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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

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 has moved to a continuous publication model. More information is available on our Continuous Publication page.

Published online 08 July 2024

MF23147Tracking 4 years in the life of a female whale shark shows consistent migrations in the Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean

Daniel Daye 0000-0003-3934-062X, Rafael de la Parra, Jeremy Vaudo 0000-0002-6826-3822, Jessica Harvey, Guy Harvey, Mahmood Shivji and Bradley Wetherbee 0000-0002-3753-8950
 

Satellite telemetry enables the study of marine species where observation is difficult owing to their movement across oceans. Rio Lady, a mature female whale shark, has been tracked for longer than any other whale shark and has generated movement data for more than four consecutive years, providing insight into the interannual movement patterns for this species. The combination of these data with machine-learning and habitat-modelling techniques provides a new framework, with potential for enabling new methods of conservation.

MF23147 Abstract  | PDF (3.2 MB) - $35.00 
Published online 08 July 2024

MF24043Movement patterns of Murray cod (Maccullochella peelii) and golden perch (Macquaria ambigua) in a northern Murray–Darling Basin dryland river

D. J. Harding 0009-0003-7116-3077, C. L. Burke, L. Carpenter-Bundhoo 0000-0002-9637-5231, J. H. Fawcett, D. Sternberg, M. J. Kennard, J. L. Kerr 0009-0001-1738-6064, T. M. Mullins and A. E. Prior
 

Quantifying flow-related movements of Murray cod and golden perch subject to differing levels of flow regulation is important for water management decision-making. Our study observed that movement patterns for either species were driven by combinations of discharge, river regulation, season, and body size. Tailored management strategies for these fish species should be developed on the basis of location, river regulation and flow regime.

This article belongs to the collection Environmental Flows in Northern Murray–Darling Basin: what we know about the science and management after a decade of practice.

MF24043 Abstract  |  MF24043 Full Text  | MF24043PDF (2.5 MB)  | MF24043Supplementary Material (767 KB)   Open Access Article

Published online 08 July 2024

MF24016Predicting trajectories of dryland wetland vegetation transformation under climate change: a case study of the northern Murray–Darling Basin, Australia

Jaiden Johnston-Bates 0009-0007-3048-085X, Rebekah Grieger and Samantha J. Capon
 

Dryland wetland vegetation is both highly sensitive and remarkably resilient to environmental change. In the short term, this includes rapid responses to wetting and drying. Over extended periods, these ecosystems recover impressively from major environmental disturbances such as mega-droughts or wildfire. As the effects of climate change intensify, the resilience of dryland wetlands will be challenged, leading to scenarios of persistence, transformation or disappearance. With a focus on Australia’s northern Murray–Darling Basin, we explore the wetland policy and management implications.

This article belongs to the collection Environmental Flows in Northern Murray–Darling Basin: what we know about the science and management after a decade of practice.

MF24016 Abstract  |  MF24016 Full Text  | MF24016PDF (344 KB)   Open Access Article

Published online 08 July 2024

MF23194Knowledge of macrophyte requirements and tolerances holds the key to successful shallow lake restoration – a New Zealand perspective

Deborah Hofstra 0000-0001-9219-1489, Mary de Winton and Paul Champion
 

Underwater vegetation is critical to protect clear-water shallow lakes. However, agriculture has increased nutrients levels in lakes, and with introduced fish and weeds this has led to the degradation of many lakes with loss of underwater plants. Restoration efforts often reduce nutrients and control fish, but seldom re-establish underwater vegetation. We focus on selecting lakes with suitable habitat, which plant species to use and improving bottom sediments, enabling re-establishment of underwater vegetation leading to a return of desired lake condition.

This article belongs to the collection Ecology and Management of Aquatic Macrophytes.

MF23194 Abstract  |  MF23194 Full Text  | MF23194PDF (462 KB)   Open Access Article

Published online 05 July 2024

MF23222Bridging knowledge gaps for the conservation and management of a ‘Data Deficient’, diadromous fish: the Indo-Pacific tarpon, Megalops cyprinoides

Judith Das, Ashna Shanmughan, Neelesh Dahanukar 0000-0001-7162-9023, Rajeev Raghavan 0000-0002-0610-261X and K. Ranjeet
 

The first study on exploitation levels and population dynamics of a poorly known migratory fish (Megalops cyprinoides) based on samples collected from the south-western coast of India showed habitat-related (marine, estuarine and freshwater) variations in growth patterns. Fishing mortality was the greatest in the length range of 25–30 cm, indicating a higher fishing pressure on immature individuals.

