Scientists, traditional owners, and community groups in Queensland have come together to carry out the most extensive survey of the Mary River ever. 

The survey, which involved paddling 200 km along the waterway by canoe, aims to put a true value on the river and help attract investment to protect it. 

The Mary River is home to a treasure trove of rare and endangered species, including the prehistoric Australian Lungfish and two species of freshwater turtles that breathe out of their bottoms. 

The river is becoming increasingly vulnerable to the damaging effects of floods due to two centuries of farming along the banks of the Mary that have removed much of the tree cover.

More details are accessible here.