NESP MB Project A1 - Northern Australian hotspots for the recovery of threatened euryhaline species, 2015-2017 (CDU)

Research Project

Researchers: Peter Kyne (Principal investigator, Principal or Chief Investigator) , David Morgan (Co-investigator or Collaborator) , Grant Johnson (Co-investigator or Collaborator) , Jeff Whitty (Co-investigator or Collaborator) , Mark Bravington (Co-investigator or Collaborator)
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Full description Euryhaline elasmobranchs represent over half of the EPBC-listed threatened sharks and rays, with northern Australia of national importance for this threatened species community. Critical information gaps related to population status, movement, mortality, habitat use and life history have constrained implementation of recovery objectives. The project used acoustic telemetry, molecular research, life history studies, Indigenous knowledge and education to improve understanding of threatened euryhaline sharks and rays across northern Australian rivers and estuaries. Research activities included monitoring tagged animals to estimate movement patterns, habitat use and mortality; collecting tissue samples to investigate population structure and support close-kin mark-recapture analysis; and synthesising existing Marine Biodiversity Hub research to identify biologically important areas and recovery priorities. The project was undertaken in partnership with Indigenous organisations, communities and ranger groups to support sawfish monitoring, cultural knowledge sharing and education. The project provided information to support management, recovery planning and reassessment of river shark conservation status for Australian Government, state and territory agencies, fisheries managers, and northern Indigenous organisations.

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