Register      Login
Marine and Freshwater Research Marine and Freshwater Research Society
Advances in the aquatic sciences
RESEARCH ARTICLE

Is climate change driving recruitment failure in Australian bass Macquaria novemaculeata in southern latitudes of the species range?

Daniel J. Stoessel A C , John R. Morrongiello B , Tarmo A. Raadik A , Jarod Lyon A and Peter Fairbrother A
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations

A Arthur Rylah Institute for Environmental Research, Department of Environment Land, Water and Planning, 123 Brown Street, Heidelberg, Vic. 3084, Australia.

B School of Biosciences, The University of Melbourne, Vic. 3010, Australia.

C Corresponding author. Email: daniel.j.stoessel@delwp.vic.gov.au

Marine and Freshwater Research 69(1) 24-36 https://doi.org/10.1071/MF17173
Submitted: 8 June 2017  Accepted: 18 August 2017   Published: 14 September 2017

Abstract

Flow regimes have been fundamentally altered in many of the world’s river systems. There is a need to restore components of natural flow variability to protect freshwater biodiversity. The Australian bass is a long-lived, catadromous percichthyid endemic to coastal drainages of south-eastern Australia. Little is known of the timing and magnitude of flows considered important for recruitment and growth of individuals in southern latitudes of the species range. Herein we generate nearly 50 years of otolith-derived recruitment and growth histories for Australian bass and relate these to hydrologic, climatic and demographic variables. We found that younger Australian bass grew fastest in years following a cooler spring, whereas the growth of older fish exhibited little response to temperature. Australian bass year class strength was positively related to high flows in spring and in a negative curvilinear way to spring temperature. A lack of suitable natural flows in spring may be responsible for little to no recruitment of Australian bass in the Genoa River over the past two decades. Based on our findings, the continuing trend of lower rainfall and higher temperatures, coupled with river regulation in some systems in the region, will likely result in depressed juvenile growth and prolonged periods of recruitment failure over the medium to longer term, with significant implications for the viability of populations.


References

Anderson, J. R., Morison, A. K., and Ray, D. J. (1992). Age and growth of Murray Cod, Maccullochella peelii (Perciformes: Percichthyidae), in the Lower Murray–Darling Basin, Australia, from thin-sectioned otoliths. Marine and Freshwater Research 43, 983–1013.
Age and growth of Murray Cod, Maccullochella peelii (Perciformes: Percichthyidae), in the Lower Murray–Darling Basin, Australia, from thin-sectioned otoliths.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Arthington, A. H., and Pusey, B. J. (2003). Flow restoration and protection in Australian rivers. River Research and Applications 19, 377–395.
Flow restoration and protection in Australian rivers.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Arthington, A. H., Bunn, S. E., Poff, N. L., and Naiman, R. J. (2006). The challenge of providing environmental flow rules to sustain river ecosystems. Ecological Applications 16, 1311–1318.
The challenge of providing environmental flow rules to sustain river ecosystems.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Berkenbusch, K., and Rowden, A. A. (2000). Latitudinal variation in the reproductive biology of the burrowing ghost shrimp Callianassa filholi (Decapoda: Thalassinidea). Marine Biology 136, 497–504.
Latitudinal variation in the reproductive biology of the burrowing ghost shrimp Callianassa filholi (Decapoda: Thalassinidea).Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Bond, N., Thomson, J., Reich, P., and Stein, J. (2011). Using species distribution models to infer potential climate change-induced range shifts of freshwater fish in south-eastern Australia. Marine and Freshwater Research 62, 1043–1061.
Using species distribution models to infer potential climate change-induced range shifts of freshwater fish in south-eastern Australia.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Brown, P. (2009). Australian bass movement and migration in the Snowy River. Recreational fishing grant program research report. (Department of Primary Industries, Victoria: Melbourne, Vic., Australia.) Available at https://vfa.vic.gov.au/operational-policy/publications-and-resources/fisheries-reports/your-licence-fees-at-work-reports/2009-2010/australian-bass-movement-and-migration-in-the-snowy-river [Verified 24 August 2017].

Burnham, K. P., and Anderson, D. R. (2002). ‘Model Selection and Inference: a Practical Information–Theoretic Approach’, 2nd edn. (Springer-Verlag: New York, NY, USA.)

