Understanding Southern Bluefin Tuna Distribution Changes Through Satellite Tagging
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$650,472.00
Summary
This project would focus on:
- Understanding the extent of the changed SBT migration, residence and behaviour (especially surfacing) patterns of juveniles within and around the Great Australian Bight (GAB) using PSATs
- Testing and refining the set-up and deployment strategy for use of next generation PSATs, which will assist in the design and implementation of this project and in future studies aiming to determine broader spatial scales of movement and habitat usage.
This project would focus on:
- Understanding the extent of the changed SBT migration, residence and behaviour (especially surfacing) patterns of juveniles within and around the Great Australian Bight (GAB) using PSATs
- Testing and refining the set-up and deployment strategy for use of next generation PSATs, which will assist in the design and implementation of this project and in future studies aiming to determine broader spatial scales of movement and habitat usage.
- Utilizing the latest climate reanalysis products to examine potential links between physical drivers in the ocean and atmosphere and changes in distribution of SBT.
The project will be staged with the first year deploying 15 existing PSATs provided in-kind by CSIRO to the project and a further 15 PSATs to be purchased using project funds. These PSATs are proposed to be deployed towards the end of the 2023 fishing season (likely March) via the addition of up to 4 days charter time to the CCSBT gene-tagging field work.
The purpose of these deployments is twofold:
1. To examine the suitability of current generation PSATs in terms of data resolution, data retrieval and tag retention rates required to answer the questions arising from the SBT ranching industry over recent years.
2. To obtain information on movement and residence areas of 2-3 year old SBT and detailed habitat data, especially with regard to surfacing rates.
Information gained from the first season will be used to guide and refine deployment of a PSATs in the second season. By deploying up to 30 tags in year 1 it is envisaged that there will be sufficient data for comparing current juvenile SBT distribution, behaviour and movement patterns with historical data.
The fact that the fish do not need to be recovered to retrieve the data means this project can deliver useful insight independent of fishery operations.
A core question that remains to be determined is how long these tags can remain attached to small tuna. The tag retention data that will be determined through this project will contribute to future tag technology improvements/development to ultimately help deliver answers to this industry’s specific questions.
The project would be focused on addressing the major sources of uncertainty for the operation of the SBT ranching industry – obtaining data on the distribution and habitat preference (depth/temperature regimes) of fish that formed the mainstay of successful ranching operations historically.
Objectives: 1. Deployment of pop-up satellite tags 2. Comparison and analysis of contemporary SBT data against CSIRO-held archives 3. Conduct analysis of background oceanographic conditions and potential drivers of SBT habitat selection/preference Read moreRead less
Objectives: 1. Maintain the interest of tuna fishermen in the tagging program to encourage the return of tags from SBT caught in 1986/87; 2. To "flush out" tags from fish that were caught in previous years, but for some reason were not returned
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
FRDC 2016-068 Vulnerability Of The Endangered Maugean Skate Population To Degraded Environmental Conditions In Macquarie Harbour- Presentation To The 6th International Conference Of Fish Telemetry 23
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$7,500.00
Summary
An abstract accepted to present the work from FRDC 2016-068 at the International fish telemetry conference later this year. Given that the final year of the project happened right in the middle of the pandemic, we have not yet had an opportunity to present the work in any international forum. Since then we have new information that has clearly shown that the Maugean skate is in a critical state and requires immediate conservation action. As such, the interest in the species is very high at the m ....An abstract accepted to present the work from FRDC 2016-068 at the International fish telemetry conference later this year. Given that the final year of the project happened right in the middle of the pandemic, we have not yet had an opportunity to present the work in any international forum. Since then we have new information that has clearly shown that the Maugean skate is in a critical state and requires immediate conservation action. As such, the interest in the species is very high at the moment, and the results from this project are even more relevant now. So we think this is a great opportunity to help communicate this novel and very important work. This would allow us to communicate our findings to a broad technical audience, increasing the outreach and impact of the project. The work that will be presented will have important benefits for the conservation of the species and inform management of industry and other users of Macquarie Harbour.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
Optimisation Of Feed Distribution To Salmon In Sea-cage Culture
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$50,314.00
Summary
Objectives: 1. To identify the diel and circannual feeding profiles of salmon in relation to fish size 2. To identify the effect of specific environmental conditions on the feeding patterns of salmon 3. Identify the feeding behaviour of salmon 4. To quantify the level of wastage associated with specific feeding techniques
Platinum Partner For The 2012 International Abalone Symposium In Hobart, Tasmania
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$20,000.00
Summary
The International Abalone Symposium is a meeting held every three years and is a key activity for the International Abalone Society (http://internationalabalonesociety.org/). The Society is an international forum that aims to promote research on abalone and cooperation between researchers, managers and members of the abalone industries.
