bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparative accumulation of Alkaline-earth metals by two freshwater Mussel species from the Nepean River, Australia: Consistences and a resolved Paradox
Authors: Jeffree RA , Markich SJ , Brown PL
Published: November 2005

Whole tissue concentrations of Be, Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba and 226Ra were determined in Hyridella depressa
(Lamarck) and Velesunio ambiguus (Philippi) from a minimally polluted region in the Upper Nepean River,
New South Wales. Although the mean tissue concentrations of each metal were comparable between the
two species, their patterns of accumulation were dissimilar. For each metal, tissue concentration was
significantly correlated (P≤0.01) with tissue dry weight and shell length in H. depressa, but not in V. ambiguus,
in which variability between individuals was high and Mg concentration was inversely correlated (P≤0.05)
with tissue dry weight. However, in each species the Ca concentration was a highly significant (P≤0.001)
positive predictor of the concentration of each of the other metals. For each species, normalized rates of
accumulation of the metals, relative to increasing Ca concentration and/or size, were 226Ra >Ba≥Sr>Ca > Mg;
these rates were inversely related (P≤0.05) to their solubilities as hydrogen phosphates. This inverse
relationship was used to predict a solubility constant for BeHPO4. The results were consistent with those
previously obtained for V. angasi (Sowerby). The metal solubility relationships, based on the relative
increases in the tissue concentrations of each metal over the range of Ca concentrations, held for both species
even though V. ambiguus showed no significant (P>0.05) increase in tissue concentrations with size.
This paradox can be explained as follows. In both species the Ca tissue concentration is a measure of the
total influx and efflux of Ca and its analogues through the tissue of an individual over its lifetime; however,
in V. ambiguus this total flux is unrelated to mussel size. The use of Ca concentration to predict concentrations
of the other metals was effective in explaining up to 98% and 95% of the variability between individual mussels
of H. depressa and V. ambiguus respectively. Hence, the problem of inherent variability between individuals
can be eliminated. This will permit any spatial and/or temporal differences in the tissue concentrations of
alkaline-earth metals of mussel populations to be more readily discerned.
Chemical indicators of sediment chronology
Authors: Kilby GW , Batley GE
Published: November 2005

The determination of recent sedimentation rates has traditionally used radiochemical dating techniques
but, because of limited laboratory facilities and the costs of these techniques, alternative methods are
desirable. Information on sedimentation rates and sediment history can be obtained from anthropogenic
chemical components whose presence in sediments, especially near urban areas, can be used as markers
to assess their chronology. More than one marker, with a known date of introduction, should be used.
In this study, organosilicons first used in the early 1950s and tributyltin used in marine antifouling
paints from 1972 were examined in sediments from Lake Macquarie, NSW, to supplement the known
input of heavy metals from the lead-zinc smelter that has been operating at the northern end of the
lake since 1897. The most reliable data were obtained at sites where all three markers were present,
and use of these data allowed independent determination of the year of initial operation of a sewage
treatment works.
The diet of post-puerulus western rock lobster, Panulirus cygnus George, at Seven Mile Beach, Western Australia
Authors: Jernakoff P , Phillips BF , Fitzpatrick JJ
Published: November 2005

Post-puerulus western rock lobsters (juveniles within their first year after settlement), taken from natural
habitats and artificial collectors at Seven Mile Beach, had consumed a variety of plant and animal material.
Post-pueruli in the natural environment foraged amongst seagrass and macroalgae on limestone reefs, and
animals on the collectors probably foraged only on the collectors. The major components in the diet were
coralline algae, molluscs and crustaceans. The ratios of these in the contents of the fore-gut were related to
moult stage. Although the dietary spectrum of the post-pueruli was similar to that of larger juveniles at the
same site, the ratios of food items were different.
Cephalopod diet of the Australian fur seal: Variation due to location, season and sample type
Authors: Gales R , Pemberton D , Lu CC , Clarke MR
Published: November 2005

In Tasmanian waters, Arctocephalus pusillus doriferus preyed on 11 species of cephalopods,
predominantly Nototodarus gouldi followed by Sepioteuthis australis and Sepia apama. Cephalopods
were more important in the diet of the seals in Bass Strait than in southern Tasmanian waters. The
species composition in the diet of the seals in these two areas also differed, with the seals in Bass Strait
eating mainly N. gouldi, whereas the seals in southern waters fed on benthic octopods. The seals preyed
on mainly adult cephalopods over the continental shelf. The size range and species composition of the
diet varied according to the sample types, with faeces containing only small beaks relative to regurgitates
and stomachs. Errors associated with sample types and application of regression equations are discussed.
Enzyme variation in south-eastern Australian samples of the blue-eye or deepsea trevalla, Hyperoglyphe antarctica Carmichael 1818 (Teleostei: Stromateoidei)
Authors: Bolch CJS , Elliott NG , Ward RD
Published: November 2005

