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the worst droughts in recorded history, said to have been a result of "climate change", has lead to the river now experiencing either minimal or zero flow, particularly in the lower reaches of the river in South Australia. All irrigators are now experiencing limitations on water usage to a little as 1% of their normal allocation. Crop production has in some areas ceased and many are unable to keep their main crops alive. Food shortages are becoming a problem, with prices increasing along with a growing dependence on imported foods.

The lack of water is also affecting the natural conditions of this delicate ecosystem. The largest freshwater fish in Australia, the Murray Cod, which can often grow up to 100cms in length (with the largest being recorded at 183cms), are now a threatened species. The Lakes Alexandrina and Albert, at the end of the Murray River, have fallen by over a metre to less than 0.69 of a metre. These are shallow lakes and the fall in water level has exposed a large amount of the lakebed. As well as the fall in water level, the quality of the water has also fallen, with salinity levels rising to over 4,200 EC (electrical conductivity). This is 4 times higher than is acceptable for human consumption. This area has historically been a high dairy production area, but the lack of water has seen the demise of this industry in recent years.

Adjacent to the lakes is the world famous Coorong. The Coorong is a rare ecosystem of salt water, running from the mouth of the Murray River for about 140kms southwest parallel to the coast, separated from the Southern Ocean by sweeping sand-hills. Water evaporates from the Coorong, but the fresh water from the Murray has regularly replaced the evaporation. With the flow of fresh water ceasing over the recent year, the salinity level within the Coorong is now at 6 times that of the ocean. This area is a breeding ground for many native species, together with migratory bird that annually fly from parts of the Northern Hemisphere, including China and Mongolia. Many of these have ceased breeding due to the changing area, or have moved to other areas where they are more susceptible predators. Their numbers are falling and may soon be classified as endangered species. In addition to the problems caused by the loss of food supply, the loss of these various native species can have a significant effect on the environment. They do help maintain the natural balance of an area and also draw people to that area. Nature based

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