%0 Journal Article %J Marine and Freshwater Research %D 2018 %T Expanding fish productivity in Tasmanian saltmarsh wetlands through tidal reconnection and habitat repair %A Vishnu Prahalad %A Harrison-Day, Violet %A McQuillan, Peter %A Colin Creighton %K Biodiversity %K coastal management %K ecological restoration %K ecosystem services %K salt marsh %K seascapes %K temperate fish communities %K wetland conservation %X

Fish use of coastal saltmarsh wetlands has been documented for many parts of Australia with the notable exception of Tasmania. An initial investigation to examine the diversity, density and patterns of fish use in the Circular Head coast saltmarshes of north-west Tasmania was undertaken. To aid decision making in repair strategies, the effect of saltmarsh condition on fish assemblages was studied using paired sites of predominantly unaltered and altered saltmarshes where levees were present. In all, 851 fish from 11 species were caught in 37 of the 48 pop nets. Three species, Aldrichetta forsteri, Arripis truttaceus and Rhombosolea tapirina, are important to commercial and recreational fisheries and contributed ~20% of the total catch numbers. The mean density of >72 fish per 100 m2 is the highest yet reported from Australian studies and indicates that Tasmanian saltmarshes provide higher value habitat for fish compared with elsewhere in Australia, likely due to more frequent and prolonged flooding, and the lack of adjacent mangroves. There was no significant difference in fish assemblages between unaltered and altered marshes. The results suggest that restoring basic saltmarsh structure through tidal reconnection will deliver substantial benefits for fish productivity through habitat expansion.

%B Marine and Freshwater Research %8 10 Sep 2018 %G eng %U http://www.publish.csiro.au/?paper=MF17154 %! Mar. Freshwater Res. %R 10.1071/MF17154 %0 Report %D 2017 %T Repairing and conserving Australia’s saltmarshes and seascapes %A Colin Creighton %A Terry Walshe %A Ian M. McLeod %A Vishnu Prahalad %A Sheaves, Marcus %A Taylor, Matt %K coastal %K fishery %K prawn %K restoration %K Saltmarsh %X

Australia's coastal marine biodiversity and accompanying benefits such as fisheries have been markedly reduced due to loss of essential inshore habitats. These coastal habitats provide a nursery ground for a multitude of animals, including fish, prawns and birds. Many species depend on inshore habitat during critical early life-stages characterised by rapid growth and development (coastal dependency). These coastal tidally linked wetlands (commonly known as ‘seascapes’) comprise mangrove-lined channels, salt marshes, mud flats, sedge lands and sub tidal and inter tidal channels and gutters. Much of the losses in habitat have occurred as a function of Australia's development for urban, infrastructure and agricultural uses - all of benefit to Australia's economy. While better planning and management could have reduced the impact on our coastal marine biodiversity much of the task ahead for Australia is about land use optimisation - seeking the best patterns of use and management that will maximise overall community benefits. Essentially re-creating or repairing key components of coastal habitat for benefits whether it is commercial or recreational fishing, water quality, biodiversity or carbon sequestration. If these restoration efforts are planned and implemented carefully Australia can maximise benefits from its coastal resources while achieving urban, infrastructure and agricultural development.

%8 12 Sep 2017 %G eng