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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

Editors-in-Chief: Shokoofeh Shamsi and Vinicius Farjalla

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 31 March 2025

MF25007Phylogeography of the freshwater glassfishes (Ambassidae) of eastern Australia: cryptic species and hybrid zones

Peter J. Unmack 0000-0003-1175-1152, Michael P. Hammer, Rachael K. Remington, Jerald B. Johnson and Mark Adams
 

Australian freshwater glassfishes are difficult to identify and have a confusing history, with changing species names and distributions. We examined the eastern Australian species Ambassis agassizii to clarify its taxonomy and distribution. Detailed genetic analyses identified two species within A. agassizii and found complex patterns of interbreeding with species from surrounding river basins along with intricate and often unique biogeographic patterns.

MF25007 Abstract  |  MF25007 Full Text  | MF25007PDF (2 MB)  | MF25007Supplementary Material (476 KB)   Open Access Article

Published online 24 March 2025

MF24149A review of urchin barrens and the longspined sea urchin (Centrostephanus rodgersii) in New South Wales, Australia

Rachel Przeslawski 0000-0003-0269-3755, Rowan C. Chick 0000-0002-9397-6664, Tom Davis 0000-0003-0199-2024, Jeremy K. Day, Tim M. Glasby, Nathan Knott 0000-0002-7873-0412 and Maria Byrne
 

This review indicates that the presence, persistence and role of barrens and the longspined sea urchin (Centrostephanus rodgersii) seem unique in New South Wales, south-eastern Australia, and likely warrant unique management strategies between the north and far south of the state and among neighbouring jurisdictions as the species shifts its distribution.

MF24149 Abstract  |  MF24149 Full Text  | MF24149PDF (2.1 MB)  | MF24149Supplementary Material (1 MB)   Open Access Article

Published online 21 March 2025

MF24264Evaluating management effectiveness of the Moulouya River Estuary Ramsar Site in Morocco: an application of the R-METT tool and implications for conservation

Toufik Ouagga 0009-0003-9400-655X and Nargis Sahib
 

The evaluation of the management effectiveness of the Moulouya River Estuary in north-eastern Morocco, by using the Ramsar Management Effectiveness Tracking Tool (R-METT), has shown that management effectiveness of this site of biological and ecological interest (SIBE) is inadequate, requiring significant government conservation intervention with the support of conservation partners.

MF24264 Abstract  | PDF (1.6 MB) - $35.00   | MF24264Supplementary Material (476 KB)
Published online 20 March 2025

MF24205A consistent vegetation classification for wetland conservation and management in the Murray–Darling Basin, Australia

Yiwen Chen 0000-0002-2090-6788, Matthew J Colloff 0000-0002-3765-0627, Michael D Doherty and Jamie Pittock 0000-0001-6293-996X
 

We provide a basin-wide wetland vegetation classification that is simple, consistent, and reproducible, to support wetland conservation in the Murray–Darling Basin. We mapped the extent and distribution of wetland vegetation using ArcGIS Pro. We found that very few wetlands are recognised as protected areas and are unlikely to be managed through environmental flows.

MF24205 Abstract  |  MF24205 Full Text  | MF24205PDF (2.2 MB)  | MF24205Supplementary Material (550 KB)   Open Access Article

Published online 20 March 2025

MF24247Indigenous Ecological Knowledge of marine and freshwater organisms and ecosystems on Sea Country: from past absences to future inclusion

Mitchell C. Gibbs, Raphaela S. Rotolo-Ross, Laura M. Parker, Elliot Scanes, James Gibbs and Pauline M. Ross 0000-0002-8714-5194
 

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples of Australia have lived on Sea Country for greater than 60,000 years. It is important that the ‘ecological’ in Indigenous Knowledge is prioritised in marine and freshwater research to repair, restore and sustain marine and freshwater organisms and ecosystems on Sea Country.

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

MF24247 Abstract  |  MF24247 Full Text  | MF24247PDF (317 KB)   Open Access Article

Published online 19 March 2025

MF24210Drought management for long-term water sustainability and resilience

Shan-e-hyder Soomro 0000-0003-1708-8451, Muhammad Waseem Boota 0000-0003-0770-0715, Jiali Guo, Yinghai Li, Hui Qin, Monir Ahmad Meahrayen, Caihong Hu, Jiahui Gu and Jijun Chen
 

The global water crisis, driven by unsustainable resource consumption, exacerbates drought severity and water scarcity. This assessment emphasises the utility of drought indices for evaluating regional vulnerability and monitoring patterns. It critiques large-scale engineering interventions, advocating for sustainable, nature-based management strategies. The findings underscore the necessity of global cooperation in water resource management to enhance ecosystem resilience and ensure long-term water security.

