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Marine and Freshwater Research Marine and Freshwater Research Society
Advances in the aquatic sciences

Marine and Freshwater Research

Marine and Freshwater Research

Marine and Freshwater Research is a multidisciplinary journal publishing original research and reviews on all aquatic environments and subject areas. Read more about the journalMore

Editor-in-Chief: Max Finlayson

Publishing Model: Hybrid. Open Access options available.

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Latest

These articles are the latest published in the journal. Marine and Freshwater Research is published under a continuous publication model. More information is available on our Continuous Publication page.

Published online 20 December 2024

MF23210Male mating tactics and secondary sexual traits: insights from the Mediterranean killifish, Aphanius fasciatus

Luca Altavilla 0000-0001-7564-1839, Chiara Facca, Francesco Cavraro, Mirko Liuzzo 0000-0002-1686-7843 and Stefano Malavasi
 

Sexual selection drives the individual’s life history, leading to the development of alternative mating tactics or even bizarre sexual traits to maximise fitness. In this study, we investigated the mating behaviour and the role of a secondary sexual trait of the Mediterranean killifish (Aphanius fasciatus) highlighting its role as an excellent model for studying polyginandrous mating systems.

Manta rays and zebra sharks act as major drawcards for ecotourism businesses. Modelling was used to predict changes to migration patterns for these species at popular dive locations in New South Wales. These models indicated that seasonal migrations are likely to be altered by future ocean warming, potentially increasing opportunities to interact with these species by up to 4 months by mid-century.

Published online 20 December 2024

MF24103Unravelling pre-monsoon phytoplankton: pigment profiles and community structure in the western and central Bay of Bengal

Aswathy Vijaya Krishna 0000-0002-1003-8446, Anima Tirkey, Mini Raman, Syed Moosa Ali, Arvind Sahay and Arvind Singh
 

This paper is a first-hand attempt to explore the phytoplankton pigment composition and community structure during the pre-monsoon season (April) of 2019 in the yet underexplored regions of the Indian Ocean, i.e. western, and central Bay of Bengal. High-performance liquid chromatography derived marker pigments and pigment ratios, CHEMTAX analysis and microscopy were used to classify phytoplankton into various groups. The outcomes of the study could provide accurate baseline data for biogeochemical modelling of the ecosystem with better predictability.

Published online 19 December 2024

MF24159Effect assessment and policy optimisation of synergy between pollution and carbon reduction in the Yangtze River Delta, based on composite-system co-ordinating-degree model

Ersheng Fu 0009-0000-9195-4077, Yiting Chen, Yaguai Yu, Ruiyan Gao, Lu Fang, Taohan Ni, Zhaocheng Xu and Yiyang Lin 0009-0004-5178-4690
 

The inter-provincial panel data of China’s Yangtze River Delta from 2011 to 2020 were utilised, and quantitative analysis was conducted on the pollution- and carbon-reduction subsystem of the Yangtze River Delta on the basis of the composite-system co-ordinated-degree model, evaluating the order degree, internal co-ordinated degree, and composite-system co-ordinated degree, according to which we came to the relevant conclusions.

This article belongs to the collection: Ecological monitoring and assessment of freshwater ecosystems: new trends and future challenges.

The invasive wels catfish is spreading to many European waterbodies. The objective of the study was to investigate its life-history traits (growth and reproduction) for the first time in southern France. Culling was used to assess the key life-history traits, using sections of pectoral spines for age and growth estimations, and gonad macroscopic examination for the reproduction parameters. The life-history parameters (rapid growth, early maturation, high fecundity) showed a very high potential for adaptation and colonisation.

Published online 17 December 2024

MF24186Reproductive biology of African river prawn, Macrobrachium vollenhoveni (Herklots, 1857) in major watersheds in Benin (West Africa): a baseline approach for artisanal fisheries

Guillaume Koussovi 0000-0001-5021-9674, Arsène M. Houssou 0000-0002-1097-4277, Dogbè C. Adjahouinou, Farokh Niass, Laura López Greco, Marcelo U. García-Guerrero, Edilmar Cortés-Jacinto and Elie Montchowui
 

Macrobrachium vollenhoveni is a freshwater prawn native to Africa. Gonadal maturation begins in March, peaks in July, and spawning occurs from July to October, aligning with the rainy season. Females reach sexual maturity at a larger size than do males. The species is characterised by high fecundity.

