Register      Login
Marine and Freshwater Research Marine and Freshwater Research Society
Advances in the aquatic sciences
RESEARCH ARTICLE (Open Access)

Cold-water pollution impacts on two ‘warm-water’ riverine fish: interactions of dam size and life-history requirements

John D. Koehn https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0913-1133 A B * , Charles R. Todd https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0550-0349 A and Henry Wootton https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6506-0248 A
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations

A Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action, Arthur Rylah Institute for Environmental Research, PO Box 137, Heidelberg, Vic. 3084, Australia.

B Gulbali Institute for Agriculture, Water and Environment, Charles Sturt University, PO Box 789, Albury, NSW 2640, Australia.

* Correspondence to: john.koehn@delwp.vic.gov.au

Handling Editor: Michael Joy

Marine and Freshwater Research 74(13) 1154-1170 https://doi.org/10.1071/MF23023
Submitted: 2 February 2023  Accepted: 17 July 2023   Published: 9 August 2023

© 2023 The Author(s) (or their employer(s)). Published by CSIRO Publishing. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License (CC BY-NC-ND)

Abstract

Context: Temperature regulates most ecological processes in freshwater ecosystems. Anthropogenic changes to natural thermal regimes, especially cold water released from stratified impoundments (cold-water pollution, CWP), is a widespread and major threat to fish populations globally.

Aims: Because mitigation options for CWP are often expensive, we aimed to provide robust ecological evidence to inform expenditure.

Methods: We modelled population responses to CWP remediation for two warm-water fish species (Murray cod and golden perch) downstream of two impoundments (Copeton and Pindari dams) in the semi-arid northern Murray–Darling Basin, Australia.

Key results: Predicted populations of both species were severely affected by CWP at both sites; however, impacts were species- and site-specific. Effects were greater on golden perch than Murray cod because of their higher temperature requirements for spawning. Predicted spawning opportunities decreased by 77–100% for golden perch and by 38–92% for Murray cod. The larger Copeton Dam had greater impacts than did the smaller Pindari Dam.

Conclusions: Remediation of CWP can help restore populations and meeting the needs of golden perch may benefit a range of other species.

Implications: Globally, CWP is a serious threat to warm-water fishes that may compromise and even nullify other restoration efforts. However, restoration may be impeded by current low abundances, angler harvest and restrictions to fish passage.

Keywords: Australia, golden perch, Murray cod, Murray–Darling Basin, population modelling, river flows, river restoration, semi-arid rivers.


References

Acaba Z, Jones H, Preece R, Rish S, Ross D, Daly H (2000) The effects of large reservoirs on water temperature in three NSW rivers based on the analysis of historical data. Centre for Natural Resources, NSW Department of Land and Water Conservation, Sydney, NSW, Australia.

Agostinho, AA, Pelicice, FM, and Gomes, LC (2008). Dams and the fish fauna of the Neotropical region: impacts and management related to diversity and fisheries. Brazilian Journal of Biology 68, 1119–1132.
Dams and the fish fauna of the Neotropical region: impacts and management related to diversity and fisheries.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Aquatic Ecology Unit (2010) Environmental conditions and spawning of Golden Perch (Macquaria ambigua Richardson, 1845) in the Border Rivers. State of Queensland. Department of Environment and Resource Management, Toowoomba, Qld, Australia.

Arthington AH (2012) ‘Environmental flows: saving rivers in the third millenium.’ (University of California Press: Berkeley, CA, USA)

Astles KL, Winstanley RK, Harris JH, Gehrke PC (2003) Experimental study of the effects of cold water pollution on Native Fish, 44. NSW Fisheries Research Institute, Australia.

