Marine Biology Commons^™

Ecological Risk Assessment For The Temperate Demersal Elasmobranch Resource, Maddison Watt, Matias Braccini, Kim Smith, Mathew Hourston

Fisheries research reports

In March 2021, the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development convened an ecological risk assessment (ERA) of the fisheries that access the Temperate Demersal Elasmobranch Resource. The ERA considered the potential ecological impacts of the Temperate Demersal Gillnet and Demersal Longline Fisheries and recreational fishers who catch sharks and rays. The assessment evaluated the impact of each fishing sector/method on all relevant retained and bycatch species, endangered, threatened and protected species, habitats and the broader environment.

2021 Assessment Of The Status Of The West Coast Demersal Scalefish Resource, David V. Fairclough, Sybrand Alex Hesp, Ainslie Denham, Emily A. Fisher, Rachel Marks, Karina L. Ryan, Elaine Lek, Rhys Allen, Brett M. Crisafulli

Fisheries research reports

A recovery program for the West Coast Demersal Scalefish Resource was introduced between late 2007 and early 2010, based on the maintenance of retained catches of demersal species (overall suite and each indicator species) by both the commercial and recreational sectors below 50% of the catches reported in 2005/06 (original catch recovery benchmarks).

Catch reductions were aimed at reducing exploitation levels (F, long-term fishing mortality of the key indicator species’ stocks) to below the threshold reference point (F = M, the natural mortality rate), which would then allow stocks to recover to above the …

Otoliths Of South-Western Australian Fish: A Photographic Catalogue, Chris Dowling, Kim Smith, Elain Lek, Joshua Brown

Fisheries research reports

Due to the species-specific nature of otoliths and given they are often the only part of the fish preserved when fish die, otolith catalogues can be used in numerous applications, such as diet studies in fish eating animals, including pinnipeds, fish and sea birds; archaeological purposes such as reconstructing indigenous people’s diets from otoliths found in middens or evolutionary history of fish species by comparing fossilized otoliths. Given the unique mixture of subtropical and temperate fish, including many endemic species that occur off the southwest corner of WA having a catalogue for this area is extremely important for people working …

Otoliths Of South-Western Australian Fish: A Photographic Catalogue, Chris Dowling, Kim Smith, Elaine Lek, Joshua Brown

Fisheries research reports

Due to the species-specific nature of otoliths and given they are often the only part of the fish preserved when fish die, otolith catalogues can be used in numerous applications, such as diet studies in fish eating animals, including pinnipeds, fish and sea birds; archaeological purposes such as reconstructing indigenous people’s diets from otoliths found in middens or evolutionary history of fish species by comparing fossilized otoliths. Given the unique mixture of subtropical and temperate fish, including many endemic species that occur off the southwest corner of WA having a catalogue for this area is extremely important for people working …

Snp Population Genetic Data For The Seagrass Halodule Uninervis From Pilbara Region, Western Australia, Kathryn Margaret Mcmahon, Richard Evans

Research Datasets

This dataset contains 80 SNP loci from 15 locations with 25-47 samples per locations. Each column contains data from two alleles. All genotyped samples are included. Prior to population genetic analysis clone mates were identified and removed.

Tropicalisation Of Temperate Seagrass Meadows In Western Australia: Predicting The Impact Of Tropical Herbivorous Fishes On Temperate Seagrass Meadows, Maria Samsonova

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

Rising sea temperatures through climate change produce shifts in the distribution of tropical species to temperate regions, a process termed “tropicalisation”. The poleward expansion of tropical herbivores into temperate seagrass meadows is predicted to increase grazing pressure and alter ecosystem services and processes in these seagrass systems. This study attempted to examine the effects of tropicalisation on temperate seagrass meadows along the western coast of Australia, where the increasing abundance of tropical consumers such as the herbivorous Siganus fuscescens has already been documented. Through the assessment of fish assemblages in seagrass meadows and the grazing levels on seagrass in 2001 …

Contribution Of Seagrass Blue Carbon Toward Carbon Neutral Policies In A Touristic And Environmentally-Friendly Island, Camila Bedulli, Paul S. Lavery, Matt Harvey, Carlos M. Duarte, Oscar Serrano

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

Estimates of organic carbon (C_org) storage by seagrass meadows which consider inter-habitat variability are essential to understand their potential to sequester carbon dioxide (CO₂) and derive robust global and regional estimates of blue carbon storage. In this study, we provide baseline estimates of seagrass extent, and soil C_org stocks and accumulation rates from different seagrass habitats at Rottnest Island (in Amphibolis spp., Posidonia spp., Halophila ovalis, and mixed Posidonia/Amphibolis spp. meadows). The C_org stocks in 0.5 m thick seagrass soil deposits, derived from 24 cores, were 5.1 ± 0.7 kg C_org m^{–2 …}

