Three species of gulper shark (species of Centrophorus within the ‘Dogfish’ family) have been nominated for protection under Australia’s Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act following indications of population declines on the upper slope, particularly off southern NSW.
A recent decision by the Threatened Species Scientific Committee (TSSC) has made them a high priority for evaluation, with a decision on formal listing scheduled for September 2010.
The species of interest are: Harrisson's Dogfish (Centrophorus harrissoni), Southern Dogfish (C. zeehaani) and Endeavour Dogfish (C. moluccensis). Concerns are greatest for Harrisson’s dogfish because previous overfishing and bycatch off SE Australia has substantially reduced their populations.
In 2005–2006, three spatial closures were implemented to prevent further declines in gulper shark populations. There are some concerns, however, that the current strategy may not provide sufficient protection to maintain viable gulper shark populations. As a consequence, management options are being reviewed.
This survey is an important part of the project because it will provide information on gulper shark distribution to inform future management of these species, including in relation to the EPBC process. The survey will focus on Harrisson’s Dogfish, the species of greatest concern.
The survey is to be conducted between Brisbane and Hobart during approximately 24 days at sea in September 2009 aboard a chartered commercial auto-longliner.
In 2005–2006, three spatial closures were implemented to prevent further declines in gulper shark populations. There are some concerns, however, that the current strategy may not provide sufficient protection to maintain viable gulper shark populations. As a consequence,management options are being reviewed.
This survey is an important part of the project because it will provide information on gulper shark distribution to inform future management of these species, including in relation to the EPBC process. The survey will focus on Harrisson’s Dogfish, the species of greatest concern.
The survey is to be conducted between Brisbane and Hobart during approximately 24 days at sea in September 2009 aboard a chartered commercial auto-longliner.
Industry information on species specific gulper shark locations, habitats and behaviou can be provided:
o
via SETFIA (Simon Boag - 0428 141 591) or
o
via Fishwell Consulting (Ian Knuckey - 0408 581 599).
Particular emphasis will be placed on locations validated with photos or genetic samples through FRDC project 2009/023 “Tactical Research Fund: Industry monitoring and sampling of Gulper shark catches in the SESSF”. This project is being run by Matt Koopman who can be contacted on 0408 582 422.
Any other industry information that would help to determine sites to be sampled during the survey is most welcome.
