The mechanisms of settlement success in coral reef fishes. Most marine fishes, including commercial species, produce larvae that disperse in the open ocean. The short period during which these larval fishes leave the open water and take up residence on adult benthic habitat (settlement) is critical in determining the success of the population, but is poorly understood. Settling larvae differ in their physical attributes, including body size and physiological condition, both of which affect the ....The mechanisms of settlement success in coral reef fishes. Most marine fishes, including commercial species, produce larvae that disperse in the open ocean. The short period during which these larval fishes leave the open water and take up residence on adult benthic habitat (settlement) is critical in determining the success of the population, but is poorly understood. Settling larvae differ in their physical attributes, including body size and physiological condition, both of which affect their vulnerability to predators and their ability to compete for food and grow. By looking closely at this short life history stage, we hope to better understand how the supply of offshore larvae controls the production of marine fishes, including commercial fisheries.Read moreRead less
Conservation ecology of the black cod (Epinephelus daemelii). Black cod is a large, reef fish species that was once common and commercially important in NSW. Today, Black Cod is listed as vulnerable, and we know little more of their biology than when they were first protected in 1983. This project will significantly increase the effectiveness of Black cod management by determining their distribution, abundance, stock structure, fecundity, spawning behaviour and recruitment. This will allow imple ....Conservation ecology of the black cod (Epinephelus daemelii). Black cod is a large, reef fish species that was once common and commercially important in NSW. Today, Black Cod is listed as vulnerable, and we know little more of their biology than when they were first protected in 1983. This project will significantly increase the effectiveness of Black cod management by determining their distribution, abundance, stock structure, fecundity, spawning behaviour and recruitment. This will allow implementation of an effective recovery plan and a review of the status of Black Cod internationally and by the Federal Government. Collaboration with NSW Fisheries' Grey Nurse Shark program will allow assessment of the importance of Grey Nurse critical habitat areas in maintaining Black Cod populations.Read moreRead less
Specification and evolution of vertebrate appendicular muscle. Previously we have determined that two different developmental mechanisms are utilised to make the muscles present within the fins and limbs of distinct vertebrate species. This proposal is concerned with determining the morphogenetic, evolutionary and molecular basis for these two different developmental modes. To do this we will to extend our observations more widely to examine muscle formation in both the paired fins in a phyloge ....Specification and evolution of vertebrate appendicular muscle. Previously we have determined that two different developmental mechanisms are utilised to make the muscles present within the fins and limbs of distinct vertebrate species. This proposal is concerned with determining the morphogenetic, evolutionary and molecular basis for these two different developmental modes. To do this we will to extend our observations more widely to examine muscle formation in both the paired fins in a phylogenetically diverse context. We further hope to determine the underlying genetic basis for these different morphologies by developing techniques to examine their formation in a number of embryonic contexts.Read moreRead less
Living on the edge: settlement dynamics of reef fishes across their ranges. Settlement and early establishment (recruitment) are major determinants of population viability of marine organisms, and can vary greatly among oceans and latitudes. We will compare the recruitment dynamics of populations of reef fishes across their range, including at range boundaries where populations may be more vulnerable to environmental impact. We will test the hypothesis that a combination of highly erratic sett ....Living on the edge: settlement dynamics of reef fishes across their ranges. Settlement and early establishment (recruitment) are major determinants of population viability of marine organisms, and can vary greatly among oceans and latitudes. We will compare the recruitment dynamics of populations of reef fishes across their range, including at range boundaries where populations may be more vulnerable to environmental impact. We will test the hypothesis that a combination of highly erratic settlement, poor physiological condition of incoming larvae, and poor recruit growth and survivorship will occur at range boundaries. Outcomes of the study will help in prediction of the viability of fish populations which will improve their management and protection.Read moreRead less