University of NSW marine biologists have begun their research project into the ecology of estuaries from Sydney down to Narooma, comparing polluted estuaries surrounded by industry and suburbia with "clean estuaries" in an effort to gauge the impact of humans on the waterways.

An Australian Research Council grant worth over $1.1 Million will allow the researchers study the effects of human impacts.

The grant was awarded to Dr Emma Johnston from the UNSW in partnership with Batemans Marine Park researchers Dr Melinda Coleman and Dr Brendan Kelaher. Chief investigator Dr Johnston said most estuaries were subject to a combination of stresses from industry, agriculture and urbanisation.

“What we’ll be looking at is how multiple stressors interact and ultimately affect biodiversity,” she said.

“This research will fill this knowledge gap and provide clear guidance for world’s best practise coastal management.”

The project is also in part funded by BHP and studies will focus on waters around heavy industry in Port Kembla, Sydney Harbour, Botany Bay, Port Hacking and Jervis Bay.

Closer to home, the Batemans Marine Park was providing assistance in the studies of the cleaner waters of the Clyde River and Wagonga inlet.

Batemans Marine Park manager Dr Brendan Kelaher said, “These estuaries will act as pristine reference sites to compare against more heavily disturbed estuaries in NSW such as Port Jackson and Botany Bay.”

“We are excited to be involved in this research which will not only provide funds for world-class research within the Batemans region, but also provide training for full-time PhD students and postdoctoral research fellows.”

Post doctoral fellow Dr Graeme Clark said Wagonga inlet was the "control" as its waters were the cleanest with relatively freshwater flowing in from the headwaters and a strong regular flushing.