John Conallin

John Conallin is a researcher at the Dr Gulbali Research Institute, Charles Sturt University, specializing in freshwater fisheries, environmental flows, and natural resource management. He leads research in Southeast Asia, focusing on migratory fish in the Mekong and Ayeyarwady basins, fish passage infrastructure, and institutionalizing environmental flows in developing countries. His work emphasizes capacity development through research, integrating social-ecological values into decision-making.

• PhD in Natural Sciences, Roskilde University (2009)
• MSc in International Environmental Policy, Roskilde University (2005)
• BSc in Environmental Management and Ecology, La Trobe University (1998)

His research interests include fisheries management, adaptive management, environmental flows, fish passage, and socio-institutional aspects of water governance. He applies a social-ecological systems approach to support sustainable river basin planning and community-based natural resource management. His work is closely aligned with UN Sustainable Development Goals related to water, food security, and sustainable ecosystems.

John's recent publications reflect a strong trend in applied environmental research, particularly in river connectivity, fish migration, and stakeholder engagement in Southeast Asia. His work combines field research, policy analysis, and capacity building, often involving collaboration with NGOs, governments, and local communities. Themes include citizen science, institutional frameworks for e-flows, and human dimensions of infrastructure development.

• Provision of advice for the Snowy 2.0 Threatened Fish Management Plan – Stocky galaxias component (2021, Unsuccessful Grant)

John has contributed to significant research grants and policy initiatives, particularly through ACIAR and UNESCO-IHE collaborations. He advises on threatened species management and river restoration, often working with interdisciplinary teams. His external roles include consultancy and coordination in natural resource management and monitoring & evaluation. He actively participates in public outreach, including webinars and media engagements, to promote sustainable fisheries and water management.

He is affiliated with the Inland Fisheries Research Group at the Dr Gulbali Research Institute, where he collaborates on projects related to river connectivity, fish passage, and community-based monitoring. His team works closely with partners in Myanmar, Australia, and international organizations to advance evidence-based water and fisheries policies.