Assessing the potential for algal blooms in clear water phase tropical rivers

G. Ganf and N. Rea
Land and Water Resources Research and Development Corporation

An assessment of the potential for algal blooms in the Darwin Harbour, Daly River, Bynoe and Roper River catchments NT examined whether the target rivers supported viable inoculum of major algal groups, the potential growth responses of algal populations to nutrient enrichment, the potential for algal populations to persist under a range of discharges and river length, and whether the parameters defining a pseudo P/l curve responded to the alleviation of nutrient stress. Algal blooms can be a serious event and can be caused by agricultural activities within the catchment area. If the Daly River has a high potential for algal blooms then this should be taken into consideration.