Comparing the importance of freshwater flows driving primary production in three tropical estuaries

Estuaries in the tropical Gulf of Carpentaria (GOC) Australia are under increasing pressure from catchment water development, potentially affecting productivity. We examined potential effect changes freshwater inputs on primary productivity three estuaries (Flinders, Gilbert and Mitchell Rivers). The addition nutrients stimulated mudflat production all at multiple sampling times, suggesting chronic nutrient limitation. All were productive with Flinders estuary being most estuaries, compared to estuaries. This is despite fact that has shortest period flow more variable flows year-to-year other makes highly vulnerable excessive development. study suggests extraction which significantly reduces associated impact within these