Baumgartner, LJ, Reynoldson, NK, Cameron, L, and Stanger, JG (2009). Effects of irrigation pumps on riverine fish. Fisheries Management and Ecology 16, 429–437.
Effects of irrigation pumps on riverine fish.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Baumgartner, L, Zampatti, B, Jones, M, Stuart, I, and Mallen-Cooper, M (2014). Fish passage in the Murray–Darling Basin, Australia: not just an upstream battle. Ecological Management & Restoration 15, 28–39.
Fish passage in the Murray–Darling Basin, Australia: not just an upstream battle.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Baumgartner, LJ, Gell, P, Thiem, JD, Finlayson, CM, and Ning, N (2020). Ten complementary measures to assist with environmental watering programs in the Murray–Darling river system, Australia. River Research and Applications 36, 645–655.
Ten complementary measures to assist with environmental watering programs in the Murray–Darling river system, Australia.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Beitinger, TL, Bennett, WA, and McCauley, RW (2000). Temperature tolerances of north American freshwater fishes exposed to dynamic changes in temperature. Environmental Biology of Fishes 58, 237–275.
Temperature tolerances of north American freshwater fishes exposed to dynamic changes in temperature.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Boys C, Miles N, Rayner T (2009) Scoping options for the ecological assessment of cold water pollution mitigation downstream of Keepit Dam, Namoi River. Murray–Darling Basin Commission, NSW Department of Primary Industries, MDBA, Canberra, ACT, Australia.

Brett, JR (1971). Energetic responses of salmon to temperature. A study of some thermal relations in the physiology and freshwater ecology of sockeye salmon (Oncorhynchus nerkd). American Zoologist 11, 99–113.
Energetic responses of salmon to temperature. A study of some thermal relations in the physiology and freshwater ecology of sockeye salmon (Oncorhynchus nerkd).Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Burgman MA, Ferson S, Akçakaya HR (1993) ‘Risk assessment in conservation biology.’ (Chapman and Hall: London, UK)

Cadwallader, PL (1979). Distribution of native and introduced fish in the Seven Creeks River system, Victoria. Australian Journal of Ecology 4, 361–385.
Distribution of native and introduced fish in the Seven Creeks River system, Victoria.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Caissie, D (2006). The thermal regime of rivers: a review. Freshwater Biology 51, 1389–1406.
The thermal regime of rivers: a review.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Chandesris, A, Van Looy, K, Diamond, JS, and Souchon, Y (2019). Small dams alter thermal regimes of downstream water. Hydrology and Earth System Sciences 23, 4509–4525.
Small dams alter thermal regimes of downstream water.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Childs, MR, and Clarkson, RW (1996). Temperature effects on swimming performance of larval and juvenile Colorado squawfish: implications for survival and species recovery. Transactions of the American Fisheries Society 125, 940–947.
Temperature effects on swimming performance of larval and juvenile Colorado squawfish: implications for survival and species recovery.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Clarkson, RW, and Childs, MR (2000). Temperature effects of hypolimnial-release dams on early life stages of Colorado River Basin big-river fishes. Copeia 2000, 402–412.

Comte, L, and Olden, JD (2017). Evolutionary and environmental determinants of freshwater fish thermal tolerance and plasticity. Global Change Biology 23, 728–736.
Evolutionary and environmental determinants of freshwater fish thermal tolerance and plasticity.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Cooke, SJ, Paukert, C, and Hogan, Z (2012). Endangered river fish: factors hindering conservation and restoration. Endangered Species Research 17, 179–191.
Endangered river fish: factors hindering conservation and restoration.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Coutant, CC (1977). Compilation of temperature preference data. Journal of the Fisheries Board of Canada 34, 739–745.
Compilation of temperature preference data.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Domagala, J, Kirczuk, L, and Pilecka-Rapacz, M (2013). Annual development cycle of gonads of Eurasian ruffe (Gymnocephalus cernuus L.) females from lower Odra River sections differing in the influence of cooling water. Journal of Freshwater Ecology 28, 423–437.
Annual development cycle of gonads of Eurasian ruffe (Gymnocephalus cernuus L.) females from lower Odra River sections differing in the influence of cooling water.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Du Xiaohu, LY (2009). Analysis of design and operation of selective withdrawal modifications of Hungry Horse Dam. Water Power 4, 007.

