Local citizen scientists: Deniliquin locals monitoring native fish responses to water for the environment
Locals from Deniliquin are helping keep track of how fish are responding to water for the environment in the Edward/Kolety-Wakool. This is giving fish a fighting chance to survive low-oxygen blackwater.
World Wetlands Day: Lower Darling-Baaka and Great Darling Anabranch
Find out how water for the environment is contributing to wetland restoration this World Wetlands Day.
World Wetlands Day: Wingillie Station
Find out how water for the environment is contributing to wetland restoration this World Wetlands Day.
Waterbird breeding bonanza in the Basin
An exceptional combination of wet conditions plus the careful use of water for the environment has created optimal circumstances for waterbird breeding across the Murray-Darling Basin in 2021–22 and continuing into 2023.
Widespread environmental benefits across the Basin
After years of drought in parts of the Murray-Darling Basin, wetter conditions and a record delivery of water for the environment have brought widespread benefits across the Basin in 2021-22.
Waterbird resurgence in the Murray-Darling Basin
2021-22 has been a big year for waterbirds, with the most widespread breeding across the Murray-Darling Basin in more than 20 years. Explore the map to discover some of the significant bird breeding events.
The Pelican Brief
Wetter conditions in 2021-22 saw more pelicans than usual moving inland to feed and breed. Environmental water holders, scientists, water managers and the Nari Nari Tribal Council have worked together to keep water levels stable to protect the birds as much as possible.
Murray hardyhead thriving at Wingilli Station
In 2018, only 800 individual Murray hardyhead were released into the Little Frenchman’s Creek in southwest NSW. Now, environmental water managers have made a massive discovery.
Murray cod making a splash in the Macquarie
Baby Murray cod are thriving in the Macquarie River after a release of water for the environment in late-2020 provided a much needed boost for native fish populations.
Capitalising on nature’s work – how is water for the environment used when it’s wet?
Each year, we plan for very dry through to very wet conditions and adapt to whatever season eventuates. Even in wetter conditions, water for the environment still has an important role to play.
Gwydir booms again in 2021
Dry conditions have dominated the Gwydir for the past several years, however, the current ‘boom’ will help to rejuvenate the landscape and community after the long dry.
Backpacks on birds and eyes in the sky: a look at the technology guiding water for the environment in the Basin
Images of high-tech drones or satellite trackers might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of delivering water for the environment. Find out more about the technology that helps us decide when and where to release environmental water.
Water for the environment: bringing the benefits to Banrock Station
Since 2015, the Commonwealth Environmental Water Office (CEWO) has been delivering water for the environment to Banrock Station in South Australia. Earlier this year, new infrastructure was installed at Banrock Station’s Wigley Reach, to allow water to reach a larger area of the floodplain than was previously possible.
Spring 2020: A South Australian Riverland snapshot
With good rainfall across the southern Basin, it was the perfect time to deliver water for the environment to the wetlands along the South Australian stretch of the Murray.
Lamprey found in record numbers at Murray barrages
Water for the environment has helped drive a spectacular increase in lamprey numbers in the Murray-Darling Basin.
Native fish making a comeback: Mullinmur Billabongs gets a makeover
Mullinmur Billabongs is a series of wetlands along the banks of the Ovens River, near Wangaratta in Victoria. With help from the Wangaratta community, water for the environment is providing a new home for endangered fish species.
Working together for Dharriwaa
For over seven years, the Narran Lakes and surrounding river system remained dry. The Lakes, known as Dharriwaa by the Yuwaalaraay/Euahlayi people, is a significant meeting place for Aboriginal peoples and a source of food and medicine.
Hatched and dispatched: Elf’s migration journey
Since 2017, Elf – the straw-necked ibis – has been sporting a lightweight GPS mini-backpack to help us understand more about these special birds. So, what has she taught us?
Smart use of water for the environment at Sunshower Lagoon showing promising results
Sunshower Lagoon on the mid Murrumbidgee has become a haven for large numbers of waterbirds, frogs and turtles. Even the threatened southern bell frog has been found at the site for the first time in almost a decade.
A decade of water for the environment
In 2019 the Commonwealth Environmental Water Office celebrated 10 years of delivering water for the environment in the Murray-Darling Basin. Water for the environment has achieved many great outcomes for our rivers, floodplains, plants and animals in the Basin over the last 10 years - A decade of water for the environment showcases some of these achievements so far.
Congolli Numbers Bouncing Back
The latest fish survey results in the Lower Murray region have water managers excited.
Golden perch – why the Darling River is so important for the Basin’s fish communities
Golden perch or ‘yellowbelly’ are one of the main large-bodied native fish that support the freshwater recreational fishing industry.
Wind, waves and wi-fi – A winning combination for the Coorong
When it comes to getting the most out of water for the environment, it is all about timing. Whether it is to provide food for waterbirds, improve water quality or help native fish to spawn, getting environmental flows to the right place at the right time is critical.
- Wind, waves and wi-fi – A winning combination for the Coorong - media release