Cadwallader, P. L., and Rogan, P. L. (1977). The Macquarie perch, Macquaria australasica (Pisces: Percichthyidae), of Lake Eildon, Victoria. Australian Journal of Ecology 2, 409–418.
The Macquarie perch, Macquaria australasica (Pisces: Percichthyidae), of Lake Eildon, Victoria.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Cai, W., and Cowan, T. (2008). Dynamics of late autumn rainfall reduction over south-eastern Australia. Geophysical Research Letters 35, L09708.
Dynamics of late autumn rainfall reduction over south-eastern Australia.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Cai, W. J., Jones, D. A., Harle, K., Cowan, T. D., Power, S. B., Smith, I. N., Arblaster, J. M., and Abbs, D. J. (2007). Past climate change. In ‘Climate Change in Australia’. (Eds K. B. Pearce, P. N. Holper, M. Hopkins, W. J. Bouma, P. H. Whetton, K. J. Hennessy, and S. B. Power.) pp. 17–28. (CSIRO Marine and Atmospheric Research: Melbourne, Vic., Australia.)

Chessman, B. C. (1986). Impact of the 1983 wildfires on river water quality in East Gippsland, Victoria. Marine and Freshwater Research 37, 399–420.
Impact of the 1983 wildfires on river water quality in East Gippsland, Victoria.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DyaL28XksVymt7Y%3D&md5=9b3570f3811897451b829b14ef788118CAS |

Conover, D. O. (1992). Seasonality and the scheduling of life history at different latitudes. Journal of Fish Biology 41, 161–178.
Seasonality and the scheduling of life history at different latitudes.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

DEPI (2014). Vic Fish Stock. Vic Fish Stock meeting outcomes 2014. (Department of Environment and Primary Industries: Melbourne, Vic., Australia.) Available at https://vfa.vic.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0019/341236/20141224080523_Vic-Fish-Stock-2014-final-artwork.pdf [Verified 24 August 2017].

Douglas, J. (2011). Growth of Australian bass in the Snowy River. In ‘Freshwater Fish Resources in the Snowy River’. (Eds W. Fulton and K. Hall.) Fisheries Victoria Research Report Series Number 25, pp. 49–56. (Department of Primary Industries: Melbourne, Vic., Australia.)

Froneman, P. W. (2002). Response of the plankton to three different hydrological phases of the temporarily open/closed Kasouga Estuary, South Africa. Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science 55, 535–546.
Response of the plankton to three different hydrological phases of the temporarily open/closed Kasouga Estuary, South Africa.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DC%2BD38Xot1KmsLc%3D&md5=0443ea42d264e09da41f2c8ec8af50bfCAS |

Gehrke, P. C., Astles, K. L., and Harris, J. H. (1999). Within‐catchment effects of flow alteration on fish assemblages in the Hawkesbury–Nepean River system, Australia. Regulated Rivers: Research and Management 15, 181–198.
Within‐catchment effects of flow alteration on fish assemblages in the Hawkesbury–Nepean River system, Australia.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Gray, S. C., De Silva, S. S., Ingram, B. A., and Gooley, G. J. (2000). Effects of river impoundment on body condition and reproductive performance of the Australian native fish, Macquarie perch (Macquaria australasica). Lakes and Reservoirs: Research and Management 5, 281–291.
Effects of river impoundment on body condition and reproductive performance of the Australian native fish, Macquarie perch (Macquaria australasica).Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Growns, I., and James, M. (2005). Relationship between river flows and recreational catches of Australian bass. Journal of Fish Biology 66, 404–416.
Relationship between river flows and recreational catches of Australian bass.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Guy, C., Blankenship, H., and Neilsen, L. (1996). Tagging and marking. In ‘Fisheries Techniques’, 2nd edn. (Eds B. W. Murphy and D. W. Willis.) pp. 353–384. (American Fisheries Society: Bethesda, MD, USA.)

Handeland, S. O., Imsland, A. K., and Stefansson, S. O. (2008). The effect of temperature and fish size on growth, feed intake, food conversion efficiency and stomach evacuation rate of Atlantic salmon post-smolts. Aquaculture 283, 36–42.
The effect of temperature and fish size on growth, feed intake, food conversion efficiency and stomach evacuation rate of Atlantic salmon post-smolts.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Harding, D. J., Dwyer, R. G., Mullins, T. M., Kennard, M. J., Pillans, R. D., and Roberts, D. T. (2017). Migration patterns and estuarine aggregations of a catadromous fish, Australian bass (Percalates novemaculeata) in a regulated river system. Marine and Freshwater Research 68, 1544–1553.
Migration patterns and estuarine aggregations of a catadromous fish, Australian bass (Percalates novemaculeata) in a regulated river system.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Harris, J. H. (1983). The Australian bass Macquaria novemaculeata. Ph.D. Thesis, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia.

