Capture stress and post-capture survival of sharks and other chondrichthyans in fisheries bycatch. Australia is adopting ecosystem approaches to fisheries management. However, to embrace such an approach there is an urgent need for better information on the biology, ecology and population dynamics of sharks, rays and chimaeras (class Chondrichthyes). Chondrichthyan species are among the most sensitive in their response to the effects of fishing. Results from the present proposal will contribute ....Capture stress and post-capture survival of sharks and other chondrichthyans in fisheries bycatch. Australia is adopting ecosystem approaches to fisheries management. However, to embrace such an approach there is an urgent need for better information on the biology, ecology and population dynamics of sharks, rays and chimaeras (class Chondrichthyes). Chondrichthyan species are among the most sensitive in their response to the effects of fishing. Results from the present proposal will contribute to determining mortality of chondrichthyan bycatch species in response to the effects of capture in fishing gear, handling by fishers and discarding at sea. The work will contribute to biodiversity conservation and maintenance of ecosystem structure and function for present and future generations.Read moreRead less
Estimating fishing-related mortality and designing sustainable management protocols for shark fisheries in Northern Australia. Sharks are extremely valuable economically, with the landed catch in the NT alone exceeding $10 million in 2004. The increasing world demand for high-quality protein will necessitate appropriate management so that over-exploitation does not occur as it has in most other shark fisheries worldwide. The proposed project will provide key information that will direct careful ....Estimating fishing-related mortality and designing sustainable management protocols for shark fisheries in Northern Australia. Sharks are extremely valuable economically, with the landed catch in the NT alone exceeding $10 million in 2004. The increasing world demand for high-quality protein will necessitate appropriate management so that over-exploitation does not occur as it has in most other shark fisheries worldwide. The proposed project will provide key information that will direct careful and informed management decisions well into the future. The added benefit of collecting information on the rarer and more susceptible non-target species caught in this fishery will ensure that any negative impacts are reduced. The project will also provide information on the potential impact of illegal fishing by neighbouring countries to our north.Read moreRead less
Spatial ecology of inshore predators in tropical marine systems and implications of marine protection zones. Coastal development and threats of global climate change mean that coastal ecosystems are under increasing pressure. Developing an understanding of how coastal habitats are used by native fauna and how effective protected areas are in the preservation of these species is critical for future management and sustainable use of resources. This research will provide data for resource and fis ....Spatial ecology of inshore predators in tropical marine systems and implications of marine protection zones. Coastal development and threats of global climate change mean that coastal ecosystems are under increasing pressure. Developing an understanding of how coastal habitats are used by native fauna and how effective protected areas are in the preservation of these species is critical for future management and sustainable use of resources. This research will provide data for resource and fisheries managers that are valuable for maintenance of several sectors of the economy including tourism and commercial fishing (inshore fishing worth $23 m a year). The project is linked to a national telemetry network thus providing opportunity for national and international collaboration benefiting scientific, management and coastal communities.Read moreRead less