Six samples (n =67 to 154) of blue-eye or deepsea trevalla were collected from south-eastern Australia
(seamounts off New South Wales, a seamount south-east of Tasmania called the Cascade Plateau,
off the east, south and west coasts of Tasmania, and off the coast of South Australia). All fish were
analysed by starch or cellulose acetate electrophoresis for the products of seven polymorphic loci (defined
in this study as those with an average heterozygosity greater than 0.06); a minimum of 24 fish per area were
also analysed for 29 other less variable loci. The average heterozygosity per locus was 5.3%.
Polymorphic loci showed no significant deviations from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. The coefficient
of genetic subpopulation differentiation, GST, was 0.38%. Bootstrapping procedures showed that this
low value could be attributed to sampling error alone. Contingency Χ2 analysis similarly failed to reveal
any significant inter-sample differentiation for any locus. The results indicate that gene flow is sufficient
to prevent any genetic differentiation among the sampled localities. During the course of the study a second
trevalla species, Schedophilus labyrinthicus, was identified in the New South Wales component of the fishery.
Biomass of the mangrove Avicennia marina (Forsk.) Vierh. Near Brisbane, South-eastern Queensland
Authors: Mackey AP
Published: November 2005

Above- and below-ground biomass of A. marina were estimated on three plots with different vegetation
characteristics in a subtropical mangrove woodland at Boggy Creek near Brisbane. Total photosynthetic
and non-photosynthetic above-ground biomasses of mangroves in the plots were 16.2, 34.1 and 11.0 kg m-2,
below-ground plus pneumatophore biomasses were 10.9, 12.1 and 12.6 kg m-2. Although the study site
is in an industrialized, moderately polluted estuary, the biomass of Avicennia here is similar to that of
Avicennia communities elsewhere.
Polonium-210 in cartilaginous fishes (Chondrichthyes) from south-eastern Australian waters
Authors: Smith JD , Towler PH
Published: November 2005

A study was made of the concentration of the naturally occurring radionuclide polonium-210 in the livers
of cartilaginous fishes (chondrichthyans) caught in the waters of Port Phillip Bay, Victoria, Australia in
1991. Five elasmobranch species had 210Po concentrations in the range 1-31 Bq kg-1 (wet weight)
and one holocephalian species, the elephant fish (Callorhynchus milii), was exceptional with a 210Po
range of 60-270 Bq kg-1 (n=3, mean 180 Bq kg-1). Lead-210 was present at 0.1- 1.1 Bq kg-1 and activity
concentration ratios of 210Po:210Pb were all greater than 1, indicating that the 210Po could not all
have grown in from in situ decay of 210Pb within the chondrichthyan liver. The concentration of 210Po
in the livers appeared to be species related. Concentrations of the trace metals Cu, Fe and Zn showed
no correlation with the 210Po and were not species-related. The mean concentration of 210Po measured
in Port Phillip Bay water was 0.32 mBq kg-1. This yields concentration factors of 3.2 × 103 to 8.4 × 105
for unsupported 210Po in the livers of the chondrichthyans. The total 210Po (using Q=20) exposes the
livers to a weighted absorbed dose of up to 140 mGy year-1 (16�Gy h-1), which is >99% of the total internal
dose and three orders of magnitude greater than the external dose based on estimated levels of 40K.
Functional response to Daphnia carinata King when feeding on the filamentous diatom Melosira granulata
Authors: King CR , Shiel RJ
Published: November 2005

The functional response of D. carinata feeding on M. granulata was determined from laboratory trials conducted at 20-22�C, using a range of food concentrations (F) from 0.14 to 33.8�g (dry weight) mL-1.
The functional response could be described by an lvlev model:
I (ingestion rate, ng �g-1 h-1) = 200 - 205 × exp (- 0.036 × F). The ingestion rate at the highest food
concentration (33.8 �g mL-1) was 140 ng �g-1 h-1, and there was no evidence to suggest that M. granulata
either interfered with feeding at high densities or was a difficult food item for D. carinata to handle.
Evaluation of coded wire tags for marking fingerling golden perch, Macquaria ambigua (Percichthyidae), and silver perch, Bidyanus bidyanus (Teraponidae)
Authors: Ingram BA
Published: November 2005

Trials were conducted to evaluate coded wire tags for marking hatchery-produced golden
perch and silver perch fingerlings prior to their release into the wild. Two size classes of
fish were tagged: 'small' fish were 21-39 mm in total length and 'large' fish were 50-71 mm
in total length. Tags were implanted into either the cheek muscle or the snout. Tagging rates
were 200-548 fish h-1. Although tag retention in large cheek-tagged golden and silver perch
was 100% after 30 days, rearing fish to this size was not practical. Retention rates for small
cheek-tagged golden perch (94%) and silver perch (100%), the usual size of fingerlings when
released to the wild, were considered to be sufficient for a tagging programme. Retention of
tags in the snout was poor; only 6% of golden perch and 48% of silver perch retained tags
after 30 days. Most cheek-implanted tags that were shed by fish during long-term tag-retention
trials were lost in the first four months. With the exception of silver perch in one trial, which were
infested by Ichthyophthirius multtfiliis, survival of tagged fish was 95-100% after 30 days.
Factors affecting tag retention and survival of tagged fish, including fish size, tagging site and
operator experience, are discussed. The results indicate that coded wire tags are a potential
means of marking golden and silver perch fingerlings prior to stocking. Their use will assist
fisheries managers in the assessment of the contribution of stocking programmes to commercial
and recreational fisheries.
Host selection and distribution of Hypermastus placentae (Eulimidae), and ectoparasitic gastropod on the sand dollar Arachnoides placenta (Echinoidea)
Authors: Crossland MR , Collins JD , Alford RA
Published: November 2005

