1
|
Verdon-Kidd DC, Sandi SG, Metcalfe AG, Kidd LJ. Challenges of classifying and mapping perennial freshwater systems within highly variable climate zones: A case study in the Murray Darling Basin, Australia. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 905:167260. [PMID: 37741379 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.167260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2023] [Revised: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 09/25/2023]
Abstract
Perennial freshwater systems are valuable natural resources that provide important ecological services globally. However, in highly variable climates, such as Australia, water availability in rivers and streams can vary greatly from year to year and from decade to decade. Further, across Australia and many other regions, perennial river systems are projected to decrease because of anthropogenic climate change, placing the ecosystems they support under additional pressure. Quantifying the potential impacts of climate change on perennial freshwater systems requires robust databases of existing water features with accurate classifications. This is a challenge for rivers that display a high degree of interannual variability since the river classification can be dependent on the period of available data. In this study, we carry out a regional scale comparison of three different spatial databases commonly used in environmental and ecological assessments of perennial systems of Australia, namely Geodata, Geofabric and Water Observations from Space (WOfS). Focusing on the southern Murray Darling Basin (MDB), due to its national and international significance and its highly variable flow regimes, we show that no single spatial database is reliable by itself in terms of perennial water classification, with notable differences likely arising from variations in the periods analysed and methods used to classify the systems. Further, an analysis of high-quality gauged streamflow data (with approximately 40-year daily records) for four sub-catchments, and long-term simulation data (>100 years) for two sub-catchments in the lower MDB, confirm that flow persistence can be non-stationary through time, with some 'perennial' systems exhibiting sustained periods of cease to flow (i.e. becoming non-perennial) during prolonged droughts. This study demonstrates that due consideration is required in developing baseline classification of perennial freshwater systems for assessing future changes and measuring adaptive capacity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Danielle C Verdon-Kidd
- School of Environmental and Life Sciences, College of Engineering, Science and the Environment, The University of Newcastle, Australia; Centre for Water Security and Environmental Sustainability, The University of Newcastle, Australia
| | - Steven G Sandi
- School of Engineering, Faculty of Science, Engineering and Built Environment, Deakin University, Australia.
| | - Angela G Metcalfe
- School of Environmental and Life Sciences, College of Engineering, Science and the Environment, The University of Newcastle, Australia
| | - Luke J Kidd
- School of Environmental and Life Sciences, College of Engineering, Science and the Environment, The University of Newcastle, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Rolls RJ. Assessing Effects of Flow Regulation and an Experimental Flow Pulse on Population Size Structure of Riverine Fish with Contrasting Biological Characteristics. ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2021; 67:763-778. [PMID: 33547920 DOI: 10.1007/s00267-021-01428-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2020] [Accepted: 01/13/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Despite effects of dams and water extraction on river hydrology and consequences of aquatic ecosystems being broadly appreciated, empirical evidence is lacking for many regions (e.g. subtropics). Evidence is necessary to determine (i) the circumstances where environmental flows are necessary to protect or improve ecological processes and (ii) what hydrological events are required to achieve those ecological characteristics. Here, temporal variation in the size structure of two small-bodied fish species with contrasting ecological characteristics (Australian smelt, Cox's gudgeon) was compared between two pairs of unregulated and regulated rivers in subtropical Australia. Frequency of in-channel flow pulses in each regulated river was lower compared to paired unregulated rivers. An experimental flow pulse was delivered to one regulated river to assess the ecological outcomes of in-channel flow pulses and inform future decisions about the use of environmental water allocations. Temporal changes in the population size structure of both species were similar between unregulated and regulated rivers and showed no response to the experimental pulse. While the experimental flow briefly suppressed in-stream temperature, changes in temperature were not beyond the thresholds at which spawning occurs or the thermal tolerances for either species. Similar population structure between unregulated and regulated rivers can be attributed to the magnitude of flow regulation being insufficient to alter the physico-chemical conditions, habitat and trophic mechanisms supporting population dynamics during the study period. This suggests current regulated hydrology is protective of local populations of Australian smelt and Cox's gudgeon in these study rivers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Robert J Rolls
- School of Environmental and Rural Science, University of New England, Armidale, NSW, 2351, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Abstract
Temporary rivers are characterized by shifting habitats between flowing, isolated pools, and dry phases. Despite the fact that temporary rivers are currently receiving increasing attention by researchers and managers, the isolated pools phase has been largely disregarded. However, isolated pools in temporary rivers are transitional habitats of major ecological relevance as they support aquatic ecosystems during no-flow periods, and can act as refugees for maintaining local and regional freshwater biodiversity. Pool characteristics such as surface water permanence and size, presence of predators, local physicochemical conditions, time since disconnection from the river flow, or distance to other freshwater habitats challenge a comprehensive understanding of the ecology of these habitats, and challenge ecological quality assessments and conservation practices in temporary rivers. In this paper, we aim at providing a characterization of isolated pools from a hydrological, geomorphological, physicochemical, biogeochemical, and biological point of view as a framework to better conceptualize, conserve, and manage these habitats.
