An adaptive management framework in Coastal Waterways: A Case Study in Currimundi Lake, Queensland

Abstract

An Adaptive Management Framework (AMF) is a systematic process for continually improving management policies and practices by learning from the outcomes of operations through research. There are many benefits to an adaptive management framework as it allows for decision making to proceed even when there are considerable gaps in knowledge and uncertainty, by specifying actions, monitoring and adjustment of visions, targets and associated management practices. This paper will look at the specific example of Currimundi Lake where an adaptive management framework will be integrated with the existing monitoring program, therefore, not requiring the development of sophisticated water quality and sediment transport models. This allows Council to save on costs as the plan is easily adapted with less expertise and future research required. Currimundi Lake, situated on the Sunshine Coast, has been an issue of growing concern to the community. These concerns have primarily focused on biting midge problems, water quality, entrance management and bank erosion. There is also concern over the impact of the connection of the artificial Lake Kawana into Currimundi. Before appropriate management strategies could be adopted for the lake, it was important to understand the dynamics of the lake and the changes that have occurred over time. A plan for integrating monitoring data, modelling and management action has been developed and implemented. The plan sets out the procedures for interfacing these components and to develop the AMF. Regular support for the AMF is to be provided with an on-going review of the implementation process, evaluation of the system components including the verification of model outputs and calibration of the monitoring system. An AMF in this context provides a cost effective way of maximising the long term capacity of Council to improve the overall management of a coastal waterway.