Adaptive management and optimisation of stream monitoring network design through an integrated monitoring and modelling approach

Abstract

Stream monitoring networks provide data essential to understand waterway condition and direct management actions. However, methodologies tailored to support adaptive management and optimisation of stream monitoring networks post-establishment are limited. This study presents an approach that integrates monitoring data with a river-based geostatistical model to assess how the inclusion or removal of observation locations (sites) in an existing monitoring network affects model predictive performance and to identify optimal network designs. The approach is tailored to address key adaptive management challenges faced by waterway managers: 1. Eliminate redundancy and reduce the number of sites in..