bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Preliminary investigation of mitochondrial DNA variation in jack mackerel (Trachurus declivis, Carangidae) from south-eastern Australian waters
Authors: Smolenski AJ , Ovenden JR , White RWG
Published: November 2005

A preliminary investigation of the genetic structure of jack mackerel (Trachurus declivis, Carangidae)
in south-eastern Australian waters was conducted by using restriction enzyme analysis of mitochondrial
DNA (mtDNA). Seventy-five jack mackerel samples were collected from two localities: off Eden in New
South Wales and off south-eastern Tasmania. Fish were sampled twice at each locality. Mitochondrial
DNA was extracted from developing ovary tissue and heart tissue. The 75 jack mackerel samples were
screened with 11 six-base and four four-base enzymes. The level of genetic diversity in jack mackerel
was low. The six-base enzyme analysis found limited evidence of reproductive isolation between New
South Wales and Tasmanian samples of jack mackerel. However, an analysis of a subset of 42 jack
mackerel with four four-base enzymes found evidence of temporal differences in the mtDNA diversities
of two Tasmanian samples of jack mackerel.
Gill-net mesh selectivities for two species of commercial carcharhinid shark taken in northern Australia
Authors: McLoughlin KJ , Stevens JD
Published: November 2005

Experiments designed to estimate gill-net mesh selectivities for two species of commercially important
sharks in northern Australia were carried out between 1983 and 1984. A gamma distribution model was
used to obtain length-specific selectivities for Carcharhinus tilstoni and C. sorrah caught in nets with
stretched-mesh sizes of 10, 15, 20 and 25 cm. Captured sharks were categorized as gilled or rolled
(tangled) in the nets. The model provided a better fit to the data for C. sorrah than for C. tilstoni.
Relationships among black marlin, Makaira indica, in eastern Australian coastal waters, inferred from parasites
Authors: Speare P
Published: November 2005

Parasites of black marlin, Makaira indica, from Queensland coastal waters were examined in order to
evaluate their usefulness as biological tags providing information on host movements. Sixty-three black
marlin were sampled between 1987 and 1989 from five localities between Cape Moreton in southern
Queensland and Lizard Island in the north. Black marlin carried 31 parasite taxa of which 21 were new
host records, including one new species, Maricostula makairi Bruce & Cannon, 1989. Multi-dimensional
scaling and cluster analysis of data on eight parasite taxa considered to be long-lived indicated that
juvenile black marlin in Queensland coastal waters are isolated from the adults of Lizard Island.
There was a tendency for parasite infections to increase with latitude within a cohort of juvenile fish,
which is consistent with a hypothesis of southerly migration in coastal waters. Information from nine
short-lived parasite taxa suggested that similar short-term movements by juveniles and adults, but with
recently matured males at around 50 to 80 kg showing greater association with the adult population;
these latter results were interpreted as, not a mixing of the juvenile and adult subpopulations, but an
acquisition of short-lived infections by adults, similar to those of the juvenile marlin, during movement
into shelf-edge water for spawning.
Turbidity in the northern Great Barrier Reef lagoon in the wet season, March 1989
Authors: Hamilton LJ
Published: November 2005

In 1989, a typical wet season was experienced in northern Queensland, with low winds and long calm
periods. Turbidity in upper waters of the Great Barrier Reef lagoon broadly had a simple distribution
that could be modelled from bottom depth contour values alone, without introducing wind speed or
bottom type. In the absence of major storm and cyclone events, this result appears to be general,
based on the similarity between March 1989 survey data and Secchi disc climatology. The simple
distribution arises because the main turbidity sources are riverine discharges, with little entrainment
of bottom sediment into the upper column, except in shallower waters. Fresh, highly turbid riverine
influxes are generally confined close inshore, with salinity and Secchi contours parallel to shore, forming
cross-shelf gradients. A semi-quantitative relation was found between sea surface colour and Secchi
disc depth. Examination of nephelometric turbidity stratification showed that satellite and Secchi data
should be more useful for subsurface turbidity inference between Cooktown and Innisfail than in
Princess Charlotte Bay, with horizontal and vertical stratifications, respectively, observed in those areas.
Highest nephelometric turbidity was seen from Cooktown to Innisfail. Beam attenuation coefficient in
oceanic waters outside the reef appeared to be dominated by absorption, with lagoon waters influenced
by scattering. A method is suggested to enable approximate transfer of beam attenuation coefficient
measured by a transmissometer operating at a single wavelength to beam attenuation coefficient at other
wavelengths, using coincident measurements of Secchi disc depths made with filters.
Laboratory-based investigation into the potential for algal proliferation in Lake Coleman, Victoria
Authors: Haynes D , Rayment P , Raynes K , Mosse PRL
Published: November 2005

