Some Aspects of the Ecology of Lake Macquarie, N.S.W., with Regard to an Alleged Depletion of Fish. XII. Summery Review

Abstract

The nature of the entrance channel determines the peculiar attributes of Lake Macquarie. The food of the fish appears to be derived ultimately from the benthic flora, including epiphytes, rather than from the plankton.

In terms of the commercial fish catch per man the lake is as productive as it ever has been; amateur angling is increasing in intensity and in midsummer rivals the effects of the commercial fishermen. The fall in catch of certain species during the decade 1946 to 1955 is attributed to the reduction of food consequent upon stratification of the lake waters after prolonged periods of heavy rain.