ILWS - Charles Sturt University
ILWS - Charles Sturt University

Professor Lee Baumgartner

Professor Lee Baumgartner

Professor Lee Baumgartner designs, supervises and undertakes research into various aspects of the biology and ecology of freshwater fish and systems. His interests are fish passage and fish migration, the impact of human disturbance on aquatic ecosystems, developing solutions to global challenges in water resource management and the connections between people and inland fish. Professor Baumgartner's' work has also focused on developing innovative methods for field assessments (such as sensorfish, infrastructure simulations and physical modelling, underwater sonar, PIT (microchip) tagging and improving existing sampling techniques to better inform management outcomes. More recently he has developed a series of short-courses which aim to help organisations build capacity in specific areas of water management. Much of his work is applied and has fed back into adaptive management strategies which have resulted in state, national and international water policy development. His main geographic areas of expertise are South-Eastern Australia, the Murray-Darling Basin and the Lower Mekong but he also has active collaborations in South Africa, Europe, North America and Indonesia.

Research Interests

  • Freshwater fisheries and ecology
  • Fish passage and migration
  • Murray-Darling Ecology
  • Lower Mekong Ecology
  • Fish and Hydropower Interactions
  • Riverine ecology

Bachelor of Science. (Biological Science) – Deakin University

Bachelor of Science. (Aquatic Science with Honours) – Deakin University

PhD Applied Ecology – University of Canberra


External Appointments & Memberships

Technical Advisory group for the MDBA’s Native Fish Movement and Recovery Strategy (member);

Australian Government’s independent scientific review panel to review the 2018-19 fish deaths that occurred in the Darling River. (Panel member) 2019;

Australian Society for Fish Biology (NSW Representative);

American Fisheries Society (member);

Association of Power Biologists (member); Fish Passage Task Force (member);

Murray Cod Fishery Management Group (member);

International Energy Agency Fish and Hydropower Annexe (member);

IUCN Freshwater Fish Specialists Group (member); North East Catchment Management Authority(board member)

NSW Environmental Trust Aquatic Sub-Committee (member);

International Conference on River Connectivity (Chair);

Scientific Panel into Darling River fish deaths (member)

Editorial roles on journals

Marine & Freshwater Research (Associate Editor).


Full Publication list CRO Research Outputs

Selected Publications

Peer Reviewed Papers

Nicol, S., Webb, J.A., Lester, R.E., Cooler, M., Brown, P., Cresswell, I., McGinness, H.M., Cuddy, S.M., Baumgartner, L.J., Nielsen, D., Mallen-Cooper, M., Stratford, D. (2021). Evaluating the Ecological Benefits of Management Actions to Complement Environmental Flows in River Systems. Environmental Management https://doi.org/10.1007/s00267-020-0139 5-1

Koehn, J., Raymond, S., Stuart, I. G., Todd, C., Balcombe, S., Zampatti, B. P., Bamford, H., Ingram, B., Bice, C., Burndred, K., Butler, G. L., Baumgartner, L. J., Clunie, P., Ellis, I., Forbes, J., Hutchison, M., Koster, W., Lintermans, M., Lyon, J., ... Ye, Q. (2020). A compendium of ecological knowledge for restoration of freshwater fishes in Australia's Murray-Darling Basin. Marine and Freshwater Research, [MF20127].

Wright, D. W., Zampatti, B. P., Baumgartner, L. J., Brooks, S., Butler, G. L., Crook, D. A., Fanson, B. G., Koster, W., Lyon, J., Strawbridge, A., Tonkin, Z., & Thiem, J. D. (2020). Size, growth and mortality of riverine golden perch (Macquaria ambigua) across a latitudinal gradient. Marine and Freshwater Research. https://doi.org/10.1071/MF20056

Koehn, J., Balcombe, S., Baumgartner, L. J., Bice, C. M., Burndred, K., Ellis, I., Koster, W., Lintermans, M., Pearce, L., Sharpe, C., Stuart, I. G., & Todd, C. (2020). What is needed to restore native fishes in Australia’s Murray-Darling Basin? Marine and Freshwater Research, [MF20248]. https://www.publish.csiro.au/MF/justaccepted/MF20248

Silva, L.G., Doyle, K.E., Duffy, D., Humphries, P., Horta, A. & Baumgartner, L.J. (2020). Mortality events resulting from Australia’s catastrophic fires threaten aquatic biota. Global Change Biology. Accepted Author Manuscript. doi:10.1111/gcb.15282

Wibowo, A., Atminarso, D., Baumgartner, L. J., & Vasemagi, A. (2020). High prevalence of non-native fish species in a remote region of the Mamberamo River, Indonesia. Pacific Conservation Biology. https://doi.org/10.1071/PC19004

Baumgartner, L. J., Boys, C., Marsden, T., McPherson, J., Ning, N., Robinson, W., Phonekhampeng, O., Singhanouvong, D., Stuart, I. G., & Thorncraft, G. (2020). A Cone Fishway Facilitates Lateral Migrations of Tropical River-Floodplain Fish Communities. A Cone Fishway Facilitates Lateral Migrations of Tropical River-Floodplain Fish Communities.