Lake Coleman received a discharge of highly coloured, treated pulp and paper mill effluent and
domestic and industrial effluent from 1958 until the latter part of 1992. The colour of the lake waters
is likely to become less intense following cessation of the discharge and this may affect the potential
for algal growth. The estuarine diatom Phaeodactylum tricornutum was cultured in a range of concentrations
of Lake Coleman water with and without pre-exposure to nutrient-rich Lake Coleman
sediments. Under laboratory conditions, growth of P. tricornutum was significantly enhanced in Lake
Coleman water compared with cultures grown in water collected from an adjacent unpolluted lake.
Growth was further enhanced in solutions with additional pre-exposure to Lake Coleman sediments.
Growth enhancement exhibited a linear relationship to solution orthophosphate concentrations. When
the diatom was cultured under a range of light intensities produced by a range of dilutions of Lake
Coleman water, growth was significantly reduced by high colour intensity. The possibility exists,
therefore, for enhanced algal proliferation in Lake Coleman following cessation of effluent discharge.
Small-scale patterns of distribution and size-structure of the intertidal littorinid Littorina unifasciata (Gastropoda: Littorinidae) in New South Wales
Authors: Chapman MG
Published: November 2005

Within-shore and among-shore patterns of distribution, abundance and size structure of Littorina
unifasciata Gray were identified on a number of shores in New South Wales. There was significant
patchiness in distribution, abundance and size of L. unifasciata among patches of shore only a few
metres apart, at different heights on the shore and from shore to shore. On a particular shore, the sizes
of snails were strongly correlated with densities. In contrast, differences in densities at different heights
from one shore to another were not correlated with mean size of snails. Density and size were each
strongly correlated with the height on the shore at which snails were found.
At any one height, differences in densities and size were also correlated with the distribution of
particular microhabitat variables, such as the slope of the rock surface, the presence of pits and shallow
pools and the presence of barnacles. Densities were also negatively correlated with densities of the large
microalgae-grazing limpet Cellana tramoserica but were independent of other littorinids.
A number of alternative models have been proposed to account for these patterns of distribution,
abundance and size. Although processes that might account for these patterns were not investigated
here, quantification of such patterns at a number of spatial scales is necessary before potential factors
that might affect small-scale spatial variation in densities and sizes of L. unifasciata can be identified
and investigated.
Diet of the Australian fur seal in Tasmania
Authors: Gales R , Pemberton D
Published: November 2005

In Tasmanian waters, fish were the most prevalent prey taxa in the diet of Arctocephalus pusillus
dorlferus, with cephalopods occurring less frequently. Occurrence of crustaceans and birds was
negligible. Most prey remains of cephalopods were obtained from regurgitates, whereas faeces provided
most fish remains. Twenty-five species of fish were identified from faecal and regurgitate samples,
with redbait (Emmelichthys nitidus), jack mackerel (Trachurus declivis) and leatherjackets (Monacanthidae)
constituting the main prey species. There was an inverse relationship between the occurrence
of fish and that of cephalopods in the samples from Bass Strait, with fish predominating in winter and
cephalopods in summer. Size estimates of prey indicated that mainly adult fish and squid were eaten.
Most samples contained remains of a single species, suggesting the use of monospecific aggregations of
prey items.
Nutrient enrichment of the Sydney continental shelf
Authors: Cresswell G
Published: November 2005

Nutrient-rich waters arrived at the continental shelf at Sydney in late January 1992 in two ways: as an
intrusion from the nearby continental slope and as a cold upwelled plume originating several hundred
kilometres farther north. With the former, an undercurrent flowed northward on the upper continental
slope south of where the nearshore edge of a warm anticyclonic eddy separated from the shelf and
curved out to sea. The undercurrent rose onto the floor of the shelf and spread shoreward at least to
the 60-m isobath as an intrusion of slope water. The other source of nutrients, the upwelled plume from
the north, probably resulted from the East Australian Current spreading onto the shelf and driving an
Ekman bottom boundary layer shoreward, where it upwelled to the surface and was then advected
southward. Very high values of fluorescence at 20-40 m depth in the plume suggested a significant
phytoplankton bloom. The plume was not continuous at the surface for the final 100 km of its passage
to Sydney, rather taking the form of 40-km-long 'slugs' moving at -0.3 m s-1. It was, however,
continuous beneath the surface. From Sydney it was carried out to sea around the perimeter of the
anticyclonic eddy.
Observations on the biology of the common torpedo (Torpedo torpedo, Linnaeus, 1758) and marbled electric ray (Torpedo marmorata, Risso, 1810) from Egyptian Mediterranean waters
Authors: Abdel-Aziz SH
Published: November 2005

The reproductive biology and diets of Torpedo torpedo and T. marmorata from Egyptian Mediterranean
waters are described. Males and females reached a maximum size of 39.1 and 40.8 cm total length
(TL), respectively, in T. torpedo and 38.6 and 61.2 cm TL, respectively, in T. marmorata. The size
at maturity of males of T. torpedo and T. marmorata is 18 and 25.5 cm TL, respectively, and of
females, is 22 and 35.5 cm TL, respectively. Both species exhibit aplacental viviparity. T. torpedo has
a restricted breeding season, and individual females appear to breed annually, whereas T. marmorata
females appear to have a more extended reproductive cycle (probably breeding every two years). In both
species, males are capable of mating every year. In T. torpedo, mating occurs between December and
February, ovulation in March-April, and parturition in late August and September after five to six
months of gestation. Individuals of T. marmorata mate between November and January, ovulate
between December and February, and give birth the following December after 10-12 months of
gestation. Mean embryos sizes are 7.3 cm TL (range 4.6-8.2 cm TL) for T. torpedo and 8.5 cm TL
(range 5.8-10.1 cm TL) for T. marmorata. Observations in Egyptian Mediterranean waters show a
strong correlation between ovarian and uterine fecundity and the length of the mother in both species.
Fish are an important component of the diet of the two species, as, to a lesser extent, are crustaceans
for T. torpedo and cephalopods for T. marmorata. Juveniles eat a wide variety of food items, whereas
adults feed only on fish.
Comparative study of the Pacific ENSO event of 1991-92 and the Atlantic ENSO-like event of 1991
Authors: Polonsky AB
Published: November 2005