Collapse
|
4
|
Hammer MP, Adams M, Thacker CE, Johnson JB, Unmack PJ. Comparison of genetic structure in co-occurring freshwater eleotrids (Actinopterygii: Philypnodon) reveals cryptic species, likely translocation and regional conservation hotspots. Mol Phylogenet Evol 2019; 139:106556. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ympev.2019.106556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2018] [Revised: 06/20/2019] [Accepted: 07/04/2019] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
|
5
|
Kingsford RT, Bino G, Porter JL. Continental impacts of water development on waterbirds, contrasting two Australian river basins: Global implications for sustainable water use. GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY 2017; 23:4958-4969. [PMID: 28578561 DOI: 10.1111/gcb.13743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2016] [Revised: 03/16/2017] [Accepted: 04/14/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
The world's freshwater biotas are declining in diversity, range and abundance, more than in other realms, with human appropriation of water. Despite considerable data on the distribution of dams and their hydrological effects on river systems, there are few expansive and long analyses of impacts on freshwater biota. We investigated trends in waterbird communities over 32 years, (1983-2014), at three spatial scales in two similarly sized large river basins, with contrasting levels of water resource development, representing almost a third (29%) of Australia: the Murray-Darling Basin and the Lake Eyre Basin. The Murray-Darling Basin is Australia's most developed river basin (240 dams storing 29,893 GL) while the Lake Eyre Basin is one of the less developed basins (1 dam storing 14 GL). We compared the long-term responses of waterbird communities in the two river basins at river basin, catchment and major wetland scales. Waterbird abundances were strongly related to river flows and rainfall. For the developed Murray-Darling Basin, we identified significant long-term declines in total abundances, functional response groups (e.g., piscivores) and individual species of waterbird (n = 50), associated with reductions in cumulative annual flow. These trends indicated ecosystem level changes. Contrastingly, we found no evidence of waterbird declines in the undeveloped Lake Eyre Basin. We also modelled the effects of the Australian Government buying up water rights and returning these to the riverine environment, at a substantial cost (>3.1 AUD billion) which were projected to partly (18% improvement) restore waterbird abundances, but projected climate change effects could reduce these benefits considerably to only a 1% or 4% improvement, with respective annual recovery of environmental flows of 2,800 GL or 3,200 GL. Our unique large temporal and spatial scale analyses demonstrated severe long-term ecological impact of water resource development on prominent freshwater animals, with implications for global management of water resources.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Richard T Kingsford
- Centre for Ecosystem Science, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, UNSW Australia, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Gilad Bino
- Centre for Ecosystem Science, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, UNSW Australia, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - John L Porter
- Centre for Ecosystem Science, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, UNSW Australia, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- New South Wales Office of Environment and Heritage, Hurstville, NSW, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Geddes M, Sheldon F, Hillman T, Zampatti B, Williams C. Advances in the study of River Murray ecology and the legacy of Keith Forbes Walker (1946−2016). T ROY SOC SOUTH AUST 2017. [DOI: 10.1080/03721426.2017.1373456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
|
7
|
Sheldon F. Variable plasticity in shell morphology of some Australian freshwater mussels (Unionoida, Hyriidae). T ROY SOC SOUTH AUST 2017. [DOI: 10.1080/03721426.2017.1374823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Fran Sheldon