Harris, J. H. (1985a). Diet of the Australian bass Macquaria novemaculeata (Perciformes: Percichthyidae), in the Sydney Basin. Australian Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research 36, 219–234.
Diet of the Australian bass Macquaria novemaculeata (Perciformes: Percichthyidae), in the Sydney Basin.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Harris, J. H. (1985b). Age of Australian bass Macquaria novemaculeata (Perciformes: Percichthyidae), in the Sydney Basin. Australian Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research 36, 235–246.
Age of Australian bass Macquaria novemaculeata (Perciformes: Percichthyidae), in the Sydney Basin.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Harris, J. H. (1986). Reproduction of the Australian bass, Macquaria novemaculeata (Perciformes: Percichthyidae) in the Sydney Basin. Australian Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research 37, 209–235.
Reproduction of the Australian bass, Macquaria novemaculeata (Perciformes: Percichthyidae) in the Sydney Basin.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Harris, J. H. (1988). Demography of Australian bass, Macquaria novemaculeata (Perciformes, Percichthyidae), in the Sydney basin. Marine and Freshwater Research 39, 355–369.
Demography of Australian bass, Macquaria novemaculeata (Perciformes, Percichthyidae), in the Sydney basin.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Helmuth, B., Mieszkowska, N., Moore, P., and Hawkins, S. J. (2006). Living on the edge of two worlds: forecasting the responses of rocky intertidal ecosystems to climate change. Annual Review of Ecology Evolution and Systematics 37, 373–404.
Living on the edge of two worlds: forecasting the responses of rocky intertidal ecosystems to climate change.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Humphries, P., King, A. J., and Koehn, J. D. (1999). Fish, flows and floodplains: links between freshwater fishes and their environment in the Murray–Darling River system, Australia. Environmental Biology of Fishes 56, 129–151.
Fish, flows and floodplains: links between freshwater fishes and their environment in the Murray–Darling River system, Australia.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Imsland, A. K., Sunde, L. M., Folkvord, A., and Stefansson, S. O. (1996). The interaction of temperature and fish size on growth of juvenile turbot. Journal of Fish Biology 49, 926–940.
The interaction of temperature and fish size on growth of juvenile turbot.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Jardine, T. D., Pusey, B. J., Hamilton, S. K., Pettit, N. E., Davies, P. M., Douglas, M. M., Sinnamon, V., Halliday, I. A., and Bunn, S. E. (2012). Fish mediate high food web connectivity in the lower reaches of a tropical floodplain river. Oecologia 168, 829–838.
Fish mediate high food web connectivity in the lower reaches of a tropical floodplain river.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Jenkins, G. P., Spooner, D., Conron, S., and Morrongiello, J. R. (2015). Differing importance of salinity stratification and freshwater flow for the recruitment of apex species of estuarine fish. Marine Ecology Progress Series 523, 125–144.
Differing importance of salinity stratification and freshwater flow for the recruitment of apex species of estuarine fish.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Jerry, D. R., Raadik, T. A., Cairns, S. C., and Baverstock, P. R. (1999). Evidence for natural interspecific hybridization between the Australian bass (Macquaria novemaculeata) and estuary perch (M. colonorum). Marine and Freshwater Research 50, 661–666.
Evidence for natural interspecific hybridization between the Australian bass (Macquaria novemaculeata) and estuary perch (M. colonorum).Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Jonassen, T. M., Imsland, A. K., and Stefansson, S. O. (1999). The interaction of temperature and fish size on growth of juvenile halibut. Journal of Fish Biology 54, 556–572.
The interaction of temperature and fish size on growth of juvenile halibut.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Junk, W. J., Bayley, P. B., and Sparks, R. E. (1989). The flood pulse concept in river–floodplain systems. In ‘Proceedings of the International Large River Symposium (LARS)’, 14–21 September 1986, Honey Harbour, ON, Canada. (Ed. D. P. Dodge.) Canadian Special Publication of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences 106, pp. 110–127. (Department of Fisheries and Oceans: Ottawa, ON, Canada.)

