How to monitor
Queensland waterways range from perennial lotic (permanent, flowing) waters to standing waters (lakes and wetlands) and ephemeral (periodic) streams. Methods and considerations for monitoring differ for each type of waterway. Most existing monitoring methods have been designed for permanent flowing waterways, however the steps to follow are similar for all waterway monitoring projects.
Before beginning your water monitoring activities there are a number of elements that should be considered. Details of how to organise and undertake waterway monitoring is available from the Queensland community waterway monitoring manual. Below is a summary of the main elements.
Getting started
- Organise a monitoring group: organise who will be involved, and what resources are required.
- Get to know your catchment: identify the local waterways and surrounding landscape along with the people and activities taking place that may impact on the catchment.
- Set goals: decide what your group broadly wants to achieve based on the results of your catchment survey (page 2.4 of manual).
- Identify possible monitoring projects.
More detailed information on 'getting started' is available from the Queensland community waterway monitoring manual, Chapter 2 (Getting started).
Develop a monitoring plan
Set objectives
Determine what is the specific motive for monitoring a particular waterway, what do you want to do with the information and how far do you want to take the project. Read more...
Design your study
Work out what indicators to monitor, and when, where and how often monitoring will take place. More information is available in Queensland community waterway monitoring manual , Chapter 4.
Choose monitoring methods
For each indicator there can be a number of different monitoring methods varying in the level of complexity, skill knowledge and equipment required. Choose monitoring methods appropriate for your project objectives, and available time, budget and skills.
More information is available in the Queensland community waterway monitoring manual: Chapter 5 (Physico-chemical monitoring methods), Chapter 6 (Biological monitoring methods), and Chapter 7 (Stream condition and habitat monitoring methods).
Data management, interpretation, reporting and communication
When sampling out in the field it is important to record your data in a consistent and effective manner. Data collected should be stored in such a way that it can be sorted, studied and analysed. Results of monitoring activities are used to answer questions about the health of the waterways, and to help develop strategies for improving conditions if required. This information can be shared with those involved as well as the local community and stakeholders. More information is available in the Queensland community waterway monitoring manual, Chapter 8 (Data management, interpretation, reporting and communication).
Data confidence
It is important that to ensure your data is of sufficient quality to meet your project objectives. There are a number of things you can do to ensure you and your stakeholders can have confidence in the data you collect. More information available in the Queensland community waterway monitoring manual , Chapter 3 (Data confidence and quality).
Training
You can collect quality data by ensuring that those doing the monitoring have the desired levels of skill and knowledge. Important elements of training to consider include flexible delivery, effectiveness, maximising impact and the target audience. Read more...
Resources
- Detailed information is available on how to undertake a monitoring project is available in the Queensland community waterway monitoring manual .
- Other resources to assist with waterway monitoring waterway such as publications, websites, school activities and images for download are available from Resources.
How do I get involved?
Monitoring of waterways throughout Queensland is being undertaken by community groups, industry groups and schools, supported by their Regional Natural Resource Management body, Local Government and other local organisations.
To find more about waterway monitoring activities and groups in your area check the Regional contacts.
Last updated 19 February 2008
