Research collaboration
Our water scientists work across many topics to help deliver sustainable water management. Our team has experience in:
- freshwater and riparian ecology
- hydrology
- hydrogeology
- geomorphology
- water quality, and
- science policy and planning.
We are looking for researchers and students to collaborate on projects where we have limited capacity or capability. These projects will help us improve water management in New South Wales.
Available projects in surface water science are outlined below. The project information sheet outlines the purpose, location, timeframe and knowledge/skill requirements.
Potential projects in groundwater science are in our Groundwater science research prospectus (PDF, 1280.67 KB).
Working with researchers and students assists the department by:
- developing new ideas, tools and services
- reducing our costs by sharing the benefits
- gaining access to a broader range of research infrastructure, technology and equipment
- expanding access to an extensive range of skilled and work-ready researchers
- gaining access to national and international knowledge networks.
Collaborating with us helps researchers and students by:
- giving them access to “real world” research and policy needs
- providing an opportunity to have greater influence on environmental and social outcomes
- giving them access to Water Science expertise, data and resources
- facilitating more effective knowledge transfer.
The department’s capacity to financially support specific research projects varies. However, we may be able to support projects in other ways. For example, the provision of data, study site access, supervision, technical expertise and our extensive knowledge.
Surface water science - available projects
Use of riffle and run habitat by native fish in the Murray-Darling Basin
Changes to flow rate and water level could affect the use of flowing habitat by native fish in the Murray-Darling Basin. Many fish species use flowing habitat for foraging and other important life stages. Unnatural changes in water levels and flows could affect how native fish use flowing habitat. Further information on this project is in the ‘Use of riffle and run habitat by native fish in the Murray-Darling Basin’ information sheet.
Changes to flow rate and water level could affect the use of flowing habitat by native fish in the Murray-Darling Basin. Many fish species use flowing habitat for foraging and other important life stages. Unnatural changes in water levels and flows could affect how native fish use flowing habitat. Further information on this project is in the ‘Use of riffle and run habitat by native fish in the Murray-Darling Basin’ information sheet.
Spawning preferences and the effects of water extraction on the Eel-tailed Catfish
Change in water level could affect breeding success of the Eel-tailed Catfish. Unnatural changes in water level may be contributing to the decline of this species in the Murray-Darling Basin. Further information on this project is in the ‘Spawning preferences and the effects of water extraction on the Eel-tailed Catfish’ information sheet.
Change in water level could affect breeding success of the Eel-tailed Catfish. Unnatural changes in water level may be contributing to the decline of this species in the Murray-Darling Basin. Further information on this project is in the ‘Spawning preferences and the effects of water extraction on the Eel-tailed Catfish’ information sheet.
Database of ecological flow requirements
In NSW river catchments flow-response relationships of many aquatic biota are not well understood or documented. Further investigation will inform the monitoring and management of flows and extractions in rivers in NSW. Further information on this project is in the ‘Database of ecological flow requirements’ information sheet.
In NSW river catchments flow-response relationships of many aquatic biota are not well understood or documented. Further investigation will inform the monitoring and management of flows and extractions in rivers in NSW. Further information on this project is in the ‘Database of ecological flow requirements’ information sheet.
Quantifying hyporheic flow at gauging stations
During periods of low flow hyporheic flow can account for a large part of the flow in a river channel. Yet, there is no method for measuring it. Quantifying the hyporheic flow at river gauging stations will complement surface flow measurements and increase our understanding of how rivers contribute to flows. Further information on this project is in the ‘Quantifying hyporheic flow at gauging stations’ information sheet.
During periods of low flow hyporheic flow can account for a large part of the flow in a river channel. Yet, there is no method for measuring it. Quantifying the hyporheic flow at river gauging stations will complement surface flow measurements and increase our understanding of how rivers contribute to flows. Further information on this project is in the ‘Quantifying hyporheic flow at gauging stations’ information sheet.