Dudgeon, D, Arthington, AH, Gessner, MO, Kawabata, Z-I, Knowler, DJ, Lévêque, C, Naiman, RJ, Prieur-Richard, A-H, Soto, D, Stiassny, MLJ, and Sullivan, CA (2006). Freshwater biodiversity: importance, threats, status and conservation challenges. Biological Reviews of the Cambridge Philosophical Society 81, 163–182.
Freshwater biodiversity: importance, threats, status and conservation challenges.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Fernández-Montero, A, Caballero, MJ, Torrecillas, S, Tuset, VM, Lombarte, A, Ginés, RR, Izquierdo, M, Robaina, L, and Montero, D (2018). Effect of temperature on growth performance of greater amberjack (Seriola dumerili Risso, 1810) juveniles. Aquaculture Research 49, 908–918.
Effect of temperature on growth performance of greater amberjack (Seriola dumerili Risso, 1810) juveniles.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Forbes, JP, Watts, RJ, Robinson, WA, Baumgartner, LJ, Steffe, AS, and Murphy, JJ (2015). Recreational fishing effort, catch, and harvest for Murray cod and Golden perch in the Murrumbidgee River, Australia. North American Journal of Fisheries Management 35, 649–658.
Recreational fishing effort, catch, and harvest for Murray cod and Golden perch in the Murrumbidgee River, Australia.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Fuhrman, AE, Larsen, DA, Steel, EA, Young, G, and Beckman, BR (2018). Chinook salmon emergence phenotypes: describing the relationships between temperature, emergence timing and condition factor in a reaction norm framework. Ecology of Freshwater Fish 27, 350–362.
Chinook salmon emergence phenotypes: describing the relationships between temperature, emergence timing and condition factor in a reaction norm framework.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Gray, R, Jones, HA, Hitchcock, JN, Hardwick, L, Pepper, D, Lugg, A, Seymour, JR, and Mitrovic, SM (2019). Mitigation of cold-water thermal pollution downstream of a large dam with the use of a novel thermal curtain. River Research and Applications 35, 855–866.
Mitigation of cold-water thermal pollution downstream of a large dam with the use of a novel thermal curtain.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Grill, G, Lehner, B, Thieme, M, Geenen, B, Tickner, D, Antonelli, F, Babu, S, Borrelli, P, Cheng, L, Crochetiere, H, Ehalt Macedo, H, Filgueiras, R, Goichot, M, Higgins, J, Hogan, Z, Lip, B, McClain, ME, Meng, J, Mulligan, M, Nilsson, C, Olden, JD, Opperman, JJ, Petry, P, Reidy Liermann, C, Sáenz, L, Salinas-Rodríguez, S, Schelle, P, Schmitt, RJP, Snider, J, Tan, F, Tockner, K, Valdujo, PH, van Soesbergen, A, and Zarfl, C (2019). Mapping the world’s free-flowing rivers. Nature 569, 215–221.
Mapping the world’s free-flowing rivers.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

He, W, Lian, J, Yao, Y, Wu, M, and Ma, C (2017). Modeling the effect of temperature-control curtain on the thermal structure in a deep stratified reservoir. Journal of Environmental Management 202, 106–116.
Modeling the effect of temperature-control curtain on the thermal structure in a deep stratified reservoir.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

He, W, Lian, J, Du, H, and Ma, C (2018). Source tracking and temperature prediction of discharged water in a deep reservoir based on a 3-D hydro-thermal-tracer model. Journal of Hydro-environment Research 20, 9–21.
Source tracking and temperature prediction of discharged water in a deep reservoir based on a 3-D hydro-thermal-tracer model.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Johnston, IA, and Dunn, J (1987). Temperature acclimation and metabolism in ectotherms with particular reference to teleost fish. Symposia of the Society for Experimental Biology 41, 67–93.