Release Of Dissolved Organic Carbon From Seagrass Wrack And Its Implications For Trophic Connectivity, Paul S. Lavery, Kathryn M. Mcmahon, Julia Weyers, Mary C. Boyce, Carolyn Elizabeth Oldham

Research outputs 2013

ABSTRACT: The export of old leaves and stems (wrack) from seagrass meadows provides a mechanism for trophic connectivity among coastal ecosystems. As little of this wrack is consumed by mesograzers, leached dissolved organic carbon (DOC) may determine the importance of wrack as a trophic subsidy. However, few studies have examined the effect of seagrass type or age on the release of DOC or its bioavailability. We examined the amount and composition of DOC released from different wrack: Posidonia sinuosa, Amphibolis antarctica and the alga Laurencia sp. We then examined the effect of age on DOC leaching from P. sinuosa wrack. …

Wounded Kelps: Patterns And Susceptibility To Breakage, Thibaut De Bettignies, Mads Thomsen, Thomas Wernberg

Research outputs 2012

Kelps are highly productive seaweeds predominantly found in wave-exposed environments. Physical and biological processes such as sand abrasion, whiplash and grazing can wound kelp tissue, potentially weakening its ability to withstand wave forces. Despite the ecological importance of kelp tissue loss, few studies have quantified wounding patterns in kelps or how wounding might affect the biomechanical properties of kelps. We quantified the prevalence of wounds on 360 Ecklonia radiata kelps collected across 3 different reef lines (levels of wave exposure) in April (autumn), June (early winter), August (winter) and October (early spring) (i.e. before, during and after peak wave activity). …

Drift Algae, An Invasive Snail And Elevated Temperature Reduce Ecological Performance Of A Warm-Temperate Seagrass, Through Additive Effects, H Hoffle, Thomas Wernberg, Mads Thomsen, M Holmer

Research outputs 2012

Seagrasses are under pressure from multiple concurrent threats, including rising temperatures, invasive species and nutrient-driven algal accumulations. We quantified the abundance of drift algae and the invasive snail Batillaria australis in 3 Halophila ovalis seagrass beds in the Swan River Estuary (Perth, Western Australia), and tested in an aquarium experiment for interactive effects of temperature (21 vs. 27°C), cover of drift algae Chaetomorpha linum (0 vs. 1.4 kg fresh wt m -2) and presence (0 vs. 120 snails m -2) of B. australis on the ecological performance of H. ovalis. The survey showed that drift algae varied considerably between sites …

Fussy Feeders: Phyllosoma Larvae Of The Western Rocklobster (Panulirus Cygnus) Demonstrate Prey Preference, M I Saunders, P A Thompson, A G Jeffs, Christin Sawstrom, N Sachlikidis, L E Beckley, A M Waite

Research outputs 2012

The Western Rocklobster (Panulirus cygnus) is the most valuable single species fishery in Australia and the largest single country spiny lobster fishery in the world. In recent years a well-known relationship between oceanographic conditions and lobster recruitment has become uncoupled, with significantly lower recruitment than expected, generating interest in the factors influencing survival and development of the planktonic larval stages. The nutritional requirements and wild prey of the planktotrophic larval stage (phyllosoma) of P. cygnus were previously unknown, hampering both management and aquaculture efforts for this species. Ship-board feeding trials of wild-caught mid-late stage P. cygnus phyllosoma in the eastern …

Historical Datasets Of Dugong (Dugong Dugon) Observations In The Kimberley Region Of Western Australia - Data Report - Report No. 2008-03, David K. Holley, R. I.T. Prince

Research outputs pre 2011

Research Need and Objective :

Many sections of the northern WA coastline have become heavily industrialised in the last three decades particularly throughout the Pilbara region where offshore and onshore oil and gas exploration and processing facilities are abundant. There have been recent moves to develop similar industry along the Kimberley coast to access the Browse Basin, a 140,000 Km2 offshore gas field approximately 300km off the Kimberley Coast. This has resulted in extensive debate and the need to define the natural values of this region, which is considered to be one of the world’s most ecologically diverse (WWF 2008). …

Shark Bay Prawn And Scallop Fisheries. Draft Review Report, Department Of Fisheries Western Australia

Fisheries management papers

In recent times, the Department of Fisheries has received representations from both sectors about the ongoing interaction of the fisheries and their respective management settings. As a result, a decision was made to comprehensively review the fisheries, taking into account matters of fishery sustainability and gear interactions, together with industry economics and market considerations. The review has also addressed research requirements to ensure an appropriate scientific basis for decision-making into the future.