Anomalous conditions in the tropical Pacific and Atlantic Oceans during the ENSO event of 1991-92
are examined, using mainly the daily sea surface temperature (SST) data of the Russian Hydrometeorological
Centre from April 1991 to December 1992. The event was characterized by some unusual
features. It began in (boreal) spring 1991 as a weak event, then the SST anomalies (SSTAs) intensified
and exceeded those in the ENSO of 1986-87. The 1991-92 event was manifested first in the enhanced
average annual SST in the central and western parts of the equatorial Pacific. Significant persistent
SSTAs near the South American coast were absent in 1991, occurring only at the beginning of 1992.
The amplitude of the SST annual harmonic increased in the eastern and central equatorial Pacific.
However, it decreased in the western equatorial Pacific during ENSO relaxation. High-amplitude and
relatively short-term variability in the air-ocean system also occurred during the ENSO of 1991-92.
The Pacific ENSO was accompanied by an Atlantic ENSO-like event, which also began in (boreal)
spring 1991. It was manifested in the reduced intensity of the trade wind, the anomalously southern
location of the intertropical convergence zone, and warm SSTAs in the eastern equatorial Atlantic.
The mature SSTAs in the equatorial Pacific lagged behind those occurring in the equatorial Atlantic
during the ENSO of 1991-92.
Toxic blooms of cyanobacteria in Lake Alexandrina, South Australia — Learning from history
Authors: Codd GA , Steffensen DA , Burch MD , Baker PD
Published: November 2005

Early accounts by European explorers and settlers of South Australia contain numerous references to
scums or discoloured water that are consistent with cyanobacterial blooms. Documented reports refer
back to at least 1853. The first detailed scientific account of toxic cyanobacteria appeared in 1878. In
a perceptive and prescient paper in Nature, the Adelaide assayer and chemist George Francis reported
on stock deaths at Milang on the shores of Lake Alexandrina in South Australia. Francis attributed
the deaths to the ingestion and toxicity of scums of the cyanobacterium Nodularia spumigena. Reports
of cyanobacterial blooms, scums and associated problems in Lake Alexandrina and in the River Murray
between about 1851 and 1888 are discussed and comparisons are made with the reactions to blooms a
century later.
Occurrence and possible causes of a severe cyanobacterial bloom in Lake Cargelligo, New South Wales
Authors: Bowling L
Published: November 2005

Although smaller cyanobacterial blooms had occurred in Lake Cargelligo in previous summers, a severe
bloom of Anabaena circinalis occurred in the lake in November 1990. Cell numbers exceeded 100 000
cells m L -1 , and toxicity tests revealed the bloom to be highly hepatotoxic. This resulted in the first
known closure of a town water supply due to cyanobacteria in New South Wales. Blooms of
Microcystis aeruginosa, Aphanizomenon issatschenkoi, Oscillatoria rnougeotii and Cylindrospermopsis
raciborskii also occurred in the lake at similar very high cell numbers during the summer and autumn of
1990-91. All five species persisted until May 1991, although there was no detectable toxicity from
January onwards. Severe flooding in the Lachlan River valley upstream of Lake Cargelligo during the
winter of 1990 led to nutrient enrlched inflows to the lake. These elevated nutrient concentrations would
have been a major factor contributing to the bloom. However, other physico-chemical factors were also
suitable for cyanobacterial growth.
Long-term phytoplankton monitoring of the Darling River at Burtundy, New South Wales: Incidence and significance of cyanobacterial blooms
Authors: Hoetzel G , Croome R
Published: November 2005

Changes in the phytoplankton population at Burtundy are described, based on data (1980-92) from
the algal, water quality and flow monitoring programmes of the Murray-Darling Basin Commission;
cell densities and community composition are discussed in relation to flow, turbidity, temperature and
nutrients.
Of 102 taxa from seven classes recorded in the 628 phytoplankton samples, only seven taxa occurred
in >30% of samples and 55 taxa occurred in <I% of samples. Total cell densities remained below
10 000 cells mL-1 for around 70% of the study period. The population was characterized by the presence
of Bacillariophyceae and Chlorophyceae and the irregular development of cyanobacterial blooms.
Eight genera of cyanobacteria contributed to 17 population peaks exceeding 10 000 cells mL-1. Ten of
these peaks occurred during a low-flow period from April 1985 to June 1988 when turbidity was usually
less than 50 NTU, and two were recorded at river temperatures of less than 14°C.
Total cell density and community composition had no apparent seasonal pattern but had five
distinct phases related to flow and turbidity. Seasonal temperature cycles and availability of nutrients
appear to be less important than flow and turbidity in determining the longer-term variations observed
in the algal population.
Modelling of cyanobacterial blooms in the mixed layer of lakes and reservoirs
Authors: Patterson JC , Hamilton DP , Ferris JM
Published: November 2005