Koehn, JD (2009a). Using radio telemetry to evaluate the depths inhabited by Murray cod (Maccullochella peelii peelii). Marine and Freshwater Research 60, 317–320.
Using radio telemetry to evaluate the depths inhabited by Murray cod (Maccullochella peelii peelii).Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Koehn, JD (2009b). Multi-scale habitat selection by Murray cod Maccullochella peelii peelii in two lowland rivers. Journal of Fish Biology 75, 113–129.
Multi-scale habitat selection by Murray cod Maccullochella peelii peelii in two lowland rivers.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Koehn, JD, and Harrington, DJ (2005). Collection and distribution of the early life stages of the Murray cod (Maccullochella peelii peelii) in a regulated river. Australian Journal of Zoology 53, 137–144.
Collection and distribution of the early life stages of the Murray cod (Maccullochella peelii peelii) in a regulated river.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Koehn, JD, and Harrington, DJ (2006). Environmental conditions and timing for the spawning of Murray cod (Maccullochella peelii peelii) and the endangered trout cod (M. macquariensis) in southeastern Australian rivers. River Research and Applications 22, 327–342.
Environmental conditions and timing for the spawning of Murray cod (Maccullochella peelii peelii) and the endangered trout cod (M. macquariensis) in southeastern Australian rivers.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Koehn, JD, and Lintermans, M (2012). A strategy to rehabilitate fishes of the Murray–Darling Basin, south-eastern Australia. Endangered Species Research 16, 165–181.
A strategy to rehabilitate fishes of the Murray–Darling Basin, south-eastern Australia.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Koehn, JD, and Nicol, SJ (2014). Comparative habitat use by large riverine fishes. Marine and Freshwater Research 65, 164–174.
Comparative habitat use by large riverine fishes.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Koehn, JD, and Nicol, SJ (2016). Comparative movements of four large fish species in a lowland river. Journal of Fish Biology 88, 1350–1368.
Comparative movements of four large fish species in a lowland river.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Koehn, JD, and Todd, CR (2012). Balancing conservation and recreational fishery objectives for a threatened fish species, the Murray Cod, Maccullochella peelii. Fisheries Management and Ecology 19, 410–425.
Balancing conservation and recreational fishery objectives for a threatened fish species, the Murray Cod, Maccullochella peelii.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Koehn JD, Doeg TJ, Harrington DJ, Milledge GA (1995) The effects of Dartmouth Dam on the aquatic fauna of the Mitta Mitta River. Report to the Murray–Darling Basin Commission. Arthur Rylah Institute for Environmental Research, Melbourne, Vic., Australia.

