Lecture looks at changing lake ecosystems

FRIENDS of Lake Wendouree Natural Environment’s second annual lecture will be presented by palaeoecologist, Professor Peter Gell this afternoon via Zoom.

FoLWNE’s Judith Bailey said the talk will surround the lakes of western Victoria, and their value in global long-term climate change knowledge.

“They also represent important habitat for aquatic biota, and provide great service to local communities,” she said.

“As the climate dries, many lakes will become dry and so artificial lakes, and perennial streams such as the Yarrowee River, will become increasingly important.

“We need to manage these for the appreciation of people, but also to maximise the role they may play as refuges for freshwater biodiversity.”

Professor Gell is from Federation University’s environmental science faculty. He assesses the changes in wetlands over time, and Ms Bailey said he’s particularly focused on understanding of these ecosystems under the 1971 Ramsar Convention on Wetlands.

“He specialises in the use of diatoms as indicators of present, and past, river and lake condition, particularly in coastal systems and across Australia’s Murray Darling Basin,” she said.

“Peter is a co-author on a paper which notes that light pollution is increasingly being regarded as an insidious stressor for freshwater biodiversity.

“He also continues his interests in the use of birds as indicators of ecosystem health.”

The lecture will run from 4.30pm to 5.30pm today, Thursday, 27 August. Register in advance at us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZAlf-mgrDkuGNy_BBTA0ETSnaBMR3Ndoy5L and you should receive a confirmation email with more meeting information before joining.