The intertidal sand dollar Arachnoides placenta is parasitized by the eulimid Hypermastus
placentae at Pallarenda Beach, Townsville, Queensland. A. placenta is the only echinoderm
species in the region with which H. placentae associates. Sand dollars are distributed in an
aggregated pattern within the littoral zone at Pallarenda Beach, and the distribution of parasites
within the adult sand dollar population conforms closely to Poisson expectations. A. placenta
adults in all size classes are equally susceptible to parasitization by H. placentae, whereas
juveniles are not parasitized; host selection may be determined by a requirement for host
gonadal tissue in the diet of the parasite. Infestation rate and number of parasites per host
decrease as host density increases. Parasite body size is not related to host body size.
Nutrients in the sediments of a tropical north-eastern Australian estuary, catchment and nearshore coastal zone
Authors: Eyre B
Published: November 2005

The distribution, transport, accumulation, modification and seasonal variability of sediment
nutrients was studied in the Moresby River Estuary, catchment and nearshore zone.
Phosphorus was examined by using a quick and analytically simple three-stage sequential
extraction scheme that allows for natural environmental processes and differences in bio-
availability. Elevated sediment phosphorus concentrations in the catchment during the wet
season reflect the application of phosphate fertilizers to the agricultural lands that dominate
the catchment. It is suggested that the dispersion and seasonal variability in concentration
and distribution of phosphorus are controlled by sedimentary processes (e.g. erosion and
transport of sediment) that are intimately linked to hydrological conditions. The physical
processes that operate on a time-scale of hours (e.g, tidal currents) dominate sediment
phosphorus concentration in the estuary and preclude chemical and biological equilibrium
from becoming established in the sediment phosphorus along the length of the estuary.
Elevated sediment total Kjeldahl nitrogen concentrations in the catchment reflect the
application of nitrogenous fertilizers (mainly urea). The nitrogen distribution patterns differ
from those of phosphorus, suggesting that different processes operate to control sediment
nitrogen and sediment phosphorus. Low phosphorus concentrations in the sediments suggest
that agricultural practices in the catchment and associated anthropogenic inputs are having
little, if any, impact on the catchment, river and estuary.
Patterns of movement of some fishes within an estuary in Tropical Australia
Authors: Sheaves MJ
Published: November 2005

The movements of fishes marked, released and recaptured during a fish trapping study in the
estuary of Alligator Creek in tropical north-eastern Australia were studied over a period of two
and a half years. The ability to place fish traps accurately with respect to landmarks enabled
movements as short as 40 m to be detected.
For each of six species of fish, more than 10 individuals were recaptured in Alligator Creek.
Within these species, 258 of 1164 tagged fish were recaptured. Three patterns of movement
were apparent. The serranids Epinephelus coioides and E. malabaricus and the lutjanid
Lutjanus russelli tended to move little, usually being recaptured within 40 m of the site of release.
The sparids Acanthopagrus australis and A. berda moved more extensively but still tended to
remain within a few hundred metres for extended periods. All the above species demonstrated
a strong tendency to be recaptured on the side of the creek on which they were initially captured.
The tetraodontid Arothron manilensis proved to be much more vagile than did the other species,
ranging freely over relatively large areas of the estuary and often crossing to the opposite bank
of the creek. No species showed any preferred direction of movement or any tendency for increased
displacement from the site of release with increased time at liberty.
Horizontal and vertical movements of the shortfin mako shark, Isurus oxyrinchus, in the Southern California Bight
Authors: Holts DB , Bedford DW
Published: November 2005

Recreational and commercial fishing effort directed at the shortfin mako shark, Isurus oxyrinchus,
off the coast of southern California increased markedly in the mid 1980s. However, very little is
known about the population size, stock structure or movements of these sharks in the northern
Pacific. It is important to determine their role in these waters because the southern California bight
may be an important pupping and nursery area for shortfin mako sharks. Acoustic telemetry was
used to identify short-term horizontal and vertical movements of three shortfin mako sharks in the
southern California bight during the summer of 1989. All three sharks were two-year-old juveniles
and were tracked for periods of from 18 to 25 h. They spent 90% of their time in the mixed layer,
with only infrequent excursions below the thermocline. Vertical and horizontal movements did not
indicate any diel activity pattern associated with distance to the shore or nearby islands or with
bottom topography.
Changing mean sea level and tidal constants on the west coast of Australia
Authors: Amin M
Published: November 2005

Long time-series of sea-level observations spanning 21 years (1966-86) from four ports
on the west coast of Australia are analysed in yearly sets to study the secular trends and
periodic changes in the tidal harmonic constituents. Mean sea level and five harmonic
consistuents-Sa from low frequency band, O1 and K1 from the diurnal band, M2 and S2
from the semi-diurnal band-are investigated for secular trend and other variations that
are not accounted for by conventional methods. Secular trends at Darwin, Wyndham
and Geraldton are such that the amplitudes of M2 and S2 tides are decreasing and their
phases are retarding. The changes observed at Fremantle are similar in magnitude but
opposite in sign. In the diurnal band, variations in the phases of 01 and K1 are similar to
those of the M2 and S2 tides. The observed trends of the diurnal and semidiurnal tides of
Wyndham and Fremantle are well above standard error. Secular changes in the annual tide
are not significant. In addition to the secular trends, these constituents are also modulated
by terms which are not present in the tide-generating potential and they cannot be resolved
from observations of less than 18.61 years. For example, in the spectrum of the equilibrium
tide, there is no nodal term associated with the S2 constituent because it is of the solar origin,
whereas in the observed tide two nodal terms appear as side bands. At some ports the
amplitudes of the new nodal terms are large enough to modulate the principal tide by 2%.
The mean sea level has been rising at the average rate of 1.73 mm year-1 over this period.
It is modulated by a tidal signal of 18.61 years' cycle and non-tidal signals which are spatially
consistent but aperiodic. A strong correlation between the residual component of the annual
mean sea level and Southern Oscillation Index suggests that non-tidal long-period perturbations
of mean sea level (MSL) are mainly due to El Nino-Southern Oscillation effects.
Aspects of the biology and pathogenicity of Diceratocephala boschmai (Platyhelminthes: Temnocephalida), an ectosymbiont on the redclaw crayfish, Cherax quadricarinatus
Authors: Jones TC , Lester RGJ
Published: November 2005

