NESP MaC Project 3.16 - Delineation and estimation of the Maugean skate population in Macquarie Harbour, Tasmania

Research Project

Researchers: Semmens, Jayson (Point of contact, principalInvestigator, Principal investigator) ,  Semmens, Jayson (Point of contact, principalInvestigator, Principal investigator) ,  Semmens, Jayson, Dr (Point of contact, principalInvestigator, Principal investigator) ,  Semmens, Jayson, Dr (Point of contact, principalInvestigator, Principal investigator) ,  Emma Flukes (Point of contact)
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Brief description This record provides an overview of the NESP Marine and Coastal Hub Research Plan 2023 project "Delineation and estimation of the Maugean skate population in Macquarie Harbour, Tasmania". For specific data outputs from this project, please see child records associated with this metadata. -------------------- The endangered Maugean skate is now only found in Macquarie Harbour, which has a long history of environmental degradation, and recent research suggests that the population may be declining. However, our current abundance estimation tools are inadequate to determine population status and a new method is needed. This project will use next generation genetic sequencing and novel imaging survey tools to delineate and estimate the size of the Macquarie Harbour Maugean skate population to inform conservation strategies. There is also a need to investigate the evolutionary potential of the Maugean skate to adapt to the changing environmental conditions. This research will address these needs by examining the skate's genetic diversity and fine-scale population structure using whole genome typing, and developing a high-resolution dataset of genome-wide single nucleotide polymorphisms. This genetic approach will help inform adaptive management strategies, such as captive breeding, and enhance our ability to detect differentiated lineages with adaptive potential. Outputs • Tissue sampling results and genome-wide population genetic structure [dataset] • Adaptive resolution imaging sonar (ARIS) and lidar water column scanning [dataset] • Final project report [written]

Lineage Maintenance and Update Frequency: asNeeded

Notes Credit
National Environmental Science Program (NESP) Marine and Coastal Hub

Notes Credit
Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW), Australian Government

Notes Credit
In addition to NESP (DCCEEW) funding, this project is matched by an equivalent amount of in-kind support and co-investment from project partners and collaborators.

Notes Purpose
To develop a routine, cost-effective population survey tool, and assess the size of the Macquarie Harbour Maugean skate population.

Data time period: 2023-01-16 to 2024-12-15

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