- Australian Rivers Institute, Griffith University, Nathan, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Bino G, Kingsford RT, Brandis K. Australia's wetlands – learning from the past to manage for the future. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2016. [DOI: 10.1071/pc15047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Australia has diverse wetlands with multiple threats. We reviewed knowledge about the extent of wetlands, representativeness, impacts and threats to integrity and options for effective conservation. Natural Australian wetlands cover an estimated 33 266 245 ha (4.4%), with 55% palustrine (floodplains and swamps), followed by 31% lakes, 10% estuarine systems, and 5% rivers and creeks. The Lake Eyre (1.1%), Murray–Darling (0.73%), Tanami–Timor Sea Coast (0.71%) and the Carpentaria Coast (0.55%) drainage divisions have more wetlands, also reflected in the distributions among states and territories. Ramsar sites and wetlands in protected areas were generally biased towards the southern continent. Overall representation of mapped wetlands was good for lacustrine (40.6%) and estuarine (34.4%), fair for riverine (16.8%), but inadequate for palustrine (10.8%) wetlands. Within drainage divisions, representation varied considerably, with shortfalls from the Aichi target of 17%. Agriculture, urbanisation, pollution and invasive species have degraded or destroyed wetlands, particularly in the developed south-east, south-west and north-east of the continent. Water resource developments, primarily the building of dams, diversion of water and development of floodplains, seriously threaten Australian wetlands, with all threats exacerbated by climate change impacts of rising sea levels and high temperatures. Management and policy for wetlands is dependent on data on distribution, type and extent of wetlands, a key national constraint. Some States are well advanced (e.g. Queensland) and others lack any comprehensive data on the distribution of wetlands. Mitigation of increasing development (e.g. northern Australia) will be critical for conservation, along with increased representativeness in protected areas and restoration, particularly with environmental flows.
Collapse
|
9
|
Bond NR, Balcombe SR, Crook DA, Marshall JC, Menke N, Lobegeiger JS. Fish population persistence in hydrologically variable landscapes. ECOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS : A PUBLICATION OF THE ECOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA 2015; 25:901-13. [PMID: 26465032 DOI: 10.1890/14-1618.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
Forecasting population persistence in environments subjected to periodic disturbances represents a general challenge for ecologists. In arid and semiarid regions, climate change and human water use pose significant threats to the future persistence of aquatic biota whose populations typically depend on permanent refuge waterholes for their viability. As such, habitats are increasingly being lost as a result of decreasing runoff and increasing water extraction. We constructed a spatially explicit population model for golden perch Macquaria ambigua (Richardson), a native freshwater fish in the Murray-Darling Basin in eastern Australia. We then used the model to examine the effects of increased aridity, increased drought frequency, and localized human water extraction on population viability. Consistent with current observations, the model predicted golden perch population persistence under the current climate and levels of water use. Modeled increases in local water extraction greatly increased the risk of population decline, while scenarios of increasing aridity and drought frequency were associated with only minor increases in this risk. We conclude that natural variability in abundances and high turnover rates (extinction/recolonization) of local populations dictate the importance of spatial connectivity and periodic cycles of population growth. Our study also demonstrates an effective way to examine population persistence in intermittent and ephemeral river systems by integrating spatial and temporal dynamics of waterhole persistence with demographic processes (survival, recruitment, and dispersal) within a stochastic modeling framework. The approach can be used to help understand the impacts of natural and anthropogenic drivers, including water resource development, on the viability of biota inhabiting highly dynamic environments.