In commercial ponds, numbers of Diceratocephala boschmai, a temnocephalid ectocommensal
on the crayfish Cherax quadricarinatus, were lowest in spring (October-December) and highest
in autumn (April). Worm numbers on host crayfish increased over the summer breeding period
(December-April) when moulting stopped and decreased during the winter (April-October) when
hosts were moulting. The number of worms correlated positively with host size. P>D. boschmai
showed low host specificity in the laboratory. Worms developed and deposited eggs on five different
species of Cherax (C. cuspidatus, C. depressus, C. destructor, C. tenuimanus and C. quadricarinatus).
Worms did not survive on the shrimp Macrobrachium spp. because of the grooming habits of these hosts.
The health of crayfish was not significantly affected by infestations with D. boschmai. Worms were not
found in the branchial chamber and so were not associated with respiratory distress. They ate damaged
crayfish eggs but did not attack healthy eggs.
Circulation and water mass characteristics of the southern Great Barrier Reef
Authors: Middleton JH , Coutis P , Griffin DA , Macks A , McTaggart A , Merrifield MA , Nippard GJ
Published: November 2005

Data acquired during a winter (May) cruise of the RV Franklin to the southern Great Barrier Reef
indicate that the dynamics of the shelf/slope region are governed by the tides, the poleward-flowing
East Australian Current (EAC), and the complex topography. Over the Marion Plateau in water deeper
than - 100 m, the EAC appears to drive a slow clockwise circulation. Tides appear to be primarily
responsible for shelf/slope currents in the upper layers, with evidence of nutrient uplift from the upper
slope to the outer shelf proper in the Capricorn Channel. Elsewhere, the bottom Ekrnan flux of the
strongly poleward-flowing EAC enhances the sloping isotherms associated with the longshore geostrophic
balance, pumping nutrient-rich waters from depth to the upper continental slope. Generally, shelf
waters are cooler than oceanic waters as a consequence of surface heat loss by radiation. A combination
of heat loss and evaporation from waters flowing in the shallows of the Great Sandy Strait appears to
result in denser 'winter mangrove waters' exporting low-oxygen, high-nutrient waters onto the shelf both
north and south of Fraser Island; these subsequently mix with shelf waters and finally flow offshore
at - 100 m depth, just above the salinity-maximum layer, causing anomalous nutrient values in the
region of Fraser Island.
Age, growth and back-calculated birthdate distributions of larval jack mackerel, Trachurus declivis (Pisces: Carangidae), from eastern Tasmanian coastal waters
Authors: Jordan AR
Published: November 2005

Otolith microstructure of the larvae of jack mackerel, Trachurus declivis, was examined to derive
estimates of age, growth and back-calculated birthdate distributions. Larvae were collected from shelf
waters of the eastern coast of Tasmania between January and March, 1989 to 1991. Daily increment
formation was confirmed by successive sampling of a cohort of individuals, correlating the change in
the number of increments with the sampling interval. Otoliths examined under the scanning electron
microscope confirmed the otolith structure and increment counts obtained with the light microscope.
Initial increments were shown to form at the time of first feeding. Estimated ages of larvae ranged from
2 to 25 days after first feeding, and larvae showed exponential growth in all three years. Interannual
variations in larval growth were evident, with growth being significantly slower in 1991 (4.6% of
standard length per day) than in 1989 (5.2% SL day-1) and 1990 (5.4% SL day-1). The faster growth
in 1989 and 1990 may be attributable to warmer-than-normal water temperatures over the study area
in these years associated with a major La Nina event. Back-calculated birthdate distributions showed
that spawning occurred during summer (mid December to mid February) in all three years, with
indications of semilunar spawning activity in which peaks were apparently associated with both full
and new moons.
Seasonal, diel and tidal variation in beam-trawl catches of juvenile grooved tiger prawns, Penaeus semisulcatus (Decapoda:Penaeidae), in the Embley River, north-eastern Gulf of Carpentaria, Australia
Authors: Vance DJ , Heales DS , Loneragan NR
Published: November 2005

Seasonal, diel and tidal cycles of beam-trawl catches of juvenile tiger prawns, Penaeus semisulcatus,
from an intertidal seagrass bed in the Embley River, Gulf of Carpentaria, were studied at three-week
intervals between August 1981 and August 1982. Two seasonal peaks in catches of P. semisulcatus were
recorded around November and April. Split-plot analysis of variance showed that after seasonal
variation was removed, catches were influenced by day-night and tidal cycles. Few P. semisulcatus
juveniles were caught during the day, and more were caught around low tide than around high tide.
Results from drop-trap sampling at low tide showed that juvenile P. semisulcatus remained in the
seagrass bed even when it became exposed and the water temperature exceeded 35°C. These findings,
and practical considerations, suggest that to study long-term changes in relative abundance of juvenile
P. semisulcatus with beam trawls, sampling should be completed at night and during the early part of
the flood tide.
Enzyme variation in jackass morwong, Nemadactylus macropterus (Schneider, 1801) (Teleostei: Cheilodactylidae), from Australian and New Zealand waters
Authors: Elliott NG , Ward RD
Published: November 2005