King, A. J., Tonkin, Z., and Mahoney, J. (2009). Environmental flow enhances native fish spawning and recruitment in the Murray River, Australia. River Research and Applications 25, 1205–1218.
Environmental flow enhances native fish spawning and recruitment in the Murray River, Australia.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Kingsford, R. T. (2000). Ecological impacts of dams, water diversions and river management on floodplain wetlands in Australia. Austral Ecology 25, 109–127.
Ecological impacts of dams, water diversions and river management on floodplain wetlands in Australia.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Kokita, T. (2004). Latitudinal compensation in female reproductive rate of a geographically widespread reef fish. Environmental Biology of Fishes 71, 213–224.
Latitudinal compensation in female reproductive rate of a geographically widespread reef fish.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Land Conservation Council, Victoria (1974). Report on the East Gippsland Study Area. Land Conservation Council, Victoria, Melbourne, Vic., Australia.

Last, P. R., White, W. T., Gledhill, D. C., Hobday, A. J., Brown, R., Edgar, G. J., and Pecl, G. (2011). Long‐term shifts in abundance and distribution of a temperate fish fauna: a response to climate change and fishing practices. Global Ecology and Biogeography 20, 58–72.
Long‐term shifts in abundance and distribution of a temperate fish fauna: a response to climate change and fishing practices.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Linforth, D. J. (1969). The climate of East Gippsland. Proceedings of the Royal Society of Victoria 82, 27–36.

Maceina, M. J. (1997). Simple application of using residuals from catch-curve regressions to assess year-class strength in fish. Fisheries Research 32, 115–121.
Simple application of using residuals from catch-curve regressions to assess year-class strength in fish.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Mallen-Cooper, M. (1999). Taking the mystery out of migration. In ‘Fish Movement and Migration. Australian Society for Fish Biology Workshop Proceedings’, 28–29 September 1999, Bendigo, Vic., Australia. (Eds D. A. Hancock, D. C. Smith, and J. D. Koehn.) pp. 101–111. (Australian Society for Fish Biology: Sydney, NSW, Australia.)

McCarraher, D. B. (1986a). Distribution and abundance of sport fish populations in selected Victorian estuaries, inlets, coastal streams and lakes. 1. Orbost region. Arthur Rylah Institute for Environmental Research Technical Report Series Number 43, Department of Conservation, Forests and Lands, Melbourne, Vic., Australia.

McCarraher, D. B. (1986b). Observations on the distribution, spawning, growth and diet of Australian bass (Macquaria novemaculeata) in Victorian waters. Arthur Rylah Institute for Environmental Research Technical Report Series Number 47, Department of Conservation, Forests and Lands, Melbourne, Vic., Australia.

Midgley, S. H. (1964). The Australian bass. Wildlife Australia 1, 16–19.

Morrongiello, J. R., and Thresher, R. E. (2015). A statistical framework to explore ontogenetic growth variation among individuals and populations: a marine fish example. Ecological Monographs 85, 93–115.
A statistical framework to explore ontogenetic growth variation among individuals and populations: a marine fish example.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Morrongiello, J. R., Walsh, C. T., Gray, C. A., Stocks, J. R., and Crook, D. A. (2014). Environmental change drives long-term recruitment and growth variation in an estuarine fish. Global Change Biology 20, 1844–1860.
Environmental change drives long-term recruitment and growth variation in an estuarine fish.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Musyl, M. K., and Keenan, C. P. (1992). Population genetics and zoogeography of Australian freshwater golden perch, Macquaria ambigua (Richardson 1845) (Teleostei: Percichthyidae), and electrophoretic identification of a new species from the Lake Eyre basin. Marine and Freshwater Research 43, 1585–1601.
Population genetics and zoogeography of Australian freshwater golden perch, Macquaria ambigua (Richardson 1845) (Teleostei: Percichthyidae), and electrophoretic identification of a new species from the Lake Eyre basin.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Newton, G. M. (1996). Estuarine ichthyoplankton ecology in relation to hydrology and zooplankton dynamics in salt-wedge estuary. Marine and Freshwater Research 47, 99–111.
Estuarine ichthyoplankton ecology in relation to hydrology and zooplankton dynamics in salt-wedge estuary.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Poff, N. L., and Zimmerman, J. K. H. (2010). Ecological responses to altered flow regimes: a literature review to inform the science and management of environmental flows. Freshwater Biology 55, 194–205.
Ecological responses to altered flow regimes: a literature review to inform the science and management of environmental flows.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Poff, N. L., Allan, J. D., Bain, M. B., Karr, J. R., Prestegaard, K. L., Richter, B. D., Sparks, R. E., and Stromberg, J. C. (1997). The natural flow regime. Bioscience 47, 769–784.
The natural flow regime.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Puckridge, J. T., Sheldon, F., Walker, K. F., and Boulton, A. J. (1998). Flow variability and the ecology of large rivers. Marine and Freshwater Research 49, 55–72.
Flow variability and the ecology of large rivers.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Pusey, B. J., Kennard, M. J., and Arthington, A. H. (2004). ‘Freshwater Fishes of North-Eastern Australia.’ (CSIRO Publishing: Melbourne, Vic., Australia.)