Thiem, J.D., Wooden, I.J., Baumgartner, L.J., Butler, G.L., Taylor, M.D. & Watts, R.J. (2020). Hypoxic conditions interrupt flood-response movements of three lowland river fish species: Implications for flow restoration in modified landscapes. Ecohydrology; e2197. https://doi.org/10.1002/eco.2197

Forbes, J.P., Todd, C.R., Baumgartner, L.J., Watts, R.J., Robinson, W.A., Steffe, A.S., Murphy, J.J., Asmus, M.W. & Thiem, J.D. (2019). Simulation of different fishery regulations to prevent population decline in a large freshwater invertebrate, the Murray crayfish (Euastacus armatus). Marine and Freshwater Research. https://doi.org/10.1071/MF19109

Lynch, A.J., Baumgartner, L.J., Boys, C.A., Conallin, J., Cowx, I.G., Finlayson, C.M., Franklin, P.A., Hogan, Z., Koehn, J.D., McCartney, M.P., O’Brien, G., Phouthavong, K., Silva, L.G.M., Tob, C.A., Valbo-Jørgensen, J., Vu, A.V, Whiting, L., Wibowo, A.,  Duncan, P. (2019). Speaking the same language: can the sustainable development goals translate the needs of inland fisheries into irrigation decisions? Marine and Freshwater Research. https://doi.org/10.1071/MF19176

Baumgartner, L.J., Deng, Z., Ning, N., Conallin, J. & Lynch, A. (2019). Irrigation, fisheries and sustainable development goals: the importance of working collaboratively to end world hunger and malnutrition. Marine and Freshwater Research. 70: ii-iii. https://doi.org/10.1071/i-iii

Conallin, J.C., Baumgartner, L.J., Lunn, Z., Akester, M., Win, N., Tun, N.N., Nyunt, M.M.M., Swe, A, M., Chan, N., Cowx, I. G. (2019). Migratory fishes in Myanmar rivers and wetlands: challenges for sustainable development between irrigation water control infrastructure and sustainable inland capture fisheries. Marine and Freshwater Research. https://doi.org/10.1071/MF19180

Lennox, R.J., Paukert, C., Aarestrup, K., Auger Methe, M., Baumgartner, L.J., Birnie-Gauvin, K., Boe, K., Brink, K., Brownscommbe, J.W., Chen, Y., Davidsen, J.G., Eliason, E., Filous, A., Gillanders, B.M., Helland, I., Horodysky, A.Z., Januchowski-Hartley, SR, Lowerre-Barbieri, S., Lucas, M.C., Martins, E., Murchie, K.J., Pmopeu, P.S., Power, M., Ragavan, R., Rahel, F., Secor, D., Thiem, J.D., Thorstad, E.B., Ueda, H. & Cooke, S.J. (2019). 100 pressing questions on the future of global fish migration science, conservation, and policy. Frontiers of Ecology and Environment. 7:286. https://doi.org/10.3389/fevo.2019.00286.

Utomo, A. D., Wibowo, A., Suhaimi, R. A., Atminarso, D., & Baumgartner, L.J. (2019). Challenges balancing fisheries resource management and river development in Indonesia. Marine and Freshwater Research.  https://doi.org/10.1071/MF19160

Cooper, B., Crase, L. & Baumgartner, L.J. (2019). Estimating benefits and costs: a case of fish passages in Lao PDR and the development of the Lower Mekong Fishway Support Tool. Marine and Freshwater Research.  https://doi.org/10.1071/MF19156

Salalila, A., Deng, Z.D., Martinez, J.J., Lu, J., & Baumgartner, L.J. (2019). Evaluation of a fish-friendly self-cleaning horizontal irrigation screen using autonomous sensors. Marine and Freshwater Research.  https://doi.org/10.1071/MF19194

Navarro, A., Boys, C. A., Robinson, W., Baumgartner, L.J., Miller, B., Deng, Z. D., & Finlayson, C.M. (2019). Tolerable ranges of fluid shear for early life-stage fishes: implications for safe fish passage at hydropower and irrigation infrastructure. Marine and Freshwater Research. https://doi.org/10.1071/MF18131

Baumgartner, L.J., Barlow, C., Mallen-Cooper, M., Boys, C., Marsden, T., Thorncraft, G., Phonekhampheng, O., Singhanouvong, D., Rice, W., Roy, M., Crase, L. & Cooper, B. (2018). Achieving fish passage outcomes at irrigation infrastructure; a case study from the Lower Mekong Basin. Developments in Aquaculture and Fisheries Science. 1-12. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aaf.2018.12.008.