Collapse
|
10
|
Model Calibration Criteria for Estimating Ecological Flow Characteristics. WATER 2015. [DOI: 10.3390/w7052358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
|
11
|
Pisanu P, Kingsford RT, Wilson B, Bonifacio R. Status of connected wetlands of the Lake Eyre Basin, Australia. AUSTRAL ECOL 2014. [DOI: 10.1111/aec.12203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Philip Pisanu
- Department of Environment; Water and Natural Resources; Adelaide Sousth Australia 5001
| | - Richard T. Kingsford
- Centre for Ecosystem Science; University of New South Wales; Sydney New South Wales 2052
| | - Bruce Wilson
- Eco Logical Australia Pty Ltd; Brisbane Queensland 4000
| | - Ronald Bonifacio
- Department of Environment; Water and Natural Resources; Adelaide Sousth Australia 5001
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Ocock JF, Kingsford RT, Penman TD, Rowley JJL. Frogs during the flood: Differential behaviours of two amphibian species in a dryland floodplain wetland. AUSTRAL ECOL 2014. [DOI: 10.1111/aec.12158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Joanne F. Ocock
- Australian Wetlands, Rivers and Landscapes Centre; School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences; University of New South Wales; Sydney NSW 2052 Australia
| | - Richard T. Kingsford
- Australian Wetlands, Rivers and Landscapes Centre; School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences; University of New South Wales; Sydney NSW 2052 Australia
| | - Trent D. Penman
- Centre for Environmental Risk Management of Bushfires; Institute of Conservation Biology and Environmental Management; University of Wollongong; Wollongong
| | - Jodi J. L. Rowley
- Australian Wetlands, Rivers and Landscapes Centre; School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences; University of New South Wales; Sydney NSW 2052 Australia
- Australian Museum Research Institute; Australian Museum; Sydney New South Wales Australia
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Bino G, Steinfeld C, Kingsford RT. Maximizing colonial waterbirds' breeding events using identified ecological thresholds and environmental flow management. ECOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS : A PUBLICATION OF THE ECOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA 2014; 24:142-157. [PMID: 24640540 DOI: 10.1890/13-0202.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Global wetland biodiversity loss continues unabated, driven by increased demand for freshwater. A key strategy for conservation management of freshwater systems is to maintain the quantity and quality of the natural water regimes, including the frequency and timing of flows. Formalizing an ecological model depicting the key ecological components and the underlying processes of cause and effect is required for successful conservation management. Models linking hydrology with ecological responses can prove to be an invaluable tool for robust decision-making of environmental flows. Here, we explored alternative water management strategies and identified maximal strategies for successful long-term management of colonial waterbirds in the Macquarie Marshes, Australia. We modeled fluctuations in breeding abundances of 10 colonial waterbird species over the past quarter century (1986-2010). Clear relationships existed between flows and breeding, both in frequencies and total abundances, with a strong linear relationship for flows > 200 GL. Thresholds emerged for triggering breeding events in all 10 species, but these varied among species. Three species displayed a sharp threshold response between 100 GL and 250 GL. These had a breeding probability of 0.5 when flows were > 180 GL and a 0.9 probability of breeding with flows > 350 GL. The remaining species had a probability greater than 0.5 of breeding with flows > 400 GL. Using developed models, we examined the effects of five environmental flow management strategies on the variability of flows and subsequent likelihood of breeding. Management to different target volumes of environmental flows affected overall and specific breeding probabilities. The likelihood of breeding for all 10 colonial waterbirds increased from a regulated historical mean (+/-SD) of 0.36 +/- 0.09 to 0.53 +/- 0.14, an improvement of 47.5% +/- 18.7%. Management of complex ecosystems depends on good understanding of the responses of organisms to the main drivers of change. Considerable opportunity exists for implementing similar frameworks for other ecosystem attributes, following understanding of their responses to the flow regime, achieving a more complete model of the entire ecosystem.