Aquaculture Of Live Rocks, Live Sand, Coral And Associated Products. A Discussion And Draft Policy Paper., Department Of Fisheries.

Fisheries management papers

The Department of Fisheries has prepared this discussion paper to outline the position and needs of the emerging industry and the proposed management arrangements and policies in place. Therefore, the key objectives of this document are to outline and develop: The key information about live rock, sand and coral aquaculture that is relevant to the development of an industry in WA; and A draft policy for the management of live rock, sand and coral aquaculture, on both onshore and offshore licence sites.

Recommended Access And Allocation Criteria For The West Coast And Gascoyne Commercial 'Wetline' Fisheries. A Report To The Ministry Of Fisheries., The Commercial Access Panel.

Fisheries management papers

The CAP’s primary responsibility was to develop criteria for access and allocation within the context of the management framework developed by the MPP. It is therefore important that this management paper is read in conjunction with the papers prepared by the MPP that outline the recommended management arrangements for the Gascoyne (Fisheries Management Paper No. 205) and the West Coast (Fisheries Management Paper No. 206) regions.

Assessment Of Western Rock Lobster Strategic Management Options. A Bio-Economic Evaluation Of Management Options For The West Coast Rock Lobster Fishery. Vol. 2, Economic Research Associates Pty Ltd

Fisheries management papers

Economic Research Associates (ERA) was commissioned to evaluate the relative ‘socio-economic’ benefits of alternative management Scenarios for the Western Rock Lobster Managed Fishery. This study is intended as input into industry’s consideration of the future management policy direction for the fishery.

Integrated Fisheries Management. Draft Allocation Report. Western Rock Lobster Resource A Discussion Paper, Integrated Fisheries Allocation Advisory Committee

Fisheries management papers

In this report the Committee had given a number of draft recommendations regarding the allocations of the West Coast Rock Lobster Managed Fishery. This paper allows for the public to view these allocations and put forward their submissions.

A Five Year Management Strategy For Recreational Fishing On The South Coast. The Minister For Fisheries' Decision In Response To The Final Report Of The South Coast Recreational Fishing Working Group., Jon Ford (Minister For Fisheries; The Kimberley, Pilbara And Gascoyne)

Fisheries management papers

After careful consideration of the South Coast Recreational Fishing Working Group’s recommendations and the wide range of issues raised in submissions, I have made my decisions in respect to the future management arrangements for recreational fishing in South Coast Region. I believe the new management arrangements which will be implemented in 1 January 2006 will go a long way to protecting recreational fishing quality and meeting the long term needs for the sustainable management of recreational fishing. I did note that some of the most pressing concerns raised during public meetings, and in submissions, related to the interaction between the …

Management Of The Proposed South Coast Trawl Fishery. A Discussion Paper., Department Of Fisheries.

Fisheries management papers

In late 1987, the Minister approved a development plan for the South Coast Inshore Trawl Fishery (Fisheries Management Paper No. 13) and made a number of notices regulating trawling activities in the Recherche Archipelago. Fishing Boat Licences were subsequently ‘endorsed’ by reference to those notices. The development plan was declared to be for a period ending 31 December 1989, subject to extension for a further year if necessary. Despite the considerable interest in the fishery during 1986 to 1989, fishing results demonstrated that the economic returns were marginal and a number of operators withdrew from participation in the fishery (at …

A Five-Year Management Strategy For Recreational Fishing In The Pilbara/Kimberley. The Minister For Fisheries' Decisions In Response To The Final Report Of The Pilbara Kimberley Recreational Fishing Working Group, Jon Ford (Minister For Fisheries; The Kimberley, Pilbara And Gascoyne)

Fisheries management papers

The regional review for the Pilbara/Kimberley Region is now complete and I would like to thank all members of the review working group for their efforts in what has been a challenging task. I would also like to thank those members of the community who attended public meetings and made submissions on the draft discussion paper. After careful consideration of the Pilbara/Kimberley Recreational Fishing Working Group’s recommendations and the wide range of issues raised in submissions, I have made my decisions in respect to the future management arrangements for recreational fishing in Pilbara/Kimberley Region. I believe the new management arrangements, …

A Five-Year Management Strategy For Recreational Fishing On The South Coast Of Western Australia. Final Report, South Coast Recreational Fishing Working Group.

Fisheries management papers

The development of this strategy represents a significant step in protecting recreational fishing quality in the South Coast Region and meeting the long-term needs for the sustainable management of recreational fishing. All recommendations contained in this report were made only after careful consideration of the submissions and issues which were raised at public meetings, along with the action needed to be taken to protect the long-term sustainability of our fish stocks.

Proposed Implementation Of Sea Lion Exclusion Devices In The Western Rock Lobster Fishery. Public Consultation., Department Of Fisheries.