Reinfelds, I. V., Walsh, C. T., van der Meulen, D. E., Growns, I. O., and Gray, C. A. (2013). Magnitude, frequency and duration of instream flows to stimulate and facilitate catadromous fish migrations: Australian bass (Macquaria novemaculeata Perciformes, Percichthyidae). River Research and Applications 29, 512–527.
Magnitude, frequency and duration of instream flows to stimulate and facilitate catadromous fish migrations: Australian bass (Macquaria novemaculeata Perciformes, Percichthyidae).Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Reinson, G. E. (1976). Hydrogeochemistry of the Genoa River basin, New South Wales–Victoria. Marine and Freshwater Research 27, 165–186.
Hydrogeochemistry of the Genoa River basin, New South Wales–Victoria.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DyaE28XlvVajtL0%3D&md5=c2a90db6573b62c51a1380e20d5ed98bCAS |

Sagarin, R. D., Barry, J. P., Gilman, S. E., and Baxter, C. H. (1999). Climate related change in an intertidal community over short and long time scales. Ecological Monographs 69, 465–490.
Climate related change in an intertidal community over short and long time scales.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Sanderson, J. S., Rowan, N., Wilding, T., Bledsoe, B. P., Miller, W. J., and Poff, N. L. (2012). Getting to scale with environmental flow assessment: the watershed flow evaluation tool. River Research and Applications 28, 1369–1377.
Getting to scale with environmental flow assessment: the watershed flow evaluation tool.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Schnierer, S. B. (1982). The biology of the Australian bass Macquaria novemaculeata (F. Steindachner) in the Richmond River, northern New South Wales. M.Sc. Thesis, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Qld, Australia.

Schwartz, T. S., Jenkins, F., and Beheregaray, L. B. (2005). Microsatellite DNA markers developed for the Australian bass (Macquaria novemaculeata) and their cross‐amplification in estuary perch (Macquaria colonorum). Molecular Ecology Notes 5, 519–520.
Microsatellite DNA markers developed for the Australian bass (Macquaria novemaculeata) and their cross‐amplification in estuary perch (Macquaria colonorum).Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DC%2BD2MXhtVOhtbrJ&md5=505fccbc4db64fc2ac7a94a4aa086182CAS |

Secor, D. H., Dean, J. M., and Laban, E. H. (1991). ‘Manual for Otolith Removal and Preparation for Microstructural Examination.’ (Electric Power Research Institute and the Belle W. Baruch Institute for Marine Biology and Coastal Research: Columbia, MO, USA.)

Shaddick, K., Gilligan, D. M., Burridge, C. P., Jerry, D. R., Truong, K., and Beheregaray, L. B. (2011). Historic divergence with contemporary connectivity in a catadromous fish, the estuary perch (Macquaria colonorum). Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences 68, 304–318.
Historic divergence with contemporary connectivity in a catadromous fish, the estuary perch (Macquaria colonorum).Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Simenstad, C. A., Hood, W. G., Thom, R. M., Levy, D. A., and Bottom, D. L. (2002). Landscape structure and scale constraints on restoring estuarine wetlands for Pacific Coast juvenile fishes. Concepts and Controversies in Tidal Marsh Ecology 2002, 597–630.
Landscape structure and scale constraints on restoring estuarine wetlands for Pacific Coast juvenile fishes.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Sommer, T. R., Nobriga, M. L., Harrell, W. C., Batham, W., and Kimmerer, W. J. (2001). Floodplain rearing of juvenile chinook salmon: evidence of enhanced growth and survival. Canadian Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences 58, 325–333.
Floodplain rearing of juvenile chinook salmon: evidence of enhanced growth and survival.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Staunton-Smith, J., Robins, J. B., Mayer, D. G., Sellin, M. J., and Halliday, I. A. (2004). Does the quantity and timing of fresh water flowing into a dry tropical estuary affect year-class strength of barramundi (Lates calcarifer)? Marine and Freshwater Research 55, 787–797.
Does the quantity and timing of fresh water flowing into a dry tropical estuary affect year-class strength of barramundi (Lates calcarifer)?Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

