Working Towards The SSI Freshwater Catalogue Map

Our SSI FWC Webmap gives a flavour of the FWC field data that can be used to refine a current "state of play" map (catalogue) of the island's surface water features and watersheds.
Note: the backdrop map does not contain many our islands creeks and some watershed outlines are somewhat in error...  

Our field data can be used in "ground-truthing" the presence/absence of surface water information (on maps based partly on remote sensing this is always is a good idea). And, with a more calibrated island map, we can work towards more effective surface water monitoring (and freshwater planning...), and improved community engagement...

From our field work and our local FWC field area watershed maps, there are "gaps-in-the-maps" (compare maps to left): in the Province and agency based SSI surface water and watershed maps.  We can refine these reference and planning maps with our FWC field datasets (creek classifications, perennial vs, ephemeral; creeks not recorded; watershed boundaries incorrectly placed etc) to make THE SSI FreshWater (Catalogue) map.  

This FWC project is a classic (and fun) field work - cataloguing/documenting map refinement exercise (using community science !), AKA a baseline samping programme and/or a "Ground-Truthing" project.

The SSI Freshwater Catalogue (FWC data calibrated) Map

The SSI Freshwater Catalogue map is now under development using the insights from our FWC field work. 

Step 1. - checking for creeks, wetlands, their presence and classifications (seasonal, year-round etc).

Step 2. - reviewing watershed outlines (these are wrong in some places).

Step 3. - gather insights into the names (or potential names) for the above, review with the appropriate groups, and then submit these for consideration for formal (province recorded) names.

The FWC science field work and recordings that go with a (The) map, are a key project deliverable with this baseline field data supporting our improved understanding of the island's surface waterbodies, and (in places) groundwater controls on their distribution, seasonality and ability to provide natural ecosystems support.

Integrating freshwater learnings and island geology

With a rich FWC field and well database and other island-oriented freshwater data, we can start to develop a calibrated island model to help understand: what freshwater comes from where on the island, controls on natural chemical compositions, freshwater recharge times, how much freshwater is available geographically, and how the local subsurface  (geological) conditions influence some of these elements.  All are of interest for both science ,and the community living here!