Collapse
|
14
|
Ebner BC, Morgan DL. Using remote underwater video to estimate freshwater fish species richness. JOURNAL OF FISH BIOLOGY 2013; 82:1592-1612. [PMID: 23639156 DOI: 10.1111/jfb.12096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2012] [Accepted: 02/01/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Species richness records from replicated deployments of baited remote underwater video stations (BRUVS) and unbaited remote underwater video stations (UBRUVS) in shallow (<1 m) and deep (>1 m) water were compared with those obtained from using fyke nets, gillnets and beach seines. Maximum species richness (14 species) was achieved through a combination of conventional netting and camera-based techniques. Chanos chanos was the only species not recorded on camera, whereas Lutjanus argentimaculatus, Selenotoca multifasciata and Gerres filamentosus were recorded on camera in all three waterholes but were not detected by netting. BRUVSs and UBRUVSs provided versatile techniques that were effective at a range of depths and microhabitats. It is concluded that cameras warrant application in aquatic areas of high conservation value with high visibility. Non-extractive video methods are particularly desirable where threatened species are a focus of monitoring or might be encountered as by-catch in net meshes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- B C Ebner
- Tropical Landscapes Joint Venture, CSIRO Ecosystem Sciences & TropWATER, James Cook University, P. O. Box 780, Atherton, Qld 4883, Australia.
| | | |
Collapse
|
15
|
Catastrophic floods may pave the way for increased genetic diversity in endemic artesian spring snail populations. PLoS One 2011; 6:e28645. [PMID: 22205959 PMCID: PMC3243680 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0028645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2011] [Accepted: 11/11/2011] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The role of disturbance in the promotion of biological heterogeneity is widely recognised and occurs at a variety of ecological and evolutionary scales. However, within species, the impact of disturbances that decimate populations are neither predicted nor known to result in conditions that promote genetic diversity. Directly examining the population genetic consequences of catastrophic disturbances however, is rarely possible, as it requires both longitudinal genetic data sets and serendipitous timing. Our long-term study of the endemic aquatic invertebrates of the artesian spring ecosystem of arid central Australia has presented such an opportunity. Here we show a catastrophic flood event, which caused a near total population crash in an aquatic snail species (Fonscochlea accepta) endemic to this ecosystem, may have led to enhanced levels of within species genetic diversity. Analyses of individuals sampled and genotyped from the same springs sampled both pre (1988–1990) and post (1995, 2002–2006) a devastating flood event in 1992, revealed significantly higher allelic richness, reduced temporal population structuring and greater effective population sizes in nearly all post flood populations. Our results suggest that the response of individual species to disturbance and severe population bottlenecks is likely to be highly idiosyncratic and may depend on both their ecology (whether they are resilient or resistant to disturbance) and the stability of the environmental conditions (i.e. frequency and intensity of disturbances) in which they have evolved.
Collapse
|
16
|
Huey JA, Baker AM, Hughes JM. Evidence for multiple historical colonizations of an endoreic drainage basin by an Australian freshwater fish. JOURNAL OF FISH BIOLOGY 2011; 79:1047-1067. [PMID: 21967589 DOI: 10.1111/j.1095-8649.2011.03088.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
The contemporary and historical colonization capacity of an Australian freshwater fish, north-west glassfish Ambassis sp., was tested using mtDNA sequence data and six newly developed microsatellite loci in an endoreic basin in central Australia. Overall, Ambassis sp. exhibited weak genetic structure within catchments, suggesting some capacity to recolonize extirpated waterholes after disturbance. Genetic structure revealed that the historical pattern of connectivity among catchments in the Lake Eyre Basin was dramatically different from other species studied in this region. Two highly divergent clades were detected in separate catchments in the basin. mtDNA from individuals sampled in catchments north of the Lake Eyre Basin suggest that Ambassis sp. has colonized on two separate occasions from catchments in northern Australia, subsequently generating two highly divergent lineages.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J A Huey
- Griffith University, Australian Rivers Institute, Griffith School of Environment, 170 Kessels Road, Nathan, Qld 4111, Australia.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
17
|
Genetic consequences of postglacial colonization by the endemic Yarkand hare (Lepus yarkandensis) of the arid Tarim Basin. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2011. [DOI: 10.1007/s11434-011-4460-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
|
18
|
