Charles Sturt University, Media Release, 1 February 2022

Geographical location is no barrier in experiencing the sounds of the Murrumbidgee wetlands, thanks to Charles Sturt University researchers.

Associate Professor in Ecology with the Charles Sturt School of Agricultural, Environmental and Veterinary Sciences in Albury-Wodonga Skye Wassens leads the Murrumbidgee Flow Monitoring Evaluation and Research Program (Murrumbidgee Flow MER).

The program supports a range of projects, including water quality and carbon dynamics, wetland inundation modelling and remote sensing, vegetation ecology, fish movement and breeding, waterbird ecology and frogs and reptile ecology.

“My research focus has grown out of my interest in frog ecology and conservation, specifically the impacts of river regulation and water diversions on the endangered southern bell frog, and how we might best manage water to protect wetland species,” Professor Wassens said.

“From there, I partnered with other scientists with interests in other aspects of wetland ecology.

“Our program is designed to help communities and governments plan for the protection of wetlands and their plants and animals.”

To celebrate World Wetlands Day on Wednesday 2 February, researchers are presenting the public with the opportunity to eavesdrop on the sounds of the Murrumbidgee wetlands.

The Sound of Water is a collaboration between researchers from The Australian National University (ANU) and Charles Sturt University, as well as the Commonwealth Environmental Water Office, using audio recordings to show how wetlands respond to an influx of water.

The Sound of Water focuses on Nap Nap Swamp in Nari Nari country which covers more than 2,000 square kilometres of wetlands near the confluence of the Lachlan and Murrumbidgee rivers.

“This project shows how science and design can come together, using ecological data to convey not only facts, but feelings,” Professor Wassens said.

“This matters because Nap Nap, and thousands of places like it, need the community’s support for their protection.”

Professor Wassens said it was vital to recognise and celebrate World Wetlands Day because it was a chance to highlight the vital role wetlands play in the world’s ecosystem.

“Wetlands support a very high percentage of the world’s plants and animals,” she said.

“They have great cultural significance and provide food to millions of people.

“Freshwater wetlands and rivers are also the most endangered ecosystem on the planet.”

Professor Wassens said due to the evolving and expanding challenges of water availability and climate change, there will always be research opportunities about wetland areas.