Integrating hydrology and ecology models into flexible and adaptive decision support tools: the IBIS DSS

Abstract

Terminal wetlands in the semi-arid regions of northern NSW are important ecological refuges for native fauna, especially during dry times. Many of these systems have become increasingly stressed by human induced changes in the hydrologic regime of the rivers flowing into the lakes. For example, the Narran Lakes is a Ramsar wetland recognised for its geomorphological significance and the importance of the system as habitat and drought refuges for waterbirds and other species. The high level of regulation in the headwaters of the lake poses considerable obstacles for managers responsible for managing the health of the Narran Lakes