TIDAL FRONTS AND THEIR INFLUENCE ON PRAWN POSTLARVAE IMMIGRATION IN ALBATROSS BAY, THE GULF OF CARPENTARIA, AUSTRALIA

Studies of dynamics in Albatross Bay, the Gulf of Carpentaria, Australia, show strong tides of which M_2is the dominant constituent in the region. Tidal fronts are present and they can be modeled by a 2-Dtidal model. Density currents have also been observed with seasonal variations due to the influence ofwet or dry seasons. This paper reviews the effects of these dynamics on the migration of prawn postlarvae in AlbatrossBay and its estuaries. It is found that through its vertical movement triggered by change of salinity theprawn postlarvae can be transported from the coast to the estuary by tides within 2.8 weeks. Howeverthis horizontal displacement mechanism may be destroyed by the tidal front in Albatross Bay. Densitycurrents may alter prawn postlarvae positions in Albatross Bay on a seasonal scale.

Tidal fronts and their influence on prawn postlarvae immigration in Albatross Bay,the Gulf of Carpentaria,Australia

Studies of dynamics in Albatross Bay, the Gulf of Carpentaria, Australia, show strong tides of which M2 is the dominant constituent in the region. Tidal fronts are present and they can be modelled by a 2-D tidal model. Density currents have also been observed with seasonal variations due to the influence of wet or dry seasons.This paper reviews the effects of these dynamics on the migration of prawn postlarvae in Albatross Bay and its estuaries. It is found that through its vertical movement triggered by change of salinity the prawn postlarvae can be transported from the coast to the estuary by tides within 2.8 weeks. However, this horizontal displacement mechanism may be destroyed by the tidal front in Albatross Bay. Density currents may alter prawn postlarvae positions in Albatross Bay on a seasonal scale.