What
relevance has Sustainabilty to the Aquatic Environment?
Sadly, the aquatic environment particularly the freshwater
habitat, ranks low in terms of priority and conservation
management. With worldwide pressure on freshwater groundwater
supplies due to an increased population and industry requirements
tend to conflict with surface water drainage. There is an
impact on both flora and fauna in the aquatic environment
and in some cases species cannot evolve and adapt fast enough
to the changing habitat, brought about by human development.
As a
starting point the following statement should be a precursor
to future planning methodology:-
'Advocating
an integrated, multi-disciplinary approach to human development
and the aquatic environment with objectives set for ecological,
economic and social balance in environmental design. A good
starting point is by efficient planning and management of
ecosystems to match local resources with market demand.'
Sustainability
and Wetlands Conservation
Such applications apply to wetlands creation, productivity,
enhancement and maintenance advocating to landowners and
stakeholders the integration of wetlands, conservation and
production strategies with profitable business.
There is a need for an integrated approach
to wetlands design, development and management.This can
be achieved by modeling ecological productivity and organic
nutrient streams within the aquatic food chains. Such an
analysis portrays potential productive outputs giving both
value and worth to the ecosystem and hence greater protection
for the environment.
As
an example the circle
tip wetland creation at the Earth Centre
considered the concept of a productive aquaculture initiative
alongside remediation and creation of a wetland floodplain.
Sustainability and Freshwater Fishes
Freshwater fishes conservation has only emerged over the last
twenty years mainly government funded projects. However, there
are many cases of privately funded research identifying commercial
opportunities. It could be asked if aquaculture as an industry
did not exist, whether artemia
the fish fry food would be useful. The tropical fish industry
has added value and many cases contributed to the continued existance
of many species thought to be endangered. The many millions of
aquarist's around the world bear the burden of amateur inspired
breeding programme. And finally to the unsung, and normally underpaid
hero's of fisheries and wildlife agencies whom everyday practise
sustainability in their wildlife roles.
Captive
breeding information for some species: [ Snakeheads
of the World - a future foodfish? | Borneo
Mouthbrooding Fighting Fish - Betta
unimaculata (2.8 MB) | Malpulutta kretseri
- The
Rarity and the Isopod (4.1 MB) ]
and
some Australian Native Fish organisations: [ Native
Fish Australia | Australian
Desert Fishes |
Centre
for Fish and Fisheries Research, Murdoch University, Perth, Western
Australia | Native
Freshwater Fishes of South-Western Australia
| South
Australian Native Fish Association ]
|
