Dr Danial Stratford

Dr Danial Stratford is an ecologist and ecological modeler with CSIRO Environment, specialising in ecohydrology and the development of tools to understand how changes in flow regimes affects flow-ecology relationships. Since joining CSIRO in 2012, Danial has utilised his background in ecology and skills in statistical analysis and quantitative modelling to evaluate the consequences of alterations in flow regimes on ecological outcomes. His work spans various areas, including quantifying the benefits of different environmental flows, evaluating the risks and trade-offs associated with water resource development, and assessing environmental vulnerability to future climates. Danial is committed to distilling complex scientific concepts and uncertainties to facilitate effective communication, with a particular emphasis on bridging the gap between scientific research and policy and management. A central component of his work is providing an evidence base to inform sustainable management of water resources.

Danial has led and collaborated on projects with an extensive range of stakeholders, partners and clients including universities; the Murray Darling Basin Authority; Commonwealth Environmental Water Holder, the Department of Climate Change, Energy the Environment and Water; Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade; and engaging with staff from state governments including NSW, QLD, NT, SA and VIC and private consultants. His work delivers strongly to policy settings including Sustainable Diversion Limit Adjustment Mechanisms, Northern Australia Water Resource Assessments, Constraints management, and Monitoring, Evaluation and Research projects.

Danial is currently leading the Ecology portfolio of the Northern Australia Water Resource Assessments for the National Water Grid, the Ecology activity of the RAMSAR Climate Vulnerability Assessment for DCCEEW, and is senior advisor Freshwater for the National Climate Risk Assessment, Natural Environments for the Australian Climate Service. Danial is CSIRO lead for the CSIRO-CDU collaboration research initiative for development of capacity for freshwater research in northern Australia.