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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.

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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 29 November 2024

MF24193Murky waters running clearer? Monitoring, reporting and evaluation of the state of the Murray–Darling Basin after more than three decades of policy reform

Matthew J. Colloff 0000-0002-3765-0627, Kate Lanyon, Jamie Pittock 0000-0001-6293-996X, Milo Costanza-van den Belt, Sarah Wheeler 0000-0002-6073-3172, R. Quentin Grafton, John Williams, Fran Sheldon 0000-0001-9944-6392, Richard T. Kingsford 0000-0001-6565-4134, Gilad Bino 0000-0002-9265-4057, Luigi Renzullo and Bradley J. Moggridge
 

Rigorous monitoring and reporting helps determine the effectiveness of water reforms. The Murray–Darling Basin Plan is a major public policy reform intended to restore water to the environment. We present an independent assessment of the state of the Basin. For 27 indicators, we found that those for the environment were not met and the major benefits were economic, favouring irrigators.

Published online 29 November 2024

MF24116Assessment of humpback whale swimming speeds in two eastern Australian bays

H. Kela 0000-0003-2585-665X, J. de Bie 0000-0002-8371-4089, K. H. W. Paas 0000-0002-0524-2039, S. Stack, W. Franklin, T. Franklin and J.-O. Meynecke 0000-0002-4639-4055
 

Boat-based observations spanning 11 years were used to determine the swimming speed for resting whales in two bays off eastern Australia. Swimming speeds observed in both bays during southward migration were slower than those specified in literature. The effect of location on swimming speed was small, but the swimming speeds of pods with calves and pods without calves present were different in one bay. The importance of management of nearshore environments for effective protection of humpback whales, and the role of swim speeds for assessing humpback whale habitat use are highlighted.

Published online 21 November 2024

MF24154Evidence of long-distance movement of green sawfish (Pristis zijsron) in Western Australia

Jack Ingelbrecht 0000-0002-9876-5153, Mark G. Allen, Rebecca L. Bateman, Brendan C. Ebner, Travis Fazeldean, Kurt N. Krispyn, Karissa O. Lear 0000-0002-2648-8564, Tegan Lee, Alan J. Lymbery, Rory B. McAuley, Nicole M. Phillips, Jeff M. Whitty, Barbara E. Wueringer and David L. Morgan
 

Kinship for green sawfish was inferred from single-nucleotide polymorphisms. We identified four pairs of half siblings that were captured at least 500 km apart, including one pair of neonates captured ~860 km and 8 years apart, providing evidence of long-distance movement.

Published online 18 November 2024

MF24156Timor-Leste: preliminary assessment of a rapidly eroding landscape in the Coral Triangle

R. J. Wasson 0000-0003-4318-1182, A. L. Amaral, J. Rouwenhorst, K. Fifield, N. Chauhan, T. Pietsch, D. M. Alongi, F. Tirendi and A. K. Singhvi
 

Deforestation for timber collection and agriculture in the steep mountains of Timor-Leste, where rainfall is often intense, has increased erosion by up to 120 times the natural rate, mainly by landsliding. This has increased the amount of sediment in rivers and on the coast with effects on riverine and marine ecosystems. Reforestation is urgently needed.

Published online 13 November 2024

MF24057Assessing coastal aquifer vulnerability to seawater intrusion: adaptation of the DCG method and application to the Dradère–Souière coastal aquifer in northern Morocco

Fouad Bekkour 0009-0002-5567-737X, Mina Amharref, Hind Es Saouini, Siham Acharki and Abdes Samed Bernoussi
 

The DCG method assesses the risk of seawater mixing with groundwater by evaluating distance from the sea, water movement ease and flow direction in aquifers. Tested in Morocco’s Dradère–Souière plain, it uses a special formula (vulnerability index, Iv) to pinpoint vulnerable coast, offering a practical tool for global coastal regions to protect their precious underground water sources from seawater intrusion.

Researchers in Fiji found microplastics in 64% of local edible cockles, with higher levels of microplastics and associated biological stress signs in the edible cockles from more polluted areas. The findings highlighted the need for continuous environmental and biomonitoring of pollution effects in seafood. This scientific contribution will inform and shape future policy on regulating pollution and promoting human-health needs in seafood quality.

Published online 11 November 2024

MF24082Estimation of soil loss and sediment yield by using the modified RUSLE model in the Indus River basin, including the quantification of error and uncertainty in remote-sensing images

Muhammad Waseem Boota 0000-0003-0770-0715, Shan-e-hyder Soomro 0000-0003-1708-8451, Haoming Xia, Yaochen Qin, Syed Shahid Azeem, Chaode Yan, Weiran Luo, Ayesha Yousaf and Muhammad Azeem Boota
 

On the basis of the RUSLE model in LIR basin, key findings indicated varying degrees of soil erosion, with a significant portion experiencing severe erosion. The research also addressed the quantification of errors or uncertainties in remote-sensing data, particularly highlighting differences in delineation accuracy among Landsat 5, 7 and 8. The outcomes are essential for watershed management, offering insights into critical erosion sites and aiding in the development of conservation strategies.

