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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

Editors-in-Chief: Shokoofeh Shamsi and Vinicius Farjalla

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 is published under a continuous publication model. More information is available on our Continuous Publication page.

Published online 24 September 2025

MF25016Shallow but striking genetic structure in the highly connected New Zealand sand dollar (Fellaster zelandiae)

Ian S. Dixon-Anderson 0000-0002-2750-8141, Miles D. Lamare and Ceridwen I. Fraser
 

Genetic variation of marine species across a wide area can show how the environment can shape biodiversity. Sand dollars, for example, often show regional isolation but local connectivity. This study found that the New Zealand sand dollar, Fellaster zelandiae, is sister to its Australian counterpart, Arachnoides placenta. Fellaster showed strong connectivity across the entire country. Small-scale variation between northern and southern populations appears consistent with biogeographic patterns seen in other coastal species in New Zealand.

MF25016 Abstract  |  MF25016 Full Text  | MF25016PDF (2.2 MB)  | MF25016Supplementary Material (1.2 MB)   Open Access Article

Published online 23 September 2025

MF24274Combined effect of matrix dams and paddy field drainage ditches on nitrogen and phosphorus removal

Jing Cheng 0000-0001-6147-8356, Hao Yang, Haisheng Liu, Fangli Su, Hiba Shaghaleh, Yu Peng and Yousef Alhaj Hamoud
 

To solve the problem of nitrogen and phosphorus pollution in rice field drainage, our research explored how to use matrix dams in drainage ditches. Using numerical models, we found that matrix dams can significantly reduce water flow velocity and pollutant concentrations. This provides a very important method for protecting water bodies and improving the environment.

This article belongs to the collection: Global perspectives: sustainable management of freshwater aquatic ecosystem services and water resources.

MF24274 Abstract  | PDF (2.5 MB) - $35.00 
Published online 22 September 2025

MF24257Species delineation, phylogeography and conservation of temperate perches (Actinopterygii: Percichthyidae) from an endemism and climate change hotspot

Michael P. Hammer, David L. Morgan, Stephen J. Beatty, Mark G. Allen, Peter J. Unmack 0000-0003-1175-1152, Sean J. Buckley, Luciano B. Beheregaray 0000-0003-0944-3003, Jon Murphy and Mark Adams 0000-0002-6010-7382
 

This study looked at the genetic patterns of freshwater perches from the south-western corner of Australia. It showed that this region harbours undescribed species and discrete subpopulations, all being associated with past landscape or current environmental conditions. The research helps improve understanding of these fish, guiding efforts to protect aquatic habitats and conserve vulnerable populations as environmental changes affect the region.

MF24257 Abstract  |  MF24257 Full Text  | MF24257PDF (4 MB)  | MF24257Supplementary Material (835 KB)   Open Access Article

Published online 18 September 2025

MF25050Long-term abiotic changes in two technogenic lakes in the Wadi El-Rayan depression (Egypt)

Moham E. Goher, Nickolai Shadrin, Seliem M. El Sayed, Mahmoud H. Hegab, Nehad Khalifa, Soaad A Sabae, Yaseen Abd El-Tawab, Abdellatif M. Hussian, Mikhail Grigoriev and Elena Anufriieva 0000-0002-6237-7941
 

Approximately 200 × 106 m3 of agricultural drainage water have been discharged annually to the Wadi El-Rayan depression (Egypt) since 1973, creating two artificial lakes. Among other services, they supported high bird diversity formation and the development of multi-species aquaculture. We provide new information on long-term changes in both lakes from 1984 to 2022, which gives a better understanding of these unique ecosystem dynamics; this is valuable for the management of technogenic waterbodies and the development of sustainable polyaquaculture in in arid areas.

MF25050 Abstract  | PDF (2 MB) - $35.00   | MF25050Supplementary Material (550 KB)
Published online 09 September 2025

MF25018The ‘canary of the estuary’, the contribution of Sydney rock oyster aquaculture to understanding and protecting Australian estuarine health

Michael C. Dove, Laura M. Parker, Anthony Zammit, Hazel Farrell, Penelope Ajani, Shauna Murray, Kirsten Benkendorff 0000-0003-4052-3888, Geoff R. MacFarlane and Wayne A. O’Connor 0000-0002-0972-4668
 

The Sydney rock oyster (Saccostrea glomerata) is an iconic Australian native species of great commercial and ecological significance. Amid debate over aquaculture, the role of the S. glomerata industry in safeguarding Australia’s estuaries has been overlooked. This paper explores how, for over 150 years, S. glomerata has been central in monitoring, understanding and protecting one of NSW’s greatest assets, our estuarine ecosystems.

MF25018 Abstract  |  MF25018 Full Text  | MF25018PDF (3.7 MB)   Open Access Article

Published online 05 September 2025

MF24220The seafloor character of the Roman Rock area in False Bay, South Africa

Andrew Terhorst 0000-0002-0955-5251 and John Rogers
 

This study mapped the seafloor off Simon’s Town in False Bay, South Africa, by using sonar and sediment sampling to identify six distinct seafloor types, from granite outcrops to sand ripples shaped, by currents. It has highlighted the mixing of quartzose and calcareous sediments, illustrating how natural forces shape this dynamic marine environment.

MF24220 Abstract  |  MF24220 Full Text  | MF24220PDF (7.8 MB)   Open Access Article

Published online 05 September 2025

MF24269An unexpected source of CO2 and CH4 emissions: a case of littoral zones of small wetlands during the growing season

Gang Li 0000-0001-9097-4105, Shengming Dong, Hao Wang, Xin Wang, Linjiang Xie, Lei Quan, Emily Kathryn Hosea, Ying Chen and Wei Nie
 

Carbon dioxide and methane emissions from littoral zones to the atmospheric of small wetlands during the growing season (from May to October) were measured. The mean carbon emission rate was 9.94 ± 0.27 g CO2-eq m−2 day−1, with 18.24 ± 0.40 and 0.26 ± 0.04 g CO2-eq m−2 day−1 of CO2 and CH4 respectively. Wind speed, air temperature and −5-cm soil temperatre have singnificant non-linear relationships with carbon emissions. The small wetlands should be included in greenhouse-gas inventories as an unexpected carbon source.

This article belongs to the collection: Global perspectives: sustainable management of freshwater aquatic ecosystem services and water resources.

MF24269 Abstract  | PDF (2.2 MB) - $35.00   | MF24269Supplementary Material (602 KB)
Published online 04 September 2025

MF24280Exploring otolith phenotypic variability as a marker to discriminate spatial stocks of Mystus vittatus (Bloch, 1794)

Lubna Yasmeen, Mohd Sadiq 0009-0004-0212-6771, Mohammad Afzal Khan 0000-0002-8197-4311 and Insha Hassan
 

This study investigated the phenotypic variability in otoliths of Mystus vittatus from four different locations along the Ganga River to delineate its probable stocks. Using otolith shape and otolith morphometric analysis, the statistical results showed significant spatial differences in otolith characteristics, suggesting different stocks of Mystus vittatus.

MF24280 Abstract  | PDF (2.3 MB) - $35.00   | MF24280Supplementary Material (493 KB)
Published online 04 September 2025

MF25123Environmental factors driving Macrobrachium species richness on a global scale

Amanda Franco Morais, Douglas Fernandes Rodrigues Alves, Samara Paiva Barros-Alves 0000-0001-7216-3421 and Ariádine Cristine Almeida
 

This study examined the global distribution of freshwater shrimps in the genus Macrobrachium, evaluating environmental and historical drivers of species richness across biogeographic realms. Using predictive models, we tested the temperature–speciation, water–energy, and habitat heterogeneity hypotheses. Species richness peaked in the Neotropic and Indo-Malay realms, with model performance varying regionally. Results indicated that combined environmental and historical factors best explain richness patterns. Findings highlighted the need for targeted conservation efforts to protect biodiversity hotspots and mitigate human impacts on freshwater ecosystems.

MF25123 Abstract  | PDF (2.1 MB) - $35.00   | MF25123Supplementary Material (1.1 MB)
Published online 28 August 2025

MF24124Status and trends in wetland conservation policy under climate change in the Murray–Darling Basin, Australia

Fatima Tanveer 0009-0005-9470-3392, Jamie Pittock 0000-0001-6293-996X, Matthew J. Colloff 0000-0002-3765-0627 and Carina Wyborn
 

Our evaluation of wetland conservation mechanisms in the Commonwealth and three major states in Australia’s Murray–Darling Basin showed implementation challenges across different scales and jurisdictions. For greater consistency and cooperation, we recommend reviewing freshwater conservation policy integration pathways among jurisdictions examined. Setting pragmatic targets and explicit implementation strategies is important for improvement in wetland conservation and effective climate adaptation efforts.

MF24124 Abstract  |  MF24124 Full Text  | MF24124PDF (1.6 MB)  | MF24124Supplementary Material (592 KB)   Open Access Article

Published online 26 August 2025

MF24286Environmental flows in the upper Murrumbidgee River: evaluating flow delivery and governance to inform future environmental flow agreements

Anna McGuire 0009-0006-2920-3858 and Jamie Pittock 0000-0001-6293-996X
 

This article investigated the extent to which environmental flows have been delivered in the upper Murrumbidgee River in southern-eastern Australia from 2005 to 2022. Environmental releases were below the 27-GL annual target in 10 of the 15 years from 2008 to 2022. Opportunities for improvement include setting enforceable targets, ensuring independent scientific oversight and implementing a flow response monitoring program.

MF24286 Abstract  |  MF24286 Full Text  | MF24286PDF (715 KB)  | MF24286Supplementary Material (318 KB)   Open Access Article

Published online 21 August 2025

MF25095Abrupt historical change in the nature of a Ramsar Wetland: Seaford Swamp, greater Melbourne, Australia

Peter A. Gell 0000-0002-2251-5158, Emmy Frost 0000-0002-2173-237X, Cameron Gell and Rebekah Kurpiel 0000-0002-3134-408X
 

Seaford Swamp was listed as a Ramsar Wetland in 2001 when it was described as mostly fresh. Analysis of microfossils preserved in sediment cores showed a 7000-year marine–estuarine history, with a switch to fresh in the late 19th Century resulting from engineering works for urban development. The identification of the past condition provides alternate targets for management under climate change.

MF25095 Abstract  |  MF25095 Full Text  | MF25095PDF (1.9 MB)   Open Access Article

Published online 14 August 2025

MF25073The impact of hydrological wellness design on the psychological health and social interaction of rural elderly people

Hong Li 0000-0001-9713-0474, YaLong Xing, Zhenyi Chen and Hongling Jiang
 

The study investigated the influence of hydrological wellness design on the psychological health and social interaction of elderly people in rural areas of Guangzhou. The design positively influenced health response assessments, including mental health, social behaviour and physical health, and multimodal interaction perception mediated the relationship between hydrological design perception and health response. The results emphasise potential of hydrological design in enhancing wellbeing of the elderly, particularly by reducing loneliness and promoting social integration, and guide future designs aimed at improving the health of the elderly through integrated natural elements.

This article belongs to the collection: Global perspectives: sustainable management of freshwater aquatic ecosystem services and water resources.

MF25073 Abstract  | PDF (744 KB) - $35.00 
Published online 11 August 2025

MF25005Identification and distribution characteristics of recessive hydro-ecological space in the Qinhuai River Basin, China

Yichen Yan, Hui Xu, Wei Zhou, Xiaojuan Shen, Jun Liu, Jichen Zhang 0000-0002-1930-8174 and Cheng Gao 0000-0003-1622-0190
 

We used ArcGIS software and the InVEST model to identify the regional recessive hydro-ecological space of the Qinhuai River Basin in Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China. We visualised the three types of recessive hydro-ecological spaces (water source conservation, water purification, and soil and water conservation), and quantitatively analysed the spatial distribution characteristics of each type, which led us to the relevant conclusions.

This article belongs to the collection: Global perspectives: sustainable management of freshwater aquatic ecosystem services and water resources.

MF25005 Abstract  | PDF (4.2 MB) - $35.00 

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

Global perspectives: sustainable management of freshwater aquatic ecosystem services and water resources

Freshwater ecosystems, such as rivers, lakes, wetlands and estuaries, are essential for water purification, flood control and biodiversity. Given growing populations and climate change, sustainable management is critical for ensuring water quality and ecosystem health. The collection 'Global perspectives: sustainable management of freshwater aquatic ecosystem services and water resources' focuses on environmental flow assessments, pollution control, habitat restoration and climate change impacts. Contributions from the 7th International Symposium on Water Resource and Environmental Management (WREM2024) and other experts are invited to share innovative solutions for the global conservation and sustainable management of freshwater resources.

Collection Editor
Zhanhong Wan

Last Updated: 23 Sep 2025

Ecological monitoring and assessment of freshwater ecosystems: new trends and future challenges

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: 14 Jul 2025

Science in Sea Country

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
Laura Parker and Rachel Przeslawski

Last Updated: 02 Jul 2025

Research highlights from South and Central America

This issue highlights groundbreaking research rooted in Central and South America, showcasing the region's rich biodiversity, unique ecosystems, and cultural heritage. From the ecological dynamics of the Amazon to sustainable agricultural innovations, these studies provide a window into the challenges and opportunities facing one of the world's most diverse regions. Researchers explore the intersection of science, conservation, and local knowledge, offering insights into preserving fragile ecosystems and fostering resilience in the face of climate change. With a focus on Central and South America, this collection underscores the importance of regional perspectives in addressing global issues. We hope these contributions inspire continued collaboration and innovative solutions for the sustainable future of the region and beyond.

Papers in this collection are free to read until 31 May 2025

Last Updated: 05 Feb 2025

Environmental flows in northern Murray–Darling Basin: what we know about the science and management after a decade of practice

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

Research into Chinese Wetlands

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
C. Max Finlayson

Last Updated: 12 Sep 2016

Shark and Ray Life History

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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