1. Reassess four major fisheries in the Northern Territory(deepwater snapper, red snapper, mud crab and shark

2. Advise the Northern Territory government on the biological status of these fisheries, andy changes required in their management and any necessary changes to future research programs

3. Provide comment on stock assessment and management strategies for other fieheries (eg trepand, spanish mackerel, mud crab, shark, barramundi, jewfish

4. Provide Northern Territory fisheries scientists and managers training in recent stock analysis and resource mangement methodolgy

1. To undertake a search for orange roughy eggs in the far west of the western zone of the SEF.

2. To provide an indication of the extent of spawning by comparing results with previous surveys in the eastern and southern zones.

3. To evaluate the potential for further research into orange roughy in the western zone.

1. To evaluate catch rates and size rangesof red snapper and other commercial species under selected harvest method

2. To evaluate ease and cost of operating selected harvest methods

3. To evaluate extent of environmental impact of selected harvesting methods

4. To assess commercial viability and environmental acceptability of selected harvest methods

1. The development of optimal harvest and on board storage techniques to achieve least cost outcomes.

2. The trialing of jellyfish procesisng will be carries out under the auspices of the Feasability study at the VFRI where processing space and seawater flows will be made available.

3. Market testing will be carrie out by exporting processed stock (tonnage to be determined) to China for comparison against locally produced products.

4. In line with Victoria's intention to be recognised as a first class supplier of pure and fresh seafood products, it is desirable that an alternative to alum (used in the processing stages) be investigated. Further value adding techniques, such as packaging and "total meal" additives will be investigated to ensure that the Victorian product is clearly distinguished on the market. This is seen as a distinct advantage in establishing firm market niches.