Rolls RJ, Wilson GG. Spatial and temporal patterns in fish assemblages following an artificially extended floodplain inundation event, northern Murray-Darling Basin, Australia. ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2010; 45:822-833. [PMID: 20127088 DOI: 10.1007/s00267-010-9432-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2009] [Accepted: 01/05/2010] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Water extraction from dryland rivers is often associated with declines in the health of river and floodplain ecosystems due to reduced flooding frequency and extent of floodplain inundation. Following moderate flooding in early 2008 in the Narran River, Murray-Darling Basin, Australia, 10,423 ML of water was purchased from agricultural water users and delivered to the river to prolong inundation of its terminal lake system to improve the recruitment success of colonial waterbirds that had started breeding in response to the initial flooding. This study examined the spatial and temporal patterns of fish assemblages in river and floodplain habitats over eight months following flooding to assess the possible ecological benefits of flood extension. Although the abundances of most fish species were greater in river channel habitats, the fish assemblage used floodplain habitats when inundated. Young-of-the-year (4-12 months age) golden perch (Macquaria ambigua) and bony bream (Nematalosa erebi) were consistently sampled in floodplain sites when inundated, suggesting that the floodplain provides rearing habitat for these species. Significant differences in the abundances of fish populations between reaches upstream and downstream of a weir in the main river channel indicates that the effectiveness of the environmental water release was limited by restricted connectivity within the broader catchment. Although the seasonal timing of flood extension may have coincided with sub-optimal primary production, the use of the environmental water purchase is likely to have promoted recruitment of fish populations by providing greater access to floodplain nursery habitats, thereby improving the ability to persist during years of little or no flow.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Robert J Rolls
- Ecosystem Management, University of New England, Armidale, NSW, 2351, Australia.
| | | |
Collapse
|
19
|
Stassen MJM, van de Ven MWPM, van der Heide T, Hiza MAG, van der Velde G, Smolders AJP. Population dynamics of the migratory fish Prochilodus lineatus in a neotropical river: the relationships with river discharge, flood pulse, El Niño and fluvial megafan behaviour. NEOTROPICAL ICHTHYOLOGY 2010. [DOI: 10.1590/s1679-62252010005000006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The relative importance of flood pulse dynamics and megafan behaviour for the Sábalo (Prochilodus lineatus) catches in the neotropical Pilcomayo River is studied. The Sábalo catches can mainly be explained by decreased river discharges in the preceding years resulting in smaller inundated areas during rainy season floods and thereby in a decreased area of feeding grounds for the fishes. The decreased river discharges and the related decline of Sábalo catches in the 1990's can be linked to the 90-95 El Niño event. In 2007 the Sábalo catches were comparable to the catches before the "El Niño" event. The connectivity (continuity) between the main river and flood plain areas, which is influenced by sedimentation processes, is also of great importance and very probably plays a more important role since the late 1990's.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marinke J. M. Stassen
- Radboud University Nijmegen, The Netherlands; Foundation 'Los Amigos del Pilcomayo', Bolivia
| | - Max W. P. M. van de Ven
- Foundation 'Los Amigos del Pilcomayo', Bolivia; Radboud University Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | | | | | - Gerard van der Velde
- Radboud University Nijmegen, The Netherlands; VIIINational Natural History Museum Naturalis, The Netherlands
| | - Alfons J. P. Smolders
- Foundation 'Los Amigos del Pilcomayo', Bolivia; Radboud University Nijmegen, The Netherlands; Ambio Chaco, Bolivia; B-WARE Research Centre, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Hou P, Beeton RJS, Carter RW, Dong XG, Li X. Response to environmental flows in the lower Tarim River, Xinjiang, China: ground water. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2007; 83:371-82. [PMID: 16996199 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2005.12.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2003] [Revised: 11/28/2005] [Accepted: 12/23/2005] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
In China's west since the 1950s large-scale ecosystem degeneration has occurred through water diversions for agricultural purposes. Since 2000, 1038 x 10(6) m(3) of water have been released into the Tarim River with the result that water reached the terminal Taitema Lake for the first time in 30 years. This environmental flow raised water-table levels along 350 km of the river. To assess the response of the water-table, a comparison "pristine" site is compared with downstream monitored sites. The results show huge changes in water-table levels. The study verifies that the water-table is extremely responsive to environmental flows, that strong internal similarities exist along the length of the river, and that the effect on the water-table and hence likely riparian vegetation recovery can be tentatively predicted. The actual impacts of the restoration strategy are less than those originally expected politically, socially and within the scientific community. We make recommendations on more effective release strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- P Hou
