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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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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 03 October 2024

MF24027Contributions of nano- and picophytoplankton to the phytoplankton biomass in Saudi Arabian waters of the Arabian Gulf

Moritz J. Heinle 0000-0003-0945-9283, Ace V. Flandez, Todd R. Clardy, Hattan Balkhi and Mohammad A. Qurban
 

This study reports on the contribution of three phytoplankton size classes to the total chlorophyll-a (Chl-a) concentration at three coastal stations in the Arabian Gulf. It included data on the seasonal cycle for total chlorophyll a, as well as for the three size classes, and indicated physicochemical parameters potentially driving these cycles. It was found that micro- and nanophytoplankton Chl-a are correlated to a similar set of physicochemical parameters, whereas picophytoplankton Chl-a has a distinctly different correlation model.

Published online 30 September 2024

MF24090Biodiversity conservation and restoration of wetlands in suburban areas: challenges and prospects

Shaoyi Wang, Hailan Yu, Huabin Shentu, Caiwei Gu, Senjun Huang, Libing Wang, Heng Zheng, Junchao Ma, Jianguang Wang and Jun Wei 0009-0006-5945-2978
 

This investigation showed degraded wetland biodiversity near urbanising Hangzhou, with habitat loss to development, water pollution and invasive species. Strategic planning integrating ecological restoration and sustainable development is urgently needed to conserve these ecosystems critical for wildlife and human communities.

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

Published online 30 September 2024

MF24142Effects of land use on annelid assemblages in Pampean wetlands

Laura C. Armendáriz 0000-0002-6454-3499, Bianca Cortese and Alberto Rodrigues Capítulo
 

This study assessed the ecological status of Pampas wetlands under various land uses by examining environmental factors and annelid assemblages. Four water systems were surveyed, showing correlations with environmental conditions. Specific annelid species were linked to factors such as nitrate and phosphorus concentrations. The findings underscore the importance of annelid assemblages in wetland monitoring and the need for sustainable watershed management.

Published online 25 September 2024

MF24041Residency and movement patterns of juvenile yellowfin bream Acanthopagrus australis, stocked on estuarine artificial reefs

Alistair Becker 0000-0001-5578-7208, Symon A. Dworjanyn, Benjamin Mos 0000-0003-3687-516X, Yuri V. Niella, James A. Smith, Michael B. Lowry and Matthew D. Taylor 0000-0002-1519-9521
 

Successful fish stocking relies upon releasing cohorts directly into habitat containing suitable supporting resources. We compared residency and movement patterns of juvenile yellowfin bream stocked on artificial reefs and less complex natural habitat. Fish stocked on artificial reefs showed greater fidelity to their release site and were detected for longer periods. Future stocking of bream or other sparids should consider releasing fish onto artificial reefs, with benefits these structures provide likely to be greater for estuaries lacking naturally complex habitats.

Published online 23 September 2024

MF24168Monitoring along north-eastern Brazilian beaches: what stranding data show on olive ridley sea turtles (Lepidochelys olivacea)?

Daniel Solon Dias de Farias 0000-0002-5923-8625, Silmara Rossi 0000-0003-0281-7236, Aline da Costa Bomfim 0000-0003-4678-7534, Cleto Jose Freire Costa Junior 0009-0008-0784-1271, Flávio José de Lima Silva 0000-0002-6521-9367, Giovanna Almeida Santoro 0000-0002-2414-1807, Juliana Maia Lorena Pires 0900-0007-4500-6800, Radan Elvis Matias de Oliveira 0000-0002-0370-4447 and Simone Almeida Gavilan 0000-0003-1163-9822
 

This study showed the presence of juvenile olive ridley turtles in north-eastern Brazil, with 62.04% of 266 records being juveniles, including ‘lost years’ individuals up to 25.9 cm. Anthropogenic interaction with fishing (83.02%) is the main cause of strandings. The north-eastern region is vital as a habitat, necessitating continuous monitoring and conservation, particularly in heavily fished areas.

Published online 23 September 2024

MF23231Community-level effects of ivermectin and moxidectin from cattle dung: zooplankton as study case

Camila J. Lorente 0000-0001-8114-7124, Daniel N. Flores-Mendez, Leticia M. Mesa, M. Victoria Miró, Adrián Lifschitz and M. Florencia Gutierrez
 

MF23231_TOC.jpg

Popular antiparasitic drugs for livestock, ivermectin and moxidectin, are posing threats to aquatic ecosystems. In a brief laboratory study, we investigated their impact on zooplankton when administered through cattle dung. Results showed a disruption in zooplankton communities, with moxidectin being more toxic. These findings could have serious implications for long-term ecosystem health, emphasising the urgent need for protective measures and sustainable livestock management practices. (Image credit: Camila J. Lorente.)

Published online 23 September 2024

MF24022A study on water quality and pollution source investigation of Jinkengling Reservoir

Yiting Qi 0009-0006-6921-8536, Xin Cao, Ruisi Cao, Mingjie Cao, Jing Huang and Dong Xu 0000-0002-9111-1245
 

Eutrophication pollution has become an important ecological problem in the world. This paper mainly analyses the current water quality of a reservoir, and on this basis, conducts an in-depth investigation and calculation of the reservoir pollution sources, evaluates the current degree of eutrophication pollution of the reservoir, and provides reference for the effective management and management of the subsequent reservoir.

