Projects
Key projects from 2024 onwards are presented here. My previous work is available on the publications page
Northern Territory Sandfish Stock Assessment and Harvest Strategy
Northern Territory Fisheries
Stock assessment models were developed in Stock Synthesis for two stocks of Sandfish (Holothuria scabra) in the Northern Territory. An updated harvest strategy was developed with biologically appropriate reference points and performance indicators. This project is supporting an application for MSC accreditation for the NT Trepang Fishery.
Black Jewfish Stock Assessment
Northern Territory Fisheries
Working with NT scientists to develop and deliver the first integrated stock assessment model for Black Jewfish in the Greater Darwin Region. The model was built using Stock Synthesis with detailed spatial structure explorations. Data-limited stock assessment methods were applied to other stocks that included catchMSY and Stock Reduction Analysis.
Queensland Sea Cucumber Fishery MSE
Fisheries Queensland
Management Strategy Evaluation for the Queensland Sea Cucumber Fishery. Examined the efficacy of current management arrangements in a complex multi-species and multi-zone fishery in the GBR. Evaluated the performance of different management strategies including the success of rotational spatial closures for 158 reef zones. Analyses performed for 18 species using the openMSE framework and software. This work supported a WTO non-detriment finding allowing the continuation of fishery exports.
Torres Strait Tropical Rock Lobster CPUE standardisation & stock assessment modelling
Fishwell Consulting & PZJA
Applying CPUE standardisation methods to the Transferable Vessel Holder (TVH) and Traditional Inhabitant Boat (TIB) sectors of the Torres Strait Tropical Rock Lobster Fishery for application in the annual empirical harvest control rule (eHCR) calculations. Work presented at Protected Zone Joint Authority (PZJA) TRL Resource Assessment Group (TRLRAG) annually. Stock assessment modelling will occur in later project years.
Prickly Redfish and Curryfish Stock Assessment
Fisheries Queensland
Stock assessment models developed for three sea cucumber species using two frameworks: 1) Stock Synthesis, and 2) DDUST (Delay Difference model). Key data inputs included recent absolute biomass surveys conducted across the GBR. Methods were developed that could be applied to other sea cucumber species with similar survey data. This work supported a WTO non-detriment finding allowing the continuation of fishery exports.
Black Marlin – CPUE Standardisation & Environmental Drivers of Abundance
Pepperell Research & Consulting
Black Marlin catch and effort recorded by charter boat fishers was analysed to create a standardised index of abundance over a 50 year period. Environmental data at fine spatial scales was accessed from available databases and used to model environmental effects on catch rates.
Northern Territory Sea Cucumber CPUE standardisation & stock assessment scoping
Fishwell Consulting & Tasmanian Seafoods
Northern Territory Trepang (Sandfish, Holothuria scabra) CPUE standardisation to determine the possibility of localised depletion occurring within spatial management. Additional scoping work conducted to determine stock assessment modelling options. Results used to update stock status determination in Status of Australian Fish Stocks (SAFS) reporting.
Burrowing Blackfish Stock Assessment
Fisheries Queensland
Stock assessment models developed for three stocks of burrowing blackfish on the GBR using two frameworks: 1) Stock Synthesis, and 2) DDUST (Delay Difference model). Key data inputs included recent absolute biomass surveys conducted for each stock. Methods were developed that could be applied to other sea cucumber species with similar survey data. This work supported a WTO non-detriment finding allowing the continuation of fishery exports.