The broad aims of this study were to provide information on the foraging zones of seals, and the location of breeding colonies and haulout locations in the Eyre Peninsula region of South Australia, to assist in the zoning, appropriate placement and management of future finfish aquaculture developments in South Australia. In addition, the study aimed to evaluate the nature and extent of seal/fish-farm interactions through observation and satellite tracking; assess the nature and extent of interactions between seals and finfish farms in the Port Lincoln region to provide a baseline against which future changes can be assessed; and to provide information on the foraging behaviour of Australian sea lions (ASL) in the Nuyts Archipelago where, at the commencement of the study, finfish aquaculture was proposed, but none existed. The project provides recommendations on how finfish farmers may minimise interactions between seals and their farms, information and recommendations to assist management and policy, and to guide future research. 

Keywords: Australian sea lion, Neophoca cinerea, finfish aquaculture, marine planning, southern bluefin tuna, yellowtail kingfish, mulloway, aquaculture management

The broad aims of this study were to provide information on the foraging zones of seals, and the location of breeding colonies and haulout locations in the Eyre Peninsula region of South Australia, to assist in the zoning, appropriate placement and management of future finfish aquaculture developments in South Australia. In addition, the study aimed to evaluate the nature and extent of seal/fish-farm interactions through observation and satellite tracking; assess the nature and extent of interactions between seals and finfish farms in the Port Lincoln region to provide a baseline against which future changes can be assessed; and to provide information on the foraging behaviour of Australian sea lions (ASL) in the Nuyts Archipelago where, at the commencement of the study, finfish aquaculture was proposed, but none existed. The project provides recommendations on how finfish farmers may minimise interactions between seals and their farms, information and recommendations to assist management and policy, and to guide future research. 

Keywords: Australian sea lion, Neophoca cinerea, finfish aquaculture, marine planning, southern bluefin tuna, yellowtail kingfish, mulloway, aquaculture management

The broad aims of this study were to provide information on the foraging zones of seals, and the location of breeding colonies and haulout locations in the Eyre Peninsula region of South Australia, to assist in the zoning, appropriate placement and management of future finfish aquaculture developments in South Australia. In addition, the study aimed to evaluate the nature and extent of seal/fish-farm interactions through observation and satellite tracking; assess the nature and extent of interactions between seals and finfish farms in the Port Lincoln region to provide a baseline against which future changes can be assessed; and to provide information on the foraging behaviour of Australian sea lions (ASL) in the Nuyts Archipelago where, at the commencement of the study, finfish aquaculture was proposed, but none existed. The project provides recommendations on how finfish farmers may minimise interactions between seals and their farms, information and recommendations to assist management and policy, and to guide future research. 

Keywords: Australian sea lion, Neophoca cinerea, finfish aquaculture, marine planning, southern bluefin tuna, yellowtail kingfish, mulloway, aquaculture management

The broad aims of this study were to provide information on the foraging zones of seals, and the location of breeding colonies and haulout locations in the Eyre Peninsula region of South Australia, to assist in the zoning, appropriate placement and management of future finfish aquaculture developments in South Australia. In addition, the study aimed to evaluate the nature and extent of seal/fish-farm interactions through observation and satellite tracking; assess the nature and extent of interactions between seals and finfish farms in the Port Lincoln region to provide a baseline against which future changes can be assessed; and to provide information on the foraging behaviour of Australian sea lions (ASL) in the Nuyts Archipelago where, at the commencement of the study, finfish aquaculture was proposed, but none existed. The project provides recommendations on how finfish farmers may minimise interactions between seals and their farms, information and recommendations to assist management and policy, and to guide future research. 

Keywords: Australian sea lion, Neophoca cinerea, finfish aquaculture, marine planning, southern bluefin tuna, yellowtail kingfish, mulloway, aquaculture management

The broad aims of this study were to provide information on the foraging zones of seals, and the location of breeding colonies and haulout locations in the Eyre Peninsula region of South Australia, to assist in the zoning, appropriate placement and management of future finfish aquaculture developments in South Australia. In addition, the study aimed to evaluate the nature and extent of seal/fish-farm interactions through observation and satellite tracking; assess the nature and extent of interactions between seals and finfish farms in the Port Lincoln region to provide a baseline against which future changes can be assessed; and to provide information on the foraging behaviour of Australian sea lions (ASL) in the Nuyts Archipelago where, at the commencement of the study, finfish aquaculture was proposed, but none existed. The project provides recommendations on how finfish farmers may minimise interactions between seals and their farms, information and recommendations to assist management and policy, and to guide future research. 

Keywords: Australian sea lion, Neophoca cinerea, finfish aquaculture, marine planning, southern bluefin tuna, yellowtail kingfish, mulloway, aquaculture management

During the 3 years of the study, scallop spatfall was observed to occur over a short period (October-December) after the scallops had spawned in spring. Growth was rapid and scallops reached an acceptable harvestable size of 70mm within 16 months. Spatfall one year can therefore be related to recruitment during the next. Years of high and low spatfall were reflected in subsequent differences in recruitment. Though more years' data are required, indices of spatfall provide managers and fishermen with predictive information on likely recruitment strength one year in advance.

Each year the strength of recruitment and the residual stock size were estimated from the results of surveys by SCUBA divers. The results have shown that commercial viability of the fishery is primarily dependent upon recruitment each year. Residual stocks are normally insufficient to support the fishery in the event of poor recruitment.

Estimates of growth and mortality rates determined from tagging and data on seasonal changes in meat yield have been used to develop a mathematical model which can be used to determine number of scallops available each season and yields obtainable from different management strategies. Estimates from annual survey, of stock abundance and mean scallop size at the beginning of each year provide the data for the model.

As a result of the research program, the need to continue monitoring spatfall in Port Phillip Bay and to conduct surveys of recruitment strength each year has been identified. These data are necessary for fisheries managers to maintain the ability to manage the stocks by quota system.

During the 3 years of the study, scallop spatfall was observed to occur over a short period (October-December) after the scallops had spawned in spring. Growth was rapid and scallops reached an acceptable harvestable size of 70mm within 16 months. Spatfall one year can therefore be related to recruitment during the next. Years of high and low spatfall were reflected in subsequent differences in recruitment. Though more years' data are required, indices of spatfall provide managers and fishermen with predictive information on likely recruitment strength one year in advance.

Each year the strength of recruitment and the residual stock size were estimated from the results of surveys by SCUBA divers. The results have shown that commercial viability of the fishery is primarily dependent upon recruitment each year. Residual stocks are normally insufficient to support the fishery in the event of poor recruitment.

Estimates of growth and mortality rates determined from tagging and data on seasonal changes in meat yield have been used to develop a mathematical model which can be used to determine number of scallops available each season and yields obtainable from different management strategies. Estimates from annual survey, of stock abundance and mean scallop size at the beginning of each year provide the data for the model.

As a result of the research program, the need to continue monitoring spatfall in Port Phillip Bay and to conduct surveys of recruitment strength each year has been identified. These data are necessary for fisheries managers to maintain the ability to manage the stocks by quota system.

During the 3 years of the study, scallop spatfall was observed to occur over a short period (October-December) after the scallops had spawned in spring. Growth was rapid and scallops reached an acceptable harvestable size of 70mm within 16 months. Spatfall one year can therefore be related to recruitment during the next. Years of high and low spatfall were reflected in subsequent differences in recruitment. Though more years' data are required, indices of spatfall provide managers and fishermen with predictive information on likely recruitment strength one year in advance.

Each year the strength of recruitment and the residual stock size were estimated from the results of surveys by SCUBA divers. The results have shown that commercial viability of the fishery is primarily dependent upon recruitment each year. Residual stocks are normally insufficient to support the fishery in the event of poor recruitment.

Estimates of growth and mortality rates determined from tagging and data on seasonal changes in meat yield have been used to develop a mathematical model which can be used to determine number of scallops available each season and yields obtainable from different management strategies. Estimates from annual survey, of stock abundance and mean scallop size at the beginning of each year provide the data for the model.

As a result of the research program, the need to continue monitoring spatfall in Port Phillip Bay and to conduct surveys of recruitment strength each year has been identified. These data are necessary for fisheries managers to maintain the ability to manage the stocks by quota system.

During the 3 years of the study, scallop spatfall was observed to occur over a short period (October-December) after the scallops had spawned in spring. Growth was rapid and scallops reached an acceptable harvestable size of 70mm within 16 months. Spatfall one year can therefore be related to recruitment during the next. Years of high and low spatfall were reflected in subsequent differences in recruitment. Though more years' data are required, indices of spatfall provide managers and fishermen with predictive information on likely recruitment strength one year in advance.

Each year the strength of recruitment and the residual stock size were estimated from the results of surveys by SCUBA divers. The results have shown that commercial viability of the fishery is primarily dependent upon recruitment each year. Residual stocks are normally insufficient to support the fishery in the event of poor recruitment.

Estimates of growth and mortality rates determined from tagging and data on seasonal changes in meat yield have been used to develop a mathematical model which can be used to determine number of scallops available each season and yields obtainable from different management strategies. Estimates from annual survey, of stock abundance and mean scallop size at the beginning of each year provide the data for the model.

As a result of the research program, the need to continue monitoring spatfall in Port Phillip Bay and to conduct surveys of recruitment strength each year has been identified. These data are necessary for fisheries managers to maintain the ability to manage the stocks by quota system.

During the 3 years of the study, scallop spatfall was observed to occur over a short period (October-December) after the scallops had spawned in spring. Growth was rapid and scallops reached an acceptable harvestable size of 70mm within 16 months. Spatfall one year can therefore be related to recruitment during the next. Years of high and low spatfall were reflected in subsequent differences in recruitment. Though more years' data are required, indices of spatfall provide managers and fishermen with predictive information on likely recruitment strength one year in advance.

Each year the strength of recruitment and the residual stock size were estimated from the results of surveys by SCUBA divers. The results have shown that commercial viability of the fishery is primarily dependent upon recruitment each year. Residual stocks are normally insufficient to support the fishery in the event of poor recruitment.

Estimates of growth and mortality rates determined from tagging and data on seasonal changes in meat yield have been used to develop a mathematical model which can be used to determine number of scallops available each season and yields obtainable from different management strategies. Estimates from annual survey, of stock abundance and mean scallop size at the beginning of each year provide the data for the model.

As a result of the research program, the need to continue monitoring spatfall in Port Phillip Bay and to conduct surveys of recruitment strength each year has been identified. These data are necessary for fisheries managers to maintain the ability to manage the stocks by quota system.

The aims of the Lakes Entrance scallop work were threefold: to monitor the period and abundance of spat settlement at sites east and west of Lakes Entrance; to survey scallop grounds for the distribution and abundance of juvenile and commercial sized scallops; and to determine the growth rate of scallops off Lakes Entrance.

Spat collectors were set out to the east and west of Lakes Entrance from September 1986 to February 1987 and were retrieved from February to May 1987. All collectors contained spat of the commercial scallop (Pecten alba). The collectors set out to the west of Lakes Entrance collected the most spat.

Spatfall during the summer of 1985/6 resulted in a small scallop bed about 16 miles to the west of Lakes Entrance. In November 1986 the modal size of these scallops (measured as shell height) was 52 mm and had increased to 70 mm by May 1987; it was still 70 mm in June 1987. Between April 1987, when scallops were approaching fishable size, and June 1987, when the scallop season opened, the number of meats per kilo dropped from 175 to 126.

The aims of the Lakes Entrance scallop work were threefold: to monitor the period and abundance of spat settlement at sites east and west of Lakes Entrance; to survey scallop grounds for the distribution and abundance of juvenile and commercial sized scallops; and to determine the growth rate of scallops off Lakes Entrance.

Spat collectors were set out to the east and west of Lakes Entrance from September 1986 to February 1987 and were retrieved from February to May 1987. All collectors contained spat of the commercial scallop (Pecten alba). The collectors set out to the west of Lakes Entrance collected the most spat.

Spatfall during the summer of 1985/6 resulted in a small scallop bed about 16 miles to the west of Lakes Entrance. In November 1986 the modal size of these scallops (measured as shell height) was 52 mm and had increased to 70 mm by May 1987; it was still 70 mm in June 1987. Between April 1987, when scallops were approaching fishable size, and June 1987, when the scallop season opened, the number of meats per kilo dropped from 175 to 126.

The aims of the Lakes Entrance scallop work were threefold: to monitor the period and abundance of spat settlement at sites east and west of Lakes Entrance; to survey scallop grounds for the distribution and abundance of juvenile and commercial sized scallops; and to determine the growth rate of scallops off Lakes Entrance.

Spat collectors were set out to the east and west of Lakes Entrance from September 1986 to February 1987 and were retrieved from February to May 1987. All collectors contained spat of the commercial scallop (Pecten alba). The collectors set out to the west of Lakes Entrance collected the most spat.

Spatfall during the summer of 1985/6 resulted in a small scallop bed about 16 miles to the west of Lakes Entrance. In November 1986 the modal size of these scallops (measured as shell height) was 52 mm and had increased to 70 mm by May 1987; it was still 70 mm in June 1987. Between April 1987, when scallops were approaching fishable size, and June 1987, when the scallop season opened, the number of meats per kilo dropped from 175 to 126.

The aims of the Lakes Entrance scallop work were threefold: to monitor the period and abundance of spat settlement at sites east and west of Lakes Entrance; to survey scallop grounds for the distribution and abundance of juvenile and commercial sized scallops; and to determine the growth rate of scallops off Lakes Entrance.

Spat collectors were set out to the east and west of Lakes Entrance from September 1986 to February 1987 and were retrieved from February to May 1987. All collectors contained spat of the commercial scallop (Pecten alba). The collectors set out to the west of Lakes Entrance collected the most spat.

Spatfall during the summer of 1985/6 resulted in a small scallop bed about 16 miles to the west of Lakes Entrance. In November 1986 the modal size of these scallops (measured as shell height) was 52 mm and had increased to 70 mm by May 1987; it was still 70 mm in June 1987. Between April 1987, when scallops were approaching fishable size, and June 1987, when the scallop season opened, the number of meats per kilo dropped from 175 to 126.

The aims of the Lakes Entrance scallop work were threefold: to monitor the period and abundance of spat settlement at sites east and west of Lakes Entrance; to survey scallop grounds for the distribution and abundance of juvenile and commercial sized scallops; and to determine the growth rate of scallops off Lakes Entrance.

Spat collectors were set out to the east and west of Lakes Entrance from September 1986 to February 1987 and were retrieved from February to May 1987. All collectors contained spat of the commercial scallop (Pecten alba). The collectors set out to the west of Lakes Entrance collected the most spat.

Spatfall during the summer of 1985/6 resulted in a small scallop bed about 16 miles to the west of Lakes Entrance. In November 1986 the modal size of these scallops (measured as shell height) was 52 mm and had increased to 70 mm by May 1987; it was still 70 mm in June 1987. Between April 1987, when scallops were approaching fishable size, and June 1987, when the scallop season opened, the number of meats per kilo dropped from 175 to 126.