MF23222 Abstract  | PDF (574 KB) - $35.00 
Published online 04 July 2024

MF23122Microprotozooplankton as eutrophication bioindicator for tropical coastal lagoons

Gustavo Martins Rocha 0000-0002-8191-866X, Jordana de Carvalho e Féres, Gustavo Meira Kandler, Renata Caiado Cagnin, César Alexandro da Silva, Sarah Karoline Rodrigues 0000-0001-5838-8923, Bethânia Dal’Col Lehrback, Kamila Cezar Gramlich 0000-0003-1022-2929, Renato Rodrigues Neto, Fabian Sá and Luiz Fernando Loureiro Fernandes
 

We introduced a novel method for the use of microorganisms as indicators of sewage-disposal impact in eight coastal lagoons that vary in marine influence and different degrees of anthropogenic pressure. We classified those environments on the basis of the microprotozooplankton community by using indicator species and our classification aligned with the eutrophication status and the known conservation scenario of each lagoon. This method showed potential as a tool for environmental monitoring.

MF23122 Abstract  | PDF (1.6 MB) - $35.00   | MF23122Supplementary Material (720 KB)
Published online 04 July 2024

MF24091Benthic macroinvertebrates in rivers of agricultural lands in Argentina: the functional diversity response to environmental stress

C. A. Ávalos, M. Saigo 0000-0003-2206-2918 and M. Licursi 0000-0003-1327-3182
 

We aimed at determining whether land use impairs the functional and taxonomic diversity of benthic macroinvertebrates in rivers in agricultural lands of Argentina. Functional diversity was more sensitive than taxonomic diversity to environmental stress. Our results highlighted the importance of including functional traits in environmental monitoring programs.

MF24091 Abstract  | PDF (2.5 MB) - $35.00   | MF24091Supplementary Material (614 KB)
Published online 02 July 2024

MF23166Monitoring tropical freshwater fish with underwater videography and deep learning

Andrew Jansen 0000-0002-9215-7819, Steve van Bodegraven, Andrew Esparon, Varma Gadhiraju, Samantha Walker, Constanza Buccella, Kris Bock, David Loewensteiner, Thomas J. Mooney, Andrew J. Harford 0000-0002-0330-7505, Renee E. Bartolo and Chris L. Humphrey
 

Illustration depicting monitoring tropical freshwater fish with underwater magnification and deep learning.

Tropical freshwater fish assemblages monitored in Kakadu National Park were measured using underwater videography, and counted by trained human observers and artificial intelligence (AI). Over 3 years of monitoring, both AI and trained human observers detected the same changes in overall fish assemblage composition. However, AI consistenly underestimated the abundance of small-growing schooling fish. Image credit: Andrew Jansen.

This article belongs to the collection Ecological Monitoring and Assessment of Freshwater Ecosystems: New Trends and Future Challenges.

MF23166 Abstract  |  MF23166 Full Text  | MF23166PDF (3.5 MB)  | MF23166Corrigendum (3.5 MB)  | MF23166Supplementary Material (575 KB)   Open Access Article

Published online 27 June 2024

MF24037Impacts of river regulation and fragmentation on platypuses in the northern Murray–Darling Basin

Jasmine Khurana, Gilad Bino 0000-0002-9265-4057 and Tahneal Hawke 0000-0001-9225-5163
 

This study has shown how river regulation in the northern Murray–Darling Basin affects platypus populations, altering their habitats and food sources. Through trapping and DNA analysis, researchers found platypuses struggling downstream of dams, with potential local extinctions upstream, possibly with no access to drought refugia. The findings call for improved river management to safeguard these unique creatures and their ecosystems.

This article belongs to the collection Environmental Flows in Northern Murray–Darling Basin: what we know about the science and management after a decade of practice.

MF24037 Abstract  |  MF24037 Full Text  | MF24037PDF (2 MB)  | MF24037Supplementary Material (749 KB)   Open Access Article

Published online 20 June 2024

MF24003An adaptive weighted-average Kriging method applied to monitoring of freshwater ecosystems

Qilu Liu 0009-0003-1469-3063, Jingfang Shen and Yaohui Li 0009-0001-0231-7437
 

Freshwater-quality prediction is crucial for monitoring pollution risks and assessing changes in freshwater ecosystems. Whereas Kriging is a precise interpolation method for predicting freshwater quality, selecting key parameters, regression functions and correlation functions remains challenging. Therefore, this study proposed an adaptive weighted-average Kriging (AWAK) method that outperforms traditional Kriging in predicting pH and dissolved oxygen, reducing prediction errors significantly. Overall, AWAK improved freshwater-quality prediction and provided an effective approach in freshwater-ecology research.