Thiem, J. D., Wooden, I. J., Baumgartner, L. J., Butler, G. L., Forbes, J., Taylor, M. D., & Watts, R. J. (2018). Abiotic drivers of activity in a large, free-ranging, freshwater teleost, Murray cod (Maccullochella peelii). PLOS ONE, 13(6), e0198972

Rourke, M.L., Robinson, W., Baumgartner, L.J.,  Doyle, J., Growns, I., Thiem, J.D. (2018). Sequential fishways reconnect a coastal river reflecting restored migratory pathways for an entire fish community. Restoration Ecology. DOI:10.1111/rec.12886

Conallin, J., Campbell, J. & Baumgartner, L. (2018). Using Strategic Adaptive Management to Facilitate Implementation of Environmental Flow Programs in Complex Social-Ecological Systems. Environmental Management. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00267-018-1091-9

Thiem, J. D., Wooden, I. J., Baumgartner, L. J., Butler, G. L., Forbes, J., Taylor, M. D., & Watts, R. J. (2018). Abiotic drivers of activity in a large, free-ranging, freshwater teleost, Murray cod (Maccullochella peelii). PLOS ONE, 13(6), e0198972

Baumgartner, L.J. & Wibowo, A. (2018). Addressing fish passage issues at hydropower and irrigation infrastructure projects in Indonesia. Marine and Freshwater Research Special Issue on Fish and Hydropower. https://doi.org/10.1071/MF18088: 1-9.

Colotelo, A., Muller, R., Harnish, R., Martinez, J., Phommavong, T., Phommachanh, K., Thorncraft, G., Baumgartner, L.J., Hubbard, J., Rhode, B., Deng, Z. (2018). Injury and mortality of two Mekong species to turbulent shear forces. Marine and Freshwater Research. https://doi.org/10.1071/MF18126. 1-9.

Silva, L.G.M., Baumgartner, L., Deng, Z.D., Fjeldstad, H-P. (2018). Hydropower development and fish management: a food–water–energy nexus requiring international and multidisciplinary approach. Marine and Freshwater Research, 69: i-iii. DOI: 10.1071/MFv69n12_ED.

Baumgartner, L. J., Boys, C. A., Marsden, T., McPherson, J., Ning, N., Phonekhampheng, O., Robinson, W.A., Sinhanouvong, D., Stuart, I.G., Thorncraft, G. (2018). Comparing fishway designs for application in a large tropical river system. Ecological Engineering, 120, 36-43. doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecoleng.2018.05.027

Grieve, B., Baumgartner, L.J., Robinson, W., Silva, L.G.M., Pomorin, K., Thorncraft, G., Ning, N. (2018). Evaluating the placement of PIT tags in tropical river fishes: a case study involving two Mekong River species. Fisheries Research 200: 43-48 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fishres.2017.12.009

Watts, R. J., Kopf, R. K., McCasker, N., Howitt, J. A., Conallin, J., Wooden, I. & Baumgartner, L. (2018). Adaptive Management of Environmental Flows: Using Irrigation Infrastructure to Deliver Environmental Benefits During a Large Hypoxic Blackwater Event in the Southern Murray–Darling Basin, Australia. Environmental Management 61: 469-480 DOI 10.1007/s00267-017-0941-1

Grieve, B., Baumgartner, L.J., Robinson, W., Silva, L., Pomorin, K., Thorncraft, G., Ning, N. (2018). Flexible and non-invasive passive integrated transponder (PIT) tagging protocols for tropical freshwater fish species. MethodX. DOI: 10.1016/j.mex.2018.04.001

Wilkes, M., Baumgartner, L.J., Pflugrath, B., Boys, C.A., Silva, L.G.M., O’Connor, J., Jones, M., Stuart, I., Habit, E., Link, O., Webb, A.J. (2018). FISH-Net: Probabilistic models for fishway planning, design and monitoring to support environmentally sustainable hydropower in the temperate Southern Hemisphere. Fish and Fisheries. DOI: 10.1111/faf.12282

Millar, J., Robinson, W., Baumgartner, L.J., Chittavong, M., Phommavong, T., Singhanouvong, D. (2018) Local perceptions of changes in the use and management of floodplain fisheries commons: the case of Pak Peung wetland in Lao PDR. Journal of Environment, Development and Sustainability. 1-19; https://doi.org/10.1007/s10668-018-0105-3

