Environmental flow enhances native fish spawning and recruitment in the Murray River, Australia

• DOI: 10.1002/rra.1209
• Publication Date: 2008-11-19T01:35:09Z
• Authors: A.J. King; Z. Tonkin; J. Mahoney
• Keywords: Environmental flow

Abstract Environmental flows aim to mimic components of a river's natural flow variability, including the magnitude, frequency, timing, duration, rate change and predictability events. Aspects regime are thought be linked critical life history strategies many riverine fishes, spawning recruitment. In Murray River, Australia, environmental increasingly being used as restoration tool; however, there is little information about response fish these managed This study reports on results from 3‐year effects water management recruitment four native species in mid‐Murray River system. Two years were hydrologically similar, while third year encompassed an extensive period floodplain inundation, use largest allocation date Australia. Drift nets collect drifting eggs larvae iconic throughout their season each year. Young‐of‐year collected following autumn. Although golden perch silver all 3 years, both increased activity during major flood compared previous two seasons. cod trout appeared not increase year, but may when inundation occurs at times juveniles present, most likely through generation abundant food resources. Whilst further required confirm role mechanism flooding species; this provides important evidence link between provision recruitment, has significant implications for managing regulated rivers. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.