Register      Login
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.

Are you eligible for APC-free Open Access?

Download our Journal Metrics (PDF, 639KB)

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 January 2025

MF24185The seagrass Ruppia and its influence on the structure and multiscale dynamics of zooplankton in a hypersaline lake

Nickolai Shadrin, Vladimir Yakovenko and Elena Anufriieva 0000-0002-6237-7941
 

Photographs of thickets of Ruppia maritima in Lake Moynaki (Crimea), showing thicket position on the lake (left) and a close up (right).

Hypersaline waters are some of the most extreme habitats but have high productivity, and the potential to support bird diversity as well as develop multi-species aquaculture. We provide new information on interactions between seagrass Ruppia and zooplankton in those waters, which gives a better understanding of unique ecosystems and is valuable for the management of hypersaline water bodies and the development of sustainable polyaquaculture in them. (Photographs by N. Shadrin.)

Published online 31 January 2025

MF24109Australians’ perceptions of species diversity of, and threats to, the Great Barrier Reef

Jarrah Taylor, Carla Litchfield and Brianna Le Busque 0000-0002-9096-1897
 

This study investigated Australian’s knowledge of the Great Barrier Reef, including which threats the reef is facing and which species reside on the reef. We found that Australians listed various environmental and social threats to the reef, and that clown fish were the most commonly listed specific species, perhaps owing to the popularity of film Finding Nemo.

Published online 29 January 2025

MF24219Dam-induced impacts on the water temperature of the Charef River (north-eastern Algeria)

Omar Ramzi Ziouch 0000-0002-7823-3782, Naouel Dali, Rabah Zebsa, Tarek Daifallah, Hadjer Laskri, Chaima Ziani, Rabab Nouar and Zinette Bensakhri
 

MF24219_TOC.jpg

Downstream waters of the Charef Dam experience thermal cooling, particularly during the dry season, with temperature differences exceeding 2°C. This cooling effect, driven by the dam’s long water-residence time, highlights the importance of managing dam operations to mitigate potential negative impacts on downstream ecosystems. (Image credit: Omar Ramzi Ziouch.)

Published online 28 January 2025

MF24236DNA barcoding reveals larval fish diversity and distribution along the Cibareno River (West Java, Indonesia)

Arif Wibowo, Andi Chadijah, Kurniawan Kurniawan, Vitas Atmadi Prakoso 0000-0003-0690-2542, Dwi Atminarso 0000-0003-0345-123X, Deni Irawan, Fathur Rochman 0000-0002-7239-1106, Septiana Sri Astuti, Indah Lestari Surbani, Tri Deniansen, Imron Rosadi, Yohanes Yudha P. Jaya, Sudarsono Sudarsono, Lee J. Baumgartner, Nicolas Hubert 0000-0001-9248-3377 and Ivor G. Stuart
 

This study investigated the identification and distribution of fish larvae in the Cibareno River, which is being modified by construction of a 3.25-m weir. Larval fish diversity is slightly lower in upstream reaches. Alien guppies were abundant. Genetic identification is essential for understanding the diverse species of fish larvae present. Implementing sustainable fisheries management practices requires this information.

The effects of 105 days of starvation on body mass, respiration and haemolymph proteins were measured in two groups of pāua, one group where the haemolymph was sampled at intervals and the other which was sampled only at the start and end of the experiment. Fed individuals increased body mass, whereas starved individuals lost body mass and condition. Paua survive extended periods of starvation by metabolising haemocyanin and are able to survive stressors associated with low food availability.


A photograph of a lake in the Booligal area within the Lachlan catchment where olive perchlet was found.

Lakes, creeks and floodplains that are situated away from the main channel are likely to play important roles in the ecology of inland rivers. These isolated areas provide habitat for endangered species as well as nursery areas for resident fauna, and data obtained from such areas should inform research and management projects at catchment scale. (Photograph by Adam Kerezsy.)

Published online 24 January 2025

MF24192Sediment effects on interstitial faunal distribution in Brazilian sandy beaches: a multi-phylum approach

Thainá Cortez 0000-0003-2312-5087, Giulia Marangoni, Sónia Cristina da Silva Andrade and Maikon Di Domenico
 

This study explores the diverse invertebrate communities living between sand grains on Brazilian beaches. We found that grain size and other sediment characteristics, such as sediment heterogeneity, significantly shape the distribution and richness of these organisms. Additionally, different groups show specific habitat preferences based on sediment type, highlighting the importance of sediment in shaping beach ecosystems.

Published online 23 January 2025

MF24270Microplastic presence in dried and fresh fish from seafood markets in Sri Lanka

Nina Wootton 0000-0001-5624-8441, Vinuri Silva, Danielle Giuretis, Patrick Reis-Santos 0000-0001-9843-9465 and Bronwyn M. Gillanders
 

A schematic diagram showing the occurrence of microplastics in fish in Sri Lanka.

