The Murray-Darling Basin is the largest and most complex river system in Australia, draining about one-seventh of the Australian landmass. The Murray River itself is the longest river in the country, flowing 2,508 kilometers. This basin is often called 'Australia's Food Bowl' because it accounts for about 40% of the nation's agricultural production, including cattle, sheep, and a wide variety of crops like wheat and grapes. However, the system is notoriously fickle; because Australia is so prone to drought and high evaporation, the river flow can vary wildly from year to year. Environmental management is a major political issue, as over-extraction for irrigation has led to increased salinity and the loss of native fish species like the Murray Cod. The basin also holds cultural significance for over 40 First Nations groups who have lived along these rivers for more than 50,000 years.