to European settlement) is a key input to conservation and land management decisions, both for determining priorities and for planning actions. It is an important indicator of the status of a region’s natural resource base and the health of its landscapes and assists in the interpretation of impacts of landscape change since European settlement. This indicator can also be used to determine which vegetation (more)...

Indicator protocols: the extent of present native vegetation by IBRA sub-region (measured in hectares)

The extent and distribution of present native vegetation is a key indicator of the status of our natural resource base. Native vegetation binds and nourishes soils; shelters and sustains wildlife; protects streams, wetlands, estuaries, and coastlines; absorbs carbon dioxide and emits oxygen.

Indicator protocols: the extent of each priority native vegetation type by IBRA sub-region (measured in hectares)

Native vegetation types are useful surrogates for the extent of ecosystem types. An understanding of the diversity of native vegetation types and how they may be changing over time provides an insight to the provision of a range of potential ecosystem services. For example, where a vegetation type corresponds with the recognised habitat for an endangered species, the monitoring of changes in extent of that vegetation type assists in tracking the likely status of the species concerned. (more)...

Indicator protocols: status and trends of significant native species and ecological communities

Significant native species and ecological communities are considered to be important natural values or assets. This is reflected in the recognition afforded to them in international treaties, legislation, investment programs and within the broader community. Concern about further decline and possible extinction is widespread and is reflected in the prominence in the media and in public debate, especially in regard to development proposals or management regimes which have the potential to further (more)...

Indicator protocols: extent of active management

This document presents the recommended monitoring protocol for collecting, collating and reporting information on the extent of active management for national, state/territory and regional application.

Socio-economic indicator protocols

The Workplan aims to identify socio-economic indicators to assess the:

• capacity of landmanagers to change and adopt sustainable management practices
• capacity of regional organisations to make decisions on NRM issues and