Microplastics have been found in aquatic ecosystems globally; however, understanding the occurrence of microplastics in seafood products prepared for human consumption has received less attention. We sampled dried and fresh fish from seafood markets in Sri Lanka and found that 82% of fish contained microplastics, with fresh fish containing more than did dried fish. (Image credit: Nina Wootton using Canva.com.)

Published online 21 January 2025

MF24196The impact of community water ecological design on promoting health behaviours among the elderly

Hong Li 0000-0001-9713-0474, Li Shi and Fang-liang Wang
 

This study explores the impact of community water ecological design on promoting health behaviours among the elderly in China’s aging population. Through a survey of 315 seniors and analysis using structural equation modelling, the findings showed that water ecological design enhances health by improving environmental perception and psychological comfort.

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

Published online 17 January 2025

MF24183Carp carcass decomposition and water quality: implications for the release of CyHV-3 as a biocontrol agent for common carp in Australia

Richard Walsh, Tyler N. Dornan 0000-0002-4998-7577, Sanjina Upadhyay Stæhr, Hamish J. Brookes, Matthew R. Hipsey, Mark Laws, Phillip Cassey and Justin D. Brookes
 

Investigations into the decomposition of common carp across three experiments of an increasing scale (bucket, mesocosm, wetland) showed a considerable release of phosphorus, with faster decomposition rates in warm conditions. The addition of 2400 kg ha−1 of carp induced anoxia in the wetland, underscoring essential considerations deploying biocontrol agents (e.g. cyprinid herpesvirus, CyHV-3) causing mass carp mortality.

Published online 16 January 2025

MF23235Co-design and Traditional Owner participation in an assessment of abundance and size of Donax deltoides (garlaany, pipi) in Ngambaa Country, New South Wales, Australia

Jade Fredericks 0000-0002-2894-4535, Hannah B. Smith, Kirsten Benkendorff 0000-0003-4052-3888, Anna Scott and Karina C. Hall
 

The integration of Indigenous ecological knowledge and Traditional Owner participation in the co-design and application of field-sampling techniques can optimise data collection on important fisheries resources, especially those that may be under-represented when using conventional scientific methods alone. This co-designed research project was successful in developing a scientifically rigorous data-collection strategy for a culturally important species, while fostering stewardship and co-management.

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

The feasibility of using microchemical methods to study the dispersal of an important aquaculture species, the green-lipped mussel (Perna canaliculus), in a large bay in northern New Zealand, where knowledge of the dispersal of wild seed mussels is urgently needed to improve seed-collection efforts.

Published online 16 January 2025

MF24007Mapping knowledge structure and research frontiers of underwater acoustic tomography: a scientometric study

Masoud Bahreinimotlagh 0000-0001-9009-663X, Reza Roozbahani, Mohammad Amin Fayz Chakab, Mohamad Basel Al Sawaf, Mortaza Eftekhari and Seyyed Ahmad Sajjadi
 

Underwater acoustic tomography (UAT) is a technique used to monitor waterbodies. From 1979 to 2023, 720 researchers published 449 UAT-related articles in 135 journals. UAT, divided into Ocean Acoustic Tomography (OAT), Coastal Acoustic Tomography (CAT) and Fluvial Acoustic Tomography (FAT), faces adoption barriers, including high costs, limited collaboration and a lack of user-friendly software and educational resources. Recommendations include fostering collaboration, developing educational resources, promoting knowledge transfer, facilitating international exchange, commercialising systems, establishing online resources and designing user-friendly software.

Published online 13 January 2025

MF24188Resilience assessment of water supply and demand in the Yellow River Basin based on integrated optimisation weighting–improved grey-target model

Hong Lv, Xinlei Zhao, Dengming Yan 0000-0001-5782-8667, Wenxiu Shang and Xiaokang Zheng
 

This study assessed resilience changes in the supply and demand of water resources in the Yellow River Basin over the past decades by using an improved grey-target model. From 2011 to 2020, the resilience index increased by 69.4%, with the contribution of driving factors rising by 70.9%. The findings highlighted resilience disparities between supply and demand, providing evidence for improving water resilience.

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

This study presents a new method for assessing the ecological health of Tongguling National Nature Reserve on Hainan Island. By evaluating the interaction of ecological and structural elements, the research showed areas sensitive to environmental change, highlighting the link between water quality and coastal ecosystem health. These insights support better conservation strategies to preserve biodiversity and ecosystem services.

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

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

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: 21 Jan 2025

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: 16 Jan 2025

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

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

Committee on Publication Ethics

Call for Papers

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

Expression of Interest

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

Advertisement