Across the whole River Murray system (zones A-G combined), the condition of native fish habitat showed very little, or no, improvement across flow scenarios in the range examined. Scores range from 0.62-0.63, relative to the 'Reference' scenario score (0.62).

The 'whole of system' native fish assessment combines results for all seven native fish groups. When assessed individually, fish groups such as Flood spawners (e.g. Golden perch) that require particular 'flow triggers' for spawning, did show a response. However, fish groups that are less flow sensitive such as Murray cod that showed very little, or no, response may have dampened the overall response in the combined score for all fish groups. Factors other than flow are important determinants of habitat condition for many native fish and should also be taken into account.

More information:
The Interim Scientific Reference Panel (SRP) Report, October 2003 [PDF 1.0 MB]
The interim report on the ecological assessment of environmental flow reference points for the River Murray system.