This article belongs to the collection: Global perspectives: sustainable management of freshwater ecosystems.

MF24210 Abstract  | PDF (1.3 MB) - $35.00 
Published online 19 March 2025

MF24200Temperature effects on parental care behaviour in native and invasive Palaemon shrimp species

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

This study investigated how increasing temperatures influence parental care behaviour in three shrimp species (Palaemon macrodactylus, Palaemon elegans and Palaemon adspersus), with a focus on pleopod fanning. The results showed significant species-specific differences, with P. elegans exhibiting the lowest fanning rates, suggesting an efficient regulatory strategy.

MF24200 Abstract  | PDF (679 KB) - $35.00   | MF24200Supplementary Material (407 KB)
Published online 12 March 2025

MF24017Recognising diversity in wetlands and farming systems to support sustainable agriculture and conserve wetlands

Anne A. van Dam 0000-0002-5073-7241, Hugh Robertson, Roland Prieler 0009-0002-7256-6882, Asmita Dubey and C. Max Finlayson 0000-0001-9991-7289
 

A review of the impacts of food production on wetlands underlined the need for transforming food production to achieve sustainable wetland management. Sustainable agriculture–wetland interactions can be achieved by more efficient use of water and fertilisers, integration of crop–livestock–fish production, better support for small producers, and governance of food production that recognises the ecosystem services of wetlands in catchments.

MF24017 Abstract  |  MF24017 Full Text  | MF24017PDF (1.8 MB)  | MF24017Supplementary Material (988 KB)   Open Access Article

Published online 06 March 2025

MF24160Repairing Australia’s inland river and groundwater systems: nine priority actions, benefits and the finance gap

S. J. Capon 0000-0002-1975-553X, C. M. Steinfeld, J. Pittock 0000-0001-6293-996X, B. J. Moggridge, A. Ward, L. J. Baumgartner, F. Sheldon 0000-0001-9944-6392, M. Ward and D. L. Medaris
 

We propose and cost nine priority actions to repair inland river and groundwater systems in Australia, including riparian revegetation, surface and groundwater recovery and management of barriers to flow and fish movement. Our estimates suggest approximate annual investment from 2025 to 2054 of A$3.1 billion (2022 dollar values). Revenue generated through the carbon market through riparian restoration could cover between 37 and 72% of the costs, reducing investment needed to between A$0.9 billion and A$2.0 billion. We highlight opportunities for Indigenous nations to implement associated on-ground works.

MF24160 Abstract  |  MF24160 Full Text  | MF24160PDF (425 KB)  | MF24160Supplementary Material (56.9 MB)   Open Access Article

Published online 27 February 2025

MF24162A grey nurse shark from the Northern Territory of Australia shares a mitochondrial haplotype only recorded from the western Australian population

Sara Krause 0009-0006-1744-5999 and Adam Stow
 

The grey nurse shark (Carcharias taurus) is a Critically Endangered species with two genetically distinct Australian populations. An individual caught outside the species’ known distribution range off the Northern Territory of Australia was found to be genetically compatible with the western Australian population and not with the more highly endangered eastern Australian population. Our results imply a possible extension of the western Australian population and are useful baseline information for the development of conservation strategies for grey nurse shark in northern Australian waters.

MF24162 Abstract  |  MF24162 Full Text  | MF24162PDF (627 KB)   Open Access Article

Published online 27 February 2025

MF25023Attributes and effects of the invasive air-breathing freshwater snail Physa acuta on ecosystem properties and services

Gonzalo A. Collado 0000-0001-9076-4255, Cristina Damborenea, Gustavo Darrigran and Álvaro Alonso
 

Freshwater ecosystems face significant disruption from non-native species such as the sewage snail (Physa acuta). Our study comprehensively assesses its impacts on ecosystem services, showing that negative effects outweigh positive ones, particularly in cultural and provisioning services. Although it harms many services and native fauna, it can serve as a bioindicator, highlighting the need for thorough evaluations of invasive species.

MF25023 Abstract  | PDF (416 KB) - $35.00   | MF25023Supplementary Material (649 KB)
Published online 24 February 2025

MF24221Developing geospatial tools to identify refuges from alien trout invasion in Australia to assist freshwater conservation

Hugh Allan 0000-0002-0251-7332, Richard P. Duncan, Peter Unmack, Duanne White and Mark Lintermans
 

Introduced predatory fish species have caused small-bodied fish to decline worldwide. Some native fish now exist only in headwater streams where they are protected from invasive introduced species by barriers such as waterfalls. We explored the use of remote-sensing technology to improve processes to find and characterise these barriers and assist with future freshwater fish conservation.