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

Published online 28 October 2024

MF23212Abundance, size and biomass of long-spined sea urchins (Centrostephanus rodgersii) and red sea urchins (Heliocidaris tuberculata) in New South Wales, Australia

C. Blount 0000-0003-2681-4021, D. G. Worthington, M. Byrne, R. C. Chick 0000-0002-9397-6664, K. Organ, N. Knott 0000-0002-7873-0412 and N. L. Andrew
 

This study provides a historical baseline of densities, sizes and biomasses of long-spined sea urchins (Centrostephanus rodgersii) and red sea urchins (Heliocidaris tuberculata) commercially harvested on shallow reefs of New South Wales, Australia. Long-spined sea urchins occurred at higher densities than did red sea urchins and had a broader distribution and larger biomass where the fishery operates. The small biomass of red sea urchins (~3% that of long-spined sea urchins) and its restricted distribution suggests that it is vulnerable to overfishing.

Published online 21 October 2024

MF24099The life (history), diet and death of the blackspot shark (Carcharhinus sealei) from South-east Asia

N. Clark-Shen 0000-0002-8003-6681, A. Chin, J. Domingos and N. Hutchinson 0000-0002-8782-3493
 

Blackspot sharks from Riau Islands, Indonesia, have a late maturity (~6 years old) and low fecundity (litters of two pups). Mature males primarily eat bony fishes, mature females primarily eat cephalopods, whereas juveniles primarily eat crustaceans. A seafood supplier who was interviewed has perceived population declines and stated that the species is mostly caught incidentally.

Published online 18 October 2024

MF24050Closing the driver–response loop for halting and reversing wetland degradation and loss from agriculture

C. M. Finlayson 0000-0001-9991-7289, M. S. Fennessy, R. C. Gardner, R. Kumar, M. P. McCartney 0000-0001-6342-2815 and A. A. van Dam
 

The Ramsar Convention on Wetlands has addressed wetland–agriculture interactions, but without linking policy responses to agricultural drivers of change. An analysis of Convention documents led to four conclusions to close the loop. These covered deepening our understanding of how agriculture affects wetlands; exploring appropriate opportunities within agriculture to reduce impacts on wetlands; enhancing our ability to work with indirect drivers such as the demands for food; and ensuring that Convention documents were specific about the drivers of change and possible responses.

Published online 17 October 2024

MF24094Spatial and temporal variation of marine megafauna off coastal beaches of south-eastern Queensland, Australia

Maddison C. Cross 0009-0002-4844-4164, Jonathan D. Mitchell, Christine L. Dudgeon, Kathy A. Townsend, Tracey B. Scott-Holland and Bonnie J. Holmes
 

Studying beach environments by using boat-based methods has been difficult. Drone surveys were used to assess abundance patterns of large marine animals in south-eastern Queensland, Australia. Significant differences in the composition of animal groups were found throughout the year and among locations, with large marine animal sightings in >80% of flights conducted off North Stradbroke Island. This supports the use of drones to provide scientific data for hard-to-study marine species and inform management of coastal ecosystems.

Published online 16 October 2024

MF24046Climate extreme triggers cold-water community rescue

B. C. Ebner 0000-0001-8808-4998, J. Lobegeiger, J. Coe, S. Balcombe, D. Latimer, G. Pickering and J. C. Marshall
 

We rescued and temporarily housed multiple cold-water fauna (mountain-top associated fishes and crayfish) in reacting to extreme drought. In captivity, predation and aggression both within and among species reduced survivorship. Further experimentation, adaptive management and infrastructure development is required to prepare for future rescues of cold-water fauna, based on likely climate-change scenarios.

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.

Published online 16 October 2024

MF24166An introduction to the collection ‘Environmental flows in northern Murray–Darling Basin: what we know about the science and management after a decade of practice’

M. R. Southwell 0009-0007-7783-1821, P. F. Frazier, M. Peat, S. A. Banks, J. B. Shrubb, T. C. Kermode, L. A. Thurtell, S. Bowen and A. E. Prior
 

This paper is the foreword to a collection on monitoring and research outcomes related to water management in the northern Murray–Darling Basin (MDB), Australia. It provides background on the northern MDB, along with a summary of papers presented in the collection.

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.

Published online 16 October 2024

MF24040Differential impacts of fire and inundation on a wetland plant community after wildfire

K. D. Mackay 0000-0003-1691-2226, B. Vincent, M. Southwell, I. Growns and S. Mika
 

Understanding fire and inundation impacts on wetland vegetation communities is crucial for effective post-fire wetland management. Here, we measured fire and inundation impacts on water-couch marshland in the Gwydir Wetlands and showed that fire was a major but short-term contributor to wetland vegetation change, whereas drought had longer-term impacts, and inundation regimes had the greatest impacts.

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.

Published online 16 October 2024

MF24053Risk v. reward for responsive movements by a highly mobile fish species in a flow-constrained and barrier-laden river

Gavin L. Butler 0000-0003-4933-5306, Leo M. Cameron, Daniel W. Coleman, Brendan C. Ebner 0000-0001-8808-4998, Jason D. Thiem 0000-0002-5585-8560 and Luke Carpenter-Bundhoo 0000-0002-9637-5231
 

We tracked golden perch in the highly modified Gwydir River to understand their response to different flows and the effect of barriers. Normally considered highly mobile, we found our golden perch to be highly constrained and largely sedentary, with little apparent connection to the wider population. The recovery and restoration of golden perch in the Murray–Darling Basin will require societal change.

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.

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

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: 11 Nov 2024

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

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

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

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

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