The International Abalone Symposium returns after 18 years to Tasmania - home of the world's largest wild abalone fishery. The 8th IAS meeting (May 20 ....The International Abalone Symposium is a meeting held every three years and is a key activity for the International Abalone Society (http://internationalabalonesociety.org/). The Society is an international forum that aims to promote research on abalone and cooperation between researchers, managers and members of the abalone industries.
The International Abalone Symposium returns after 18 years to Tasmania - home of the world's largest wild abalone fishery. The 8th IAS meeting (May 2012) will continue the tradition of bringing together a diversity of international people with one common interest; abalone. The meeting will be designed to encourage engagement and interaction between commercial fishers and growers, managers and policy makers, processors and marketers, and researchers from numerous disciplines.
The IAS2012 program (http://www.cdesign.com.au/ias2012/) will endeavor to address issues of global importance, commercial relevance and scientific interest in Themes that include - Aquaculture, Biotechnology, Climate Change, Conservation, Fisheries, Health, Markets, Post-harvest, Re-seeding and stock enhancement, and Spatial management.
Key to bringing the IAS meeting to Australia in 2012 was to showcase the Australian industries and research, and to revitalize the international interest in abalone fisheries and conservation.
Australian representation and participation at previous symposia has included representatives from the commercial fishers, farmers, processors, managers and researchers. Holding the 8th IAS meeting in Australia will provide an opportunity for a greater proportion of the Australian abalone community to participate and learn, and to better understand the international industries. Support through this project will contribute to the success of the 8th IAS meeting and encourage higher participation by members of the Australian abalone community.
Objectives: 1. Platinum sponsorship of the 8th International Abalone Symposium in Hobart, May 2012 Read moreRead less
Quantifying Post-release Survival Of Skate Bycatch In The Heard Island And McDonald Islands (HIMI) Patagonian Toothfish Longline Fishery
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$23,813.00
Summary
Skates (Rajidae) represent the greatest biomass of incidental bycatch caught in the Patagonian toothfish (Dissostichus eleginoides) longline fishery operating within Australian EEZ waters around HIMI in the Southern Ocean. Due to their life history characteristics of slow growth and late maturation, their populations are particularly vulnerable to fishing mortality which can lead to overall and localised population declines. As bycatch managed species, sustainable bycatch limits are informed by ....Skates (Rajidae) represent the greatest biomass of incidental bycatch caught in the Patagonian toothfish (Dissostichus eleginoides) longline fishery operating within Australian EEZ waters around HIMI in the Southern Ocean. Due to their life history characteristics of slow growth and late maturation, their populations are particularly vulnerable to fishing mortality which can lead to overall and localised population declines. As bycatch managed species, sustainable bycatch limits are informed by a stock assessment (using the Generalised Yield Model) which models long-term population viability. Such models can be sensitive to the input parameters of assumed total fishing mortality. Currently, in the HIMI fisheries, only retained skates are counted towards fishery removals, but the overall fisheries-induced mortality may be substantially higher due to the high number of skates released after capture and the unknown, but potentially low, post-release survival. Post-release survival becomes increasingly important as the scale of discarding increases; with ~90% of all skate bycatch in the HIMI longline fishery being released it is imperative that post-release survival is quantified to get an accurate estimate of total fishing mortality.
