Opportunities and impacts of range extending scalefish species: understanding population dynamics, ecosystem impacts and management needs
Species-level responses to ocean warming is a priority research area as they underpin the structure and function of marine ecosystems and the productivity of fisheries that operate within them.
There are a number of range extending species that have become increasingly abundant in Tasmanian waters, providing new fishing opportunities for recreational and, to a lesser extent, commercial fishers. Species in this group include Pink Snapper, King George Whiting and Yellowtail Kingfish. While King George Whiting are known to spawn off the north coast it is unclear as to whether the other species have or are likely to become established as self-sustaining populations in Tasmanian waters or simply persist as spill-over from populations that are centered off mainland Australia. If the former is the case, it will be especially important to consider population attributes such as growth, mortality and reproductive dynamics relevant to the Tasmanian populations when developing and refining management arrangements to maximise the opportunities these 'new' species bring.
In addition, the broader ecosystem impacts of such range extending species, including competition with resident species at similar trophic levels, are unknown but could have consequences for other recreationally and commercially important species. Understanding these relationships will have benefits for the assessment and management of the Tasmanian recreational fishery more generally.
Final report
This work set out to quantify the biology and diet of three key range-shifting species in Tasmania with both recreational and commercial fishery value. The project was heavily reliant on engagement from the recreational fishing community and multiple citizen science initiatives, as well as historical data.
The information collected was used in modelling to predict how suitable habitats for each species may shift under future climate change projections. The work also indicated the potential changes to the ecosystem (such as food web) if these species’ ranges were to move.
Communicating the research, management and performance of Tasmanian marine resource industries by video
The research videos are part of both TSIC's and IMAS's communication plans. They help develop support for our activities in Tasmania within government and the wider community. Communication is critical to engagement with stakeholders and extension of research, and short clear videos are a particularly effective tool because they can be used in many different situations.
The Sector videos on research by IMAS are structured around the 6 sector Research Advisory Groups which in turn supply priority research needs to the TasRAC. The videos are an accessible way to communicate our structures.
The videos aim to achieve the following:
1. To reach an international audience and communicate the breadth, status, opportunities, and challenges of marine resource industries in Tasmania.
2. to get recognition of fisheries research within UTAS as being a big deal. We want the UTAS hierarchy to become better informed about Fisheries and Aquaculture, and to use our videos when they've presenting overviews of UTAS.
3. To have the UTAS hierarchy excited by our research so they think we’re a good investment. Their support is important because of their large in-kind support for research on marine resources.
4. To help attract future students, research collaborators, investors in Tasmanian marine resource industries.
5. To ensure that stakeholders understand that our research is intended to have an impact. And does this successfully.