Annual Report of the East African Agricultural and Fisheries Research Council 1958

The annual report present activities carried out by the different organizations that make up the East African Agricultural & Fisheries Research Council which covers reports from the following Organisations: I. Report of the East African Agriculture and Forestry Research Organization 2. Report of the East African Fishery Research Organization 3. Report of the East African Marine Fisheries Research Organization 4. Report of the East African Trypanosomiasis Research Organization 5. Report of the East African Veterinary Research Organization The activities reported are for the period 1958

Annual Report of the East African Agricultural and Fisheries Research Council 1954-55

The annual report present activities carried out by the different organizations that make up the East African Agricultural & Fisheries Research Council which included: 1. Report of the East African Agriculture & Forestry Research Organization 2. Report of the East African Veterinary Research Organization 3. Report of the East African Fishery Research Organization 4. Report of the East African Marine Fisheries Research Organization The activities reported are for the period 1954-55.

Annual Report of the East African Agricultural and Fisheries Research Council 1955-56

The annual report present activities carried out by the different organizations that make up the East African Agricultural & Fisheries Research Council which included: 1. Report of the East African Agriculture & Forestry Research Organization 2. Report of the East African Veterinary Research Organization 3. Report of the East African Fishery Research Organization 4. Report of the East African Marine Fisheries Research Organization and 5. Report of the East African Trypanosomiasis Research Organisation. The activities reported are for the period 1955-56.

Annual Report of the East African Agricultural and Fisheries Research Council 1956-57

The annual report present activities carried out by the different organizations that make up the East African Agricultural & Fisheries Research Council which covers reports from the following Organisations: I. Report of the East African Agriculture and Forestry Research Organization 2. Report of the East African Fishery Research Organization 3. Report of the East African Marine Fisheries Research Organization 4. Report of the East African Trypanosomiasis Research Organization and 5. Report of the East African Veterinary Research Organization The activities reported are for the period 1956-57

Cooperative fishery unit report.

1968/69 report covers Jan. 1968-June 1969; 1969/70-1972/73 reports cover academic year.

Gulf of Carpentaria Developmental Finfish Trawl Fishery : Maximum Sustainable Yield

The Gulf of Carpentaria Finfish Trawl Fishery operates under developmental permits and harvests five main tropical snapper species. The fishery operates in eastern Gulf of Carpentaria waters and is managed by Fisheries Queensland on behalf of the Queensland Fishery Joint Authority. For the years 2004–2014, the fishery Total Allowable Commercial Catch (TACC) was fixed at 1250 t and substantially under-filled. In 2011 new stock analyses were published for the fishery. Results were presented to industry including the estimated equilibrium maximum sustainable yield (MSY) of 450 t for east Gulf of Carpentaria waters. The MSY value represented the maximum average combined species harvest that can be taken long-term; combining MSY harvests of the five main species. For the 2015 calendar year, a revised 450 t harvest quota was set for Crimson Snapper, Saddletail Snapper, Red Emperor and other Emperor species; plus a tonnage allowance for other permitted species. The revised quota tonnage represented a considerable reduction from the 1250 t set in previous years. Industry raised questions about not understanding how the MSY was arrived at and why it was less than early 1990s yield estimates. The purpose of this report is to explain the MSY estimates for east Gulf of Carpentaria waters. The 450 t MSY represents at present the best estimate available and is consistent with pre-2011 estimates.

Reproductive parameters of rhinobatid and urolophid batoids taken as by-catch in the Queensland (Australia) east coast otter-trawl fishery