This project aims to quantify post-release survival of Bathyraja spp. skates caught in the deep waters of the Kerguelen Plateau using the latest in pop-up satellite tag technology. In doing so, this project will improve the estimation of total fishing mortality to inform the skate bycatch assessment model and the estimation sustainable yield. Thus, it supports the Commonwealth Research Advisory Committee 2018-2021 Research Development and Extension (RD&E) Plan by addressing the following priority area actions: Program 1. Environment • Better Assessment Approaches, and Harvest and Management Strategies o By quantifying post-release survival we provide a demonstrable improvement in fisheries removals data quality and decision-making by providing evidence-based recommendations for setting accurate bycatch limits. • Better Managed Fishing Impacts and Interactions o By underpinning accurate bycatch limits with accurate long-term population viability estimates we enable fisheries managers to demonstrate environmentally sustainable bycatch management practices.
In addition to the COMRAC RD&E Plan, this project addresses the following priority area outcomes within the Southern Ocean Industry Partner Agreement RD&E Plan: Program 1. Environment • TEP and bycatch management: o The need to monitor skate/ray bycatch by providing accurate estimates of total predicted fishing mortality based on past and current catches. o Develop stock assessment approaches for skate bycatch species (which are generally not retained for commercial use) by integrating quantified fishing mortality estimates into the stock assessment model. o Provide post-release survival estimates and insight into behavioural ecology of deep-water skates for development of a risk assessment for multiple incidental bycatch species. Program 2. Industry • Management efficiency o By resolving a key component of uncertainty in the stock assessment this project reduces risk in fisheries management decision-making processes by improving accuracy in bycatch limit recommendations.
Furthermore, this project meets the primary objectives of the AFMA Strategic Research Plan (2017-2022), namely to collect appropriate information to support stock assessments, support the management of Commonwealth fisheries, and inform policy development [Research Strategy 1a]. The results of this study will also inform fisheries managers on appropriate specifications for the release and retention of caught skates. Objectives: 1. Quantify immediate (2 days) and long-term (60 days) post-release survival rates for longline caught B. irrasa across shallow (~500m) and deep (~1500m) depth strata. 2. Characterize post-release activity patterns of B. irrasa during the descent and bottom periods to understand effects of capture related physiological stress. 3. Validate whether stress markers (e.g., magnesium, potassium, lactate) measured in the blood of B. irrasa at the time of capture may be indicative of whole-animal physiological condition and may be used as predictors of post-release survival. Read moreRead less
Determining Genetic Stock Structure Of Bigeye Tuna In The Indian Ocean Using Mitochondrial DNA And DNA Microsatellites.
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$88,398.00
Summary
This proposal was developed in response to a call from WCTBFMAC for research into the population structure of bigeye tuna stocks exploited in the west coast tuna fishery. The longline fishery for bigeye tuna off the western coast of Australia is a rapidly expanding fishery due to the high export value of this species. information regarding the stock structure of bigeye tuna is vital for the long term sustainability of the fishery. Uncertainty regarding bigeye stock struc ....This proposal was developed in response to a call from WCTBFMAC for research into the population structure of bigeye tuna stocks exploited in the west coast tuna fishery. The longline fishery for bigeye tuna off the western coast of Australia is a rapidly expanding fishery due to the high export value of this species. information regarding the stock structure of bigeye tuna is vital for the long term sustainability of the fishery. Uncertainty regarding bigeye stock structure seriously restricts the confidence that scientists and fisheries managers can place in the regional assessments that have been carried out to date. At a national or sub-regional level, fisheries managers need to have a better idea of the broader surrounding population of bigeye from which the fish in their fisheries are drawn. In fact, knowledge of the stock structure of bigeye tuna in the eastern Indian Ocean has been listed as the number one priority of the Western Coast Tuna and Billfish Management Advisory Committee. Objectives: 1. To carry out a pilot study into the genetic stock structure of bigeye tuna in the Indian Ocean aimed at determining whether fish from four locations (Western Australia, South Africa, Seychelles, and Indonesia) are drawn from a common gene pool or whether they represent reproductively isolated spawning populations. 2. To compare this Indian Ocean data with data already being collected for the Atlantic Ocean and western tropical Pacific Ocean to gain a broader understanding of the global population structure of bigeye tuna. 3. Should evidence of large scale stock structuring within the Indian Ocean be evident, then a more extensive study will be proposed to indicate the number and extent of the different stocks within the Indian Ocean. This study will likely take the form of a two year proposal. It will attempt to confirm temporal stability of markers and resolve finer population structure by examination of more loci, additional sample locations, and an increased numbers of individuals sampled per location. Read moreRead less