- Zhejiang Forestry College, Linan, Zhejiang Province, China
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
21
|
Hou P, Beeton RJS, Carter RW, Dong XG, Li X. Response to environmental flows in the Lower Tarim River, Xinjiang, China: an ecological interpretation of water-table dynamics. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2007; 83:383-91. [PMID: 17010503 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2006.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2004] [Revised: 07/20/2006] [Accepted: 07/27/2006] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Increased water-dependent development and utilization have led to significant environmental and hydrological degradation of the Tarim River in western China and its dependent ecosystems. Between the 1950s and 1970s, 350 km of the lower reaches were drained and between 1960 and 1980 the water-table fell from between -2 and -3 m to between -8 and -10 m. Subsequently, riparian ecosystems were seriously degraded. In 2000, the Chinese government launched a program to restore the lower reaches of the river. Four environmental flows of 1034 x 10(6) m(3) were released from 2000 to 2002. This paper interprets and discusses the ecological significance of changes following the releases and identifies the relationship between water-table dynamics and vegetation responses. Short-term objectives for river restoration are proposed with possible monitoring parameters suggested.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- P Hou
- Zhejiang Forestry College, Linan, Zhejiang Province, China
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
22
|
|
23
|
Gawne B, Scholz O. Synthesis of a new conceptual model to facilitate management of ephemeral deflation basin lakes. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2006. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1440-1770.2006.00304.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Oliver Scholz
- Murray‐Darling Freshwater Research Centre, Lower Basin Laboratory, CRC for Freshwater Ecology, PO Box 3428, Mildura, Victoria, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
HUEY JOELA, HUGHES JANEM, BAKER ANDREWM. Patterns of gene flow in two species of eel-tailed catfish, Neosilurus hyrtlii and Porochilus argenteus (Siluriformes: Plotosidae), in western Queensland's dryland rivers. Biol J Linn Soc Lond 2006. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1095-8312.2006.00590.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
|
25
|
|
26
|
Hughes FMR, Rood SB. Allocation of river flows for restoration of floodplain forest ecosystems: a review of approaches and their applicability in Europe. ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2003; 32:12-33. [PMID: 14703910 DOI: 10.1007/s00267-003-2834-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Floodplain forests are flood-dependent ecosystems. They rely on well-timed, periodic floods for the provision of regeneration sites and on tapered flood recession curves for the successful establishment of seedlings. These overbank flood events are described as "regeneration flows." Once floodplain forest trees are established, in order to grow they also require adequate, although variable, river stage levels or "maintenance flows" throughout the year. Regeneration flows are often synonymous with flood flows and only occur periodically. There is a disparity between this need for varied interannual flows over the decadal time frame and the usual annual cycle of flow management currently used by most river management agencies. Maintenance flows are often closer to established minimum flows and much easier to provide by current operational practices.A number of environmental flow methodologies, developed in North America, Australia, and South Africa are described in this review. They include the needs of the floodplain environment in the management and allocation of river flows. In North America, these methodologies have been put into practice in a number of river basins specifically to restore floodplain forest ecosystems. In Australia and South Africa, a series of related "holistic approaches" have been developed that include the needs of floodplain ecosystems as well as in-channel ecosystems. In most European countries, restoration of floodplain forests takes place at a few localized restoration sites, more often as part of a flood-defense scheme and usually not coordinated with flow allocation decisions throughout the river basin. The potential to apply existing environmental flow methodologies to the management of European floodplain forests is discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Francine M R Hughes
- Department of Geography, University of Cambridge, Downing Place, Cambridge, CB2 3EN United Kingdom.
| | | |
Collapse
|
27
|
Bradley DC, Ormerod SJ. Community persistence among stream invertebrates tracks the North Atlantic Oscillation. J Anim Ecol 2002. [DOI: 10.1046/j.0021-8790.2001.00551.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
|
28
|
Roshier DA, Whetton PH, Allan RJ, Robertson AI. Distribution and persistence of temporary wetland habitats in arid Australia in relation to climate. AUSTRAL ECOL 2001. [DOI: 10.1046/j.1442-9993.2001.01122.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
|