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Annual Variation in Larval Fish Assemblages in a Heavily Regulated River During Differing Hydrological Conditions

Cheshire, K. J. M., Ye, Q., Gillanders, B. M. and King, Alison (2015). Annual Variation in Larval Fish Assemblages in a Heavily Regulated River During Differing Hydrological Conditions. River Research and Applications: an international journal devoted to river research and management,32(6):1207-1219.

Document type: Journal Article
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IRMA ID 84376995xPUB259
Title Annual Variation in Larval Fish Assemblages in a Heavily Regulated River During Differing Hydrological Conditions
Author Cheshire, K. J. M.
Ye, Q.
Gillanders, B. M.
King, Alison
Journal Name River Research and Applications: an international journal devoted to river research and management
Publication Date 2015
Volume Number 32
Issue Number 6
ISSN 1535-1459   (check CDU catalogue open catalogue search in new window)
Scopus ID 2-s2.0-84941913900
Start Page 1207
End Page 1219
Total Pages 13
Place of Publication United Kingdom
Publisher John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
HERDC Category C1 - Journal Article (DIISR)
Abstract One of the most severe anthropogenic impacts on river systems worldwide has been alterations to the natural flow regime. Understanding biological responses to altered flow regimes is critical to effectively rehabilitate aquatic ecosystems. This study investigated changes in the larval fish assemblages during varying hydrological conditions over 5 years in the lower River Murray, in south-eastern Australia. Larval fish were sampled during spring/summer during three distinct hydrological periods: under a within-channel flow pulse and a water level raising (2005); during a drought with very low flows and stable water levels (2006, 2007 and 2008); and during an overbank flow (2010). Data were analysed for annual, spatial and seasonal variations, and correlations were examined between changes in larval assemblages and environmental variables. Hydrology was a key driver in inter-annual variation in larval fish assemblages. High abundances of small-bodied to medium-bodied native species were recorded under low flows, while for other species, abundance was more strongly correlated to temperature, representing seasonal variation. Two large-bodied species were only recorded during the within-channel flow pulse and overbank flow conditions, and significant increases in larval abundances were recorded during overbank flow conditions. We suggest groupings based on species response to hydrology (low-flow to medium-flow spawners, high-flow spawners or seasonal spawners). This study suggests that a range of conditions (low flows and overbank flows) are required to maintain a diverse and abundant native fish fauna in the lower River Murray. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
DOI http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/rra.2946   (check subscription with CDU E-Gateway service for CDU Staff and Students  check subscription with CDU E-Gateway in new window)
 
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Created: Tue, 26 Jul 2016, 13:00:08 CST