Banaduc, D., Voicu, R., Baumgartner, L.J., Maric, S., Dobre, A., Curtean-Banaduc, A. (2017). Technical solutions to mitigate shifting fish fauna zones impacted by long term habitat degradation in the Bistra Mărului River –study case. Transylvanian Review of Systematical and Ecological Research. 20: 75-114. DOI: 10.1515/trser-2018-0006

Silva, A.T., Lucas, M.C., Castro-Santos, T., Katopodis, C., Baumgartner, L.J., Theim, J.D., Pompeu, P.S., O. Brien, G.C., Braun, D.C., Burnett, N.J., Zhu, D.Z., Fjeldstad, HP., Forseth, T., Rajarntnam, N., Williams, J.G., Cooke, S.J. (2017). The future of fish passage science, engineering and practice. Fish and Fisheries DOI: 10.1111/faf.12258

Baumgartner, L.J., Boys, C.A., Barlow, C., Roy, M. (2017) Lower Mekong Fish Passage Conference: Applying innovation to secure fisheries productivity. Ecological Management and Restoration. 18: 8-12. DOI: 10.1111/emr.12272

Voicu, R., Banaduc, D., Baumgartner, L.J., Voicu, L., Curtean-Banaduc, A. (2017). Upper Caras River (Danube Watershed) fish populations fragmentation – Technical Rehabilitation Proposal. Transylvanian Review of Systematical and Ecological Research. 20: 69-85. DOI: 10.1515/trser-2018-0006

Silva, A.T., Lucas, M.C., Castro-Santos, T., Katopodis, C.,Baumgartner, L.J., Thiem, J.D., Aarestrup, K., Braun, D.,  Burnett, N., Fjeldstad, H.P., Forseth, T., Pompeu, P., Rajaratnam, N., Williams, J., Zhu, D.Z. & Cooke, S.J. (2017) The top five ways to improve global fishway research.Fish and Fisheries. 1-23. DOI: 10.1111/faf.12258.

Kopf, R.K., Nimmo, D.G., Humphries, P., Baumgartner, L., Bode, M., Bond, N., Byrom, A.E., Cucherousset, J., Keller, R.P, King, A.J., McGinness, H., Moyle, P.B., & Olden, J.D. (2017) Confronting the risks of large-scale invasive species control. Nature Ecology and Evolution. (1) 0172, 1-4.

Baumgartner, L.J., Thorncraft, G., Boys, C., Singhanouvong, D., Phonekhampheng, O. (2017) Effects of fluid shear on Silver shark; Implications for hydropower design. Fisheries Management and Ecology. DOI:10.1111/fme.12213

Jones, M., Beyer, K., Zampatti, B. & Baumgartner, L.J. (2017) Influence of altered light intensity on passage success through a vertical slot fishway: implications for instream structures. Ecology of Freshwater fish. DOI:10.1111/fme.12205

Baumgartner, L.J., Wooden, I., Conallin, J., Robinson, W., Thiem, J.D. (2017) Informing water delivery to sustain native fish communities during a long-term drought: Management recommendations for dryland streams in Southern Australia. Ecohydrology. DOI:10.1002/eco.1820

Thiem, J.D, Wooden, I.J., Baumgartner, L.J., Butler, G.L., Forbes, J.P., Conallin, J. (2017) An assessment of the contribution of stocking to golden perch and Murray cod recovery in hypoxic blackwater affected areas of the Edward-Wakool river system, Australia. Austral Ecology. DOI:10.1111/aec.12424

Thiem, J.D., Wooden, I.J., Baumgartner, L.J., Butler, G.L., Forbes, J. P., Conallin, J. (2016). Recovery from a fish kill in a semi-arid Australian river: Can stocking augment natural recruitment processes? Austral Ecology. doi:10.1111/aec.12424. http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/aec.12424/full

Cameron, L. Baumgartner, L., Butler, G., Bucher, D. & Lou, D. (2016) Using otolith microchemistry to differentiate between stocked and unstocked Australian bass (Percalates novemaculeata). Fisheries Research, 183:86-91

Harris, J.H., Kingsford, R.T., Peirson, W. & Baumgartner, L.J. (2016) Mitigating the effects of barriers to freshwater fish migrations: the Australian experience. Marine and Freshwater Research. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/MF15284

Forbes, J., Watts, R.J.,  Robinson, W.A., Baumgartner, L.J., Allen, M.S.,  McGuffie, P., Cameron, L.M. & Crook, D.A. (2015) System-Specific Variability in Murray Cod and Golden Perch Maturation and Growth Influences Fisheries Management Options, North American Journal of Fisheries Management, 35:6, 1226-1238, DOI: 10.1080/02755947.2015.1094153

Crook, D.A., O'Mahony, D.J, Gillanders, B.M., Munro, A.R., Sanger, A.C., Thurstan, S., Baumgartner, L.J. (2015). Effects of stocking on the population structure and abundance of a native riverine fish. Marine and Freshwater Research. DO10.1071.MF15037.