Reproductive variables are provided for batoids regularly taken as by-catch in the east coast otter-trawl fishery on the inner-mid continental shelf off the south-east and central coasts of Queensland, Australia. Total length at maturity (LT50 and 95% c.i.) for the eastern shovelnose ray Aptychotrema rostrata was 639·5 mm (617·6–663·4 mm) for females and 597·3 mm (551·4–648·6 mm) for males. Litter size (n = 9) ranged from nine to 20 (mean ± s.e. = 15·1 ± 1·2). This species exhibited a positive litter size–maternal size relationship. Disc width at maturity (WD50 and 95% c.i.) for the common stingaree Trygonoptera testacea was 162·7 mm (155·8–168·5 mm) for females and 145·9 mm (140·2–150·2 mm) for males. Gravid T. testacea (n = 6) each carried a single egg in the one functional (left) uterus. Disc width at maturity (WD50 and 95% c.i.) for the Kapala stingaree Urolophus kapalensis was 153·7 mm (145·1–160·4 mm) for females and 155·2 mm (149·1–159·1 mm) for males. Gravid U. kapalensis (n = 16) each carried a single egg or embryo in the one functional (left) uterus. A single female yellowback stingaree Urolophus sufflavus carried an embryo in each uterus. A global review of the litter sizes of shovelnose rays (Rhinobatidae) and stingarees (Urolophidae) is provided.

Stout Whiting Fishery Summary : Commercial Quota Setting for 2017

This fishery assessment report describes the commercial stout whiting fishery operation along Australia’s east coast between Sandy Cape and the Queensland-New South Wales border. The fishery is identified by a T4 symbol. This study follows methods applied in (O'Neill & Leigh, 2016a) and extends the results of that study by using the latest data available up to end of March 2016. The fishery statistics reported herein are for fishing years 1991 to 2016. This study analysed stout whiting catch rates from both Queensland and New South Wales (NSW) for all vessels, areas and fishing gears. The 2016 catch rate index from Queensland and NSW waters was 0.86. This means that the 2016 catch rate index was 86% of the mean standardised catch rate. Results showed that there was a stable trend in catch rates from 2012 to 2016, as in the previous study (O'Neill & Leigh, 2016a), with the 2015 and 2014 catch rates 85% of the mean catch rate. The fish-length frequency and age-length-otolith data were translated using two models which showed: • Where patterns of fish age-abundance were estimated from the fish-length frequency and age-length data, there were slightly decreased estimated measures of fish survival at 38% for 2014, compared to fish survival estimates in 2013 at 40%. The 2014 and 2015 estimated age structure was dominated by 1+ and 2+ old fished, with a slightly higher frequency of age 2 - 3 fish for 2015. • Where only the age-length data were used, estimates showed that from 2011 to 2014 the survival index increased. The estimated survival index increased from 35% in 2013 to 64% in 2014, indicating stronger survival of fish as they recruited and aged. Together the stout whiting catch rate and survival indicators showed the recent fishery harvests were sustainable. Since 1997, T4 management (Stout Whiting Fishery) is centred on annual assessments of total allowable commercial catch (TACC). The TACC is assessed before the start of each fishing year using statistical assessment methodologies, namely evaluation of trends in fish catch rates and catch-at-age frequencies measured against management reference points. The TACC has been under-caught in many years. For setting the 2017 T4 stout whiting TACC, the calculations covered a range of settings to account for the variance in the data and provide options for quota change. The overall (averaged) results suggested: • The procedure where the quota was adjusted based on previous TACC setting in year 2016 gave a recommended TACC for 2017 of between 1100 and 1130 t. • The procedure that focussed directly on optimising the average harvest to match target reference points gave a recommended TACC for 2017 of between 860 and 890 t. Use of these estimates to set TACC will depend on management and industry aims for the fishery.

