The South Australian Sardine Fishery is Australia's largest volume fishery.
There is a need to ensure that estimates of spawning biomass which underpin management of the fishery are as accurate and precise as possible.
Recent research to support the SASF have focused on refining estimates of daily egg production.
This study is designed to review and enhance methods used to estimate adult parameters, especially spawning fraction and batch fecundity.
Funding for Dr Ganias to travel to Australia is needed to review current methodologies and provide recommendations to ensure methods used in the SASF and other Australian fisheries are consistent with world's best practice.
Final report
The Daily Egg Production Method is used to estimate the spawning biomass of several Australian fisheries for pelagic species, including the South Australian Sardine Fishery and Commonwealth Small Pelagic Fishery. Dr Kostas Ganias of Aristotle University of Thessaloniki is a world leader in the reproductive biology of small pelagic fishes related to the application egg production methods. The aim of the Dr Ganias’ visit to Australia was to evaluate and recommend options for improving the methods used to estimate the spawning fraction and fecundity of Australian Sardine, Jack Mackerel, Blue Mackerel and Redbait. Dr Ganias made three key recommendations that have the potential to improve application of the Daily Egg Production Method to Australia's small pelagic fisheries.
