Mapping to underpin management of tropical littoral rainforest [ 2015-07-01 - 2016-06-30 ]

Research Grant

Researchers: Jeremy James VanDerWal

Researchers Helen Murphy

Brief description

This project will produce fine-resolution mapping of the location of the critically endangered Littoral Rainforest & Coastal Vine Thickets of Eastern Australia community between Townsville and Cooktown (Wet Tropics bioregion) and the current and projected future threats to its persistence and condition from the impacts of sea-level rise, storm surge and extreme weather events.

The project will extend the CSIRO mapping methodology that was piloted in the Mission Beach area to identify potential littoral rainforest consistent with the listing advice for the Wet tropics bioregion. Fine-scale terrain and hydrology models will identify those areas that are most exposed to the effects of storm-surge, inundation and sea-level rise to characterise areas at greatest risk from extreme events. A management decision framework aimed at devising adaptation pathways for Littoral rainforest in the face of climate change will be used to prioritise management options.

• Fine resolution mapping of Littoral rainforest across the bioregion.

• A methodology for identifying and mapping Littoral rainforest that is broadly applicable to other significant areas of the community recognised under the EPBC Act listing advice, viz. Cape York (Cooktown to Princess Charlotte Bay), Queensland’s southern tropics (Townsville to Mackay), South-east Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria.

• Mapping of current and projected storm surge and inundation associated with extreme events, and projected sea-level rise across the study area.

• Identification of management options and adaptation pathways for continued provision of ecosystem services from Littoral rainforest in the face of existing and projected impacts.

Notes In addition to the NESP funding, this project is matched by an equivalent amount of in-kind support and co-investment from project partners and collaborators.