Monitoring freshwater ecosystems

To understand the health and safety of freshwater ecosystems in the Northern Territory (NT), it's important to monitor them.

Annual river health monitoring is carried out in selected NT catchments by the Department of Environment, Parks and Water Security (DEPWS).

They observe different types of:

• plants and animals to check if their homes (like rocks and plants) are still there
• water like surface water and how people use them.

Surface water

Below are the management and monitoring programs for surface water in freshwater ecosystems in the NT.

Daly/Roper River

The Daly and Roper River health monitoring program takes place every dry season.

During the dry, the rivers are most vulnerable to impacts from groundwater pollution and water extraction.

There are 24 freshwater sites that are monitored mid-dry season when flow conditions are stable and flow is supplied by groundwater.

The program measures indicators from each of the 3 levels of the 'cause and effect' model. Read more about monitoring river health.

For monitoring information, log in to the NT Government's arcGIS.

Rapid Creek

Rapid Creek is a relatively small, but highly valued waterway located in Darwin's northern suburbs.

DEPWS conducts sampling to assess its quality of sediment in the estuarine section. This is part of the Darwin Harbour Integrated Marine Monitoring and Research Program which you can read more about on the DEPWS website.

In April 2023, DEPWS also commenced a one-year study on the use of environmental DNA techniques to assess the biodiversity present.

Lake Eyre Basin

The NT Government contributes to monitoring the health of the Lake Eyre Basin.

Read more about the management of the basin on the Australian Government's Environment and Water website.

Animals

Below are the management and monitoring programs for animals living in surface water in freshwater ecosystems in the NT.

Magpie goose

The magpie goose is an abundant waterbird, with the NT supporting the world's largest population and major breeding areas.

Review the reports published as part of the magpie goose management program.

Saltwater crocodile

Review the reports published as part of the saltwater crocodile management program.

Groundwater

Read more about management and monitoring programs for groundwater-dependent ecosystems in the NT.