Riverine flow and spawning requirements of Macquaria ambigua oriens: implications for conservation and management
B. J. Cockayne A F , A. J. McDougall B , T. Espinoza B , K. R. Burndred A , C. L. Thrupp C , C. D. Broadfoot D and M. A. Finn E
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations
A Department of Natural Resources and Mines, 22–30 Wood Street, Mackay, Qld 4740, Australia.
B Department of Natural Resources and Mines, 16–32 Enterprise St, Bundaberg, Qld 4670, Australia.
C 5/88 Eagle Tce, Sandgate, Qld 4017, Australia.
D Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Fisheries Queensland, 16–32 Enterprise St, Bundaberg, Qld 4670, Australia.
E 7 Welsh St, Elliott Heads, Qld 4670, Australia.
F Corresponding author. Email: Bernie.Cockayne@dnrm.qld.gov.au
Marine and Freshwater Research 64(1) 42-53 https://doi.org/10.1071/MF12047
Submitted: 13 February 2012 Accepted: 11 October 2012 Published: 6 February 2013
Abstract
Understanding the life-history attributes of aquatic species is integral to the development of environmental-flow strategies in regulated river systems. This is particularly important when species are under continual and increasing pressure from water-resource development. In this study, the water temperature and flow requirements for spawning of the Fitzroy River golden perch (Macquaria ambigua oriens) were investigated over 4 years at 22 sites in the Fitzroy River catchment. Eggs, larvae and young-of-year (YOY) M. ambigua oriens were sampled on a variety of flow events to determine the environmental requirements for spawning. Eggs and larvae of M. ambigua oriens were detected during natural flow events generally with a minimum of 1.5 m river rise and duration of 7 days. Spawning was associated with the peak and/or recession of the first or second post-winter flow event where water temperatures exceeded 24°C. Our data suggests that it is important to protect a range of flows, not just flood flows, as previously documented for this species. The interaction of spawning flows with existing and future water-resource development should be considered to ensure maintenance of the population viability of M. ambigua oriens.
Additional keywords: environmental flows, Fitzroy River, golden perch, regulation, water-resource development, water temperature.
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