Koehn, JD, McKenzie, JA, O’Mahony, DJ, Nicol, SJ, O’Connor, JP, and O’Connor, WG (2009). Movements of Murray cod (Maccullochella peelii peelii) in a large Australian lowland river. Ecology of Freshwater Fish 18, 594–602.
Movements of Murray cod (Maccullochella peelii peelii) in a large Australian lowland river.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Koehn, JD, Balcombe, SR, and Zampatti, BP (2019). Fish and flow management in the Murray–Darling Basin: directions for research. Ecological Management & Restoration 20, 142–150.
Fish and flow management in the Murray–Darling Basin: directions for research.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Koehn, JD, Raymond, SM, Stuart, I, Todd, CR, Balcombe, SR, Zampatti, BP, Bamford, H, Ingram, BA, Bice, CM, Burndred, K, Butler, G, Baumgartner, L, Clunie, P, Ellis, I, Forbes, JP, Hutchison, M, Koster, WM, Lintermans, M, Lyon, JP, Mallen-Cooper, M, McLellan, M, Pearce, L, Ryall, J, Sharpe, C, Stoessel, DJ, Thiem, JD, Tonkin, Z, Townsend, A, and Ye, Q (2020a). A compendium of ecological knowledge for restoration of freshwater fishes in Australia’s Murray–Darling Basin. Marine and Freshwater Research 71, 1391–1463.
A compendium of ecological knowledge for restoration of freshwater fishes in Australia’s Murray–Darling Basin.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Koehn, JD, Balcombe, SR, Baumgartner, LJ, Bice, CM, Burndred, K, Ellis, I, Koster, WM, Lintermans, M, Pearce, L, Sharpe, C, Stuart, I, and Todd, CR (2020b). What is needed to restore native fishes in Australia’s Murray–Darling Basin? Marine and Freshwater Research 71, 1464–1468.
What is needed to restore native fishes in Australia’s Murray–Darling Basin?Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Lehner, B, Liermann, CR, Revenga, C, Vörösmarty, C, Fekete, B, Crouzet, P, Döll, P, Endejan, M, Frenken, K, Magome, J, Nilsson, C, Robertson, JC, Rödel, R, Sindorf, N, and Wisser, D (2011). High-resolution mapping of the world’s reservoirs and dams for sustainable river-flow management. Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment 9, 494–502.
High-resolution mapping of the world’s reservoirs and dams for sustainable river-flow management.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Lugg, A, and Copeland, C (2014). Review of cold water pollution in the Murray–Darling Basin and the impacts on fish communities. Ecological Management & Restoration 15, 71–79.
Review of cold water pollution in the Murray–Darling Basin and the impacts on fish communities.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Lyon, JP, Ryan, TJ, and Scroggie, MP (2008). Effects of temperature on the fast-start swimming performance of an Australian freshwater fish. Ecology of Freshwater Fish 17, 184–188.
Effects of temperature on the fast-start swimming performance of an Australian freshwater fish.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Mejia, FH, Torgersen, CE, Berntsen, EK, Maroney, JR, Connor, JM, Fullerton, AH, Ebersole, JL, and Lorang, MS (2020). Longitudinal, lateral, vertical, and temporal thermal heterogeneity in a large impounded river: implications for cold-water refuges. Remote Sensing 12, 1386.
Longitudinal, lateral, vertical, and temporal thermal heterogeneity in a large impounded river: implications for cold-water refuges.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Miara, A, Vörösmarty, CJ, Macknick, JE, Tidwell, VC, Fekete, B, Corsi, F, and Newmark, R (2018). Thermal pollution impacts on rivers and power supply in the Mississippi River watershed. Environmental Research Letters 13, 034033.
Thermal pollution impacts on rivers and power supply in the Mississippi River watershed.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Michie, LE, Thiem, JD, Boys, CA, and Mitrovic, SM (2020a). The effects of cold shock on freshwater fish larvae and early-stage juveniles: implications for river management. Conservation Physiology 8, coaa092.
The effects of cold shock on freshwater fish larvae and early-stage juveniles: implications for river management.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Michie, LE, Hitchcock, JN, Thiem, JD, Boys, CA, and Mitrovic, SM (2020b). The effect of varied dam release mechanisms and storage volume on downstream river thermal regimes. Limnologica 81, 125760.
The effect of varied dam release mechanisms and storage volume on downstream river thermal regimes.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Michie, LE, Thiem, JD, Facey, JA, Boys, CA, Crook, DA, and Mitrovic, SM (2020c). Effects of suboptimal temperatures on larval and juvenile development and otolith morphology in three freshwater fishes: implications for cold water pollution in rivers. Environmental Biology of Fishes 103, 1527–1540.
Effects of suboptimal temperatures on larval and juvenile development and otolith morphology in three freshwater fishes: implications for cold water pollution in rivers.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Murray–Darling Basin Authority (2011) Delivering a healthy working basin. About the draft basin plan. MDBA publication number 65/10. (MDBA: Canberra, ACT, Australia) Available at https://www.mdba.gov.au/sites/default/files/publications/delivering-a-healthy-working-basin.pdf [Verified 16 April 2020]

