University of Tasmania, Australia

Description

Our research spans dilute, pristine waters through to naturally saline shallow lakes. Tasmania also has its share of impacted systems (heavy metals, human-induced salinity, introduced species).

Our interests range from innovative, basic investigations into how habitat structure affects interactions between species through to strongly applied research about the impacts of human activities on the biodiversity and ecosystem functioning streams, rivers, lakes and wetlands; from population and community ecology through to ecosystem processes and services in inland waters (rivers, streams, lakes and wetlands).

Recent projects have involved modelling the behaviour of shallow lakes, investigating the impact of forest harvesting on small headwater streams, the consveration biology of endemic native fish, and the role of habitat structure in mediating interactions between benthic organisms. We have active links with Freshwater Systems Pty Ltd, the Department of Primary Industry and Water, the Inland Fisheries Service of Tasmania, the Forest Practices Authority of Tasmania, and Hydro Tasmania. The list of potential projects is just the tip of the iceberg; contact any of the following to discuss your interests.

• Associate Prof. Leon Barmuta
• Prof Peter E. Davies
• Dr Regina Magierowski
  
• Dr Michelle Casanova

We currently collaborate with the following organisations which may provide additional scholarship and research oportunites:

• Institute of Marine & Antarctic Studies (IMAS)
• CRC for Forestry
• Centre for Environment
• Freshwater Systems

Contact Leon Barmuta

Projects

• Biogeochemical cycling and habitats in small headwater streams – assessing the effects of forest management

• NERP - Landscapes and Public Policy Hub

• Impact of introduced brown trout on river ecosystems

• Impact of logging on leaf litter retention in headwater stream

• The influence of habitat structure on freshwater predation

• The use of wood by benthic invertebrates: is there an obligate fauna in Tasmania?

• Responses of macroinvertebrates to receeding water levels over summer in shallow lakes

• How does habitat complexity affect the functional response of freshwater predators?

• Evaluating the effectiveness of electrofishing for rapid quantitative assessment of benthic invertebrates

• Decompostion and use of leaf litter in headwater streams: comparisions between logged and unlogged catchments