Forbes, J., Baumgartner, L.J., Robinson, W., Watts, R.J., McGuffie, P., Cameron, L. and Crook D. (2015). Assessment of stocking effectiveness for Murray cod (Maccullochella peelii) and golden perch (Macquaria ambigua) in rivers and impoundments of south eastern Australia. Marine and Freshwater Research. DOI 10.1071.MF15230

Baumgartner, L.J. (2015). Adaptive management in action: using chemical marking to advance fish recovery programs in the Murray–Darling Basin. Marine and Freshwater Research. DOI10.1071. MF15353.

Boys, C.A., Robinson, W.R., Miller, B., Pflugrath, B., Baumgartner, L.J, Navarro, A., Brown, R. (2015). Understanding fish welfare at river infrastructure: A piecewise regression approach to determining barotrauma injury thresholds. Journal of Fish Biology.

Forbes, J., Baumgartner L.J., Robinson R, Watts R., Murphy, J., Steffe, A. (2015). Recreational Fishing Effort, Catch, and Harvest for Murray cod Maccullochella peelii and Golden perch Macquaria ambigua, in the Murrumbidgee River, Australia. North American Journal of Fisheries Management 35: 254-264.

Brown, R.S., Colotelo, A.H., Pflugrath, B.D., Boys, C.A., Baumgartner, L.J., Deng, Z. D., Silva, L.G.M., Brauner, C.J., Mallen-Cooper, M., Phonekhampeng, O., Thorncraft, G., Singhanouvong, D. (2014). Understanding barotrauma in fish passing hydro and irrigation structures: a global strategy for sustainable development of water resources. Fisheries. 39 (3): 108-122.

Baumgartner, L.J, Zampatti, B., Jones, M., Stuart, I., Mallen-Cooper, M. (2014). Fishways and Fish Migration in the Murray-Darling Basin: Not just an upstream battle. Ecological Management and Restoration, 15 (S1): 28-39.

Baumgartner, L.J., Conallin, J., Wooden, I., Campbell, B., Gee, R. and Robinson, W. (2014). Linking biological needs with hydrology to develop environmental flow requirements for freshwater fish in riverine systems. Fish and Fisheries, 15 (3): 410-427.

Reports

Thorncraft, G., Baumgartner, L., Mallen-Cooper, M., Thew, P., Conallin, J., Phonekhampheng, O., Phommavong, T., Robinson, W. & Vorsane, P. (2020). Houay Mak Hiew Fishway: Concept design report. Charles Sturt University and National University of Laos

Conallin, J., Baumgartner, L., Mallen-Cooper, M., & Masden, T. (2020). Shan Gaing Fishway: proposed design criteria and concept. ILWS report 139.

Ning, N., Doyle, K., Silva, L., Boys, C., Mc Pherson, J., Fowler, A., McGregor, C., Brambilla, E., Thiebaud, I., Du Preez,, J., Robinson, W., Deng, D., Fu, T. & Baumgartner, L.J. (2019) Predicting invasive fish survival through the Snowy 2.0 pumped hydro scheme. Institute for Land, Water and Society report 123. ISBN: 978-1-86-467334-0. 96pp.

Conallin, J. & Baumgartner, L. (2019) Myanmar Fish Passage Initiative: Crawford Fund Masterclass in Fish Passage Engineering Design, Construction, Ecology and Monitoring. Report prepared for the Crawford Fund

Thorncraft, G., Baumgartner, L.J., Vorsane, P., Robinson, W.R. & Ning, N. (2019) Preliminary fish passage report. National University of Laos and Charles Sturt University.

Vu, A., Baumgartner, L., Howitt, J. & Limburg, A. (2019) In search of the elusive “Mekong Salmon”. Report prepared for the National Geographic.

Gregory, R., Funge-Smith, S.J. & Baumgartner, L. (2018) An ecosystem approach to promote the integration and coexistence of fisheries within irrigation systems. FAO Fisheries and Aquaculture Circular No.1169. FAO, Rome. Licence: CC BY‐NC‐SA 3.0 IGO.

Silva, L,G., Pearce, L., Mabon, S., Horta, A., Duffy, D., Kopf, S., Ning, N., & Baumgartner, L.J. (2018). Macca’s in the Mannus, Macquarie perch refuge in the Upper Murray. ILWS Report No 114.