Murray–Darling Basin Authority (2013) Preliminary overview of constraints to environmental water delivery in the Murray–Darling Basin. Technical Support Document. Publication Number 14/13. (MDBA: Canberra, ACT, Australia) Available at https://www.mdba.gov.au/sites/default/files/publications/mdbaconstraintsoverview-20130703.pdf

Murray–Darling Basin Authority (2020) Native fish recovery strategy. Working together for the future of native fish. (MDBA: Canberra, ACT, Australia) Available at https://www.mdba.gov.au/sites/default/files/publications/native-fish-recovery-strategy-brochure.pdf [Verified 28 July 2023]

Murray–Darling Basin Ministerial Council (2004) Native fish strategy for the Murray–Darling Basin 2003–2013. (MDBMC: Canberra, ACT, Australia) Available at https://www.fish.gov.au/Archived-Reports/2014/Documents/2014_refs/MDBC%202004%20Native%20fish%20strategy%20for%20the%20Murray-Darling%20Basin%202003-2013.pdf

Nicol S, Todd C, Koehn J, Lieschke J (2005) How can recreational angling regulations help meet the multiple objectives for the management of Murray cod populations? In ‘Management of Murray Cod in the Murray–Darling Basin: statement, recommendations and supporting papers’, 3–4 June 2004, Canberra, ACT, Australia. (Eds M Lintermans, B Phillips) MDBC Publication Number 22/05, pp. 98–106. (Murray–Darling Basin Commission and Cooperative Research Centre for Freshwater Ecology: Canberra, ACT, Australia)

Nozzi, N, and Stelzer, RS (2021). Responses of fish communities to longitudinal thermal gradients in coldwater, lake outflow streams. Environmental Biology of Fishes 104, 1235–1249.
Responses of fish communities to longitudinal thermal gradients in coldwater, lake outflow streams.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Olden, JD, and Naiman, RJ (2010). Incorporating thermal regimes into environmental flows assessments: modifying dam operations to restore freshwater ecosystem integrity. Freshwater Biology 55, 86–107.
Incorporating thermal regimes into environmental flows assessments: modifying dam operations to restore freshwater ecosystem integrity.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

O’Connor, JP, O’Mahony, DJ, and O’Mahony, JM (2005). Movements of Macquaria ambigua, in the Murray River, south-eastern Australia. Journal of Fish Biology 66, 392–403.
Movements of Macquaria ambigua, in the Murray River, south-eastern Australia.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Preece RM (2004) ‘Cold water pollution below dams in New South Wales: a desktop assessment.’ (NSW Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Natural Resources: Sydney, NSW, Australia)

Preece, RM, and Jones, HA (2002). The effect of Keepit Dam on the temperature regime of the Namoi River, Australia. Rivers Research and Applications 18, 397–414.
The effect of Keepit Dam on the temperature regime of the Namoi River, Australia.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Raymond, S, Ryall, J, Koehn, J, Fanson, B, Hill, S, Stoessel, D, Tonkin, Z, Sharley, J, Todd, C, Campbell, A, Lyon, J, Turner, M, and Ingram, B (2022). Larval fish sensitivity to a simulated cold-water pulse varies between species and age. Journal of Limnology 81, 2056.
Larval fish sensitivity to a simulated cold-water pulse varies between species and age.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Rish S, Preece R, Dudgeon S (2000) Status of temperature management capabilities at water storages operated by DLWC. Centre for Natural Resources, NSW Department of Land and Water Conservation, Armidale, NSW, Australia.