This article belongs to the collection Ecological Monitoring and Assessment of Freshwater Ecosystems.

MF24003 Abstract  | PDF (894 KB) - $35.00 
Published online 14 June 2024

MF23237Genetic diversity, population structure and demographic history of the rock oyster Striostrea prismatica (Gray, 1825) within two Eastern Pacific biogeographic realms

Alexis Tárula-Marín, Brenda Díaz-Cárdenas 0000-0003-0278-805X, Luz Patricia Castro-Félix, Ernesto López-Uriarte, Anne Santerre and Martin A. Aréchiga-Palomera
 

This study aimed to assess the genetic diversity, population structure and demographic history of Striostrea prismatica, an ecologically and commercially important native oyster in Mexico, Ecuador and Peru, using nuclear and mitochondrial DNA markers. Nuclear data revealed high intraspecific genetic diversity and strong genetic differentiation. Mitochondrial data showed high haplotypic diversity, no genetic structure and a population expansion c. 25,000 years ago.

MF23237 Abstract  | PDF (1.8 MB) - $35.00 
Published online 12 June 2024

MF24029Environmental DNA metabarcoding reveals the effect of river slope on diadromous fish communities in island rivers

Yusuke Kumai 0000-0001-5261-1215, Tatsushi Kobayashi, Takashi Yamakawa 0000-0002-9627-924X, Tetsuya Sado, Masaki Miya and Mari Kuroki 0000-0002-9722-155X
 

Diadromous fishes, which migrate between freshwater and marine habitats during their life cycle, are crucial components of riverine biodiversity. However, the factors that influence their composition within rivers remain unknown. Using environmental DNA metabarcoding, we showed that river slopes play a crucial role in shaping their composition within rivers by affecting their upstream migration and estuarine habitat availability.

MF24029 Abstract  | PDF (668 KB) - $35.00   | MF24029Supplementary Material (2 MB)
Published online 07 June 2024

MF23121Global hotspots of endemicity, rarity and speciation of aquatic macrophytes

Tatiana Lobato-de Magalhães 0000-0002-2356-6475, Kevin Murphy, Julissa Tapia Grimaldo, Thomas A. Davidson 0000-0003-2326-1564, Eugenio Molina-Navarro 0000-0001-5171-3180, José Arturo de-Nova 0000-0002-1989-1355 and Andrey Efremov 0000-0001-8983-392X
 

We identified global hotspots of aquatic macrophyte endemism and rarity, and identified factors associated with speciation hotspots of macrophytes in some areas of the planet. We found a total global pool of world-rare macrophytes of 2296 species, each present in <5% of the total world area of inland aquatic habitats. Our findings help identify the locations of potential cradle and museum speciation areas for these plants, that could usefully inform global actions to conserve freshwater macrophyte diversity across the world.

This article belongs to the collection Ecology and Management of Aquatic Macrophytes.

MF23121 Abstract  |  MF23121 Full Text  | MF23121PDF (4.4 MB)  | MF23121Supplementary Material (3.8 MB)   Open Access Article

Published online 06 June 2024

MF24031Body condition in an endangered minnow is variable but not strongly related to environmental conditions

Thomas P. Archdeacon 0000-0002-6261-1849 and Paige M. Dunnum
 

We examined seasonal patterns in body condition of Rio Grande silvery minnow over 3 years. Body condition may help predict spawning success or highlight human impacts to fish populations. Contrary to our expectations, fish body condition did not seem to be related to drought conditions, possibly because these small fish do not build an energy reserve before spawning.

MF24031 Abstract  |  MF24031 Full Text  | MF24031PDF (1.6 MB)  | MF24031Supplementary Material (897 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

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Collections

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

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. With the Basin Plan scheduled for renewal in the next few years, this collection is intended to provide a focussed source of information. 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.

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

Last Updated: 08 Jul 2024

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: 02 Jul 2024

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

Last Updated: 27 Feb 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
CM Finlayson, (Editor, Marine and Freshwater Research)

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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