NESP MaC Project 3.12 – Closing the gap in bycatch reporting and population assessment of sea snakes in Northern Australia, 2023-2026 (UA, AIMS)

Research Project

Researchers: Kate Sanders (Principal investigator) ,  Vinay Udyawer (Principal investigator) ,  Lawrey, Eric, Dr. (Point of contact) ,  Wolfe, Kennedy (Dr) (Point of contact) ,  eAtlas Data Manager (Point of contact)
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Brief description This record provides an overview of the NESP Marine and Coastal Hub study - Project 3.12 – Closing the gap in bycatch reporting and population assessment of sea snakes in Northern Australia". For specific data outputs from this project, please see child records associated with this metadata. Venomous sea snakes comprise a significant component of the bycatch of coastal trawl and trap fisheries across northern Australia. Safety concerns and difficulties in species identification by crew members mean that most sea snake interactions are inaccurately reported. By partnering with commercial operators and fisheries agencies, this project will develop an observer program to train crew members, enabling: i) improved safety, accuracy, and consistency of sea snake bycatch reporting, ii) generation of broadscale data to assess species- and fisheries-specific population status for at least 20 species of sea snakes, two of which are EPBC-listed as critically endangered, and iii) the reduction in disparity between fishery and fishery independent reporting of sea snake bycatch. Planned Outputs • Spatial maps of species distribution [spatial dataset] • Key life history data (reproductive output, growth rates, population diversity and connectivity) [tabular dataset] • Training materials for sea snake identification, safe handling and bite first aid [written and visual material] • Final technical report with analysed data and a short summary of recommendations for policy makers of key findings [written]

Notes Credit
Kate Sanders (UA), Vinay Udyawer (AIMS), Mathew Hourston (DPIRD), James Nankivell (UA)

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
Project aims and objectives: • Increased accuracy and consistency of industry reported sea snake bycatch data, evidenced by a closer alignment between fishery and fishery-independent survey data • Collection of sea snake interaction data in fisheries where previous reporting has not been conducted (i.e., Pilbara fish trap and trawl sectors, which overlap the ranges of two critically endangered-listed species) • Improved safety standards of crew members interacting with sea snakes (including use of personal protective equipment, handling practices, knowledge of proper snake bite first aid). • Collection of critical spatial distribution, life-history information and population data for at least 20 species of sea snakes across northern Australia. This is beyond the scope of traditional research surveys and will contribute to ecological risk assessments (DPIRD) and assessments of conservation threats and status (DCCEEW). • Capacity for fisheries and environmental agencies to continue sea snake observer programs beyond the life of the project, via the development of training resources (ppt presentations, printed/online guides to species identification and bite first aid) and data analysis pipelines. • Final report detailing the methods used and resulting spatial distribution, life-history and population data obtained through the project

Data time period: 2023-02-01 to 2026-02-06

-27.16845,86 -16.6496,86

-21.909021426002,90