Stout Whiting Fishery Summary : Queensland Total Allowable Catch for 2016

In Queensland, stout whiting are fished by Danish seine and fish otter-trawl methods between Sandy Cape and the Queensland-New South Wales border. The fishery is currently identified by a T4 symbol and is operated by two primary quota holders. Since 1997, T4 management has been informed by annual stock assessments in order to determine a total allowable commercial catch (TACC) quota. The TACC is assessed before the start of each fishing year using statistical methodologies. This includes evaluation of trends in fish catch-rates and catch-at-age frequencies against management reference points. The T4 stout whiting TACC for 2014 was adjusted down to 1150 t as a result of elevated estimates of fishing mortality and remained unchanged in 2015 (2013 TACC = 1350 t quota). Two T4 vessels fished for stout whiting in the 2015 fishing year, harvesting 663 t from Queensland waters. Annual T4 landings of stout whiting averaged about 713 t for the fishing years 2013–2015, with a maximum harvest in the last 10 fishing years of 1140 t and a maximum historical harvest of 2400 t in the 1995. Stout whiting catch rates from both Queensland and New South Wales were analysed for all vessels, areas and fishing gears. The 2015 catch rate index was equal to 0.85, down 15% compared to the 2010–2015 fishing year average (reference point =1). The stout whiting fish length and otolith weight frequencies indicated larger and older fish in the calendar year 2014. This data was translated to show improved measures of fish survival at about 38% per year and near the reference point of about 41%. Together, the stout whiting catch rate and survival indicators show the fishery was sustainable. Earlier population modelling conducted for the year 2013 also suggested the stock was sustainable, but the estimate was only marginally above the biomass for maximum sustainable yield. Irrespective, reasons for reduced catch rates should be examined further and interpreted with precaution, particularly given the TACC has been under-caught in many years. For setting of the 2016 TACC, alternate analyses and reference points were compared to address data uncertainties and provide options for quota change. The results were dependent on the stock indicator and harvest procedure used. Uncertainty in all TACC estimates should be considered as they were sensitive to the data inputs and assumptions. For the 2016 T4 fishing year, upper levels of harvest should be limited to 1000–1100 t following procedure equation 1, with target levels of harvest at 750–850 t for procedure equation 2. Use of these estimates to set TACC will depend on management and industry intentions.

Assessment of a data-limited, multi-species shark fishery in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park and south-east Queensland

The status of five species of commercially exploited sharks within the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park (GBRMP) and south-east Queensland was assessed using a data-limited approach. Annual harvest rate, U, estimated empirically from tagging between 2011 and 2013, was compared with an analytically-derived proxy for optimal equilibrium harvest rate, UMSY Lim. Median estimates of U for three principal retained species, Australian blacktip shark, Carcharhinus tilstoni, spot-tail shark, Carcharhinus sorrah, and spinner shark, Carcharhinus brevipinna, were 0.10, 0.06 and 0.07 year-1, respectively. Median U for two retained, non-target species, pigeye shark, Carcharhinus amboinensis and Australian sharpnose shark, Rhizoprionodon taylori, were 0.27 and 0.01 year-1, respectively. For all species except the Australian blacktip the median ratio of U/UMSY Lim was <1. The high vulnerability of this species to fishing combined with life history characteristics meant UMSY Lim was low (0.04-0.07 year-1) and that U/UMSY Lim was likely to be > 1. Harvest of the Australian blacktip shark above UMSY could place this species at a greater risk of localised depletion in parts of the GBRMP. Results of the study indicated that much higher catches, and presumably higher U, during the early 2000s were likely unsustainable. The unexpectedly high level of U on the pigeye shark indicated that output-based management controls may not have been effective in reducing harvest levels on all species, particularly those caught incidentally by other fishing sectors including the recreational sector. © 2016 Elsevier B.V.

Impact of reducing investment disincentives on the sustainability of the Moreton Bay prawn trawl fishery

The Moreton Bay prawn trawl fishery is one of Queensland’s oldest commercial fisheries, but is currently economically unsustainable. The fishery is characterized by a mix of large and small vessels, with the small vessels facing different licensing and boat replacement restrictions to the large. Industry have proposed the removal of the current two-for-one boat replacement policy that affects the smaller vessels to encourage investment and replacement by larger vessels, although there is concern by managers about the impact of this on total fishing effort and sustainability of the stocks, despite the existence of a total cap in vessel capacity units. We estimate the impact of removing the boat replacement policy for the smaller vessels on fleet performance and total fishing effort, and find that removing the boat replacement policy is unlikely to result in a substantial increase in fishing effort due to the existence of a vessel unitization scheme.

