The Derwent Estuary Program: A collaborative model for science-based management, Tasmania, Australia

Sustainable management of estuarine systems requires sound scientific understanding, effective institutional arrangements, an adaptive management framework with clear links between planning, action, monitoring and reporting, and adequate resources. This paper presents a case study showing how the Derwent Estuary Program has coordinated and integrated these elements to improve the environmental condition of the Derwent estuary in southeastern Tasmania. es of science-based management initiatives include a collaborative monitoring and reporting framework between state government, local government and industry partners, as well as a Water Quality Improvement Plan to address heavy metal and nutrient pollution. Since 2000, over $100 million has been invested in water quality improvements with measureable results.