Rodgers, EM, Todgham, AE, Connon, RE, and Fangue, NA (2019). Stressor interactions in freshwater habitats: effects of cold water exposure and food limitation on early-life growth and upper thermal tolerance in white sturgeon, Acipenser transmontanus. Freshwater Biology 64, 348–358.
Stressor interactions in freshwater habitats: effects of cold water exposure and food limitation on early-life growth and upper thermal tolerance in white sturgeon, Acipenser transmontanus.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Roessig, JM, Woodley, CM, Cech, JJ, and Hansen, LJ (2004). Effects of global climate change on marine and estuarine fishes and fisheries. Reviews in Fish Biology and Fisheries 14, 251–275.
Effects of global climate change on marine and estuarine fishes and fisheries.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Ryan T, Webb A, Lennie R, Lyon J (2001) Status of cold water releases from Victorian dams. Department of Natural Resources and Environment, Victoria, Melbourne.

Sharpe CP (2011) Spawning and recruitment ecology of Golden Perch (Macquaria ambigua Richardson 1845) in the Murray and Darling Rivers. PhD thesis, Griffith University, Nathan, Qld, Australia.

Sherman BS (2000) Scoping options for mitigating cold water discharges from Dams. Consultancy Report 00/21, CSIRO Land and Water, Canberra, ACT, Australia.

Sherman, B, Todd, CR, Koehn, JD, and Ryan, T (2007). Modelling the impact and potential mitigation of cold water pollution on Murray cod populations downstream of Hume Dam, Australia. Rivers Research and Applications 23, 377–389.
Modelling the impact and potential mitigation of cold water pollution on Murray cod populations downstream of Hume Dam, Australia.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Slavik O, Bartos L, (1997) Effect of water temperature and pollution on young-of-the-year fishes in the regulated stretch of the River Vltava, Czech Republic. Folia Zoologica-UZPI, Czech Republic.

Stoffels, RJ, Weatherman, KE, Bond, NR, Morrongiello, JR, Thiem, JD, Butler, G, Koster, W, Kopf, RK, McCasker, N, Ye, Q, Zampatti, B, and Broadhurst, B (2020). Stage-dependent effects of river flow and temperature regimes on the growth dynamics of an apex predator. Global Change Biology 26, 6880–6894.
Stage-dependent effects of river flow and temperature regimes on the growth dynamics of an apex predator.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Stuart, IG, and Sharpe, CP (2020). Riverine spawning, long distance larval drift, and floodplain recruitment of a pelagophilic fish: a case study of golden perch (Macquaria ambigua) in the arid Darling River, Australia. Aquatic Conservation: Marine and Freshwater Ecosystems 30, 675–690.
Riverine spawning, long distance larval drift, and floodplain recruitment of a pelagophilic fish: a case study of golden perch (Macquaria ambigua) in the arid Darling River, Australia.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Todd C, Koehn J (2007) Modelling management scenarios for Murray cod populations in the Mullaroo Creek. Report for the Mallee Catchment Management Authority, Victoria. Arthur Rylah Institute for Environmental Research, Melbourne, Vic., Australia.

Todd, CR, Ryan, T, Nicol, SJ, and Bearlin, AR (2005). The impact of cold water releases on the critical period of post-spawning survival and its implications for Murray cod (Maccullochella peelii peelii): a case study of the Mitta Mitta River, southeastern Australia. River Research and Applications 21, 1035–1052.
The impact of cold water releases on the critical period of post-spawning survival and its implications for Murray cod (Maccullochella peelii peelii): a case study of the Mitta Mitta River, southeastern Australia.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Todd, CR, Koehn, JD, Pearce, L, Dodd, L, Humphries, P, and Morrongiello, JR (2017). Forgotten fishes: what is the future for small threatened freshwater fish? Population risk assessment for southern pygmy perch, Nannoperca australis. Aquatic Conservation: Marine and Freshwater Ecosystems 27, 1290–1300.
Forgotten fishes: what is the future for small threatened freshwater fish? Population risk assessment for southern pygmy perch, Nannoperca australis.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Todd C, Wootton H, Koehn J, Stuart I, Hale R, Fanson B, Sharpe C, Thiem J (2022) Population modelling of native fish outcomes for the Reconnecting River Country Program: Golden Perch and Murray Cod. Final report for the NSW Department of Planning and Environment, Reconnecting River Country Program. Arthur Rylah Institute for Environmental Research, Technical Report Series Number 341, Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning, Melbourne, Vic., Australia.

