Riparian restoration
Riparian zones are the areas beside streams. These areas are sometimes reconstructed or improved to provide habitat for fish and other aquatic life and to stabilise banks against erosion. This riparian restoration can also have benefits in improving the quality of the water.
River edge
Rivers are important ecosystems that provide homes for many species of plants, insects and fish. These in turn provide food for our native birds and lizards. The riparian boundary is of particular importance to the river ecosystem because this is where most animals and plants seek shelter, but it is also the area most prone to damage by erosion. By protecting this margin we can help prevent erosion and also improve the quality of the water.
Riparian restoration may involve modifying the flow of the stream and re-establishing plants beside the stream. These help to slow the flow of the water in the stream, which helps prevent erosion. It also allows time for microorganisms present to reduce any excess nitrogen in the water. This nitrogen can come from fertiliser run-off or animal waste. If the stream runs along a road, residues from car exhausts can also pollute the water. The excess nitrogen in the stream can increase the growth of weeds and algae, which can lower the oxygen levels in the water and has disastrous consequences on any aquatic life.
Nature of science
Riparian restoration is a good example of how evidence-based scientific conclusions can result in direct action that can have a positive effect on the community.
Reducing stock access to streams and planting native plants along the bank are often all that is needed to change the water from murky and polluted into a crystal clear stream teeming with life. Many councils around the country are encouraging people to create a riparian strips along waterways, and many provide grants to help with the cost of buying plants. Contact your local council to find out what is going on in your area.
Replanting a riparian strip
Volunteers replanting a riparian strip. Reducing stock access to streams and planting native plants along the bank can change the water from murky and polluted into a crystal clear stream teeming with life.
Related content
Use the article Planting stream edges to find out why riparian restoration is so important to our freshwater native fish and the three steps to take for riparian planting planning.