Nemadactylus macropterus was sampled from eight localities around southern Australia, ranging from
Western Australia to New South Wales, and from one area off the western coast of New Zealand.
Thirty-three enzyme loci were analysed by gel electrophoresis. Average heterozygosity per locus per
sample was 10.1 %, ranging from 8.4% to 11.I% per sample. Although no significant differentiation
was observed among the Australian samples, there was significant differentiation between the Australian
and New Zealand samples. This was primarily attributable to variation at the sAAT-I * locus, where
the common allele had a frequency of around 0.80 in Australian samples and around 0.94 in the New
Zealand sample (P<0.001). Across all 33 loci, 0.47% of the total genetic variation in Australian
and New Zealand samples was due to differentiation between these two areas. This is significantly
greater (P=0.001) than the value of 0.17% that could be ascribed to sampling error alone. Two loci
(ADH* and GPI-I *) that had previously been reported as monomorphic in New Zealand specimens
were found to be polymorphic in the New Zealand samples analysed in this study, and allele frequencies
at these loci were indistinguishable from Australian samples.
Density and growth in populations of juvenile western rock lobsters, Panulirus cygnus (George)
Authors: Jernakoff P , Fitzpatrick J , Phillips BF , De Boer E
Published: November 2005

SCUBA divers surveyed populations of juvenile Panulirus cygnus on limestone reefs at Seven Mile Beach
and Cliff Head, Western Australia, between 1987 and 1989. Estimates of the density and size structure
of populations of early-juvenile P. cygnus had high precision, but their accuracy was lower because
visual surveys underestimated the population size. Nevertheless, these estimates may be useful indices
of puerulus settlement and the growth, habitat use and population densities of juvenile P. cygnus.
Puerulus settlement on collectors correlated well with natural densities of early juveniles on reefs.
Densities of juveniles were at least three times greater at Seven Mile Beach than at Cliff Head.
However, juveniles grew faster at Cliff Head than at Seven Mile Beach. The density of juveniles in
reef ledges was twice that in caves; the density in caves was 10 times that on the reef face.
Influence of river hydrology on the dynamics and water quality of the upper Derwent Estuary, Tasmania
Authors: Davies PE , Kalish SR
Published: November 2005

Water quality parameters and current velocities were measured in depth profiles at a series of sampling
stations throughout the upper estuary of the Derwent River, Tasmania, during 1988-89. The estuary
was severely degraded, with low dissolved oxygen and high sulfide concentrations in benthic saline
waters for seven months of the year. A simple two-layer one-dimensional box model was constructed
to examine the relationships between water quality, estuarine mixing and river flows. Flow events critical
to the dynamics of water quality in the upper estuary are described. An initial analysis of the impact
of changes to the flow regime of the Derwent River on the Derwent estuary indicates that hydroelectric
storage operations have led to a decrease in the frequency of flows required to flush the estuary,
superimposed on climate-induced changes. Recommendations are made for possible flushing flows
necessary to improve estuarine water quality.
Reproductive biology and endocrinology of female red gurnard, Chelidonichthys kumu (Lesson and Garnot) (family Triglidae), from the Hauraki Gulf, New Zealand
Authors: Clearwater SJ , Pankhurst NW
Published: November 2005

Red gurnard, Chelidonichthys kumu, were sampled by long-lining and from a fish processing factory
to investigate the seasonal cycle of reproduction in a population from north-eastern New Zealand.
Female red gurnard showed changes in gonadosomatic index (GSI) and frequencies of stages of ovarian
development consistent with spawning from spring (September) until autumn (May). Peak GSI (approximately
6%) occurred in late spring or early summer, and minimum GSI (approximately 1%) occurred
in winter (June). Blood samples were taken from live fish caught on long-lines, and seasonal changes
in plasma concentrations of oestradiol-17� (E2) and testosterone (T) were measured by radioimmunoassay.
Plasma E2 and T reached maximum concentrations of 1.99 ng mL-1 and 2.06 ng mL-1,
respectively, as GSI levels peaked, and then declined as GSI decreased over summer. Plasma E2 and
T increased again as GSI began to increase prior to the next spawning season. Maximum hepatosomatic
index (HSI) occurred in association with gonadal recrudescence. HSI decreased significantly as the
spawning season progressed and showed a significant but irregular increase as recrudescence occurred
prior to the following spawning season.
New species of Parapinnanema (Nematoda: Chromadoridae) are described, with a discussion of the genus
Authors: Gourbault N , Vincx M
Published: November 2005

Parapinnanema bableti sp. nov. is described from marine sediments from Polynesian coral reefs.
Detailed information is given on the ultrastructure of the cuticle and the buccal cavity. Similar ultrastructures
are observed in P. ritae sp. nov., a new species described from mangroves in Guadeloupe,
and P. alii (Murphy), recorded in large numbers from the south-western lagoon in New Caledonia.
P. rhipsoides sp. nov. is also described from the mangroves in Guadeloupe. The homogeneity of
Parapinnanema is discussed.
Distribution and geographical variation of Australatya striolata (McCulloch and McNeill 1923) (Decapoda: Atyidae)
Authors: Smith REW
Published: November 2005

The distribution of the filter-feeding atyid shrimp Australatya striolata was extended northwards to
12� 45'S,143� 12'E and southwards to 37� 29'S,149� 35'E. The lowest altitude for adults tended to decrease
with increasing latitude, and the northern limit coincides with the limit of suitable montane habitats.
Specimens of Central American atyids in the Museum National d'Histoire Naturelle, Paris, and allegedly
collected by von Mueller in Victoria may have been confused with A. striolata. Clinal variation was
demonstrated, and a possible relationship with current speeds is discussed.
Spatial variation in concentrations of heavy metals in marine sediments
Authors: Morrisey DJ , Stark JS , Howitt L , Underwood AJ
Published: November 2005

Spatial variation in the distribution of copper, lead and zinc in sediments in Botany Bay, Australia, is
described. Sampling was done according to a nested, hierarchical design, and variation was detected at
spatial scales from 10 m to several kilometres.
In studies where the design of sampling is inadequate, the existence of variation at small spatial
scales will confound comparisons at larger scales. Adequate replication at different scales, necessary
to avoid confounding, has rarely been done in published studies. Implications of 'patchiness' for
environmental sampling and monitoring, and the means of overcoming associated problems, are
discussed.
Swimming ability of adult golden perch, Macquaria ambigua (Percichthyidae), and adult silver perch, Bidyanus bidyanus (Teraponidae), in an experimental vertical-slot fishway
Authors: Mallen-Cooper M
Published: November 2005

The swimming abilities of adult golden perch, Macquaria ambigua (Richardson) (Percichthyidae)
(441�16 mm, mean total length+s.d.), and adult silver perch, Bidyanus bidyanus (Mitchell)
(Teraponidae) (258 �10 mm, mean fork length � s.d.), were tested in an experimental vertical-slot
fishway. These two Australian species are potamodromous, and the adult fish move upstream large
distances. Golden perch readily used the vertical-slot fishway, and a 20-min NV90 (the maximum water
velocity that 90% of the fish in a sample can negotiate in 20 min) of 1.83 m s-1 (95% confidence
limits 1.43-2.03 m s-1) is recommended for fishway design in the Murray-Darling river system.
This velocity equates to a 171-mm step height between fishway pools and should be applied to a
minimum pool size of 3 m (length) by 2 m (width) to avoid excessive turbulence. Lower velocities and
larger pools might be necessary for long fishways or where there are large migrations of fish. Some
silver perch used the fishway, but the results for this species were inconclusive. Fish were re-used at
different velocities during the experiment, and a learning trial indicated that the number of fish
negotiating the fishway increased with repeated use of the fish.
Seasonal zooplankton fauna of salt evaporation basins in South Australia
Authors: Campbell CE
Published: November 2005

Salt evaporation basins are important as disposal sites for saline drainage water and groundwater in
heavily irrigated areas in Australia and California. Relatively little is known about the zooplankton
species composition of such basins. In this study, three evaporation basins in South Australia (Stockyard
Plains, Berri and Noora) were sampled seasonally for zooplankton in 1992. Salinities in the basins
ranged from 5 to 30 g L-1. The zooplankton comprised species from inland saline lakes together with
some halotolerant species from the River Murray. Notably, several species typical of saline lakes in the
region were absent. The zooplankton fauna in all three basins was dominated by microcrustaceans.
Feeding of Galaxias olidus (Guenther) (Pisces: Galaxiidae) in an intermittent Australian stream
Authors: Closs GP
Published: November 2005

Patterns of feeding in the mountain galaxiid (Galaxias olidus) were examined at dawn and dusk during
low flow in April and high flow in September in an intermittent stream. During April (low flow),
feeding rates were relatively low and aperiodic, whereas in September (high flow), the fish were clearly
feeding diurnally at a relatively high rate. These results suggest that feeding in G. olidus in intermittent
streams may vary on a daily and seasonal basis, possibly as a consequence of changes in light
availability and stream flow. Light determines the ability of fish to find their prey, and seasonal changes
in flow may determine the availability of prey (i.e. drifting invertebrates). This pattern suggests that
the predatory impact of drift-feeding fish, such as G. olidus, is likely to be considerably less during
low-flow periods when drifting invertebrates are not available than during high-flow periods when such
prey may be abundant.
Colour variation in southern Tasmania populations of Heliocidaris erythrogramma (Echinometridae: Echinoidea)
Authors: Growns JE , Ritz DA
Published: November 2005

Four populations of Heliocidaris erythrogramma in southern Tasmania showed considerable colour
variation of the calcareous spines and test (white, violet, green or violet and green) as well as of the
dermis (white, dark red or occasionally pink). The three major pigments of the calcareous parts were
identified as Spinochromes A, B and C. The dermis contained pigment granules that consisted mainly
of echinochrome A together with an unidentified iron-containing pigment. The variation in dermal
pigmentation had a major effect on the appearance of the live urchins and is unusual among echinoids.
The proportions of colour morphs varied both within and between populations, strongly suggesting
that colour variation is controlled by environmental and/or genetic factors. A correlation between
exposure of a site to wave action and dermal pigmentation was observed; urchins with a white dermis
were found in much higher proportions at the most exposed site. Other possible ecological and
evolutionary explanations for the variation are discussed.
Little genetic variation in the oil sardine, Sardinella longiceps Val., from the western coast of India
Authors: Menezes MR
Published: November 2005

Enzyme gene variability in the oil sardine, Sardinella longiceps, from three localities along the western
coast of India was studied by starch-gel electrophoresis. Out of 19 loci scored, no locus was polymorphic
by the 95% criterion. Seven loci were polymorphic at the P=0.99 level. The average
heterozygosity ranged from 0.6% to 0.9%. These values are very low compared with those of other
marine fish species.
Phytoplankton community structure and productivity in relation to the hydrological regime of the Gulf of Carpentaria, Australia, in summer
Authors: Rothlisberg PC , Pollard PC , Nichols PD , Moriarty DJW , Forbes AMG , Jackson CJ , Vaudrey D
Published: November 2005

To describe the influence of hydrology on the phytoplankton communites of the Gulf of Carpentaria,
six phytoplankton parameters were measured on five transects: productivity, biomass, community
structure, phospholipid-derived fatty acids, ratios of stable carbon isotopes and the relationship between
photosynthesis and irradiance.
The mean (�s.e.) estimate of depth-integrated phytoplankton productivity was 914�185 mgC m-2
day-' (n=9). In the shallow (<30 m) coastal waters, the productivity was 1430�400 mgC m-2 day-1
(n = 3). At the offshore stations (=30 m), it was 660 �108 mgC m-2 day-1 (n = 6). At both the shallow
and the offshore stations, primary productivity was distributed equally between the phytoplankton size
fractions 0.6-2.0�m and > 10�m, with little in between.
The highest rates of growth occurred within a very narrow light regime: self-shading limited growth
in deeper water (at light intensities less than 125 mol s-1 m-2), and growth was photoinhibited in
shallow water (at light intensities greater than 150 mol s-1 m-2). The resulting biomass-specific
primary productivity (mgC mChla-1 day-1) maximum did not coincide with the depth of either the
chlorophyll a maximum or the highest nutrient concentration.
The natural carbon isotope ratio for the particulate matter showed that little land-derived carbon
was exported beyond a narrow coastal fringe (about 10 to 20 km). The profiles of phospholipid fatty
acids also showed that particulate organic matter was dominated by algal-derived compounds, which
confirms that the bulk of the organic matter in the offshore Gulf of Carpentaria is of marine origin.
Therefore, during the summer in this study, the stratified waters of the central gulf were both
biologically and hydrologically independent of the coastal water and not influenced by terrestrial runoff.
The phytoplankton production in the central gulf is maintained by nutrient supplies from internal
sources, such as those that are remineralized in and resuspended from the sediment.
Species composition and distribution of commercial penaeid prawn catches in the Gulf of Carpentaria, Australia, in relation to depth and sediment type
Authors: Somers IF
Published: November 2005

To describe the distribution of the commercial penaeid species caught in the Gulf of Carpentaria,
species composition data were drawn from studies conducted in the gulf between 1977 and 1992,
supplemented with data from commercial catches monitored by fishers trained in species identification.
The catch is made up of eight species in four commercial species groups. Three species account
for most of the catch: the banana prawn Penaeus merguiensis (about 41%) and the tiger prawns
P. esculentus (24%) and P. semisulcatus (23%). Three others, the endeavour prawns Metapenaeus
endeavouri (8%) and M. ensis (3%) and the king prawn P. latisulcatus (1%), are found in commercial
quantities but usually as incidental components of catches. Two species, the black tiger prawn,
P. monodon, and the red-spot king prawn, P. longistylus, are caught only occasionally. At a fine
spatial scale (six-nautical-mile grids), each species group was found to consist largely of just one species,
and the ratio of one species to another within a species group were relatively stable over time. By using
these ratios in combination with fishers' logbook data, it was possible to refine annual catch statistics
for the gulf to the level of species rather than, as in the past, just to species group.
The spatial distributions of individual species were found to be related to depth and/or sediment
type. Catches of P. merguiensis were mainly from the eastern and southern gulf, and in waters
shallower than 20 m, but were not associated with any particular sediment type. The brown tiger prawn,
P. esculentus, was most abundant in the southern gulf and shallower parts of the western gulf (< 35 m
deep). The sediments in these areas were sand or muddy sand. In contrast, the grooved tiger prawn,
P. semisulcatus, was most abundant in the north-eastern gulf and the deeper parts of the western
gulf (>35 m deep) where sediments were mud or sandy mud. The blue-tailed endeavour prawn,
M. endeavouri, was the most widespread of the species in the gulf, but, like P. esculentus, it was most
abundant in the south-eastern gulf and shallower parts of the western gulf, where sediments were either
sand or muddy sand. The red endeavour prawn, M. ensis, was more limited in its distribution, with
highest abundance in the north-eastern gulf and in the deeper parts of the western gulf (35-45 m).
Here, the sediments were more than 60% mud.
Demersal cephalopods of the Gulf of Carpentaria, Australia
Authors: Dunning M , McKinnon S , Lu CC , Yeatman J , Cameron D
Published: November 2005

Demersal trawl and dredge surveys of the Gulf of Carpentaria in the early summers of 1990 and 1991
provided the first comprehensive assessment of the cephalopod fauna of this shallow, tropical basin
off northern Australia.
Twenty-one taxa (comprising five loliginid squids, seven cuttlefishes, seven octopuses and two
dumpling squids) were recorded. In addition to hosting species distributed broadly in the Indo-West
Pacific (e.g. loliginid squids Sepioteuthis lessoniana, Photololigo cf. chinensis and P. cf. edulis;
cuttlefishes Sepia eiliptica and Sepia pharaonis), the Gulf of Carpentaria represents the most northwesterly
extent of the range of some eastern Australian species (e.g. Loliolus noctiluca and Sepia
whitieyana).
Squid catches were lower in the north-western gulf in 1990 and higher in shallower water during
the more geographically restricted survey in 1991, whereas cuttlefish were more evenly distributed
throughout the different sampling areas in both years. Broad size ranges of both sexes of the four most
abundant species (P. cf. chinensis (northern form), P. cf. eduiis, S. eiliptica and S. pharaonis) are
indicative of extended spawning seasons, and fully mature individuals of these species were evident
throughout the gulf.
Cephalopods are a minor component in reported domestic fisheries catches from the Gulf of
Carpentaria, where penaeid prawns are targeted. High (though seasonal) squid catch rates were reported
annually by Taiwanese trawlers targeting butterfish and squid from certain areas prior to 1979. With
the observed population structure of the abundant cephalopod species and relatively high catch rates
in some localities during these recent surveys, it is suggested that the cephalopod resources of the Gulf
of Carpentaria could support increased commercial fisheries exploitation.
Aspects of the biology of Caranx bucculentus (Teleostei: Carangidae) from the Gulf of Carpentaria, Australia
Authors: Brewer DT , Blaber SJM , Milton DA , Salini JP
Published: November 2005

Caranx bucculentus is the most abundant secondary consumer and the most important predator of
commercially important penaeids in the Gulf of Carpentaria. More than 18 000 individuals of this
species were collected from 406 trawls during 13 cruises in the Gulf of Carpentaria from 1986 to 1991.
The species was most abundant in coastal waters, with a maximum biomass at a depth of 28.1 m.
Catches were higher in prawn-trawling grounds than elsewhere in the gulf, and prawns comprised a
greater proportion of the diet than is the case for other predatory fishes. Interannual variations in
biomass occurred, but there were no differences between cruises or seasons. The decreased catches at
night may have resulted from vertical die1 migration of C. bucculentus. Sexual maturity is reached at
110 mm standard length and about one year of age, which is much younger than in congeners.
Back-calculated birth dates of C. bucculentus show year-round recruitment that peaks in the pre-wet
season months of spring, and gonadosomatic index values are generally higher in the pre-wet season
than in the wet season. Gonadosomatic index values remain relatively high (> 1.0), which indicates
continuous spawning by C. bucculentus in the gulf. Other large tropical species of Caranx spawn
annually, in summer. C. bucculentus fecundities range from 18 000 eggs for a 120-mm fish to about
650 000 eggs for a 460-mm fish. A possible switch is seen in the sex ratio-males seem to predominate
at smaller sizes, whereas females seem to predominate among bigger fish. MULTIFAN length-frequency
analysis gave values of L∞ = 538.8 mm (8 years old) and K= 0.305 year -1. A growth rate of 822 mm
year-1 at L∞/2 is comparable to the growth rates of other tropical carangids. The diet of C. bucculentus
throughout the gulf is dominated by epibenthic crustaceans and teleosts.
Life history of Parastacoides tasmanicus tasmanicus Clark, a burrowing freshwater crayfish from south-western Tasmania
Authors: Hamr P , Richardson A
Published: November 2005

The life history of the semi-terrestrial burrowing freshwater crayfish Parastacoides tasmanicus tasmanicus
was studied in the wet heathlands of south-western Tasmania. Data on seasonal reproduction, fecundity
and growth were obtained from regular monthly sampling over a period of two years. The development
of gonads, size at maturity, sexual dimorphism and reproductive condition were determined by detailed
examination of changes in reproductive morphology and gonad condition. P. t, tasmanicus attains
maturity at a relatively late age (3-5 years) and large size (25-30 mm carapace length) and has a long
life span (< 10 years) and a slow and variable growth rate. The growth rate appears to be a function
of cold water temperature and low-nutrient diets. Males reach sexual maturity at a smaller size than
do females. Mating and spawning, which closely follow the female moult, occur in early autumn when
males and reproductive females pair within their burrow systems; eggs are carried over winter and
hatch early the following summer, and young remain attached to their mothers until mid summer.
Mature females appear to exhibit a biennial moulting and breeding cycle, an apparently unique strategy
among parastacid crayfish, which is probably a result of the cooler climate conditions in Tasmania.
Survey of stream invertebrate communities on Macquarie Island
Authors: Marchant R , Lillywhite P
Published: November 2005

In all, 15 sites on 12 streams were kick-sampled for invertebrates. Eleven fully aquatic taxa were found:
a species of Iais (Isopoda: Janiridae); six species of oligochaetes (three enchytraeids, one tubificid,
one naidid, one phreodrilid); a harpacticoid copepod; two nematode taxa; and Minona amnica, a
turbellarian. Composition of this depauperate community changed littlebetween sites, although one site
disturbed by penguins had clearly fewer taxa. Aquatic insects (and fish) were absent, apart from three
species of semi-aquatic Diptera that occurred very sparsely. In terms of biomass, the streams were
dominated by the oligochaetes.