Marine Reserves are being questioned, particularly in light of the competing demands of commercial fishing and wildlife for depleted fish stocks.
The study, with Macquarie University, will identify the important ecological habitats of the southern NSW coast around Montague Island and including the area within the Bateman’s Bay Marine Park, and will consider the potential interaction between fur seals and fish species that are targeted by recreational and the commercial fisheries of south eastern Australia.
It will also assist in quantifying the impact of no-take areas within the Marine Park on fish assemblages by estimating the impact of the higher order predators.
By deploying satellite linked CTD (conductivity, temperature and depth) units on the fur seals, we will also gather oceanographic data in order to identify the relationship between foraging areas and oceanographic features.
This will provide information that will be useful in modelling the impacts of marine protected areas and climate change on the southern NSW marine system.
Taronga contact is Dr David Slip, Marine Biologist.
Conservation Programs
Global and native breeding programs are helping secure a future for endangered species.
Follow us