A Long-Term Approach To Fish Monitoring

27 March, 2003

The latest information about fisheries long-term monitoring projects in Queensland is now available as either full-colour fact sheets or online from the Department of Primary Industries Fishweb site.

The Queensland Fisheries Service (QFS) has released the information sheets together with a revamped Long-Term Monitoring Program (LMTP) web site to highlight fish monitoring activities throughout the State.

The program was established in 1999 with teams based in Cairns and Deception Bay to collect information from all over Queensland about the status of fish stocks and key habitats as well as monitor major fishery species over a long period.

Barramundi, mud crabs and freshwater fish are monitored throughout Queensland.

Mullet, tailor, saucer scallops and spanner crabs are monitored in the south, and reef fish and Spanish mackerel in the north.

Each four-page information sheet details a different aspect of the program and they are available from the DPI Northern Fisheries Centre, Cairns, and the Southern Fisheries Centre, Deception Bay or by calling the DPI Call Centre on 13 25 23.

The information series along with further LMTP details can also be accessed through the new look web site at www.dpi.qld.gov.au/fisheriesmonitoringprogram/

QFS principal fisheries scientist Malcolm Dunning said it was important for people to realise the program’s importance for monitoring the condition of Queensland fish, prawn and crab populations and determine if changes were occurring over time.

Dr Dunning said the information was used to assess the effectiveness of fisheries management strategies and contributed to ensuring the State’s fisheries remained sustainable.

“Fisheries researchers spend many hours every year on the water collecting valuable information using hi-tech monitoring tools such as electrofishing and other traditional monitoring methods,” he said.

“The information collected by the LTMP is linked with data from commercial fishers logbooks, recreational fishers’ diaries, previous and ongoing research and used in stock assessment models that explain how and why changes occur in Queensland’s fisheries resources.”

Department of Primary Industries Media Unit
GPO Box 46 Brisbane Qld 4001 Ph 07 3239 6380
DPI Call Centre 13 25 23 (weekdays 8 am to 6 pm)

Further information: Malcolm Dunning 3224 2193
Sue Helmke North Queensland Coordinator 4035 0100
Eddie Jebreen Southern Queensland Coordinator 3817 9592
Communications Officer: Liz Smith 3224 7757

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