NESP MB Project A8 - Exploring the status of Western Australia’s sea snakes

Research Project

Researchers: Heupel, Michelle, Dr (Principal investigator) ,  Heupel, Michelle, Dr (Principal investigator) ,  Emma Flukes (Point of contact) ,  Emma Flukes (Point of contact)

Brief description This record provides an overview of the scope and research output of NESP Marine Biodiversity Hub Project A8 - "Exploring the status of Western Australia’s sea snakes". For specific data outputs from this project, please see child records associated with this metadata. -------------------- All sea snakes are listed marine species under the EPBC Act and three Australian endemic species are listed as Critically Endangered or Endangered, and as such are a national conservation priority. This project examines existing data from the northwest marine region to define sea snake relative abundance and distribution patterns, including within CMRs, to refine species status. Synthesis of existing data will be useful to DOE, DPaW, Parks Australia and others. This analysis will help establish baseline data, guide future research, define abundance in and use of CMRs and refine EPBC listings and recovery plans. Planned Outputs • A report outlining the presence and relative abundance of sea snakes in northwestern Australia with a focus on reef and shoal habitats including identification of BIAs or key habitats where possible. Research and management priorities will be highlighted. • Presentation of results to key stakeholders and end users • Presentation of recommendations at scientific conferences • Communication of findings to the broader community via social media

Lineage Maintenance and Update Frequency: asNeeded

Notes Credit
Michelle Heupel (AIMS)

Notes Credit
National Environmental Science Program (NESP) Marine Biodiversity Hub

Notes Credit
Department of the Environment and Energy, Australian Government

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

Notes Purpose
This project will take advantage of already collected data to define the species range and distribution of key sea snake species in the northwest marine region. These data will also be used to examine relative abundance between habitats and identify any habitat preferences or association (where possible) to help refine the status of these listed species. This approach will provide a significant advance on the current state of knowledge and provide guidance for future research and management requirements for these species. Project outcomes will include exploration of data gaps and potential expansion of genetic stock structure analysis as well as confirmation of species identification and distribution.

Data time period: 2016-02-01 to 2016-12-31

155.91797,-10.34742 155.91797,-44.80054 110.74219,-44.80054 110.74219,-10.34742 155.91797,-10.34742

133.330078125,-27.573980775455

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