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

Published online 20 September 2024

MF24073Mahseer conservation in Asia: trends and insights from scientometric analysis

Nur Syuhada Iskandar, Noorashikin Md Noor 0000-0002-6747-5997, Zaidi Che Cob, Simon Kumar Das 0000-0003-0628-9995 and Sonia Kasihmuddin
 

Mahseer fish, listed as Data Deficient with a decreasing population trend in The IUCN Red List, is valuable. Scientometric studies evaluate research efficacy. This study assessed mahseer research in Asia by using scientometric analysis. Analysis from Web of Science database showed a slight upward trend. Scientific publications on mahseer exhibited a significant increase. Research in Asia has potential for future scientific endeavours. The findings highlighted the importance of understanding research trends to inform conservation efforts for mahseer species in Asia.

This article belongs to the collection Ecological Monitoring and Assessment of Freshwater Ecosystems: new trends and future challenges.

Published online 20 September 2024

MF24067Realising the benefits of modern fish-protection screening in Australia

Thomas S. Rayner 0000-0001-9616-1068, Craig A. Boys 0000-0002-6434-2937, John Conallin 0000-0002-2508-1930, Boyd Blackwell, Anthony Moore, Marita Pearson and Rodney Price
 

Modern fish-protection screens are implemented globally to conserve aquatic ecosystems and infrastructure. They safeguard up to 90% of fish from water diversions, with Australian governments investing ~A$40 million in incentive programs. Progress in New South Wales includes screening 36 pumps from 2018 to 2024, protecting over 819,000 native fish yearly and delivering cleaner water for agriculture. Challenges remain in cost management and national expansion, necessitating prioritisation, affordability, industry stewardship, and ongoing advancements towards widespread adoption.

Published online 20 September 2024

MF24080No effects of abiotic and anthropogenic factors on reef-associated neonate shark abundance within a shark nursery-area system

I. A. Bouyoucos 0000-0002-4267-1043, C. A. Simpfendorfer, G. D. Schwieterman, K. B. Eustache, Lauric Thiault, S. Planes and J. L. Rummer
 

Coastal waters can be crucial nursery grounds for young sharks, but these areas are subject to a wide range of environmental changes and human interference. Our study found no significant effects on newborn populations of two reef shark species. This indicates either their remarkable resilience to environmental shifts and human presence in their habitats, or that these populations are historically degraded.

Published online 19 September 2024

MF24063Eutrophication weakens the positive biodiversity–productivity relationship of benthic diatoms in plateau lakes

Yun Zhang 0000-0002-9455-4711, Yihan Zhao, Yanling Li, Xiaodong Wu, Janne Soininen 0000-0002-8583-3137 and Jun Wang 0000-0003-2481-1409
 

This study examined the benthic diatom biodiversity–productivity relationship (BPRs) and the underlying mechanisms in high-plateau lakes along trophic states. The BPRs were linear and positive at all trophic levels, but eutrophication may weaken this relationship. Motile, non-attached and small-sized cells contributed notably to reducing the productivity and BPR. Nutrients affected productivity indirectly by influencing algal community structure, niche width and by biodiversity change.

Published online 16 September 2024

MF23174Are tuna always hungry? A deep dive into stomach-fullness measures in the western and central Pacific Ocean

Pauline Machful 0009-0006-1926-8594, Annie Portal, Jed Macdonald, Valerie Allain, Joe Scutt Phillips, Joanne Potts and Simon Nicol
 

In this study, we sought to reconstruct tropical tuna dietary histories by using different metrics of stomach fullness and to assess their association with fisheries-related, environmental and biological covariates. Our results add to the evidence that tropical tunas forage more effectively during the day and more actively when not associated with floating objects. Further research is needed to understand the factors governing this promising indicator of ecosystem change.

Published online 12 September 2024

MF24123The implications of brief floodplain inundation for local and landscape-scale ecosystem function in an intermittent Australian river

Oliver P. Pratt 0000-0001-7323-4594, Leah S. Beesley 0000-0003-4850-6388, Bradley J. Pusey 0000-0002-7446-7186, Samantha A. Setterfield 0000-0002-7470-4997 and Michael M. Douglas 0000-0003-3650-3374
 

Seasonal flooding promotes habitat diversity that influences biodiversity and ecological processes in river–floodplain ecosystems. We demonstrated that environmental conditions in floodplain pools on the Fitzroy River (WA) vary substantially compared with the main channel, providing an important habitat for organisms that contribute to landscape-scale ecosystem function. Floodplain pools fill a unique role in the wider river–floodplain ecosystem and should be protected from negative effects of water development.

Published online 05 September 2024

MF24118A comprehensive review of South Australia’s Great Artesian Basin spring and discharge wetlands biota

P. G. Beasley-Hall 0000-0002-7360-7933, B. A. Hedges, S. J. B. Cooper, A. D. Austin and M. T. Guzik
 

The Great Artesian Basin (GAB) is Australia’s largest freshwater resource. Springs fed by the GAB support many species not found elsewhere on Earth, but conservation is hindered by a lack of fundamental knowledge about the plants, animals and fungi reliant on these habitats. Using South Australia as a case study, we provide a comprehensive review of GAB biodiversity in that state.

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

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: 07 Aug 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. 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: 05 Aug 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

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