Pearce L., Silva, L.G., Mabon, S., Horta, A., Duffy, D., Ning, N., & Baumgartner, L.J. (2018). Finding forgotten fishes, the search for two endangered species in the NSW Murray Catchment. ILWS Report No 112.

Silva, L.G.M., Bell, K., Baumgartner, L.J. (2018) Clean-up procedures applied to global fish kill events: A review for the National Carp Control Plan. FRDC Project No 2016/158. 61pp.

Forbes, J., Steffe, A.S, Baumgartner, L.J. (2017). Preliminary assessment of the Lake Eucumbene summer recreational fishery. New South Wales Department of Primary Industries. Fisheries Final Report No. 156. Sydney, Australia. 38pp.

Baumgartner, L.J., Boys, C.A., Gilligan, D.M., Silva, L.G., Pflugrath, B., Ning, N. (2017) Fish transfer risk associated with Snowy 2.0 pumped hydro scheme. ILWS Report No 107.

Cresswell, I., Baumgartner, L.J., Bond, N., Brown, P., Chua, S., Cooling, M., Cuddy, S., Hillman, T., Kingsford, R., Lester, R., Mallen-Cooper, M., McGinness H, Nicol S, Nielsen D, Robson B, Stratford D, Webb A. (2017). Scoping the development of a method to assess the relative environmental benefits of Complementary Measures. CSIRO Land and Water, Report to the Murray-Darling Basin Commission. 121pp.

Baumgartner, L.J. & Pomorin, K. (2017) The FishNet Database. Institute for Land, Water and Society, Thurgoona. Report to the Australian National Data Service. 6pp.

Baumgartner, L.J. (2017) Peer review of Sustainable Diversion Limit (SDL) adjustment – Complimentary Measures. Institute for Land Water and Society, Thurgoona. Report to Department of Agriculture and Water Resources. 16pp.

Baumgartner, L.J. (2016). Restoring fish migration. RipRap 39:30-32.

Baumgartner, L., Marsden,T., Millar,J., Thorncraft,G., Phonekhampheng, O., Singhanouvong, D., Homsombath, K., Robinson, W., McPherson, J., Martin, K., & Boys, C. (2016) Development of fish passage technology to increase fisheries production on floodplains in the lower Mekong basin, Final Report, ACIAR http://aciar.gov.au/files/fis-2009-041_fr2016-01.pdf

Book Chapters

Rice, B. & Baumgartner, L.J. (2018) Sharing international knowledge of fish passage in the Lower Mekong. In Brink, K., Gough, P., Royte, J. Schollema, P.P. & Wanningen, H. From Sea to Source 2.0. Protection and Restoration of fish migration in rivers worldwide. World Fish Migration Foundation. Pp70-75 For a download of the book you will need to sign up for your own download link as this link is only valid for one download.
http://www.fromseatosource.com/download/download.php?code=785547&file=from_sea_to_source_2_0.pdf

Pittock, J., Baumgartner, L., Finlayson, C.M., Thiem, J.D., Forbes, J.P., Silva, L.G.M. & Arthington, A.H. (2017) Managing threats to freshwater systems within protected areas in Finlayson, C.M., Arthington, A.H., Pittock, J. (eds) Freshwater Ecosystems in Protected Areas, Conservation and Management.  Routledge

Conference Presentations and Proceedings

Baumgartner, L. (2018) Reducing slope improves small fish passage through a Denil fishway, Presented at the Fish Passage International Conference on River Connectivity, Albury NSW, December 10-14.

Baumgartner, L., Boys, C., Marsden, T., McPherson, J., Ning, N., Phonekhampheng, O., Robinson, W., Singhanouvong, D., Stuart, I., Thorncraft, G. (2018) A cautionary tale about the inhibitory effects of gaged culverts on fish passage restoration efforts, Presented at the Fish Passage International Conference on River Connectivity, Albury NSW, December 10-14.

VuVi A., Baumgartner, L., Cowx, I., Mallen-Cooper, M., Howitt, J., Robinson, W. (2018) Using otoliths to quantify diadromy in the Lower Mekong Basin, Presented at the Fish Passage International Conference on River Connectivity, Albury NSW, December 10-14.

Baumgartner, L.J., Grieve, B., Robinson, W., Silva, L.G.M., Pomorin, K., Thorncraft, G., Ning, N. (2018) Evaluating the placement of PIT tags in tropical river fishes: a case study involving two Mekong River species, Presented at the  Fish Passage International Conference on River Connectivity, Albury NSW, December 10-14.

