Population Structure Of The Patagonian Toothfish, Dissostichus Eleginoides, In Australian Waters
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$71,219.00
Summary
Resolution of stock structure of toothfish in Australian and other waters is required. Tagging experiments, while important, cannot by themselves give a complete picture of stock structure. If genetic differences between areas are detected, then the amount of gene flow between areas must be minimal and more than one stock can be assumed. However, if differences are not detected, then the hypothesis of a single genetic stock cannot be rejected. This hypothesis may be rejected if there is no evide ....Resolution of stock structure of toothfish in Australian and other waters is required. Tagging experiments, while important, cannot by themselves give a complete picture of stock structure. If genetic differences between areas are detected, then the amount of gene flow between areas must be minimal and more than one stock can be assumed. However, if differences are not detected, then the hypothesis of a single genetic stock cannot be rejected. This hypothesis may be rejected if there is no evidence from tagging experiments of fish movement between areas. Therefore, resolution of stock structure is better managed by a combination of tagging and genetic approaches than by either approach alone. Tagging experiments are under way; we propose to carry out the required genetic analyses, and then consider both sets of data jointly to define likely stock structures.
Genetic evidence already collected (based on small sample sizes from two areas of Macquarie), suggests that the amount of movement between fishing locations might be very limited. If this preliminary conclusion is substantiated by larger sample sizes, then careful management of the fishery will be needed, as depletion of one area is unlikely to be quickly replaced by immigration from another area.
The work proposed here will resolve this issue for Macquarie island, and will also determine whether there are separable substocks of toothfish around HIMI, and whether the HIMI stock(s) are separable from the Macquarie island stock(s). Importantly, if William's Ridge fish are identified as part of a straddling stock extending into Australia's EEZ (Heard Island), then they can be managed as though wholly part of Australia's EEZ (recent UNIA agreement).
These issues have to be resolved for effective and sustainable management of toothfish fisheries by Australian management (AFMA). The information gathered will also be relevant to the management authorities of other nations controlling toothfish fisheries.
Note: Recent meetings of CCAMLR (1998, 1999) have recognised the urgent requirement of further work on stock structure in D. eleginoides , particularly as initial genetic studies in other laboratories using isolectric focussing and allozyme analysis have reported inconsistent results (see Box 1 below). Objectives: 1. To use microsatellite variation to resolve the genetic connectivity of different spatial and temporal toothfish samples collected from Macquarie Island and Heard, McDonald Islands. 2. To compare genetic and tagging data from Macquarie and Heard, McDonald regions to maximise toothfish stock structure knowledge in these regions. 3. To report on the outputs from the research and the resultant management response. Read moreRead less
Mobility Shocks: Understanding disruptions to Australian migration. This Fellowship aims to generate new knowledge about the impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic on human migration and mobility, in order to advance understanding of major disruptive changes to population movement more broadly. Fellowship outcomes will include designing innovative geospatial research methods, linking and analysing cutting-edge datasets, and building cross-sector collaborations, in order to develop a new theory of ‘Mob ....Mobility Shocks: Understanding disruptions to Australian migration. This Fellowship aims to generate new knowledge about the impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic on human migration and mobility, in order to advance understanding of major disruptive changes to population movement more broadly. Fellowship outcomes will include designing innovative geospatial research methods, linking and analysing cutting-edge datasets, and building cross-sector collaborations, in order to develop a new theory of ‘Mobility Shocks’. This will benefit Australia and its migration partners with new ideas, tools, evidence and expertise to help scholars, policy makers and practitioners to understand, anticipate, and manage future disruptive changes to human migration and mobility in the Australian context and beyond.Read moreRead less
Cellular Mechanisms Controlling Neural Crest Cell Migration Along The Developing Gut
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$368,895.00
Summary
Within the wall of the gut, there are a large number of neurons, probably more than are in the spinal cord. These enteric neurons play an essential role in controlling a number of gut functions including peristalsis (the propulsion of contents along the gut). Most of the neurons in the gut, including those in the large intestine, arise from precursors that emigrate from the hindbrain, and then migrate into and along the gastrointestinal tract during development. The colonization of the gut by ne ....Within the wall of the gut, there are a large number of neurons, probably more than are in the spinal cord. These enteric neurons play an essential role in controlling a number of gut functions including peristalsis (the propulsion of contents along the gut). Most of the neurons in the gut, including those in the large intestine, arise from precursors that emigrate from the hindbrain, and then migrate into and along the gastrointestinal tract during development. The colonization of the gut by neuron precursors takes 5 days in mice and 6 weeks in humans. Studies of the mechanisms controlling the migration of neuron precursors along the gut have provided fundamental information about cell migration in general. Genetic studies in humans and mice have identified some of the genes that are necessary for the migration of neuron precursors along the gastrointestinal tract, but for some of the key genes, their precise role is unknown. We have recently developed a method for imaging living neuron precursors migrating through explants of embryonic mouse gut. In the current proposal we will meld imaging and genetic studies to understand how mutations in particular genes lead to migration defects. In particular, how do particular mutations affect the migratory behaviour of enteric neural precursors? We have also previously shown that neuron precursors migrate along the gut in close association with axons. We will examine the nature of these interactions - in particular, who is following whom, and what happens when cell migration and axon growth are uncoupled? These studies, which will investigate a number of critical aspects of the migration of neural precursors into and along the developing gut, are central to understanding how the enteric nervous system is established along the gastrointestinal tract.Read moreRead less
