Satisfying the growing human demand for water without degrading aquatic ecosystems and the ecological goods and services they provide is a major challenge for most societies.

Scientists at the Australian Rivers Institute are exploring the natural differences in flow variability among rivers, to understand the importance of this for the protection of freshwater biodiversity and the maintenance of goods and services that rivers provide. Researchers are also aiming to predict the consequences of changing river flows through water resource development and climate change.

This research will assist water resource managers in balancing competing needs of water for societal use and the protection of aquatic ecosystems.