Ecosystem Monitoring and Research Group (EMRG)
In May 2009, the Darwin Harbour Advisory Committee established the Ecosystems Monitoring and Research Group (EMRG) through the merger of the Committee’s Ecosystems Monitoring Group and the Ecosystems Research Group. DHAC is currently in the process of finalizing Terms of Reference and membership of this body.
The joint group fulfils the following roles:
- Provides advice for the development of monitoring programs and technical standards, such as in the Water Quality Protection Plan
- Supports an improved understanding of Darwin Harbour and its catchments through partnerships with research institutions, programs and initiatives
- Promotes access to up-to-date information on the Darwin Harbour region, for example by making recent publications available on its website or supporting public presentations
- Serves as a hub for producers and consumers of data on the Harbour to share information and increase collaboration
Membership
Members are invited to take part in the EMRG by the Chair. Members are asked to serve for three years, after which their membership will be reviewed to ensure relevancy and efficacy.
Members may be drawn from a wide range of institutions and industries, including, but not limited to:
- Australia Institute of Marine Science
- Charles Darwin University
- Department of Defence
- Department of Natural Resources, Environment, the Arts, and Sport
- Department of Planning and Infrastructure
- Larrakia Sea Rangers
- Local government
- Oil and natural gas industry
- Power and Water Corporation
Please email dhac@nt.gov.au for an up-to-date membership list.
Meetings
The EMRG is convened on an as-needed basis to provide support for ongoing projects such as the Water Quality Protection Plan. These meeting may be supplemented by quarterly meetings designed to share information and map out the Group’s involvement with other initiatives.
Foundations: The EMG and ERG
The EMRG was created through the merger of DHAC’s Ecosystems Monitoring and Ecosystems Research Groups, the EMG and ERG. Both these bodies have done exemplary work, evidenced in the publications available on this website.
The EMG was established as a result of a recommendation in the 2003 Plan of Management. The EMG’s main role was to coordinate monitoring and reporting activities in the region. This included developing data protocols, making data accessible and establishing an integrated monitoring program and reporting system. The EMG also provided advice and input to the development of a Water Quality Protection Plan for the Northern Territory. The EMG was last chaired by Mr Bill Stuchbery.
The ERG was established as a result of a recommendation in the 2003 Plan of Management. The role of the ERG was to direct strategic research in the region to address knowledge gaps and information needs. Professor Robert Wasson, Deputy Vice Chancellor Research at Charles Darwin University, was the last chair of the group.