In this section:
Finfish Fisheries
The Finfish subprogram conducts biological, ecological and fisheries research, and provides scientific advice to State and Commonwealth Governments on issues related to the ecologically sustainable utilisation of temperate Australia’s finfish resources. Click here to download the Finfish subprogram capability statement (.pdf).
Overview
The Finfish subprogram is led by A/Prof Tim Ward. It includes three research groups: pelagic, demersal and estuarine fishes.
As well as conducting stock assessments, scientists in the Finfish Subprogram pursue external funding and publish papers on the biology and ecology of fisheries species with scientists from research agencies and universities throughout Australia.
The pelagic fishes research group conducts research on the SA Sardine Fishery and Commonwealth Small Pelagic Fishery. The group’s focus is on the fisheries biology and stock assessment of pelagic fishes in temperate Australian waters. Extensive research has been done on the population dynamics and ecology of sardine, blue mackerel, Australian anchovy, blue sprat and whitebait. The group is recognised nationally and internationally as a leader in the application of the Daily Egg Production Method.
Dr Tony Fowler leads the demersal fishes research group, which undertakes research on SA’s complex, multi-species, multi-gear Marine Scale-fish Fishery. The primary focus is on the population dynamics and fisheries biology of King George whiting, snapper, and garfish. Stock assessment and stock status reports are based on fishery-dependent catch/effort data and size/age structure information. For the three primary species, data are integrated using stock assessment models developed by the Fisheries Modelling Subprogram. The group works towards determining the effects on populations and habitats of the harvest strategies of the different sectors of the fishery.
Led by Greg Ferguson, the estuarine fishes research group conducts research on mulloway, yellow-eye mullet, flounder and black bream in SA’s estuaries, especially the Lower Lakes and Coorong. Distinguishing the effects of reduced flows and fishing on stock status has been a recent focus of the group.
Current Research Projects
FRDC funded study of gear interactions with non-target species.
FRDC funded study of movement and stock structure of southern sea garfish.
DAFF funded study of reproductive biology of blue mackerel off southern Queensland
Recent Publications
Ferguson G.J., Ward, T.M. and Geddes, M.C. (2008). Do historical catches and recent age structures of mulloway, Argyrosomus japonicus, reflect freshwater inflows in the remnant estuary of the Murray River, South Australia? Aquatic Living Resources 21, 145-152.
Fowler, A.J., Steer, M.A., Jackson, W.B. and Lloyd, M.T. (2008). Population characteristics of southern sea garfish (Hyporhamphus melanochir, Hemiramphidae) in South Australia. Marine and Freshwater Research 59: 429-443.
T.M. Ward, Rogers, P.J. and McLeay, L.J. (in press) Evaluating the use of the Daily Egg Production Method for stock assessment of blue mackerel, Scomber australasicus Marine Freshwater Research
Contacts
A/Prof Tim Ward, Subprogram Leader (Wild Fisheries) and Leader – Pelagic Fishes
E-mail: tim.ward@sa.gov.au
Dr Tony Fowler, Leader – Demersal fishes
E-mail: anthony.fowler@sa.gov.au
Greg Ferguson, Leader – Estuarine Fishes
Email: greg.ferguson@sa.gov.au
Ph: 08 8207 5400 Fax 08 8207 5481
