Original story from ABC News: Research team investigates impact of salinity on fish
A Deakin University research team is investigating how fish are affected by increases to ocean salinity caused by desalination plants, fracking and global warming.
The research at the university's Warrnambool campus is being funded through online donations.
Dr Julie Mondon, Senior Lecturer
Marine and Freshwater Science
The lead researcher, Dr Julie Mondon, says ocean creatures can only tolerate a narrow range of salinity.
She says the researchers will begin by observing the effect of increased salinity in the lab.
"We're looking for... those sorts of changes in the biochemistry of the animal, the behaviour of the animal or even the structure of the animal," she said.
"We use those markers then to go back into the field to see whether or not there's evidence of those markers being present."
Dr Mondon says the results could influence the approval of future energy and desalination projects.
For example she says fracking is a major issue.
"How do we deal with the waste, the very salty waste water from there, and yes the managers will be looking very carefully at this sort of research," she said.
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