Student & Project Details

Modelling the impact of multiple harvest strategies in the Eastern Torres Strait (ETS) Reef Line Fishery (T 1.8).

Ms Sara Busilacchi (CRC Reef Research Centre and James Cook University )

The proposed research project, which is complimentary to the task on evaluating the Eastern Torres Strait (ETS) reef line fishery proposed by Dr Gavin Begg, focuses on modelling the impacts of a multi-sector fishery, such as the ETS reef line fishery. While the present research will focus on monitoring and characterising the traditional fishing practises, Dr Gavin Begg will investigate and characterise the commercial sectors, along with the biological parameters of the major reef fish species important for the commercial sectors. This research is prompted by concerns that demersal finfish resources in the Torres Strait are decreasing and the necessity of resolving ever-increasing resource allocation and sustainable utilisation issues. Non Islander and Islander commercial and traditional fishing sectors are all involved in harvesting demersal reef fish in the ETS, even though little is known about this fishery or how the different sectors affect the natural resources in the region. The overall aim of this research is to assess whether the different fishing sectors can co-exist, while maintaining sustainable finfish population levels for the well being of the Islander people, both from an economic and traditional perspective. The expected outcomes of the project are an evaluation of the current management strategies for this fishery, and the assessment of alternative management and allocation strategies, with particular regard for the concerns of the Torres Strait Islanders. This will enable the management agencies and the Torres Strait communities to approach future management decisions from a more informed basis about past and present traditional harvesting strategies.

For more information please contact: sara.busilacchi@jcu.edu.au

An information base for a sustainable traditional fishery of green turtles and dugongs in the Northern Peninsula Area (NPA) and Inner Islands of Torres Strait.

MS Jillian Grayson (CRC Reef and James Cook University )

The fisheries for turtles , and dugongs are listed as Article 22 fisheries under the Torres Strait Treaty. While there is some information on dugong population abundance and dynamics in Torres Strait , there are few comparable data on the population biology of the six species of sea turtle that occur in this region. The Indigenous fishery is predominantly for green turtles, Chelonia mydas. The harvest of turtle eggs in Torres Strait involves the eggs of several species, including the hawksbill turtle that is listed as a critically endangered species by the IUCN. This harvest has not been quantified.

Catch monitoring for both dugongs and sea turtles has concentrated in the Torres Strait Protected Zone. Concerns about the sustainability of catch rates in Torres Strait and over harvesting in neighbouring countries have established an urgent need to develop management strategies for green turtles and dugong throughout the Torres Strait region including the Inner Islands and the Northern Peninsula Area.

This project will quantify the take of turtles and dugongs by four of the communities in the Inner Islands of Torres Strait and the Northern Peninsula Area. Information on catch rates, the composition and selectivity of catches and the major biological, environmental, social, cultural and economic factors that affect the pattern of hunting and harvest levels will be collected to assist community-based management and monitoring.

For more information please contact: jillian.grayson@jcu.edu.au

As an education opportunity for indigenous involvement in marine ecosystem monitoring a community based monitoring program (Seagrass-Watch) will be developed as a partnership between government and Torres Strait communities to monitor trends in seagrass habitats.