Tonkin, Z, Stuart, I, Kitchingman, A, Thiem, JD, Zampatti, B, Hackett, G, Koster, W, Koehn, J, Morrongiello, J, Mallen-Cooper, M, and Lyon, J (2019). Hydrology and water temperature influence recruitment dynamics of the threatened silver perch Bidyanus bidyanus in a regulated lowland river. Marine and Freshwater Research 70, 1333–1344.
Hydrology and water temperature influence recruitment dynamics of the threatened silver perch Bidyanus bidyanus in a regulated lowland river.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Tonkin, Z, Koehn, J, Commens, S, Hackett, G, Harris, A, Kitchingman, A, Lyon, J, Moloney, P, Todd, C, and Woodhead, J (2023). Using multiple lines of evidence to assess recovery potential of a warm water fish population in a cold water impacted river. Frontiers in Conservation Science 4, 1103256.
Using multiple lines of evidence to assess recovery potential of a warm water fish population in a cold water impacted river.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Trip, EDL, Clements, KD, Raubenheimer, D, and Choat, JH (2014). Temperature-related variation in growth rate, size, maturation and life span in a marine herbivorous fish over a latitudinal gradient. Journal of Animal Ecology 83, 866–875.
Temperature-related variation in growth rate, size, maturation and life span in a marine herbivorous fish over a latitudinal gradient.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Weber, M, Rinke, K, Hipsey, MR, and Boehrer, B (2017). Optimizing withdrawal from drinking water reservoirs to reduce downstream temperature pollution and reservoir hypoxia. Journal of Environmental Management 197, 96–105.
Optimizing withdrawal from drinking water reservoirs to reduce downstream temperature pollution and reservoir hypoxia.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Whiterod, NS (2013). The swimming capacity of juvenile Murray cod (Maccullochella peelii): an ambush predator endemic to the Murray–Darling Basin, Australia. Ecology of Freshwater Fish 22, 117–126.
The swimming capacity of juvenile Murray cod (Maccullochella peelii): an ambush predator endemic to the Murray–Darling Basin, Australia.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Whiterod, NS, Meredith, SN, Humphries, P, Sherman, BS, Koehn, JD, Watts, RJ, Ingram, BA, and Ryan, T (2018). Flow alteration and thermal pollution depress modelled growth rates of an iconic riverine fish, the Murray cod Maccullochella peelii. Ecology of Freshwater Fish 27, 686–698.
Flow alteration and thermal pollution depress modelled growth rates of an iconic riverine fish, the Murray cod Maccullochella peelii.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Wu, SY, Cao, W, Wang, HM, Sun, SK, and Chen, QW (2011). Research on the multi-level intake water temperature effect of the Yalong River Jinping-I hydropower project. Science China Technological Sciences 54, 125–132.
Research on the multi-level intake water temperature effect of the Yalong River Jinping-I hydropower project.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Zampatti BP, Strawbridge A, Thiem J,Tonkin Z, Mass R,Woodhead J, Fredberg J (2018) Golden perch (Macquaria ambigua) and silver perch (Bidyanus bidyanus) age demographics, natal origin and migration history in the River Murray, Australia. SARDI Publication Number F2018/000116-1, SARDI Research Report Series Number 993, South Australian Research and Development Institute (Aquatic Sciences), Adelaide, SA, Australia.

Zarri, LJ, Danner, EM, Daniels, ME, and Palkovacs, EP (2019). Managing hydropower dam releases for water users and imperiled fishes with contrasting thermal habitat requirements. Journal of Applied Ecology 56, 2423–2430.
Managing hydropower dam releases for water users and imperiled fishes with contrasting thermal habitat requirements.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |