Objectives: 1. Better understand the oceans off north-western Australia by measuring currents and sea surface temperatures with satellite tracked drifters. 2. Disseminate this information to the industry.
BCA - Development, Application And Evaluation Of The Use Of Remotely Sensed Data By Australian Fisheries
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$5,445.45
Summary
Objectives: 1. To develop computational procedures for the validation, analysis and interpretation of ocean colour data, and to provide derived data sets as input to the analysis of selected fisheries 2. To determine in conjunction with key industry operators of the east Australian tuna fisheries the utility of SeaWIFS and satellite temperature data in improving the catch and efficiency for yellowfin and skipjack tuna, and to determine the economic benefit-cost of the use of satellite ....Objectives: 1. To develop computational procedures for the validation, analysis and interpretation of ocean colour data, and to provide derived data sets as input to the analysis of selected fisheries 2. To determine in conjunction with key industry operators of the east Australian tuna fisheries the utility of SeaWIFS and satellite temperature data in improving the catch and efficiency for yellowfin and skipjack tuna, and to determine the economic benefit-cost of the use of satellite imagery in the operational fishery Read moreRead less
Development, Application And Evaluation Of The Use Of Remotely Sensed Data By Australian Fisheries
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$680,942.56
Summary
Objectives: 1. To develop computational procedures for the validation, analysis and interpretation of ocean colour data, and to provide derived data sets as input to the analysis of selected fisheries 2. To determine in conjunction with key industry operators of the east Australian tuna fisheries the utility of SeaWIFS and satellite temperature data in improving the catch and efficiency for yellowfin and skipjack tuna, and to determine the economic benefit-cost of the use of satellite ....Objectives: 1. To develop computational procedures for the validation, analysis and interpretation of ocean colour data, and to provide derived data sets as input to the analysis of selected fisheries 2. To determine in conjunction with key industry operators of the east Australian tuna fisheries the utility of SeaWIFS and satellite temperature data in improving the catch and efficiency for yellowfin and skipjack tuna, and to determine the economic benefit-cost of the use of satellite imagery in the operational fishery 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
Objectives: 1. Develop commercial fishermen's understanding of the practical operation and use of electronic fishing aids, with the emphasis being placed on acoustic fish finding equipment
Vulnerability Of The Endangered Maugean Skate Population To Degraded Environmental Conditions In Macquarie Harbour
Funder
Fisheries Research and Development Corporation
Funding Amount
$421,129.00
Summary
The physio-chemical conditions in Macquarie Harbour have changed markedly since European settlement and the general decline in DO since 2009, which occurred at the same time as the rapid expansion of marine farming operations, is likely to have had a significant impact on many resident species, including the endangered Maugean Skate. Given the species poor ability to cope with low DO, any reductions in bottom DO concentrations are expected to directly influence the distribution of the skate, hi ....The physio-chemical conditions in Macquarie Harbour have changed markedly since European settlement and the general decline in DO since 2009, which occurred at the same time as the rapid expansion of marine farming operations, is likely to have had a significant impact on many resident species, including the endangered Maugean Skate. Given the species poor ability to cope with low DO, any reductions in bottom DO concentrations are expected to directly influence the distribution of the skate, highlighting the need to better understand the oxygen demands of the species. Current generation acoustic tags capable of measuring DO and activity in the field, which when combined with laboratory studies, represent methods to examine tolerance and responses to varying levels of DO. Bottom DO also has implications for the development and survival of skate eggs. Limited information suggests that eggs are deposited at depths of > 20 m where they are likely to be increasingly exposed to low DO concentrations. An understanding of the relationships between environmental conditions and the development and survival of embryos, coupled with the depths in which eggs are deposited, has particular relevance to assessing the implications of changing environmental conditions on future recruitment and productivity of the Maugean Skate population.
Furthermore, the ability to monitor the status of this population, especially given the rate and extent of recent environmental changes in Macquarie Harbour is critical to assess its future viability. Tracking size composition, including data from previous studies, has the potential to provide a baseline against which reduced recruitment (if linked to the changed environmental conditions) could be detected.
The maintenance of best environmental practices by the aquaculture industry supported by effective monitoring and environmental management policies represent essential requirements if industry and Maugean Skate populations are to coexist.
Objectives: 1. Determine the distribution of Maugean skate eggs within Macquarie Harbour, with particular reference to depth and bottom DO. 2. Examine the relationship between environmental conditions and survival and viability of Maugean skate eggs. 3. Determine what DO levels Maugean skate experience in Macquarie Harbour, particularly when in deeper waters. 4. Determine the physiological costs of the DO levels Maugean skate are exposed to in Macquarie Harbour. 5. Assess the potential of using the size composition of Maugean Skate catches as an indicator of population change, in particular recruitment variability 6. Assess the implications of declining DO concentrations in Macquarie Harbour on the future viability of the Maugean Skate population. Read moreRead less