Conallin, J., Lunn, Z., Baumgartner, L.J., Thein, H., Chan, N. (2018) The importance of determining and maintaining migration corridors for the Hilsa Shad fishery in Myanmar Inland Rivers, Presented at the Fish Passage International Conference on River Connectivity, Albury NSW, December 10-14.

Millar, J., Baumgartner, L., Robinson, W., Homsombath, K. (2018) Listening to local knowledge to inform fish passage and fisheries management, Presented at the Fish Passage International Conference on River Connectivity, Albury NSW, December 10-14.

Mallen-Cooper, M., Baumgartner, L., Stuart, I., Zampatti, B. (2018) The challenge of passing small and large fish in rivers with highly variable hydrology, Presented at the Fish Passage International Conference on River Connectivity, Albury NSW, December 10-14.

Millar, J., Baumgartner, L., Homsoumbath, K., Phommavong, T. (2017) Changes in the role and management of wetland commons in the Lao PDR: the case of Pak Peung wetland. International Association for Society and the Commons Conference 10-15 July 2016, Utrecht, the Netherlands.

Baumgartner, L.  (2016) Designing fishways for floodplain species of the Lower Mekong Basin. Presented at the Australian Society of Fish Biology and Oceania Chondrlchthyan Society Conference 2016, Sept 4-7, Tasmania

Commentary

Baumgartner, L., Doyle, K., Silva, L.G.M., Pearce, L., & Ning, N. (2020) Before and after: see how bushfire and rain turned the Macquarie perch's home to sludge The Conversation July 10

Baumgartner, L., Forbes, J., Doyle, K. (2020) Don’t count your fish before they hatch: experts react to plans to release 2 million fish into the Murray Darling. The Conversation, June 15.

Baumgartner, L. & Finlayson, M. (2020) Last summer's fish carnage sparked public outrage.  Here's what has happened since. The Conversation, February 28.

Vertessy, R., Sheldon, F., Baumgartner, L., Bond, N. & Mitrovic, S. (2019) We wrote the report for the minister on fish deaths in the lower Darling - here's why it could happen again.  The Conversation, April 10.

Baumgartner, L. & Finlayson, M. (2019) A good plan to help Darling River fish recover exists, so let's get on with it. The Conversation, January 21.

Finlayson, M. Baumgartner, L. & Gell, P. (2017) Why we need more than just extra water to save the Murray-Darling Basin. The Conversation, June 30.

Opinion Pieces

Baumgartner, L. & Doyle, K. (2020) Fishing for hope: the importance of recreational fishing during a crisis. Charles Sturt University News Opinion, April 22


Current Projects

Advancing fish-protection screening at Australian water diversions. Baumgartner, L. (2019-2022) NSW DPI, $95,000

Drivers of fisheries recruitment in semi-arid river systems. Baumgartner, L. (2020 – 2022) NSW DPI, $26,500

Assessing fisheries mitigation measures at Xayaburi Dam in Lao PDR. Baumgartner, L., McPherson, J., Ning, N. (2018-2022) ACIAR, $1.4M Project details

Delta Flows: The Role that Delta’s play in sustaining basin-scale fisheries in the Mekong and Irrawaddy Rivers. Baumgartner L., & Vu. V.A. (PhD student) (2017-2021) IHE Delft. $30,127 Project details

Developing design guidelines for diversion screens that save native fish and enhance agricultural productivity. Baumgartner, L., Doyle, K. (2018-2020) Ian Potter Foundation, $299,331 Project details

Diadromous fish of the Mekong: managing long distance fish migrations at mainstream dam sites. Baumgartner, L., Vu ,A. (2020) ACIAR internship, $19,000

Fish investigations associated with Snowy 2.0 - Snowy Hydro Ltd. (Assignment 1). Baumgartner, L., Silva, L., Ning, N.  (2017-2020) Snowy Hydro Ltd. $61,647 Project details

Fishing for answers: Unlocking spawning secrets of Australian native fish. Baumgartner, L., Silva, L., Thiem, J. (2016-2020) Recreational Fishing Trust. $100,000 Project Details

In search of the elusive Mekong salmon. Baumgartner, L. & Vu, V.A. (PhD student), (2016-2020), Project details

Maccas on the Manus: Bushfire Recovery. Doyle, K., Baumgartner, L., McGregor, C., Ning, N., Weatherman, K.  (2020-2021), Murray Local Land Services (DAWE Bushfire Recovery Funding), $130,000

Modernising irrigated agriculture to protect and restore aquatic biodiversity and ecosystem services in SE Asia. Baumgartner, L., Finlayson, M., Conallin, J.  (2019-2021) Australian Water Partnership/UN Food and Agriculture Organisation (UN FAO), $484,562.

