Publications related to water
Southern Ocean Sentinel
Climate Change in Antarctica and the Southern Ocean will have profound effects on the almost pristine last great wilderness on earth. However climate change effects in the Southern Ocean can also have far-reaching effects on the rest of the planet as well. To date research into how quickly the continent is changing has been limited by its isolation and extreme weather conditions.
Biodiversity Survey of the Montara Field Oil Leak
On August 21, 2009, the Montara H1 production well, located on the Montara Wellhead Platform (WHP) suffered a dramatic well-control accident. The well is installed in License Area AC/L7, 200 kilometres off Western Australia’s Kimberley coast.
10 Criteria for the World's Best Oceanic Marine Park
Australia’s Coral Sea is a large marine region that is extraordinarily biologically rich and deserves the best possible management and protection Australia can provide. This document identifies 10 criteria to create a Marine Park that will help to maintain the exceptional tourism, scientific and economic values of the area and again see Australia proudly setting the pace internationally for marine protection.
Native Vegetation Regional Pilot Projects Initiative Final Report
BAPC: Balancing Agricultural Production and Conservation in Wetlands of the Gingin Shire, Western Australia
BAPC Wetlands was a field-based project which explored innovative ways to engage agricultural landholders in conserving the high-value remnant wetlands on their properties.
Ice Breaker: Pushing the boundaries for Whales
Mean global temperature could reach 2°C above pre- industrial levels by 2042, leading to significant impacts on Southern Ocean whales. According to state-of-the-art climate models, under 2°C global warming, the area of the Southern Ocean covered by sea ice is projected to shrink by an average of 10-15%. This reduction could be up to 30% in some regions, meaning that species that are heavily dependent on sea ice, such as the Antarctic minke whale (Balaenoptera bonaerensis) are projected to lose between 5-30% of ice-associated habitat within 40 years - little more than the life time of an individual whale.
The Value of our Oceans: The Economic Benefits of Marine Biodiversity and Healthy Ecosystems
With this report we want to take an economic angle in shedding light on the values we receive from the oceans and the life therein, but which we usually take for granted. The marine environment, its habitats and species have shaped and are still shaping our world, our culture and many people’s daily lives. We want to show what the loss of healthy oceans will mean to our economies and individual people’s incomes and livelihoods. We want to show what we loose if we don’t change.
Coral Sea Biodiversity Review: Sharks and Fish
A new report commissioned by WWF-Australia has found that shark and other marine species populations in Australia's Coral Sea are particularly vulnerable to fishing and other threats. The research finds that sharks that live around reefs in the Coral Sea do not travel far, preferring to "stay at home" on their reefs. This makes these populations especially vulnerable to threats and adds more weight to WWF's calls for protection of the Coral Sea.
Coastal and Marine Natural Values of the Kimberley
The spotlight has turned towards the Kimberley coast and marine environment, not for its biodiversity values but because of the hydrocarbon resources buried offshore. WWF-Australia is keen to ensure that a full and accurate picture of marine and coastal natural values is included in any planning and assessment efforts.
Action Plan to Conserve the Daly River as a Living River
WWF has developed an 11-point, 22-page plan for conserving the Daly River as a Living River, in partnership with the Environment Centre NT (ECNT). With major pressure mounting for agricultural development in the catchment, implementing this action plan would ensure the Daly River is conserved as a Living River.
Pipedreams? Inter-basin transfers and water shortages
Increasingly popular schemes to pour water from one river into another less endowed are putting the very source of life at risk, says WWF in a new report entitled Pipedreams? Inter-basin transfers and water shortages.
Desalination: option or distraction for a thirsty world?
Making drinking water out of sea water is a growing trend in some of the world's driest and thirstiest places, including Australia. But it's also a potentially dangerous threat to the environment that could lead to a build up of brine, increased greenhouse gas emissions, the destruction of prized coastal areas, and reduced emphasis on conservation of rivers and wetlands, according to a new global report by WWF.
World's top 10 rivers at risk
The world's top water suppliers - rivers on every continent - are drying-out threatening severe water shortages. Poor planning and inadequate protection of natural areas mean we can no longer assume that water will flow forever.
The report, which was released ahead of World Water Day (March 22), lists the top ten rivers that are fast dying as a result of climate change, pollution and dams.
Rich countries, poor water
Contrary to popular belief, it's not just poor countries that suffer from water related crises. This report shows how rich countries are increasingly the victims of shortages, pollution and climate-related water issues.
A case for Queensland wetlands law reform
Wetlands in Queensland are under threat from development, water extraction and infrastructure, invasive species, climate change and declining water quality. Yet these kidneys of the ecosystem are vital to water cycles and biodiversity, and Queensland has a special responsibility to protect and manage the 39 types of wetlands we have.
This report summary shows efforts to conserve wetlands across Queensland are failing, with over 70% lost in some reef catchments, and proposesa a wetlands Environment Protection Policy (EPP) to prohibit very damaging activities, such as draining.
Living Rivers NT Proposal
WWF has developed a way forward to provide lasting protection for the Northern Territory's icnoic river systems - home to amazing wetlands, waterbirds and fish - but which are under threat. In partnership with the Environment Centre NT, WWF is proposing a Living Rivers Act be developed to prohibit highly damaging types of development, such as new dams, and to ensure good community engagement and strong environmental assessment underpin future management.
Securing Australia's Natural Water Assets
Rivers, wetlands and estuaries provide very valuable ecosystem services to Australians, such as fresh water and recreation, and support some of the most biodiverse environments in Australia.
This report proposes a national framework and a four-step plan to coordinate the protection of our remaining healthy aquatic ecosystems, and save the country billions of dollars in the process.
Aquatic conservation values of the Daly River Catchment
This report is the first comprehensive assessment of the aquatic conservation values of the Daly River in the Northern Territory, showing why the river and its wetland and species are of national conservation significance and should be conserved.
Key steps to achieve water security
WWF-Australia has been working to provide a roadmap for sustainable water management that outlines how water managers and stakeholders can work together for the benefit of everyone. As part of this process we have produced this outline of the key steps needed to achieve ongoing water availability, linking national principles to environmental outcomes and resource security.
Wetland Watch Newsletter (Vol. 1)
Stories, news, events, tips for management and conserveration and funding opportunities for landowners on the Swan Coastal Plain who are part of the Wetland Watch program.
Securing the north: Australia's tropical rivers
The Australian Tropical Rivers Group's vision for protection of Australia's tropical rivers and their wetlands.
Model Water Reform Bill 2004
This technical document is designed to identify principles and key issues necessary to implement water reforms to achieve national compatibility in water management, efficient and productive water use, national water trading and recognition and delivery of environmental allocations
Blueprint for a National Water Plan
This report - developed by the WWF-Australia-convened group of Australia's leading environmental scientists, the Wentworth Group - outlines long-term solutions for the management of fresh water in Australia.
The Murray-Darling Basin 2051: Setting the Vision - Biodiversity Workshop Proceedings
A collection of papers presented at the worksop. It provides a snapshot of the current state of MDB biodiversity and investigates the use of standards and targets as methods for achieving long term outcomes.
