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.A.1.5项目（生物多样性评估——地下水生动物群（subterranean aquatic fauna）） 研究目标： 1. 表征西海岸的地质特征、含水层结构（aquifer structure）、古气候演化（palaeoclimate evolution）进程及饮用水（potable water）资源的可获得性； 2. 表征沿海海水-淡水界面的特征，及其在季节波动、潮汐及偶发事件（如气旋）中的动态变化行为； 3. 探明淡水-盐水系统的物理化学与微生物学结构； 4. 采用分子遗传学方法（molecular genetic methods）解析历史种群过程，以此确立自然本底条件，为管理框架的构建提供科学依据； 5. 表征地下水动物群（groundwater fauna）的群落组成与分布格局。 本地下水生动物群研究项目不预设可立即获取新勘探钻孔。一旦获取新钻孔，将充分利用其资源以推进项目开展。地下水系统与珊瑚礁栖息地间的连通性，对该系统本身以及与C1、C2、A2、A1.3、C3项目的关联均具有重要意义。