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CSIRO Marine and Atmospheric Research
Past Seminars

Seminar Abstract

A progress report on collaborative research into the sustainability of Australia’s Northern sharks and rays

The FRDC funded project Northern Australian sharks and rays: the sustainability of target and bycatch species, phase 2 FRDC 2002/064 started in July 2002 and will finish July 2005. It is a collaboration between WA, NT, Qld and Vic fisheries departments with CMR Cleveland as the Lead Agency. Fishery observers in WA, NT and Qld have completed field work and the Molecular Fisheries Laboratory at QDPI Deception Bay has commenced the population genetics study of two blacktip sharks species. The project and its phase 1 pre-cursor were identified by the Shark Assessment Group and National Plan Of Action-Sharks, as a high priority for national research in order to produce an updated risk assessment for Australian chondrichthyans.

Data collection is almost complete as the project enters its final year of funding. To date, catch data from over 850 shots from gillnetting, long lining, and fish trawling has been collected. Catch data includes biological data from over 11,200 sharks and rays. A summary of previously updated biological data and the major issues arising to date, including the capture of critically endangered sharks (Glyphis) and sawfish as well a shift towards long lining for large sharks, will be presented. The risk assessment output from this project will contribute significantly to future nominations for protected species status of these and other Elasmobranchs in Australia as well to the management of shark fisheries in northern Australia.

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CSIRO = Marine Laboratories Auditorium, Castray Esplanade, Hobart

For further information, or to schedule a seminar, contact:
Peter Oke, (Oceanographic seminars) CSIRO Marine Research (03) 6232 5387
Keith Hayes, (Biological seminars) CSIRO Marine Research (03) 6232 5298
Katrina Nitschke, Antarctic Climate and Ecosystems CRC (03) 6226 2265 & IASOS, University of Tasmania (03) 6226 2509