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Research reports
R01/1345 - Stock survey and sustainable strategies for Torres
Strait beche-de-mer
The Torres Strait beche-de-mer fishery has become an important source of income
for Torres Strait islanders with catches averaging about 80t per year since
1996 with a landed value of approximately $250,000 per year being returned mainly
to local island villagers. In recent years, there has been some evidence of
at least local depletion of the east Torres Strait fishery, indicating an urgent
need for research to formulate sustainable management measures. Also, the sandfish
fishery, which has been closed for four years, required reassessment.
Based on the research outputs, we formulated a range of management recommendations
for the fishery that will enhance the fisheries long-term sustainability and
increase average yields. Several species that are overexploited or nearing overexploited
state are now protected. This should result in a more rapid stock recovery to
a point when they can be re-opened to fishing. The recommendations of the research
have been accepted and implemented by the relevant management agencies. Future
surveys of Warrior Reef in early 2004 and a survey of the east Torres Strait
fishery in early 2005 are planned to track the performance of the new management
strategies, assess the recovery of depleted populations, and formulate new management
recommendations for the sustainable exploitation of this important fishery.
Objectives:
- Produce stock size estimates and distribution data, and assess the fishery
status for each population of beche-de-mer in Torres Strait including the
recovery of the sandfish fishery.
- Recommend suitable management and monitoring strategies for the sustainable
use of beche-de-mer in Torres Strait.
- Map important habitat variables, especially those relevant to fishery production.
| Type |
Title |
Size |
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R01/1345 Part 1
Includes cover page, table of contents, executive summary, introduction,
methods and results |
856kb |
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R01/1345 Part 2
Includes discussion, benefits, further development, achievement of outcomes,
conclusions, recommendations, references, appendices 1 to 4 |
609kb |
Page last updated
28 April, 2005
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