Integrating data, expert opinion and fuzzy logic in the development of an index of wetland condition
Phil J. Papas
A D , David S. L. Ramsey A , Janet Holmes B , Doug Frood C and Shanaugh Lyon B
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations
A Arthur Rylah Institute for Environmental Research, Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning, 123 Brown Street, Heidelberg, Vic. 3084, Australia.
B Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning, 8 Nicholson Street, East Melbourne, Vic. 3002, Australia.
C Pathways Bushland & Environment, 134 Wonganookah Track, Marraweeney, Vic. 3669, Australia.
D Corresponding author. Email: phil.papas@delwp.vic.gov.au
Marine and Freshwater Research 73(10) 1184-1195 https://doi.org/10.1071/MF21197
Submitted: 1 July 2021 Accepted: 25 December 2021 Published: 22 February 2022
Journal Compilation © CSIRO 2022 Open Access CC BY-NC-ND
Abstract
Wetlands face an intensifying level of degradation, and management to protect their extent and character is paramount. To support wetland management in south-east Australia, we developed a wetland condition assessment tool for palustrine and lacustrine wetlands. Through extensive consultation with end users during its development, the tool, the Index of Wetland Condition (IWC), considers user needs and skills, as well as attempts to assess the complex nature of wetland systems and their inherent variability, both spatially and temporally. The IWC is structured as a hierarchical index with 13 indicators nested under six characteristics (subindices) that influence wetland function: wetland catchment, physical form, wetland soils, water properties, hydrology and biota. The contribution of each to the overall index (scored along a condition gradient) was estimated from quantitative biological and physicochemical data from 24 wetlands using a fuzzy cognitive map approach. The IWC development framework will be particularly useful in jurisdictions globally where reference condition information is limited or lacking for indicators, or where there are substantial practical constraints that limit the selection of indicators, such as management staff capability or capacity. Uptake of the IWC with wetland practitioners in south-east Australia has been substantial.
Keywords: condition index, fuzzy cognitive map, management, practical considerations, reference condition, wetland.
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