Turbidity and salinity in a tropical northern Australian estuary and their influence on fish distribution

Abstract

Turbidity and salinity and their influences on fish distribution were studied for two and a half years in the Embley Estuary in tropical northern Australia. Both turbidity and salinity varied significantly during the year but three clearly distinguishable seasonal patterns existed. These are referred to as the Wet, Early Dry and Late Dry Seasons. During each of these seasons distinct gradients of turbidity and salinity were present. The turbidity and salinity gradients were continuous with those in the adjacent marine environment of Albatross Bay. The levels and ranges of both factors were largely determined by the seasonal rainfall patterns in the catchment of the Embley River. The distribution and abundance of the 45 most common species was analysed in relation to turbidity, salinity and temperature patterns in the estuary. These data showed that fish densities within the estuary were related to turbidity and salinity but not temperature. There was a strong inverse relationship between turbidity and salinity. The Catch per Unit Effort (CPUE) of each species was determined in each of three broad ranges of turbidity and salinity. From this, patterns related to these two factors were found for 30 of the 45 species of fish.