The chemical and biological components of existing water quality models are in general described
by simple first-order rate equations in which the production and uptake coefficients are fixed
functions of the other variables of the model. Thus although, for example, in a photosynthesis
model the specific algal growth rate may be a function of light intensity, nutrient concentration
and temperature, the form of this dependence on these variables is assumed to be fixed. In
this paper, the effect on the performance of a water quality model of removing this assumption
for the specific case of photosynthesis is examined. An existing coupled motion-photosynthesis
model has been installed in the water quality model DYRESM-WQ and the result compared
with the original model, which assumes a fixed functional dependence. The resulting model has
been applied to two reservoirs, without recalibration. The result shows that the removal of the
assumption of a fixed functional form for the photosynthetic growth rate may have a significant
effect on the magnitude and timing of predicted cyanobacterial blooms in lakes and reservoirs,
which would have important implications for reservoir and lake management. In addition, the
result suggests that, in general, the validity of the assumption of fixed functional form for the
rate coefficients in water quality models is not assured.
Towards a molecular taxonomy for the bloom-forming cyanobacteria
Authors: Neilan BA , Hawkins PR , Cox PT , Goodman AE
Published: November 2005

Regions of the 16s subunit of the ribosomal RNA gene of the bloom-associated cyanobacterial genera
Microcystis and Anabaena have been sequenced and found to provide strain-specific sequence
information. Comparisons of the DNA sequence of these cyanobacteria indicated that the strains
examined are related and that probes diagnostic for bloom-forming and toxigenic strains in water
samples can be designed.
Consumption of cyanobacteria by freshwater zooplankton: Implications for the success of 'top-down' control of cyanobacterial blooms in Australia
Authors: Boon PI , Bunn SE , Green JD , Shiel RJ
Published: November 2005

Two main approaches have been mooted for the management of fresh waters to prevent or control
cyanobacterial blooms: a 'bottom-up' approach in which the supply of essential nutrients is restricted,
and a 'top-down' or 'biomanipulation' approach in which attempts are made to restructure the food
web to maximize consumption of noxious cyanobacteria by herbivorous zooplankton. In this review,
the published literature is examined to gauge whether the common zooplankton of Australian fresh
waters have the capacity to control cyanobacterial blooms, especially of toxic forms, and thus whether
the biomanipulation approach might be applied successfully in Australia. As zooplankton assemblages
in Australian inland waters are quite different in composition from those of the Northern Hemisphere,
they are unlikely to respond to manipulations of trophic structure in a similar way. The most common
zooplankters in Australian inland waters, calanoid copepods and rotifers, have less potential for
controlling cyanobacterial blooms than do large cladocerans. The latter are common in the Northern
Hemisphere and are considered requisite for the control of cyanobacterial blooms. Toxic
cyanobacteria, which cause the most severe environmental problems, have well documented
detrimental effects on zooplankton. The few reports of zooplankton grazing on cyanobacteria in
Australian fresh waters do not indicate that native zooplankton can consume noxious cyanobacteria at
the rates required for control of algal blooms. There may, therefore, be grounds for strong reservations
about the likely success of programmes proposed to control cyanobacterial blooms by the manipulation
of trophic structure in Australian fresh waters.
Response of the eastern rainbowfish (Melanotaenia duboulayi) to toxic Microcystis aeruginosa
Authors: Johnston NAL , Campagna VS , Hawkins PR , Banens RJ
Published: November 2005

Eastern rainbowfish (Melanotaenia duboulayi) were exposed to lysed cell suspensions of toxic
Microcystis aeruginosa. Fish ventilatory behaviour was monitored with a computerized biomonitoring
system. At its operational settings, the biomonitor did not detect a significant ventilatory response in
the test fish when they were exposed to microcystin concentrations between 1.6 × 10-3 and 2.6�g mL-1
microcystin-LR equivalent. These results suggested that the fish respiratory system is unaffected by
short-term exposure to microcystin or other biologically active compounds produced by M. aeruginosa.
Effects of forestry activities (clearfelling) on stream macroinvertebrate fauna in south-western Australia
Authors: Growns IO , Davis JA
Published: November 2005

The effects of forestry activities on macroinvertebrate community structure were examined in the
headwaters of Carey Brook in the south-west of Australia. The fauna at four sites on an upland
stream that ran through a logging coupe were compared, before and after clearfelling, with the
fauna at four nearby undisturbed sites. Mean species richness and mean total abundance declined
at the treatment sites relative to the control sites after the commencement of clearfelling activities.
The composition of the macroinvertebrate fauna in the disturbed stream changed in comparison
with that in the undisturbed sites after logging started but returned to the pre-logging composition
after winter and spring rains had stopped. The observed changes in the macroinvertebrate fauna
occurred during the periods of high loads of suspended inorganic solids at the treatment sites.
The possible reasons for the observed results are discussed.
Ash distribution and metal contents of Lake Illawarra bottom sediments
Authors: Chenhall BE , Batley GE , Yassini I , Depers AM , Jones BG
Published: November 2005

