12 results

Biological and ecological research needed for the effective management of the bar-cheeked coral trout and the chinaman cod, including an investigation into the factors controlling sex-change in the serranids (cods, groupers and coral trout).

Project number: 1995-025
Project Status:
Completed
Budget expenditure: $28,550.00
Principal Investigator: Bob Black
Organisation: University of Western Australia (UWA)
Project start/end date: 26 Jun 1995 - 25 May 2000
Contact:
FRDC

Objectives

1. The aim of this research programme is to provide data needed for the effective management of serranids, including: Ecological and biological data on the chinaman cod within the Ningaloo recreational fishery.
2. Experimental simulation of line fishing on chinaman cod populations to determine how the social system of this fish is affected by fishing, and its ability to withstand such pressure.
3. Experimental manipulation of chinaman cod social units to determine the mechanisms controlling sex change and the effects of sustained fishing pressure on these mechanisms.
4. Biological and catch data on the bar-cheeked coral trout caught in the Pilbara trawl fishery. A solution to the present wastage of undersized trout caught in this fishery will also be sought.

Final report

ISBN: 0-86422-915-1
Author: Robert Black
Final Report • 2000-01-10 • 2.84 MB
1995-025-DLD.pdf

Summary

This study provides detailed biological and ecological information on the chinaman cod, Epinephelus rivulatus, and biological information on the bar-cheeked coral trout, Plectropomus maculatus, in West Australian waters. Both of these species are members of a large group of predatory fish known as the epinepheline serranids. Serranids are found throughout the tropical and subtropical marine waters of the world, and are valued catches within numerous fisheries. Although some species in the Caribbean have been well studied, there is generally a lack of detailed biological and ecological data on the serranids. In particular, there is little information on the processes controlling sex change in serranid species. This life history pattern, along with the fact that many are long lived and slow growing, may leave serranids particularly vulnerable to fishing pressure. However, without information on the mechanisms controlling sex-change, specific management options for serranid species remains somewhat speculative. 
 
Various serranid species are targeted or caught as by-catch in Australian tropical waters. Nevertheless, apart from coral trout inhabiting the Great Barrier Reef, the biology and ecology of Australian serranids is poorly understood. The present study focussed on the chinaman cod since it is an important species within the Ningaloo Reef recreational fishery. Because it is abundant and accessible, the chinaman cod was also amenable to the logistically difficult task of determining the mechanisms of sex-change in this species. The study of coral trout biology was commenced in response to the capture of undersized fish within the Pilbara trawl fishery. As the current size limit may not be biologically appropriate, samples obtained from the trawl fishery were used to learn more about the biology of this species. 

An economic assessment of reallocation of salmon and herring fisheries to the recreational sector

Project number: 1993-080
Project Status:
Completed
Budget expenditure: $96,534.00
Principal Investigator: Bob Lindner
Organisation: University of Western Australia (UWA)
Project start/end date: 13 Oct 1993 - 29 Jun 1996
Contact:
FRDC

Objectives

1. To estimate the value of recreational fishing for salmon and herring in WA
2. To estimate the value of commercial fishing for salmon and herring in WA
3. To estimate the costs and benefits of reallocating the fish resource from the commercial to the recreational sector
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PROJECT NUMBER • 2019-011
PROJECT STATUS:
COMPLETED

Optimising Compliance Outcomes in Recreational Fisheries

This study investigated strategies to enhance compliant participation among recreational fishers, using the Peel-Harvey Blue Swimmer Crab fishery in Western Australia (WA) and the Blue Swimmer Crab fishery in South Australia (SA) as case studies. 
ORGANISATION:
University of Western Australia (UWA)
Industry
PROJECT NUMBER • 2016-260
PROJECT STATUS:
COMPLETED

Assess causes and implications of anomalous low lobster catch rates in the shallow water areas near the centre of the Western Rock Lobster fishery

Current and former West Coast Rock Lobster Managed Fishery (WCRLMF) fishers have anecdotally observed a trend of low catch rates since the 1990’s in the near-shore shallow water areas (<8 m) near the centre of the fishery (Dongara-Leeman). Since the atypically low puerulus counts of...
ORGANISATION:
University of Western Australia (UWA)
Environment
PROJECT NUMBER • 1990-006
PROJECT STATUS:
COMPLETED

Behavioural and physiological studies on phyllosoma larvae of the Western Rock Lobster

The Western Rock Lobster (Panulirus cygnus George) is the most valuable single species fishery in Australia with an annual value in excess of $250 000 000. Consequently, there has been a substantial research effort geared towards gaining a better understanding of the basic biology of this species...
ORGANISATION:
University of Western Australia (UWA)
Industry
Environment
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