Login | Request Account (DAF staff only)

Riverine flow and spawning requirements of Macquaria ambigua oriens: implications for conservation and management

View Altmetrics

Cockayne, B. J., McDougall, A. J., Espinoza, T., Burndred, K. R., Thrupp, C. L., Broadfoot, C. D. and Finn, M. A. (2013) Riverine flow and spawning requirements of Macquaria ambigua oriens: implications for conservation and management. Marine and Freshwater Research, 64 (1). pp. 42-53. ISSN 1323-1650

Full text not currently attached. Access may be available via the Publisher's website or OpenAccess link.

Article Link: http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/mf12047

Abstract

Understanding the life-history attributes of aquatic species is integral to the development of environmental-flow strategies in regulated river systems. This is particularly important when species are under continual and increasing pressure from water-resource development. In this study, the water temperature and flow requirements for spawning of the Fitzroy River golden perch (Macquaria ambigua oriens) were investigated over 4 years at 22 sites in the Fitzroy River catchment. Eggs, larvae and young-of-year (YOY) M. ambigua oriens were sampled on a variety of flow events to determine the environmental requirements for spawning. Eggs and larvae of M. ambigua oriens were detected during natural flow events generally with a minimum of 1.5 m river rise and duration of 7 days. Spawning was associated with the peak and/or recession of the first or second post-winter flow event where water temperatures exceeded 248 degrees C. Our data suggests that it is important to protect a range of flows, not just flood flows, as previously documented for this species. The interaction of spawning flows with existing and future water-resource development should be considered to ensure maintenance of the population viability of M. ambigua oriens.

Item Type:Article
Business groups:Fisheries Queensland
Additional Information:Cockayne, B. J. McDougall, A. J. Espinoza, T. Burndred, K. R. Thrupp, C. L. Broadfoot, C. D. Finn, M. A. Csiro publishing Collingwood
Keywords:environmental flows Fitzroy River golden perch regulation water-resource development water temperature australian freshwater fishes murray-darling basin golden perch recruitment patterns environmental flows rearing experiments floodplain river dryland river arid zone water
Subjects:Agriculture > Agriculture (General) > Conservation of natural resources
Aquaculture and Fisheries > Fisheries > Fishery conservation
Live Archive:03 Jul 2014 03:06
Last Modified:03 Sep 2021 16:49

Repository Staff Only: item control page