A Study Of The Movement And Behaviour Of The Sand Crab (Portunus Pelagicus) Using Ultrasonic Tags
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Summary
Objectives: 1. Develop ultrasonic tags suitable for tracking & monitoring behaviour of sand crabs. 2. Develop simple methods of tracking tagged free-ranging crabs in Moreton Bay. 3. Obtain positional & Behavioural information over 24-hour periods to map movement of individual crabs
The Origin Of Recruits To The East Coast Yellowfin Tuna Fishery And The Delineation Of The Structure Of Yellowfin Stocks In The Western Pacific
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$549,631.19
Summary
Objectives: 1. To develop the use of microsatellites for the genetic analysis of yellowfin tuna 2. To determine the genetic relationships of yellowfin tuna form the Coral Sea To those from the east coat of Australia and to those from other Western Pacific fisheries 3. To develop techniques for estimation of oxygen 18/16 isotopic ratios in otoliths using SIMS microprobe 4. Using analysis of otolith chemistry and isotopic ratios examine the hypothesis that all recruits to th ....Objectives: 1. To develop the use of microsatellites for the genetic analysis of yellowfin tuna 2. To determine the genetic relationships of yellowfin tuna form the Coral Sea To those from the east coat of Australia and to those from other Western Pacific fisheries 3. To develop techniques for estimation of oxygen 18/16 isotopic ratios in otoliths using SIMS microprobe 4. Using analysis of otolith chemistry and isotopic ratios examine the hypothesis that all recruits to the ECTUNA fishery are derived from spawning grounds in the Coral Sea 5. In the event of rejection of the null hypothesis that there is a single panmictic WP stock, use otolith chemical data collected from yellowfin collected throughout WP to estimate the proportion of immigrant recruits and determine their most likely origin Read moreRead less
Assessment Of Juvenile Eel Resources In South-east Australia
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$279,545.00
Summary
Objectives: 1. To characterise and qualitatively assess A. australis glass eel migration into coastal catchments of southern NSW, Victoria and Tasmania for the purpose of investigating potential for commercial exploitation of glass eels on an ecologically sustainable basis. 2. To adapt intensive/semi-intensive, pond/tank culture technology for the purpose of enhancing survival and viability of translocated juvenile eels, including glass eels, to be used in restocking/extensive producti ....Objectives: 1. To characterise and qualitatively assess A. australis glass eel migration into coastal catchments of southern NSW, Victoria and Tasmania for the purpose of investigating potential for commercial exploitation of glass eels on an ecologically sustainable basis. 2. To adapt intensive/semi-intensive, pond/tank culture technology for the purpose of enhancing survival and viability of translocated juvenile eels, including glass eels, to be used in restocking/extensive production and/or intensive production to market size. Read moreRead less
Regulation Of Epithelial Migration By Scribble In Development And Wound Repair
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$516,078.00
Summary
The movement of epithelial cells within our body (the cells that form the thin protective layer on exposed bodily surfaces such as skin and the lining of internal cavities, ducts, and organs) is essential for our normal embryonic development as well as for healing of wounds following injury. Understanding how this movement is regulated is therefore a fundamental area of medical biology. Although much is known about the mechanics of how a cell moves, the signals used to coordinate this movement s ....The movement of epithelial cells within our body (the cells that form the thin protective layer on exposed bodily surfaces such as skin and the lining of internal cavities, ducts, and organs) is essential for our normal embryonic development as well as for healing of wounds following injury. Understanding how this movement is regulated is therefore a fundamental area of medical biology. Although much is known about the mechanics of how a cell moves, the signals used to coordinate this movement so as to ensure that each cell migrates to the right place during embryonic development or in response to a wound is not well understood. A number of lines of evidence suggest that proteins required for the correct orientation of cells within our body (a property of cells known as polarity) may be essential for this process. Mutation of the polarity protein Scribble in the fly, zebrafish and mouse causes a disorganization of epithelial tissues during embryonic development. We have now shown that Scribble is required for cells to orientate correctly so as to be able to move in response to a wound in tissue culture and also during embryonic development and wound healing in the mouse. It is currently unknown how Scribble regulates migration. Here we propose to identify the molecules that Scribble regulates to coordinate cell movement during development and tissue repair. These studies will provide new insights into the fundamental process of how cell movement is coordinated and could lead to novel strategies for improved treatment of tissue injuries.Read moreRead less
Dynamics And Mechanisms Of Neutrophil Migration During Tissue Inflammation
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$529,577.00
Summary
Neutrophil granulocytes are central mediators of inflammatory conditions and infections. It is currently unclear how neutrophils navigate through inflamed tissues and how they detect damaged cells and/or pathogens. This proposal will use cutting-edge multi-photon microscopy to dissect the dynamics and mechanisms of neutrophil behaviour in real time in living animals. These experiments will provide a new understanding of the development of inflammatory diseases.
Evaluation Of Circulating Endothelial Cells In Prostate Cancer Detection, Prognosis And Treatment Response
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$32,628.00
Summary
A current shortfall in clinical medicine is tests which discriminate different forms and severity of cancers. The project will aim to identify useful strategies based on blood factors of angiogenesis, a fundamental process in tumour growth and dissemination. Development of such tests may permit better delineation of prognosis, act as a surrogate marker of treatment efficacy and aid in developing and optimizing new treatments, key areas of need in prostate cancer.
I am a developmental neurobiologist interested in finding out how neurons in the brain are assembled and wired together. I am also interested in finding a cure for patients who have brain damage from trauma or stroke by preventing damaged neurons from dea