River flows affect the growth of a tropical finfish in the wet-dry rivers of northern Australia, with implications for water resource development

Freshwater is a critical input to estuaries but under increasing demand support upstream human activities. In this study, otolith biochronology was used quantify the relationship between river discharge and juvenile growth rates of barramundi (Lates calcarifer) in three regions Gulf Carpentaria northern Australia. all regions, had strong positive effect on rates. Models were also developed which incorporated Southern Oscillation Index (SOI) Madden–Julian (MJO). SOI values corresponding La Niña events consequences for intensity wet season MJO pulses perennially flowing river, not intermittently rivers. The hypothetical water development scenarios estimated perennial river. model predicted 12%, 8% 1% reduction annual proposed 18%, 8%, 3% discharge, respectively. Fish robust, quantitative metric that can be monitored pre post resource identify least impactful scenario monitor its compliance success through time.