Ecosystem Health Index Report
Fitzroy Basin Ecosystem Health Index Report Card
Indicators
Phys-Chem
Nutrients
Toxicants
Ecology
Trends
Decline
Maintain
Improve
Confidence
Summary of Results for 2019-20
The grade decreased from a B (Good) in 2018-19 to a C (Fair) for 2019-20. Eleven freshwater catchment regions and the estuary zone were examined with decreases to some of the individual indicator scores. The Fitzroy and Connors catchments grades changed from B to C. The other ten reporting zones retained the same grade as the previous reporting period.
Associate Professor Eva Abal
Independent Science Panel Chair
Physical & chemical indicators generally met desired levels. This category was graded as Good in 10 Catchments and the Estuary. Lower Isaac catchment scored a grade of Excellent (A).
Nutrient indicators had mostly Good results throughout the Fitzroy Basin. Upper Dawson scored a grade of Excellent.
Toxicant indicators had mostly Fair results for throughout the Fitzroy Basin. Upper Dawson scored a grade of Excellent. Some catchments with limited data, failed to meet desired levels for dissolved copper concentration and received an E.
Ecology indicators scored poorly (D) in six freshwater catchments due to low macroinvertebrate taxa richness. Five catchments had no data to assess. The ecology category for the Estuary was graded as Good.
