Publication Date

3-2009

Series Number

187

Publisher

Department of Fisheries, Western Australia

City

Perth

ISBN

1 921258 41 1

ISSN

1035 - 4549

Abstract

Final FRDC Report – Project Number 2004/051

Objectives

1. To identify species that aggregate to spawn within the WCB and to describe (e.g. location, size, timing, nature) the aggregations of key demersal species such as pink snapper and dhufish.

2. To investigate the biology, ecology and fishery for Samson fish with emphasis on the sports fishery targeting deep water spawning aggregations west of Rottnest Island.

3. To establish methods and protocols for monitoring fish aggregations within the WCB.

4. To review relevant information and provide advice on the impact of aggregation fishing and the management of aggregating fish species in WA (with specific advice for key species within the WCB).

Outcomes achieved to date

• Increased understanding and appreciation of the ecological and fisheries importance of fish spawning aggregations. This study highlighted the need to properly consider spawning behaviour when managing the impact of fishing activity, and has made fishers and the public much more appreciative of fish in their natural environment.

• Increased awareness of the tools available for studying and monitoring fish species. In particular, this study has highlighted the need to match the tool to the budget, species ecology, and habitat. It provides an objective overview of the pros and cons of each tool as well as demonstrating new applications for them. The information gained during this study has since been incorporated into subsequent monitoring studies undertaken by the DoFWA, and enabled more critical review of other studies.

• ‘Samson Science’ – a highly successful research collaboration between research scientists and recreational fishers. This widely acclaimed partnership involved a large number of well-trained anglers in a study focussed on Samson fish. It stands as a positive example of the benefits that can be gained through proper commitment to community involvement. The high level of collaboration between research scientists and fishers also extended into other areas of the study, including documentation of fisher knowledge about aggregating fish, provision of ‘secret’ locations for scientific sampling, and technical know-how to resolve various problems encountered by scientists when using the various equipment.

• Greater collaboration between research bodies within Western Australia. The level of cooperation between the DoFWA and Curtin and Murdoch Universities has been outstanding with plans for further collaboration being discussed. The study has highlighted the advantages of combining specific skills for greater mutual benefits.

• Specific information used in new management plans for West Coast Demersal scalefish species. This study overlapped with key stock structure and stock assessment studies by the DoFWA on dhufish and pink snapper. The information, techniques and social networks gained during this study were of considerable use in the completion of these associated studies.

• Development of a broad range and depth of scientific expertise. Given the formidable task of using high-tech equipment and computer software to gather information about very elusive fish aggregations, this study presented steep learning curves for the two PhD students and numerous staff that were involved. The skills, equipment and programmes developed as a consequence of this research are of significant value to the agencies involved in the study and as a reference tool to others with researchers.

• Development of protocols for the Samson fish sportsfishery. Based on detailed review of the fish and fishery, anecdotal evidence and experimental assessment, a handy ‘how to’ guide aimed at maximising survivorship of released Samson fish was produced. This was of significance given the fact that concern over the impact of this sportsfishery was the initial driver for the broader study, and also because of the growing concern over fish welfare. A number of journal and gray literature articles as well as seminars and TV documentaries have also resulted from this study.

Number of Pages

243

Keywords

Department of Primary Industries and Trade, Spawning aggregation, West Coast Bioregion, Western Australia, acoustics, underwater video, dhufish, pink snapper, Samson fish, mulloway, fisheries management, recreational fishing

Disciplines

Aquaculture and Fisheries | Natural Resources Management and Policy

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