The distribution of anthropogenically derived ash and metal contents of Lake Illawarra bottom
sediments have shown that elevated concentrations of trace metals, particularly Zn, are linked to
ash concentrations. The highest concentrations of total metals (up to 10 times the locally defined
background) were recorded from Griffins Bay, adjacent to the Port Kembla industrial complex.
Other sites investigated exhibited only slight trace metal enrichment in near-surface sediments,
typically 1.4 to 2 times the background. Analytical data from inductively coupled plasma mass
spectrometry (ICPMS) indicate that the ratio of EDTA-extractable ratio:total metal present in the
sediment generally decreases in the order Pb, Zn and Cu. Lake sedimentation rates, calculated
on the basis of metal and ash depth profiles, were found to lie in the range 6.9 to 16 mm year-1
and represent the most serious long-term environmental problem in the Illawarra region.
Phase velocity and dispersion relations of surface gravity waves in shallow sea
Authors: Kalmykov VA
Published: November 2005

Phase velocity and dispersion relations of surface gravity waves on the sea have been modelled
by two numerical methods and the results compared with previous experimental studies. Wave
nonlinearities cause deviations from linear wave relations and these deviations are seen on the
sea surface in the form of sharply crested waves. The effects are amplified if wave steepness
increases or wave spectra become narrower. When the effects of finite depth of water are included
in the calculations, the deviations from linearity are found to increase significantly.
Increments in otoliths and scales: How they relate to the age and early development of reared and wild larval and juvenile Pagrus auratus (Sparidae)
Authors: Kingsford MJ , Atkinson MH
Published: November 2005

The utility of otoliths and scales for age and growth studies on Northern and Southern Hemisphere
forms of Pagrus auratus (<I00 days old) was investigated. A series of illustrations shows the
developmental morphology of wild southern larvae at ages ranging from 0 to 40 days. Reared P.
Auratus (of both forms) deposited daily increments in otoliths from or within 1 day of the time
of hatching until the age of 40 days. Age-length relationships of wild P auratus (2.4-8.5 mm
standard length, SL) from northern New Zealand (1985-86) were not significantly different among
times and there was little variation in length at age among fish. In contrast, great variation in
age-length relationships was found for reared larvae (5-30 days old). The data suggest that
slow-growing fish may suffer high mortality rates in the wild. On the basis of age-length
relationships of wild P. auratus, recommendations are made for appropriate sampling frequency
in studies of larval abundance. Ctenoid scales formed at 8-9 mm SL in both forms of P. auratus.
The number of increments in newly settled P. auratus (<60 days old) closely approximated the
number of days since scale formation (i.e. t 2 5 circuli). This may provide a new method for
estimation of the timing of a concurrent change in the behaviour of some fish larvae (e.g. a
change in vertical distribution). Importantly, the number of circuli was correlated with the growth
of juveniles, just as the spacing of circuli is in other species. Thus, circuli in scales potentially
provide a history of individual growth in small fish after the formation of scales (to 100 days
old) and an indication of the time since scales appeared.
A comparison of fish assemblages from seagrass and unvegetated areas of a southern Australian estuary
Authors: Connolly RM
Published: November 2005

Assemblages of small fish from eelgrass (mainly Zostera muelleri) and unvegetated patches in a shallow,
marine-dominated estuary were compared over one year as a preliminary step towards finding the
consequences of eelgrass loss to small fish. There were more species and more individuals at eelgrass
sites than at unvegetated sites at every sampling period. Multivariate analysis (MDS ordination) of
assemblages showed distinct grouping of eelgrass and unvegetated sites. The statistical significance of
groupings was tested by using an analysis of similarities (ANOSIM) randomization routine. The cryptic
syngnathid Stigmatopora nigra and juvenile whiting, Sillaginodes punctata, the species of greatest
economic importance in the estuary, were predominantly over eelgrass, whereas the flounder
Rhombosolea tapirina was usually caught at unvegetated sites. Atherinosoma microstoma, the most
abundant species, was more common over eelgrass at two dates but had similar abundances over both
habitats at other dates. The limitations of survey work caused by possible associations between the
presence of vegetation and environmental factors have been partially offset by interspersion of sites and
by measurement of water temperature and salinity. Secondarily to habitat differences, fish assemblages
were weakly grouped according to distance of sites from open water.
Susceptibility of larval and juvenile instars of the sand crab, Portunus pelagicus (L.), to sea water contaminated by chromium, nickel or copper
Authors: Mortimer MR , Miller GJ
Published: November 2005

The acute toxicities of Cu2+, Ni2+ and Cr(V1) in sea water to larval life stages of the sand crab, Portunus
pelagicus, were determined in a laboratory study and compared with published data for the toxicity of
heavy metal cations to this species. This showed the relative acute toxicities to be in the order Cu2+ >
Cd2+ ≥ Zn2+ > Ni2+> Cr(V1). Sublethal effects attributable to exposure to sea water contaminated by
some of these cations were investigated for both larval and juvenile crab life stages. The effects
quantified were inhibition of larval moulting, increase in the duration of development period, and
reduced size achieved by successive juvenile crab instars. In each case, the chronic levels of cation
contamination in seawater associated with these effects exceeded the Australian guidelines for the
protection of marine aquatic ecosystems, but in some cases the safety margin was less than an order of
magnitude. In addition, bioconcentration relationships for Cr were determined on a whole-animal and an
exoskeleton basis.
Sexual dimorphism in the red morwong, Cheilodactylus fuscus
Authors: Schroeder A , Lowry M , Suthers I
Published: November 2005

The red morwong, Cheilodactylus fuscus Castelnau (Pisces : Cheilodactylidae), is a conspicuous fish on
the rocky reefs of the eastern Australian coast. Visual determination of the sex of individuals in the field is
necessary to remove sex bias in home-range and associated bioaccumulation studies. A sample of 61 fish
(30-50 cm fork length) was collected from spear-fishing competitions in the Sydney area, and from each
fish 16 morphometric measurements were taken. A multivariate analysis revealed that, in comparison with
females, males are generally larger, with a significantly larger orbit-tubercle - or horn - situated in front
of each eye, a smaller eye diameter and a smaller head length. A discriminant function analysis derived
from these four features correctly identified 87% of an independent sample of 40 fish. Visual appraisal of
fish on the basis of the proportional length of the horns misidentified <10 % of fish >30 cm and <30% of
fish 20-30 cm fork length. The orbit-tubercle in males is between 2% and 4% of the fork length and is
composed of bone. According to this simplified visual technique, red morwong aggregations in the
Sydney region have consistently biased sex ratios.
The larval fish assemblage of the Nornalup-Walpole Estuary, a permanently open estuary on the southern coast of Western Australia
Authors: Neira FJ , Potter IC
Published: November 2005

Fish larvae were sampled in the entrance channel and in the two basins of the permanently open
Nornalup-Walpole Estuary, on the southern coast of Western Australia, in each month between October
1989 and September 1990. Sampling yielded a total of 39 068 larvae belonging to 36 species and 23
families, with the engraulidid Engraulis australis (56.7%) and the gobies Pseudogobius olorum (24.4%)
and Favonigobius lateralis (15.0%) being the most abundant species. Most of the larvae were caught
between November and March, with the concentrations of the most abundant species reaching peaks
between January and March, when water temperatures had reached 21-24�C. In terms of number of larvae,
the larval fish assemblage in the basins was dominated by species that spawn within the estuary, with the
larvae of these species contributing ≥98.7% to the totals at the basin sites. Although the larvae of 26 marine
species were caught in the entrance channel, these were either rare or absent in the basins, except for those
of the terapontid Pelates sexlineatus, which were moderately abundant in the outer basin. The fact that the
larvae of most of these marine species were at the preflexion stage, and that all but three of those species
had never been previously recorded as either juveniles or adults within the system, indicates that they were
passively transported from outside the estuary. The absence of larvae of most of the marine teleosts that are
abundant in the basins of the Nornalup-Walpole Estuary parallels the situation in the nearby and seasonally
closed Wilson Inlet.
Spatial patterns in shallow-water crinoid communities on the central Great Barrier Reef
Authors: Fabricius KE
Published: November 2005

The crinoid communities of shallow-water areas (<12 m depth) of the central Great Barrier Reef were
investigated on reefs at different locations on the continental shelf and in greater detail within one mid-shelf
reef (Davies Reef). Overall, 43 comatulid crinoid species were identified, among which the family
Comasteridae contributed 90% of the total number of collected specimens. High substratum complexity, in
combination with high average water flows, characterized the most suitable environmental conditions for
most of the crinoid species, whereas abundance and species richness were low in regions with high
sedimentation rates and low current velocities. This set of environmental factors was correlated with crinoid
community structures both on a local within-reef level and across the continental shelf. A few 'generalist'
species (mostly comasterids) showed distribution ranges extending across the whole shelf, whereas many
other species were found predominantly at the mid-shelf sites and only in low numbers, if at all, at both the
inner and the outer shelf edges. Crinoid populations on reefs previously infested by Acanthaster planci
were depleted in comparison with unaffected reefs. Observations suggest that the spangled emperor fish
(Lethrinus nebulosus) is a major crinoid predator and that fatal predation occurs commonly among crinoids.
Commercial and recreational harvest of fish from two Australian coastal rivers
Authors: West RJ , Gordon GNG
Published: November 2005

Commercial and recreational harvests of fish from two eastern Australian coastal rivers, the
Richmond and the Clarence, have been compared for the period from March 1988 to May 1989,
using commercial fisheries statistics and a roving creel census of daytime recreational anglers. For
both rivers, sea mullet (Mugil cephalus) made up about 70% of the commercial catch by weight
but was not caught in significant numbers by anglers. Fish species harvested in large numbers
by both sectors were yellowfin bream (Acanthopagrus australis), dusky flathead (Platycephalus
fiscus), luderick (Girella tricuspidata), sand whiting (Sillago ciliata), mulloway (Argyrosomus
hololepidotus) and tailor (Pomatomus saltatrix). For the Richmond River, yellowfin bream,
dusky flathead and tailor were harvested principally by recreational anglers; sand whiting were
equally shared between fishing sectors, and harvests of luderick and mulloway were dominated
by commercial fishers. For the Clarence River, which supports one of the largest estuarine-based
commercial fisheries in Australia, tailor were harvested principally by recreational anglers;
yellowfin bream, dusky flathead and mulloway were equally shared between fishing sectors, and
sand whiting and luderick were taken predominantly by commercial fishers. Although data on
recreational fishing throughout Australia are limited, anglers now appear to be the dominant
harvesters of several estuarine fish species. As in other parts of the world, the numbers of
recreational anglers in Australian waters appear to be increasing, and this situation is likely to
lead to both heightened conflict between the user groups and increased exploitation of a limited
resource. The need for sustained and cost-effective monitoring of recreational angler effort and
harvests is emphasized.
Relationships between riparian buffer widths and the effects of logging on stream habitat, invertebrate community composition and fish abundance
Authors: Davies PE , Nelson M
Published: November 2005

Impacts from the logging of Eucalyptus forest on stream habitat, macroinvertebrate abundance and
diversity, and fish abundance were surveyed in Tasmania, Australia. Forty-five pairs of sites from 34
streams of ≥2.5 km² catchment area were each sampled once during summer in the period 1990-92. Each
site pair consisted of an 'impacted' site downstream of a logging treatment and an upstream or closely
matched 'paired control' site. Site pair treatments encompassed two logging methods (cable and
conventional) with a range of riparian buffer strip widths (0-50 m) and included unlogged controls.
Differences between site pair variables were used as test statistics for the detection of logging impacts.
Logging significantly increased riffle sediment, length of open stream, periphytic algal cover, water
temperature and snag volume. Logging also significantly decreased riffle macroinvertebrate abundance,
particularly of stoneflies and leptophlebiid mayflies, and brown trout abundance. All effects of logging
were dependent on buffer strip width and were not significantly affected by coupe slope, soil erodibility or
time (over one to five years) since logging. All impacts of logging were significant only at buffer widths of
<30 m. Minimum buffer widths for eliminating logging impacts on stream habitats and biota are discussed.
Larval descriptions of three galaxiid fishes endemic to south-western Australia: Galaxias occidentalis, Galaxiella munda and Galaxiella nigrostriata (Salmoniformes: Galaxiidae)
Authors: Gill HS , Neira FJ
Published: November 2005

The larval development of Galaxias occidentalis, Galaxiella munda and Galaxiella nigrostriata is
described and illustrated with material collected from freshwater habitats in south-westem Australia.
Galaxias occidentalis larvae are very elongate (52-54 myomeres), lightly pigmented and
morphologically very similar to those of Galaxias vulgaris and Galaxias maculatus. Notochord flexion
(9.3-13.1 mm), formation of all except the pelvic fins (6.1-21.9 mm) and transition (>26.6 mm) in larval
G. occidentalis occur at similar sizes to larvae of the strictly freshwater G. vulgaris but at smaller sizes
than in larvae of diadromous populations of G. maculatus. Larvae of Galaxiella munda and
G. nigrostriata are elongate (3843 myomeres) and heavily pigmented and can be separated primarily by
the considerably heavier pigmentation in the latter species. Notochord flexion (6.6-13.1 mm), formation
of all except the pelvic fins (5.8-13.6 mm) and transition (>13.2 mm) in both species occur at smaller
sizes than in Galaxias larvae. Galaxias larvae can be distinguished from those of many superficially
similar clupeiform species by the combination of a dorsal fin directly above the anal fin, lack of a strongly
striated hindgut, absence of a conspicuous gas bladder above the fore- and hindgut junction, and
myomeres without cross-hatched muscle fibres. Galaxiella larvae are very different from Galaxias larvae
and are unlikely to be confused with the larvae of any other sympatric species.
Effects of oxygen concentration on phosphorus release from reflooded air-dried wetland sediments
Authors: Qiu S , McComb AJ
Published: November 2005

Intact sediment cores from North Lake (Perth, Western Australia) were air-dried for 40 days, reflooded with
lake water and incubated at 20°C. Under aerated conditions, air-drying increased phosphorus release. When
aeration was stopped, air-dried sediments continued to release P into the water, but the rate was much
slower than that in the early stage of the aeration. The results suggest a gradual depletion of labile
phosphorus from the dried sediments. Under anaerobic conditions, the phosphate release was also markedly
higher for air-dried sediments than for the 'wet' controls. The accumulation of soluble inorganic
phosphorus during air-drying, owing to breakdown of organic material and a drying-induced decrease in
phosphate sorption, may be the cause of release on rewetting. The results suggest that drought-induced
sediment dehydration in natural wetlands may be followed by a significant increase of internal phosphorus
loading under both aerobic and anaerobic conditions. Care must therefore be taken in using drawdown as a
lake management technique to improve water quality.
Preliminary assessment of the β-dimethylsulfoniopropionate (DMSP) content of macroalgae from the tropical island of Hainan (People's Republic of China)
Authors: Bischoff B , Karsten U , Daniel C , Kuck K , Xia B , Wiencke C
Published: November 2005

The β-dimethylsulfoniopropionate (DMSP) contents of 46 macroalgal species from the tropical island of
Hainan, People's Republic of China, were determined by gas-liquid phase chromatography. In almost all
investigated green, brown and red algal species, DMSP could be detected. The highest concentrations were
measured in members of the green algal order Ulvales, and these were similar to those of isolates from
polar and temperate regions. The tropical Ulvales from Hainan are comparable in their DMSP contents with
temperate species of this order. Polar species, in contrast, exhibit significantly higher DMSP values.
Seasonal changes in biomass and shoot characteristics of a Zostera capricorni Aschers. Dominant meadow in Cairns Harbour, northern Queensland
Authors: McKenzie LJ
Published: November 2005

