Gippsland Lakes
The Gippsland Lakes are a system of coastal lagoons that covers some 400 square kilometres. The Lakes are valued for the social and economic opportunities they provide, and their environmental importance as a wetland is internationally recognised.
The Lakes are vulnerable to the effects of changing land use within the catchment, and to changes in the Lakes' hydrology as a result of diversion of water from within the catchment and the creation on permanently open entrance to Bass Strait in 1889.
In 1998 CSIRO completed an audit aimed at gaining an understanding of the issues involved regarding water quality, hydrology and catchment land use. A review of the scientific research and data collection was also done. This ‘state of the environment’ report identified gaps and data needs as well as potential management actions. The audit report is found at www.gcb.vic.gov.au/gippslandlakes.htm.
In 2002 CSIRO completed a modelling project designed to improve the understanding of how the Lakes work, the interactions with the catchments, and what we need to do to reduce the frequency and severity of algal blooms. The project report is found at www.gcb.vic.gov.au/gippslandlakes.htm.
