Most of the research undertaken in the D’Entrecasteaux and Huon waterways is either for project-based research or monitoring required as a condition of industry activity. Because of this, we now have an excellent library of data for the waterway. An important task for the Collaboration is to integrate this information into clear messages about waterway condition and to provide updated reports on waterway health.
Monitoring programs cannot replace the qualitative value of local eyes and ears which are around the waterway every day. Important knowledge about our waterway is held in experiences of long term locals. The Collaboration is looking at ways to better account for local experience. Options being considered include:
- Encouraging locals to report sightings so that the Collaboration is aware of these experiences
- Developing an on-line community library of knowledge about the waterway
- Developing photographic monitoring opportunities
We also organise events (forums and conferences) to share showcase current knowledge of the D’Entrecasteaux Channel and Huon Estuary.