Biodiversity values of remnant freshwater floodplain lagoons in agricultural catchments: evidence for fish of the Wet Tropics bioregion, northern Australia

Remnant freshwater floodplain lagoons in the Tully–Murray catchment of Queensland's Wet Tropics bioregion support 21 of 29 native fish species, including those requiring saline areas for spawning and early-life habitat. These lagoons serve as critical nursery grounds, with aquatic vegetation influencing species richness and composition. Despite surrounding intensive agriculture, the lagoons remain in good ecological condition due to retained riparian vegetation and natural flow regimes. However, less than 10% of the distribution of nine native fish species is protected by current IUCN Category II reserves, highlighting significant gaps in conservation efforts. The study underscores the need for maintaining floodplain connectivity, protecting riparian zones, and adopting best management farming practices to preserve tropical freshwater biodiversity.

Arthington, A. H., Godfrey, P. C., Pearson, R. G., Karim, F., & Wallace, J. (2014). Biodiversity values of remnant freshwater floodplain lagoons in agricultural catchments: evidence for fish of the Wet Tropics bioregion, northern Australia. Aquatic Conservation: Marine and Freshwater Ecosystems, 25(3), 336–352. Portico. https://doi.org/10.1002/aqc.2489