Fisheries management papers

This document ‘Proposed Implementation of Sea Lion Exclusion Devices in the Western Rock Lobster Fishery – public consultation document May 2005’, provides you, the stakeholder, with detailed information regarding the incidental mortality of Australian sea lion pups in rock lobster pots and the possible mitigation measures to be implemented to eliminate this occurrence.

Management Of The Proposed South West Beach Seine Fishery. Management Discussion Paper., Department Of Fisheries

Fisheries management papers

This Management Discussion Paper for the proposed South West Beach Seine Fishery is designed to inform the fishing community and general public about the issues and management proposals relating to the South West Beach Seine Fishery (the fishery). The Department of Fisheries (the Department) encourages comment about the issues raised and the proposed management recommendations in this report.

Access And Allocation Arrangements For The Commercial 'Wetline' Fisheries. Proposals For Discussion., Commercial Access Panel

Fisheries management papers

The Minister for Fisheries established this review of open access (wetline) commercial fishery arrangements to provide a more effective management framework for wetline fishing and to complement the recreational initiatives. This must involve the removal of excess fishing capacity, including latent effort, from the fishery and the establishment of a dedicated commercial fishery with clear entry criteria and an appropriate limit on catch in each bioregion. However it must be made clear that the ‘wetline review’ is not a sectoral resource sharing exercise. Following the implementation of new management arrangements for the ‘wetline’ fisheries, the appropriateness of the existing levels …

Proposed Management Arrangements For The West Coast Commercial 'Wetline' Fishery. A Discussion Paper., West Coast And Gascoyne Management Planning Panel

Fisheries management papers

The ‘Wetline Review’ was established to implement an effective management framework for the commercial sector to complement the recreational initiatives. It must be stressed at the outset that this review is focussed on the take of scalefish by the commercial sector. The levels of use between the various user groups in the West Coast region will be examined under the new integrated fisheries initiative following the implementation of new management arrangements for scalefish taken by the commercial sector.

Review Of Recreational Take Of Coral In Western Australia. A Discussion Paper., Department Of Fisheries

Fisheries management papers

This discussion paper has been prepared by the Department of Fisheries (Western Australia) to address the issue of recreational collection of coral in coastal waters of Western Australia. The paper describes: • popular coral locations in WA; • management issues associated with the recreational collection of corals; • management objectives and strategies as possible options to address the issue of recreational collection of corals; and • seeks public input on the proposed management objectives and strategies.

Reseeding Of Grazing Gastropods And Bivalves Into The Marine Environment In Western Australia, Jane Borg

Fisheries management papers

The Department of Fisheries does not want to embark on what is ‘new territory’ in Western Australia without a policy framework to define what is to happen, why it is to happen, and what will happen if the project does or does not succeed. This paper therefore attempts to do three things. 1. It sets in place accepted definitions of reseeding and stock enhancement within the general context of fisheries management in Western Australia. 2. It discusses the policy issues associated with reseeding grazing gastropods and bivalves into the natural environment. 3. It proposes a framework or process to be …

The Introduction And Aquaculture Of Non-Endemic Species In Western Australia: The ‘Rotund’ Yabby Cherax Rotundus And The All-Male Hybrid Yabby. A Discussion Paper., Department Of Fisheries

Fisheries management papers

This discussion paper has been prepared to provide information to assist in the assessment of the possible impact of the translocation of Cherax rotundus and allmale hybrid yabbies within Western Australia, for the purposes of commercial aquaculture on private properties. In assessing the translocation of any aquatic species, the economic and social benefits must be balanced with biological and environmental risks.

The Translocation Of Barramundi (Lates Calcarifer) For Aquaculture And Recreational Fishery Enhancement In Western Australia., Tina Thorne

Fisheries management papers

This Management Paper is intended to assist the Executive Director when considering the issuing of authorisations for commercial aquaculture under Section 92 of the Fish Resources Management Act 1994; written approvals or written authorities for the translocation of barramundi under Regulation 176 of the Fish Resources Management Regulations 1995; and in the development of programs for recreational fishery enhancement of barramundi. It is also designed to provide guidance to the aquaculture industry and recreational fishing groups when considering the farming or stocking of barramundi in this State.

Review Of The Western Australian Pilchard Fishery 12 -16 April 1999, K. L. Cochane

Fisheries management papers

A workshop was held on Monday 12 April 1999 at which presentations were made by representatives of Fisheries WA, speakers from other state fisheries agencies and the Western Australian (WA) pilchard industry. This workshop identified some of the key concerns in the assessment and management of the fishery. This report presents the conclusions reached by the reviewer at the end of the process, which were also presented to members of the WA pilchard fishing industry in Albany on Friday 16 April.