Cape Range-Ningaloo groundwater-estuary ecosystem: management implications

Project A.1.5 (Biodiversity assessments-subterranean aquatic fauna) Objectives: #1. To characterise the western coastal geological, aquifer structure, palaeoclimate evolution and availability of potable water #2. To characterise the coastal seawater/freshwater interface, and its behaviour in relation to seasonal fluctuations, tidal and episodic events (eg. cyclones) #3. To determine the physico-chemical and microbiological structure of the freshwater/saltwater system #4. To establish the natural conditions by determining historical population processes on which to base a management framework using molecular genetic methods. #5. To characterise the community composition and distribution of the groundwater fauna. #The fauna project does not assume that new bore holes will be immediately available. When they are, full use will be made of them to the benefit of the project. The connectivity between the groundwater system and reef habitats has implications for both system and linkages with Projects C1, C2, A2, A1.3, C3.