Presents the published books authored or edited by Paul Humphries
Paul Humphries | Natural History Books
Carp in Australia
by Paul Humphries & Katie Doyle
Carp in Australia tells the story of how and why one of the most despised species ever to be introduced to Australia was brought in, how its relatively recent spread throughout the Murray–Darling Basin has impacted our rivers and floodplains and of the attempts to contain and eradicate it. The book will put into context why the common carp (Cyprinus carpio) has been so popular in Asia and many parts of Europe for millennia and why it was an obvious choice for importation by acclimatisers in 19th century colonial Australia.
Carp in Australia will examine the species’ origins and track its movement across Western Europe from Roman times through to the early Middle Ages, and in the wake of the rise of Christianity, human population growth and agricultural revolution. It will show how carp would eventually become the fish for aquaculture in continental Europe and England.
Carp in Australia will chart the initial ripple of the species in Australia during early introductions, before the tidal-wave of the Boolarra strain changed our river systems, perhaps forever. The book will describe how the fish has contributed to the environmetnal problems of the Murray–Darling Basin, although whether it is to blame or has simply thrived where native fish fear to swim, is an important consideration in the broader carp debate. It will detail the attempts by scientists to develop a silver bullet, the role of politics in carp eradication and the somewhat uncomfortable marriage between business and invasive species removal. Finally, Carp in Australia will look to the future and assess the likelihood that we might one day be rid of this fish.
CSIRO Publishing. To be published in 2026
The Life and Times of the Murray Cod
The Murray cod is Australia’s largest and most iconic freshwater fish. Tales of the species have long been part of Australian folklore and this book describes its history, biology, cultural significance and conservation.
The Life and Times of the Murray Cod reveals the many roles the species has played throughout the history of the continent, from its place at the heart of the Aboriginal creation story of the Murray River, its role as a food source for explorers surveying inland Australia in the early 1800s, to it forming the basis of a commercial fishing industry up to the early 2000s.
Living for upwards of half a century and growing to astonishing sizes, today the Murray cod is a hugely popular target for recreational fishing, but its future is anything but assured. In the face of climate change, river management and fishing pressure, much needs to be done to ensure this extraordinary fish swims confidently into the future.
The Life and Times of the Murray Cod draws on historical, anecdotal and scientific sources to reveal what makes this remarkable species so special, and will appeal to fishers, natural resource managers, conservationists and any reader interested in natural history.
CSIRO Publishing. Paperback. May 2023 AU$ 59.99
Ecology of Australian Freshwater Fishes 2013
This edited volume reviews our past and present understanding of the ecology of Australian freshwater fishes. It compares patterns and processes in Australia with those on other continents, discusses the local relevance of ecological models from the northern hemisphere and considers how best to manage our species and their habitats in the face of current and future threats. In view of these challenges, the need for redress is urgent.
The chapters are written by some of our foremost researchers and managers, developing themes that underpin our knowledge of the ecology, conservation and management of fish and fish habitats. For each theme, the authors formulate a synthesis of what is known, consider the need for new perspectives and identify gaps and opportunities for research, monitoring and management. The themes have an Australian context but draw upon ideas and principles developed by fish biologists in other parts of the world.
The science of freshwater fish ecology in Australia has grown rapidly from its roots in natural history and taxonomy. This book offers an introduction for students, researchers and managers, one that the authors hope will carry Australian fish biology and resource management to new levels of understanding.
Get in Touch
Paul Humphries, Albury
Phone: +61 2 60519920
Email: phumphries[theusualsymbolhere]csu.edu.au
Paul Humphries | Natural History Books 