Register      Login
Marine and Freshwater Research Marine and Freshwater Research Society
Advances in the aquatic sciences
Table of Contents
Marine and Freshwater Research

Marine and Freshwater Research

Volume 76 Number 4 2025

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.

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.

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.

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.

Committee on Publication Ethics

Call for Papers

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

Advertisement