Quantifying biophysical and community impacts of improved fish passage in Lao PDR and Myanmar. Baumgartner, L., Robinson, W.,  McPherson, J.  with Thorncraft, G. (National University of Laos), Phonekhampheng, O. (National University of Laos),  Singhanouvong, D. (Living Aquatic Resources Research Centre) and Cooper, B. (UniSA) (2016-2021) ACIAR, $1,890,224 Project details

Predicting redfin survival through the Snowy 2.0 scheme. Assignment 2. Baumgartner, L., Silva, L., Ning, N. & McPherson, J. (2018-2020) Snowy Hydro Ltd. $848,803

Recovering the Lower Darling. Baumgartner, L. (2020) NSW DPI, $12,327

Screens for Streams: Boosting native fish stocks through improved water extraction practices. Nayeem, T., Pawsey, N. & Baumgartner, L. (2019-2023) NSW DPI-NSW Recreational Fishing Trust grant, $253,165. Total budget of the project is $314,490.

Translating fish passage research outcomes into policy and legislation across South East Asia. Baumgartner, L., Robinson, W., Ning, N., Conallin, J., Bond, J., Pawsey, N.   (2020-2023) ACIAR, $1,956,187

Completed Projects

Quantifying improved fisheries productivity at fish rehabilitation sites in Lao PDR extension. Baumgartner, L., Marsden, T., Ning, N. & Horta, A. (2018-2019) ACIAR & USAID, $800,000

Environmentally sustainable irrigation solutions for the Murray-Darling Basin. (2017) Baumgartner, L.  Australian Academy of Technology and Engineering-Global Connections Fund – Bridging Grant, $49,966

PIT tag data analysis project.  Huang, X., Baumgartner, L., and Li, J.(2018-2019) Karltek Pty Ltd., $25,000

Recovery of native fish communities in the Murray-Darling Basin. Baumgartner, L. (2017) Fisheries Research and Development Corporation, $18,948

In search of the elusive Mekong salmon. Baumgartner, L. & Vu, V.A. (PhD student), (2016-2018), National Geographic Society Research Grant, $30,080 Project details

Macca's in the Mannus, Macquarie Perch Refuge in the Upper Murray. Baumgartner, L., Silva, L., Kopf, S. (2017) NSW Department of Primary Industries/Murray LLS, $120,000 Project details

Development of strategies to optimise release and clean up strategies underpinning possible use of herpes virus 3 (CyHV-3) for carp biocontrol in Australia. Silva, L, & Baumgartner, L. (2017) Fisheries Research & Development Corporation. $39,000

Murray Small-bodied threatened fish project. Baumgartner, L., Silva, L. & Kopf, S. (2017) NSW Department of Primary Industries/Murray LLS, $52,000 Project details

Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler (ADCP) for water research. (2016) Watts, R., Baumgartner, L., Wassens, S., Hall, A. CSU RIBG Grant, $49,919

Complementary measures for native fish. Baumgartner, L. (2017) CSIRO/Murray-Darling Basin Authority. $33,000

Determining optimal design criteria for hydroelectric facilities in NSW and the Lower Mekong Basin. Boys, C.A., Baumgartner, L., Jones, M. (2012-2017) Australian Centre for Renewable Energy, Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research $790,000

Evidence-based scientific advice – Lasting environmental benefits of non-flow measures in the Murray Darling Basin. (2016) Baumgartner, L. Department of Agriculture & Water Resources (Fisheries & Forestry) $9090

Foundational activities for the Fish Theme of Environmental Water Knowledge and Research (EWKR). Baumgartner, L. (2016) MDRFC, $16,800

Recovery of native fish communities in the Murray-Darling Basin. Baumgartner, L. (2017) Fisheries Research and Development Corporation, $18,948.

Measuring Impacts of Lower Mekong Basin fish passage. Baumgartner, L. (2015) Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research. $1.84 M

Modelling the success of Australian Bass re-stocking. Suthers, Taylor, Baumgartner, L. (2008-2011) Australian Research Council. $210,000

Murray River Fishway Assessment Project. Baumgartner, L., Zampatti, B., Jones, M. (2002-2013) Murray Darling Basin. $5.8M

Transferring fish passage technology to the Lower Mekong and Murray-Darling Basins. Baumgartner, L. (2007-2015) Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research $1.83M

Internal grants

Enhancing the environmental sustainability of hydropower projects. Baumgartner, L., Robinson, W., Boys, C.  (2019-2020) CSU, $25,000.

Enhancing aquatic research capability at Albury/Wodonga campus. Baumgartner, L. (2019) CSU Research Infrastructure Support Scheme, $145,000