Effective policies for environmental
sustainability need to be based on quality information about the natural
environment. It is critical that information is gathered and analysed
effectively and made available to planners and policy-makers.
We develop new statistical methods that are fundamental to designing,
implementing and managing environmental monitoring programs. Statistical
models of complex systems enable us to predict the effects of proposed human
activities and to understand patterns of change in the natural environment.
The key areas in which we work are:
It is important to quantify Australia's marine and aquatic resources
and to understand the factors that affect their viability so that we can
protect and develop these resources sustainably.
We develop methods for data collection, data analysis and modelling,
and specialise in:
- fishery sustainability
- marine ecosystem sustainability
- healthy rivers, estuaries and coastal systems
Satellite images are a rich source of information about the
environment. We apply statistical methods in image processing and data
integration to extract useful information for assessment, planning and
management of resources and land use.
We can analyse long-term sequences of satellite images and integrate
satellite data with related spatial data to detect, measure and monitor
changes to land condition, land cover and vegetation. This allows us to
identify areas at risk from degradation and to predict future trends.
Our work has been applied to monitoring and predicting salinity, and
to measuring woody vegetation cover for the National Carbon Accounting
Scheme.
The information we have on Australian water resources
is often limited, with data collected at different times and places.
Statisticians are working to obtain valuable information from this data by
using sophisticated modelling and monitoring methodologies. The research
also helps to ensure that water data collected in the future will be of
maximum usefulness to natural resource managers.
To make effective water policy and management
decisions, resource managers need to understand the complex natural systems
with which they operate. To meet this need, the statistical research focuses
on the areas of:
- developing statistical design and modelling technologies to enable
monitoring, forecasting and management of water demand, supply and
quality (including ecosystem health)
- informing environmental policy and management strategies through
the design of surveys and sampling schemes and building statistical
models to examine status, trends and patterns.
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CSIRO has participated in large, complex, multidisciplinary projects
such as Moreton Bay and Catchment Waterways Partnership.
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