Do marine reserve networks work? Larval connectivity, sustainable harvesting and ecological resilience. The Great Barrier Reef is a globally iconic marine ecosystem and benefits from the world's largest network of no-take reserves. While we know reserves contain more and bigger fish, several key questions about how reserves contribute to sustainable harvesting, protecting biodiversity and resisting climate change remain unanswered. Answers depend on a new understanding of the degree to which fis ....Do marine reserve networks work? Larval connectivity, sustainable harvesting and ecological resilience. The Great Barrier Reef is a globally iconic marine ecosystem and benefits from the world's largest network of no-take reserves. While we know reserves contain more and bigger fish, several key questions about how reserves contribute to sustainable harvesting, protecting biodiversity and resisting climate change remain unanswered. Answers depend on a new understanding of the degree to which fish population on different reefs are connected, and whether or not reserve networks help sustain these linkages. This project will use new technologies to measure the transport of fish larvae between reefs, to assess strengths and weaknesses of the reserve network, and examine ways to improve species protection and sustainable harvesting in a changing climate.Read moreRead less
Understanding the stock-recruitment relationship to reverse the decline in the southern rock lobster. Declines in southern rock lobster fisheries across three Australian states show that we need to understand the flow and survival of larvae. The project aims to identify the fundamental links between recruitment and spawning stock, to enable predictions of recruitment for the management of adult stocks, safeguarding the future of the fishery.
Developing solutions to marine mammal interactions with long-line fisheries. Developing solutions to marine mammal interactions with long-line fisheries. This project aims to use innovative techniques to determine aspects of natural marine mammal behaviour that can be exploited, in conjunction with optimal fishing vessel operations, to minimise their interactions with commercial fisheries. Marine mammal interactions with commercial fisheries are a growing worldwide issue with both ecological (in ....Developing solutions to marine mammal interactions with long-line fisheries. Developing solutions to marine mammal interactions with long-line fisheries. This project aims to use innovative techniques to determine aspects of natural marine mammal behaviour that can be exploited, in conjunction with optimal fishing vessel operations, to minimise their interactions with commercial fisheries. Marine mammal interactions with commercial fisheries are a growing worldwide issue with both ecological (incidental bycatch and increased dependence on fisheries) and economic consequences (annual losses of tens of millions of dollars to the fishing industry). Successful solutions to reduce these interactions have remained elusive. Outcomes from this research are expected to be applicable worldwide, have substantial economic and ecological benefits, and ensure the sustainability of the fishing industry.Read moreRead less
Trojan Y as a genetic solution for controlling and eradicating the Eastern mosquitofish, Gambusia holbrooki. The project aims to develop applied genetic strategies to eradicate Gambusia, a serious invasive pest fish species, from a Tasmanian estuary. The goal is to advance the Trojan Y chromosome model from theory to an applied solution. The project aims to employ an integrated ecological, physiological, behavioural, genetic and genomics approach, within the unique island-within-an-island status ....Trojan Y as a genetic solution for controlling and eradicating the Eastern mosquitofish, Gambusia holbrooki. The project aims to develop applied genetic strategies to eradicate Gambusia, a serious invasive pest fish species, from a Tasmanian estuary. The goal is to advance the Trojan Y chromosome model from theory to an applied solution. The project aims to employ an integrated ecological, physiological, behavioural, genetic and genomics approach, within the unique island-within-an-island status of Gambusia infestation in Tasmania.Read moreRead less
Closing the loop: understanding the relationships between recreational fishing surveys, fishing regulations and fisheries management objectives. The project aims to improve the management of recreational fisheries in Australia by using model-based evaluations to understand the effects of recreational fishing regulations and survey design on the realisation and assessment of fisheries management objectives.
Fishing for change: enhancing Australia’s seafood futures. Seafood production is an important part of Australia’s economy and future food security. In a dual relationship, fisheries are both vulnerable to and a cause of changes in the marine environment. This project will identify the maximum limits to Australian seafood production and will determine the impacts of future perturbations. To achieve this, the project will: combine existing rich historical data sources with state-of-the art ecosyst ....Fishing for change: enhancing Australia’s seafood futures. Seafood production is an important part of Australia’s economy and future food security. In a dual relationship, fisheries are both vulnerable to and a cause of changes in the marine environment. This project will identify the maximum limits to Australian seafood production and will determine the impacts of future perturbations. To achieve this, the project will: combine existing rich historical data sources with state-of-the art ecosystem and fisheries models; analyse environmental impacts that will complement national fisheries stock assessments that are essential for future competitive exports; and determine our growing seafood imports and their role in Australia’s and the world’s food security.Read moreRead less