Research Grant
[Cite as https://purl.org/au-research/grants/nesp/mb/a1]Researchers: Peter Kyne (Principal investigator)
Brief 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 remain, limiting the implementation of Recovery Plan objectives. This project will fill many data gaps through the application of acoustic telemetry, traditional and advanced molecular research (population genetics and close-kin mark-recapture), life history studies and Indigenous knowledge and education. End-users will be provided with information necessary to improve management and facilitate recovery of these threatened species, focusing on three themes: (1) Monitoring and understanding euryhaline species; (2) Indigenous partnerships for management of euryhaline species, and; (3) Knowledge for the reassessment of river shark status.
Planned Outputs
• EPBC status reassessment for river sharks
• Manuscripts on ecology and status relevant to the management of threatened euryhaline species
• Manuscripts on optimal design of acoustic receiver arrays and statistical methods for estimating mortality
• Threatened marine species education package for Indigenous communities
• Media releases around key field and engagement activities, such as the first threatened marine species survey of the western Northern Territory coastline
• Data and information outputs of this project will include distribution, extent of occurrence and area of occupancy estimates for key marine species, Indigenous knowledge on key species distribution and occurrence, mortality and survivorship data on key species, the first data on river shark age determination (an essential component of understanding demography), molecular data on population structure and population connectivity of key species, and lower population size estimate for Glyphis garricki. Data will be housed on appropriate explorable databases and made fully available to DoE.
Notes In addition to the NESP funding, this project is matched by an equivalent amount of in-kind support and co-investment from project partners and collaborators.
