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22 BlueWater Boats & Sportsfishing
AustrAliAn marine biologist Bonnie Holmes is undertaking some interesting research on tiger sharks along Australia’s east coast. The University of Queensland PhD student has combined forces with fellow biologist Dr Julian Pepperell in using satellite-tracking technology to monitor tiger shark movements. Their aim is to obtain a better understanding of what drives the large predators to live where, and how, they do.
Bonnie has focused her research on the large ocean predator because of the current lack of knowledge on the subject, and to judge from recent catch estimates, a significant decrease in tiger shark numbers caught in the south-east Queensland. She is attaching satellite tags to tiger sharks of different ages, gender and size to gain information about their migration, feeding and mating patterns under varying environmental conditions. The satellite tagging is just one of several
components to her research, which also includes analysis of age, diet and reproduction; investigation of historical shark-control data; and collection of genetic samples to ascertain population structure in the South Pacific.
While satellite tags provide essential shark-tracking data, basic biological information is what is mostly needed now. Bonnie has put the call out to all anglers boating their tigers for competition weigh-ins to participate in the research. “I really need to get my hands on mature reproductive organs, and pups if a pregnant female is caught, as this tends to be rare,” she says. “All of these bits can be tagged, bagged and frozen for pick-up!”
Keep an eye out for Bonnie at gamefishing tournaments along Australia’s east coast. You may be able to lend her a hand or donate an organ or two. Contact Bonnie for an information pack through her website: www.seqtigersharks.com
News aNd eveNts affectiNg gamefishermeNNewsliNes
Aussie scientist researching tiger sharks
Tagging program reports in
Bonnie releases ‘Ben’, a 1.8m tiger shark captured off of Noosa in July, 2009. The pictured tag is a ‘SPOT’ tag that transmits to the ARGOS satellite system every time his fin breaks through the surface. This gives real-time tracking on his location and the water temperature. These tags can last up to around 12 months, depending on transmission times and battery life. The nylon bolts in this photograph were trimmed off, the hook removed, and ‘Ben’ was released successfully – giving Bonnie and other scientists valuable data on his movements over the next few months.
the NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) Game Fish Tagging Program Report 2009/10 has just been released, and is available for download from: www.fisheries.nsw.gov.au/recreational. It offers a detailed breakdown of the statistics for the 2009/2010 season, provides an in-depth look at southern bluefin tuna, and highlights a number of interesting recaptures.
By the end of the 2010 season (30 June, 2010) the grand total of fish tagged and recaptured stood at 373,517 and 6790 respectively, maintaining the program’s status of one of the largest of its kind in the world. The top three species tagged for the year were southern bluefin tuna, black marlin and sailfish. The most recaptures were recorded for sailfish, yellowtail kingfish and black marlin.
The NSW DPI Game Fish
Tagging Program issues tags to individuals and fishing clubs using funds from the NSW Recreational Fishing Trust. If you would like to participate in the program please phone
(02) 9527 8411 or email: [email protected]
– Phil BoltonFisheries Manager,Tagging, NSW DPI
The long-distance movements of recaptured black marlin during the 2009/10 season.
This article is provided courtesy of BlueWater Boats & Sportsfishing magazine. It originally appeared in Issue 87, 2011
www.bluewatermag.com.au
