1. You never, never know – if you never, never…. integrate your monitoring and research needs Ferdinands K., Townsend, S 1., Patterson R. and Fortune, J. Aquatic Health Unit, Water Resources, Department of Land Resource Management 1: Simon Townsend – simon.townsend@nt.gov.au (08) 8999-3413simon.townsend@nt.gov.au

2. Monitoring & research considerations No single pressure dominates Wide range of environments potentially impacted Impacts are incremental Early and low level of impact required to inform management Knowledge of ecosystems is incomplete Flora & Fauna, DLRM

3. What’s special about Darwin Harbour? The Darwin Region is one of the fastest growing in Australia Darwin Harbour is in good ecological condition compared to other capital city harbours in Australia and SE Asia. The public of the Darwin Region expect the harbour to be managed to maintain its good condition, whilst also expecting Darwin and the region to grow economically. The harbour supports mangrove, coral reef and seagrass ecosystems, and is resident to dolphins, turtles, dugongs and 400 species of fish.

4. Enhancing monitoring vigour Apply Pressure-Stressor- (ecological) Response framework Better understand and identify causal links Monitoring informs policy and planning Coordinated and collaborative approach

5. Integrated monitoring and research Guiding principles Collaboration Communication Scientific credibility Transparency Community participation & education Relevant to management Resource efficient Long-term Why? Holistic approach Complex – collaboration required Prompts communal responsibility Harbour still healthy! Is this possible? Yes Builds on well established approach Small industry & government community Common desire to keep harbour healthy by all Best to get going now, rather than later when it is “all too difficult”. Further Information: www.lrm.nt.gov.au/water/darwin-harbour