Spatial and temporal variability of Z. capricorni biomass, shoot characteristics (canopy height, surface area,
flowering), distribution and detrital content were examined from December 1988 to December 1990.
Between August 1987 and August 1991, 15% (2.0 ha) of the meadow was lost. Biomass of above- and
below-ground structures showed a unimodal seasonal pattern with maxima in late spring (mean 194.92 g
dry weight m-2 and 426.67 g DW m-2 respectively) and minima in winter (mean 28.72 g DW m-2 and
56.98 g DW m-2 respectively). Mean above-ground biomass (95.53 � 2.21 g DW m-2) was approximately
half the mean below-ground biomass (177.28 � 4.49 g DW m-2). Leaf canopy heights were greatest
between October and February (maximum 53.4 cm) and lowest around mid year (minimum 4.4 cm). Leaf
surface area per square metre of seagrass meadow ranged from 10.28 to 1.39 m2 (mean 3,692 � 0.104 m2),
and flowering occurred during September and October. Detrital biomass ranged from 339.73g DW m-2 to
11.83 g DW m-2 (mean 77.39 � 2.36 g DW m-2). Detrital biomass was higher during July-October and
lower during February-May. The climate during the study was typical for the area, and all trials displayed
similar seasonal patterns, although the amplitudes differed among some trials. The environmental
parameters that may influence seagrass and detrital biomass were investigated. The best models explained
only 14% of the variation in above-ground biomass, 15% of the variation in below-ground biomass, and
21% of the variation in detrital biomass. These models suggest that fluctuations in seagrass and detrital
biomass in Cairns Harbour were influenced by changes in light availability, temperature, salinity and
exposure.
Seasonal and size-related variation in microhabitat use by a southern Victorian stream fish assemblage
Authors: Koehn JD , O'Connor NA , Jackson PD
Published: November 2005

Microhabitat use by a stream fish assemblage was examined bimonthly at 51 sites along Armstrong Creek,
Victoria, Australia, for 12 months. Five species-river blackfish (Gadopsis marmoratus), short-finned eel
(Anguilla australis), short-headed lamprey (Mordacia mordax), and the exotic species brown trout (Salmo
trutta) and roach (Rutilus rutilus)-were collected. Because blackfish were abundant, length-frequency
data could be used to distinguish three size groups, corresponding approximately to cohorts of Years 0, 1
and 2+. Twenty-seven habitat variables were measured at each site, and these were reduced by principalcomponents
analysis to eight major components. Densities of each blackfish size group and of eels, trout
and lamprey showed significant correlations with one or more components.
The mean preferred water depth of blackfish increased with fish size. Small blackfish could be found in
water ranging from 10 to 50 cm deep, but large blackfish were restricted to depths greater than 20 cm and
could be found at depths greater than 50 cm. All species showed preferences for water velocities less than
20 cm s-1. There was also a relationship between fish size and the size of shelter available among
substratum interstices.
Classification of water regimes in systems of fluctuating water level
Authors: Brownlow MD , Sparrow AD , Ganf GG
Published: November 2005

Aquatic macrophyte communities have been shown to form sequences along water depth gradients, and
water depth has been related to various types of environmental stresses. However, in semi-permanent
wetlands, water depth is rarely constant through time; there are large fluctuations in water level between
seasons and years, and the relative lengths of wet and dry periods may be as important a stress as the
average (or maximum) depth of water.
This paper presents a method of quantifying water regimes on the basis of infrequently sampled water
level data and of comparing and defining regime-types within and between semi-permanent swamps. Time
periods per depth class are calculated from water depth data for each gradient position from the bottom of
the swamp to the high-water mark. These data can be represented as a histogram that describes the wetldry
pattern of each gradient position. A multivariate clustering is used to compare gradient positions in different
swamps on the basis of depth and period of inundation. Water regime types are then defined on the basis of
the groups derived in the clustering.
The method is illustrated for the Bool Lagoon system in the south-east of South Australia.
Response of juvenile Melaleuca halmaturorum to flooding: Management implications for a seasonal wetland, Bool Lagoon, South Australia
Authors: Denton M , Ganf GG
Published: November 2005

The response of M. halmaturorum was measured to determine the ability of juvenile plants to survive
flooding and to examine how this influenced plant growth. Seedlings and one- and two-year-old plants
were flooded to 0% (control), 50% or 100% of their initial height for periods of three to 14 weeks, followed
by an eight-week recovery period. Only 22% of seedlings survived five weeks of 100% coverage, but these
died during the recovery period. The older plants survived the flooding treatments well, but as duration
increased so survival through the recovery period declined. After 100% coverage for six weeks followed
by the recovery period, only 29% survived. Stem linear extension rates corresponding to these survival
rates were used to predict the survival of juvenile M. halmaturorum in Bool Lagoon, South Australia. The
results showed that, with the current water regime, natural recruitment would occur only at the highest
elevation but that this could be improved by planting older, taller plants at lower elevations. Indices of
growth showed that flooded plants performed poorly compared with the controls as duration and percentage
of coverage increased. The data suggested that coverage inhibited plant growth during the flood period, but
there was a further, interactive response to duration that became apparent after the post-flood recovery
period. An interpretation of these results is that M. halmaturorum in its juvenile stages is intermediate
between a flood-sensitive and a flood-tolerant species because it is able to recover from short floods of
three weeks or less but performs poorly if floods exceed six to nine weeks.