van der Wal, E. J. (1983). New South Wales bass breeding program well established. Australian Fisheries 42, 21–23.

van Dijk, A. I. J. M, Beck, H. E., Crosbie, R. S., de Jeu, R. A. M., Liu, Y. Y., Podger, G. M., Timbal, B., and Viney, N. R. (2013). The Millennium Drought in southeast Australia (2001–2009): natural and human causes and implications for water resources, ecosystems, economy, and society. Water Resources Research 49, 1040–1057.
The Millennium Drought in southeast Australia (2001–2009): natural and human causes and implications for water resources, ecosystems, economy, and society.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Wakefield, C. B., Potter, I. C., Hall, N. G., Lenanton, R. C., and Hesp, S. A. (2015). Marked variations in reproductive characteristics of snapper (Chrysophrys auratus, Sparidae) and their relationship with temperature over a wide latitudinal range. ICES Journal of Marine Science 72, 2341–2349.
Marked variations in reproductive characteristics of snapper (Chrysophrys auratus, Sparidae) and their relationship with temperature over a wide latitudinal range.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Walker, K. F. (1985). A review of the ecological effects of river regulation in Australia. Hydrobiologia 125, 111–129.
A review of the ecological effects of river regulation in Australia.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Walsh, C. T., Gray, C. A., West, R. J., and Williams, L. F. G. (2011). Reproductive biology and spawning strategy of the catadromous percichthyid, Macquaria colonorum (Gunther, 1863). Environmental Biology of Fishes 91, 471–486.
Reproductive biology and spawning strategy of the catadromous percichthyid, Macquaria colonorum (Gunther, 1863).Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Walsh, C. T., Reinfelds, I. V., Gray, C. A., West, R. J., van der Meulen, D. E., and Craig, J. R. (2012). Seasonal residency and movement patterns of two co‐occurring catadromous percichthyids within a south‐eastern Australian river. Ecology Freshwater Fish 21, 145–159.
Seasonal residency and movement patterns of two co‐occurring catadromous percichthyids within a south‐eastern Australian river.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Walsh, C. T., Reinfelds, I. V., Ives, M. C., Gray, C. A., West, R. J., and van der Meulen, D. E. (2013). Environmental influences on the spatial ecology and spawning behaviour of an estuarine resident fish, Macquaria colonorum. Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science 118, 60–71.
Environmental influences on the spatial ecology and spawning behaviour of an estuarine resident fish, Macquaria colonorum.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Wharton, J. C. F. (1973). Spawning induction, artificial fertilization and pond culture of the Macquarie perch (Macquaria australasica). Australian Society of Limnology Bulletin 5, 43–65.

Williams, N. J. (1970). ‘A Comparison of the Two Species of the Genus Percalates Ramsay and Ogilby (Percomorphi: Macquariidae) and Their Taxonomy.’ (Government Printer: Sydney, Australia)

Wu, L., Cai, W., Zhang, L., Nakamura, H., Timmermann, A., Joyce, T., McPhaden, M. J., Alexander, M., Qiu, B., Visbeck, M., and Chang, P. (2012). Enhanced warming over the global subtropical western boundary currents. Nature Climate Change 2, 161–166.
Enhanced warming over the global subtropical western boundary currents.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 1:CAS:528:DC%2BC38XivVentb8%3D&md5=e8992bf1bb87694f3002411ce987cb74CAS |

Zampatti, B. P., and Leigh, S. J. (2013). Within-channel flows promote spawning and recruitment of golden perch, Macquaria ambigua ambigua – implications for environmental flow management in the River Murray, Australia. Marine and Freshwater Research 64, 618–630.
Within-channel flows promote spawning and recruitment of golden perch, Macquaria ambigua ambigua – implications for environmental flow management in the River Murray, Australia.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |