bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of predictions of a numerical model and observations of tides in Bass Strait
Authors: Fandry CB , Hubbert GD , McIntosh PC
Published: November 2005

A depth-averaged numerical model is used to describe the tidal regime in Bass Strait. Tidal constants corresponding to the four major tidal constituents (M2, S2, O1 and K1) are calculated at the grid points of the model, and co-amplitude and co-phase contours drawn for each of the constituents. At 17 locations in Bass Strait, the computed tidal constants are in excellent agreement with those obtained from flow and sea-level data. The dominant tidal constituent is found to be the semi-diurnal, M2, tide, which is predicted by the model with an accuracy of 10% in sea-level amplitude and 10� in phase. The M2 tide in Bass Strait is generated by two oppositely travelling waves, one entering the eastern end and another entering the western end with a phase lag of about 3 h. Some amplification of these waves occurs as they move from the deep water into the much shallower continental shelf waters of the Strait, and their superposition causes a large tidal amplitude (up to 1.2 m) to occur in central Bass Strait. The other three constituents are much weaker than the M2 constituent, and are driven by tidal waves entering from the western end. They propagate eastwards, emerging at the eastern end with little change in amplitude throughout the Strait.
Mechanisms for nitrogen supply to the Australian North West Shelf
Authors: Holloway PE , Humphries SE , Atkinson M , Imberger J
Published: November 2005

An upper bound for the rate of supply of new nitrate required to maintain the observed primary production on the North West Shelf is estimated to be 0.1 g N m-2 day -1. Nitrate concentrations over the shelf and slope regions are high ( > 100 mg N m-3, in water deeper than - 100 m and usually low (~10 mg N m-3), on the shelf. River flow is weak and carries little nutrient into the shelf waters and so it remains for ocean physical processes to advect and mix the nutrient-rich deep waters onto the shallower shelf regions to meet the nutrient demand. Several mechanisms are reviewed to determine their potential in carrying out the required transport processes. Estimates of the advection of nitrate onto the shelf show that both semi-diurnal tidal flow and low-frequency (periods > 35 h) upwelling events can each contribute approximately half the required demand, providing there is rapid use of nutrients. The upwelling events occur in summer and are associated with reversals of the south-west-flowing Leeuwin Current. Tropical cyclones are also shown to be capable of meeting a small, but significant, portion of the demand through enrichment of the surface layers in the offshelf waters by upwelling and vertical mixing. The enriched water can then be advected onto the shelf. Both tidal and internal tidal motion have the potential to transport nitrate onto the shelf from deeper water through vertical and horizontal mixing processes. However, these processes are difficult to quantify accurately. It is concluded that nitrogen is supplied to this shelf ecosystem by physical processes that are regular throughout the year, as opposed to large sporadic events that occur only once or twice a year.
Determining phycoerythrin and phycocyanin concentrations in aqueous crude extracts of red algae
Authors: Beer S , Eshel A
Published: November 2005

The following equations are proposed for correct calculations of pigment concentrations (E, phycoerythrin; C, phycocyanin, mg ml-1 in red algal crude extracts, from absorption measurements:

E=[(A564 - A592) - (A455-A592) 0.20] 0.12,
C=[A618 - A645) - (A592-A645) 0.15] 0.15

These equations are shown to yield results that are not affected by the concentration of interfering components. Fluorometry is also shown to be suitable for phycoerythrin measurements (with much higher sensitivity) in the same type of extracts.
Growth of the banana prawn, Penaeus merguiensis De Man, as estimated from tagging studies in the Gulf of Papua
Authors: Frusher SD , Gwyther D , Lindholm R
Published: November 2005

To estimate the growth parameters of the banana prawn, P. merguiensis, a tag-recapture study, using vinyl streamer tags (Floy FTSL-731, was undertaken throughout the northern Gulf of Papua. Recapture data were analysed using Fabens' derivation of the von Bertalanffy growth curve. A differential growth rate was found between male and female banana prawns: L∞ and K values for males were 29.34 mm carapace length (C.L.) and 0.136 per week, and for females 35.34 mm C.L. and 0.117 per week, respectively. The assumptions applied in estimating the parameters by the Fabens method were not invalidated. These prawns were shown to have a smaller maximum size than banana prawns from the Gulf of Carpentaria, and it is proposed that two discrete populations exist.
Reproductive behaviour and development of the glassperchlet, Ambassis agrammus Gunther (Pisces: Ambassidae), from the Alligator Rivers system, Northern Territory
Authors: Semple GP
Published: November 2005

A. agrammus showed sexual dimorphism in body shape during the breeding season. Pairing occurred during daylight with a single release of eggs amongst submerged vegetation at nightfall on the same day. The eggs were demersal, adhesive and spherical (0.50-0.56 mm diameter). A single oil droplet (0.15-0.20 mm diameter) persisted throughout egg and larval development. Hatching occurred 19-23 h after spawning at 27-35�C. At hatching, prolarvae [l .53-1.57 mm in standard length (SL)] were poorly developed and inactive. Feeding commenced 3 days after hatching (at 2.19-2.27 mm SL) after absorption of the yolk-sac. Fin-ray formation was complete in fry of 7.0 mm SL. Aquarium-reared fish first bred at 30 mm SL when 3 months of age. Features of A. agrammus reproduction as they relate to a specific survival strategy are briefly discussed.
Limnological characteristics of a South Australian intermittent stream, Brown Hill Creek
Authors: Towns DR
Published: November 2005

Selected physicochemical features, litter input rates and the abundance and distribution of common invertebrates were studied in Brown Hill Creek, a small intermittent stream that flows annually for about 6 months near Adelaide, South Australia. Permanent pools had very highly coloured waters and long-term low oxygen levels in summer, apparently related to seasonality of litter inputs from Eucalyptus obliqua. The larvae of only two species of fully aquatic insect, Leptorussa darlingtoni and Lectrides varians (Trichoptera : Leptoceridae), remained in permanent pools once flow had ceased. A more diverse fauna, dominated by Riekoperla naso (Plecoptera : Gripopterygidae), was present during winter when the stream was flowing. Most of the more abundant insect species had extremely unusual life histories, including terrestrial egg deposition (Leptorussa darlingtoni and Lectrides varians), rapid larval growth at low temperatures (Riekoperla naso), and advanced ovoviviparity (Austrocerca tasmanica).
Distribution of silica-scaled Chrysophyceae (Paraphysomonadaceae and Mallomonadaceae) in Australian inland waters
Authors: Croome RL , Tyler PA
Published: November 2005

Thirty-two species of silica-scaled Chrysophyceae of the genera Spiniferomonas, Chrysosphaerella and Paraphysomonas, belonging to the Paraphysomonadaceae Preisig & Hibberd, 1983, and Mallomonas, Mallomonopsis and Synura, belonging to the Mallomonadaceae (Diesing, 1866) Preisig & Hibberd, 1983, are recognized by electron microscopy from a wide range of Australian freshwater habitats, from tropical to temperate regions, and from a range of trophic types of lake. Eleven species are reported from Australia for the first time, and three from the Southern Hemisphere for the first time. Although most of the species are of worldwide occurrence, several are as yet known only from Australia. Several highly dystrophic lakes in Tasmania are particularly rich in species numbers and in population densities.
Seasonal changes in the distribution of Leeuwin Current waters of Southern Australia
Authors: Rochford DJ
Published: November 2005

Three major water masses occur for all or part of the year within the shelf and slope region off southern Australia. A Leeuwin Current carries the warmest water mass of relatively low salinity into the region, principally along the shelf break as far east as 130�E. This water mass first enters the western end of the region in May, disappears from the eastern end after July and from the western end by September-October. A warm and very high salinity water mass is present in the central and eastern half of the Great Australian Bight for most of the year. This central Bight water mass drifts to the south-east and occupies much of the shelf and slope region east of 135�E., particularly in winter. A West Wind Drift cold water mass of lowest salinity is found throughout the year off the slope region of southern Australia and periodically intrudes into the shelf break, especially when the Leeuwin Current is weakly developed. The central Bight waters, which provide a second source of warm waters in the eastern half of the region, greatly complicate the interpretation from satellite imagery of warm waters in that region as being derived solely from the Leeuwin Current. Adequate salinity data and sea surface temperatures derived from satellite imagery are required to determine more accurately the eastward extent of the Leeuwin Current.
Uptake and release of nitrogen compounds in coral reef and seagrass, Thalassia hemprichii (Ehrenb.) Aschers., bed sediments at Lizard Island, Queensland
Authors: Boon PI
Published: November 2005

The interstitial water in sediments from coral reef areas and seagrass (T. hemprichii) beds at Lizard Island contained 6-48 �mol l-1 ammonium, 4-7 �mol I-1 nitrate plus nitrite, and 1 .5-2.5 �mol I-1 soluble reactive phosphorus. Concentrations of total dissolved primary amines were an order of magnitude higher in sediments from seagrass beds (about 140 �mol l-1) than from coral reef areas (about 10 �mol I-1). Ammonium-nitrogen was produced at rates of 0.7,6, and 10 nmol g-1 h-1 in sediments from a bare beach, reef flat and seagrass bed, respectively. Added glycine and nitrate were also rapidly metabolized by microbes in the sediment (3 to > 5 nmol g-1 h-1).
Seasonal variations of density patterns in relation to the Bass Strait cascade
Authors: Gibbs CF , Cowdell RA , Longmore AR
Published: November 2005

Five cruises covering Bass Strait were undertaken between August 1979 and October 1980. The data for density, derived from temperature and salinity, are examined in relation to the potential for a cascade into the Tasman Sea. The evidence from these cruises, coupled with previously published work, suggests that the cascade is more likely to occur during winter than during summer and autumn.
Pressure fluctuations on the open-ocean floor: Mid-Tasman Sea at 38°30′S., 162°38′E., near the Lord Howe rise
Authors: Lilley FEM , Mulhearn PJ , Filloux JH , Bindoff NL , Ferguson IJ
Published: November 2005

A record, of 114 days duration, of pressure fluctuations on the floor of the Tasman Sea has been obtained from December 1983 to March 1984 at a site (38� 30′ S.,162� 38′ E.) near the Lord Howe Rise. The pressure fluctuations are due primarily to the ocean tides, and a first analysis of the record reveals clearly resolved open-ocean amplitude and phase values for four of the diurnal and semi-diurnal tidal components, namely Q1, O1, N2 and M2. Such observational results are important for comparison with global tidal models, and may allow their refinement, especially because tides in the seas around New Zealand are known to be complex. For the present site there is general agreement between the tidal results and the predictions of Schwiderski. The pressure record also shows seismic signals from a strong earthquake that occurred on 7 February 1984 in the Solomon Islands, at a distance of approximately 3000 km from the pressure-record site. The detection of the seismic signals demonstrates the response and versatility of the pressure instrument used, and raises the possibility of its use in a different recording mode to study such seismic-generated pressure events more fully.
Reproduction of the ornate rock lobster, Panulirus ornatus (Fabricius), in Papua New Guinea
Authors: MacFarlane JW , Moore R
Published: November 2005

Based on the examination of 26 499 female and 17 666 male specimens, the reproductive biology of P. ornatus is discussed with spatiotemporal reference to the annual breeding migration from northern Torres Strait to the Gulf of Papua. Migration commences generally in August with ovary development, mating and initial oviposition occurring during migration. Larval release normally commences once the migration has terminated on the reefs of the eastern seaboard in the Gulf of Papua. At the conclusion of the migration, marked segregation of the sexes occurs, with males entering shallow water (< 3 m) before females, who frequent deeper water (3-15 m) until their eggs have hatched. During the breeding season (November- April), females produce up to three broods. Fecundity is determined for 33 females in the carapace size range 75.4-121.0 mm. No significant egg loss during incubation was detected, but there was an indication of a reduction in the size of each subsequent brood. There appears to be a high post-spawning mortality of migratory lobsters. It is likely that the Gulf of Papua is the major source of larval recruitment in the western Coral Sea, including the east coast of Queensland and Torres Strait.
Functional morphology of the Chelipeds, mouthparts and gastric mill of Ozius truncatus (Milne Edwards) (Xanthidae) and Leptograpsus variegatus (Fabricius) (Grapsidae) (Brachyura)
Authors: Skilleter GA , Anderson DT
Published: November 2005

Field and laboratory observations show that O. truncatus is a predator on gastropod molluscs, using dimorphic
crusher-cutter chelipeds to remove the shell. The soft gastropod body is then presented to the maxillipeds.
The third maxillipeds and mandibles tear the food, but the fragments reaching the foregut are still relatively
large. The gastric mill ossicles of O. truncatus are robust, with few setae.
L. variegatus is an opportunistic omnivore using equal cutting-scraping chelipeds in an alternating action,
mainly in plucking and scraping algae. The food fragments reaching the maxillipeds are finely shredded
by the chelipeds. The small food fragments are ingested directly, being pushed into the mouth by the mandibular
palps. The maxillipeds and mouthparts do not triturate the food. The gastric mill ossicles of L. variegatus
are finely toothed and setose. Analogous functional relationships between ingestion mechanisms and gastric
mill occur in Anomura. The need for further studies on Brachyura is stressed.
Some Ergasilids (Copepoda) parasitic on four species of Australian bream, Acanthopagrus spp
Authors: Byrnes T
Published: November 2005

Four ergasilid species are recorded from Australian bream, i.e. Acanthopagrus butcheri (Munro), A. australis (Gunther), A. berda (Forskill) and A. latus (Houttuyn) from around Australia. New species include Dermoergasilus acanthopagri and Ergasilus spinipes. Previously described species include E. lizae Krmyer and Paraergasilus acanthopagri Roubal. Ergasilus australiensis Roubal is synonymized with E. lizae. The zoogeography and host specificity of parasites are described.
Age, growth and condition of the Perth herring, Nematolosa vlaminghi (Munro) (Dorosomatinae), in the Swan Estuary, south-western Australia
Authors: Chubb CF , Potter IC
Published: November 2005

The size, age and condition of Perth herring, N. vlaminghi, in the Swan Estuary in south-western Australia, were investigated between February 1977 and January 1980 using samples collected by beach seine and gill net. An examination of scale annuli showed that the population consisted predominantly of age classes 0+ to 4 +. By the end of their first year of life, Perth herring had reached mean lengths of 105 mm (= 9.8 g) in 1977, 105 mm (= 10.0 g) in 1978, and 95 mm (= 7.9 g) in 1979. The von Bertalanffy growth equation was calculated to be Lt = 381{1 -exp[- O.17(t + 0.6S)]}. During winter, the growth rate declined markedly and the mean condition factor fell to its lowest level. Perth herring started to make a major contribution to the important commercial fishery for this species during their third year of life.
Comparison of the dietary habits of six species of Dinotoperla (Plecoptera : Gripopterygidae) in Victoria
Authors: Yule C
Published: November 2005

The dietary habits of six species of Dinotoperla were determined by field and laboratory observations, nymphal gut analysis, and examination of mouthparts. All the species (D. bassae, D. brevipennis, D. christinae, D. eucumbene, D. fontana and D. thwaitesi) could be classified as herbivore-detritivores, and in each there was a shift from a diet primarily of fine particulate matter to a more polyphagous habit with increasing nymphal size. The diets of the six species were similar, consisting of diatoms, filamentous green algae (except in D. eucumbene), fupgal hyphae, fine particulate matter and vascular plant tissue. However, differences were observed in the nutritional quality of their diets in terms of protein and calorific content. The two smallest species studied, D. brevipennis and D. eucumbene, consumed mostly fine particulate matter-the least nutritionally valuable of available food items (apart from wood, which was not eaten by Dinotoperla nymphs). D. eucumbene was also the slowest growing of the six species. The fastest-growing species, D. bassae, was also the largest, and the nymphs of this species consumed the highest-quality diet, eating large amounts of filamentous green algae and diatoms.
Mine waste pollution of the Molonglo River, New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory: Effectiveness of remedial works at Captains flat mining area
Authors: Norris RH
Published: November 2005

Seeps and previously deposited particulate material from mine workings at Captains Flat are still major sources of metal contamination in the Molonglo River. The impact of metal contamination as it entered the river is shown by the lower variety and numbers of animal taxa collected at downstream sites compared with upstream areas. Comparison with studies conducted before the remedial works shows that there has been little or no discernible change to the chemical or biological condition of the river during periods of low flow.
Reconnaissance limnology of some coastal dune lakes of Cape York Peninsula, Queensland
Authors: Timms BV
Published: November 2005

All nine lakes studied are small (mean area 32 ha), shallow (< 5 m deep), watertable exposures in thin dunes overlying laterite or sandstone. Their water is fresh (mean salinity 52 mg I-1), acid (mean pH 4.8) and dominated by Na+ and Cl-, but with appreciable amounts of Ca2+, Mg2+ and HCO3-. Almost all macrophytes, littoral invertebrates, fish and limnetic zooplankters are common tropical species. A few species are shared with dune lakes in southern Australia and even fewer are endemic. Hence, these tropical dune lakes are different from those in temperate and subtropical eastern Australia.
Conductivity and salinity of Australian salt lakes.
Authors: Williams WD
Published: November 2005

The relationship between conductivity (x) and salinity (S) was investigated in 109 samples from Australian salt lakes. Within the range of 5-100 mS cm-1, the relationship is described by the equation:

S=0.4665x1.0878 (r2 = 0.98799)

where salinity is measured in g l-1 and conductivity in mS cm-1 at 25� C. A table based on this relationship is given; it enables the rapid determination of salinity from conductivity.
Use of protein to carbohydrate ratios to analyse for nutrient deficiency in phytoplankton
Authors: Ganf GG , Stone SJL , Oliver RL
Published: November 2005

A series of laboratory experiments was designed to investigate the influence of nitrogen, phosphorus and photon irradiance on the protein to carbohydrate ratio and growth rate of Scenedesmus quadricauda. These parameters responded to nutrient additions and depletions in a predictable manner. As nutrients were added the ratio rose to a maximum of 5, but as nutrients were depleted from the medium the ratio fell to < 1 during long-term experiments. The ratio also showed that diurnal fluctuations in cultures grown under a 12 h light : 12 h dark cycle were similar in magnitude to the long-term changes. The extent of these diurnal changes was dependent upon the nutrient status of the cells. In nutrient-saturated medium the ratio showed maximum change (4.2 to 1.1), but in nutrient-depleted medium the change was small (0.98 to 0.81). In addition to these responses to nutrients, the ratio was also influenced by photon flux. At high photon fluxes the ratio showed a marked diurnal change (0.91 to 4.05), but this change decreased with decreasing photon fluxes. A general relationship existed between growth rate and the protein to carbohydrate ratio for ratios >2. Below this value, however, growth rate was independent of the protein to carbohydrate ratio. Criteria based upon these laboratory experiments were derived to determine the nutrient status of field populations of phytoplankton. Using these criteria, the phytoplankton of Mount Bold Reservoir were shown to pass from a condition indicating nutrient sufficiency in November to a condition that implied varying degrees of nutrient deficiency for the period December to March. This pattern of nutrient sufficiency based upon protein to carbohydrate ratios agreed well with the results of nutrient-enrichment trials. This pattern would not have been discernible by the rigid application of previously determined critical protein to carbohydrate ratios.
Reproduction of the Australian bass, Macquaria novemaculeata (Perciformes : Percichthyidae) in the Sydney Basin
Authors: Harris JH
Published: November 2005

The reproduction of Australian bass from the Sydney Basin was studied between 1977 and 1982. The gonadal cycle was investigated using a four-stage gonad maturity classification, the gonado-somatic index, oocyte measurements, and histological examination of representative gonads. An ichthyoplankton survey was conducted, fecundity was estimated, and sperm viability in different salinities was also measured. Spermatogenesis and vitellogenesis commenced between February and April each year. Bass spawned between late June and early September in 1978 and 1981. Final ovarian maturation, and the catadromous migration of females from freshwater to the brackish spawning zone were dependent on flooding. Ovarian involution ensued if river levels did not rise before September. Reproductive success was high after floods in1978. Bass did not reproduce during the drought in 1979 and 1980, and reproductive success was low in the low river flows of the 1981 winter. The results suggest that bass are cyclical spawners, shedding eggs that are demersal in the spawning salinity. Fecundity is high (mean = 440 000). The location of spawning and recently spent bass, the distribution of larvae in the estuary, and results of the sperm viability experiments indicated that bass spawn in the estuary in salinities between 8 and 14 g kg-1. Most males were sexually mature by age 3 + years, and females by 5 + or 6 + years.
Osmoregulation, salinity tolerance and the site of ion excretion in the halobiont chironomid, Tanytarsus barbitarsis Freeman
Authors: Kokkinn MJ
Published: November 2005

The ability of T. barbitarsis to survive in hypersaline waters is examined. Osmoregulation and salinity tolerance of Port Augusta specimens and the site of ion excretion in larva and pupa are investigated. Results show that the haemolymph of T. barbitarsis is approximately isosmotic with media of 0.3 osmol kg-1, but is maintained hyperosmotic in media of lower concentration and hyposmotic in more concentrated media. The LC50 is found to be 89 � 5 g I-1. As in the Culicidae, fourth-instar larvae of T. barbitarsis employ the posterior rectal tissue to excrete chloride ions. However, in the pupa, which has no flux of water through its gut, the site is on the dorsum of the thorax.
Phylogenetic relationships within the genus Daphnia (Cladocera : Daphniidae) in Australia, determined by electrophoretically detectable protein variation
Authors: Benzie JAH
Published: November 2005

Phenetic and cladistic analyses of allozyme variation at 11 loci in five of the six Australian species of Daphnia showed D. (Daphnia) occidentalis to be more distantly related to each of the Daphnia species from the subgenus Ctenodaphnia (Nei's genetic distance D = 0.49-0.84) than a given Ctenodaphnia species was to other members of the same subgenus (Nei's D between species pairs ranging from 0.31 to 0.61). Two of the three members of the Daphnia carinata complex in Australia, D. carinata and D. nivalis, were closely related (D = 0.16). The remaining member of the complex, D. cephalata, was not demonstrably more closely related to this pair of species than to D. lumholtzi, the only other member of the Daphnia subgenus Ctenodaphnia occurring in Australia. The distant relationship of D. cephalata and D. carinata contrasts with traditional views, and with evidence of continued hybridization between these taxa, but is consistent with the results of recent detailed morphological studies.
Rapid biological assay and limitations in macrophyte ecotoxicology: A review
Authors: Browner KH
Published: November 2005

Rapid biological assays may be attractive for monitoring toxicity in effluents and trade wastes where
mixtures of toxins may have complex additive or antagonistic effects but they are of very little use in
assessing the effect of toxins on aquatic macrophytes in flowing water because the importance of the
pattern of concentration and period of exposure is often neglected. In particular, there is an alarming
scarcity of data for gauging the effect of toxins on submerged aquatic macrophytes. Their response to
many photosynthetic inhibitors is complicated at low times of exposure by their resilience; and at low
concentrations by the protective and competitive effects of epiphytes. The availance (concentration time
product, or integral of concentration with respect to time) is a useful and convenient measure of
toxic effect, but only for pulses of moderate concentration and duration. It is of very limited use for
assessing the effects of toxins on macrophytes in river systems, where the pattern of exposure is often
extreme. The pattern is determined by processes of dispersion and dilution, together with rates of dissipation
and inactivation of the toxin. Therefore all these factors should be examined in any toxicity-testing program.
In addition, since extremely low concentrations of some inhibitors are deleterious for macrophytes,
background contamination from diffuse sources must also be considered.
Mercury and selenium concentrations in sharks from northern Australian waters
Authors: Lyle JM
Published: November 2005

Total mercury, alkyl mercury and selenium concentrations in the muscle tissue of 15 carcharhinid (Carcharhinus sp., C. limbatus, C. sorrah, C. fitzroyensis, C. amblyrhynchoides, C. melanopterus, C. cautus, C. amboinensis, C. macloti, C. dussumieri, C. brevipinna, Rhizoprionodon acutus, R. taylori, Galeocerdo cuvieri, Negaprion acutidens) and three hammerhead (Sphyrna lewini, S. mokarran and S. blochii) sharks from northern Australian waters are reported. Total mercury concentrations ranged widely with maximum individual concentrations exceeding 1.5 mg kg-1 wet weight in 11 species and values of over 3.0 mg kg-1 in Carcharhinus sp., C. amblyrhynchoides, C. melanopterus, C. amboinensis and S. mokarran. Much of the variability in total mercury concentration was attributable to differences in length. Total mercury was adequately correlated with fork length by the power function relationship. There were signficiant differences in these relationships for males and females of six species: males had higher concentrations of mercury than females of the same size. Weighted mean mercury concentrations were calculated using species and size composition data from commercial feasibility fishing trials. Weighted means for species other than C. sorrah, C. macloti, C. brevipinna and C. dussumieri were greater than 0.5 mg kg-1 and the value for the combined catch of all species was 1.22 mg kg-1. Alkyl mercury comprised over 80% of the total mercury content in the muscle tissue. Maximum individual selenium concentrations were greater than 1.0 mg kg-1 in nine species and the maximum concentration recorded was 3.4 mg kg-1 for C. dussumieri. There were no obvious or consistent relationships between selenium concentration and fork length or between selenium and mercury concentrations.
Tag loss and mortality rates of a small tropical demersal fish species, Lutjanus carponotatus (Pisces : Lutjanidae), tagged with dart and anchor tags
Authors: Whitelaw AW , Sainsbury KJ
Published: November 2005

The shedding rate of FD-67 anchor tags from L. carponotatus was significantly lower than that of FT-2 dart tags. Mortality in fish tagged with either the FT-2 dart or the FD-67 anchor tags was significantly higher than in the untagged controls. There was no significant difference between mortalities caused by the two types of tag. Combining tag shedding and tag-induced mortality, the FT-2 dart tag produced a significantly greater rate of disappearance of tagged fish from a tagged population. Tag-induced mortality was highest during the first week after tagging and greatly reduced thereafter.
Phytoplankton species successions and their hydrological environment at a coastal station off Sydney
Authors: Hallegraeff GM , Reid DD
Published: November 2005

Phytoplankton species occurrence was studied during 1978-1981 at a coastal station off Sydney and succession patterns were sought using polythetic agglomerative classification analysis. Three major phytoplankton categories were distinguished: (1) a large group of species (including most nanoplankton), which were present throughout the year; (2) a group of diatom species, which bloomed following episodic nutrient enrichments in spring, early summer, autumn and winter; (3) a group of warm-water species (e.g. Trichodesmium), which were associated with admixture of tropical water masses. Gross features of the phytoplankton cycle in these waters are related to the erratic flow pattern of the East Australian Current. However, clear short-term (4-14 weeks) species successions were evident within the spring and summer diatom blooms. These began with small diatoms (Asterionella, Leptocylindrus, Skeletonema, Thalassiosira) followed first by large diatoms (Detonula, Rhizosolenia, Stephanopyxis) and then by large dinoflagellates (Ceratium, Protoperidinium). This sequence is identical to that observed in coastal waters of other parts of the world. A phytoplankton checklist (280 species) for Sydney coastal waters is included as an appendix.
Species composition and abundance of Scyphomedusae in Port Phillip Bay, Victoria
Authors: Fancett MS
Published: November 2005

Five species of Scyphomedusae were identified from plankton samples collected betwen April 1983 and June 1985 in Port Phillip Bay: Cyanea capillata, Pseudorhiza haeckeli, Aurelia aurita, Pelagia noctiluca and Catostylus mosaicus. Abundances of Scyphomedusae fluctuated seasonally. Cyanea capillata was dominant between May and September with maximum abundances of approximately 100 adults per 1000 m3 (mean 3.5 per 1000 m3) and 200 ephyrae per 1000 m3 (mean 16.5 per 1000 m3). Ephyrae of C. capillata were present throughout the year with a maximum biomass between May and July. Pseudorhiza haeckeli was dominant between November and April with maximum abundances of approximately 100 adults per 1000 m3 (mean 1.8 per 1000 m3). Aurelia aurita was collected throughout the year, P. noctilraca occurred from January to April, and C. mosaicus occurred from September to March.
Taxonomic position of two crimson-spotted rainbowfish, Melanotaenia duboulayi and Melanotaenia fluviatilis (Pisces : Melanotaeniidae), from eastern Australia, with special reference to their early life-history stages
Authors: Crowley LELM , Ivantsoff W , Allen GR
Published: November 2005

In recent literature, the crimson-spotted rainbowfish from eastern Australia, M. fluviatilis, is recognized as a single species or subspecies. The present paper includes a study of early life-history stages, which shows that two species are represented: M. duboulayi (Castelnau) from eastern or coastal drainage systems of northern New South Wales and southern Queensland, and M. fluviatilis (Castelnau) of the inland Murray-Darling system.
Statistical features of the Oceanographic area off south-western Australia, obtained from Bathythermograph data
Authors: Hamilton LJ
Published: November 2005

A statistical analysis has been made of 26 years of bathythermograph (BT) data to 1980 for the south-west Australian area bounded by 30-35�s. and 110-115�E., a region influenced by the Leeuwin Current. The data indicate that a surface mixed layer exists all year round, with average depth 55 m and standard deviation 37 m. All but 2% of BT casts show a mixed-layer depth (MLD) less than 150 m. MLD are deepest in mid-year, particularly from July to September. Sea surface temperatures (SST) are significantly related to temperature values down to 200 m depth, especially in mid-year, for both eastern and western parts of the area separated by 113�E. Correlations of MLD with SST are significant only in the western part, and then only from January to March, and April to June. Long-term horizontally averaged temperature fields are broadly related through the water column from the surface to 200 m. All results indicate that, especially in mid-year, SST fields are related to subsurface temperature fields, which may be representative of flow structure. Seasonal differences exist between the eastern and western areas, caused by the Leeuwin Current.
The nutrient regime of Bass Strait
Authors: Gibbs CF , Tomczak Jr M , Longmore AR
Published: November 2005

Charts of temperature, salinity, nitrate plus nitrite, inorganic phosphate, silicate, ammonia, total phosphorus, and chlorophyll a are presented for Bass Strait for all seasons, based on seven cruises from August 1979 to November 1981. Temperature and salinity observations are consistent with eastward flow in winter and weak or westward flow in summer. Nutrient concentrations in Bass Strait are low (< 1 �M) throughout the year but rise to somewhat higher levels at the western edge, and to considerably higher levels (up to 7 �M) at the eastern edge, during winter. Chlorophyll a concentrations are also low (generally <0.5 �g I-1) but show highest concentrations over the shelf just inside both edges, again in winter. It is suggested that nutrient input to Bass Strait occurs from the deeper waters in the east and west, and that the nutrients are used as soon as they enter Bass Strait, leaving a very limited nutrient supply for the interior of Bass Strait.
Effects of food quality and quantity on the survival, development, and egg production of Gladioferens pectinatus (Brady) (Copepoda : Calanoida)
Authors: Arnott GH , Brand GW , Kos LC
Published: November 2005

Effects of food quality and quantity on certain fitness traits of G. pectrnatus were examined to develop methods of culture. Five generations were successfully reared on excess Isochrysis galbana, despite intense inbreeding. The effect of food quantity was tested using outcrossed offspring fed I. Galbana at four concentrations. Generation time (from hatching to egg) decreased from 43.2 days at 1 × 104 cells ml-1 (lowest concentration) to 19.6 days at 5 × 105 cells ml-1 (highest concentration). An increase occurred in female body length (0.88 to 1.01 mm) and egg number (21.2 to 51.3) with increasing food concentration, and the total number of adults produced per brood was significantly lower at 1 × 104 cells ml-1. Results on a Dunaliella tertiolecta diet were similar to those for I. Galbana at the one food concentration tested (1 × 105-2 × 105 cells ml-1); however, unlike I. galbana, D. tertiolecta did not sustain viable egg production and was therefore nutritionally inadequate for multiple generation culture. Larval mortality was high on diets of Tetraselmis chuii and Phaeodactylum tricornutum. Body lengths and egg numbers of cultured females fed I. Galbana were greater than those of the 'wild' parental females, thus indicating the suitability of the culture conditions.
Reduction of population growth in Tisbe holothuriae Humes (Copepoda : Harpacticoida) exposed to low cadmium concentrations
Authors: Brand GW , Fabris GJ , Arnott GH
Published: November 2005

Replicate laboratory populations of T. holothuriae initiated by founder females standardized in terms of reproductive status, age and environmental background were exposed to three levels of cadmium for 24 days and compared with untreated controls. At a cadmium concentration of 159 �g l-1 populations failed to increase and became virtually extinct, probably because of larval impairment. At concentrations of 2.3 and 40 �g l-1 population growth occurred but total population size (males plus females plus copepodids) and both male and female numbers were significantly reduced relative to controls. Knowledge of the response of harpacticoids to low levels of toxic metals therefore appears to be significant in developing an understanding of the effects of metals on marine ecosystems.
Feeding patterns of Nesogobius sp., Gymnapistes marmoratus, Neoodax balteatus and Acanthaluteres spilomelanurus from a Tasmanian seagrass meadow
Authors: Robertson CH , White RWG
Published: November 2005

The diet, feeding chronologies, gastric evacuation rates and daily ration of four species of fish from a seagrass meadow in south-eastern Tasmania were determined by field and laboratory studies. Nesogobius sp. is an active species feeding mainly as intertidal regions are flooded and taking predominantly errant polychaetes and amphipods. G. marmoratus feeds continuously, mainly on malacostracan crustaceans. N.balteatus and A. spilomelanurus both feed only during the daylight hours; the former feeds mainly on slow-moving and benthic animals and some zooplankton whereas plant material and zooplankton are important in the diet of the latter. The gastric evacuation rate and daily lation are lowest in G, marmoratus. N. balteatus and A. spilomelanurus have high evacuation rates and, together with Nesogobius sp., high daily rations. These differences are probably due to the proportion of time spent feeding, the quality of the dietary items, and activity patterns.
Composition, seasonality and distribution of Ichthyoplankton in Port Phillip Bay, Victoria
Authors: Jenkins GP
Published: November 2005

Plankton samples were collected on monthly cruises over 1 year from May 1983 to April 1984, to investigate composition, seasonality and distribution of ichthyoplankton in Port Phillip Bay. Fish egg numbers were dominated by the southern anchovy, Engraulis australis; clupeoids and gobiids were co-dominant larvae. Other common fish larvae were the cobbler, Gymnapistes marmoratus, greenback flounder, Rhombosolea tapirina, and callionymids. Egg abundances were highest in summer, resulting mainly from high abundances of E. australis eggs. Abundances of fish larvae were highest in summer and winter-spring. The summer period was dominated by clupeoid and gobiid larvae, together with callionymids, monacanthids, platycephalids, the blenny, Pictiblennius tasmanianus, the snapper, Chrysophrys auratus, and a number of rarer species. The winter-spring period was almost entirely dominated by four taxa: gobiids, G. marmoratus, R. taplrina and the long-snouted flounder, Ammotretis rostratus. Eggs of E. australis, Sardinops neopilchardus and A. rostratus, and larvae of all common taxa except monacanthids and C. auratus, were distributed widely throughout the bay. Abundance of eggs of E. australis at the mouth of the bay was significantly lower than within the bay proper. Larvae of P. tasrnanianus were significantly more abundant in the shallow, northern region of the bay than in the deeper, central region. Most monacanthid larvae were collected towards the mouth of the bay, whereas C. auratus larvae were only collected at stations well inside the bay. Analysis of winter samples revealed multispecies patchiness of fish larvae, and a positive correlation between larval abundance and volume of net zooplankton. Although juveniles of King George whiting, Sillaginodes punctatus, and yellow-eyed mullet, Aldrichetra forsteri, are abundant in Port Phillip Bay, larvae were virtually absent. It is proposed that these species spawn offshore, and that immigration into the bay occurs at a late larval-early juvenile stage not detectable by plankton sampling.
Spatial patterns in the macrobenthic communities of the hawkesbury estuary, New South Wales
Authors: Jones AR , Watson-Russell CJ , Murray A
Published: November 2005