MF24221 Abstract  |  MF24221 Full Text  | MF24221PDF (688 KB)   Open Access Article

Published online 07 February 2025

MF24240Age and growth of the endangered Maugean skate (Zearaja maugeana) by using microchemical analysis

Claire van Werven 0009-0004-3095-2042, David Moreno, Sean Tracey and Jeremy Lyle
 

This research has described the age and growth of the endangered Maugean skate population in Macquarie Harbour, Tasmania, by applying a novel ageing technique to opportunistically collected vertebrae. The study has important implications for the assessment of the population of the Maugean skate and subsequent management decisions.

MF24240 Abstract  |  MF24240 Full Text  | MF24240PDF (883 KB)  | MF24240Supplementary Material (442 KB)   Open Access Article

Published online 07 February 2025

MF23164Spatial and temporal habitat use of humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) in relation to vessel traffic in the Gold Coast Bay, Australia

Jana Djukaric 0000-0002-3108-1697 and Jan-Olaf Meynecke 0000-0002-4639-4055
 

Humpback whales frequent Gold Coast Bay, Australia, for breeding, resting, and migration, facing vessel traffic. This study used 4319 citizen science whale sightings (2011–20) to map whale habitats. Calving pods stayed near shore, overlapping with non-calving pods further in the bay. Vessels affected up to 80% of these areas, endangering mother–calf pods. Evaluating all bay-bound vessels is suggested to safeguard the whales.

MF23164 Abstract  |  MF23164 Full Text  | MF23164PDF (8.2 MB)  | MF23164Supplementary Material (1.2 MB)   Open Access Article

Published online 04 February 2025

MF24130Trends in eastern blue groper (Achoerodus viridis) abundance along south-eastern Australia (New South Wales): the influence of latitude, climate change and potential depth refuges

Nathan A. Knott 0000-0002-7873-0412, Matthew J. Rees 0000-0002-2472-6215, Tom R. Davis 0000-0003-0199-2024, David Harasti 0000-0002-2851-9838, Hamish A. Malcolm, Matthew D. Taylor 0000-0002-1519-9521, Belinda G. Curley, Stephen Morris, Neville S. Barrett, Rick D. Stuart-Smith, Graham J. Edgar and Rachel Przeslawski 0000-0003-0269-3755
 

Eastern blue groper (Achoerodus viridis) is an iconic Australian rocky-reef fish, and we analysed its abundances for more than a decade across the New South Wales coastline. Blue groper was most abundant in temperate rather than subtropical waters along this coast. Its abundances were stable on deeper reefs, but declined steadily through time on shallow reefs. This pattern indicates that blue groper is declining because of warming oceans, although deeper reefs may provide a thermal refuge.

MF24130 Abstract  |  MF24130 Full Text  | MF24130PDF (1.4 MB)  | MF24130Supplementary Material (512 KB)   Open Access Article

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

Science in Sea Country

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
Laura Parker and Rachel Przeslawski

Last Updated: 20 Mar 2025

Global perspectives: sustainable management of freshwater aquatic ecosystem services and water resources

Freshwater ecosystems, such as rivers, lakes, wetlands and estuaries, are essential for water purification, flood control and biodiversity. Given growing populations and climate change, sustainable management is critical for ensuring water quality and ecosystem health. The collection 'Global perspectives: sustainable management of freshwater aquatic ecosystem services and water resources' focuses on environmental flow assessments, pollution control, habitat restoration and climate change impacts. Contributions from the 7th International Symposium on Water Resource and Environmental Management (WREM2024) and other experts are invited to share innovative solutions for the global conservation and sustainable management of freshwater resources.

Collection Editor
Zhanhong Wan

Last Updated: 19 Mar 2025

Research highlights from South and Central America

This issue highlights groundbreaking research rooted in Central and South America, showcasing the region's rich biodiversity, unique ecosystems, and cultural heritage. From the ecological dynamics of the Amazon to sustainable agricultural innovations, these studies provide a window into the challenges and opportunities facing one of the world's most diverse regions. Researchers explore the intersection of science, conservation, and local knowledge, offering insights into preserving fragile ecosystems and fostering resilience in the face of climate change. With a focus on Central and South America, this collection underscores the importance of regional perspectives in addressing global issues. We hope these contributions inspire continued collaboration and innovative solutions for the sustainable future of the region and beyond.

Papers in this collection are free to read until 31 May 2025

Last Updated: 05 Feb 2025

Ecological monitoring and assessment of freshwater ecosystems: new trends and future challenges

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: 10 Jan 2025

Environmental flows in northern Murray–Darling Basin: what we know about the science and management after a decade of practice

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

Research into Chinese Wetlands

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
C. Max Finlayson

Last Updated: 12 Sep 2016

Shark and Ray Life History

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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