Published online 17 December 2024

MF24207Aerial drones and recreational fish finders: evaluating a low-cost method for surveying fish aggregations

B. Scoulding 0000-0002-9358-736X, D. V. Fairclough, C. Devine, G. Jackson, P. Lewis, D. Waltrick 0000-0002-5436-4577, L. West, C. Skepper, J. Briggs, E. Lek, D. E. Yeoh, B. M. Crisafulli, E. A. Fisher, A. Denham, P. J. Mitchell and S. Gastauer
 

Fishing and industrial activities affect global fish populations. Cockburn Sound near Perth, Australia, a key spawning site for Chrysophrys auratus (pink snapper), faces risks from new shipping development. This study tests a cost-effective method using drones and fish finders to track these fish. The approach successfully mapped fish aggregations and could aid in evaluating environmental impacts and managing resources.

Published online 16 December 2024

MF24019Exploration of factors of algal seasonal blooms in a drinking-water source

Ailan Yan 0000-0002-9502-3330, Feilai Qian, Yande Li, Dongsheng Qian, Yongfei Chen and Dong Xu 0000-0002-9111-1245
 

Algal bloom is a global public environmental issue. Lakes and reservoirs are prone to algal blooms because of their relatively static water flow. In the drinking-water source reservoir with low concentrations of nitrogen and phosphorus, there will still be seasonal algal outbreaks, in which light intensity and temperature are important factors affecting algal growth.

This article belongs to the collection: Ecological monitoring and assessment of freshwater ecosystems: new trends and future challenges.

Published online 09 December 2024

MF23247The distribution and significance of stingray feeding pits in Quandamooka (Moreton Bay), Australia

Max L. Giaroli, Ilha Byrne, Ben L. Gilby 0000-0001-8642-9411, Matthew Taylor, Craig A. Chargulaf and Ian R. Tibbetts 0000-0002-1481-238X
 

We used aerial imagery to survey the distribution and abundance of intertidal pools created by stingrays in Quandamooka (Moreton Bay), Australia. These pools are nurseries for the juveniles of commercially important fish and prawns. Higher pool densities were found in areas with mangroves positioned in the high shore, indicating that these areas might be more important than others as nurseries.

The association of fish larvae and juveniles with aquatic macrophytes was investigated in a cascade of small hydroelectric power plants. We collected 29 taxa and used macrophyte banks for their initial development. We demonstrated that these habitats are important for the conservation and management of the local fish fauna, mainly because of the absence of typical nursery areas (tributary mouths, marginal lagoons).

This article belongs to the collection: Ecological monitoring and assessment of freshwater ecosystems: new trends and future challenges.

Published online 03 December 2024

MF24177Assessing climate-driven glacial retreat, snow-cover reduction and GLOF risks: implications for water resource management amid rising global temperatures and CO2

Muhammad Yahya, Uzma Noreen, Kotb A. Attia, Fariha Jabeen 0009-0007-2717-7147, Afifa Aslam, Navid Anjum, Asim Abbasi, , Syed Faizan Hassan Zaidi and
 

Glacier melting as a result of climate change poses a significant threat to global freshwater reserves. As glaciers retreat, regions dependent on glacier-fed rivers face risks of water scarcity, altered river flows and increased vulnerability to natural disasters. This study has highlighted the urgent need for climate-mitigation strategies to preserve freshwater resources and prevent widespread environmental and societal impacts.

Published online 02 December 2024

MF23230Connecting young people to Country through marine turtle conservation: exploring three case studies in Western Australia’s Pilbara region

Clodagh Guildea 0009-0005-7452-6106, Sabrina Fossette, Tristan Simpson, Sarah McDonald, Natasha Samuelraj, James Gee, Suzanne Wilson, Jane Hyland, Dimitrov Atanas, Susan Buzan, Julian Tan, Rebecca Mackin, Jason Rossendell and Scott Whiting
 

Oceans and marine turtles are facing many challenges. Collaboration and partnership between Traditional Custodians and conservation programs empower Aboriginal young people as future conservation leaders and are important to achieve long-term conservation goals. Three case studies explore the importance of partnerships in conservation, providing additional on-Country opportunities for young people, and enabling future pathways in the Pilbara, Western Australia.

This article belongs to the collection: Science in Sea Country.

Published online 02 December 2024

MF24227Hierarchical population genetic structure and signatures of adaptation in Lates calcarifer

Matthew A. Campbell 0000-0002-5826-0329 and Joy A. Becker
 

Asian sea bass, or barramundi, is a widespread fish widely propagated and highly sought after for food and recreation. We found that the Asian sea bass and barramundi lineage contains three main genetic lineages with numerous subdivisions, and that these divisions are linked to adaptive changes and may be considered evolutionarily significant. These findings indicate diversity within Asian sea bass and barramundi that may be useful for both conservation and exploitation.

Published online 29 November 2024

MF24193Murky waters running clearer? Monitoring, reporting and evaluation of the state of the Murray–Darling Basin after more than three decades of policy reform

Matthew J. Colloff 0000-0002-3765-0627, Kate Lanyon, Jamie Pittock 0000-0001-6293-996X, Milo Costanza-van den Belt, Sarah Wheeler 0000-0002-6073-3172, R. Quentin Grafton, John Williams, Fran Sheldon 0000-0001-9944-6392, Richard T. Kingsford 0000-0001-6565-4134, Gilad Bino 0000-0002-9265-4057, Luigi Renzullo and Bradley J. Moggridge
 

Rigorous monitoring and reporting helps determine the effectiveness of water reforms. The Murray–Darling Basin Plan is a major public policy reform intended to restore water to the environment. We present an independent assessment of the state of the Basin. For 27 indicators, we found that those for the environment were not met and the major benefits were economic, favouring irrigators.

Published online 29 November 2024

MF24116Assessment of humpback whale swimming speeds in two eastern Australian bays

H. Kela 0000-0003-2585-665X, J. de Bie 0000-0002-8371-4089, K. H. W. Paas 0000-0002-0524-2039, S. Stack, W. Franklin, T. Franklin and J.-O. Meynecke 0000-0002-4639-4055
 

Boat-based observations spanning 11 years were used to determine the swimming speed for resting whales in two bays off eastern Australia. Swimming speeds observed in both bays during southward migration were slower than those specified in literature. The effect of location on swimming speed was small, but the swimming speeds of pods with calves and pods without calves present were different in one bay. The importance of management of nearshore environments for effective protection of humpback whales, and the role of swim speeds for assessing humpback whale habitat use are highlighted.

Just Accepted

These articles have been peer reviewed and accepted for publication. They are still in production and have not been edited, so may differ from the final published form.

Most Read

The Most Read ranking is based on the number of downloads in the last 60 days from papers published on the CSIRO PUBLISHING website within the last 12 months. Usage statistics are updated daily.

Collections

Collections are a curation of articles relevant to a topical research area

Conservation efforts and restoration initiatives are crucial for improving biodiversity, ecological integrity, and ensuring the availability of clean water and other vital ecosystem services. This collection highlights the latest developments in these fields, as discussed at the 6th International Symposium on Water Pollution and Treatment 2023. The articles herein primarily concentrate on the sustainable enhancement of freshwater ecological system monitoring and assessment methods, the identification of indicator species, and the preservation of ecosystem services.

Collection Editor
Yong Xiao

Last Updated: 19 Dec 2024

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders have a long and enduring connection to Sea Country. The marine science community must actively embrace Indigenous knowledge and make space for it in our current publishing systems, as well as exploring new and innovative ways to share knowledge and encourage the next generation of Indigenous scientists. To that end, the Australian Marine Sciences Association presents this Collection focusing on ‘Science in Sea Country’.

Collection Editors
Alexandra Campbell, Mibu Fischer, Chris Frid, Mitchell Gibbs, Laura Parker and Rachel Przeslawski

Last Updated: 02 Dec 2024

Following the Basin Plan 2012, there has been a concerted effort from agencies and research institutions to manage and monitor flows and the environment in the Murray–Darling Basin. The Commonwealth Environmental Water Holder (CEWH) funded extensive research programs in the northern Murray–Darling Basin during the period of time following the Basin Plan's release. With the Basin Plan scheduled for renewal in the next few years after 2024, this collection is intended to provide a focused source of information of flow management related research in the northern Murray–Darling Basin. This collection will be a resource for the creators of the next Basin Plan and improve understanding of flow management more broadly in Australia and worldwide.

All papers in this collection are Open Access and the foreword by Southwell et al. is free to read.

Collection Editors
Paul Frazier, Sarah Mika, Neil Argent, Michael Peat, Sam Capon

Last Updated: 25 Oct 2024

The 10th INTECOL International Wetlands Conference, held in Changshu, China, in September 2016, offered a platform to review and explore advances in research on wetland biodiversity, functions and ecosystem services and management. Hosted by the INTECOL Wetland Working Group, this international forum was an opportune time for Asian marine and freshwater researchers to present their research. This Collection contains a selection of nine articles published in Marine and Freshwater Research that showcase the range of research being undertaken within China.

Collection Editor
CM Finlayson, (Editor, Marine and Freshwater Research)

Last Updated: 12 Sep 2016

Sharks and rays comprise an increasingly threatened group of aquatic predators. As the world’s shark and ray populations decline, improved conservation and management of these species is critical. Recognising that life history parameters form the basis for much of this research, we have compiled this ‘Shark and Ray Life History’ Collection of papers from Marine and Freshwater Research.

Last Updated: 13 Mar 2015

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Call for Papers

We are seeking contributions for the following Special Issues. More information

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We are looking for expressions of interest for the role of Editor-in-Chief, or joint Editors-in-Chief.

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