About
Research in the Okavango Delta comprised two separate studies, the first (2005-2006) and the second (2008-2009). The key objective the aquatic biodiversity and water quality study was to examine zooplankton, macroinvertebrates and fish in the Delta; and to use this information to develop a monitoring programme for the Delta that would assist in its conservation and management. In particular the study (1) examined the spatial and temporal distribution of aquatic biota (phytoplankton, zooplankton, macroinvertebrates and fish) in relation to the seasonal flood regime in the Okavango Delta; (2) developed a set of water quality and biological criteria for the management of the Okavango Delta based on the aquatic biota; (3) developed a preliminary biotic index based on macroinvertebrates; (4) evaluated the current status of aquatic biodiversity in the Okavango Delta, in relation to water quality incorporating both quality and quantity because of future threats such as water abstraction; (5) developed a water quality and biomonitoring protocol for the Okavango Delta; and (6) contributed to the formulation of a conservation and management plan for the Okavango Delta and also initiate a long term monitoring regime.

Leading on from this research, the second study focused on (1) the development of a biomonitoring protocol for assessing ecosystem health of the Okavango Delta using macroinvertebrates; and (2) the development of local capacity for sustainable management of the Okavango Delta.

Status
Completed

Outputs

• Dallas HF and Mosepele B. 2007. A survey of the aquatic invertebrates of the Okavango Delta, Botswana. African Journal of Aquatic Science 32(1): 1-11.
• Dallas HF. 2009. Wetland monitoring using aquatic macroinvertebrates. Capacity Needs Assessment and Consultation Report. Report 2/2009, prepared for the Biokavango Project, Harry Oppenheimer Okavango Research Centre, University of Botswana. The Freshwater Consulting Group, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.
• Dallas HF. 2009. Wetland monitoring using aquatic macroinvertebrates. Training Report. Report 3/2009, prepared for the Biokavango Project, Harry Oppenheimer Okavango Research Centre, University of Botswana. The Freshwater Consulting Group, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.
• Dallas HF. 2009. Wetland monitoring using aquatic macroinvertebrates. Technical Report. Report 5/2009, Prepared for the Biokavango Project, Harry Oppenheimer Okavango Research Centre, University of Botswana. The Freshwater Consulting Group, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.
• Dallas HF. 2009. Wetland monitoring using aquatic macroinvertebrates. Summary Report. Report 5/2009, prepared for the Biokavango Project, Harry Oppenheimer Okavango Research Centre, University of Botswana. The Freshwater Consulting Group, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.
• Dallas H, Mosepele B, Mosepele K, Masamba W, Musindire H and Moleele N. 2007. Aquatic biodiversity and water quality of the Okavango Delta. Report to the Water Research Foundation of Southern Africa. Freshwater Research Unit, Department of Zoology, University of Cape Town, South Africa and Harry Oppenheimer Okavango Research Centre, University of Botswana, Botswana.
• Dallas HF and Mosepele B. 2020. Spatial variability of aquatic macroinvertebrate assemblages in the Okavango Delta, Botswana: considerations for developing a rapid bioassessment tool.  African Journal of Aquatic Science 45(3): 350-363.