Spatial patterns in the number of species, number of individual animals and community composition of the benthos of the Hawkesbury Estuary, N.S.W., are described and related to physicochemical factors. Replicate grabs were taken from deep and shallow sites located on transects across the estuary for each of five times at intervals of 3 months. The number of species and number of individuals always differed significantly along the estuary but the pattern of difference varied with both depth and time. Although a monotonic decline in the number of species along the estuary never occurred, the two most- seaward transects usually supported the most species and the three furthest-upstream transects the least. The number of species was usually more highly correlated with salinity than with sedimentary variables but salinity correlations were not always significant. The number of individuals was not related to any abiotic variable in a consistent way. Significant depth-related differences occurred only for the number of individuals although the pattern of difference varied among both transects and times. Sediment-associated differences also varied with transect and time. Where consistent differences occurred, highest species numbers were sometimes associated with sand and sometimes with coherent clay. Consequently the species-sediment relationship is not always a simple linear function of grain size and different aspects of sediment structure may be influential. Sediments with greater habitat heterogeneity sometimes supported more species and sometimes fewer species than more uniform sediments. Classification and ordination analyses revealed major patterns in community composition that were most closely related to salinity and minor patterns related to sediment grade. Community changes did not always correspond with physicochemical changes and hence the latter were not always good predictors of biological variables.
Energy metabolism and the fate of lactate during recovery from exercise in the Australian freshwater crayfish Cherax destructor
Authors: Head G , Baldwin J
Published: November 2005

Recovery following tail flipping by C. destructor involves regeneration of arginine phosphate and ATP in the tail muscle and the removal of lactate. High-energy phosphate reserves return to pre-exercise levels after 60 min, which corresponds with the time required for behavioural recovery. During recovery, the oxygen consumption rate increases and lactate accumulates in the tail muscle. The subsequent disappearance of lactate from this muscle and appearance of elevated levels of lactate in the external medium indicate that tail muscle lactate is excreted rather than metabolized. It is estimated that 40% of the 22.5 �mol ATP per gram of tail muscle required for regenerating arginine phosphate and ATP is obtained from anaerobic glycolysis. The remainder is provided by oxidative phosphorylation associated with elevated oxygen consumption during the initial 35 min of the recovery period.
Changing food habits of Macquarie perch, Macquaria australasica Cuvier (Pisces : Percichthyidae), during the initial filling phase of Lake Dartmouth, Victoria
Authors: Cadwallader PL , Douglas J
Published: November 2005

The composition of the diet of Macquarie perch changed markedly during the various stages of rising and falling water-level during the initial filling phase of Lake Dartmouth, an impoundment formed by the construction of Dartmouth Dam on the Mitta Mitta River in north-eastern Victoria. Macquarie perch fed on typical river-dwelling organisms from inflowing rivers, on terrestrial organisms that became displaced as the water-level rose, and on typical still-water or sluggish-water organisms, which were extremely abundant in the newly created lake. The relative proportions of several of these food types in the diet varied depending on whether the water-level was rising or falling. Macquarie perch appear to have adapted well to the changing food supply in the lake, and have included in their diet several food types that they would not normally have encountered in their natural riverine habitat.
Annual production of Typha orientalis Presl. in inland Australia
Authors: Roberts J , Ganf GG
Published: November 2005

The annual aboveground production of T. orientalis was estimated from harvest data by three techniques. The first calculated production as the difference between maximum and minimum standing crop and gave a value of 1175 g m-2. Demographic data showed this was an underestimate. The second estimate by Smalley's method of 3824 g m-2 was considered an overestimate since no account was taken of stand variability. The third estimate, 2334 g m-2, used data fitted by splined regression and was considered the most reliable since it accounted for stand variability, continuous growth, shoot mortality and the translocation of carbon substrate. Annual aboveground production of inland T. orientalis was greater than most estimates from temperate climates, and whole plant production, 4379 g m-2, greatly exceeded the suggested maximum of 3000 g m-2 for freshwater emergent macrophytes.
Effect of tagging on the condition of southern bluefin tuna, Thunnus maccoyii (Castlenau)
Authors: Hampton J
Published: November 2005

The results of an experiment designed to assess the effects of tagging on the condition of the southern bluefin tuna, T. maccoyii, are presented. From January to March 1983, 4590 fish were tagged off Esperance, Western Australia. Of the tagged tuna recaptured before the tagging team departed, 316 were measured for fork length and weighed to determine their relative condition factors. From a number of commercial catches that included tagged tuna, random samples of untagged tuna were taken and their relative condition factors similarly determined. The tagged tuna had significantly lower relative condition factors than the untagged tuna. This effect was greatest in those at liberty 5-20 days. It was also more pronounced in tagged tuna less than 60 cm fork length. A size-related difference in activity level during capture and tagging was suggested as a possible explanation. A change in the behaviour of the tuna immediately after tagging causing them to be less susceptible to the commercial fishery was evidenced by a relatively low number of recaptures during the first 5 days after tagging.
Evaluation of anchor tags for marking the commercial sand crab, Portunus pelagicus (L.) (Portunidae : Decapoda)
Authors: Williams MJ
Published: November 2005

Laboratory and field trials of a modified Floy FD67 anchor tag were conducted on P. pelagicus in
Moreton Bay, Queensland. The tags did not affect short-term survival of the crabs in the laboratory.
Only 470 of 1754 crabs tagged and released in the field were returned. Return rates of crabs by size,
sex, and area of tagging class were markedly heterogeneous. Poor visibility of the tags on recapture,
regardless of their colour, makes this tag unsuitable for any quantitative population studies. Poor return
rates were exacerbated by fishermen not examining categories of crabs that are unmarketable.