Pleopod Cuticular Morphology as an Index of Moult Stage in the Ornate Rock Lobster, Panulirus ornatus (Fabricius 1789)

Seven discrete stages and substages of moulting in the ornate rock lobster, Panulirus ornatus, have been distinguished by microscopic examination of the cuticle and setae of the pleopods . The diagnostic features and the duration of each of the stages are described. Freezing did not visually alter the tissue features used to identify each moult stage. Pleopod morphology can reliably indicate whether a lobster has moulted within the previous 24 h or is within 72 h of the next ecdysis.

Analysis of recreational fish catches – dealing with highly skewed distributions with many zeros

Data from surveys of recreational anglers fishing on three estuaries in eastern Australia reveal highly skewed distributions of catches with many zeros. Such data may be analysed using a two component approach involving a binary (zero/non-zero catch) response and the non-zero catches. A truncated regression model was effective in analysing the non-zero catches. Covariates were incorporated in the modelling, and their critical assessment has led to improved measures of fishing effort for this recreational fishery.

Pronounced genetic population structure in a potentially vagile fish species (Pristipomoides multidens, Teleostei; Perciformes; Lutjanidae) from the East Indies triangle

The East Indies triangle, bordered by the Phillipines, Malay Peninsula and New Guinea, has a high level of tropical marine species biodiversity. Pristipomoides multidens is a large, long-lived, fecund snapper species that is distributed throughout the East Indies and Indo-Pacific. Samples were analysed from central and eastern Indonesia and northern Australia to test for genetic discontinuities in population structure. Fish (n = 377) were collected from the Indonesian islands of Bali, Sumbawa, Flores, West Timor, Tanimbar and Tual along with 131 fish from two northern Australian locations (Arafura and Timor Seas) from a previous study. Genetic variation in the control region of the mitochondrial genome was assayed using restriction fragment length polymorphism and direct sequencing. Haplotype diversity was high (0.67-0.82), as was intraspecific sequence divergence (range 0-5.8%). FST between pairs of populations ranged from 0 to 0.2753. Genetic subdivision was apparent on a small spatial scale; FST was 0.16 over 191 km (Bali/Sumbawa) and 0.17 over 491 km (Bali/Flores). Constraints to dispersal that contribute to, and maintain, the observed degree of genetic subdivision are experienced presumably by all life history stages of this tropical marine finfish. The constraints may include (1) little or no movement of eggs or larvae, (2) little or no home range or migratory movement of adults and (3) loss of larval cohorts due to transport of larvae away from suitable habitat by prevailing currents

Quantitative assessment of total and Gram-positive aerobic bacteria in fresh and ambient-temperature-stored sub-tropical marine fish

The current study was undertaken to enumerate Gram-positive bacteria in fresh sub-tropical marine fish and determine the effect of ambient storage (25°C) on the Gram-positive bacterial count. Total and Gram-positive bacteria were enumerated in the muscles, gills and gut of fresh and stored Pseudocaranx dentex, Pagrus auratus and Mugil cephalus on tryptone soya agar (TSA) and TSA with 0.25% phenylethyl alcohol (PEA), respectively. Initial studies indicated that PEA significantly reduced total aerobic bacterial count (TABC) whereas control Gram-positive bacteria were not affected by 0.25% PEA. TABC significantly increased in all fish body parts, whereas Gram-positive aerobic bacterial count (GABC) significantly increased only in the muscles and gills during ambient storage for 15 h. The TABC of the fish species increased from 4.00, 6.13 and 4.58 log cfu g-1, respectively in the muscles, gills, and gut to 6.31, 7.31 and 7.23 log cfu g-1 by the end of storage. GABC increased from 2.00, 3.52 and 2.20 log cfu g-1 to 4.70, 5.85 and 3.36 log cfu g-1. Within each species, TABC were significantly higher in the gills compared to that of muscles and gut; however, no significant differences were found in GABC between muscles and gills. This study demonstrated the potential importance of Gram-positive bacteria in sub-tropical marine fish and their spoilage.